Kurosaki Ichigo - Shinigami Daikō

| Ichigo Kurosaki RP Blog - by Stefan | -= Public / Selective / Independent =- ~ Canon Divergent ~ 21+ ~ Please check RP Guidelines ~

[blacksun4ever]

RP GUIDELINES

Yo! My name is Stefan and I’m the face behind Ichigo! Well one of many, I'm sure.

(Ichigo Kurosaki is a character from Bleach by Tite Kubo and I do not own him or any other character!).

Please be aware of some basic rules:

Please have general respect towards me and my character.

Anon hate will not be tolerated and will be deleted.

I am 21+ , so NSFW is possible.

Rape, anything non consensual, self mutilation, bestial, or pedophile is not allowed. I will not do NSFW with any mun or character under 18.  This is nonnegotiable.

This blog is multiship, cross over, and OC friendly.

If your character is an OC or AU and you send asks before discussing an AU option with me, my character will react accordingly (disbelief, annoyance, anger, etc.). This doesn’t mean Ichigo dislikes your character—he may act differently in a pre-discussed AU verse. I don’t mind asks without prior info, but be prepared for his response.

The main verse I write Ichigo in is canon divergent. Currently, I am writing Ichigo in events post FULLBRINGER arc but before TYBW.

Asks and memes are ALWAYS welcome! - I enjoy getting asks and all types of interactions, whether it’s headcanon questions for developing my character, casual chats between characters, or short threads. It's a fantastic way to start a conversation!

Personal blogs are welcome to follow! While I welcome personal blogs to follow me and send in asks, memes (when appropriate), questions, etc. and to like any posts I share or make; I do need to affirm some boundaries. Do not reblog roleplays. This is a common rule among roleplay blogs. It messes with our notifications and can make me miss my partner’s response.

Reply speed sometimes means waiting a bit! - If I have a problem with you as an RP partner, I'll tell you 100% of the time. I can assure you, I'm very busy in real life mostly due to work or IRL errands. So if I reply slowly, please forgive me.

Starters are welcome! - I love writing starters or being tagged in starters ( just message me first so I know who you are and let me know if it’s an AU).

All my threads are in their own universe so there is no issue interacting with multiples of the same character.  

Selectivity- I’m not really super picky. I’m not a fan of drama or hate so if I see that, I will unfollow or block depending on the situation.

Ships -I exclusively ship OTP - IchiRuki, and if you do not like/respect that, I understand. However I feel very strong about this, so for me there are no compromises.

[blacksun4ever]

Short Update

Hey everyone, I had a bit of a cataclysmic event in my life, that required my undivided attention in healing myself. I was absent for quite a while and had no energy or need to come online at all. I needed to take the time to adjust and switch gears in life. So to everyone who's been messaging or waiting for an update in roleplay, I apologize. It might have been more prudent to give everyone a heads up of my absence, but again...I just didn't have it in me. Now, I'm back though! I hope to reply back to everyone in the fastest time possible. Cheers everybody. Stefan

[jackabelle73]

Shoutout to all the people who work tirelessly to keep their fandoms going, even after canon has ended. Kudos to the mods who organize rewatches, fic challenges, and other fandom events. High fives to the people who keep posting new art, fic, meta, and headcanons. A collective pat on the back for the people who like, reblog, and comment on the new fanworks and remember the older works as well.

If you’re on Tumblr reading this, chances are good that you fall into one of these categories. So shoutout to YOU, and to all of us.

[distinguishedshoeduckdonut]

Ichiruki Lover ❤💙

[blacksun4ever]

Why is this so cute? Lmao!

[naomimevil]

Day 8: warm tones/ cool tones

[blacksun4ever]

She, fortunately, was pulled out of the beginning spiral of worry she had begun to circle as the waitress returned with their photos. She handed one to Ichigo, and one to her. Rukia held the glossy, thick photo paper in her hand, unable to stop from smiling as she observed it. 'It was worth it to wrangle him in for a picture.' She didn't know much about photography, but this place clearly knew what they were doing- the photo was lovely. She had a mind to find a frame for it so she could keep it on her office desk, regretting she hadn't asked for two so she could also keep one in her room at the Kuchiki manor. He looked so happy in the photo, his usual trademark frown was absent for once, and that caused his whole face to look much more relaxed and.. young. Happiness looked good on him. And in the end, that was what mattered to her, more than anything else.

"It always surprises me how innocent you look when you smile," Rukia commented in a low tone, her amethyst eyes shifting from the picture, she leaned forward on the table with her chin in her hand, eyes looking to the side at him. "So pretty."

"W-well, it's not like coming to a place like this, with you of all people, makes me unhappy! Whaddya mean 'innocent'? You make it sound so wrong!" Ichigo fought back in a rant, blushing as his eyebrows dug in. He hated it when she poked fun at him for his smile, or his hair, or his voice. Especially when she gets like like that, all manipulative and seductive almost. After all, she always chose the most awkward moments to do so, like in front of the waitress for example. "A-anyway. T-that'll be all for now. Thanks..." he turned and spoke with a lowered head towards the waitress, trying to hide his pink cheeks more than just being polite. The waitress herself bowed and almost hopped away, high on other people's love all day at the cafe. 'imagine working at this place, taking pictures of other couples all day...isn't that kind of weird?' he thought to himself, shaking his head to banish the thought. As soon as the waitress was out of sight, his head shot back towards Rukia and glared at her calmly, taking a slow breath before beginning to speak;

"Okay, I'm gonna have to confiscate this due to the fact that you're gonna do weird things with this photo." He slyly snatched her copy away and then leaned out, admiring both in his hands.

[rukia-kuchiki-divided]

Continued from here @blacksun4ever

Rukia let a pout show on her face as she withdrew her hands from his eyes. “It’s really not fair. Your reiatsu signature is so close to mine, normal kido spells that hide reiatsu don’t work with you.”

She noticed Ichigo had set down his pencil and peeked to see what he was working on. His notebook was open on the desk after all. “Are you still finishing school work? I can patrol on my own tonight if you are.”

[blacksun4ever]

"Tch yeah right! I'm coming with." he immediately shot up from the chair, stretching a bit in every direction. "Besides, I could use a break" Ichigo tried to play cool as usual, hiding his really joy to actually see her.

With her duties in the way, she only showed up once in a blue moon. Enfact, ever since she got so busy with lieutenant work, he had barely seen any action himself apart from the occasional excuse to help out afro-san. Ichigo reached into his drawer and pulled out his trusty shinigami daiko badge, pressing it to his chest to release his spirit form out as his body flopped cold unto the bed.

"Ready when you are, Rukia." he shot her a smile with an expecting glance, ready to walk on air with her for the night.

[blacksun4ever]

「There's no way but UP」

Original art by me. Bleach and Ichigo and Rukia belong to Tite Kubo.

Quotes are lyrics from "My pace" - Sunset Swish.

[reachthewifi]

Ichigo Kurosaki & Rukia Kuchiki [x]

[blacksun4ever]

For in the clasp of hands, we find relief, A sense of peace that banishes all grief. And in that touch, we feel the power of love, A force that lifts us up, to soar above.

[blacksun4ever]

*covers Ichigo’s eyes with her hands while he is sitting at his desk, focused* “Guess who~?” Rukia said in a sing song voice.

The moment he felt the soft, almost silky, hands cover his eyes he stopped writing on his notebook, the pencil he was holding freezing in place. He huffed lightly, a smile growing on his face. Of course it was her. His window wasn't open by accident, after all. "Heh. You think you could hide your reiatsu well enough so that I don't feel you coming from a mile away?" He teased at first, then reached behind him and ran his fingers through her hair. "Hey, poppet~"

[third-daughter]

CH.II - The sunrise after the rain

[rp with @blacksun4ever]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Rukia walked along on the sidewalk silently, carrying nothing but a little purse that held her soul candy and her phone. It had been a little over 3 months since she and Ichigo had started dating, and had left off telling anyone yet- she'd wanted just a few moments to simply revel in it before it became everyone's business.

And what a blissful 3 months it had been.. even though it wasn't easy to get to see him, since he was finishing high school. She'd also been busy with her work, and often their communication was limited to phone calls when neither were busy. Every spare moment they could talk was more valuable to her than anything.. she wished she could've spent her whole life listening to his voice through the phone while she fell asleep at night.

It was hard, too. It was a weird, long distanced sort of arrangement. She longed to see him, missing his company and his unchanging, stalwart personality.. she missed the feeling of her fingers in his.

She'd finally managed to go off to the living world to see him, only stopping to get her gigai from Urahara before she continued to his house. As she rounded the corner to where his home was, she couldn't help but grow mischievous when she saw him outside doing something.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed over, taking all of her willpower to not give herself away. As she got closer to him, her hand raised, ready to strike..

"Ichigo!" she crowed loudly as her tiny hand wacked him on the butt, an impish grin on her face.

[blacksun4ever]

The last 3 months,for Ichigo, were a learning experience like no other.

Rukia Kuchiki, Fukutaicho of the 13th Division, a Noble of the Kuchiki Dynasty, his best friend, was his girlfriend. It was a dream.

He was not only finding out stuff about himself- things he really hadn't known about before, but he was discovering her as well. He learned the comfort of knowing someone intimately, he also learned about the separation anxiety that ensues. He never acted clingy with her, but secretly he always wanted just a bit more, just a bit longer. Since seeing her was somewhat of a rare occasion in the week, he always felt like he had to make the most of it. Despite that, it was the loveliest months of his life. He got to experience so many new things with her, he even got to experience her on occasion...

Urahara, their trusted friend who knew long before them about their own feelings- in his infinite wisdom and all, had gifted them each a special type of phone that could send/receive calls and text between worlds. It was heaven-sent. Ichigo would often spend his days either texting or calling her whenever he had the chance, always feeling low whenever he'd even go a few hours without talking to her somehow.

Ichigo's family, of course, were the first to know- despite them agreeing to lay low for a while. Karin simply could not be fooled, and Isshin had already accepted the fact long before, since the day he called her "third daughter". Yuzu was perhaps the only one half clueless, though she knew more than she let on. They would greet her like family every time she visited.

This time, it was a slow day like any other. So slow, Ichigo couldn't stop checking his phone every 20 minutes just to see if she wrote.

-Nothing. "Gaahh! Where is this woman?!" he almost threw a tantrum, spinning in his rotating chair while falling back in the chair, exhaling upwards. "That's it! I'm going for a walk..." he suddenly slammed the phone rebelliously on the desk, deciding some air to clear his head could be for the best. On the way out, Isshin had asked him to take out the trash- to which Ichigo reluctantly agreed, although with a big pout. Just as he was about to throw the trash out properly, he felt the nonchalant smack of his buttcheeks, causing it to drop on the ground next to the can. He turned in a raging fume, ready to kill, until he saw her- her voice now reaching him. "Rukia?!" His irritation transformed into euphoria as he lunged at her, hugging her and sweeping her off her feet. "Well, isn't this a surprise..." he remarked right before planting a juicy peck on her lips with a coy smirk.

[third-daughter]

Rukia squeaked when he picked her up suddenly, laughing as he kissed her. They hadn't seen each other in person for almost 3 weeks; it always surprised her how agonizingly quick the pace of the world felt without him. Her small hands grabbed his shoulders to balance herself as she grinned at him.

"How was that? Did I catch you by surprise?" she questioned proudly, letting her fingers thread in his hair playfully.

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo snorted, his cheeks getting slightly reddish at having to admit that she did, actually, catch him by surprise. "Learned how to hide your reiatsu enough, huh? My, my, Lieutenant Kuchiki~" he tried to tease back. He was feeling completely excited, the loneliness of the weeks without her having left him entirely now. Slowly, he set her her down and placed his hands in his pockets after exhaling a sigh of relief. He wasn't expecting her visit at all, and now that she was here, he could finally look forward to spending a good day outside doing activities. Usually, when she wasn't around, he'd either be studying or on the rare occasion he felt like socializing, he'd be out with Keigo, Mizuiro, Chad or Inoue...if he wasn't sulking in his room cause he missed her, that is. "You look good." Ichigo finally noted, her new style of clothing now more pronounced since they began dating.

[third-daughter]

"Fool, I've always been good at controlling my reiatsu. It's you with the wild unmanageable one, so overwhelming it enters the room before you do," she teased, fighting back a blush at his sudden compliment to her. She didn't have that many clothes from the living world and had picked a simple white dress and a lavender cropped cardigan.

"You think so?" she teased, her hand reaching up to tug on the collar of his shirt playfully, "Be honest. Did you miss me~?"

[blacksun4ever]

"Tch, of course not. I'm busy too, ya' know!" He lied.

At this point, he wasn't shy with her anymore, he just teased for banter and fun. After all, that status quo had to be upheld somehow between them, at least somewhat for the public eye. They've had several close call situations before in Soul Society, where they'd turn a corner and Ichigo would nab her for a few seconds to feel her tender touch again- when some shinigami would pass and he'd have to play theater in all sorts of ways. To be fair, it was his fault most of the time...

He smirked softly at first, when she pulled on his collar as he held her cheek in return, caressing her soft, cold skin with his thumb. His smirk slowly turned into a grin, the simplest touch of her skin revitalizing him like a battery.

"So, where do you want to go today? More of that takoyaki you like?" He guessed. Usually, when she would visit, he'd take her out to try all sorts of foods and drinks- she always seemed interested in finding out more about the world of the living.

[third-daughter]

"Ohh.." she cooed, her happy expression remained though it took on an icy edge, "How disappointing. Maybe 3 weeks is too soon for you to see me again?"

His hand on her face was a reminder of the comfort he always brought to her, even when he was being a brat about it. "Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully, her hands coming up over his, "Okay, let's go."

[blacksun4ever]

"N-no, t-that's not..." he suddenly protested, almost innocently, to her suggesting he could wait even longer to see her. However, he quickly noted his own behavior, and the fact that she was clearly making fun of him, pouting to the side to show her his discontent. It was no joke, after all. He really did miss her! He lowered his hand from her cheeks and switched to holding her hand instead, turning to the direction of the little corner sweets shop he had in mind to take her to. "Fine, but this time you get an extra one! Last time you ate mine as well..." Ichigo barked, beginning their walk.

[third-daughter]

"Not what?" she smiled as he took her hand, content to follow wherever they were headed. "We've always been honest with each other, haven't we? Don't break my heart already, Ichigo,"

Her eyes had fallen to admire the wildflowers that grew along the road absentmindedly, until she pulled his hand at his comment. "Wha- I only ate yours because you offered it to me!!"

[blacksun4ever]

"F-Fine....I missed you, a lot...midget." Ichigo finally gave in, his face as red as a tomato. He was still having a difficult time expressing his feelings openly and honestly, despite the fact that Rukia was the closest person to his heart by a longshot. He was still getting used to it, no matter how much he tried to hide it though, she could always see through him. It was just the way she was...his world revolved around her now.

They continued to bicker playfully about the 'stolen' food- all of it translating to who loved whom more, as they slowly left the calm streets of Ichigo's neighborhood and began to enter the hustle and bustle of Karakura's center. It was a lively day and the weather seemed a perfect combination of a decent temperature and a light breeze blowing. Exactly the type of weather Ichigo enoyed the most.

Upon crossing a big intersection, Ichigo turned his attention to a board he saw that stated: "COUPLES SPECIAL HOUR! PAY 1, GET 2!". It was a rather cheesy hand-drawn board, in front of an okay looking establishment. He stopped in place and gently yanked Rukia's hand, pointing to the sign.

"Hey, this sounds interesting! How are they not losing money this way...?" He wondered for a moment, then shot Rukia an inviting glance.

[third-daughter]

"Look how red you are, is it that difficult to admit?" she questioned with a shameless laugh. It always humored her how someone so unashamed to speak his mind would suddenly grow shy over admitting these small things, even after these few months. "Don't lose your cool just yet, Ichigo- or you won't be able to keep up with me today."

Her free hand raised to block the sun from her vision, wide violet eyes looking everywhere. Indeed, Karakura had always been a rather small, sleepy town with not much going on aside from the hollows that seemed to be attracted to the place. But seeing it on a weekend, it was actually quite alive. There were a lot of families and children out, parents and siblings, young people.. and, now as she noted, a lot of couples too.

"It's so bustling here," she commented offhandedly, glancing at the sign Ichigo pointed out to her. She curiously skipped over and knelt in front of it, a finger pressed to her chin as if analyzing the meaning of the ad.

"How interesting.. how do they verify who's a couple from who isn't? Will they ask us for proof? See, I told you if you wrote your confession in a letter it would come in handy!" she glanced over her shoulder to him, pointing at the sign with a told-you-so smile.

[blacksun4ever]

"Shut up, as if!" Ichigo retorted immediately, his cheeks yet again turning a bright shade of red at the prospect of his feelings being written out on paper. He would shout from the rooftops that he loved her, if he had to, but then he'd die from embarrassment right after. Still...he'd do it, if she asked him to.

Knowing societal norms, he sighed and began to explain. "It's nothing like that. The most they'd do, if anything at all, is ask us if we're a couple." he finished, completely convinced in his own explanation. "That being said- let's go." and just like that, without warning, he was now dragging her inside. Ichigo was like that, sometimes. He didn't like thinking too much, usually making an impulsive decision when there's a fork in the road. All he wanted, actually, was to spend some alone time with her- it didn't really matter where.

[third-daughter]

"You just can't admit when I'm right, can you?" She glared up at him for a moment, feeling tempted to kick him for raising his voice at her, but didn't only because her shoes today had a heel and it might actually hurt him if she did.

"Well won't people just lie then, for the discount? How do they know?" the question was more rhetorical and to herself, but she had no time to think on it because he was quickly seizing her hand and dragging her inside.

The inside was quite lively too, from the sound of people talking to the music, and most of the patrons seemed to also be couples- so the sign didn't only interest us, Rukia observed in her thoughts. The long wall had a giant, fantastical mural of cherry trees painted on that covered the entire thing, which she admired silently as she followed Ichigo to find a table.

"Ichigo, what's wrong with that horse. Who impaled its head?" She questioned as they sat down, gesturing to the part of the mural that had a unicorn on it. "Why does it have wings? Did it die and turn into an angel? Humans are so odd.."

[blacksun4ever]

"You know most people don't just think about how to game the system, right...?" Ichigo sighed. Explaining modern day japanese society to her was always a monumental task, especially since Soul Society seemed to be somehow stuck in a simplistic way of life of the ancient world- probably acceptable to spirits who just want some peace, but not modern day life.

He was about to go through the hallway with her when she stopped him in his tracks, making him look at the mural that caught her interest. His face sunk as he realized she'd never heard of a unicorn before, a childish yet mythical being most pre-schoolers were familiar with.

"It's a unicorn, and it's basically a magical horse with a horn on it's head. You know, now I wonder if it isn't some weird lookin' hollow someone saw at some point..." he finished, throwing himself in a loop as the theory he had might just be close to reality. Before he could ruminate more on it though, they got approached by the hostess.

"Welcome to Omotesando! Are you a couple? We have a special today for couples!" the hostess welcomed them with a small bow and a wide grin.

Aha! There it is - Ichigo thought to himself. "Yes, in fact we are!" He answered as he shot Rukia a knowing glance, proud of his theory manifesting itself as true.

"Very good! We'll have to take a picture of you as part of our campaign, which you can claim a copy of at the end of your stay with us! Okay? Onegai shimasu!" the hostess briefly explained, with a hint of mischief in her voice, before instantly taking out a portable camera from her back pocket, ready to shoot.

Ichigo's face suddenly froze in comical shock...

[third-daughter]

"A unicorn..?" she muttered, as if she doubted Ichigo's explanation. Her eyes roamed over the mural again, staring deeply for another minute before she sighed, her arms crossing over her chest as she declared, "I like it."

She grew silent when the hostess approached, holding back a laugh when she requested as photo. That was something new- they'd gone out before but this was something she hadn't heard of being done before. Still, it sounded fun- and she didn't have many photos with him, anyway.. she wouldn't mind having one.

"I'd love a photo!" she chirped in her half-fake saccharine voice, seizing Ichigo's wrist to drag him forward to where the hostess wanted them to stand. She put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder gently, moving him to lean forward so she could whisper to him in as low a voice as she could.

"You'd better smile and look cute, or I'm going to make you scream later." she hissed quietly, before turning back and smiling pleasantly.

"Okay, please take the photo~"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's face contorted into an uncomfortable grimace when he felt Rukia's grip on him like a hawk's talon. He was never surprised at how physical she was with him, and he wouldn't have it any other way...were it not for situations such as this. He absolutely HATED getting his picture taken. So much so, that he usually skipped taking the yearly photo for the high school yearbook.

"W-wait, do we hav-!" Ichigo began to protest before she yanked him forward to whisper death threats in his ear. What a monster of a girlfriend he had, always capable of putting on a grammy award winning act in public, getting anybody to twist to her desires. Ichigo thought for a moment how to get out of it, but it occured to him that he really had almost no pictures of her, save the ones that he kept like holy secrets on his phone, safeguarding them through a password locked folder- just in case. The prospect of being able to have a physical photo of them together on a date seemed exciting to him... he'd have something to hang up in his room!

"Tch, fine." he finally relented with a soft sigh, throwing his arm over her shoulder as he leaned down to be closer to her face, figuring that it might as well not look like that famous painting with the farmer and his wife.

"Okaaaay~ Say 'Omotesando' !" The hostess teased before clicking her camera, a bright flash appearing that almost blinded them both. The hostess looked pretty satisfied with herself as she gave them a bow in thanks, pointing out the way soon after with her hands to guide them to their seating; a soft lit window booth.

Ichigo sighed in relief and shot Rukia a glance that silently said, 'You happy now?' .

[third-daughter]

Rukia had to let out a little sigh of relief, too- it was always a bit of a gamble as to whether Ichigo would listen to her or not. Sure, he was much more level headed and mature now that he was older.. but she still remembered the punky fifteen year old who would've died rather than have someone think he had to listen to her every order.

That thought made her bite her lip to not laugh- he'd truly been a lil nerd hiding behind a mask of cool indifference back then. She reached up with a free hand and grabbed his face gently, kissing his cheek as she all but purred, "Thank you, baby," before skipping off to their booth, sliding into her seat easily.

"I'm keeping the photo when they give it to us, right?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo froze yet again as she planted the kiss on his cheek, thinking she'd get away with being mischievous scot-free, skipping all dandily to her seat. He followed in a flash afterward, sitting across from her but leaning into the table to smack his forehead into hers with a competitive glare in his eyes.

"You wish, poppet! If I gotta get a random picture taken of me, you can bet your cute little Kuchiki butt it's mine!" He protested, almost to the point of a growl.

The hostess, who followed them to their seating, was reluctant to speak but managed to point out. "E-excuse me, but you can claim any amount of copies. We'll prepare them for you, free of charge...So I take it that's 2 copies?" She asked politely, yet with some amount of fear in her voice.

"2 please!" Ichigo immediately answered, his hand slamming on the table dramatically. He realized soon after that he was causing a slight scene, so he leaned back into his seat with a slight pout as he rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"...and 2 lattes and a serving of takoyaki, please" he mumbled the order that he knew Rukia liked, throwing up his hand with 2 fingers raised as he looked to the side in embarrassment.

