Ye're My _______ fill in the blankplzkthxbai

IchiRuki { Showdown : Prologue }

2009-12-15T17:32:53Z

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING.
A/N: AU. Ichigo and Rukia = Karakura High students. Might edit this again. :U
Summary: Byakuya learns of what's going on easily. Renji is officially a dense ape.

"Oi, Hisagi!"

The dark-haired male turned his head to look at the bald guy coming up to him.

"Yo, Ikkaku. What's up?"

"Don't ask me that! I'm the one who lagged behind here. So, I heard you're on her now?" Ikkaku asked, looking around as if anyone would eavesdrop on them. Hisagi laughed a little.

"Who, Rukia? Yeah, I'm on her tail," he answered easily, yawning.

"But didn't she stood you up? I heard it from the other boys."

Hisagi glanced at him. He shook his head.

"That's because some annoying ugly bitches went around and whined at her about them becoming my victims, that's all."

Ikkaku shrugged.

"What, you don't think I can woo her?" Hisagi demanded, his voice rising slightly. His eyes were close to accusing him.

"Well unless you mend your ways you won't."

Hisagi's eyes widened a fraction.

"What? What kind of shit have that old man been teaching you, Madarame?" Hisagi questioned back, laughing.

Ikkaku flinched, but he kept quiet.

"Listen up, mate. I ain't planning to keep her, okay?" he whispered.

"So there's no fucking need for me, as the way you put it," he paused for the shortest moment, pressing on the word 'you' for emphasis.

". . . to mend my ways. See ya 'round, Ikkaku," Hisagi finished, patting his shoulder. He held up his hand, grinned and walked away.

Ikkaku rolled his eyes, made a 'tch' sound, and started to walk in a different direction.

A tall, red-haired male stood not far off, watching the short exchange between the two high school seniors closely. Pushing the dark shades up the bridge of his pointed nose, he turned around and cast a sideway glance at another figure not far behind him.

"That's the guy, Byakuya."

A tall figure in a smart two-piece suit stepped out from behind a corner. His eyes were cold, and it holds its gaze at the disappearing behind of Hisagi Shuuhei.

"So he's the boy trying to woo my sister," said Byakuya calmly, the way he said it making it sound more like a clarified statement than a question. Renji nodded.

"Yea, that's him alright. You're not going to let him off the hook, are you?" asked Renji, as he walked towards the black, shiny Mercedes parked just a few feet away. Byakuya let out a long breath.

"I don't need to get my hands dirty on this one," he said casually. He strode off in the same direction as Renji.

"What? So the big brother is gonna let his little sister handle this small-fry on her own?"

Byakuya looked at him with a blank expression.

"She can hold her own."

A pause.

"No small fry have what it takes to win her game anyway."

Renji nodded.

"I know how Rukia is, but there's a possibility they'll gang up on her. She's still not some super girl," he added. Byakuya understood that perfectly.

Which older brother is not concerned about his little sister?

"I'm aware of that, Renji. But you're forgetting something."

Renji blinked his eyes. Twice.

"You don't mean, that carrot-top?"

Byakuya only managed a small nod.

It was true, he's around. Always.

'She will be fine.'

"But I thought you hated him," Renji continued, now getting confused. He got into the car, and slammed the car door shut after him. Byakuya opened the door at the other side, and slid inside.

"I do, but I am nowhere an ignorant fool either," Byakuya answered, his words containing more meaning than his blank expression he showed on his face. Renji raised his eyebrows, requesting for some light on the matter.

"The Kurosaki boy is in love with Rukia."

Renji's eyes widened at the newly-discovered knowledge.

"What?!" Renji was nearly screaming at the top of his lungs by now. Byakuya edged a bit farther from him, leaning close to the window, covering his ears in attempt to block Renji's loud voice.

Byakuya only closed his eyes and readjusted his dark green tie.

"You can't tell?"

Renji only grunted in response.

"It's not my fault, I don't always see his face on my doorstep asking to go out with my little sister, you know."

Byakuya turned to look at him.

"Isn't it that you are too dense to notice the correct way to put it?"

Renji huffed and sucked a breath in.

"Just shut up, Byakuya."

Byakuya never change. His cool demeanor had remained all the way from college.

"Toriuki-san."

"Yes, Kuchiki-sama?" responded the driver sitting in front. He had been listening to the whole thing.

"Please get us home right away, I would think Abarai-san could use a cold drink."

"Roger that, Kuchiki-sama," Toriuki replied energetically, stepping on the gas. Byakuya blinked.

Despite his ripe age, Toriuki could be very lively and young behind the wheel.

". . ."

"We're not moving at all at this rate," Renji huffed impatiently as he stared out the window. Byakuya sighed. Traffic jams always give him a headache. More so when Renji's around.

The impatient ape, paired with the proud emperor could put up quite a sight.

"Apologies, Kuchiki-sama, Abarai-sama," Toriuki said quickly, sensing the growing pressure emanating from the two youth in the back seat.

"Don't be, Toriuki-san, this is not your fault," replied Byakuya casually. He averted his gaze to his friend who sat next to him. Renji was mumbling curses under his breath.

"By the way, Renji; how do you know about Hisagi?"

Renji tore his gaze from the window and glanced at his friend.

"Well . . . let's just say I have some strings lying around," he answered, grinning.

Byakuya looked at him skeptically. Renji furrowed his eyebrows.

"What, is there something on my face?"

"No, that's not it. I'm just wondering how an ape such as yourself could even manage to have strings lying around."

Renji gritted his teeth. A vein was threatening to pop up. Byakuya shook his head.

Hot-headed as ever, Renji was.

"Toriuki-san."

The veteran driver understood.

"Step on it."

And the sleek Mercedes tore through the hoard of cars.

IchiRuki { Showdown : Before Prologue }

2009-12-15T16:31:01Z

Disclaimer: Same bull.
A/N: AU. Just to clarify, Ichigo and Rukia are high school studs in Karakura High.
Summary: So Ichigo asked Rukia to come to the men's toilet with him. Or rather, challenged her to.

"So which club are you going to join?"

Ichigo shrugged his shoulders.

"I haven't decided yet."

Rukia looked at him incredulously. She crossed her arms. Ichigo scowled, he knew where this was going.

"What do you mean you haven't decided yet, you fool? Isn't the closing date for all clubs' member recruitment ending tomorrow?" she questioned. Ichigo glanced at her.

"Quit yapping, I know that, midget," he answered coolly, leaning into his chair.

"I'm just not so sure yet is all."

Rukia raised her eyebrows.

"What? You mean you actually have options for this?" she asked again, not believing her ears.

"Shut up, it's none of your business," he said, and he stood up on his feet. Rukia looked at him as he made a move for the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Men's washroom. What, you wanna follow me inside?" he asked, carefully handling the hint of challenge at the tip of his tongue. Rukia furrowed her eyebrows. Ichigo was grinning, mocking her.

"Don't be stupid, idiot. I'm not going in there! Besides, it smells fun-"

"Oh, so you're scared," Ichigo said bluntly. He stood at the door still, as if waiting for her comeback on purpose.

"What? I am not! Ichigo, you-"

"Well then why the excuse, Ku - chi - kee?"

Rukia's face flushed a pink tone. She was not scared, at least not scared to enter the men's washroom - well, that is if she could get out again without getting caught.

"It's not an excuse, fool. Why would I even go there if I have the women's washroom?" she retorted, satisfied with her retaliation. It was a little too weak, but damn if she cares about it anymore now.

Ichigo only grinned. He was taunting her.

"You mean, a girls' washroom, am I correct?" Ichigo replied. Rukia stared at him.

Of course, he was implying that Rukia was not yet a woman, and although that was partly true; it still annoyed her.

'Why the Hell is he being so annoying this morning? Sure, he's an annoying tard from the start, but to start a useless fight this early in the morning is somewhat exhausting.'

Not like she's ever tired of him, no, but why is he putting effort to annoy her?

'Stupid Ichigo.'

"Well, fine. So what's in it for me?"

Ichigo flashed an uncanny smile. She took the bait perfectly.

Rukia raised an eyebrow. She thought she could sense uneasiness and was that excitement? - somewhere in his face just now.

'What could he be nervous about?'

"I'll let you on a secret," he told her, almost in a whisper. Rukia's eyes twinkled.

"What secret? Whose?"

'Well it's not so hard to lure a Kuchiki after all.'

"Shh, I can't tell you that now, dummy. Come on," he replied quickly, taking her by the hand. They left their homeroom quietly. A pair of hazel eyes watched them as they go.

Ichigo walked ahead of her, not letting go of her hand; giving her small hand gentle squeezes along the way. Rukia followed him, and they nearly broke into a sprint as they were closer to men's washroom. Rukia inhaled a long breath in attempt to ready herself for the wave of all sorts of smell.

Only they didn't enter the men's washroom at all. Instead Ichigo pulled her to a secluded area of the floor, close to a staircase.

"Ichigo, what's up? We passed by the washroom just a minute ago," Rukia asked, turning to look at the men's washroom. She was a little confused.

"Rukia."

Rukia looked at him.

Ichigo's face was set in an unusually deep scowl, almost like he was in a middle of taking a big dip. If it weren't for his next words she'd broke into a giggle fit.

"I'm going to court you."

Only his words didn't rang funny. At all.

Her heart skipped a beat. For a moment Rukia's thoughts whirled unsteadily. She blinked at him.

Ichigo's words did not make any sense at all.

"Wha-what are you saying?" she questioned, half-stammering and half-whispering by now. Her eyes were wide with pure shock.

Ichigo looked at her with all the seriousness gathered from his being in his bright, penetrating amber irises.

"I mean what I said, Rukia."

Rukia's heart started beating really fast. Her porcelain cheeks turned a deep shade of pink.

"Don't joke with me, Ichigo," she responded, her composure slowly returning. She clenched her fists in small, tight punches.

Her breathing was somewhat ragged.

Ichigo could tell this was like whispering in a middle of tidal waves, where his words did not reach the other person just inches away from him.

He bit his lower lip. Rukia stared at his face with a solemn expression.

She was listening intently, but she could not hear him.

"Do I look like I'm joking to you?" Ichigo replied finally. His voice did not falter, but there were beads of sweat forming on the sides of his face.

He was bloody nervous.

"I don't find this funny, Kurosaki."

He knew she was once again in Kuchiki mode. He clenched his fists together.

She did not believe him. More like, refused to.

'Why is she refusing to believe this?'

He was getting agitated.

"I'm not joking, Rukia. And I know you know I don't joke on this matter," he answered, his voice low and controlled. In all truth, he was trying to control himself from kissing her. Her quivering lips seemed to be begging him for comfort.

Badly.

"I refuse to be played like this, Kurosaki Ichigo," she said finally, and she turned around in attempt to walk away and completely forget this alarming episode.

"Wait, Rukia. Listen, I'm-"

"That's it, Kurosaki."

And now she'd finally gone and done it.

"Dammit midget, why are you so fucking hard?" he hissed, pausing at the word 'are' to put more emphasis. He lunged forward for her arm, and before she could argue she felt his lips crashed over hers. Rukia's eyes widened a fraction more than earlier, if that was at all possible; utterly shocked by Ichigo's boldness.

"Ichi-"

But she didn't get to finish, not with Ichigo's lips brushing violently against hers - it was too busy demanding for attention. Her Kuchiki senses told her to push him away, but something in her heart kept her from doing so.

"Nnhn."

Ichigo moaned into the kiss, urging her to respond. His arms cupped both sides of he beautiful face, and he leaned forward for better leverage. She was short, but he knew how to manage.

He guided her gently until her slim back was firmly planted against the cold, bare wall. Her front was fully facing his body, and he knew she could feel the growing heat.

She was now trapped in between.

"Ichi - g-"

A ravaging tongue delved boldly into her cave; tasting her inviting, sweet, brain-wrecking taste. Rukia was infinitely stubborn to follow into the kiss, but as Ichigo's tongue teased, tickled and even challenged her, she finally gave in.

She let her lips part and their tongues dance a mighty dance, both trying to claim dominance.

"Mhnn."

Her slender fingers raked through his bright orange hair, guiding his head as the kiss deepened. Her heart was hammering in her chest, and she was half afraid that it might explode. She thought she could hear Ichigo's heart thudding madly as well.

It was only some long seconds later when they finally broke the kiss. They were both panting for air.

Ichigo looked at Rukia's face, taking in all of Rukia's flushed cheeks and wide violet orbs into his head. His warm hands never left their place, he was still cupping the sides of her face. Rukia blinked at him, and as if he'd just woken up from some sort of trance, he smirked.

"Do you believe me now?" he asked, his voice a little hoarse.

"What? That you just mouth-raped me? Hell yeah," she replied nonchalantly, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

She-devil.

"Well you pushed me into it," he retorted, finally letting her go. He wiped his mouth as well. He could still feel her taste in his mouth.

Damned fool.

"Then next time don't surprise me like that."

"I gotta tell you somehow, don't I?"

Rukia stared at him.

"You are taking this seriously, aren't you?"

She had to make sure.

"I am."

He was glad that he was still alive.

"Good, because if you're not, I'm going to strangle you alive."