[third-daughter]

"Wha- how rude! Don't you know anything about the rule... ladies first?" She complained in half displeasure, only growing quiet because she saw the waitress approaching from behind, her cheeks reddening at the nickname- it didn't phase her to call Ichigo by a pet name, but being called by one herself would take some getting used to..

She snickered lightly at his embarrassment as he ordered and the waitress left, and leaned on the table with her chin propped in her hand. "What's wrong? Why are you all embarrassed suddenly?" She reached across the table to take his hand in hers, as if to stop him from getting more awkward.

"By the way, what does poppet mean? It better be something nice,"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo sighed, shrugging before copying her posture as he leaned into the table himself. Her hand was cold to the touch, as per usual. Ichigo loved that about her. He accepted her hand and gently squeezed it in return, his gaze focused entirely on her eyes. The pleasant atmosphere, light music, gentle background chatter, and the soft sunlight made for such a relaxing feeling. After not having seen her for 3 entire weeks, this was practically a dream. He really did love experiencing the world, his world, through her. It was like experiencing things for the first time again. Well...most things. He couldn't help but smile at her warmly.

"I'm not...I-...hmmm...I guess I just missed you too much, that's all. You know I'm not good with these types of things. Especially since you're still keeping us a secret from most of the Shinigami... it's not like I'm rearing to go shout it from the rooftops, but I still feel a bit paranoid." He admitted, yet again sighing to release his tension. Of course his family already knew about them, and so did Urahara, but the whole laying low strategy still bothered him.

Ichigo propped up his head when she asked about the pet he had chosen for her. "Huh? You mean 'poppet'? It means 'small cute person', basically." He explained, short and sweet. He wondered for a moment where it came from as well, but didn't think too deeply into it.

[third-daughter]

"Paranoid.. about what?" her eyes scanned over his face, his body language, wanting to understand his words. She meant to speak again when the waitress returned with their drinks and set them down on the table, growing silent instead.

She leaned back in her seat slightly, staring up at the ceiling of the cafe in silence. It was painted too, a pale blue with fluffy white clouds all over it.. a false sky. Any normal person would've simply found it pretty. To her, it felt like a creepy omen. So pretty... and so fake.

Her eyes closed in thought. What were they doing anyways? What was she doing? Was this.. relationship.. with him real? ..Would it become real if everyone knew about it? Was she confused, or was it that things worked differently in the living world? The last thing she wanted was for Ichigo to be unhappy, whether with her or with their situation. Some things simply couldn't be helped.. like the differences in their lives. But some things, she did have control over. She heard the waitress excuse herself and walk off.. her mind made up.

"Alright," her eyes opened then and she looked back at him once again, her expression almost too calm. "I understand your feelings."

She picked her bag up from her side and opened it, reaching inside and grabbing something from within. When she pulled her hand back and held it up, her hand opened to reveal a hell butterfly, black wings fluttering delicately.

[blacksun4ever]

"O-Oi...what are you-...?!" Ichigo got taken aback suddenly when he saw her randomly pull out a hell butterfly out of her... PURSE!? What was she thinking, in the middle of a cafe at that.

He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, leaning in over the table to whisper somewhat nervously. "H-hey, baka! What are you thinking? C-calm down!" He tried to sound reasonable, thinking that he somehow pissed her off with what he said.

Luckily, no one else had eyes on them just yet...

[third-daughter]

"What? I'm perfectly calm. No one can see it except for us anyway, remember?" she held the butterfly up to her, speaking in a low but calm voice as she relayed her message to it.

"Nii-sama, this is Rukia. I'm on a date with Ichigo in the living world and I've decided to remain here for today. I'll return tomorrow. So please don't worry. And please inform Renji and vice captain Hinamori, I was supposed to see them tonight."

She let it go then, and it fluttered down and landed on the center of the table, on top of Ichigo's hand as he still held hers. Rukia pulled her soul candy from her bag, placing it on the table as well, she took one and separated from her body, immediately removing her sword and using it to open a gate right there in the middle of the cafe- it wasn't as if anyone could see it happen- and sent the butterfly through it before letting it close.

"Okay, I'm done." she returned to her gigai, straightening and tucking her hair behind her ear as she picked up her coffee cup. "Now you didn't answer my question. What are you feeling paranoid about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He sat there, his mouth agape, as she nonchalantly professed her love for him- to BYAKUYA no less, of all people, through the hell butterfly. Ichigo couldn't believe his eyes when she left her gigai and opened a senkaimon to send it through, returning to her spiel as if nothing ever happened.

"Bakayaro! What's the big idea, just blurting it out like that??? Have you totally lost it?!" Ichigo smacked his hand down on the table as he leaned forward with an exhasperated and panicked face. He immediately slammed back into his seat and covered his now completely red face, ignoring the question as he continued with his rant, "Oh my god...he's gonna slaughter me, isn't he?! I can see it now...all the pretty sakura petals coming to slice me up like christmas dinner! Ahhhhh....".

His attention suddenly shifted again back to her as he scowled, his brows fully furrowed. "You....explain yourself!" He demanded half seriously, in a comical fit.

[third-daughter]

"You're so dramatic, Ichigo. Calm down." Rukia sipped her latte calmly, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands as she listened to his panicking. "And just what do you think my brother is... I know he may seem quiet and hard to read, but he has respect for you.. and he understands me. He's not going to come over here and attack you, so stop being silly."

She set the cup back on the table, tracing the rim with her fingertip idly. "I get that you have disliked keeping things secret these past months.. so that's why I sent the butterfly. Nii-sama will certainly relay my message, so by tomorrow rolls around everyone there will probably know, and this matter can be resolved. I want you to be happy."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo thought about it for a second, leaning back into his seat. Her eyes were determined, she really wasn't joking about any of this. Then again, she wouldn't be so cruel to him and joke in that manner. It seems that, from this moment, their relationship was official. Surely they'd have a lot of explaining to do, but this way she'd at least ripped the band aid off. He sighed, taking his phone out with a light blush on his cheeks, stubborn as ever, as he readied himself. "Two can play at that game, Rukia." he mouthed off as he began to type furiously with a serious conviction in his eyes; a moment later, he was done. His gaze returned to hers and, with a final inhale he clicked "submit" on the phone, turning it towards her to show her what it said. It was his LINE account, and a new status update that read: "I'm dating Rukia Kuchiki. She's mine. Deal with it!" There was no going back, he'd already clicked the button that updated the status, so that each of his contacts could see. His friends, his family, everyone he knew...would now know, officially. Ichigo snorted and smirked, content that he'd payed her back with just an outrageous move. In the end, they were just two peas in a pod, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing to her.

[third-daughter]

She watched him silently as he seemed to type something on his phone- she didn't know what. His words however, did pique her interest, though she didn't get what he was referring to. In her head, the action she'd taken was totally serious.

"What's that?" she blinked in confusion. Clearly he'd done something on his phone that made him look very pleased with himself and he turned the phone to her. She could only just read the words on the screen, and she couldn't help but to blush at it- she didn't really understand social media, but clearly that message he typed would be read by everyone here in the living world. She tried very hard to not look as pleased as she felt, her eyes closing to feign calm as she picked up her cup, taking a sip.

"..Well. Do you feel better now? Less paranoid?"

[blacksun4ever]

His smirk became even wider now, his gaze becoming softer as he put his phone back down on the table gently. Indeed, he was satisfied. Actually, this wasn't the correct way to do this- but he couldn't lie that he felt a load off his shoulders the moment they officialized their relationship. She was too important to him to carry on being a secret, so even letting it out in a silly way like this seemed enough.

"Aah. Much." He nodded once contently, still wondering about Byakuya...ultimately he decided to wait and see. Maybe he wouldn't be so protective? Ichigo was the one that saved her, even when Byakuya was naive enough to let her die because of pride.

Ichigo reached out to hold her cheek, smiling softly still. He adored touching her, whether it was holding her hand or...their nightly activities. "You look gorgeous today, you know..." he let the words roll of his lips, sending them her way like an invisible kiss.

However, before the mood caught unto them too much, his phone began beeping and vibrating like crazy which sent him into a loop again. He was confused for a moment until he picked it up to see, his eyes widening in disbelief...

He suddenly had 15 new notifications to his status!

All of them were from his friends...

[third-daughter]

"What were you paranoid about anyway? Nii-sama knowing?" she questioned idly as she tore apart a piece of the takoyaki with her fingers, only stopping and looking up when she felt his hand on her face.

That action made her blush again, much to her annoyance- what was it with his ability to make her face go red all the time? As did his compliment. Part of her wanted to scold him for being too sweet on her, part of her wanted to look away and call him a fool.. instead she turned her face slightly, pressing a kiss into the palm of his hand.

"So do you," she murmured, and there was that familiar stormy purple in her eyes as she stared at him for slightly too long of a moment, before she let go of his hand.

It wasn't too soon either, when his phone started making a bunch of noise, causing her to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

[blacksun4ever]

"It's nothing like that. It just felt weird hiding it...as if we were doing something wrong. Meanwhile, you're the only right thing that's ever happened to me. You know what I mean?" He blurted out in response to her question finally, now busy scrolling through his phone to see what the entire commotion was about.

As soon as he saw, he moved to her side to sit next to her and show her as well, propping his phone up to her face. He stared almost too deeply as he began to scroll and uncover his friends' reactions one by one:

IshidaProKnitter: "Idiot! It's cringe to just post like that. Anyways, say hi to Kuchiki-san." KeigoTheGreat: "I knew it!! When is she coming back to school?!" MizuiroSama92: "Well done, Ichigo. Say hi? Hello from the bahamas!" SadoTheChado: "Mmm. Ok." IsshinGOAT: "That's my son! Welcome to the family, third daughter!!!" Kontastic: "Nee-san.... you'll pay for this, Ichigo!!" TatsukiSawa: "Did you somehow think we didn't know? Psh...don't get cocky!" UraharaShoutenTM: "Ara, ara...congratulations, Kurosaki-san!" KanonjiOfficial: "My #1 protégé! Love is always with you, boy!!"

...

Ichigo continued to read, his eyes wide and a smile creeping on his face as he subconsciously stuck his cheek to hers.

[third-daughter]

She fell silent as she watched him, moving the fabric of her skirt closer to her when he got up to sit next to her instead. At first she thought he just wanted to sit nearer to her, blinking when he held his phone up for her to see what all the commotion was about. Violet eyes widened as she read.. and read.. Ichigo's thumb scrolled the screen down. She felt his cheek against hers and it distracted her for a moment- it was still a little surprising when he acted so affectionately in a public or semi public place.

"Oh... oh my.." she murmured, eyes wide in surprise. So this is what social media looked like.. it was a bit overwhelming. There were so many comments from so many people.. did he have to respond to all of them? It would be a bit of a headache.

"Well," she turned to look at him then, wanting to know his thoughts by his expression, "At least they're being positive. Because if they weren't.."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo grew sentimental for a moment, his gaze turning to hers as they both finished reading at the same time. He snorted and smiled in relief as his eyes sunk to the ground, the memories of his friends' support throughout the years flashing through his mind briefly. There were times were he really didn't think he could go on, where his nakama gave him the power he needed to fight. This was, after all, one of the major reasons why he loved her. She was always there when he needed her. Despite the normal appearances, they've fought together, bled together.

"Aah...they're wonderful. All of them..." Ichigo spoke softly. He then turned to face her, his love, his moon, his light...and smiled a genuine, bright and loving smile. "Being here, with you...like this. It almost seems like a dream." he let out, snorting again in an endearing way. It was funny to him, really it was. The simple fact that he could sit there, next to the woman of his dreams, with all the love and support of everyone he knew...it was quite special feeling.

Ichigo reached out with his hand to her cheek, bridging the small gap between them together as he planted his lips unto hers in a passionate kiss. Throughout their months together, Ichigo had slowly grown accustomed to physical contact. He had no problems showing his emotions physically, actually it's what he excelled at.

"We should be grateful." he spoke soft and teasingly, as soon as his lips left hers.

[third-daughter]

Rukia listened in silence to his words, choosing to say nothing in the moment. It wasn't very often he got the nerve to say exactly what he wanted to say.. he tended to show he cared about someone by his actions instead.

She'd been wanting to ask him how he felt in hindsight of Tsukishima's abilities being used on everyone. It had been a few months since then, and it seemed like things had pretty quickly gone back to normal since then. Chad and Inoue, his sisters, everyone.. they all seemed to not remember what happened, nor Tsukishima, at all. In the end it was only Ichigo who had to suffer with the memory of what happened. And though she'd kept perfectly calm in the moment, she could still picture his face that day in the rain, broken and lost and crying. Sometimes when she slept, her mind would force her back there to see it again and again.. she was determined to not let him sink so deep ever again.

She just smiled at him when he touched her face, her eyes roaming over his face as if she were observing him keenly. Then he kissed her and she didn't have the heart to stop him, even though they were in public and she still wasn't completely used to it yet.

Her hand slid in his hair, her fingers curling in his golden threads, "You're so sentimental," she teased, tugging on it gently.

[blacksun4ever]

She was always great at bringing him back to reality, especially when he was embarrassing himself. It dawned on him that his behavior might not be suitable for public display, and his cheeks naturally turned the appropriate color. "S-shut up, baka..." he rubbed the back of his head in protest of what felt like teasing to him. Although, he had to admit...he was sentimental at that moment. In general too, maybe. It was difficult not to be, he really was living the dream.

She was kind yet stern, she motivated him, and often made him laugh or smile. Her skin is soft, she has good style, and she's a freakin' lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Above all else, she was his partner in crime, his light. He never missed the opportunity to ask himself once in a while, if she truly knows how much he loves her.

"Of course I am. I-it's just...I didn't think it would be so easy. Everyone is so supportive." he admitted, turning to softly kiss her wrist. He was, after all, missing her touch for a few weeks. Public display or not, the corner they were at seemed intimate enough for at least this kind of affection, he thought.

[third-daughter]

It was funny- watching him get flustered as if he hadn't been the one to move to her side of the table, sit in the booth next to her and desire to kiss her. That was just like him, half the time brimming with overconfidence, waxing the most poetic and seductive words, then the other half a blushing little mess. Her mess.

She slid down in the booth a little, sighing as she propped her feet on the booth opposite to her, where he'd been sitting before. She wasn't used to wearing heels, especially such high ones, but she also wasn't uncouth enough to remove them in the middle of the cafe. Her thoughts wandered to what he'd said, silently thinking.

Everyone is so supportive, he said. It was true.. and she hadn't expected it to be any other way- he had friends and family always supporting him, all in their own ways. She'd noticed someone who hadn't responded, though- and she wondered if he'd noticed it too. She hoped, prayed, it wasn't for the reasons she thought.

"...Yeah," she said softly, her eyes narrowing a bit without her thinking. "You're right."

Inoue... maybe she just hadn't seen her phone. Hopefully. Rukia's eyes, the brighter violet seeming like a deep blue in the low lights of the place, couldn't help but stare at Ichigo for a moment. She wondered if he guessed what she guessed- that Inoue might've had feelings for him at one point- or perhaps she still did. She couldn't say for sure. But the idea of someone else wanting him the same way Rukia wanted him... no matter who it was.. made her feel an unwarranted sort of anger she didn't dare to show on her face.

Or was it fear? ..She wasn't even sure.

She was pulled from that uneasy thought when she felt him kiss her on the wrist, and gave a small smile instead. "Are you going to eat this takoyaki with me, or am I eating alone today?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo noticed something was off. He always kind of had a nose for things like this, when people were concerned or had something troubling them, he could always tell- especially if it was her.

Watching her place her feet up was a dead giveaway. Rukia usually got into strange positions or would make cat like movements whenever she was deep in thought, Ichigo remembered. Except for the fact that it was incredibly distracting for him the entire day, watching her prance around with him in a skirt and high heels, he noticed it's one of the first times he'd seen her wear some. She still had a load of surprises for him, and every day he was learning something new about her. 'Man, I'm gonna make sure there's hell to pay for this. Later, though...' Ichigo thought to himself, trying to snap back into reality as he slated the thoughts that were about to invade his mind for later. At the moment, he wanted to know more about her concerned look.

"...Yeah," "You're right."

Inoue. Ichigo immediately understood, observing the way she spoke and how her eyes looked to the bottom left, as if she was thinking back on something. But besides that, he had noticed himself.

There was no message from Inoue.

He knew, from some time ago, how Inoue felt about him. Even Tatsuki had hinted at him before. He tried to explore his feelings for the topic, he really had. During the year and a half, when he was just a normal person, he tried to bond with her more. It was pointless though...he couldn't stop dreaming about her, about Rukia. He never really addressed it outwardly in any way, to Inoue at least. Ishida more or less knew about his condition, he's usually perceptive like that... Should he have addressed it? Should he have said something to her? He was sure that, intuitively, Inoue knew as well. Was that enough though?

Ichigo's eyes sank as he began to wonder if he was being a good friend, his hand softly cupping Rukia's in an attempt to maker her linger on his cheek a little longer. "Yeah...We should be grateful."

[third-daughter]

She noticed it of course- how could she not? It was pointless for him to hide his feelings around her- she could read his face too well. Maybe other people couldn't see behind the mask.. but she certainly could.

Had he read her mind? Did he notice? Or was he suddenly worrying over something else? She stared at him in thought, as he touched her face in that way he often did when he wanted her to look at him.

"Right.." she said softly, stretching her legs as she did. She could hear her bones snap in complaint- her gigai did not approve of her choice of footwear it seemed. "..You said that already."

She looked away then, her polished fingers picking up a napkin from the table silently and balling it in her hand. She couldn't help her thoughts either- from the beginning she knew she didn't deserve him. That he could, and should, do better. She wondered if that thought hadn't occurred to him... until now.

She wouldn't blame him. She'd always felt that. He still had his whole life ahead of him.. she knew it wasn't realistic to think he'd want her forever. And all she wanted was for him to be happy.. with or without her.

"..Should we go?"

[blacksun4ever]

The moment he snapped back, realizing he repeated himself, he could feel something else. It's as if there was tension, or no...fear, coming from her. He could feel it in the subtle ways her reiatsu moved, suddenly becoming spikey as if an invisible threat were around. He looked around the table, noticing his untouched takoyaki, her half filled latte...why would she want to leave? They just got here.

"H-hey, wait a minute. What's wrong, Rukia?" he flinched backwards slightly, leaning out of her touch and his own hand let go from holding her cheek. She was clenching a napkin, as if she were trying to strangle it.

Why is she upset..? What is happening? Is she sad that Inoue didn't write?

His mind raced with thoughts, trying to make sense of the situation. It wasn't like her to suddenly switch moods like this, but why did she feel fear? Ichigo's eyes raised back to inquisitively look into her violet orbs, expecting some kind of answer.

[third-daughter]

"Nothing," she said softly, her gaze shifting back to him, eyes dark. "I'm just asking."

Maybe she was wrong about it all. Maybe he knew nothing... maybe he felt nothing. Still, a part of her couldn't believe that.. because he was smarter than that.

She saw him flinch then, and that was odd- she didn't think she'd seen him do that before.. at least not with her. Her free hand flexed a bit, her eyes moving from him to it, fingers closing into a fist.

"..Sorry. Did it feel cold suddenly?"

[blacksun4ever]

"O-oi...Rukia." he mouthed, his look now one of worry. It really wasn't like her, to suddenly react to something like this. Her reiatsu wasn't usually this defensive. It had to be something deeper than she let on, something bothering her. Inoue.

Oh. That's right. She got like this when she thought of Inoue, his inner monologue dictated. Did she think that he somehow had feelings for her? Surely not, Ichigo thought. It was more likely that she was afraid that she'd lose her friendship with her. It made sense, right? ....right?

Ichigo leaned in slightly, relaxing himself fully. For a while now, he was conscious whenever he spoke to Rukia. He wasn't just speaking as a friend anymore...but as a lover. He took that responsibility on himself, for her. One of his core principles, was to never be dishonest about anything...especially the important stuff. With that in mind, and a long inhale, he began talking in a gentle tone.

"Are you...upset because of Inoue?" he asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

[third-daughter]

That was unexpected to hear- then again, maybe she should have. Ichigo had never been the predictable type of man. She'd made the assumption he hadn't noticed what she had, but of course he had. And of course he would ask about it, right here in the middle of a date, in public, without mincing his words.

But her expression was clear on her face and her head turned to look at him suddenly with an unflinching, disapproving frown. Her voice was calm and kind of low, but that calmness didn't quite match the look in her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He could always tell when he struck a nerve with her, especially the way it made her reiatsu shimmer slightly wheenver she found something annoying.

"Aha, so it is Inoue...Speak your mind, woman. Now." he demanded, half light-heartedly, giving her an expecting look as he leaned in to get a closer look into her eyes.

There was a pact between them, in the beginning of the first month, to not stay angry at each other no matter what and always demand the other party speak up about the issues. So that's the way it was always, even to his own dismay sometimes.

"Talk." he repeated.

[third-daughter]

Her expression didn't change, and in fact visually she appeared mostly calm except for the clear look in her eyes that said 'are you crazy?'

..and the fact that her left hand resting on the table currently had ice beginning to form underneath it, encroaching over her fingertips and on the flimsy layers of cheap plywood making up the table.

No, it was how low her voice was, refusing to elevate even slightly, that held warning in it. "Talk about what, exactly?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's expression quickly turned into a grimace as he pinched a juicy sweet takoyaki and threw it in his mouth, trying to release the tension by being a bit like his usual self. He munched the takoyaki and spoke at the same time, crossing his arms after rubbing his fingers to clear the stickiness of the thing. "Oh come on, Rukia. You know that's not fair." he gulped finally, reaching out for his coffee again to get the rest of the takoyaki down with a full small sip

[third-daughter]

Ice crept over her fingers to her wrist slowly, but she didn't notice it because she was too busy staring at him like he'd grown a second head. She sat in silence and her violet eyes bore into his. It was smart of him to play off the question casually- if he matched her energy now it might've been a disaster.

But it irritated her, too- how he could ask such a serious question to her while sitting there eating so casually. And his comment irked her even more so.

"What's not fair is you daring to ask me that right here and expecting an answer. What exactly do you want me to say about her? Hm?"

[blacksun4ever]

"And when is the perfect time to ask?" he retorted calmly, regaining composure as he saw that she slowly began to form ice around her fingers. He reached out with his hand and softly cupper her wrist, using his own reiatsu to gently warm her and push back the spreading ice. Ichigo had not seen her this pent up in a long time. This was quite serious for her. Could it be...she was jealous? "I'm not going to wait for the perfect moment, Rukia. It took me years to even tell you I love you..." he suddenly shifted and moved closer to her, bringing her freezing hand up to his chest as he gently placed it on himself. It was cold for a moment, until his own reiatsu covered hers like a blanket...assuring her softly without saying a word.

"Please. Tell me what's going through your mind?" he asked again, although with a softer voice now, his eyes locked unto hers as his other free hand secured her chin so that she doesn't look away. As always, he had to dig to get to her real feelings.

[third-daughter]

She was silent at first- her face cycling through feelings. She wanted to be mad- that was how she felt- and yet.