IchiRuki { The Meeting III }

2009-12-08T05:10:04Z

Disclaimer: The usual, folks. Kubo owns.
A/N: AU. Set about two weeks after Rukia's date. PG. Mention of something suggestive.
Summary: Rukia is being *harassed* by the you-know-who. She went out with her best bud. What happens next?

The food joint was a little less crowded, to Ichigo's relief. He hated being in places with too many people, it makes him feel stuffy just thinking about walking through the swarm.

They entered a small, rather deserted cafe. A cafe attendant smiled in their direction, and showed them an empty table somewhere at the back. It was a table for two. Ichigo gladly took his seat facing the open space. He could see the whole cafe from here, even the customers that just came in.

Rukia plopped down on a chair opposite of him.

"What do you want?" he asked, looking at the menu in his hand. Rukia scanned hers.

"I'll have ice-cream, double jumbo size," she answered, after a minute of paging through the menu. Ichigo glanced at her.

"That's for dessert, if you want it. Now pick something that will actually fill your stomach," he responded, disregarding her previous order. Rukia glared at him, but Ichigo ignored it.

"I'll have a waffle then."

"Hmm. Strawberry?"

"Yeah, you know me best."

She grinned. He smirked, but waved to a nearby cafe attendant.

"We'll have two waffles. Strawberry and vanilla," his voice was collected and firm. Rukia stared at Ichigo as he repeated his order to the newbie attendant. He repeated their order again, making sure that there were no mistake.

"That guy must be a newbie around here," Ichigo said finally, as he leaned in his chair. Rukia blinked her eyes.

"You know the guy looks pretty careless too," he continued, as he looked at the tiny attendant. He was small, skinny and his face looked almost pitiful. Just then Rukia's cellphone gave out a small, high-pitched beeping.

"Hmm? Mail?" Ichigo questioned, raising his eyebrows.

"Yeah, who is it? Couldn't be nii-sama . . ." and her sentence died. It wasn't her brother.

"Hisagi."

Ichigo didn't say anything, but he kept his eyes on her.

"hey babe. u up fer a movie?
heard it frm my friends. ur in the mall, rite?"

-Hisagi

Rukia flipped her cellphone close. Ichigo noticed that she didn't reply to it.

"What? You're not gonna text him back?" he asked, purely out of curiosity. He didn't know why he'd even bother.

'Rukai's private life is hers, why am I butting in?' he thought to himself.

'Because you wanted to be in it, isn't that right, Ichigo?' another voice in his head answered, much to his surprise.

"Should I?" Rukia blurted out, and it wasn't the response Ichigo was looking for. His heart thudded in his chest.

"I - Idiot, why are you asking me?" he stuttered, and he looked away.

"He asked me if I'd want to watch a movie," she paused.

"With him," she finished. She looked at him.

She knew that he knew something was up between them now. Neither could precisely tell when things have gotten a little complicated, but it was there and they could tell.

"If you mean now, I'm not letting you go," Ichigo answered. Rukia's eyes widened.

"I asked you first, and now he's pulling this crap?" he continued, his eyes still averting her gaze.

Rukia kept quiet, not knowing what to say or how to react. She was still confused.

"That's right," and she took her cellphone in her hands again, typing up a reply text to who Ichigo assumed should be Hisagi.

"yea, i'm out with my bf.
n i'm not up 4 a movie, hisagi.
thx anyway."

-Rukia

"Mister, miss, here are your waffles," said the attendant from before, as he laid their plates of waffles on the table. Ichigo nodded at him.

"Thank you," Rukia said, smiling. She slipped her phone into her pants pocket. The attendant blushed a little, and nodded, no, bowed his head at Rukia.

"P-please, enjoy your food!" he stammered, and he quickly walked away, nearly stumbling on his own feet.

Ichigo looked at him go, as did Rukia. Then they both turned their heads, and amber eyes locked again with violet pools.

"Let's eat," Ichigo started, deciding to drop the whole conversation from earlier.

"I said no to him," Rukia said softly, cutting a small piece of her waffle with a fork and cutter in a fashionably manner.

"So you did," Ichigo said, as he stuffed a small piece of waffle in his mouth. He tried to fight the urge to grin.

"Because you won't fucking tell me not to," she confirmed, nodding her head.

"I figured you'll figure that out," he answered.

They ate the next quarter of their waffles in silence.

"You know, I think he's taken a liking to you," Ichigo started, as he licked off the remaining vanilla ice-cream from his fork.

"Hmm? Who?"

"The attendant."

"Hmph, you know what they say; resistance is futile," she replied. Ichigo choked back on his waffle.

"What the fuck was that?" he demanded, setting his fork down.

Rukia grinned. She popped another piece of waffle into her mouth.

"You know perfectly well what it means, Ichigo," she whispered quietly, not taking her eyes off her slowly-emptying plate.

Ichigo rolled his eyes.

"I guess that means you're talking bullshit again," and that earned him a little smack of strawberry-coated waffle on the cheek. Ichigo's eyes widened in shock.

"You asked for it, bitch," he whispered dangerously, gritting his teeth.

"Oh yeah? Bring it on, pig," she challenged.

And an epic waffle war ensued.

Almost an hour later, a very dirty pair consisted of a tall orange-haired boy and raven-haired girl stepped out of a small, quiet cafe. Their faces hold traces of both vanilla and strawberry ice-cream streak, with an occasional splotch of green soda. Of course, the latter were the one with the most smudges of dry ice-cream.

Rukia glared at him, and Ichigo scowled.

"This is all your fault," they both said in unison, complaining to each other, as they dusted their clothes.

They turned their heads to each other, and grinned. Rukia laughed a little.

"It's not my fault!" she yelled.

"Yeah, and it's all MY fault, my ass," Ichigo replied, almost nonchalant. He was grinning.

It was fun to be crazy with Rukia.

"I'm going to a washroom," Rukia said, and she dumped her red beret on Ichigo's chest. Ichigo understood.

"Fine, I'll wait here," he said, and he slipped the bright red beret into the inside of his jacket to keep it from getting dirty.

No sooner had she left, a dark-haired male in faded jeans and a tight black tank top walked over to him. Ichigo knew who it was at once.

Hisagi Shuuhei.

"Hey, Kurosaki," Hisagi started, as he sat next to him on the wooden bench. No one else was about the area they were at.

Ichigo looked at him.

"Hisagi-san," Ichigo replied, adding the "san" only in attempt to be polite to his senior. Well, not exactly his senior, but you get the gist.

"You're alone?"

"I thought you knew."

Hisagi's eyes widened at this, but he smiled nonetheless.

"In case you're wondering, she went to the washroom," Ichigo told him before he could ask.

"You're with her?"

Ichigo knew what he meant.

"No, not yet."

He wasn't lying.

"I see. Will you be fair then?" Hisagi asked. Now he's no longer smiling.

"As the saying goes."

"All's fair in love and war?" Hisagi asked again, just to be sure. Ichigo was having trouble comprehending him.

"As long as you don't hurt her," Ichigo added, his voice calm and reserved.

"Yes, as long as she's not hurt."

Hisagi laughed. He wiped his eyes and stood up.

"You're an interesting guy. You haven't put it in, right?"

Ichigo's face turned red with anger. It took him a few seconds to actually get what he was saying.

Wasn't that just an insult to Rukia?

"I suggest you move your ass out of here, Hisagi-san," Ichigo said, now on his feet as well. He was having enough trouble keeping his boiling rage in check, and if this prick was going to stay longer, Ichigo doubted that he'd let him go without at least a broken nose.

"Take it easy there, cowboy," his senior answered coolly, smiling that sly, cocky grin. Ichigo wanted to punch him in the gut.

"Well anyway, I'll take that as a no, Kurosaki. I'll be taking my leave now," Hisagi said, and he backed away a few steps.

"Remember, all's fair in love and war," he whispered, and then he finally turned and walked away.

"Tch, filthy bastard," Ichigo cursed. He clenched his fists, trying to control himself.

". . . Ichigo?"

It was Rukia. She had come out mostly clean, and there was a concerned look on her face. Ichigo shook his head.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, nothing to worry about."

He started to walk, when a small hand rested on his arm.

"At least wipe your face. Here," she said, holding out a damp tissue. He smiled a little.

"Hmm. Now let's get you home."

IchiRuki { The Meeting II }

2009-12-08T03:58:30Z

Disclaimer: The usual, folks. Kubo owns.
A/N: AU. Set about two weeks after Rukia's date.
Summary: Rukia is being *harassed* by the you-know-who. She went out with her best bud. What happens next?

The mall, situated in the heart of Karakura town, was buzzing with people entering and exiting its grounds. The mall wasn't anything too fancy or too big a mall, but it caters sufficiently to its fellow townies; providing food, clothing and a little bit of everything else.

It was a Saturday, and a lot of young people, teenagers much like them; were about.

They entered the double doors of the mall, and was welcomed by a pleasant smell of floor cleaner, which suggested that the mall workers had just finished cleaning up.

"Wow, Ichigo, there are a lot of people here today," Rukia remarked, as she walked by his side. Ichigo nodded.

"You can say that again. C'mere, or else you'll get lost," Ichigo urged, signaling for her to come in closer to him.

"What? Don't talk nonsense, I'm not going to get lost here, of all places!" she was quick to retort.

Ichigo looked at her with a look of disbelief.

"Are you stupid, midget? You're small, and if I don't hold you, I'm going to lose you to all these swarming people!" Ichigo replied loudly. Rukia looked at him. He was getting annoyed, she could tell.

"Well, are you going to hold my hand or not? Because I ain't waiting here for long, y'know," urged Ichigo again, still holding out his strong hand out to her. It wasn't anything prince-like, just Ichigo extending his left hand to Rukia.

"Well, what if I don't want to?"

She was purposely being difficult. She always was difficult. God help him that she wasn't.

"Are you trying to get me killed, Rukia?" he asked, this time with accusation in his amber orbs.

She knew immediately that he was referring to Byakuya. That overprotective brother of hers.

"Watching you get into a brawl with my nii-sama might be a cure to your boredom, Ichigo," she replied coolly, but Ichigo could detect the challenge hanging in the air. It was like a bait, and she was luring him in.

Just then another swarm of people entered the mall, and one brushed roughly against her back.

"Ow! Hey that hurts! Are you blind?!" Rukia yelled out, clearly not pleased.

The said one turned to look at her. It was a guy from the neighboring school, to be precise a guy from that school Hisagi goes to.

"Ah? Did I hurt ya?" he asked. He was bald. Ichigo pulled her closer to him.

Rukia stared at him incredulously, but shook her head without a word.

"No? Then don't yap about it, girl," he said, before casting his gaze on Ichigo next. Rukia could sense the start of a staring contest in the air.

"Ikkaku! So there you are, come on, you don't wanna be late!" called out a seemingly deep voice from a distance. The bald guy, Ikkaku, turned his head in the direction of the voice.

A slim guy with dark hair and ridiculous eyelashes stood a few feet away from them. To Ichigo's horror and Rukia's astonishment, the guy was pretty.

"Yumichika! Darn, why'd you guys left me?" Ikkaku replied quickly, making a move towards his what Ichigo would suppose, friend.

"You're the one that got left behind, Ikkaku," Yumichika answered, shaking his head.

"Psh, whatever."

"Wait, is that her?" asked Yumichika pointedly, his eyes sizing Rukia up and down.

Ikkaku shrugged his shoulders.

"Probably. Now let's get our ass out of here," urged Ikkaku, a vein threatening to pop up on his bald head.

"Don't be so grumpy, Madarame."

A pause, and a vein did pop up on Ikkaku's bald head. Yumichika knew he will have to continue his observing at a later time.

"Sorry, guys!" Yumichika waved at them, and the odd pair shuffled quietly away. Ichigo and Rukia stood dumbfounded, still a little confused from the sudden commotion with guys they don't even really know.

"You know them?"

Rukia shook her head defiantly. She really didn't.

"You?"

Ichigo sighed, but shook his head.

"Nope, and I ain't interested. You hungry?"

As if on cue, her stomach made a little gurgling noise. Ichigo rolled his eyes.

"You're not hungry, you're starving. Let's find a place to eat," Ichigo suggested.

"Is it on you?" Rukia responded, that mischievous glint sparkling in her round eyes. Ichigo scowled.

"Fine, midget. It's my treat. Now are you coming or not?"

He held out his hand at her.

"Cuz I'm leaving you here if you're not, and I sure as Hell ain't gonna save your ass anymore," he continued, referring to the incident that just happened seconds ago.

Rukia rolled her eyes, but took his hand anyway.

"See, things won't need to be so hard if you actually listen to me for once."

"Don't be stupid, I was doomed the moment I agreed to go out with you."

IchiRuki { The Meeting I }

2009-12-07T17:53:30Z

Disclaimer: The usual, folks. Kubo owns.
A/N: AU. Set about two weeks after Rukia's date.
Summary: Rukia is being *harassed* by the you-know-who. She went out with her best bud. What happens next?

Rukia looked at her closet. Next she let her gaze wander off to the limited Chappy poster that hung against her bedroom wall. Then she turned to look at her study table. Notebooks and textbooks were scattered untidily across the desk, occupying almost all the space the table could provide. She sighed, grunted, and turned to her side on the bed.

A gentle breeze swept in, and for a moment the Chappy-printed curtains danced wildly in the wind. Her dark locks splayed wildly across her pillow. She grunted again. Her purple eyes stared at her cellphone.

"Stupid bastard," she whispered icily. She was in a Kuchiki mode yet again.

She reached for her cell, and flipped it open. She scanned her Inbox section, and as her eyes skimmed through the contents; she gradually grew agitated. It would seem as if almost all of the recent messages came from Hisagi.

". . . nineteen."

Nineteen messages in just the span of over ten minutes. That's incredible, for a womanizer like him to have so much free time to annoy her. She flipped her cellphone close carelessly, and tossed it away. She rolled on the bed for a few times, her mind whirling.

"Why the Hell won't he leave me alone, that dumb ape?" she thought grudgingly, as she sat up straight on her bed.

"Maybe he just really likes you, after all, Kuchiki-chan," Orihime had offered.

"Or maybe he's just up to no good at all," Tatsuki chimed in.

"But hey, Kuchiki-chan is really pretty, don't you think?" Chizuru remarked, with her glasses at the bridge of her nose. Both Tatsuki and Orihime turned to look at her.

"Well, I think she's beautiful . . ." Orihime voiced. Tatsuki glanced at both girls, looked at Rukia and leaned in her chair.

"You are, Kuchiki," she said, reaffirming Orihime's point.

"But that's besides the point," Tatsuki paused.

"I think what's much more important is how you feel about him," finished Tatsuki, as she continued to chew and munch on her bread.

"What? How I feel about him? Well, to be honest, it's too early for anything serious like that," Rukia replied. She hadn't given the possibility much thought. He did treat her nice, well, as far as the so-called date goes; but when she learned that he was a womanizer, she just stood him up.

"Either you'll give him a second chance or nothing, Kuchiki," concluded Chizuru easily, staring intently at her. Rukia raised her eyebrows.

" . . . chance, huh?" Rukia murmured to herself under her breath, staring at her cellphone again. She sighed, and suddenly it gave out a familiar tune. Rukia reached for her phone. She knew the mail came from Ichigo.

She had had a special tune assigned just for him so she'd know. She flipped her phone open, and went to check the text she just received.

"Oi rukia. u free now?
i'm hella bored so what d'ya say we go out?
u better reply this asap, b4 i come runnin ur hse down."

-ichigoberry

Rukia had to stifle a laugh as she read the text from her best friend, Ichigo. Sure, she'd have his contact number saved under the name Ichigoberry, but it still gets to her every time. Giggling, she quickly typed back a reply.

"psh, being u must b tough ~~
finefine, we'll go out. whr to tho?
come pick me up in 30, n dun run my hse down, fool."

dun b late! Rukiaaa ~~ :D

With that that, she quickly got up and dressed. Once dressed, she went over to her table, meaning to tidy things up a little bit. Sometimes her brother comes in to check on her room, although only occasionally. Still, she didn't want to risk his nagging, so she tidied up her books anyway.

A buzzing sound caught her attention and she momentarily froze. That was the doorbell.

Ichigo was here.

She checked her watch, the fool was three minutes early! Frantic, she came rushing down the stairs, taking two steps at a time. Good thing she was wearing jeans too.

An empty living room welcomed her as she stood at the root of the staircase. Her heart jumped a beat. Her older brother, Byakuya was not sitting at his usual place; the armchair. She grunted. He must have gone for the door then.

"Hmm, Kurosaki Ichigo. What are you doing here?" questioned Byakuya, his voice calm and reserved, but still cold at the edges. Ichigo scowled, sighed, but nodded a little at his direction.

'Telling me not to be late, and yet the midget's not here.'

Byakuya nodded, giving him the go to explain his appearance at the Kuchiki residence.

"I'm here to pick Rukia up, we're going out to town," answered Ichigo truthfully. He did not particularly hate Byakuya, heck, he's done a damn pretty amazing job at looking after Rukia; with their parents gone - that much he will admit. Still, Ichigo also understood and is well aware of the boundaries and limits that stood between them.

"Oh? Rukia did not mention anything about going out with you today, however," Byakuya said as a response to Ichigo's statement earlier. He frowned, and was about to ask another question when he heard shuffling noises behind him.

"Byakuya nii-sama," Rukia managed to speak. Byakuya looked at her and noticed that she was dressed for an outing. He looked at her quizzically, but said nothing.

"I'm sorry I didn't mention it to you earlier, nii-sama, but I'm going out with Ichigo to town today," Rukia explained, as she caught sight of a scowling Ichigo standing outside. Byakuya looked at her, and nodded hesitantly.

"Don't stay out too late."

Rukia nodded quickly, and made a move for the door. Byakuya moved a little to give her space, his hand extending for the door to stay open.

"Thank you, nii-sama," and with that Rukia stepped out of the house. She waved to at Ichigo who was waiting outside the gate.

Amber eyes locked with violet pools.

"Bitch, look what you've done," those amber eyes seemed to be complaining.

"Shut up, fool. You came way too early," retorted those purple irises, flashing an accusing look.

An icy voice broke the contact between them.

"Kurosaki, I expect that you will return her at the appropriate hour," said Byakuya firmly, as he stood at the gate watching them closely. Ichigo nodded.

He knew how Byakuya operates, and he respected that.

"I will, Byakuya," Ichigo replied coolly, taking Rukia by the hand the minute the gate slid open.

'Hurry up, moron.'

'Be quiet, don't rush me, fool!'

Instinctively, Rukia whirled around to wave at her older brother with her other free hand.

"We'll be going now, nii-sama!"

Byakuya only looked at them with what people would say an expressionless face, and resigned back inside.

They walked a good little distance together in silence. Rukia was the first to break it.

"You know, it's still amazing how you could handle my brother like that," she started, as she glanced up at him. Ichigo shrugged.

"I know how he operates, that's all. I have little sisters myself, don't I?" Ichigo answered, not taking his eyes off the ground.

'Still, what's up with him anyway? He knew we've been friends for years. Couldn't he at least be a little friendly?'

After a few moments, it dawned on her what he meant.

"I guess that makes sense," she replied.

"Yep. Anyway, where do you want to go?"

"Huh? Wasn't it you who asked me out? I thought you had something planned or something."

He raised his eyebrows.

"What? I didn't. Why would I plan things when I'm with you?" he asked, oblivious to how the question came to Rukia.

'That's right, we're just best friends, he won't need to plan our outing,' she thought quietly to herself. She felt a small stinging pain in her chest.

"So, any fancy place we're going, midget?"

Rukia shook her head quickly.

"Maybe the mall?"

"Hmm? The mall? Well, sounds okay, let's go."

IchiRuki { She Goes Dating }

2009-12-07T14:55:25Z

Disclaimer: You know what goes.
A/N: AU. Oh the wonders. I love the Karakura Days. ;_;
Summary: Ichigo finds himself entangled in a complicated mess when he learns that Rukia has a *date".

Ichigo glanced at his study desk. His textbooks were lined up neatly against the wall, waiting to be read. He looked away, closed his eyes and let out a long breath. He lay still on top of his bed for a few more minutes, before finally bolting up straight in a sitting position.

The atmosphere outside was almost still as in his humble bedroom, except for a few birds that he spotted were flying high up in the sky. He grumbled a few incoherent words to himself, scratched the back of his head carelessly; before plopping hard against the mattress again.

"This is boring," Ichigo said out aloud to himself, his amber orbs watching the blank ceiling. He turned to his side, and finally got up on his feet. Had he looked into a mirror, he would have noticed the noticeable depth of his scowl that was unusually deep than normal. But of course he wouldn't, unless he went down to the bathroom for a pee.

Which was one thing that he did not want to do right now.

"Fine, I'll just study then!" he cried out, clearly exasperated, he was no longer putting up any effort to conceal his frustration.

He sat firmly on his study chair, and pulled out his Science textbook; readying himself to study.

"Hmm . . ."

His fingers ran through a few many pages, before finally settling on Chapter 7. He scowled. This was the next chapter that their sensei would teach them in their upcoming class. He grinned and started to concentrate.

It had not even been ten minutes into the text, when his mind whirled to something else.

"Listen, Ichigo. I'm going out this Sunday," Rukia said, her voice solemn. Ichigo looked at her face.

He knew it was not a joke. His shoulders stiffened for the slightest moment, before relaxing again in the next.

"Oh yeah, who is it this time?" he asked, pretending to sound normal, although his own voice was nearly choking him. He clenched his right fist, trying to suppress his all-of-a-sudden, raging emotions.

'This is not the first time, Ichigo.'

Still, he felt angry, annoyed. Irritated.

Maybe even a little hurt.

'Get a grip on yourself.'

"Hisagi Shuuhei, from the neighboring school. He's two years older than us. You know him, right?" she answered, all at once throwing a question at him. Her lips held a smile.

Ichigo blinked at her. The womanizer.

Ichigo unconsciously bit his lower lip before answering.

"That senior guy with that funny face? Yeah, I've heard of him," he answered, struggling to keep his emotions in control. There were things that Rukia was oblivious of, and right now, there were two.

"I thought so. He told me he's famous around here, but I didn't really believe it," Rukia paused, swinging her short legs above the cement floor. She was sitting on top of her desk, her front looking out towards Ichigo, who sat next to her in class.

"And? What else did he tell you?"

He didn't bother hiding any hint of skepticism in his voice now, if there was any. Rukia stared at him.

"You sound like you don't like him very much, Ichigo," she said, matter-of-factly, although oblivious to the reason behind this. Ichigo only scowled in return.

"Well, he also told me that he's been interested in me for a little while now."

Ichigo thought he was about to experience breathing failure.

"Tch, that's bullshit," Ichigo spat, and it came off sounding a bit too harsh than he originally intended to.

Hisagi had been messing with whoever it was for as long as he could remember knowing. It didn't matter as long as it was a girl.

Still, he dared a glance at Rukia, knowing that his words might, with a high possibility, have hurt her - he hoped that it didn't. His heart sank.

He was right.

Rukia stared at him, hard, her violet eyes not betraying her emotion.

"Fine then, Ichigo."

Her voice was cold. Her Kuchiki pride has finally kicked in.

And with that, she jumped off the table, grabbed for her schoolbag, and stormed out of their homeroom class. She's had enough of Ichigo's accusing looks. What did she do wrong this time, anyway?

Clearly flustered, she grunted and walked away quickly, taking big, wide strides. Her grey skirt fluttered with the force of wind brushing against her body.

"Rukia, hey, wait!" Ichigo called out, coming after her from behind. He was jogging after her.

"Leave me alone," she said weakly, too lazy and not in the mood to entertain him. Didn't he just mock her?

"I said wait, Rukia! Hey!"

His hand took hold of her right arm. She stopped, but did not turn to look at him.

"Let go of me, Kurosaki," she thundered, her voice icy. Yep, she was acting like a Kuchiki, alright.

"Great, this is the last thing that I want to happen," Ichigo muttered inwardly, growing agitated as the seconds idly go by.

"Listen, Rukia. I'm sorry."

Rukia kept her mouth shut, her eyes glued to the floor. Ichigo scowled, and gradually released her arm.

"I didn't mean it that way, okay?"

She flinched a little.

"It's just, I mean, oh fuck it. Just forget it," he said finally, and he let out a sigh. He never was any good with words. But she never needed them, either. Things were easy. Just recently . . . only recently then, that things have started to get a little complicated.

"I'm just sorry, and that's that," he paused.

"Hisagi wasn't it? He's a good guy."

Ichigo stuffed his hands in his pants pockets then, and shuffled quietly away.

"Ichigo, aren't you forgetting something?"

He stopped, and turned to her.

"Our way home is this way, fool."

He smiled, knowing that everything was right again between them. Well, almost. If you minus the 'white lie' anyway.

"That stupid midget," he growled, coming out of his reverie, standing on his feet now. He glanced at his wristwatch strapped on his wrist.

"Shit, I'll be late if I don't hurry," he murmured, reminding himself that he was to pick her up after the date.

He hurried down the stairs. Isshin, who was in the kitchen for some unknown reason, poked his head out to the hallway.

"Going out, son?" he questioned. Ichigo nodded in haste, not bothering to say more.

"See ya, old man!" and he'd barely got far when he saw her.

Standing at the corner of the street turning into the street his house was on.

Wearing that pretty purple dress she had bought when they had gone shopping weeks earlier.

With those cute sandals he thought was too expensive but she had bought still anyway.

". . . Rukia, you're early," Ichigo managed to speak. Truth be told, he was surprised.

Rukia said nothing, but marched straight towards him in an unfashionably manner. She stood four and eight and a half inches tall, now five foot tall thanks to those wedges; her eyes fixed on him.

Ichigo found that the behavior peculiar, but he certainly wasn't expecting what came up next.

"Stupid."

And a punch landed right into his face, crushing his nose anywhere but its rightful place. Ichigo staggered a few steps back from the impact, and it took him a few long seconds to recover his composure.

"Wait, what the Hell was that for, Rukia?!" he screamed, covering his nose. Rukia took no heed of his question, but proceeded to kick him in the shins; and this gained her a yelp from Ichigo.