She hadn't even noticed what she was doing. It was a little embarrassing, seeing the ice formed on the table. But of course he could counteract it.. of course he would. His reiatsu easily enveloped hers, like one wave of the sea rolling over the other.

Whats with him, since when did he learn this level of patience? She was unable to fight back the blush, flustered at his actions.. he was being so gentle. How was she supposed to stay angry with him then?

"I... I don't know, Ichigo. If I'm wrong and overthinking things, then great... But if I'm right, where does that leave me as her friend?" her cheeks were still dusted red, but the anger in her face was gone, her eyes looking over his face like she was trying to remember it.

[blacksun4ever]

Aha...so she is jealous... Ichigo's thoughts confirmed, his eyes scanning hers thoroughly as he softly caressed her chin with his thumb. I haven't seen this side of her... he thought, ...to think Rukia Kuchiki could get jealous. It's kind of cute... Ichigo snorted and spoke softly as he shut his eyes for a moment, leaving her room to distance herself emotionally from his gaze. "Rukia, this is Inoue we're talking about. Let me tell you something...no matter how much she's had feelings, she's kept her distance. I imagine, it's out of respect for you." Ichigo paused, his eyes opening once more as they darted off to the side, his mind opening a fresh can of flashbacks for him.

Inoue...the girl that cried for her brother at his family clinic. She had grown, both as a person and as a fighter, staying with them every step of the way. The situation now was complicated, due to her unrequited feelings and newly found relationship with Rukia, but that didn't change the fact that she was his dear friend. A friend who risked life and limb for both of them, and would do so again in a heartbeat.

Nakama. "You should speak to her. It's only fair." He concluded, his eyes yet again focusing on hers. He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her tender lips, taking in her scent that reminded him of lilac and something sweet. Oh how he loved to smell her, he could practically spend an entire day in her neck and he wouldn't notice the passage of time. His lips curled into a soft smile as he leaned out, giving her an assuring gaze with a subtle nod. "Ne, Rukia?"

[third-daughter]

"S-Speak to her.. about what..? I can't just go up to her and demand the truth from her.. That's so intrusive, and.."

Her voice trailed off for a moment, like she was afraid of finishing the sentence. Because part of her was, as if saying it out loud would manifest it in some awful way. It didn't make any sense.

Her thoughts were stuck there even as he kissed her- even though it was distracting. She wondered if that'd been his goal in doing so. Or perhaps it was meant to remind her that he had no intention of going anywhere, because of course he wouldn't- but in this moment it only amplified what her mind couldn't move past- because it was exactly what she feared losing.

She looked away, hazy violet eyes beginning to look distraught as she murmured quietly, "If I'm correct.. then am I just supposed to give you up?"

[blacksun4ever]

There she went and did it again. Her self righteous attitude of assuming she was always the one that had to sacrifice herself for the good of the world. It was the same defeatist attitude he saw in her when she simply accepted her death sentence in the Seireitei. Ichigo's brows furrowed, an exasperated yet concerned sigh leaving his nostrils. "What are you talking about, you idiot? Who's gonna give up on whom?" he tried to keep the sternness in his voice to a minimum, however he couldn't simply hold back and say nothing. "I love you, and that's final! I literally just posted it on line for everyone to see." He then shook his head and rubbed the space between his temples. He was a knucklehead, surely. However, he knew enough about social dynamics to not make him an awkward mess. He also knew how to be considerate when it counted. When he raised his head, he looked straight at Rukia and inhaled slowly to make sure to suppress his discontent enough to convey what he wanted to say softly.

"Rukia, you talk to her because...she is surely wondering the same things as you are. Whether you two can remain friends after this...and if I just go talk to her, it might be insensitive to the matter at hand. There's something you need to understand about Inoue...she might be emotional, but she isn't the type of person to be a burden to people. You need to make sure things are right between you two..." He finished, his tension now dissipating slowly as he sighed a third time.

And just like that, he popped another takoyaki in his mouth, chewing with his eyes closed.

[third-daughter]

She listened in silence, rather like a child being scolded by their parent. But he wasn't wrong.. and she knew she had to not think the way she was. She'd just never dealt with any of it before- not having a boyfriend, not having a boyfriend other people want, nor having a female friend, nor one who could possibly want..

She winced at the thought. Please, for all that is holy, let me be wrong. But he was right. Of course he was. Of course there's no other solution but to see her and talk to her. But if she was right in her assumption.. the possible outcomes scared her still.

"Yes.. you're right." She said softly, her small hands curling around her coffee cup. The idea of losing Inoue as a friend was painful.. the idea of losing Ichigo was worse. And she didn't know what she was going to do if it came down to that.

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo, now quite peckish due to the conversation, popped yet another takoyaki piece in his mouth, chewing with somewhat of a pout. He was beginning to get cranky, because after not seeing her for 3 weeks they finally get to go out, and he now had to think about things that simply weren't on his agenda at all that day. Regardless, the situation about Inoue had to be addressed sooner or later...and it made him uncomfortable how vulnerable Rukia seemed. His eyes observed her sharply as he chewed. He was about to begin lecturing her again about how much he loved her, when they got interrupted by the kind hostess from earlier.

"S-sorry to interrupt, you two! Here are two copies of the photo we took earlier. Thank you for your cooperation, we hope you enjoy. Is there anything else I can get you two?" The waitress bowed politely before presenting them each a copy of the photo, a wide grin on her hospitable face. Ichigo's eyes widened when he saw the photo slide in, in front of him. "Woah, that's...awesome. Thank you." As if the flip of a switch, he suddenly blushed and smiled widely. Finally! A photo of them together he could put up at his study desk! The lighting was and the focus of their faces, the quality of the photograph itself. It seemed really pristine. Professional even! Ichigo was almost too impressed by it.

[blacksun4ever]

For a long moment, which seemed to last forever, everything grew quiet. Ichigo’s chest was warm, his cheeks flushed, his gaze calm. It almost seemed like he’d taken a step back from himself. This happened sometimes on occasion, but in the deciding moments of a battle, not like this…However, very soon he began to see why; rapid fluctuations in her reiatsu, her posture stiffening, ice reaching out to cover the ground she stood on as her eyes pleaded for mercy…

You feel it, don’t you…king? the hollow asked..

-Yes... Ichigo answered.

Her hand. Listen to your instinct…Shiro pointed out, his calm voice echoing. “Rukia…” Ichigo let out in the softest breath, his unblinking eyes now moving to observe her hand. It was freezing over. Just how much pain have you been hiding from me, Rukia…? he thought to himself. The memories began to flood again, but this time they weren’t forceful…things were becoming clear to him. The way she wounded her own heart to save his life in the beginning, when she was being taken away to Soul Society. The look she gave him when they reunited shortly on the bridge in front of the Senzaikyu. The sorrow in her eyes when her image disappeared slowly in front of him. The story he heard about her and him. Kaien Shiba. She felt the need to repent, to somehow atone for the sins she thinks she’s done. In the end, she was feeling just as powerless as he felt sometimes…

Instinct. repeated Shiro’s voice, echoing from the inside.

Ichigo extended his hand slowly and, for the second time now, wrapped it around her icy palm. This time, his reiatsu began to cover her like a blanket, as if by instinct, to calm her own. Zangetsu’s pressure acted like a heater, heating the air up between them, the coldness of her palm also quenched by his hand. He didn’t feel the sting of the cold at all, even for a second. Surely, this was symbolic of the fact that despite her tension…her reiatsu wouldn’t hurt him, ever.

“Please. You… You have to find someone else. Anyone else…because I love you too.…and that cannot be.”

“Rukia. There is no one else.” he answered her softly, taking another step towards her to bridge the gap.

With each small movement, he could feel the tension in her reiatsu reacting to his ever growing presence. It was almost like walking in a minefield, but he had to get through somehow…past the walls she’d built. He slowly reached out with his hand and softly, gently ran his fingers through the hair on the back of her head as he gazed deeply into her eyes.

“I love you.” he repeated it, one more time, his pressure wrapping around her entirely now like a thin sheet. Softly, gently…without force.

[rukia-kuchiki-divided]

Rukia almost flinched as she watched Ichigo’s hand move to hold her own frost coated one, expecting him to react to the icy bite that would no doubt burn his skin. But he didn’t…. instead, wrapping his hand around hers and allowing his own reiatsu to slowly increase the temperature. She blinked in surprise, not entire disliking the feeling of his hand on hers.

When he spoke her name, Rukia’s attention snapped back to Ichigo’s face. Her eyes moved rapidly between his - her attempt to decipher any and all emotions he displayed. She didn’t move as he took a step closer to her, feeling his other hand touch her hair, cradling the back of her head. It took everything in her to resist the temptation to melt into his touch. His reiatsu felt like a warm blanket, folding over the edges of her ice as she shivered slightly.

She could not take her eyes off him, completely enraptured by his gaze. Her heart beating louder as he repeated those damning words.

I love you.

“No…” She whispered, shaking her head slightly while still keeping her violet eyes locked on to Ichigo’s amber ones. “T-there has to be someone… You can’t… I’m not…” Her breathing quickened again, panicked thoughts racing to find a way to salvage the situation - But he really does love me?

“I-ichigo…” She murmured his name, her lips suddenly dry as she licked them nervously. “Listen to me, you can’t. If the Kuchiki elders found out -”

Rukia couldn’t force the words out. Damn it - but she wanted to hear these words! To feel him holding her like this and not in the aftermath of a battle due to injury! It was her own damnation, her curse.

I love you.

She shook her head slightly again, as if trying to organize her thoughts. “W-what about Orihime? Tatsuki? Or…” She racked her brain, unable to come up with any other female friends of Ichigo’s she’d encountered in the World of the Living.

Rukia licked her lips again, her mind unable to think, to strategize - How could she when every inhale only brought his intoxicating scent into her being?! When his amber eyes were peering into her very soul?! His chest was close enough that she was fairly certain she could hear his heartbeat. Or was that hers, beating quickly and loudly in her ears? This is too much. She suddenly felt a bit unsteady, using his hand to steady her.

He loves me when he shouldn’t! I love him when I shouldn’t! What do I do? What do I say?

The words slipped out before Rukia could reign them back.

“I love you too.”

[blacksun4ever]

Kuchiki Elders, His friends. Inoue... She was trying to find any way out of this. He noticed. That fear of hers... her guilt and self punishment that came out like demons from the underworld, ready to pierce her through for even the smallest sliver of love she felt as if it were some cruel crime she had committed.

She was hurt....so hurt. he thought to himself. How do I...? She stopped your rain, King. So who will melt her icy heart...?

He heard the hollows voice again as it almost echoed in the space that surrounded them.

Icy heart? Ichigo could feel the flood of emotions pour out almost automatically, determined to make it melt no matter what. His love, his adoration, his motivation, all of it fluctuated in his field through his reiatsu, which had now fully enveloped hers and mixed in, diluting her cold with his heat until it only became a feeling of lightness in the space. A bright, clean, lightness...

"I love you too."

Ichigo took a slow, resolved breath. He could hear his heart thump against his chest, and each of her small movements- even with all the panic, was like a lightning bolt of static that coursed through his body. He moved almost as if he were hypnotized, his head cocking to the side as his eyes closed and his breathing became hollow. Those words where all he was waiting to hear. Waiting for her to give him the final allowance so he could join with her on a deeper level, and allow her into his world fully. The closer her got, the more her scent simply made him go blank, his head as light as a feather now while he approached her face inch by inch. With the softest of movements he could afford, feeling as if time almost stopped around him, his lips finally joined hers.

Ichigo swore he could hear glass shatter, as physical time ceased to exist. For a moment, through his inner eye, he saw a throne. A throne made of ice, crowned with the moon. It was on the tallest of the sideways buildings he always saw in his inner world, glass pieces flying around in the air around it as if there were no gravity. Next to it, was Shiro- smiling...and kneeling.

Finally. The world stands in attention. Rejoice, King. Your queen has entered!

With those final words, he saw a red thread descend from the sky and one ascend from the throne, beautiful purple reiatsu following the threads as if a mystical mist were encircling the very fabric. Once they joined, he could see the sky open and a wonderful flash of light, that felt like pure bliss, begin to shine it's rays on the throne itself.

Taken back right into reality, Ichigo opened his eyes to now see Rukia staring directly into his eyes, his lips no longer on hers but a whole few inches away. It seems, something had happened, and he had skipped time...and it almost felt like he was now standing in a new reality. A new beginning. "Rukia...You're mine." was all he could muster, his mind still blank and his face completely relaxed. What just happened? he wondered.

[third-daughter]

CH.II - The sunrise after the rain

[rp with @blacksun4ever]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Rukia walked along on the sidewalk silently, carrying nothing but a little purse that held her soul candy and her phone. It had been a little over 3 months since she and Ichigo had started dating, and had left off telling anyone yet- she'd wanted just a few moments to simply revel in it before it became everyone's business.

And what a blissful 3 months it had been.. even though it wasn't easy to get to see him, since he was finishing high school. She'd also been busy with her work, and often their communication was limited to phone calls when neither were busy. Every spare moment they could talk was more valuable to her than anything.. she wished she could've spent her whole life listening to his voice through the phone while she fell asleep at night.

It was hard, too. It was a weird, long distanced sort of arrangement. She longed to see him, missing his company and his unchanging, stalwart personality.. she missed the feeling of her fingers in his.

She'd finally managed to go off to the living world to see him, only stopping to get her gigai from Urahara before she continued to his house. As she rounded the corner to where his home was, she couldn't help but grow mischievous when she saw him outside doing something.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed over, taking all of her willpower to not give herself away. As she got closer to him, her hand raised, ready to strike..

"Ichigo!" she crowed loudly as her tiny hand wacked him on the butt, an impish grin on her face.

[blacksun4ever]

The last 3 months,for Ichigo, were a learning experience like no other.

Rukia Kuchiki, Fukutaicho of the 13th Division, a Noble of the Kuchiki Dynasty, his best friend, was his girlfriend. It was a dream.

He was not only finding out stuff about himself- things he really hadn't known about before, but he was discovering her as well. He learned the comfort of knowing someone intimately, he also learned about the separation anxiety that ensues. He never acted clingy with her, but secretly he always wanted just a bit more, just a bit longer. Since seeing her was somewhat of a rare occasion in the week, he always felt like he had to make the most of it. Despite that, it was the loveliest months of his life. He got to experience so many new things with her, he even got to experience her on occasion...

Urahara, their trusted friend who knew long before them about their own feelings- in his infinite wisdom and all, had gifted them each a special type of phone that could send/receive calls and text between worlds. It was heaven-sent. Ichigo would often spend his days either texting or calling her whenever he had the chance, always feeling low whenever he'd even go a few hours without talking to her somehow.

Ichigo's family, of course, were the first to know- despite them agreeing to lay low for a while. Karin simply could not be fooled, and Isshin had already accepted the fact long before, since the day he called her "third daughter". Yuzu was perhaps the only one half clueless, though she knew more than she let on. They would greet her like family every time she visited.

This time, it was a slow day like any other. So slow, Ichigo couldn't stop checking his phone every 20 minutes just to see if she wrote.

-Nothing. "Gaahh! Where is this woman?!" he almost threw a tantrum, spinning in his rotating chair while falling back in the chair, exhaling upwards. "That's it! I'm going for a walk..." he suddenly slammed the phone rebelliously on the desk, deciding some air to clear his head could be for the best. On the way out, Isshin had asked him to take out the trash- to which Ichigo reluctantly agreed, although with a big pout. Just as he was about to throw the trash out properly, he felt the nonchalant smack of his buttcheeks, causing it to drop on the ground next to the can. He turned in a raging fume, ready to kill, until he saw her- her voice now reaching him. "Rukia?!" His irritation transformed into euphoria as he lunged at her, hugging her and sweeping her off her feet. "Well, isn't this a surprise..." he remarked right before planting a juicy peck on her lips with a coy smirk.

[third-daughter]

Rukia squeaked when he picked her up suddenly, laughing as he kissed her. They hadn't seen each other in person for almost 3 weeks; it always surprised her how agonizingly quick the pace of the world felt without him. Her small hands grabbed his shoulders to balance herself as she grinned at him.

"How was that? Did I catch you by surprise?" she questioned proudly, letting her fingers thread in his hair playfully.

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo snorted, his cheeks getting slightly reddish at having to admit that she did, actually, catch him by surprise. "Learned how to hide your reiatsu enough, huh? My, my, Lieutenant Kuchiki~" he tried to tease back. He was feeling completely excited, the loneliness of the weeks without her having left him entirely now. Slowly, he set her her down and placed his hands in his pockets after exhaling a sigh of relief. He wasn't expecting her visit at all, and now that she was here, he could finally look forward to spending a good day outside doing activities. Usually, when she wasn't around, he'd either be studying or on the rare occasion he felt like socializing, he'd be out with Keigo, Mizuiro, Chad or Inoue...if he wasn't sulking in his room cause he missed her, that is. "You look good." Ichigo finally noted, her new style of clothing now more pronounced since they began dating.

[third-daughter]

"Fool, I've always been good at controlling my reiatsu. It's you with the wild unmanageable one, so overwhelming it enters the room before you do," she teased, fighting back a blush at his sudden compliment to her. She didn't have that many clothes from the living world and had picked a simple white dress and a lavender cropped cardigan.

"You think so?" she teased, her hand reaching up to tug on the collar of his shirt playfully, "Be honest. Did you miss me~?"

[blacksun4ever]

"Tch, of course not. I'm busy too, ya' know!" He lied.

At this point, he wasn't shy with her anymore, he just teased for banter and fun. After all, that status quo had to be upheld somehow between them, at least somewhat for the public eye. They've had several close call situations before in Soul Society, where they'd turn a corner and Ichigo would nab her for a few seconds to feel her tender touch again- when some shinigami would pass and he'd have to play theater in all sorts of ways. To be fair, it was his fault most of the time...

He smirked softly at first, when she pulled on his collar as he held her cheek in return, caressing her soft, cold skin with his thumb. His smirk slowly turned into a grin, the simplest touch of her skin revitalizing him like a battery.

"So, where do you want to go today? More of that takoyaki you like?" He guessed. Usually, when she would visit, he'd take her out to try all sorts of foods and drinks- she always seemed interested in finding out more about the world of the living.

[third-daughter]

"Ohh.." she cooed, her happy expression remained though it took on an icy edge, "How disappointing. Maybe 3 weeks is too soon for you to see me again?"

His hand on her face was a reminder of the comfort he always brought to her, even when he was being a brat about it. "Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully, her hands coming up over his, "Okay, let's go."

[blacksun4ever]

"N-no, t-that's not..." he suddenly protested, almost innocently, to her suggesting he could wait even longer to see her. However, he quickly noted his own behavior, and the fact that she was clearly making fun of him, pouting to the side to show her his discontent. It was no joke, after all. He really did miss her! He lowered his hand from her cheeks and switched to holding her hand instead, turning to the direction of the little corner sweets shop he had in mind to take her to. "Fine, but this time you get an extra one! Last time you ate mine as well..." Ichigo barked, beginning their walk.

[third-daughter]

"Not what?" she smiled as he took her hand, content to follow wherever they were headed. "We've always been honest with each other, haven't we? Don't break my heart already, Ichigo,"

Her eyes had fallen to admire the wildflowers that grew along the road absentmindedly, until she pulled his hand at his comment. "Wha- I only ate yours because you offered it to me!!"

[blacksun4ever]

"F-Fine....I missed you, a lot...midget." Ichigo finally gave in, his face as red as a tomato. He was still having a difficult time expressing his feelings openly and honestly, despite the fact that Rukia was the closest person to his heart by a longshot. He was still getting used to it, no matter how much he tried to hide it though, she could always see through him. It was just the way she was...his world revolved around her now.

They continued to bicker playfully about the 'stolen' food- all of it translating to who loved whom more, as they slowly left the calm streets of Ichigo's neighborhood and began to enter the hustle and bustle of Karakura's center. It was a lively day and the weather seemed a perfect combination of a decent temperature and a light breeze blowing. Exactly the type of weather Ichigo enoyed the most.

Upon crossing a big intersection, Ichigo turned his attention to a board he saw that stated: "COUPLES SPECIAL HOUR! PAY 1, GET 2!". It was a rather cheesy hand-drawn board, in front of an okay looking establishment. He stopped in place and gently yanked Rukia's hand, pointing to the sign.

"Hey, this sounds interesting! How are they not losing money this way...?" He wondered for a moment, then shot Rukia an inviting glance.

[third-daughter]

"Look how red you are, is it that difficult to admit?" she questioned with a shameless laugh. It always humored her how someone so unashamed to speak his mind would suddenly grow shy over admitting these small things, even after these few months. "Don't lose your cool just yet, Ichigo- or you won't be able to keep up with me today."

Her free hand raised to block the sun from her vision, wide violet eyes looking everywhere. Indeed, Karakura had always been a rather small, sleepy town with not much going on aside from the hollows that seemed to be attracted to the place. But seeing it on a weekend, it was actually quite alive. There were a lot of families and children out, parents and siblings, young people.. and, now as she noted, a lot of couples too.

"It's so bustling here," she commented offhandedly, glancing at the sign Ichigo pointed out to her. She curiously skipped over and knelt in front of it, a finger pressed to her chin as if analyzing the meaning of the ad.

"How interesting.. how do they verify who's a couple from who isn't? Will they ask us for proof? See, I told you if you wrote your confession in a letter it would come in handy!" she glanced over her shoulder to him, pointing at the sign with a told-you-so smile.

[blacksun4ever]

"Shut up, as if!" Ichigo retorted immediately, his cheeks yet again turning a bright shade of red at the prospect of his feelings being written out on paper. He would shout from the rooftops that he loved her, if he had to, but then he'd die from embarrassment right after. Still...he'd do it, if she asked him to.

Knowing societal norms, he sighed and began to explain. "It's nothing like that. The most they'd do, if anything at all, is ask us if we're a couple." he finished, completely convinced in his own explanation. "That being said- let's go." and just like that, without warning, he was now dragging her inside. Ichigo was like that, sometimes. He didn't like thinking too much, usually making an impulsive decision when there's a fork in the road. All he wanted, actually, was to spend some alone time with her- it didn't really matter where.

[third-daughter]

"You just can't admit when I'm right, can you?" She glared up at him for a moment, feeling tempted to kick him for raising his voice at her, but didn't only because her shoes today had a heel and it might actually hurt him if she did.

"Well won't people just lie then, for the discount? How do they know?" the question was more rhetorical and to herself, but she had no time to think on it because he was quickly seizing her hand and dragging her inside.

The inside was quite lively too, from the sound of people talking to the music, and most of the patrons seemed to also be couples- so the sign didn't only interest us, Rukia observed in her thoughts. The long wall had a giant, fantastical mural of cherry trees painted on that covered the entire thing, which she admired silently as she followed Ichigo to find a table.

"Ichigo, what's wrong with that horse. Who impaled its head?" She questioned as they sat down, gesturing to the part of the mural that had a unicorn on it. "Why does it have wings? Did it die and turn into an angel? Humans are so odd.."

[blacksun4ever]

"You know most people don't just think about how to game the system, right...?" Ichigo sighed. Explaining modern day japanese society to her was always a monumental task, especially since Soul Society seemed to be somehow stuck in a simplistic way of life of the ancient world- probably acceptable to spirits who just want some peace, but not modern day life.