"Fuck it, Rukia! Why are you hurting me?! What did I do wrong -"

"He's a bastard," she said flatly, looking nonchalant. Her purple orbs shone fiercely.

"Kuchiki mode," he thought, still clutching at his nose.

"Who?" he asked dumbly. He just had to.

"Hisagi, you idiot. Who else?" she retorted, her arms crossed.

"Ah, lucky me, huh?" he said, straightening his frame. He glanced at her.

"Did she catch that?" he wondered. He doubted it.

"Yeah, lucky you I wasn't talking about you."

He rolled his eyes a little, but shook his head. She will get it someday.

"You knew, right?" she asked after a while.

"Ah, I do," he replied. Rukia pouted.

"Figured as much."

"You angry?"

"For what?"

"I didn't tell you."

She stifled a smile. She sighed. She wasn't.

"You don't always have to look after me, you know," she said coolly.

"Figured as much, Ku - chi - kee," Ichigo taunted jokingly.

"Good, because sometimes you're a real worrytart."

"Psh, you mean worrywart, dolt."

Rukia stared at him.

"I was wrong, you're the real jerk," she said finally, and she walked off into the direction to his house.

"What? Hey, where are you going?" he asked, coming after her. His nose no longer hurt.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to your house. Been a while since I say hi to your dad."

IchiRuki { I Might Join A Club }

2009-12-07T02:39:47Z

Disclaimer: Own non of it, nuh-uh.
A/N: AU. Everything AU-ish from months earlier until now is under the same AU. You can say each one-shot that comes after the other are linked. :)

"Don't be stupid, Rukia. I told you before, didn't I?" Ichigo said with a grunt, close to being truly frustrated. Why can't she listen to him for once in her life?

"But I've been making you wait up for me for four days straight already, Ichigo. And you waited for three hours, every single day!" she retorted stubbornly. She stood up from her seat to add more emphasis. Ichigo looked at her, and sighed.

"Don't be such an ass, Rukia. I told you it's fine, alright?" he replied, with more control in his voice this time. He knew she hated making him wait for her after school ended. But it was already their routine together.

They don't go home without the other.

It wasn't something that had been verbally agreed upon between them, but they do it anyway. Religiously too.

"I can skip today's practice, no sweat, Ichigo," Rukia said again, with a look of confidence and triumph coloring her pretty face. Ichigo shook his head.

"No, don't you do that, midget."

And he turned away as a sign that he refused to talk any further about the matter.

"I just thought that it's a little unfair for you is all," she started, and her voice was a notch lower than usual. Ichigo turned to look at her.

She cast her gaze down at the cold, hard cement floor, her hands neatly clasped together. A posture that she always does whenever she felt unsure of herself; of her actions, of her decisions, of what she really wanted.

He knew that look. That stature.

Ichigo's eyes softened at this sight, and he reached out for the top of her head easily, even with him seating on his chair.

"Isn't Music Club a lot of fun, though, Rukia?" he said to her gently. Rukia stared at him with wide, violet orbs.

"Yes," she answered truthfully.

"Do you like spending time there - with the other Music Club members? Playing drums and learning songs?" he continued, still gentle.

"Yes," she repeated again, just as truthful.

His hand never left her head. She felt like a little child, but she didn't hate it.

"Then isn't that all that there is to it?"

She blinked at him.

He smiled a little.

"Do you seriously think I'm going to dump you and go on home on my own just because you have to stay back for club activities?"

He pulled his hand away, after softly ruffling her dark locks with his fingers. His warmth still lingered.

"Besides, I'm thinking of joining some club myself too."

"But you're never interested in anything like clubs, Ichigo."

He scratched the back of his head. She was right. He never was and never had been.

"Waiting can get pretty boring, to be honest, you know."

"Then! Then that's why I -"

"Shut up, don't cut up on me. It's boring, but nothing I can't handle," he answered, as he chuckled lightly.

The afternoon sunlight came washing over his features then, and all Rukia could see was the shining ambers, and how beautiful his orange hair looked; reflecting in the light.

"So maybe I'll join some sports club or something," finished Ichigo, leaning into his seat, stretching his body.

"Well there's the Music Club, Ichigo! You can join that, and we can probably form a band!" Rukia announced suddenly. She was clearly happy, as she no longer stood in the said posture before.

"Tch, idiot, I don't want to be in the same club as you're in," he retorted. He snickered.

Rukia pouted.

"What's that supposed to mean, fool?" she thundered in a way only a Kuchiki does. Ichigo rolled his eyes.

"Isn't it obvious? If I do that, I'll be stuck with no chick around me, midget!" he replied, half-shouting, half-laughing by now. He got up from his seat quickly, and ran away a little distance. School was already over, and no one was in class. It was easy to sprint.

Rukia looked after him, still in a daze. Sometimes he made things; every thing look and sound simple.

"Oi, Rukia! Are you coming with me or not? You have club activities to attend to, don't you?" Ichigo shouted, as he stood waiting for her at the mouth of the classroom door with a genuine smile.

Instinctively, her legs picked up a pace and she came running towards him. A small smile crept onto her lips.

"Idiot. Of course I do. Watch me Ichigo, I'm gonna rock those drums!"

We're Fucking Extremists { The Day We Met }

2009-11-29T09:22:58Z

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing.
A/N: ShinHiyo. Because I'm drugged with them. Bleachworld.

"Oi. Hiyori."

She did not turn to look at him, but knew that it was him anyways; the lanky man with a bowl-cut for his blinding blond hair. The man who had made to survive normally for the Vizards possible, well, at the very least, things were feasible for all of them.

When he failed to get any response from her, he decided to try again.

"Oi. Hiyori."

Still nothing.

Her pale eyes gazed a long way into the distance, her lips turned upside down into a little unsatisfied grin. It would appear that she was thinking about something. What, though; was still unclear to Shinji.

"Hiyori."

A single fang bared out from the little corner of her mouth. It wasn't the response Shinji was looking for, but he'd settle for that.

"Something bugging ya?" he asked gently, this time casting his own gaze far into the distance. He wouldn't have needed to ask her if something was bugging her or not, because it already showed easily.

She would always slip away to the rooftop of their home whenever her mind was in turmoil. It was one of the places where she could think and strangely, remain quiet.

"It's none of your business, baldy," Hiyori replied then, calling him with the signature nickname tailored specially for him; although her voice held little force.

She wasn't driving him away.

"Ya know, it's not like they're gonna go away if you keep 'em to yourself, ya know?" he added again, and this time he sat right next to her with a plop. Hiyori was never an easy nut to crack.

"Shut up, fucking baldy. I told you it's none of your business."

Shinji rolled his bead-like eyes. "Right."

Hiyori only grunted in response.

"It is my business, ya know? When Hiyori-chan became disturbingly quiet."

She glared at him, and was about to sandal-slap him on the face, when she saw Shinji's eyes. They demanded an answer.

"Tch. Fine, stupid baldy."

Silence.

"I'm not fucking sappy, but I . . . I just suddenly remembered the day we met!" she blurted out, her voice barely concealing the nostalgic hint in it. Shinji's lips turmed into a little grin. Hiyori glanced at him.

It was Cheshire.

"Now I really ought to worry more about ya, Hiyori. Who knew ya could be pretty nostalgi-"

"Shut the fuck up, dipshit. I ain't nostalgic."

"Noisy brat monkey. Ya know, it's not like it's a bad thing."

She looked at him.

"Least i don't go around and forget how I ever come across a noisy one like ya. Talk 'bout tough luck," he added, and the wind swept by, their clothes fluttering about in the chilly evening breeze.

"Psh. I'm the one unlucky to have the stupid thing stuck in my head, baldy."

Shinji rolled his eyes.

"Ya sure 'bout that, Hiyori? I know you're just happy tha-"

A sandal landed right on his nose, and Shinji immediately covered his bleeding nose in response.

"Fucking baldy."

And with that Hiyori stomped off, feeling much better than before, with a little smile playing on the corners of her lips.

We're Fucking Extremists { He Wonders }

2009-11-24T07:23:22Z

Disclaimer: None. Only my imagination is mine. My first. Pairing : READ TO FIND OUT.
A/N: "We're Fucking Extremists" - Because I find that the two possess extreme personalities. Still, I love them both - even though writing them can be a pain.

It still left him wondering, even after all these years; why, above all people that he saw in those dirty streets, he had chosen to get close to her.

She was none too pretty, heck, she hardly even look and appear pretty. Hardly.

She was none too cute either, because she just wasn't. At all.

She was just Sarugaki Hiyori.

A noisy, dirty, loud, brash, annoying little monkey that have somehow attained the body of a little girl. Hell, it would probably take a whole lot of scrutinizing and squinting until one can really see her as a girl.

Hiyori.

"Hey."

Almost instantaneously, he broke from his daze and turned to look at her. The said monkey-girl stood just a few feet away from him, dressed in that usual flaming red jumpsuit of hers.

"Hey Hiyori. What'd ya want, huh? We already had lu-"

A firm kick planted on his face was all that it took to make him shut up, leaving his sentence unfinished, hanging in the air.

"The Hell was that for, ya annoying brat?" thundered Shinji, covering his already hundred-times-broken nose with his right hand. Hiyori raised her eyebrows, a smug look plastered on her face.

"I ain't talking bout lunch, ya dipshit," she answered coolly, her skinny arms crossed in front of her chest. Shinji glared at her, and upon seeing the forlorn expression on her freckled face, softened.

"Aight, aight. I'm sorry, Hiyori."

He knew what she was getting at, or trying to - it seemed to him, without much effort, get at.

She turned sharply away, skinny arms still crossed, draped across her white shirt underneath of her jumpsuit jacket.

"I forgot, ya know I have a lotta things in ma head," Shinji added, walking over to her. He paused for a brief moment before continuing.

". . . the city ain't gonna run away ya know," he continued, standing directly in front of her now, looking down at her.

There was no response. Hiyori could be very difficult at times, he knew. One of those times being now, right now. He rolled his eyes, and tried again.

"Hiyori."

That seemed to get her attention, even if only a bit, as she bared her sharp fang out.

"Tch, stupid baldy. Forgetting our evening stroll," she retorted finally, walking ahead of him, small knuckles shoved deep inside her pant's pockets.

"Are ya comin' or what, you fuckin' baldy?" urged Hiyori, as she noticed that the male blond was still standing at the same spot from earlier.

Shinji grinned his usual, Cheshire-grin and followed her.

"Yea yea, I hear ya," he replied.

Hiyori grunted as what could be an approval as far as Hiyori could go, but she continued muttering curses and calling him names.

"Hmph. Baldy. Stupid baldy."

Shaking his head, Shinji regarded all of those coolly, even her accurate-kick-in-the-face stunt earlier.

After all, that was just Hiyori.

IchiRuki { From a Distance }

2009-11-23T10:44:09Z

Disclaimer: AGAIN. It breaks my heart to say this, but I own absolutely nothing.
A/N: AU, or A/U. Whichever. It just means "Alternate Universe". I love the never-ending possibilities. And again, I marvel at the beauty of a friendship.

He had been there when it happened, watching everything the whole time.

When his grandparents' lives crippled, destroyed, slowly reduced to nothing but bits and pieces; he had been there - witnessing everything that happened. His grandmother had gotten into an awful accident, and as if God was playing a game with them; his grandmother had lost all but her recent memories.

That also meant that she remembered no one, including her own loving husband and daughter; that was his late mother, Masaki.

Of course, it also followed that she did not recall either her son-in-law, his father, and of course, she'd also forgotten all about her grandchild, Ichigo.

His grandfather had been extremely patient, his care and love for his wife never wavered.

Even when she hurled hurtful words at him, he did not snap or get angry at her. Instead, he just looked at her with that same, kind twinkle in his eyes that had made her fell in love with him when they were young.

Years passed by, and eventually he passed away, leaving a grumpy wife that could not, for the life of either of them, remember him.

"Ichigo, are you ready yet?" asked a solemn-faced Isshin, putting on his dark coat.

It was finally the day of the funeral for Masaki's father, Ichigo's grandfather that Ichigo were very fond of.

It was bound to happen from the start.

Ichigo glanced at him, but did not say anything. Isshin understood that this was hard for him. He smiled a faint smile, and gave his teenage son a slight squeeze on the shoulder.

"Hang in there, buddy. I'll wait for you outside, alright? Daddy will have the car ready," said Isshin softly, and quickly left. The door closed softly behind him, and even then that was all the noise that could be heard in the house.

Everything was quiet and in the air hung the smell of Death. The atmosphere was cloaked with an invisible sense of hopelessness. Even the ever joyful bulb in the household, Isshin, was shining a shade dull than usual.

Rukia sighed a little, and turned to look at Ichigo struggling to get into his own black coat.

"Tch. This stupid coat is annoying!" Ichigo complained, flustered. The scowl on his face was even deeper than usual.

She knew that this was tough for him, and that was precisely why she was present today. Quietly, she got up on her feet.

"Do you need a hand with that?" she asked gently, her voice low and calm. Ichigo did not turn to look at her, but he nodded his head.

His mind was still a jumble of uncoordinated mess, and it seemed as if even dressing up was an impossible task at the moment. His dearly beloved grandfather had passed away after years of torture, and even though it wasn't news to him, the reality of it all gnaws on his soul.

'Grandma did not remember.'

"This goes like this," Rukia instructed carefully, doing his black tie for him.

"I didn't get to see him one last time," he started suddenly. A little surprised, Rukia's fingers jolted to a brief halt. Ichigo took a deep breath and continued to talk.

"He was dying, I know he was. Even when he tells everyone that he's fine," he added. His voice was low, but still audible.

Rukia said nothing, but merely continued to work on his tie.

"I wanted to help him look after her, it was all becoming too unbearable for him."

Rukia nodded lightly.

"But he wouldn't let anyone help. He says it's his job; to look after her, to care for her, t-to lo-" by now he was stuttering on his own words. He closed his eyes tightly and leaned forward, as if staring at the floor. His breathing became slightly ragged, as if it hurt him to even inhale the air.

"To love her until the end," Rukia finished, helping him conclude his sentence. She let her hands rest against his chest.

"I know," he replied in a whisper, both his fists clenched.

The sound of the car's engine revved outside.

"But she, she didn't appreciate any of it . . . she kept hurting him, saying that he's a stranger!" Ichigo added, still in fury. Rukia knew he was angry that he couldn't make anything better, but it was not his fault that the situation was out of his reach.

Not everything in this world needed his fixing.

"Grandpa stayed patient and always say that someday, someday grandma will come back to her senses, but . . . but in the end, she never came to," he muttered, his voice slowly cracking, giving away what he was really feeling.

His anguish, his helplessness, his regret.

In their close proximity, Rukia thought she could see tears welling up in his eyes. Her heart sank.

"That is not anyone's fault, Ichigo - it is neither yours, your grandfather's nor your grandmother's," she started carefully, slowly, wanting to make Ichigo understand that none of this was his fault.

Sometimes life can become so unforgiving in an instant, scarring everyone and everything in the way. She wanted him to understand that.

"But I-" Ichigo started to retort, but Rukia quickly cupped both his cheeks with her small hands.

He opened his eyes and focused on her touch, her warmth penetrating his own.

"Listen to me for once, will you? Please."

Ichigo swallowed hard; wanting to say something, but decided against it. Rukia's eyes were begging him for a chance. He closed his mouth then, waiting for her to continue to speak.

"Stop thinking that everything in this world needs your fixing. You are not someone with such power, you are not God."

She stared up into his face, her violet pools boring into his ambers. Ichigo stared at her, wide-eyed. Rukia bit her lower lip.

"You cannot take everything into your hands, or you will end up hurting yourself."

Her small hands never left his frozen cheeks.

"I will not allow you to do such a thing to yourself, when you do not deserve any of it."

His breathing sagged for a moment.

"I am here. Your family is here. Together, we'll protect each other."

He took a deep breath.

"We all live, and one day, we will all wilt and die away."

He let it all out in one go.

"But there are memories, and these do not go away. Even if your grandmother had forgotten him, he didn't. He remembered everything, and most of all; he knew that the memories are there - that he had lived half a century with the woman he loved dearly," finished Rukia. She gave him a little smile.

Ichigo tore his gaze from her immediately, choosing to stare at the floor beneath their feet instead. His body started to shake.

Rukia knew even Ichigo, one of the most stubborn people she have come to known, have it - the times he would laugh, the times he would be angry, and the times he would cry.

"Come over here, idiot," urged Rukia, and she let him hug her.

"Th-thank you," it was a barely audible and comprehensible whisper, but she understood. She understood perfectly.

He needed her there with him.

"Fool. Don't mention it."

'Because if the same thing happens to you, I will not leave you - I will watch you, even from a distance.'

IchiRuki { Hold My Hand }

2009-11-22T16:21:42Z

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING.
A/N: AU ~ Because I love the possibilities. They reminisce.

Everyone knew about the relationship they have between them.

Kurosaki and Kuchiki.

Best friends since early childhood.

Ichigo and Rukia.

Best friends through primary and are on their way to making it through high school.

Everyone knew of how close they were to each other; of how each appreciates the company of the other.

It was a well known fact, and one that have lasted through all the easy, happy and hard, tough times. And both intended to keep it established that way. The said duo, right at this moment; are doing their groceries together.

"Hey Rukia."

Immediately, the raven-haired girl stopped walking. She turned her head to look at him.

"What's up?"

The orange-haired boy shrugged, and gave her a smile.

"Since we're done with the groceries, I thought we'll treat ourselves."

Rukia raised her eyebrows. She seemed to be considering the idea. The fat, heavy grocery bags threatened to fall splat on the concrete path, but given the idea that's occupying the tiny space in Rukia's mind right now; she was completely oblivious to this.

"Hmm, sounds like a good idea. What would you propose we treat ourselves to?" asked an eager Rukia, and Ichigo had to fight from shouting at her about her grocery bags.

"First off, would you mind your groceries? They'll fall down splat on the ground soon if you don't," Ichigo stated matter-of-factly, scowling as usual.

"Ah, yeah. Sorry," Rukia replied quickly, and she did mind her groceries. She shuddered at the thought of an icy cold nii-sama waiting at the front door should she be careless with their monthly food purchases.

Ichigo grinned at the sight of his best friend. She could be such a dolt at times.

"Okay, now we'll go and have a treat," announced Ichigo, and they entered a cafe not far from their current location.

She sat at the round table by the large window, waiting for Ichigo to come with their Sundaes. He'd proposed that they'll each have ice-cream, but Rukia thought that Sundaes would be better, so they each ordered one.

"Here you go," Ichigo said, putting the tray down gently on top of the table. He handed Rukia's Sundae to her, and slid down behind the table next to her.

Rukia took a spoonful of her vanilla Sundae and shove it into her wide open mouth, tasting it eagerly and hungrily. Ichigo stared at her go.

"How long has it been since you last had a Sundae again?" he asked her in a mocking tone. It wasn't as if he didn't know, heck, they went almost everywhere together.

Rukia looked at him, her eyes all-knowing.

"Around three months ago?"

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. Rukia took that as another mocking, literally, and glared at him.

"What?" she demanded.

"Hmm? Nothing, nothing at all," Ichigo answered, starting on his own Sundae. It was Strawberry, and although it wasn't particularly his favorite, he savored the taste it brought to his tongue.

Rukia looked at him, and was about to retort and bring the prior subject up, but decided against it. Instead, she took another spoonful of her Sundae and swallowed it whole. Outside, a bunch of small kids in colourful raincoats and boots marched past them.

"Hey Ichigo."

Ichigo, who was wholly focused on his Sundae, looked up to see her. His ambers rested on her petite frame.

"Do you remember the first time we met in this town?"

"What? Of course I do," Ichigo replied. How could he not? That time was the mark of when their friendship started to bloom.

*****Flashback*****

It had been raining steadily every afternoon, and each session would last for hours.

Ichigo stood in his bright blue Wellington boots and raincoat, staring at the wet ground in front of him. The sound of the falling rain was deafening, almost. The heavy pitter-patter against the windows were loud and noticeable, making it hard to ignore.

"Are you waiting for someone?"

Even in the thunderous downpour, her voice was clear, strong, magnified. He turned his head to see her.

A small girl with black hair and big, purple eyes was standing next to him. She wore a bright pink raincoat and a pair of pink Wellington boots to match. She gave him a bright smile.

"So, are you waiting for someone?" she asked again, her eyes boring into his. Ichigo blinked at her.

"Uh, yea. I'm waiting for my mom," he answered shortly, not tearing his gaze away from her. He thought she looked very cute.

"That's nice. Is she coming to pick you up?" the girl asked again, still smiling. Ichigo nodded hastily as a response.

"Are you also waiting for someone?" he asked back, thinking that it was only polite to talk to her back. The girl glanced at him, and looked down at her hands.

"Yes, I'm waiting for my older brother to come," she replied.

"Your older brother, huh? Where's your mom? Won't she come and pick you up?"

The girl shook her head weakly. Ichigo was too young to comprehend then.

"She can't. She's not with me anymore."

"You mean she's not around?"

The girl nodded her head in silence. There was a sense of hopelessness in the girl's eyes, but this Ichigo was not aware of. Not acutely anyway.

"That's no good. But luckily, my mom's always around," Ichigo started happily. He beamed at the girl.

"You're lucky. You should love her with all your heart," she said softly.

He stared at her, and nodded his head.

"I do."

His response was fast and accurate, and true. The girl stared at him.

"What's your name?"

"Kurosaki Ichigo."

A moment's pause.

"And yours?" he asked.

"Kuchiki Rukia."

They didn't know why; but they stopped talking then, and stared at the puddles pooling down on the ground beneath their feet. The downpour was still heavy. Just then a loud thunder roared somewhere in the distance. The lightning was almost blinding, but Ichigo shielded his eyes with his arm just in time.

A low sob escaped the girl's throat that stood next to him. Her eye lids were closed shut tightly.

"Are you okay?" he asked quickly. He was scared of the thunder too, but she seemed to be even more scared.

That much was obvious.

"I-I'm scared of the thunder. Can you, can you please stay by my side?" her voice was barely audible, but he knew she was there.

"At least, I won't be too afraid," she finished, daring only to open her right eye to look at Ichigo's face.

Ichigo understood what she meant then, and nodded. He edged closer towards the girl, until their shoulders brushed against the other.

Another thunder roared, just as loud. They shivered in the cold, but remained loyal by the other's side.

"Hold my hand," she whispered, and Ichigo complied.

The rain continued to pour mercilessly, and the thunder boomed away carelessly.

It was something unspoken of between them, but the two were indeed grateful for the rain - because if it had not rained then; they doubted that their paths would ever cross.

*****End of flashback*****

A small hand rested on his arm, the contact just enough to bring him back to the now; breaking his reverie. He turned to look at her.

"Were you reminiscing the old times?" she asked in interest, her voice gentle. Ichigo smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, the kids just now reminded me of some old things," he answered coolly. He did not push her hand away, instead, he allowed it to linger.

"Hmm, I can tell that from your face. You looked like you were in a daze," Rukia replied, and this time she pulled her hand away.

There were grey clouds up in the sky. They knew it would rain soon. Rukia glanced at him, as Ichigo glanced at her.

"Mind reliving the moment?"

He blinked.

"Why not?"

And they let the weather rain free.

A loud thunder boomed in the distance, and the air grew chilly and cold. They edged closer to each other, and found each other's hand.

Ichigo held out his hand to her.

"Hold my hand," this time it was him saying it, his voice gentle yet strong. Rukia smiled and complied.

'And I will never let go.'

Yes, everybody knew of their relationship; but none understood the bond they shared between them.

This knowledge, Ichigo knew and kept with pride. He knew Rukia felt it too, and know of it; because if not she would not hold his hand like this - with that winning smile plastered on her beautiful face as they watch the falling rain.

Because sometimes, Life fucks us all up. :]

2009-11-09T16:40:46Z

So yeah, no sweet words whatsoever in this one. I'm just gonna rant and write whatever I want to, because if I don't do this I am going to die. And I'll never be able to say these things. Anyway, like the title says. I'm pretty much down these few days. It's not because of the stupid exams, but more because of all the shit that's been happening to me just recently. Excuse me if this annoys the Hell out of you, because apparently I am going to complain and I WILL DO SO so if you're not in the right mood to entertain a whiny bitch, please stop reading.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMETIME.

Righttt.

So like, I get stressed. We all do.

JUST THAT I AM NOT SUPPOSED TO BE STRESSED WITH FINALS RUNNING INTO MY FACE.

This is not what I need right now.
This is not what I want right now.
This is not what I should be thinking about right now.

But like the title says.

Because sometimes, Life fucks us all up.
Worst thing is, sometimes you just can't help it.

I am getting so tired. Sometimes, I'd just fall down and not get back up again.

No, more like I don't want to get up again.
More like I refuse to.

MORE LIKE I AM LOSING IT ALL.
And not fighting to get it all back.

I don't care if no one gives a damn bloody care, but I care about me not caring at all.

I know I am not the most unfortunate person in this world, yes, I admit, but just living has taken a toll on me these few months.

Things are pulling me down.
People are pulling me down.
I am pulling myself down.

I shouldn't be so down like this.

But I can just think of one thing right now - and that is going back home so I can rest and just leave everything behind.

Campus is campus, and all the shit is staying here.

Home is home, where it shall be my paradise. My sanctuary.

I AM NOT GOING TO BRING BACK HOME ANY SHIT AS COMEBACKHOMEGIFTS.

I know I'm not the most understanding person on Earth, yes, I do know that - but don't just clam up and close and shut up on me.

Just who am I anyway?

Just one of those people you look for when you need something?
Just one of those people you look for when you want to get something?

Hmm? JUST WHO AM I TO YOU ANYWAY?

It is so annoying to think about. But damn, my stupid brain can't stop thinking about all these crap.

SOMETIMES I WISH I CAN SWITCH IT OFF FOR A MINUTE, MAYBE TEN, TWENTY. AN HOUR.

That's why I am so grateful mobile phones have an "OFF" button.

Because sometimes, Life fucks us all up.

/endrant

Because shit happens and all that I can do is take it all in. ;]

IchiRuki { When We Chatter about Love }

2009-11-02T15:41:25Z

"Hey, Ichigo."