He was about to go through the hallway with her when she stopped him in his tracks, making him look at the mural that caught her interest. His face sunk as he realized she'd never heard of a unicorn before, a childish yet mythical being most pre-schoolers were familiar with.

"It's a unicorn, and it's basically a magical horse with a horn on it's head. You know, now I wonder if it isn't some weird lookin' hollow someone saw at some point..." he finished, throwing himself in a loop as the theory he had might just be close to reality. Before he could ruminate more on it though, they got approached by the hostess.

"Welcome to Omotesando! Are you a couple? We have a special today for couples!" the hostess welcomed them with a small bow and a wide grin.

Aha! There it is - Ichigo thought to himself. "Yes, in fact we are!" He answered as he shot Rukia a knowing glance, proud of his theory manifesting itself as true.

"Very good! We'll have to take a picture of you as part of our campaign, which you can claim a copy of at the end of your stay with us! Okay? Onegai shimasu!" the hostess briefly explained, with a hint of mischief in her voice, before instantly taking out a portable camera from her back pocket, ready to shoot.

Ichigo's face suddenly froze in comical shock...

[third-daughter]

"A unicorn..?" she muttered, as if she doubted Ichigo's explanation. Her eyes roamed over the mural again, staring deeply for another minute before she sighed, her arms crossing over her chest as she declared, "I like it."

She grew silent when the hostess approached, holding back a laugh when she requested as photo. That was something new- they'd gone out before but this was something she hadn't heard of being done before. Still, it sounded fun- and she didn't have many photos with him, anyway.. she wouldn't mind having one.

"I'd love a photo!" she chirped in her half-fake saccharine voice, seizing Ichigo's wrist to drag him forward to where the hostess wanted them to stand. She put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder gently, moving him to lean forward so she could whisper to him in as low a voice as she could.

"You'd better smile and look cute, or I'm going to make you scream later." she hissed quietly, before turning back and smiling pleasantly.

"Okay, please take the photo~"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's face contorted into an uncomfortable grimace when he felt Rukia's grip on him like a hawk's talon. He was never surprised at how physical she was with him, and he wouldn't have it any other way...were it not for situations such as this. He absolutely HATED getting his picture taken. So much so, that he usually skipped taking the yearly photo for the high school yearbook.

"W-wait, do we hav-!" Ichigo began to protest before she yanked him forward to whisper death threats in his ear. What a monster of a girlfriend he had, always capable of putting on a grammy award winning act in public, getting anybody to twist to her desires. Ichigo thought for a moment how to get out of it, but it occured to him that he really had almost no pictures of her, save the ones that he kept like holy secrets on his phone, safeguarding them through a password locked folder- just in case. The prospect of being able to have a physical photo of them together on a date seemed exciting to him... he'd have something to hang up in his room!

"Tch, fine." he finally relented with a soft sigh, throwing his arm over her shoulder as he leaned down to be closer to her face, figuring that it might as well not look like that famous painting with the farmer and his wife.

"Okaaaay~ Say 'Omotesando' !" The hostess teased before clicking her camera, a bright flash appearing that almost blinded them both. The hostess looked pretty satisfied with herself as she gave them a bow in thanks, pointing out the way soon after with her hands to guide them to their seating; a soft lit window booth.

Ichigo sighed in relief and shot Rukia a glance that silently said, 'You happy now?' .

[third-daughter]

Rukia had to let out a little sigh of relief, too- it was always a bit of a gamble as to whether Ichigo would listen to her or not. Sure, he was much more level headed and mature now that he was older.. but she still remembered the punky fifteen year old who would've died rather than have someone think he had to listen to her every order.

That thought made her bite her lip to not laugh- he'd truly been a lil nerd hiding behind a mask of cool indifference back then. She reached up with a free hand and grabbed his face gently, kissing his cheek as she all but purred, "Thank you, baby," before skipping off to their booth, sliding into her seat easily.

"I'm keeping the photo when they give it to us, right?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo froze yet again as she planted the kiss on his cheek, thinking she'd get away with being mischievous scot-free, skipping all dandily to her seat. He followed in a flash afterward, sitting across from her but leaning into the table to smack his forehead into hers with a competitive glare in his eyes.

"You wish, poppet! If I gotta get a random picture taken of me, you can bet your cute little Kuchiki butt it's mine!" He protested, almost to the point of a growl.

The hostess, who followed them to their seating, was reluctant to speak but managed to point out. "E-excuse me, but you can claim any amount of copies. We'll prepare them for you, free of charge...So I take it that's 2 copies?" She asked politely, yet with some amount of fear in her voice.

"2 please!" Ichigo immediately answered, his hand slamming on the table dramatically. He realized soon after that he was causing a slight scene, so he leaned back into his seat with a slight pout as he rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"...and 2 lattes and a serving of takoyaki, please" he mumbled the order that he knew Rukia liked, throwing up his hand with 2 fingers raised as he looked to the side in embarrassment.

[third-daughter]

"Wha- how rude! Don't you know anything about the rule... ladies first?" She complained in half displeasure, only growing quiet because she saw the waitress approaching from behind, her cheeks reddening at the nickname- it didn't phase her to call Ichigo by a pet name, but being called by one herself would take some getting used to..

She snickered lightly at his embarrassment as he ordered and the waitress left, and leaned on the table with her chin propped in her hand. "What's wrong? Why are you all embarrassed suddenly?" She reached across the table to take his hand in hers, as if to stop him from getting more awkward.

"By the way, what does poppet mean? It better be something nice,"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo sighed, shrugging before copying her posture as he leaned into the table himself. Her hand was cold to the touch, as per usual. Ichigo loved that about her. He accepted her hand and gently squeezed it in return, his gaze focused entirely on her eyes. The pleasant atmosphere, light music, gentle background chatter, and the soft sunlight made for such a relaxing feeling. After not having seen her for 3 entire weeks, this was practically a dream. He really did love experiencing the world, his world, through her. It was like experiencing things for the first time again. Well...most things. He couldn't help but smile at her warmly.

"I'm not...I-...hmmm...I guess I just missed you too much, that's all. You know I'm not good with these types of things. Especially since you're still keeping us a secret from most of the Shinigami... it's not like I'm rearing to go shout it from the rooftops, but I still feel a bit paranoid." He admitted, yet again sighing to release his tension. Of course his family already knew about them, and so did Urahara, but the whole laying low strategy still bothered him.

Ichigo propped up his head when she asked about the pet he had chosen for her. "Huh? You mean 'poppet'? It means 'small cute person', basically." He explained, short and sweet. He wondered for a moment where it came from as well, but didn't think too deeply into it.

[third-daughter]

"Paranoid.. about what?" her eyes scanned over his face, his body language, wanting to understand his words. She meant to speak again when the waitress returned with their drinks and set them down on the table, growing silent instead.

She leaned back in her seat slightly, staring up at the ceiling of the cafe in silence. It was painted too, a pale blue with fluffy white clouds all over it.. a false sky. Any normal person would've simply found it pretty. To her, it felt like a creepy omen. So pretty... and so fake.

Her eyes closed in thought. What were they doing anyways? What was she doing? Was this.. relationship.. with him real? ..Would it become real if everyone knew about it? Was she confused, or was it that things worked differently in the living world? The last thing she wanted was for Ichigo to be unhappy, whether with her or with their situation. Some things simply couldn't be helped.. like the differences in their lives. But some things, she did have control over. She heard the waitress excuse herself and walk off.. her mind made up.

"Alright," her eyes opened then and she looked back at him once again, her expression almost too calm. "I understand your feelings."

She picked her bag up from her side and opened it, reaching inside and grabbing something from within. When she pulled her hand back and held it up, her hand opened to reveal a hell butterfly, black wings fluttering delicately.

[blacksun4ever]

"O-Oi...what are you-...?!" Ichigo got taken aback suddenly when he saw her randomly pull out a hell butterfly out of her... PURSE!? What was she thinking, in the middle of a cafe at that.

He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, leaning in over the table to whisper somewhat nervously. "H-hey, baka! What are you thinking? C-calm down!" He tried to sound reasonable, thinking that he somehow pissed her off with what he said.

Luckily, no one else had eyes on them just yet...

[third-daughter]

"What? I'm perfectly calm. No one can see it except for us anyway, remember?" she held the butterfly up to her, speaking in a low but calm voice as she relayed her message to it.

"Nii-sama, this is Rukia. I'm on a date with Ichigo in the living world and I've decided to remain here for today. I'll return tomorrow. So please don't worry. And please inform Renji and vice captain Hinamori, I was supposed to see them tonight."

She let it go then, and it fluttered down and landed on the center of the table, on top of Ichigo's hand as he still held hers. Rukia pulled her soul candy from her bag, placing it on the table as well, she took one and separated from her body, immediately removing her sword and using it to open a gate right there in the middle of the cafe- it wasn't as if anyone could see it happen- and sent the butterfly through it before letting it close.

"Okay, I'm done." she returned to her gigai, straightening and tucking her hair behind her ear as she picked up her coffee cup. "Now you didn't answer my question. What are you feeling paranoid about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He sat there, his mouth agape, as she nonchalantly professed her love for him- to BYAKUYA no less, of all people, through the hell butterfly. Ichigo couldn't believe his eyes when she left her gigai and opened a senkaimon to send it through, returning to her spiel as if nothing ever happened.

"Bakayaro! What's the big idea, just blurting it out like that??? Have you totally lost it?!" Ichigo smacked his hand down on the table as he leaned forward with an exhasperated and panicked face. He immediately slammed back into his seat and covered his now completely red face, ignoring the question as he continued with his rant, "Oh my god...he's gonna slaughter me, isn't he?! I can see it now...all the pretty sakura petals coming to slice me up like christmas dinner! Ahhhhh....".

His attention suddenly shifted again back to her as he scowled, his brows fully furrowed. "You....explain yourself!" He demanded half seriously, in a comical fit.

[third-daughter]

"You're so dramatic, Ichigo. Calm down." Rukia sipped her latte calmly, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands as she listened to his panicking. "And just what do you think my brother is... I know he may seem quiet and hard to read, but he has respect for you.. and he understands me. He's not going to come over here and attack you, so stop being silly."

She set the cup back on the table, tracing the rim with her fingertip idly. "I get that you have disliked keeping things secret these past months.. so that's why I sent the butterfly. Nii-sama will certainly relay my message, so by tomorrow rolls around everyone there will probably know, and this matter can be resolved. I want you to be happy."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo thought about it for a second, leaning back into his seat. Her eyes were determined, she really wasn't joking about any of this. Then again, she wouldn't be so cruel to him and joke in that manner. It seems that, from this moment, their relationship was official. Surely they'd have a lot of explaining to do, but this way she'd at least ripped the band aid off. He sighed, taking his phone out with a light blush on his cheeks, stubborn as ever, as he readied himself. "Two can play at that game, Rukia." he mouthed off as he began to type furiously with a serious conviction in his eyes; a moment later, he was done. His gaze returned to hers and, with a final inhale he clicked "submit" on the phone, turning it towards her to show her what it said. It was his LINE account, and a new status update that read: "I'm dating Rukia Kuchiki. She's mine. Deal with it!" There was no going back, he'd already clicked the button that updated the status, so that each of his contacts could see. His friends, his family, everyone he knew...would now know, officially. Ichigo snorted and smirked, content that he'd payed her back with just an outrageous move. In the end, they were just two peas in a pod, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing to her.

[third-daughter]

She watched him silently as he seemed to type something on his phone- she didn't know what. His words however, did pique her interest, though she didn't get what he was referring to. In her head, the action she'd taken was totally serious.

"What's that?" she blinked in confusion. Clearly he'd done something on his phone that made him look very pleased with himself and he turned the phone to her. She could only just read the words on the screen, and she couldn't help but to blush at it- she didn't really understand social media, but clearly that message he typed would be read by everyone here in the living world. She tried very hard to not look as pleased as she felt, her eyes closing to feign calm as she picked up her cup, taking a sip.

"..Well. Do you feel better now? Less paranoid?"

[blacksun4ever]

His smirk became even wider now, his gaze becoming softer as he put his phone back down on the table gently. Indeed, he was satisfied. Actually, this wasn't the correct way to do this- but he couldn't lie that he felt a load off his shoulders the moment they officialized their relationship. She was too important to him to carry on being a secret, so even letting it out in a silly way like this seemed enough.

"Aah. Much." He nodded once contently, still wondering about Byakuya...ultimately he decided to wait and see. Maybe he wouldn't be so protective? Ichigo was the one that saved her, even when Byakuya was naive enough to let her die because of pride.

Ichigo reached out to hold her cheek, smiling softly still. He adored touching her, whether it was holding her hand or...their nightly activities. "You look gorgeous today, you know..." he let the words roll of his lips, sending them her way like an invisible kiss.

However, before the mood caught unto them too much, his phone began beeping and vibrating like crazy which sent him into a loop again. He was confused for a moment until he picked it up to see, his eyes widening in disbelief...

He suddenly had 15 new notifications to his status!

All of them were from his friends...

[third-daughter]

"What were you paranoid about anyway? Nii-sama knowing?" she questioned idly as she tore apart a piece of the takoyaki with her fingers, only stopping and looking up when she felt his hand on her face.

That action made her blush again, much to her annoyance- what was it with his ability to make her face go red all the time? As did his compliment. Part of her wanted to scold him for being too sweet on her, part of her wanted to look away and call him a fool.. instead she turned her face slightly, pressing a kiss into the palm of his hand.

"So do you," she murmured, and there was that familiar stormy purple in her eyes as she stared at him for slightly too long of a moment, before she let go of his hand.

It wasn't too soon either, when his phone started making a bunch of noise, causing her to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

[blacksun4ever]

"It's nothing like that. It just felt weird hiding it...as if we were doing something wrong. Meanwhile, you're the only right thing that's ever happened to me. You know what I mean?" He blurted out in response to her question finally, now busy scrolling through his phone to see what the entire commotion was about.

As soon as he saw, he moved to her side to sit next to her and show her as well, propping his phone up to her face. He stared almost too deeply as he began to scroll and uncover his friends' reactions one by one:

IshidaProKnitter: "Idiot! It's cringe to just post like that. Anyways, say hi to Kuchiki-san." KeigoTheGreat: "I knew it!! When is she coming back to school?!" MizuiroSama92: "Well done, Ichigo. Say hi? Hello from the bahamas!" SadoTheChado: "Mmm. Ok." IsshinGOAT: "That's my son! Welcome to the family, third daughter!!!" Kontastic: "Nee-san.... you'll pay for this, Ichigo!!" TatsukiSawa: "Did you somehow think we didn't know? Psh...don't get cocky!" UraharaShoutenTM: "Ara, ara...congratulations, Kurosaki-san!" KanonjiOfficial: "My #1 protégé! Love is always with you, boy!!"

...

Ichigo continued to read, his eyes wide and a smile creeping on his face as he subconsciously stuck his cheek to hers.

[third-daughter]

She fell silent as she watched him, moving the fabric of her skirt closer to her when he got up to sit next to her instead. At first she thought he just wanted to sit nearer to her, blinking when he held his phone up for her to see what all the commotion was about. Violet eyes widened as she read.. and read.. Ichigo's thumb scrolled the screen down. She felt his cheek against hers and it distracted her for a moment- it was still a little surprising when he acted so affectionately in a public or semi public place.

"Oh... oh my.." she murmured, eyes wide in surprise. So this is what social media looked like.. it was a bit overwhelming. There were so many comments from so many people.. did he have to respond to all of them? It would be a bit of a headache.

"Well," she turned to look at him then, wanting to know his thoughts by his expression, "At least they're being positive. Because if they weren't.."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo grew sentimental for a moment, his gaze turning to hers as they both finished reading at the same time. He snorted and smiled in relief as his eyes sunk to the ground, the memories of his friends' support throughout the years flashing through his mind briefly. There were times were he really didn't think he could go on, where his nakama gave him the power he needed to fight. This was, after all, one of the major reasons why he loved her. She was always there when he needed her. Despite the normal appearances, they've fought together, bled together.

"Aah...they're wonderful. All of them..." Ichigo spoke softly. He then turned to face her, his love, his moon, his light...and smiled a genuine, bright and loving smile. "Being here, with you...like this. It almost seems like a dream." he let out, snorting again in an endearing way. It was funny to him, really it was. The simple fact that he could sit there, next to the woman of his dreams, with all the love and support of everyone he knew...it was quite special feeling.

Ichigo reached out with his hand to her cheek, bridging the small gap between them together as he planted his lips unto hers in a passionate kiss. Throughout their months together, Ichigo had slowly grown accustomed to physical contact. He had no problems showing his emotions physically, actually it's what he excelled at.

"We should be grateful." he spoke soft and teasingly, as soon as his lips left hers.

[third-daughter]

Rukia listened in silence to his words, choosing to say nothing in the moment. It wasn't very often he got the nerve to say exactly what he wanted to say.. he tended to show he cared about someone by his actions instead.

She'd been wanting to ask him how he felt in hindsight of Tsukishima's abilities being used on everyone. It had been a few months since then, and it seemed like things had pretty quickly gone back to normal since then. Chad and Inoue, his sisters, everyone.. they all seemed to not remember what happened, nor Tsukishima, at all. In the end it was only Ichigo who had to suffer with the memory of what happened. And though she'd kept perfectly calm in the moment, she could still picture his face that day in the rain, broken and lost and crying. Sometimes when she slept, her mind would force her back there to see it again and again.. she was determined to not let him sink so deep ever again.

She just smiled at him when he touched her face, her eyes roaming over his face as if she were observing him keenly. Then he kissed her and she didn't have the heart to stop him, even though they were in public and she still wasn't completely used to it yet.

Her hand slid in his hair, her fingers curling in his golden threads, "You're so sentimental," she teased, tugging on it gently.

[blacksun4ever]

She was always great at bringing him back to reality, especially when he was embarrassing himself. It dawned on him that his behavior might not be suitable for public display, and his cheeks naturally turned the appropriate color. "S-shut up, baka..." he rubbed the back of his head in protest of what felt like teasing to him. Although, he had to admit...he was sentimental at that moment. In general too, maybe. It was difficult not to be, he really was living the dream.

She was kind yet stern, she motivated him, and often made him laugh or smile. Her skin is soft, she has good style, and she's a freakin' lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Above all else, she was his partner in crime, his light. He never missed the opportunity to ask himself once in a while, if she truly knows how much he loves her.

"Of course I am. I-it's just...I didn't think it would be so easy. Everyone is so supportive." he admitted, turning to softly kiss her wrist. He was, after all, missing her touch for a few weeks. Public display or not, the corner they were at seemed intimate enough for at least this kind of affection, he thought.

[third-daughter]

It was funny- watching him get flustered as if he hadn't been the one to move to her side of the table, sit in the booth next to her and desire to kiss her. That was just like him, half the time brimming with overconfidence, waxing the most poetic and seductive words, then the other half a blushing little mess. Her mess.

She slid down in the booth a little, sighing as she propped her feet on the booth opposite to her, where he'd been sitting before. She wasn't used to wearing heels, especially such high ones, but she also wasn't uncouth enough to remove them in the middle of the cafe. Her thoughts wandered to what he'd said, silently thinking.

Everyone is so supportive, he said. It was true.. and she hadn't expected it to be any other way- he had friends and family always supporting him, all in their own ways. She'd noticed someone who hadn't responded, though- and she wondered if he'd noticed it too. She hoped, prayed, it wasn't for the reasons she thought.

"...Yeah," she said softly, her eyes narrowing a bit without her thinking. "You're right."

Inoue... maybe she just hadn't seen her phone. Hopefully. Rukia's eyes, the brighter violet seeming like a deep blue in the low lights of the place, couldn't help but stare at Ichigo for a moment. She wondered if he guessed what she guessed- that Inoue might've had feelings for him at one point- or perhaps she still did. She couldn't say for sure. But the idea of someone else wanting him the same way Rukia wanted him... no matter who it was.. made her feel an unwarranted sort of anger she didn't dare to show on her face.

Or was it fear? ..She wasn't even sure.

She was pulled from that uneasy thought when she felt him kiss her on the wrist, and gave a small smile instead. "Are you going to eat this takoyaki with me, or am I eating alone today?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo noticed something was off. He always kind of had a nose for things like this, when people were concerned or had something troubling them, he could always tell- especially if it was her.

Watching her place her feet up was a dead giveaway. Rukia usually got into strange positions or would make cat like movements whenever she was deep in thought, Ichigo remembered. Except for the fact that it was incredibly distracting for him the entire day, watching her prance around with him in a skirt and high heels, he noticed it's one of the first times he'd seen her wear some. She still had a load of surprises for him, and every day he was learning something new about her. 'Man, I'm gonna make sure there's hell to pay for this. Later, though...' Ichigo thought to himself, trying to snap back into reality as he slated the thoughts that were about to invade his mind for later. At the moment, he wanted to know more about her concerned look.

"...Yeah," "You're right."

Inoue. Ichigo immediately understood, observing the way she spoke and how her eyes looked to the bottom left, as if she was thinking back on something. But besides that, he had noticed himself.

There was no message from Inoue.

He knew, from some time ago, how Inoue felt about him. Even Tatsuki had hinted at him before. He tried to explore his feelings for the topic, he really had. During the year and a half, when he was just a normal person, he tried to bond with her more. It was pointless though...he couldn't stop dreaming about her, about Rukia. He never really addressed it outwardly in any way, to Inoue at least. Ishida more or less knew about his condition, he's usually perceptive like that... Should he have addressed it? Should he have said something to her? He was sure that, intuitively, Inoue knew as well. Was that enough though?

Ichigo's eyes sank as he began to wonder if he was being a good friend, his hand softly cupping Rukia's in an attempt to maker her linger on his cheek a little longer. "Yeah...We should be grateful."

[third-daughter]

She noticed it of course- how could she not? It was pointless for him to hide his feelings around her- she could read his face too well. Maybe other people couldn't see behind the mask.. but she certainly could.

Had he read her mind? Did he notice? Or was he suddenly worrying over something else? She stared at him in thought, as he touched her face in that way he often did when he wanted her to look at him.

"Right.." she said softly, stretching her legs as she did. She could hear her bones snap in complaint- her gigai did not approve of her choice of footwear it seemed. "..You said that already."

She looked away then, her polished fingers picking up a napkin from the table silently and balling it in her hand. She couldn't help her thoughts either- from the beginning she knew she didn't deserve him. That he could, and should, do better. She wondered if that thought hadn't occurred to him... until now.

She wouldn't blame him. She'd always felt that. He still had his whole life ahead of him.. she knew it wasn't realistic to think he'd want her forever. And all she wanted was for him to be happy.. with or without her.

"..Should we go?"

[blacksun4ever]

The moment he snapped back, realizing he repeated himself, he could feel something else. It's as if there was tension, or no...fear, coming from her. He could feel it in the subtle ways her reiatsu moved, suddenly becoming spikey as if an invisible threat were around. He looked around the table, noticing his untouched takoyaki, her half filled latte...why would she want to leave? They just got here.

"H-hey, wait a minute. What's wrong, Rukia?" he flinched backwards slightly, leaning out of her touch and his own hand let go from holding her cheek. She was clenching a napkin, as if she were trying to strangle it.

Why is she upset..? What is happening? Is she sad that Inoue didn't write?

His mind raced with thoughts, trying to make sense of the situation. It wasn't like her to suddenly switch moods like this, but why did she feel fear? Ichigo's eyes raised back to inquisitively look into her violet orbs, expecting some kind of answer.

[third-daughter]

"Nothing," she said softly, her gaze shifting back to him, eyes dark. "I'm just asking."

Maybe she was wrong about it all. Maybe he knew nothing... maybe he felt nothing. Still, a part of her couldn't believe that.. because he was smarter than that.

She saw him flinch then, and that was odd- she didn't think she'd seen him do that before.. at least not with her. Her free hand flexed a bit, her eyes moving from him to it, fingers closing into a fist.

"..Sorry. Did it feel cold suddenly?"

[blacksun4ever]

"O-oi...Rukia." he mouthed, his look now one of worry. It really wasn't like her, to suddenly react to something like this. Her reiatsu wasn't usually this defensive. It had to be something deeper than she let on, something bothering her. Inoue.

Oh. That's right. She got like this when she thought of Inoue, his inner monologue dictated. Did she think that he somehow had feelings for her? Surely not, Ichigo thought. It was more likely that she was afraid that she'd lose her friendship with her. It made sense, right? ....right?

Ichigo leaned in slightly, relaxing himself fully. For a while now, he was conscious whenever he spoke to Rukia. He wasn't just speaking as a friend anymore...but as a lover. He took that responsibility on himself, for her. One of his core principles, was to never be dishonest about anything...especially the important stuff. With that in mind, and a long inhale, he began talking in a gentle tone.

"Are you...upset because of Inoue?" he asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

[third-daughter]

That was unexpected to hear- then again, maybe she should have. Ichigo had never been the predictable type of man. She'd made the assumption he hadn't noticed what she had, but of course he had. And of course he would ask about it, right here in the middle of a date, in public, without mincing his words.

But her expression was clear on her face and her head turned to look at him suddenly with an unflinching, disapproving frown. Her voice was calm and kind of low, but that calmness didn't quite match the look in her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He could always tell when he struck a nerve with her, especially the way it made her reiatsu shimmer slightly wheenver she found something annoying.

"Aha, so it is Inoue...Speak your mind, woman. Now." he demanded, half light-heartedly, giving her an expecting look as he leaned in to get a closer look into her eyes.

There was a pact between them, in the beginning of the first month, to not stay angry at each other no matter what and always demand the other party speak up about the issues. So that's the way it was always, even to his own dismay sometimes.

"Talk." he repeated.

[third-daughter]

Her expression didn't change, and in fact visually she appeared mostly calm except for the clear look in her eyes that said 'are you crazy?'

..and the fact that her left hand resting on the table currently had ice beginning to form underneath it, encroaching over her fingertips and on the flimsy layers of cheap plywood making up the table.

No, it was how low her voice was, refusing to elevate even slightly, that held warning in it. "Talk about what, exactly?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's expression quickly turned into a grimace as he pinched a juicy sweet takoyaki and threw it in his mouth, trying to release the tension by being a bit like his usual self. He munched the takoyaki and spoke at the same time, crossing his arms after rubbing his fingers to clear the stickiness of the thing. "Oh come on, Rukia. You know that's not fair." he gulped finally, reaching out for his coffee again to get the rest of the takoyaki down with a full small sip

[third-daughter]

Ice crept over her fingers to her wrist slowly, but she didn't notice it because she was too busy staring at him like he'd grown a second head. She sat in silence and her violet eyes bore into his. It was smart of him to play off the question casually- if he matched her energy now it might've been a disaster.

But it irritated her, too- how he could ask such a serious question to her while sitting there eating so casually. And his comment irked her even more so.

"What's not fair is you daring to ask me that right here and expecting an answer. What exactly do you want me to say about her? Hm?"

[blacksun4ever]

"And when is the perfect time to ask?" he retorted calmly, regaining composure as he saw that she slowly began to form ice around her fingers. He reached out with his hand and softly cupper her wrist, using his own reiatsu to gently warm her and push back the spreading ice. Ichigo had not seen her this pent up in a long time. This was quite serious for her. Could it be...she was jealous? "I'm not going to wait for the perfect moment, Rukia. It took me years to even tell you I love you..." he suddenly shifted and moved closer to her, bringing her freezing hand up to his chest as he gently placed it on himself. It was cold for a moment, until his own reiatsu covered hers like a blanket...assuring her softly without saying a word.

"Please. Tell me what's going through your mind?" he asked again, although with a softer voice now, his eyes locked unto hers as his other free hand secured her chin so that she doesn't look away. As always, he had to dig to get to her real feelings.

[third-daughter]

She was silent at first- her face cycling through feelings. She wanted to be mad- that was how she felt- and yet.

She hadn't even noticed what she was doing. It was a little embarrassing, seeing the ice formed on the table. But of course he could counteract it.. of course he would. His reiatsu easily enveloped hers, like one wave of the sea rolling over the other.

Whats with him, since when did he learn this level of patience? She was unable to fight back the blush, flustered at his actions.. he was being so gentle. How was she supposed to stay angry with him then?

"I... I don't know, Ichigo. If I'm wrong and overthinking things, then great... But if I'm right, where does that leave me as her friend?" her cheeks were still dusted red, but the anger in her face was gone, her eyes looking over his face like she was trying to remember it.

[blacksun4ever]

Aha...so she is jealous... Ichigo's thoughts confirmed, his eyes scanning hers thoroughly as he softly caressed her chin with his thumb. I haven't seen this side of her... he thought, ...to think Rukia Kuchiki could get jealous. It's kind of cute... Ichigo snorted and spoke softly as he shut his eyes for a moment, leaving her room to distance herself emotionally from his gaze. "Rukia, this is Inoue we're talking about. Let me tell you something...no matter how much she's had feelings, she's kept her distance. I imagine, it's out of respect for you." Ichigo paused, his eyes opening once more as they darted off to the side, his mind opening a fresh can of flashbacks for him.

Inoue...the girl that cried for her brother at his family clinic. She had grown, both as a person and as a fighter, staying with them every step of the way. The situation now was complicated, due to her unrequited feelings and newly found relationship with Rukia, but that didn't change the fact that she was his dear friend. A friend who risked life and limb for both of them, and would do so again in a heartbeat.

Nakama. "You should speak to her. It's only fair." He concluded, his eyes yet again focusing on hers. He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her tender lips, taking in her scent that reminded him of lilac and something sweet. Oh how he loved to smell her, he could practically spend an entire day in her neck and he wouldn't notice the passage of time. His lips curled into a soft smile as he leaned out, giving her an assuring gaze with a subtle nod. "Ne, Rukia?"

[third-daughter]

"S-Speak to her.. about what..? I can't just go up to her and demand the truth from her.. That's so intrusive, and.."

Her voice trailed off for a moment, like she was afraid of finishing the sentence. Because part of her was, as if saying it out loud would manifest it in some awful way. It didn't make any sense.

Her thoughts were stuck there even as he kissed her- even though it was distracting. She wondered if that'd been his goal in doing so. Or perhaps it was meant to remind her that he had no intention of going anywhere, because of course he wouldn't- but in this moment it only amplified what her mind couldn't move past- because it was exactly what she feared losing.

She looked away, hazy violet eyes beginning to look distraught as she murmured quietly, "If I'm correct.. then am I just supposed to give you up?"

[blacksun4ever]

There she went and did it again. Her self righteous attitude of assuming she was always the one that had to sacrifice herself for the good of the world. It was the same defeatist attitude he saw in her when she simply accepted her death sentence in the Seireitei. Ichigo's brows furrowed, an exasperated yet concerned sigh leaving his nostrils. "What are you talking about, you idiot? Who's gonna give up on whom?" he tried to keep the sternness in his voice to a minimum, however he couldn't simply hold back and say nothing. "I love you, and that's final! I literally just posted it on line for everyone to see." He then shook his head and rubbed the space between his temples. He was a knucklehead, surely. However, he knew enough about social dynamics to not make him an awkward mess. He also knew how to be considerate when it counted. When he raised his head, he looked straight at Rukia and inhaled slowly to make sure to suppress his discontent enough to convey what he wanted to say softly.

"Rukia, you talk to her because...she is surely wondering the same things as you are. Whether you two can remain friends after this...and if I just go talk to her, it might be insensitive to the matter at hand. There's something you need to understand about Inoue...she might be emotional, but she isn't the type of person to be a burden to people. You need to make sure things are right between you two..." He finished, his tension now dissipating slowly as he sighed a third time.

And just like that, he popped another takoyaki in his mouth, chewing with his eyes closed.

[third-daughter]

CH.II - The sunrise after the rain

[rp with @blacksun4ever]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Rukia walked along on the sidewalk silently, carrying nothing but a little purse that held her soul candy and her phone. It had been a little over 3 months since she and Ichigo had started dating, and had left off telling anyone yet- she'd wanted just a few moments to simply revel in it before it became everyone's business.

And what a blissful 3 months it had been.. even though it wasn't easy to get to see him, since he was finishing high school. She'd also been busy with her work, and often their communication was limited to phone calls when neither were busy. Every spare moment they could talk was more valuable to her than anything.. she wished she could've spent her whole life listening to his voice through the phone while she fell asleep at night.

It was hard, too. It was a weird, long distanced sort of arrangement. She longed to see him, missing his company and his unchanging, stalwart personality.. she missed the feeling of her fingers in his.

She'd finally managed to go off to the living world to see him, only stopping to get her gigai from Urahara before she continued to his house. As she rounded the corner to where his home was, she couldn't help but grow mischievous when she saw him outside doing something.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed over, taking all of her willpower to not give herself away. As she got closer to him, her hand raised, ready to strike..

"Ichigo!" she crowed loudly as her tiny hand wacked him on the butt, an impish grin on her face.

[blacksun4ever]

The last 3 months,for Ichigo, were a learning experience like no other.

Rukia Kuchiki, Fukutaicho of the 13th Division, a Noble of the Kuchiki Dynasty, his best friend, was his girlfriend. It was a dream.

He was not only finding out stuff about himself- things he really hadn't known about before, but he was discovering her as well. He learned the comfort of knowing someone intimately, he also learned about the separation anxiety that ensues. He never acted clingy with her, but secretly he always wanted just a bit more, just a bit longer. Since seeing her was somewhat of a rare occasion in the week, he always felt like he had to make the most of it. Despite that, it was the loveliest months of his life. He got to experience so many new things with her, he even got to experience her on occasion...

Urahara, their trusted friend who knew long before them about their own feelings- in his infinite wisdom and all, had gifted them each a special type of phone that could send/receive calls and text between worlds. It was heaven-sent. Ichigo would often spend his days either texting or calling her whenever he had the chance, always feeling low whenever he'd even go a few hours without talking to her somehow.

Ichigo's family, of course, were the first to know- despite them agreeing to lay low for a while. Karin simply could not be fooled, and Isshin had already accepted the fact long before, since the day he called her "third daughter". Yuzu was perhaps the only one half clueless, though she knew more than she let on. They would greet her like family every time she visited.

This time, it was a slow day like any other. So slow, Ichigo couldn't stop checking his phone every 20 minutes just to see if she wrote.

-Nothing. "Gaahh! Where is this woman?!" he almost threw a tantrum, spinning in his rotating chair while falling back in the chair, exhaling upwards. "That's it! I'm going for a walk..." he suddenly slammed the phone rebelliously on the desk, deciding some air to clear his head could be for the best. On the way out, Isshin had asked him to take out the trash- to which Ichigo reluctantly agreed, although with a big pout. Just as he was about to throw the trash out properly, he felt the nonchalant smack of his buttcheeks, causing it to drop on the ground next to the can. He turned in a raging fume, ready to kill, until he saw her- her voice now reaching him. "Rukia?!" His irritation transformed into euphoria as he lunged at her, hugging her and sweeping her off her feet. "Well, isn't this a surprise..." he remarked right before planting a juicy peck on her lips with a coy smirk.

[third-daughter]

Rukia squeaked when he picked her up suddenly, laughing as he kissed her. They hadn't seen each other in person for almost 3 weeks; it always surprised her how agonizingly quick the pace of the world felt without him. Her small hands grabbed his shoulders to balance herself as she grinned at him.

"How was that? Did I catch you by surprise?" she questioned proudly, letting her fingers thread in his hair playfully.

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo snorted, his cheeks getting slightly reddish at having to admit that she did, actually, catch him by surprise. "Learned how to hide your reiatsu enough, huh? My, my, Lieutenant Kuchiki~" he tried to tease back. He was feeling completely excited, the loneliness of the weeks without her having left him entirely now. Slowly, he set her her down and placed his hands in his pockets after exhaling a sigh of relief. He wasn't expecting her visit at all, and now that she was here, he could finally look forward to spending a good day outside doing activities. Usually, when she wasn't around, he'd either be studying or on the rare occasion he felt like socializing, he'd be out with Keigo, Mizuiro, Chad or Inoue...if he wasn't sulking in his room cause he missed her, that is. "You look good." Ichigo finally noted, her new style of clothing now more pronounced since they began dating.

[third-daughter]

"Fool, I've always been good at controlling my reiatsu. It's you with the wild unmanageable one, so overwhelming it enters the room before you do," she teased, fighting back a blush at his sudden compliment to her. She didn't have that many clothes from the living world and had picked a simple white dress and a lavender cropped cardigan.

"You think so?" she teased, her hand reaching up to tug on the collar of his shirt playfully, "Be honest. Did you miss me~?"

[blacksun4ever]

"Tch, of course not. I'm busy too, ya' know!" He lied.

At this point, he wasn't shy with her anymore, he just teased for banter and fun. After all, that status quo had to be upheld somehow between them, at least somewhat for the public eye. They've had several close call situations before in Soul Society, where they'd turn a corner and Ichigo would nab her for a few seconds to feel her tender touch again- when some shinigami would pass and he'd have to play theater in all sorts of ways. To be fair, it was his fault most of the time...

He smirked softly at first, when she pulled on his collar as he held her cheek in return, caressing her soft, cold skin with his thumb. His smirk slowly turned into a grin, the simplest touch of her skin revitalizing him like a battery.

"So, where do you want to go today? More of that takoyaki you like?" He guessed. Usually, when she would visit, he'd take her out to try all sorts of foods and drinks- she always seemed interested in finding out more about the world of the living.

[third-daughter]

"Ohh.." she cooed, her happy expression remained though it took on an icy edge, "How disappointing. Maybe 3 weeks is too soon for you to see me again?"

His hand on her face was a reminder of the comfort he always brought to her, even when he was being a brat about it. "Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully, her hands coming up over his, "Okay, let's go."

[blacksun4ever]

"N-no, t-that's not..." he suddenly protested, almost innocently, to her suggesting he could wait even longer to see her. However, he quickly noted his own behavior, and the fact that she was clearly making fun of him, pouting to the side to show her his discontent. It was no joke, after all. He really did miss her! He lowered his hand from her cheeks and switched to holding her hand instead, turning to the direction of the little corner sweets shop he had in mind to take her to. "Fine, but this time you get an extra one! Last time you ate mine as well..." Ichigo barked, beginning their walk.

[third-daughter]

"Not what?" she smiled as he took her hand, content to follow wherever they were headed. "We've always been honest with each other, haven't we? Don't break my heart already, Ichigo,"

Her eyes had fallen to admire the wildflowers that grew along the road absentmindedly, until she pulled his hand at his comment. "Wha- I only ate yours because you offered it to me!!"

[blacksun4ever]

"F-Fine....I missed you, a lot...midget." Ichigo finally gave in, his face as red as a tomato. He was still having a difficult time expressing his feelings openly and honestly, despite the fact that Rukia was the closest person to his heart by a longshot. He was still getting used to it, no matter how much he tried to hide it though, she could always see through him. It was just the way she was...his world revolved around her now.

They continued to bicker playfully about the 'stolen' food- all of it translating to who loved whom more, as they slowly left the calm streets of Ichigo's neighborhood and began to enter the hustle and bustle of Karakura's center. It was a lively day and the weather seemed a perfect combination of a decent temperature and a light breeze blowing. Exactly the type of weather Ichigo enoyed the most.

Upon crossing a big intersection, Ichigo turned his attention to a board he saw that stated: "COUPLES SPECIAL HOUR! PAY 1, GET 2!". It was a rather cheesy hand-drawn board, in front of an okay looking establishment. He stopped in place and gently yanked Rukia's hand, pointing to the sign.

"Hey, this sounds interesting! How are they not losing money this way...?" He wondered for a moment, then shot Rukia an inviting glance.

[third-daughter]

"Look how red you are, is it that difficult to admit?" she questioned with a shameless laugh. It always humored her how someone so unashamed to speak his mind would suddenly grow shy over admitting these small things, even after these few months. "Don't lose your cool just yet, Ichigo- or you won't be able to keep up with me today."

Her free hand raised to block the sun from her vision, wide violet eyes looking everywhere. Indeed, Karakura had always been a rather small, sleepy town with not much going on aside from the hollows that seemed to be attracted to the place. But seeing it on a weekend, it was actually quite alive. There were a lot of families and children out, parents and siblings, young people.. and, now as she noted, a lot of couples too.

"It's so bustling here," she commented offhandedly, glancing at the sign Ichigo pointed out to her. She curiously skipped over and knelt in front of it, a finger pressed to her chin as if analyzing the meaning of the ad.

"How interesting.. how do they verify who's a couple from who isn't? Will they ask us for proof? See, I told you if you wrote your confession in a letter it would come in handy!" she glanced over her shoulder to him, pointing at the sign with a told-you-so smile.

[blacksun4ever]

"Shut up, as if!" Ichigo retorted immediately, his cheeks yet again turning a bright shade of red at the prospect of his feelings being written out on paper. He would shout from the rooftops that he loved her, if he had to, but then he'd die from embarrassment right after. Still...he'd do it, if she asked him to.

Knowing societal norms, he sighed and began to explain. "It's nothing like that. The most they'd do, if anything at all, is ask us if we're a couple." he finished, completely convinced in his own explanation. "That being said- let's go." and just like that, without warning, he was now dragging her inside. Ichigo was like that, sometimes. He didn't like thinking too much, usually making an impulsive decision when there's a fork in the road. All he wanted, actually, was to spend some alone time with her- it didn't really matter where.

[third-daughter]

"You just can't admit when I'm right, can you?" She glared up at him for a moment, feeling tempted to kick him for raising his voice at her, but didn't only because her shoes today had a heel and it might actually hurt him if she did.

"Well won't people just lie then, for the discount? How do they know?" the question was more rhetorical and to herself, but she had no time to think on it because he was quickly seizing her hand and dragging her inside.

The inside was quite lively too, from the sound of people talking to the music, and most of the patrons seemed to also be couples- so the sign didn't only interest us, Rukia observed in her thoughts. The long wall had a giant, fantastical mural of cherry trees painted on that covered the entire thing, which she admired silently as she followed Ichigo to find a table.

"Ichigo, what's wrong with that horse. Who impaled its head?" She questioned as they sat down, gesturing to the part of the mural that had a unicorn on it. "Why does it have wings? Did it die and turn into an angel? Humans are so odd.."

[blacksun4ever]

"You know most people don't just think about how to game the system, right...?" Ichigo sighed. Explaining modern day japanese society to her was always a monumental task, especially since Soul Society seemed to be somehow stuck in a simplistic way of life of the ancient world- probably acceptable to spirits who just want some peace, but not modern day life.

He was about to go through the hallway with her when she stopped him in his tracks, making him look at the mural that caught her interest. His face sunk as he realized she'd never heard of a unicorn before, a childish yet mythical being most pre-schoolers were familiar with.

"It's a unicorn, and it's basically a magical horse with a horn on it's head. You know, now I wonder if it isn't some weird lookin' hollow someone saw at some point..." he finished, throwing himself in a loop as the theory he had might just be close to reality. Before he could ruminate more on it though, they got approached by the hostess.

"Welcome to Omotesando! Are you a couple? We have a special today for couples!" the hostess welcomed them with a small bow and a wide grin.

Aha! There it is - Ichigo thought to himself. "Yes, in fact we are!" He answered as he shot Rukia a knowing glance, proud of his theory manifesting itself as true.

"Very good! We'll have to take a picture of you as part of our campaign, which you can claim a copy of at the end of your stay with us! Okay? Onegai shimasu!" the hostess briefly explained, with a hint of mischief in her voice, before instantly taking out a portable camera from her back pocket, ready to shoot.

Ichigo's face suddenly froze in comical shock...

[third-daughter]

"A unicorn..?" she muttered, as if she doubted Ichigo's explanation. Her eyes roamed over the mural again, staring deeply for another minute before she sighed, her arms crossing over her chest as she declared, "I like it."

She grew silent when the hostess approached, holding back a laugh when she requested as photo. That was something new- they'd gone out before but this was something she hadn't heard of being done before. Still, it sounded fun- and she didn't have many photos with him, anyway.. she wouldn't mind having one.

"I'd love a photo!" she chirped in her half-fake saccharine voice, seizing Ichigo's wrist to drag him forward to where the hostess wanted them to stand. She put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder gently, moving him to lean forward so she could whisper to him in as low a voice as she could.

"You'd better smile and look cute, or I'm going to make you scream later." she hissed quietly, before turning back and smiling pleasantly.

"Okay, please take the photo~"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's face contorted into an uncomfortable grimace when he felt Rukia's grip on him like a hawk's talon. He was never surprised at how physical she was with him, and he wouldn't have it any other way...were it not for situations such as this. He absolutely HATED getting his picture taken. So much so, that he usually skipped taking the yearly photo for the high school yearbook.

"W-wait, do we hav-!" Ichigo began to protest before she yanked him forward to whisper death threats in his ear. What a monster of a girlfriend he had, always capable of putting on a grammy award winning act in public, getting anybody to twist to her desires. Ichigo thought for a moment how to get out of it, but it occured to him that he really had almost no pictures of her, save the ones that he kept like holy secrets on his phone, safeguarding them through a password locked folder- just in case. The prospect of being able to have a physical photo of them together on a date seemed exciting to him... he'd have something to hang up in his room!

"Tch, fine." he finally relented with a soft sigh, throwing his arm over her shoulder as he leaned down to be closer to her face, figuring that it might as well not look like that famous painting with the farmer and his wife.

"Okaaaay~ Say 'Omotesando' !" The hostess teased before clicking her camera, a bright flash appearing that almost blinded them both. The hostess looked pretty satisfied with herself as she gave them a bow in thanks, pointing out the way soon after with her hands to guide them to their seating; a soft lit window booth.

Ichigo sighed in relief and shot Rukia a glance that silently said, 'You happy now?' .

[third-daughter]

Rukia had to let out a little sigh of relief, too- it was always a bit of a gamble as to whether Ichigo would listen to her or not. Sure, he was much more level headed and mature now that he was older.. but she still remembered the punky fifteen year old who would've died rather than have someone think he had to listen to her every order.