She was lying down on the cool, green grass; her violet orbs lost in the azure sky.

"Yeah?"

He was down on the green as well, lying contentedly next to her, stifling a little yawn with one hand. It was a beautiful morning, and they both had gone off for a quiet picnic at the hills overlooking Karakura Town. A soft, chilly breeze danced across their features, their clothes fluttering about softly in the wind.

"Do you love me?"

Her voice was guided, controlled. He didn't answer right away. He knew what she meant.

"Don't be stupid, midget. Of course I do," he answered truthfully, for he loved her dearly. She was his best friend, his soul mate, his partner. No one else could ever change that, and he would do anything to make sure that it would remain that way.

"How much?" Rukia continued to ask, and this time she turned to look at him. Ichigo glanced at her.

"A lot. Very much," Ichigo replied just as truthful. He was starting to wonder what was it that made her ask so many peculiar questions, when she cut him short.

"What do you think love is, Ichigo?"

Ichigo stared at her, eyebrows raised.

"Uh, I dunno. Wanting to protect? The will to protect?"

"Protect what? Don't be ambiguous with me, dummy."

"What? You're the one asking funny questions in the first place!" Ichigo retorted, fuming. Rukia rolled her eyes.

"Just answer me already," Rukia said. She held her gaze firmly on him, meeting his ambers.

"Tch. Fine," the orange-head muttered as a reply. He knew Rukia was not going to give this up. Her eyes already told him that.

'Why in the world is she asking such funny questions though?'

"Uhm, how should I put it . . ."

Rukia blinked at him. Her violet orbs seemed haunting. Ichigo knew that stalling the answer is no longer an option. He sighed, and turned to face her fully, allowing his body to lie on its side. Rukia too, did the same.

"Love is obviously, the want to protect someone, or something," he started carefully. He was picking out the right words to use. Rukia did not reply. Ichigo took this as a signal to continue.

"It's something intangible, but when it's there it's there and you know it. You can tell how it feels. It exists inside of you."

"Then when can you tell it's there, inside of you?" asked Rukia again, pointing to him. He looked at her finger pointing at his chest.

"Well, when you feel unhappy or in pain when that someone you love is hurt, then you know that it's there," Ichigo replied just as careful, his voice solemn and penetrating to Rukia's mind. She seemed to be thinking deeply.

"Why are you asking all this anyway, Rukia? It's sort of out-of-the-blue," remarked Ichigo, his ambers searching for a clue on his best friend's face. Rukia looked up at him. He was always forward, much like her.

It was one of the reasons why they knew everything about each other, why they were always true to each other, why they were so connected with each other.

"I watched a movie last night, about a small child and a dying mother."

Ichigo looked at her, but did not say anything. He wanted her to continue.

"And in the movie, the dying mother talked about how much she loves her child, but that she could do nothing. Death was coming up on her."

Ichigo felt like he was the child star in that movie.

"How did the movie ended?" he asked. He could vaguely guess the ending then, but he wanted to know for sure.

Rukia shrugged her shoulders. Ichigo thought he could see a hint of sadness in her beautiful eyes.

Death has always been heartbreaking.

He knew.

He had lost his own mother.

She knew.

She had lost her companion.

"The child grew up with her grandparents," Rukia answered. She let out a strangled breath. She did not say it.

That the child became an orphan because the mother had died.

He smiled a faint smile. The memories of his late mother came fleeting at the back of his mind. He shook his head.

"Either way, I'm sure the child understands that her mother really did love her a lot."

Rukia nodded. She returned him a small smile.

The cold morning wind teased their exposed skin for a brief moment.

"And I have to wonder, Rukia."

She turned to look at him.

"Do you love me too?"

A playful punch landed on his shoulder.

"You know, you're the biggest idiot that I've ever known."

IchiRuki { She Can be Badass Too. }

2009-09-25T12:13:37Z

Ichigo slid down in his seat in class, ready to take his bento up to the school building's roof. He'd promised Rukia he'd have lunch with her and the rest, but he had been called to the teacher's office earlier, and now he was late.

"Damn, if I don't hurry up a bit Rukia's gonna kick me again," he muttered to himself. He knew how painful her kicks can be, and shuddered at the thought. He had barely left his classroom when the school's big bully brushed roughly past him, causing his neatly handkerchief-folded bento box to fall with a clang against the floor.

"Hey, watch where you 're going, you asshole!" Ichigo yelled loudly, annoyance clearly visible on his face. He was already late, and he was risking two sharp kicks from Rukia. And now, this bastard just had to pick a fight with him at this time.

Can't he take a number?

"What, do you have a problem, Kurosaki?" growled the said bastard. Ichigo picked his bento box up with one hand, and stared at the big bully with piercing amber eyes. He was not in a good mood, and if this trash don't disappear soon, he was going to pay.

"Not really, but I'm guessing you have blindness, that's all," answered Ichigo coolly, putting his bento in one of the open lockers.

"What did you say?"

"Oho ~ now you have deafness as well? I pity you, Ooo-ta," Ichigo added in a singsong voice, grinning.

"What the fuck did you say?!"

"Ota's gone deaf, Ota's gone deaf ~" Ichigo continued to tease him, as if teasing him was the most amusing thing in this world. Ota clenched his fists, and lunged forward towards him. His punch was powerful, but it was clumsy, and it was easy for Ichigo to dodge it.

"Stop running and fight like a man for once, Kurosaki!" Ota bellowed in rage, huffing. Ichigo smirked and shook his head.

"No can do, Ota. It's not that easy," replied Ichigo, shrugging his shoulders. Ota fumed and lunged forward, but a small white school shoe landed right on his nose; the shock stopping him short. Ichigo's eyes widened.

He stared at the little shoe, and his senses kicked in.

The shoe looked oddly familiar.

The owner of the shoe stood a few steps away behind him, with her arms crossed across her chest. Ichigo could tell that she was angry, perhaps even furious. Her brows were arched closely together, and her lips twitched downwards in an unsatisfied grin.

"Rukia!" Ichigo exclaimed, surprised. Rukia closed her eyes for a brief second, and dashed towards Ota, who was wiping his nose feverishly.

"Hey, wai-"

"How dare you keep me waiting!" Rukia bellowed, kicking Ota on his nose with both of her feet. The impact was huge, and even with his huge body, Ota was forced to stagger a few steps back; almost tumbling on his own feet.

"W-why you, Kuchi-"

But a swift punch landed on his face, and he was sent flying across the corridor. His body crashed against the tarmac floor with a disgraceful thud. Rukia made a face.

"Whoah, Rukia. I didn't think you could do that to Ota," Ichigo started, amazed at her ability. Rukia did not seem to take heed of his words. Instead, she stood directly in front of him with a pout.

"You didn't come for lunch, you idiot," she stated matter-of-factly. Her voice was of disappointment.

"I couldn't help it, that stupid Ota started picking a fight with me, so-"

Rukia held up her hand.

"Yeah yeah. I get you. Why are you getting so worked up? I was just saying."

Ichigo made a face. Rukia kicked his leg, but with much lesser force. Ichigo stared at her.

"Come on, let's go eat. I'm really hungry."

"What? Didn't you already eat your bento?"

"I didn't. I was waiting for you."

"You? Wait for me? Seriously?" questioned Ichigo, not believing his ears.

"What does that mean?" Rukia retorted, raising her eyebrows. Ichigo shrugged.

"You never wait when it comes to eating, so that came as a shock."

Rukia rolled her eyes, and started to walk ahead of him.

"If you don't hurry up, I won't wait anymore, Ichigo," she said as a reply to his earlier statement.

"Fine fine, I'm coming," Ichigo said hurriedly, walking up to her with his bento. They walked to the rooftop together in silence.

"You sure can fight, don't you?" started Ichigo as they sat next to each other. Rukia opened her bento, and popped a chicken nugget into her mouth.

"What? You didn't know?" she asked back, throwing back a question as a reply to his initial question.

"Gehh . . . not really. You always kicked me, but that's about it."

Rukia's eyes twitched. Ichigo swallowed hard.

'Uh oh . . . bad answer.'

He waited for a kick in his face, but nothing came. Rukia was too busy munching on her food to care.

"Hmph. I have my ways to protect myself, Ichigo," she answered finally, but still ambiguous. Ichigo looked at her.

"Whatever then, I'm eating," answered Ichigo. Rukia smiled but said nothing.

As the afternoon wind blew, they ate their lunch together in peaceful silence, appreciating just the presence of each other.

In the end, Ichigo thought that Rukia can be pretty cool, although he'd kill himself before admitting that to her face.

'She can be badass too.'

IchiRuki { When Nobody Sees You }

2009-09-25T02:44:55Z

Disclaimer: Set in A/U. Kubo owns both Ichigo and Rukia. (damn)
A/N: Friendship mode. With a quote! "Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubard

"I am sorry, please excuse me!"

And just like that, she burst out of the room, running on her heels, not caring whether anyone saw her or not.

"Rukia?"

She heard Ichigo's voice, but she did not care. She did not stop running.

It hurts, her heart hurts. Why were the girls from the Cooking Club so mean to her? Was it because she was a new student? Was it because she easily befriended a lot of the good-looking boys? Surely, it's not because of that, right?

They were the ones who came to her, after all. It just doesn't make any sense.

'This is pathetic, Kuchiki Rukia,' she silently thought, picking up on her pace.

As she ran, tears threatened to come out, running down her cheeks. Exasperated, she wiped her eyes clumsily, roughly, trying to make the hot tears disappear. She would never let anybody see her like this, she would never let anybody see her cry.

"Oi, Rukia!"

Even Kurosaki Ichigo. Her best friend since childhood. Not this time.

"Don't come near me!" she screamed loudly as she heard heavy footsteps behind her. Ichigo stopped short in the empty corridor.

"Rukia. Did somethi-"

"Shut up. And don't come near me," she snapped. Her fists were shaking. Ichigo's heart sank. He knew she was hurt. He started to reach for her from behind, but it was almost as if Rukia could see him moving.

"Do not come near me, Kurosaki Ichigo," Rukia thundered, her voice firm, devoid of any uncertainty. She had addressed him using his formal name, and that told him that she meant business.

Ichigo hesitated, but reluctantly pulled his hand away.

For the first time in her life, Kuchiki Rukia wanted to be alone.

Her back was facing him, but he could feel her piercing gaze hovering over his being, as if demanding for an answer to her questions.

Instinctively, he averted his gaze to the cement floor, pretending as if the still ground beneath his school shoes were the most attractive thing on Earth. There was silence, and Rukia started to walk again, taking long unnatural strides that would have normally hurt her short legs.

"I'll go find you," she heard him say. She did not reply. His persistence was beyond measurement.

"I'll find you. Later. So don't worry, okay?" Ichigo added, his voice betraying not his obvious concern for her. Rukia bit her lower lip, but said nothing. If he'd rather be her knight whenever she's in distress, then she would play the princess without fail.

And sure enough, half an hour later, her knight came. She looked at him, and she found him scowling.

"You're late," was all that she managed. Ichigo raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. Quietly, he plopped down on the grass next to her.

"Ah. Something held me down," he answered loosely, resting his elbows on the cap of his knees. Rukia took a long breath, suppressed it for a brief amount of time, and released it all in one go.

"What was it that held you down?" she asked in an equally cool manner, her hands on the cool grass, her arms supporting her weight from behind. Ichigo shrugged.

"Some raven-haired midget told me not to go after her."

A smile crept on either lips. A gentle breeze swept through them, and their clothes and hair danced.

"So what did you do?"

A short giggle escaped his throat. He shifted in his seat.

"I let her go."

A short-lived 'hm' from her.

"But you came anyway."

He stretched.

"Yeah. I can't let her on her own."

A pause. An anticipation from the other's heart.

"When nobody sees you, I'm here."

His voice was so kind, so gentle it was unnerving.

"Ichigo."

Her heart was fluttering, and the comforting sensation of familiar warmth started to creep into her.

"Why didn't I notice that before?"

A small sigh from him. He let his long fingers run through his orange locks before answering.

"It's because . . . you were trying so hard to find it from other people."

Acceptance.

Protection.

Trust.

Love.

There was a pang in her chest. But it was not the hurt she had felt from before. She shut her eyes, and buried her face in her knees.

"I'm sorry . . . and thank you, Ichigo."

She had been greedy.

He glanced at her, and patted her head gently.

"There's no need to, idiot."

He heard a soft, small sob.

"Because I'll always be here for you, when nobody sees you," he finished, his words a great comfort to her.

Soon, her shoulders sagged, and her whole body started shaking.

Kuchiki Rukia was crying.

"Ba-ka," and he let her hands grasp his as she cried.

IchiRuki { The Patient. }

2009-09-24T17:01:01Z

Disclaimer: Set in A/U. All characters again, belong to Kubo-sensei. (darn right!)
A/N: Friendship mode. I'm on a cheesy ride, would you care to join me?

Ichigo yawned, and shifted in his bed. A thin ray of light pierced through the drawn curtains, and specifically washed over a small partition of his closet. His amber orbs wandered off to said place for a bit, knowing that it was empty. He remembered when Rukia would hid inside there each time they played hide-and-seek. It all happened when they were both a lot younger.