That thought made her bite her lip to not laugh- he'd truly been a lil nerd hiding behind a mask of cool indifference back then. She reached up with a free hand and grabbed his face gently, kissing his cheek as she all but purred, "Thank you, baby," before skipping off to their booth, sliding into her seat easily.

"I'm keeping the photo when they give it to us, right?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo froze yet again as she planted the kiss on his cheek, thinking she'd get away with being mischievous scot-free, skipping all dandily to her seat. He followed in a flash afterward, sitting across from her but leaning into the table to smack his forehead into hers with a competitive glare in his eyes.

"You wish, poppet! If I gotta get a random picture taken of me, you can bet your cute little Kuchiki butt it's mine!" He protested, almost to the point of a growl.

The hostess, who followed them to their seating, was reluctant to speak but managed to point out. "E-excuse me, but you can claim any amount of copies. We'll prepare them for you, free of charge...So I take it that's 2 copies?" She asked politely, yet with some amount of fear in her voice.

"2 please!" Ichigo immediately answered, his hand slamming on the table dramatically. He realized soon after that he was causing a slight scene, so he leaned back into his seat with a slight pout as he rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"...and 2 lattes and a serving of takoyaki, please" he mumbled the order that he knew Rukia liked, throwing up his hand with 2 fingers raised as he looked to the side in embarrassment.

[third-daughter]

"Wha- how rude! Don't you know anything about the rule... ladies first?" She complained in half displeasure, only growing quiet because she saw the waitress approaching from behind, her cheeks reddening at the nickname- it didn't phase her to call Ichigo by a pet name, but being called by one herself would take some getting used to..

She snickered lightly at his embarrassment as he ordered and the waitress left, and leaned on the table with her chin propped in her hand. "What's wrong? Why are you all embarrassed suddenly?" She reached across the table to take his hand in hers, as if to stop him from getting more awkward.

"By the way, what does poppet mean? It better be something nice,"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo sighed, shrugging before copying her posture as he leaned into the table himself. Her hand was cold to the touch, as per usual. Ichigo loved that about her. He accepted her hand and gently squeezed it in return, his gaze focused entirely on her eyes. The pleasant atmosphere, light music, gentle background chatter, and the soft sunlight made for such a relaxing feeling. After not having seen her for 3 entire weeks, this was practically a dream. He really did love experiencing the world, his world, through her. It was like experiencing things for the first time again. Well...most things. He couldn't help but smile at her warmly.

"I'm not...I-...hmmm...I guess I just missed you too much, that's all. You know I'm not good with these types of things. Especially since you're still keeping us a secret from most of the Shinigami... it's not like I'm rearing to go shout it from the rooftops, but I still feel a bit paranoid." He admitted, yet again sighing to release his tension. Of course his family already knew about them, and so did Urahara, but the whole laying low strategy still bothered him.

Ichigo propped up his head when she asked about the pet he had chosen for her. "Huh? You mean 'poppet'? It means 'small cute person', basically." He explained, short and sweet. He wondered for a moment where it came from as well, but didn't think too deeply into it.

[third-daughter]

"Paranoid.. about what?" her eyes scanned over his face, his body language, wanting to understand his words. She meant to speak again when the waitress returned with their drinks and set them down on the table, growing silent instead.

She leaned back in her seat slightly, staring up at the ceiling of the cafe in silence. It was painted too, a pale blue with fluffy white clouds all over it.. a false sky. Any normal person would've simply found it pretty. To her, it felt like a creepy omen. So pretty... and so fake.

Her eyes closed in thought. What were they doing anyways? What was she doing? Was this.. relationship.. with him real? ..Would it become real if everyone knew about it? Was she confused, or was it that things worked differently in the living world? The last thing she wanted was for Ichigo to be unhappy, whether with her or with their situation. Some things simply couldn't be helped.. like the differences in their lives. But some things, she did have control over. She heard the waitress excuse herself and walk off.. her mind made up.

"Alright," her eyes opened then and she looked back at him once again, her expression almost too calm. "I understand your feelings."

She picked her bag up from her side and opened it, reaching inside and grabbing something from within. When she pulled her hand back and held it up, her hand opened to reveal a hell butterfly, black wings fluttering delicately.

[blacksun4ever]

"O-Oi...what are you-...?!" Ichigo got taken aback suddenly when he saw her randomly pull out a hell butterfly out of her... PURSE!? What was she thinking, in the middle of a cafe at that.

He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, leaning in over the table to whisper somewhat nervously. "H-hey, baka! What are you thinking? C-calm down!" He tried to sound reasonable, thinking that he somehow pissed her off with what he said.

Luckily, no one else had eyes on them just yet...

[third-daughter]

"What? I'm perfectly calm. No one can see it except for us anyway, remember?" she held the butterfly up to her, speaking in a low but calm voice as she relayed her message to it.

"Nii-sama, this is Rukia. I'm on a date with Ichigo in the living world and I've decided to remain here for today. I'll return tomorrow. So please don't worry. And please inform Renji and vice captain Hinamori, I was supposed to see them tonight."

She let it go then, and it fluttered down and landed on the center of the table, on top of Ichigo's hand as he still held hers. Rukia pulled her soul candy from her bag, placing it on the table as well, she took one and separated from her body, immediately removing her sword and using it to open a gate right there in the middle of the cafe- it wasn't as if anyone could see it happen- and sent the butterfly through it before letting it close.

"Okay, I'm done." she returned to her gigai, straightening and tucking her hair behind her ear as she picked up her coffee cup. "Now you didn't answer my question. What are you feeling paranoid about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He sat there, his mouth agape, as she nonchalantly professed her love for him- to BYAKUYA no less, of all people, through the hell butterfly. Ichigo couldn't believe his eyes when she left her gigai and opened a senkaimon to send it through, returning to her spiel as if nothing ever happened.

"Bakayaro! What's the big idea, just blurting it out like that??? Have you totally lost it?!" Ichigo smacked his hand down on the table as he leaned forward with an exhasperated and panicked face. He immediately slammed back into his seat and covered his now completely red face, ignoring the question as he continued with his rant, "Oh my god...he's gonna slaughter me, isn't he?! I can see it now...all the pretty sakura petals coming to slice me up like christmas dinner! Ahhhhh....".

His attention suddenly shifted again back to her as he scowled, his brows fully furrowed. "You....explain yourself!" He demanded half seriously, in a comical fit.

[third-daughter]

"You're so dramatic, Ichigo. Calm down." Rukia sipped her latte calmly, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands as she listened to his panicking. "And just what do you think my brother is... I know he may seem quiet and hard to read, but he has respect for you.. and he understands me. He's not going to come over here and attack you, so stop being silly."

She set the cup back on the table, tracing the rim with her fingertip idly. "I get that you have disliked keeping things secret these past months.. so that's why I sent the butterfly. Nii-sama will certainly relay my message, so by tomorrow rolls around everyone there will probably know, and this matter can be resolved. I want you to be happy."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo thought about it for a second, leaning back into his seat. Her eyes were determined, she really wasn't joking about any of this. Then again, she wouldn't be so cruel to him and joke in that manner. It seems that, from this moment, their relationship was official. Surely they'd have a lot of explaining to do, but this way she'd at least ripped the band aid off. He sighed, taking his phone out with a light blush on his cheeks, stubborn as ever, as he readied himself. "Two can play at that game, Rukia." he mouthed off as he began to type furiously with a serious conviction in his eyes; a moment later, he was done. His gaze returned to hers and, with a final inhale he clicked "submit" on the phone, turning it towards her to show her what it said. It was his LINE account, and a new status update that read: "I'm dating Rukia Kuchiki. She's mine. Deal with it!" There was no going back, he'd already clicked the button that updated the status, so that each of his contacts could see. His friends, his family, everyone he knew...would now know, officially. Ichigo snorted and smirked, content that he'd payed her back with just an outrageous move. In the end, they were just two peas in a pod, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing to her.

[third-daughter]

She watched him silently as he seemed to type something on his phone- she didn't know what. His words however, did pique her interest, though she didn't get what he was referring to. In her head, the action she'd taken was totally serious.

"What's that?" she blinked in confusion. Clearly he'd done something on his phone that made him look very pleased with himself and he turned the phone to her. She could only just read the words on the screen, and she couldn't help but to blush at it- she didn't really understand social media, but clearly that message he typed would be read by everyone here in the living world. She tried very hard to not look as pleased as she felt, her eyes closing to feign calm as she picked up her cup, taking a sip.

"..Well. Do you feel better now? Less paranoid?"

[blacksun4ever]

His smirk became even wider now, his gaze becoming softer as he put his phone back down on the table gently. Indeed, he was satisfied. Actually, this wasn't the correct way to do this- but he couldn't lie that he felt a load off his shoulders the moment they officialized their relationship. She was too important to him to carry on being a secret, so even letting it out in a silly way like this seemed enough.

"Aah. Much." He nodded once contently, still wondering about Byakuya...ultimately he decided to wait and see. Maybe he wouldn't be so protective? Ichigo was the one that saved her, even when Byakuya was naive enough to let her die because of pride.

Ichigo reached out to hold her cheek, smiling softly still. He adored touching her, whether it was holding her hand or...their nightly activities. "You look gorgeous today, you know..." he let the words roll of his lips, sending them her way like an invisible kiss.

However, before the mood caught unto them too much, his phone began beeping and vibrating like crazy which sent him into a loop again. He was confused for a moment until he picked it up to see, his eyes widening in disbelief...

He suddenly had 15 new notifications to his status!

All of them were from his friends...

[third-daughter]

"What were you paranoid about anyway? Nii-sama knowing?" she questioned idly as she tore apart a piece of the takoyaki with her fingers, only stopping and looking up when she felt his hand on her face.

That action made her blush again, much to her annoyance- what was it with his ability to make her face go red all the time? As did his compliment. Part of her wanted to scold him for being too sweet on her, part of her wanted to look away and call him a fool.. instead she turned her face slightly, pressing a kiss into the palm of his hand.

"So do you," she murmured, and there was that familiar stormy purple in her eyes as she stared at him for slightly too long of a moment, before she let go of his hand.

It wasn't too soon either, when his phone started making a bunch of noise, causing her to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

[blacksun4ever]

"It's nothing like that. It just felt weird hiding it...as if we were doing something wrong. Meanwhile, you're the only right thing that's ever happened to me. You know what I mean?" He blurted out in response to her question finally, now busy scrolling through his phone to see what the entire commotion was about.

As soon as he saw, he moved to her side to sit next to her and show her as well, propping his phone up to her face. He stared almost too deeply as he began to scroll and uncover his friends' reactions one by one:

IshidaProKnitter: "Idiot! It's cringe to just post like that. Anyways, say hi to Kuchiki-san." KeigoTheGreat: "I knew it!! When is she coming back to school?!" MizuiroSama92: "Well done, Ichigo. Say hi? Hello from the bahamas!" SadoTheChado: "Mmm. Ok." IsshinGOAT: "That's my son! Welcome to the family, third daughter!!!" Kontastic: "Nee-san.... you'll pay for this, Ichigo!!" TatsukiSawa: "Did you somehow think we didn't know? Psh...don't get cocky!" UraharaShoutenTM: "Ara, ara...congratulations, Kurosaki-san!" KanonjiOfficial: "My #1 protégé! Love is always with you, boy!!"

...

Ichigo continued to read, his eyes wide and a smile creeping on his face as he subconsciously stuck his cheek to hers.

[third-daughter]

She fell silent as she watched him, moving the fabric of her skirt closer to her when he got up to sit next to her instead. At first she thought he just wanted to sit nearer to her, blinking when he held his phone up for her to see what all the commotion was about. Violet eyes widened as she read.. and read.. Ichigo's thumb scrolled the screen down. She felt his cheek against hers and it distracted her for a moment- it was still a little surprising when he acted so affectionately in a public or semi public place.

"Oh... oh my.." she murmured, eyes wide in surprise. So this is what social media looked like.. it was a bit overwhelming. There were so many comments from so many people.. did he have to respond to all of them? It would be a bit of a headache.

"Well," she turned to look at him then, wanting to know his thoughts by his expression, "At least they're being positive. Because if they weren't.."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo grew sentimental for a moment, his gaze turning to hers as they both finished reading at the same time. He snorted and smiled in relief as his eyes sunk to the ground, the memories of his friends' support throughout the years flashing through his mind briefly. There were times were he really didn't think he could go on, where his nakama gave him the power he needed to fight. This was, after all, one of the major reasons why he loved her. She was always there when he needed her. Despite the normal appearances, they've fought together, bled together.

"Aah...they're wonderful. All of them..." Ichigo spoke softly. He then turned to face her, his love, his moon, his light...and smiled a genuine, bright and loving smile. "Being here, with you...like this. It almost seems like a dream." he let out, snorting again in an endearing way. It was funny to him, really it was. The simple fact that he could sit there, next to the woman of his dreams, with all the love and support of everyone he knew...it was quite special feeling.

Ichigo reached out with his hand to her cheek, bridging the small gap between them together as he planted his lips unto hers in a passionate kiss. Throughout their months together, Ichigo had slowly grown accustomed to physical contact. He had no problems showing his emotions physically, actually it's what he excelled at.

"We should be grateful." he spoke soft and teasingly, as soon as his lips left hers.

[third-daughter]

Rukia listened in silence to his words, choosing to say nothing in the moment. It wasn't very often he got the nerve to say exactly what he wanted to say.. he tended to show he cared about someone by his actions instead.

She'd been wanting to ask him how he felt in hindsight of Tsukishima's abilities being used on everyone. It had been a few months since then, and it seemed like things had pretty quickly gone back to normal since then. Chad and Inoue, his sisters, everyone.. they all seemed to not remember what happened, nor Tsukishima, at all. In the end it was only Ichigo who had to suffer with the memory of what happened. And though she'd kept perfectly calm in the moment, she could still picture his face that day in the rain, broken and lost and crying. Sometimes when she slept, her mind would force her back there to see it again and again.. she was determined to not let him sink so deep ever again.

She just smiled at him when he touched her face, her eyes roaming over his face as if she were observing him keenly. Then he kissed her and she didn't have the heart to stop him, even though they were in public and she still wasn't completely used to it yet.

Her hand slid in his hair, her fingers curling in his golden threads, "You're so sentimental," she teased, tugging on it gently.

[blacksun4ever]

She was always great at bringing him back to reality, especially when he was embarrassing himself. It dawned on him that his behavior might not be suitable for public display, and his cheeks naturally turned the appropriate color. "S-shut up, baka..." he rubbed the back of his head in protest of what felt like teasing to him. Although, he had to admit...he was sentimental at that moment. In general too, maybe. It was difficult not to be, he really was living the dream.

She was kind yet stern, she motivated him, and often made him laugh or smile. Her skin is soft, she has good style, and she's a freakin' lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Above all else, she was his partner in crime, his light. He never missed the opportunity to ask himself once in a while, if she truly knows how much he loves her.

"Of course I am. I-it's just...I didn't think it would be so easy. Everyone is so supportive." he admitted, turning to softly kiss her wrist. He was, after all, missing her touch for a few weeks. Public display or not, the corner they were at seemed intimate enough for at least this kind of affection, he thought.

[third-daughter]

It was funny- watching him get flustered as if he hadn't been the one to move to her side of the table, sit in the booth next to her and desire to kiss her. That was just like him, half the time brimming with overconfidence, waxing the most poetic and seductive words, then the other half a blushing little mess. Her mess.

She slid down in the booth a little, sighing as she propped her feet on the booth opposite to her, where he'd been sitting before. She wasn't used to wearing heels, especially such high ones, but she also wasn't uncouth enough to remove them in the middle of the cafe. Her thoughts wandered to what he'd said, silently thinking.

Everyone is so supportive, he said. It was true.. and she hadn't expected it to be any other way- he had friends and family always supporting him, all in their own ways. She'd noticed someone who hadn't responded, though- and she wondered if he'd noticed it too. She hoped, prayed, it wasn't for the reasons she thought.

"...Yeah," she said softly, her eyes narrowing a bit without her thinking. "You're right."

Inoue... maybe she just hadn't seen her phone. Hopefully. Rukia's eyes, the brighter violet seeming like a deep blue in the low lights of the place, couldn't help but stare at Ichigo for a moment. She wondered if he guessed what she guessed- that Inoue might've had feelings for him at one point- or perhaps she still did. She couldn't say for sure. But the idea of someone else wanting him the same way Rukia wanted him... no matter who it was.. made her feel an unwarranted sort of anger she didn't dare to show on her face.

Or was it fear? ..She wasn't even sure.

She was pulled from that uneasy thought when she felt him kiss her on the wrist, and gave a small smile instead. "Are you going to eat this takoyaki with me, or am I eating alone today?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo noticed something was off. He always kind of had a nose for things like this, when people were concerned or had something troubling them, he could always tell- especially if it was her.

Watching her place her feet up was a dead giveaway. Rukia usually got into strange positions or would make cat like movements whenever she was deep in thought, Ichigo remembered. Except for the fact that it was incredibly distracting for him the entire day, watching her prance around with him in a skirt and high heels, he noticed it's one of the first times he'd seen her wear some. She still had a load of surprises for him, and every day he was learning something new about her. 'Man, I'm gonna make sure there's hell to pay for this. Later, though...' Ichigo thought to himself, trying to snap back into reality as he slated the thoughts that were about to invade his mind for later. At the moment, he wanted to know more about her concerned look.

"...Yeah," "You're right."

Inoue. Ichigo immediately understood, observing the way she spoke and how her eyes looked to the bottom left, as if she was thinking back on something. But besides that, he had noticed himself.

There was no message from Inoue.

He knew, from some time ago, how Inoue felt about him. Even Tatsuki had hinted at him before. He tried to explore his feelings for the topic, he really had. During the year and a half, when he was just a normal person, he tried to bond with her more. It was pointless though...he couldn't stop dreaming about her, about Rukia. He never really addressed it outwardly in any way, to Inoue at least. Ishida more or less knew about his condition, he's usually perceptive like that... Should he have addressed it? Should he have said something to her? He was sure that, intuitively, Inoue knew as well. Was that enough though?

Ichigo's eyes sank as he began to wonder if he was being a good friend, his hand softly cupping Rukia's in an attempt to maker her linger on his cheek a little longer. "Yeah...We should be grateful."

[third-daughter]

She noticed it of course- how could she not? It was pointless for him to hide his feelings around her- she could read his face too well. Maybe other people couldn't see behind the mask.. but she certainly could.

Had he read her mind? Did he notice? Or was he suddenly worrying over something else? She stared at him in thought, as he touched her face in that way he often did when he wanted her to look at him.

"Right.." she said softly, stretching her legs as she did. She could hear her bones snap in complaint- her gigai did not approve of her choice of footwear it seemed. "..You said that already."

She looked away then, her polished fingers picking up a napkin from the table silently and balling it in her hand. She couldn't help her thoughts either- from the beginning she knew she didn't deserve him. That he could, and should, do better. She wondered if that thought hadn't occurred to him... until now.

She wouldn't blame him. She'd always felt that. He still had his whole life ahead of him.. she knew it wasn't realistic to think he'd want her forever. And all she wanted was for him to be happy.. with or without her.

"..Should we go?"

[blacksun4ever]

The moment he snapped back, realizing he repeated himself, he could feel something else. It's as if there was tension, or no...fear, coming from her. He could feel it in the subtle ways her reiatsu moved, suddenly becoming spikey as if an invisible threat were around. He looked around the table, noticing his untouched takoyaki, her half filled latte...why would she want to leave? They just got here.

"H-hey, wait a minute. What's wrong, Rukia?" he flinched backwards slightly, leaning out of her touch and his own hand let go from holding her cheek. She was clenching a napkin, as if she were trying to strangle it.

Why is she upset..? What is happening? Is she sad that Inoue didn't write?

His mind raced with thoughts, trying to make sense of the situation. It wasn't like her to suddenly switch moods like this, but why did she feel fear? Ichigo's eyes raised back to inquisitively look into her violet orbs, expecting some kind of answer.

[third-daughter]

"Nothing," she said softly, her gaze shifting back to him, eyes dark. "I'm just asking."

Maybe she was wrong about it all. Maybe he knew nothing... maybe he felt nothing. Still, a part of her couldn't believe that.. because he was smarter than that.

She saw him flinch then, and that was odd- she didn't think she'd seen him do that before.. at least not with her. Her free hand flexed a bit, her eyes moving from him to it, fingers closing into a fist.

"..Sorry. Did it feel cold suddenly?"

[blacksun4ever]

"O-oi...Rukia." he mouthed, his look now one of worry. It really wasn't like her, to suddenly react to something like this. Her reiatsu wasn't usually this defensive. It had to be something deeper than she let on, something bothering her. Inoue.

Oh. That's right. She got like this when she thought of Inoue, his inner monologue dictated. Did she think that he somehow had feelings for her? Surely not, Ichigo thought. It was more likely that she was afraid that she'd lose her friendship with her. It made sense, right? ....right?

Ichigo leaned in slightly, relaxing himself fully. For a while now, he was conscious whenever he spoke to Rukia. He wasn't just speaking as a friend anymore...but as a lover. He took that responsibility on himself, for her. One of his core principles, was to never be dishonest about anything...especially the important stuff. With that in mind, and a long inhale, he began talking in a gentle tone.

"Are you...upset because of Inoue?" he asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

[third-daughter]

That was unexpected to hear- then again, maybe she should have. Ichigo had never been the predictable type of man. She'd made the assumption he hadn't noticed what she had, but of course he had. And of course he would ask about it, right here in the middle of a date, in public, without mincing his words.

But her expression was clear on her face and her head turned to look at him suddenly with an unflinching, disapproving frown. Her voice was calm and kind of low, but that calmness didn't quite match the look in her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He could always tell when he struck a nerve with her, especially the way it made her reiatsu shimmer slightly wheenver she found something annoying.

"Aha, so it is Inoue...Speak your mind, woman. Now." he demanded, half light-heartedly, giving her an expecting look as he leaned in to get a closer look into her eyes.

There was a pact between them, in the beginning of the first month, to not stay angry at each other no matter what and always demand the other party speak up about the issues. So that's the way it was always, even to his own dismay sometimes.

"Talk." he repeated.

[third-daughter]

Her expression didn't change, and in fact visually she appeared mostly calm except for the clear look in her eyes that said 'are you crazy?'

..and the fact that her left hand resting on the table currently had ice beginning to form underneath it, encroaching over her fingertips and on the flimsy layers of cheap plywood making up the table.

No, it was how low her voice was, refusing to elevate even slightly, that held warning in it. "Talk about what, exactly?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's expression quickly turned into a grimace as he pinched a juicy sweet takoyaki and threw it in his mouth, trying to release the tension by being a bit like his usual self. He munched the takoyaki and spoke at the same time, crossing his arms after rubbing his fingers to clear the stickiness of the thing. "Oh come on, Rukia. You know that's not fair." he gulped finally, reaching out for his coffee again to get the rest of the takoyaki down with a full small sip

[third-daughter]

Ice crept over her fingers to her wrist slowly, but she didn't notice it because she was too busy staring at him like he'd grown a second head. She sat in silence and her violet eyes bore into his. It was smart of him to play off the question casually- if he matched her energy now it might've been a disaster.

But it irritated her, too- how he could ask such a serious question to her while sitting there eating so casually. And his comment irked her even more so.

"What's not fair is you daring to ask me that right here and expecting an answer. What exactly do you want me to say about her? Hm?"

[blacksun4ever]

"And when is the perfect time to ask?" he retorted calmly, regaining composure as he saw that she slowly began to form ice around her fingers. He reached out with his hand and softly cupper her wrist, using his own reiatsu to gently warm her and push back the spreading ice. Ichigo had not seen her this pent up in a long time. This was quite serious for her. Could it be...she was jealous? "I'm not going to wait for the perfect moment, Rukia. It took me years to even tell you I love you..." he suddenly shifted and moved closer to her, bringing her freezing hand up to his chest as he gently placed it on himself. It was cold for a moment, until his own reiatsu covered hers like a blanket...assuring her softly without saying a word.

"Please. Tell me what's going through your mind?" he asked again, although with a softer voice now, his eyes locked unto hers as his other free hand secured her chin so that she doesn't look away. As always, he had to dig to get to her real feelings.

[third-daughter]

She was silent at first- her face cycling through feelings. She wanted to be mad- that was how she felt- and yet.

She hadn't even noticed what she was doing. It was a little embarrassing, seeing the ice formed on the table. But of course he could counteract it.. of course he would. His reiatsu easily enveloped hers, like one wave of the sea rolling over the other.

Whats with him, since when did he learn this level of patience? She was unable to fight back the blush, flustered at his actions.. he was being so gentle. How was she supposed to stay angry with him then?

"I... I don't know, Ichigo. If I'm wrong and overthinking things, then great... But if I'm right, where does that leave me as her friend?" her cheeks were still dusted red, but the anger in her face was gone, her eyes looking over his face like she was trying to remember it.

[blacksun4ever]

Aha...so she is jealous... Ichigo's thoughts confirmed, his eyes scanning hers thoroughly as he softly caressed her chin with his thumb. I haven't seen this side of her... he thought, ...to think Rukia Kuchiki could get jealous. It's kind of cute... Ichigo snorted and spoke softly as he shut his eyes for a moment, leaving her room to distance herself emotionally from his gaze. "Rukia, this is Inoue we're talking about. Let me tell you something...no matter how much she's had feelings, she's kept her distance. I imagine, it's out of respect for you." Ichigo paused, his eyes opening once more as they darted off to the side, his mind opening a fresh can of flashbacks for him.

Inoue...the girl that cried for her brother at his family clinic. She had grown, both as a person and as a fighter, staying with them every step of the way. The situation now was complicated, due to her unrequited feelings and newly found relationship with Rukia, but that didn't change the fact that she was his dear friend. A friend who risked life and limb for both of them, and would do so again in a heartbeat.

Nakama. "You should speak to her. It's only fair." He concluded, his eyes yet again focusing on hers. He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her tender lips, taking in her scent that reminded him of lilac and something sweet. Oh how he loved to smell her, he could practically spend an entire day in her neck and he wouldn't notice the passage of time. His lips curled into a soft smile as he leaned out, giving her an assuring gaze with a subtle nod. "Ne, Rukia?"

[third-daughter]

CH.II - The sunrise after the rain

[rp with @blacksun4ever]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Rukia walked along on the sidewalk silently, carrying nothing but a little purse that held her soul candy and her phone. It had been a little over 3 months since she and Ichigo had started dating, and had left off telling anyone yet- she'd wanted just a few moments to simply revel in it before it became everyone's business.

And what a blissful 3 months it had been.. even though it wasn't easy to get to see him, since he was finishing high school. She'd also been busy with her work, and often their communication was limited to phone calls when neither were busy. Every spare moment they could talk was more valuable to her than anything.. she wished she could've spent her whole life listening to his voice through the phone while she fell asleep at night.

It was hard, too. It was a weird, long distanced sort of arrangement. She longed to see him, missing his company and his unchanging, stalwart personality.. she missed the feeling of her fingers in his.

She'd finally managed to go off to the living world to see him, only stopping to get her gigai from Urahara before she continued to his house. As she rounded the corner to where his home was, she couldn't help but grow mischievous when she saw him outside doing something.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed over, taking all of her willpower to not give herself away. As she got closer to him, her hand raised, ready to strike..

"Ichigo!" she crowed loudly as her tiny hand wacked him on the butt, an impish grin on her face.

[blacksun4ever]

The last 3 months,for Ichigo, were a learning experience like no other.

Rukia Kuchiki, Fukutaicho of the 13th Division, a Noble of the Kuchiki Dynasty, his best friend, was his girlfriend. It was a dream.

He was not only finding out stuff about himself- things he really hadn't known about before, but he was discovering her as well. He learned the comfort of knowing someone intimately, he also learned about the separation anxiety that ensues. He never acted clingy with her, but secretly he always wanted just a bit more, just a bit longer. Since seeing her was somewhat of a rare occasion in the week, he always felt like he had to make the most of it. Despite that, it was the loveliest months of his life. He got to experience so many new things with her, he even got to experience her on occasion...

Urahara, their trusted friend who knew long before them about their own feelings- in his infinite wisdom and all, had gifted them each a special type of phone that could send/receive calls and text between worlds. It was heaven-sent. Ichigo would often spend his days either texting or calling her whenever he had the chance, always feeling low whenever he'd even go a few hours without talking to her somehow.

Ichigo's family, of course, were the first to know- despite them agreeing to lay low for a while. Karin simply could not be fooled, and Isshin had already accepted the fact long before, since the day he called her "third daughter". Yuzu was perhaps the only one half clueless, though she knew more than she let on. They would greet her like family every time she visited.

This time, it was a slow day like any other. So slow, Ichigo couldn't stop checking his phone every 20 minutes just to see if she wrote.

-Nothing. "Gaahh! Where is this woman?!" he almost threw a tantrum, spinning in his rotating chair while falling back in the chair, exhaling upwards. "That's it! I'm going for a walk..." he suddenly slammed the phone rebelliously on the desk, deciding some air to clear his head could be for the best. On the way out, Isshin had asked him to take out the trash- to which Ichigo reluctantly agreed, although with a big pout. Just as he was about to throw the trash out properly, he felt the nonchalant smack of his buttcheeks, causing it to drop on the ground next to the can. He turned in a raging fume, ready to kill, until he saw her- her voice now reaching him. "Rukia?!" His irritation transformed into euphoria as he lunged at her, hugging her and sweeping her off her feet. "Well, isn't this a surprise..." he remarked right before planting a juicy peck on her lips with a coy smirk.

[third-daughter]

Rukia squeaked when he picked her up suddenly, laughing as he kissed her. They hadn't seen each other in person for almost 3 weeks; it always surprised her how agonizingly quick the pace of the world felt without him. Her small hands grabbed his shoulders to balance herself as she grinned at him.

"How was that? Did I catch you by surprise?" she questioned proudly, letting her fingers thread in his hair playfully.

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo snorted, his cheeks getting slightly reddish at having to admit that she did, actually, catch him by surprise. "Learned how to hide your reiatsu enough, huh? My, my, Lieutenant Kuchiki~" he tried to tease back. He was feeling completely excited, the loneliness of the weeks without her having left him entirely now. Slowly, he set her her down and placed his hands in his pockets after exhaling a sigh of relief. He wasn't expecting her visit at all, and now that she was here, he could finally look forward to spending a good day outside doing activities. Usually, when she wasn't around, he'd either be studying or on the rare occasion he felt like socializing, he'd be out with Keigo, Mizuiro, Chad or Inoue...if he wasn't sulking in his room cause he missed her, that is. "You look good." Ichigo finally noted, her new style of clothing now more pronounced since they began dating.

[third-daughter]

"Fool, I've always been good at controlling my reiatsu. It's you with the wild unmanageable one, so overwhelming it enters the room before you do," she teased, fighting back a blush at his sudden compliment to her. She didn't have that many clothes from the living world and had picked a simple white dress and a lavender cropped cardigan.

"You think so?" she teased, her hand reaching up to tug on the collar of his shirt playfully, "Be honest. Did you miss me~?"

[blacksun4ever]

"Tch, of course not. I'm busy too, ya' know!" He lied.

At this point, he wasn't shy with her anymore, he just teased for banter and fun. After all, that status quo had to be upheld somehow between them, at least somewhat for the public eye. They've had several close call situations before in Soul Society, where they'd turn a corner and Ichigo would nab her for a few seconds to feel her tender touch again- when some shinigami would pass and he'd have to play theater in all sorts of ways. To be fair, it was his fault most of the time...

He smirked softly at first, when she pulled on his collar as he held her cheek in return, caressing her soft, cold skin with his thumb. His smirk slowly turned into a grin, the simplest touch of her skin revitalizing him like a battery.

"So, where do you want to go today? More of that takoyaki you like?" He guessed. Usually, when she would visit, he'd take her out to try all sorts of foods and drinks- she always seemed interested in finding out more about the world of the living.

[third-daughter]

"Ohh.." she cooed, her happy expression remained though it took on an icy edge, "How disappointing. Maybe 3 weeks is too soon for you to see me again?"

His hand on her face was a reminder of the comfort he always brought to her, even when he was being a brat about it. "Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully, her hands coming up over his, "Okay, let's go."

[blacksun4ever]

"N-no, t-that's not..." he suddenly protested, almost innocently, to her suggesting he could wait even longer to see her. However, he quickly noted his own behavior, and the fact that she was clearly making fun of him, pouting to the side to show her his discontent. It was no joke, after all. He really did miss her! He lowered his hand from her cheeks and switched to holding her hand instead, turning to the direction of the little corner sweets shop he had in mind to take her to. "Fine, but this time you get an extra one! Last time you ate mine as well..." Ichigo barked, beginning their walk.

[third-daughter]

"Not what?" she smiled as he took her hand, content to follow wherever they were headed. "We've always been honest with each other, haven't we? Don't break my heart already, Ichigo,"

Her eyes had fallen to admire the wildflowers that grew along the road absentmindedly, until she pulled his hand at his comment. "Wha- I only ate yours because you offered it to me!!"

[blacksun4ever]

"F-Fine....I missed you, a lot...midget." Ichigo finally gave in, his face as red as a tomato. He was still having a difficult time expressing his feelings openly and honestly, despite the fact that Rukia was the closest person to his heart by a longshot. He was still getting used to it, no matter how much he tried to hide it though, she could always see through him. It was just the way she was...his world revolved around her now.

They continued to bicker playfully about the 'stolen' food- all of it translating to who loved whom more, as they slowly left the calm streets of Ichigo's neighborhood and began to enter the hustle and bustle of Karakura's center. It was a lively day and the weather seemed a perfect combination of a decent temperature and a light breeze blowing. Exactly the type of weather Ichigo enoyed the most.

Upon crossing a big intersection, Ichigo turned his attention to a board he saw that stated: "COUPLES SPECIAL HOUR! PAY 1, GET 2!". It was a rather cheesy hand-drawn board, in front of an okay looking establishment. He stopped in place and gently yanked Rukia's hand, pointing to the sign.

"Hey, this sounds interesting! How are they not losing money this way...?" He wondered for a moment, then shot Rukia an inviting glance.

[third-daughter]

"Look how red you are, is it that difficult to admit?" she questioned with a shameless laugh. It always humored her how someone so unashamed to speak his mind would suddenly grow shy over admitting these small things, even after these few months. "Don't lose your cool just yet, Ichigo- or you won't be able to keep up with me today."

Her free hand raised to block the sun from her vision, wide violet eyes looking everywhere. Indeed, Karakura had always been a rather small, sleepy town with not much going on aside from the hollows that seemed to be attracted to the place. But seeing it on a weekend, it was actually quite alive. There were a lot of families and children out, parents and siblings, young people.. and, now as she noted, a lot of couples too.

"It's so bustling here," she commented offhandedly, glancing at the sign Ichigo pointed out to her. She curiously skipped over and knelt in front of it, a finger pressed to her chin as if analyzing the meaning of the ad.

"How interesting.. how do they verify who's a couple from who isn't? Will they ask us for proof? See, I told you if you wrote your confession in a letter it would come in handy!" she glanced over her shoulder to him, pointing at the sign with a told-you-so smile.

[blacksun4ever]

"Shut up, as if!" Ichigo retorted immediately, his cheeks yet again turning a bright shade of red at the prospect of his feelings being written out on paper. He would shout from the rooftops that he loved her, if he had to, but then he'd die from embarrassment right after. Still...he'd do it, if she asked him to.

Knowing societal norms, he sighed and began to explain. "It's nothing like that. The most they'd do, if anything at all, is ask us if we're a couple." he finished, completely convinced in his own explanation. "That being said- let's go." and just like that, without warning, he was now dragging her inside. Ichigo was like that, sometimes. He didn't like thinking too much, usually making an impulsive decision when there's a fork in the road. All he wanted, actually, was to spend some alone time with her- it didn't really matter where.

[third-daughter]

"You just can't admit when I'm right, can you?" She glared up at him for a moment, feeling tempted to kick him for raising his voice at her, but didn't only because her shoes today had a heel and it might actually hurt him if she did.

"Well won't people just lie then, for the discount? How do they know?" the question was more rhetorical and to herself, but she had no time to think on it because he was quickly seizing her hand and dragging her inside.

The inside was quite lively too, from the sound of people talking to the music, and most of the patrons seemed to also be couples- so the sign didn't only interest us, Rukia observed in her thoughts. The long wall had a giant, fantastical mural of cherry trees painted on that covered the entire thing, which she admired silently as she followed Ichigo to find a table.

"Ichigo, what's wrong with that horse. Who impaled its head?" She questioned as they sat down, gesturing to the part of the mural that had a unicorn on it. "Why does it have wings? Did it die and turn into an angel? Humans are so odd.."

[blacksun4ever]

"You know most people don't just think about how to game the system, right...?" Ichigo sighed. Explaining modern day japanese society to her was always a monumental task, especially since Soul Society seemed to be somehow stuck in a simplistic way of life of the ancient world- probably acceptable to spirits who just want some peace, but not modern day life.

He was about to go through the hallway with her when she stopped him in his tracks, making him look at the mural that caught her interest. His face sunk as he realized she'd never heard of a unicorn before, a childish yet mythical being most pre-schoolers were familiar with.

"It's a unicorn, and it's basically a magical horse with a horn on it's head. You know, now I wonder if it isn't some weird lookin' hollow someone saw at some point..." he finished, throwing himself in a loop as the theory he had might just be close to reality. Before he could ruminate more on it though, they got approached by the hostess.

"Welcome to Omotesando! Are you a couple? We have a special today for couples!" the hostess welcomed them with a small bow and a wide grin.

Aha! There it is - Ichigo thought to himself. "Yes, in fact we are!" He answered as he shot Rukia a knowing glance, proud of his theory manifesting itself as true.

"Very good! We'll have to take a picture of you as part of our campaign, which you can claim a copy of at the end of your stay with us! Okay? Onegai shimasu!" the hostess briefly explained, with a hint of mischief in her voice, before instantly taking out a portable camera from her back pocket, ready to shoot.

Ichigo's face suddenly froze in comical shock...

[third-daughter]

"A unicorn..?" she muttered, as if she doubted Ichigo's explanation. Her eyes roamed over the mural again, staring deeply for another minute before she sighed, her arms crossing over her chest as she declared, "I like it."

She grew silent when the hostess approached, holding back a laugh when she requested as photo. That was something new- they'd gone out before but this was something she hadn't heard of being done before. Still, it sounded fun- and she didn't have many photos with him, anyway.. she wouldn't mind having one.

"I'd love a photo!" she chirped in her half-fake saccharine voice, seizing Ichigo's wrist to drag him forward to where the hostess wanted them to stand. She put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder gently, moving him to lean forward so she could whisper to him in as low a voice as she could.

"You'd better smile and look cute, or I'm going to make you scream later." she hissed quietly, before turning back and smiling pleasantly.

"Okay, please take the photo~"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's face contorted into an uncomfortable grimace when he felt Rukia's grip on him like a hawk's talon. He was never surprised at how physical she was with him, and he wouldn't have it any other way...were it not for situations such as this. He absolutely HATED getting his picture taken. So much so, that he usually skipped taking the yearly photo for the high school yearbook.

"W-wait, do we hav-!" Ichigo began to protest before she yanked him forward to whisper death threats in his ear. What a monster of a girlfriend he had, always capable of putting on a grammy award winning act in public, getting anybody to twist to her desires. Ichigo thought for a moment how to get out of it, but it occured to him that he really had almost no pictures of her, save the ones that he kept like holy secrets on his phone, safeguarding them through a password locked folder- just in case. The prospect of being able to have a physical photo of them together on a date seemed exciting to him... he'd have something to hang up in his room!

"Tch, fine." he finally relented with a soft sigh, throwing his arm over her shoulder as he leaned down to be closer to her face, figuring that it might as well not look like that famous painting with the farmer and his wife.

"Okaaaay~ Say 'Omotesando' !" The hostess teased before clicking her camera, a bright flash appearing that almost blinded them both. The hostess looked pretty satisfied with herself as she gave them a bow in thanks, pointing out the way soon after with her hands to guide them to their seating; a soft lit window booth.

Ichigo sighed in relief and shot Rukia a glance that silently said, 'You happy now?' .

[third-daughter]

Rukia had to let out a little sigh of relief, too- it was always a bit of a gamble as to whether Ichigo would listen to her or not. Sure, he was much more level headed and mature now that he was older.. but she still remembered the punky fifteen year old who would've died rather than have someone think he had to listen to her every order.

That thought made her bite her lip to not laugh- he'd truly been a lil nerd hiding behind a mask of cool indifference back then. She reached up with a free hand and grabbed his face gently, kissing his cheek as she all but purred, "Thank you, baby," before skipping off to their booth, sliding into her seat easily.

"I'm keeping the photo when they give it to us, right?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo froze yet again as she planted the kiss on his cheek, thinking she'd get away with being mischievous scot-free, skipping all dandily to her seat. He followed in a flash afterward, sitting across from her but leaning into the table to smack his forehead into hers with a competitive glare in his eyes.

"You wish, poppet! If I gotta get a random picture taken of me, you can bet your cute little Kuchiki butt it's mine!" He protested, almost to the point of a growl.

The hostess, who followed them to their seating, was reluctant to speak but managed to point out. "E-excuse me, but you can claim any amount of copies. We'll prepare them for you, free of charge...So I take it that's 2 copies?" She asked politely, yet with some amount of fear in her voice.

"2 please!" Ichigo immediately answered, his hand slamming on the table dramatically. He realized soon after that he was causing a slight scene, so he leaned back into his seat with a slight pout as he rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"...and 2 lattes and a serving of takoyaki, please" he mumbled the order that he knew Rukia liked, throwing up his hand with 2 fingers raised as he looked to the side in embarrassment.

[third-daughter]

"Wha- how rude! Don't you know anything about the rule... ladies first?" She complained in half displeasure, only growing quiet because she saw the waitress approaching from behind, her cheeks reddening at the nickname- it didn't phase her to call Ichigo by a pet name, but being called by one herself would take some getting used to..

She snickered lightly at his embarrassment as he ordered and the waitress left, and leaned on the table with her chin propped in her hand. "What's wrong? Why are you all embarrassed suddenly?" She reached across the table to take his hand in hers, as if to stop him from getting more awkward.

"By the way, what does poppet mean? It better be something nice,"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo sighed, shrugging before copying her posture as he leaned into the table himself. Her hand was cold to the touch, as per usual. Ichigo loved that about her. He accepted her hand and gently squeezed it in return, his gaze focused entirely on her eyes. The pleasant atmosphere, light music, gentle background chatter, and the soft sunlight made for such a relaxing feeling. After not having seen her for 3 entire weeks, this was practically a dream. He really did love experiencing the world, his world, through her. It was like experiencing things for the first time again. Well...most things. He couldn't help but smile at her warmly.

"I'm not...I-...hmmm...I guess I just missed you too much, that's all. You know I'm not good with these types of things. Especially since you're still keeping us a secret from most of the Shinigami... it's not like I'm rearing to go shout it from the rooftops, but I still feel a bit paranoid." He admitted, yet again sighing to release his tension. Of course his family already knew about them, and so did Urahara, but the whole laying low strategy still bothered him.

Ichigo propped up his head when she asked about the pet he had chosen for her. "Huh? You mean 'poppet'? It means 'small cute person', basically." He explained, short and sweet. He wondered for a moment where it came from as well, but didn't think too deeply into it.

[third-daughter]

"Paranoid.. about what?" her eyes scanned over his face, his body language, wanting to understand his words. She meant to speak again when the waitress returned with their drinks and set them down on the table, growing silent instead.

She leaned back in her seat slightly, staring up at the ceiling of the cafe in silence. It was painted too, a pale blue with fluffy white clouds all over it.. a false sky. Any normal person would've simply found it pretty. To her, it felt like a creepy omen. So pretty... and so fake.

Her eyes closed in thought. What were they doing anyways? What was she doing? Was this.. relationship.. with him real? ..Would it become real if everyone knew about it? Was she confused, or was it that things worked differently in the living world? The last thing she wanted was for Ichigo to be unhappy, whether with her or with their situation. Some things simply couldn't be helped.. like the differences in their lives. But some things, she did have control over. She heard the waitress excuse herself and walk off.. her mind made up.

"Alright," her eyes opened then and she looked back at him once again, her expression almost too calm. "I understand your feelings."

She picked her bag up from her side and opened it, reaching inside and grabbing something from within. When she pulled her hand back and held it up, her hand opened to reveal a hell butterfly, black wings fluttering delicately.

[blacksun4ever]

"O-Oi...what are you-...?!" Ichigo got taken aback suddenly when he saw her randomly pull out a hell butterfly out of her... PURSE!? What was she thinking, in the middle of a cafe at that.

He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, leaning in over the table to whisper somewhat nervously. "H-hey, baka! What are you thinking? C-calm down!" He tried to sound reasonable, thinking that he somehow pissed her off with what he said.

Luckily, no one else had eyes on them just yet...

[third-daughter]

"What? I'm perfectly calm. No one can see it except for us anyway, remember?" she held the butterfly up to her, speaking in a low but calm voice as she relayed her message to it.

"Nii-sama, this is Rukia. I'm on a date with Ichigo in the living world and I've decided to remain here for today. I'll return tomorrow. So please don't worry. And please inform Renji and vice captain Hinamori, I was supposed to see them tonight."

She let it go then, and it fluttered down and landed on the center of the table, on top of Ichigo's hand as he still held hers. Rukia pulled her soul candy from her bag, placing it on the table as well, she took one and separated from her body, immediately removing her sword and using it to open a gate right there in the middle of the cafe- it wasn't as if anyone could see it happen- and sent the butterfly through it before letting it close.

"Okay, I'm done." she returned to her gigai, straightening and tucking her hair behind her ear as she picked up her coffee cup. "Now you didn't answer my question. What are you feeling paranoid about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He sat there, his mouth agape, as she nonchalantly professed her love for him- to BYAKUYA no less, of all people, through the hell butterfly. Ichigo couldn't believe his eyes when she left her gigai and opened a senkaimon to send it through, returning to her spiel as if nothing ever happened.