He knew that she would always squeeze inside and hid in there quietly, but each time he became 'it' he had always pretended like she was good at the game, pretending to look elsewhere when in truth her very essence penetrated sharply through the thick paper, making her impossibly easy to find each time.

*****Flashback*****

"Ready or not, here I come!" shouted Ichigo loudly, his amber pools scanning his surroundings like a radar. Rukia was nowhere to be found. He grinned then, for he knew exactly where she was hiding. Carefully, he started to walk around in his small room on tiptoes, trying to make not even a single sound of movement.

He wanted to surprise Rukia.

"Ruuuu-kiaaaa." Ichigo cooed her name, pretending to be searching for her. Rukia, who was squatting inside of his closet, giggled heartily.

He let some minutes pass by, before finally shutting the door to his bedroom close at its mouth. A sly grin adorned his lips, and he quietly hid himself under his bed. He waited for the target to eat the bait. A few minutes later, Rukia came out of his closet, crawling on all four. Ichigo nearly jumped in glee, but he waited for the right moment to strike.

"Aaah~! That idiot went down. He'll never find me there," she complained, pouting. She looked around the presumed empty bedroom, and started for the door. It was when her back was fully facing him that he hastily crawled out of his hiding place, taking a hold of her legs.

"W-what?!" he heard her scream. His hands slid around her calves, tugging at her weight.

"You're it, Rukia!" Ichigo brightly announced, laughing. Rukia fell face first and crashed against the wooden floor with a thud. Ichigo was on his feet now, celebrating his victory.

"That was too easy, Rukia! I mean, you could have been a bit more discre-" and his sentence died right there. A static Rukia was all that was needed to take away that look of triumph off his face.

"Oi, Rukia! Are you okay?" Ichigo asked hastily, worry etched clearly in his voice. Rukia did not respond. Ichigo knelt down next to her, panic rising. He let himself swallow, before slowly shaking her immobile body.

"Hey Rukia! Wake up! Hey, are you okay?"

And a sharp kick landed on his side. It was a clear opening.

"Ouch! That hurts you dummy!" wailed Ichigo in pain, clutching at his wounded side. Rukia was sitting now, her nose bloody.

"Hmph, serves you right, Ichigo. That was dirty even for you," replied Rukia loosely, holding her handkerchief to her nose. Ichigo's eyes widened at the sight of the crimson red blood on her face.

"Hey, you're bleeding!" Ichigo exclaimed, but clearly not out of excitement. Rukia stared at him with a blank expression.

"So? It's just a little cut, it'll be fine soon," she replied, trying to hide the growing pain she was experiencing. Ichigo's stare hardened, and he forgot all about his own bruise. He took her by her other arm and led her quickly downstairs.

"Dad? Dad! Rukia's hurt!" Ichigo shouted into the living room loudly, trying to locate his crazy father. Rukia said nothing.

"Oi, Dad? Dad are you in here?"

The only response was the faint sound of the ceiling fan rotating. Ichigo took a deep breath, clearly flustered. Rukia stared at him.

"Relax, Ichigo. It's fine, it's just a small cut. It'll stop bleeding soon," she said, trying to reassure him. He had that hard look on his face, and he was scowling as if there was no more tomorrow. Ichigo slapped his forehead.

'Why am I so stupid?'

"I'm sorry," he said as a reply. Rukia looked at him.

"Pft. Don't be stupid, this isn't your fault," Rukia answered coolly. She had not come over to see his troubled face.

"B-but! I caught your legs, and I made you fall! S-so, it's my-"

Rukia glared at him, and that was all that it took to make him shut up.

"Ichigo, you don't need to take all the blame. Every single time," she started. Ichigo's eyes widened.

"It's not your fault, okay? I fell because I wasn't balancing my body right."

Silence.

"Besides, I didn't come over to see your terrible, sorry face, idiot," Rukia finished with a kind smile. Ichigo blinked, and smiled a little in return. He knew she didn't want him to feel bad.

'I owe you one, Rukia.'

"Fine, idiot. But you're coming over to my stupid dad's clinic to get that nose of yours looked at," he said finally, taking her by her arm.

*****End of flashback*****

His cell phone beeped, and it almost made him jump out of his skin. Ichigo muttered curses under his breath.

"Mail?"

It came from Rukia. It read:

"Oi, Ichigo! is ur father home?
Seems like I have some sort of stomachache. x.x
& it's BAD. srsly. could u come pick me up ASAP? i can barely walk.

thanks~~Rukiaaa :DD"

Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh. That stupid midget . . . did he not tell her not to eat that expired cheese? It sure seems like her love for food knows no boundaries. A little giggle escaped his throat. It looked like even a stomachache-driven Rukia have not yet lost her humor.

Quickly, he climbed out of bed and washed. He would need to fetch a patient about two blocks away. Upon leaving, he made sure he sent her a message:

"Dumb father's in.
Tsk, fine2, idiot midget...
I'll come pick u up in ten..btw I told u 2 throw dat rotting piece of cheese away rite?
Rly, u should start listening to ur substitute doctor for a chnge.

o yea, ur not nauseous, r u?
I'm wearing my fave shirt."

YoshiToki { When You're Stronger }

2009-09-24T09:09:43Z

He closed his eyes and listened to the leaves rustle in the trees. It was a relatively windy afternoon, and there was the smell of rain in the distance.

He knew it would rain soon.

"Yoshimori," the voice was familiar. Slowly, he opened his eyes. He was greeted by a smiling Tokine standing in front of him. She looked pretty today too. In fact, she had looked pretty every single day he looked at her.

A little smile graced his lips.

"Ah, Tokine," he replied in a calm and reserved voice. Tokine smiled still, and sat next to him.

"How are you?" she asked, her voice low. Her eyes bore into his, wanting an honest answer. Yoshimori blinked stupidly, before quickly answering.

"I'm alright. The cuts are healing fine," he said hastily, slapping his chest with his right hand lightly; trying to reassure her that he was fine. Tokine smiled a little, and averted her gaze.

'He's always doing that . . . trying hard not to make me worry.'

They had been protecting Karasumori against stronger ayakashis these past few weeks, and both of them had strained both their physical as well as emotional state. They have been injured countless times, shedding the crimson colour of blood almost too generously. Tokine knew that it had to be done, protecting Karasumori that is; but she feared that they might lose it altogether if they were not strong enough.

"Don't worry too much, Tokine," Yoshimori said suddenly, almost as if he could read her very thoughts. Tokine turned to look at him. He was smiling his stupid, 'We're going to be alright' smile.

"It's normal we'll get hurt when protecting Karasumori. It happens. But we're also trying our best, isn't that right?" he continued in a gentle voice, as if all-knowing. A gentle breeze danced across his features, and his hair nearly got into his eyes.

"We'll get stronger," he concluded finally, his eyes brimming of unspoken confidence. Tokine's heart fluttered at his words, at his subtle but firm grasp of the reality, at his simple but true resolution.

"Stupid," Tokine replied, her voice barely audible. Her face was grateful however, and she wiped away her eyes with the back of her one hand. There was a smile on her lips. Yoshimori made a face, and clutched both sides of his head.

"What what what? What did I say wrong? Oh God, how did I messed up this time-" Yoshimori was babbling to himself this time, panic written all over his uncouth face. Tokine turned to him and reached out for his shoulder.

"Yoshimori, when you're stronger . . . please help me be strong too," she said, smiling. It was more a request than an order, more of a silent plea than a demand. Yoshimori stared at her then, and his eyes softened. He gave her his goofy smile.

"Don't worry, Tokine. When you're stronger, I promise you that we both will be at that time," he replied, and his confidence seemed to overflow into her very being. For a while Tokine just stared at him, and there was a peaceful silence between them.

'He's so confident of everything. So strong, Yoshimori is.'

"Tokine? Hey, are you okay?" she heard him say. Immediately, she blinked her eyes and shook her head.

"I'm alright. Anyway, I guess I'll be going back then. Grandma would kill me if she sees me talking with you like this," replied Tokine, getting up on her feet. Yoshimori nodded lightly.

"I'll walk you to the front," he offered, and Tokine accepted. She didn't refuse and tell him to get off. At the front door, Yoshimori handed her a white umbrella.

"This is?"

"Use it. It's going to rain soon."

"But it won't even take me ten minutes to reach home," Tokine added. Yoshimori shook his head.

"Yes, but you can't afford to get sick right now, especially when we're going to be busy during the night," Yoshimori told her, placing the hook of the umbrella into her soft palm. Tokine stared at him. She knew he had always been very careful with her.

"Alright, thank you, Yoshimori," Tokine said finally, taking the umbrella along with her. She opened the door, and stepped out. Yoshimori waved her goodbye.

As she walked to the front entrance of the Sumimura household, her thoughts returned to Yoshimori. A smile crept onto her lips again, and she found herself whispering,

"When you're stronger, please don't forget me, Yoshimori."

A/N: Just a simple YoshiToki fic. Nothing too special or wild here.

IchiRuki { This is for Snorty! }

2009-09-24T02:55:47Z

Disclaimer: Set in A/U. All characters belong to Kubo-sensei. (obviously)
A/N: Just some story I want to write. Again, no smut or lemon whatsoever. I'm in a friendship mode and livejournal spaz, so don't sue me. XD;

She had always been strong, stayed strong.

She had always been independent, standing on her own two feet.

She had always wore a hard look on her face, refusing to let her weakness show.

And she had never cried.

But today, just today; her usually bright purple orbs were a shade dull, and they were red. Her eye bags were puffy, her nose runny.

"You cried last night, didn't you?" he asked, as they both walked home from school. It was Friday, and school session had ended an hour earlier than usual. They had decided to take the longer route back, passing by the river on the way.

"Shut up, you don't know anything," she snapped angrily, her voice hard. It had came out harder than she had originally wanted. Ichigo stopped walking and turned to her.

"Don't treat me like a stranger! I know you did cry last night!" he stormed back, slightly startled at her sudden outburst. He didn't like when she spoke to him like that, weren't they close buddies?

"Okay fine, I did cry! So? Were you even there when it happened, Ichigo? Because as far as I'm concerned, you weren't!" Rukia screamed, her arms shaking. Ichigo looked at her, and his stare hardened. Rukia glared at him back, her eyes still blatantly red.

"How was I supposed to know that your dog would die yesterday? I'm not a freaking vet, for God's sake!" retorted Ichigo, fuming. He was out of town yesterday, running an errand for his stupid father who refused to go on his own due to some 'clinical' reasons, and he was forced to go in his father's place instead.

It was not his fault he was not there to comfort her, wasn't it?

"And it's not like I wanted to leave town! It's my stupid father's fault, he forced me into-" Ichigo was shouting, trying to explain his part. He did not want Rukia to misunderstand. Rukia looked at his face, sighed, and looked away.

"Whatever, Ichigo. You don't need to explain," Rukia said slowly, softly, as if she was still tired from crying. She waved him to stop yelling. Ichigo obediently clamped his mouth shut.

"It's okay, really. It really wasn't your fault," she added as she walked on, her feet clunking heavily against the pavement. Her fire seemed to have died out, leaving an almost empty shell behind. The Rukia he knew, and had grown to love, was not like this. And he did not like it.

"Snorty just decided to die out on me, that's all. Maybe he got tired of me or something."

"That's not it."

"Sure, why not? I always tell him all sorts of things; maybe he just got really tired of it all-"

"That's not true, Rukia," Ichigo repeated, his voice firm. Rukia looked at him.

Why is he trying so hard?

"Snorty . . . he's an old dog. It's just a natural thing for him, for him to-"

"To die, Ichigo," Rukia completed his sentence for him. Ichigo nodded hastily, a little flustered.

"Y-yeah. But I don't think he'd ever get tired with you, I mean, he loves you right?"

Rukia's violet orbs widened.

"So I don't think he'd want to die, if he can help it," he finished, feeling a little queasy. He faked a cough, and started to walk again. A little giggle escaped Rukia's lips, and Ichigo glanced at her.

"What?"

"Nothing. It's nothing," Rukia answered quickly, a little smile gracing her pretty face.

"You're one weird midget," Ichigo remarked, and walked on. Presently they arrived at the small river running through Karakura, and they both stopped, taking in the beautiful view. The river sparkled like a jewel in the scorching afternoon sunlight.

"Pretty, isn't it?" Ichigo started after a minute of peaceful silence. Rukia nodded.

"It is. Snorty loved playing here," she answered. Her voice was low, but it did not betray the serene look on her face. Ichigo let out a long breath.

"He sure did, didn't he?"

"Yeah. Let's go, Ichigo," Rukia said suddenly, tugging on his arm. Ichigo followed her.

"Where to?"

"The pet store. I'm thinking of getting a kitten."

"Wait, what? What about mourning for Snorty?"

Rukia shrugged, and smiled a faint smile that she uses to tell people that she was alright.

"Snorty will always be Snorty. I will always remember him, but life goes on," she paused. Her brows arched together, and she seemed to be deep in thought.

"Besides, I bet . . . " her voice shook. " . . . I bet Snorty would be angry if I keep on weeping for him," Rukia finished, trying to sound cheerful. But her little facade did not fool Ichigo.

He was not just some people. He smiled, and took her into his arms. He let her forehead rest against his chest, and he held her in a loose embrace.

"Idiot. Don't be stupid. Just cry already," he said, his voice gentle. His arms radiating warmth. Rukia's eyes welled. Her fingers clutched on Ichigo's white uniform. Her school bag slid from her arm, and fell with a soft thud on the cement road.

"It is okay to cry, Rukia."

And she let out a painful sob, releasing all of her sadness. Snorty was a dear companion of hers, and losing him was a big loss. Snorty was the second closest to her, after Ichigo.

"Crying does not necessarily mean that you're weak, you know," whispered Ichigo, as he held Rukia close, trying to coo her. Tears continued to run down her cheeks, this Ichigo painfully knew. He felt the dampness of her tears piercing through the shirt he wore beneath his uniform, but he didn't mind.

"It just shows that you're human," he finished, and he continued to hold her for what feels like a very long time.

If you were to fall down, let me be there to offer you my hand.

Not a Game { Life and pinches of Random, Virtual Things }

2009-09-23T16:15:08Z

Mindless musings, rants and ramblings. My two cents. Multiplied by two. :]

So here I am yet again, posting for the third time in ONE night in my own journal. Hey, I don't think that that's anything bad, though I probably may appear as spamming --- but I'm spamming my own happy place, so it should be a-okay. Unless I'm disrupting anyone's happiness or life in any way, please do inform me. Not like I'll not post at all, since I'm posting for my own sake and nobody else's in the first place. :]

Anyway, life has been extremely busy. It was only starting this Tuesday that I was able to relax and unwind, and totally take things at my own pace. I'm on Eid break for a week, and it's not long. In fact my time's running up very quickly, and soon I will have to bade home and my family goodbye again, for I will leave for campus/university. Though in the end it's not the amount of time that counts, but the quality and how I have spent my time with my beloved family.

To my family, I love you! You are great, you are wonderful, you are welcoming. No matter what, it is back to you where I can come back to without fear, without a doubt. To you guys, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. *heartfelt announcement*

On another note;

As I grow, I make more and more friends, acquaintances, as well as enemies. I have met a lot of wonderful personas in my short 18 years of life; a lot of which I remember and still do, and a lot of which I've forgotten, which is unfortunate. Sometimes when I sit and relax, and think about my life's journey, flashes of familiar faces run through my head, some of which I know the names, some of which I do not.

Then I thought, 'I have taken things, friends of mine for granted.'

It is not good, to take things for granted; but it is not easy not to. I sometimes wish I'd kept a data book about all of my friends so that I would never forget them, but even that is wishful thinking. I am not the kind to buy a fancy book for a 'biodata book' and pass it around to friends.

I have always believed in the phrase, 'The heart remembers.'

A beloved may be far away from you, but your heart does not of this distance, except for this beloved. Finally, it all comes down to that - 'I am just one human.' I cannot remember everything and everyone all the time, but what I have right now, I will protect and remember for as long as I could. It contradicts with my earlier statement, but I guess that just shows I'm human.

I want so much, but I am capable of so little.

Most times, I remember a lot of my friends, but it was limited to just that. Remembrance from my part, and not showing it to them. I'll ask myself then, 'Am I bad friend? I did not show how I care about them,' and most of the time, the answer is yes. Truly, I do not think of myself as a good friend, much less a kind individual. It is quite the contrary in fact, to tell the truth.

'I am not a kind person.'

This line has always stuck with me, as if it has become a mantra. I do not seek for any kind of reassurance by stating this, but I am merely writing down what I thought. Everything I do, has always been for myself . . . and I think, will always be. No matter how circuitous I do things, everything leads back to taking care of my own welfare. No matter how I think of it, it still comes down to me doing things for myself.

Is that bad? To do every single thing just for my own sake?

Do I have to have someone I do things for, so I'll appear holy and mostly kind?

So like, I stalked somebody's journal aaaanddd ~ :D

2009-09-23T15:32:33Z

The somebody is ylla19!
My over exaggerated response : 8DDD

[1] Make a list of 5 things you can see

o1. muh laptop
o2. scanner
o3. blaring television
o4. telephone
o5. wires (lots&lots&lots)

[2] Would you ever get plastic surgery?
Unless I have that much money to waste, no. :]

[4] What's your occupation?
A university student.

[5] Do you nap a lot?
Dear God, yes. I do. I loooooooooooove to sleep. <3

[6] What was your first car?
I don't even have a license to start off. Why would I have a car then? D:

[7] What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction?
Bleach baby. And Paramore. Andandand Tora Dora. And more RPG. :DD

[8] What was the last thing you ate today?
Uhm...dinner. Which consisted of a plate of rice, scrambled egg and uh, fried chicken. Yeah, sort of. It's hard to explain cooking, dammit! D<

[9] What was the last text message you received?
'Give me the address of the website from where to take the journal from.' ---> Good God, it's the holidays, and my friend won't stop working on his assignments. >>;

[10] What websites do you always visit when you go online?
Onemanga.com, Facebook, Youtube, Deviantart, Fanfiction.net, Mediaconverter.org

[11] What was the last thing you bought?
Gardenia bread, a cubix cube, peanut butter?

[12] What are you listening to right now?
Franklin by Paramore. Woohoo!

[13] If you could pick another name for you, what would it be?
Every time I think about 'if I could change my name', I always come back to my current. Sooo, none.

[14] What is your zodiac sign?
Here's an Aquarius! :DD

[15] What is your favorite weather, and why?
I like it when it's sunny and windy.

[16] If you could play any musical instrument, which one would you play?
Hmm, I guess either the piano or violin. Those two instruments produce such beautiful sound. :]

[17] Ice creams or chocolates?
Ice-cream, since I'm not big on chocolates. c:

[18] What's something you'd like to say to someone right now?
Dude, it's the holidays~ you should rest more.

[19] Who is your dream love?
Uhm, I don't know. Really. Unless . . . it's Hyde-sama from L'Arc~En~Ciel! *_____* <33333

[20] Say something to the person who tagged you:
joooo ish glomped? *glomps* :DDD

IchiRuki { Chappy's Coming to Town }

2009-09-23T13:00:35Z

He ignored her and buried his face into his pillow even deeper.

He was tired, no, exhausted, and he wanted nothing else but to sleep in the next day. They had been up until extremely late the night before, running all around Karakura Town; chasing Hollows and exterminating them, sending them to Soul Society. He had complained then, about how he was tired and how the stupid Hollows had kept coming, their huge amount refusing to dwindle.

Rukia however, was indifferent. She had told him that it cannot be helped, since it was their job as shinigamis, and that they have to do it. No one else would. Even Ishida the Quincy would be beat to fight so many Hollows alone.

But despite all of that, the midget was up early this morning, and up until now she was trying to wake him up.

"Come onnnn, Ichigo," she wailed, pulling at his bare arm. Ichigo paid no notice to her.

"Sheesh, would you lemme," his voice was muffled, ". . . sleep for a bit more, Rukia?" he finished, barely audible. Rukia fumed, and planted a firm kick to his side. Ichigo groaned in pain, and a second later one sleepy eye blinked lazily open.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice heavy with exhaustion. His muscles weak.

Rukia plopped next to him on his bed, and stared at him with big, violet orbs.

"I was thinking, can we go to town today?" she asked rather softly, her fingers intertwined, resting on the cap of her knee.

Ichigo looked at her.

'Is there anything big in town today?' he thought to himself. His memory failed to serve him.

"What for?" he asked, now slightly curious. He couldn't remember anything big taking place in town today.

"Must there be a reason for everything, Ichigo?" she retorted suddenly, and now she wasn't speaking sweetly anymore. Ichigo made a face.

"Well if you're not telling me why we ought to go out to town, I'm not going to take you there," Ichigo replied, ready to close his eyes and continue sleeping. A small, firm grasp of his orange locks however, made his eye shot wide open.

"Do you want to get bald anytime soon?" Rukia questioned threateningly, and there was Death in her voice. Ichigo shuddered, and reluctantly positioned his body into a sitting pose. It looks like he did not have any other choice. The midget would have to be allowed to win this time.

"Tsk. Fine, we'll go to town. Hey, now would you let go of my hair already?"

Rukia complied, but didn't release her grasp without knocking the top of Ichigo's head. Ichigo frowned.

"What the Hell was that for?!" Ichigo yelled, now clearly annoyed. Didn't he already said that they would go to town?

"That was a 'thank you', idiot," Rukia answered, grinning. Ichigo stared at her face. Rukia turned away, and headed for the door.

"I'll wait downstairs. You get ready," she said as she stood at the doorway for a moment, her back facing him.

"Fine, I'll just grab a change of clothes. I'll be down in five," Ichigo answered, quickly getting up. Somehow, he felt that going out with this little midget might not be the worse choice after all.

"If you're late even by one second," Rukia paused. She glanced at Ichigo, trying to see if he understood. He nodded in comprehension. Words were not needed. Rukia nodded in satisfaction, and left.

Ichigo sighed, and went over to his cupboard. Taking out a fresh, clean white T-shirt and a pair of faded blue jeans, his amber pools rested on the table calendar. It was October 6th. And it was circled in red ink marker, and there was a scribbling next to it. Ichigo squinted his eyes for a better view.

"Ch . . . ap -py."

He raised his eyebrows.

"Chappy."

And then it hit him. There was a Chappy showcase to be held in town that day, and he remembered earlier (around two weeks earlier) that he had promised Rukia that they would go out to town to attend the event. A little smile formed on his lips. He sighed, slipped into his shirt and jeans, and hurried downstairs.

She was already at the door, waiting. Her face was eager, full of excitement. Ichigo looked at her, and put a hand on top of her head.

"Why didn't you remind me about today being Chappy's showcase?" he asked as he exited the house. Rukia followed behind him.

"I almost forgot, you know," he continued. Rukia rolled her eyes.

"Well, I didn't think you were already that old that you need to be reminded of your own promise," she answered simply, walking ahead of him now. Ichigo wanted to say something in his defense, but decided against it.

'Oh well, the midget deserved a little break,' he thought.

'I could use some myself.'

"Whatever, Rukia. Though if you don't want to be late, you'll start jogging," Ichigo said, now half-jogging, half-walking himself. Rukia's eyes lit up, and she broke into a full run.

"Come on, Ichigo! Or we'll be late for Chappy!"

A/N : I won't say this is my best, or worse either, for that matter. It's just that . . . I don't know. I didn't have a particular plot for this one, just that I wanted to write something involving both Ichigo and Rukia. And I don't care if it's canon material or not. I just want to write something about them. Hope you enjoyed! :)

Running

2009-09-06T09:35:25Z

So now I'm already in university, a stage I thought was tough to get, to achieve. Actually, it's not really that hard, and I'm not boasting; but honestly it's pretty easy to get yourself a place in university. BUT, I can do much better, definitely. I'm not saying I'm not grateful for what I am and for what I have right now, it's just that if I have chosen to do better, I definitely would have been able to do so.

Anyway, it's almost the end of the first semester. Wait, who am I kidding? The end is mid-November, and that's still months away. Months-old don't feel really long to me though, even a year is short for me - but I guess it depends on each inidividual. Do you think a three-year course is long? It might sound like it, but it's really not. Three years is such a short time, but undeniably many things can happen even in such a short period of time. Just what am I getting at, exactly?

...okay. Let's get on to the REAL point. Life is hectic right now. I can rarely sit back and relax, but I don't hate it. It's just that sometimes I forget other things because I'm so busy trying to remember a couple others. And perhaps sometimes I get too strict with group assignments. And maybe sometimes I'm really just a selfish bitch. But it's one chance only, and if you blew it, you really blew it. Oh man, I gotta go. Time to go to the bazaar and buy a bunch of food. Later.

Writer's Block: Home Remedies

2009-09-06T09:20:45Z

So whenever I get sick or catch a cold, I normally sleep a lot. Lacking enough of it is originally a reason of me falling ill, so it's just natural I'll sleep twice as much to get better. Also, I would double or even triple the amount of water that I drink. Yeah, and then rest a lot. Close my eyes, maybe turn on some soft and good music when I'm a little better.

But yeah, naturally I just drink a lot of water, sleep a lot and rest as much as I can.

I am NOT dead yet.

2009-01-23T02:37:52Z

Yeah, just that I have been busy with a lot of things. And renee, I added you. I'm sorry I didn't respond any sooner. I was six feet under at the time, almost anyway.

And no, I am nowhere near updated in Bleach. My interest died for a bit, but I think it's coming back. Thanks to all the videos from YouTube. I love the Bleach Beat Collection songs, or whatever the name is. I know I love the songs where the voice actress of Rukia sang so beautifully. As well as the voice actor for Ichigo.

Kekkaishi Drabbles #5

2008-04-19T17:56:07Z

#5

Absurd

With one glance, people would say that he is just a normal boy.

With two glances, people would say that he is too normal he is too boring to look at.

With three glances, people would say he is too normal nothing about him could be considered special.

But Kanda Yurina knew better.

Sumimura-kun is actually, indefinitely special.

So when people told her Yoshimori was normal and boring, she would shook her tiny head and say:

'That's absurd.'

Because why? Simple.

Because she knew better.

Ye're My _______ *fill in the blankplzkthxbai*