"Bakayaro! What's the big idea, just blurting it out like that??? Have you totally lost it?!" Ichigo smacked his hand down on the table as he leaned forward with an exhasperated and panicked face. He immediately slammed back into his seat and covered his now completely red face, ignoring the question as he continued with his rant, "Oh my god...he's gonna slaughter me, isn't he?! I can see it now...all the pretty sakura petals coming to slice me up like christmas dinner! Ahhhhh....".

His attention suddenly shifted again back to her as he scowled, his brows fully furrowed. "You....explain yourself!" He demanded half seriously, in a comical fit.

[third-daughter]

"You're so dramatic, Ichigo. Calm down." Rukia sipped her latte calmly, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands as she listened to his panicking. "And just what do you think my brother is... I know he may seem quiet and hard to read, but he has respect for you.. and he understands me. He's not going to come over here and attack you, so stop being silly."

She set the cup back on the table, tracing the rim with her fingertip idly. "I get that you have disliked keeping things secret these past months.. so that's why I sent the butterfly. Nii-sama will certainly relay my message, so by tomorrow rolls around everyone there will probably know, and this matter can be resolved. I want you to be happy."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo thought about it for a second, leaning back into his seat. Her eyes were determined, she really wasn't joking about any of this. Then again, she wouldn't be so cruel to him and joke in that manner. It seems that, from this moment, their relationship was official. Surely they'd have a lot of explaining to do, but this way she'd at least ripped the band aid off. He sighed, taking his phone out with a light blush on his cheeks, stubborn as ever, as he readied himself. "Two can play at that game, Rukia." he mouthed off as he began to type furiously with a serious conviction in his eyes; a moment later, he was done. His gaze returned to hers and, with a final inhale he clicked "submit" on the phone, turning it towards her to show her what it said. It was his LINE account, and a new status update that read: "I'm dating Rukia Kuchiki. She's mine. Deal with it!" There was no going back, he'd already clicked the button that updated the status, so that each of his contacts could see. His friends, his family, everyone he knew...would now know, officially. Ichigo snorted and smirked, content that he'd payed her back with just an outrageous move. In the end, they were just two peas in a pod, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing to her.

[third-daughter]

She watched him silently as he seemed to type something on his phone- she didn't know what. His words however, did pique her interest, though she didn't get what he was referring to. In her head, the action she'd taken was totally serious.

"What's that?" she blinked in confusion. Clearly he'd done something on his phone that made him look very pleased with himself and he turned the phone to her. She could only just read the words on the screen, and she couldn't help but to blush at it- she didn't really understand social media, but clearly that message he typed would be read by everyone here in the living world. She tried very hard to not look as pleased as she felt, her eyes closing to feign calm as she picked up her cup, taking a sip.

"..Well. Do you feel better now? Less paranoid?"

[blacksun4ever]

His smirk became even wider now, his gaze becoming softer as he put his phone back down on the table gently. Indeed, he was satisfied. Actually, this wasn't the correct way to do this- but he couldn't lie that he felt a load off his shoulders the moment they officialized their relationship. She was too important to him to carry on being a secret, so even letting it out in a silly way like this seemed enough.

"Aah. Much." He nodded once contently, still wondering about Byakuya...ultimately he decided to wait and see. Maybe he wouldn't be so protective? Ichigo was the one that saved her, even when Byakuya was naive enough to let her die because of pride.

Ichigo reached out to hold her cheek, smiling softly still. He adored touching her, whether it was holding her hand or...their nightly activities. "You look gorgeous today, you know..." he let the words roll of his lips, sending them her way like an invisible kiss.

However, before the mood caught unto them too much, his phone began beeping and vibrating like crazy which sent him into a loop again. He was confused for a moment until he picked it up to see, his eyes widening in disbelief...

He suddenly had 15 new notifications to his status!

All of them were from his friends...

[third-daughter]

"What were you paranoid about anyway? Nii-sama knowing?" she questioned idly as she tore apart a piece of the takoyaki with her fingers, only stopping and looking up when she felt his hand on her face.

That action made her blush again, much to her annoyance- what was it with his ability to make her face go red all the time? As did his compliment. Part of her wanted to scold him for being too sweet on her, part of her wanted to look away and call him a fool.. instead she turned her face slightly, pressing a kiss into the palm of his hand.

"So do you," she murmured, and there was that familiar stormy purple in her eyes as she stared at him for slightly too long of a moment, before she let go of his hand.

It wasn't too soon either, when his phone started making a bunch of noise, causing her to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

[blacksun4ever]

"It's nothing like that. It just felt weird hiding it...as if we were doing something wrong. Meanwhile, you're the only right thing that's ever happened to me. You know what I mean?" He blurted out in response to her question finally, now busy scrolling through his phone to see what the entire commotion was about.

As soon as he saw, he moved to her side to sit next to her and show her as well, propping his phone up to her face. He stared almost too deeply as he began to scroll and uncover his friends' reactions one by one:

IshidaProKnitter: "Idiot! It's cringe to just post like that. Anyways, say hi to Kuchiki-san." KeigoTheGreat: "I knew it!! When is she coming back to school?!" MizuiroSama92: "Well done, Ichigo. Say hi? Hello from the bahamas!" SadoTheChado: "Mmm. Ok." IsshinGOAT: "That's my son! Welcome to the family, third daughter!!!" Kontastic: "Nee-san.... you'll pay for this, Ichigo!!" TatsukiSawa: "Did you somehow think we didn't know? Psh...don't get cocky!" UraharaShoutenTM: "Ara, ara...congratulations, Kurosaki-san!" KanonjiOfficial: "My #1 protégé! Love is always with you, boy!!"

...

Ichigo continued to read, his eyes wide and a smile creeping on his face as he subconsciously stuck his cheek to hers.

[third-daughter]

She fell silent as she watched him, moving the fabric of her skirt closer to her when he got up to sit next to her instead. At first she thought he just wanted to sit nearer to her, blinking when he held his phone up for her to see what all the commotion was about. Violet eyes widened as she read.. and read.. Ichigo's thumb scrolled the screen down. She felt his cheek against hers and it distracted her for a moment- it was still a little surprising when he acted so affectionately in a public or semi public place.

"Oh... oh my.." she murmured, eyes wide in surprise. So this is what social media looked like.. it was a bit overwhelming. There were so many comments from so many people.. did he have to respond to all of them? It would be a bit of a headache.

"Well," she turned to look at him then, wanting to know his thoughts by his expression, "At least they're being positive. Because if they weren't.."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo grew sentimental for a moment, his gaze turning to hers as they both finished reading at the same time. He snorted and smiled in relief as his eyes sunk to the ground, the memories of his friends' support throughout the years flashing through his mind briefly. There were times were he really didn't think he could go on, where his nakama gave him the power he needed to fight. This was, after all, one of the major reasons why he loved her. She was always there when he needed her. Despite the normal appearances, they've fought together, bled together.

"Aah...they're wonderful. All of them..." Ichigo spoke softly. He then turned to face her, his love, his moon, his light...and smiled a genuine, bright and loving smile. "Being here, with you...like this. It almost seems like a dream." he let out, snorting again in an endearing way. It was funny to him, really it was. The simple fact that he could sit there, next to the woman of his dreams, with all the love and support of everyone he knew...it was quite special feeling.

Ichigo reached out with his hand to her cheek, bridging the small gap between them together as he planted his lips unto hers in a passionate kiss. Throughout their months together, Ichigo had slowly grown accustomed to physical contact. He had no problems showing his emotions physically, actually it's what he excelled at.

"We should be grateful." he spoke soft and teasingly, as soon as his lips left hers.

[third-daughter]

Rukia listened in silence to his words, choosing to say nothing in the moment. It wasn't very often he got the nerve to say exactly what he wanted to say.. he tended to show he cared about someone by his actions instead.

She'd been wanting to ask him how he felt in hindsight of Tsukishima's abilities being used on everyone. It had been a few months since then, and it seemed like things had pretty quickly gone back to normal since then. Chad and Inoue, his sisters, everyone.. they all seemed to not remember what happened, nor Tsukishima, at all. In the end it was only Ichigo who had to suffer with the memory of what happened. And though she'd kept perfectly calm in the moment, she could still picture his face that day in the rain, broken and lost and crying. Sometimes when she slept, her mind would force her back there to see it again and again.. she was determined to not let him sink so deep ever again.

She just smiled at him when he touched her face, her eyes roaming over his face as if she were observing him keenly. Then he kissed her and she didn't have the heart to stop him, even though they were in public and she still wasn't completely used to it yet.

Her hand slid in his hair, her fingers curling in his golden threads, "You're so sentimental," she teased, tugging on it gently.

[blacksun4ever]

She was always great at bringing him back to reality, especially when he was embarrassing himself. It dawned on him that his behavior might not be suitable for public display, and his cheeks naturally turned the appropriate color. "S-shut up, baka..." he rubbed the back of his head in protest of what felt like teasing to him. Although, he had to admit...he was sentimental at that moment. In general too, maybe. It was difficult not to be, he really was living the dream.

She was kind yet stern, she motivated him, and often made him laugh or smile. Her skin is soft, she has good style, and she's a freakin' lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Above all else, she was his partner in crime, his light. He never missed the opportunity to ask himself once in a while, if she truly knows how much he loves her.

"Of course I am. I-it's just...I didn't think it would be so easy. Everyone is so supportive." he admitted, turning to softly kiss her wrist. He was, after all, missing her touch for a few weeks. Public display or not, the corner they were at seemed intimate enough for at least this kind of affection, he thought.

[third-daughter]

It was funny- watching him get flustered as if he hadn't been the one to move to her side of the table, sit in the booth next to her and desire to kiss her. That was just like him, half the time brimming with overconfidence, waxing the most poetic and seductive words, then the other half a blushing little mess. Her mess.

She slid down in the booth a little, sighing as she propped her feet on the booth opposite to her, where he'd been sitting before. She wasn't used to wearing heels, especially such high ones, but she also wasn't uncouth enough to remove them in the middle of the cafe. Her thoughts wandered to what he'd said, silently thinking.

Everyone is so supportive, he said. It was true.. and she hadn't expected it to be any other way- he had friends and family always supporting him, all in their own ways. She'd noticed someone who hadn't responded, though- and she wondered if he'd noticed it too. She hoped, prayed, it wasn't for the reasons she thought.

"...Yeah," she said softly, her eyes narrowing a bit without her thinking. "You're right."

Inoue... maybe she just hadn't seen her phone. Hopefully. Rukia's eyes, the brighter violet seeming like a deep blue in the low lights of the place, couldn't help but stare at Ichigo for a moment. She wondered if he guessed what she guessed- that Inoue might've had feelings for him at one point- or perhaps she still did. She couldn't say for sure. But the idea of someone else wanting him the same way Rukia wanted him... no matter who it was.. made her feel an unwarranted sort of anger she didn't dare to show on her face.

Or was it fear? ..She wasn't even sure.

She was pulled from that uneasy thought when she felt him kiss her on the wrist, and gave a small smile instead. "Are you going to eat this takoyaki with me, or am I eating alone today?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo noticed something was off. He always kind of had a nose for things like this, when people were concerned or had something troubling them, he could always tell- especially if it was her.

Watching her place her feet up was a dead giveaway. Rukia usually got into strange positions or would make cat like movements whenever she was deep in thought, Ichigo remembered. Except for the fact that it was incredibly distracting for him the entire day, watching her prance around with him in a skirt and high heels, he noticed it's one of the first times he'd seen her wear some. She still had a load of surprises for him, and every day he was learning something new about her. 'Man, I'm gonna make sure there's hell to pay for this. Later, though...' Ichigo thought to himself, trying to snap back into reality as he slated the thoughts that were about to invade his mind for later. At the moment, he wanted to know more about her concerned look.

"...Yeah," "You're right."

Inoue. Ichigo immediately understood, observing the way she spoke and how her eyes looked to the bottom left, as if she was thinking back on something. But besides that, he had noticed himself.

There was no message from Inoue.

He knew, from some time ago, how Inoue felt about him. Even Tatsuki had hinted at him before. He tried to explore his feelings for the topic, he really had. During the year and a half, when he was just a normal person, he tried to bond with her more. It was pointless though...he couldn't stop dreaming about her, about Rukia. He never really addressed it outwardly in any way, to Inoue at least. Ishida more or less knew about his condition, he's usually perceptive like that... Should he have addressed it? Should he have said something to her? He was sure that, intuitively, Inoue knew as well. Was that enough though?

Ichigo's eyes sank as he began to wonder if he was being a good friend, his hand softly cupping Rukia's in an attempt to maker her linger on his cheek a little longer. "Yeah...We should be grateful."

[third-daughter]

She noticed it of course- how could she not? It was pointless for him to hide his feelings around her- she could read his face too well. Maybe other people couldn't see behind the mask.. but she certainly could.

Had he read her mind? Did he notice? Or was he suddenly worrying over something else? She stared at him in thought, as he touched her face in that way he often did when he wanted her to look at him.

"Right.." she said softly, stretching her legs as she did. She could hear her bones snap in complaint- her gigai did not approve of her choice of footwear it seemed. "..You said that already."

She looked away then, her polished fingers picking up a napkin from the table silently and balling it in her hand. She couldn't help her thoughts either- from the beginning she knew she didn't deserve him. That he could, and should, do better. She wondered if that thought hadn't occurred to him... until now.

She wouldn't blame him. She'd always felt that. He still had his whole life ahead of him.. she knew it wasn't realistic to think he'd want her forever. And all she wanted was for him to be happy.. with or without her.

"..Should we go?"

[blacksun4ever]

The moment he snapped back, realizing he repeated himself, he could feel something else. It's as if there was tension, or no...fear, coming from her. He could feel it in the subtle ways her reiatsu moved, suddenly becoming spikey as if an invisible threat were around. He looked around the table, noticing his untouched takoyaki, her half filled latte...why would she want to leave? They just got here.

"H-hey, wait a minute. What's wrong, Rukia?" he flinched backwards slightly, leaning out of her touch and his own hand let go from holding her cheek. She was clenching a napkin, as if she were trying to strangle it.

Why is she upset..? What is happening? Is she sad that Inoue didn't write?

His mind raced with thoughts, trying to make sense of the situation. It wasn't like her to suddenly switch moods like this, but why did she feel fear? Ichigo's eyes raised back to inquisitively look into her violet orbs, expecting some kind of answer.

[third-daughter]

"Nothing," she said softly, her gaze shifting back to him, eyes dark. "I'm just asking."

Maybe she was wrong about it all. Maybe he knew nothing... maybe he felt nothing. Still, a part of her couldn't believe that.. because he was smarter than that.

She saw him flinch then, and that was odd- she didn't think she'd seen him do that before.. at least not with her. Her free hand flexed a bit, her eyes moving from him to it, fingers closing into a fist.

"..Sorry. Did it feel cold suddenly?"

[blacksun4ever]

"O-oi...Rukia." he mouthed, his look now one of worry. It really wasn't like her, to suddenly react to something like this. Her reiatsu wasn't usually this defensive. It had to be something deeper than she let on, something bothering her. Inoue.

Oh. That's right. She got like this when she thought of Inoue, his inner monologue dictated. Did she think that he somehow had feelings for her? Surely not, Ichigo thought. It was more likely that she was afraid that she'd lose her friendship with her. It made sense, right? ....right?

Ichigo leaned in slightly, relaxing himself fully. For a while now, he was conscious whenever he spoke to Rukia. He wasn't just speaking as a friend anymore...but as a lover. He took that responsibility on himself, for her. One of his core principles, was to never be dishonest about anything...especially the important stuff. With that in mind, and a long inhale, he began talking in a gentle tone.

"Are you...upset because of Inoue?" he asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

[third-daughter]

That was unexpected to hear- then again, maybe she should have. Ichigo had never been the predictable type of man. She'd made the assumption he hadn't noticed what she had, but of course he had. And of course he would ask about it, right here in the middle of a date, in public, without mincing his words.

But her expression was clear on her face and her head turned to look at him suddenly with an unflinching, disapproving frown. Her voice was calm and kind of low, but that calmness didn't quite match the look in her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He could always tell when he struck a nerve with her, especially the way it made her reiatsu shimmer slightly wheenver she found something annoying.

"Aha, so it is Inoue...Speak your mind, woman. Now." he demanded, half light-heartedly, giving her an expecting look as he leaned in to get a closer look into her eyes.

There was a pact between them, in the beginning of the first month, to not stay angry at each other no matter what and always demand the other party speak up about the issues. So that's the way it was always, even to his own dismay sometimes.

"Talk." he repeated.

[third-daughter]

Her expression didn't change, and in fact visually she appeared mostly calm except for the clear look in her eyes that said 'are you crazy?'

..and the fact that her left hand resting on the table currently had ice beginning to form underneath it, encroaching over her fingertips and on the flimsy layers of cheap plywood making up the table.

No, it was how low her voice was, refusing to elevate even slightly, that held warning in it. "Talk about what, exactly?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's expression quickly turned into a grimace as he pinched a juicy sweet takoyaki and threw it in his mouth, trying to release the tension by being a bit like his usual self. He munched the takoyaki and spoke at the same time, crossing his arms after rubbing his fingers to clear the stickiness of the thing. "Oh come on, Rukia. You know that's not fair." he gulped finally, reaching out for his coffee again to get the rest of the takoyaki down with a full small sip

[third-daughter]

Ice crept over her fingers to her wrist slowly, but she didn't notice it because she was too busy staring at him like he'd grown a second head. She sat in silence and her violet eyes bore into his. It was smart of him to play off the question casually- if he matched her energy now it might've been a disaster.

But it irritated her, too- how he could ask such a serious question to her while sitting there eating so casually. And his comment irked her even more so.

"What's not fair is you daring to ask me that right here and expecting an answer. What exactly do you want me to say about her? Hm?"

[blacksun4ever]

"And when is the perfect time to ask?" he retorted calmly, regaining composure as he saw that she slowly began to form ice around her fingers. He reached out with his hand and softly cupper her wrist, using his own reiatsu to gently warm her and push back the spreading ice. Ichigo had not seen her this pent up in a long time. This was quite serious for her. Could it be...she was jealous? "I'm not going to wait for the perfect moment, Rukia. It took me years to even tell you I love you..." he suddenly shifted and moved closer to her, bringing her freezing hand up to his chest as he gently placed it on himself. It was cold for a moment, until his own reiatsu covered hers like a blanket...assuring her softly without saying a word.

"Please. Tell me what's going through your mind?" he asked again, although with a softer voice now, his eyes locked unto hers as his other free hand secured her chin so that she doesn't look away. As always, he had to dig to get to her real feelings.

[third-daughter]

CH.II - The sunrise after the rain

[rp with @blacksun4ever]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Rukia walked along on the sidewalk silently, carrying nothing but a little purse that held her soul candy and her phone. It had been a little over 3 months since she and Ichigo had started dating, and had left off telling anyone yet- she'd wanted just a few moments to simply revel in it before it became everyone's business.

And what a blissful 3 months it had been.. even though it wasn't easy to get to see him, since he was finishing high school. She'd also been busy with her work, and often their communication was limited to phone calls when neither were busy. Every spare moment they could talk was more valuable to her than anything.. she wished she could've spent her whole life listening to his voice through the phone while she fell asleep at night.

It was hard, too. It was a weird, long distanced sort of arrangement. She longed to see him, missing his company and his unchanging, stalwart personality.. she missed the feeling of her fingers in his.

She'd finally managed to go off to the living world to see him, only stopping to get her gigai from Urahara before she continued to his house. As she rounded the corner to where his home was, she couldn't help but grow mischievous when she saw him outside doing something.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed over, taking all of her willpower to not give herself away. As she got closer to him, her hand raised, ready to strike..

"Ichigo!" she crowed loudly as her tiny hand wacked him on the butt, an impish grin on her face.

[blacksun4ever]

The last 3 months,for Ichigo, were a learning experience like no other.

Rukia Kuchiki, Fukutaicho of the 13th Division, a Noble of the Kuchiki Dynasty, his best friend, was his girlfriend. It was a dream.

He was not only finding out stuff about himself- things he really hadn't known about before, but he was discovering her as well. He learned the comfort of knowing someone intimately, he also learned about the separation anxiety that ensues. He never acted clingy with her, but secretly he always wanted just a bit more, just a bit longer. Since seeing her was somewhat of a rare occasion in the week, he always felt like he had to make the most of it. Despite that, it was the loveliest months of his life. He got to experience so many new things with her, he even got to experience her on occasion...

Urahara, their trusted friend who knew long before them about their own feelings- in his infinite wisdom and all, had gifted them each a special type of phone that could send/receive calls and text between worlds. It was heaven-sent. Ichigo would often spend his days either texting or calling her whenever he had the chance, always feeling low whenever he'd even go a few hours without talking to her somehow.

Ichigo's family, of course, were the first to know- despite them agreeing to lay low for a while. Karin simply could not be fooled, and Isshin had already accepted the fact long before, since the day he called her "third daughter". Yuzu was perhaps the only one half clueless, though she knew more than she let on. They would greet her like family every time she visited.

This time, it was a slow day like any other. So slow, Ichigo couldn't stop checking his phone every 20 minutes just to see if she wrote.

-Nothing. "Gaahh! Where is this woman?!" he almost threw a tantrum, spinning in his rotating chair while falling back in the chair, exhaling upwards. "That's it! I'm going for a walk..." he suddenly slammed the phone rebelliously on the desk, deciding some air to clear his head could be for the best. On the way out, Isshin had asked him to take out the trash- to which Ichigo reluctantly agreed, although with a big pout. Just as he was about to throw the trash out properly, he felt the nonchalant smack of his buttcheeks, causing it to drop on the ground next to the can. He turned in a raging fume, ready to kill, until he saw her- her voice now reaching him. "Rukia?!" His irritation transformed into euphoria as he lunged at her, hugging her and sweeping her off her feet. "Well, isn't this a surprise..." he remarked right before planting a juicy peck on her lips with a coy smirk.

[third-daughter]

Rukia squeaked when he picked her up suddenly, laughing as he kissed her. They hadn't seen each other in person for almost 3 weeks; it always surprised her how agonizingly quick the pace of the world felt without him. Her small hands grabbed his shoulders to balance herself as she grinned at him.

"How was that? Did I catch you by surprise?" she questioned proudly, letting her fingers thread in his hair playfully.

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo snorted, his cheeks getting slightly reddish at having to admit that she did, actually, catch him by surprise. "Learned how to hide your reiatsu enough, huh? My, my, Lieutenant Kuchiki~" he tried to tease back. He was feeling completely excited, the loneliness of the weeks without her having left him entirely now. Slowly, he set her her down and placed his hands in his pockets after exhaling a sigh of relief. He wasn't expecting her visit at all, and now that she was here, he could finally look forward to spending a good day outside doing activities. Usually, when she wasn't around, he'd either be studying or on the rare occasion he felt like socializing, he'd be out with Keigo, Mizuiro, Chad or Inoue...if he wasn't sulking in his room cause he missed her, that is. "You look good." Ichigo finally noted, her new style of clothing now more pronounced since they began dating.

[third-daughter]

"Fool, I've always been good at controlling my reiatsu. It's you with the wild unmanageable one, so overwhelming it enters the room before you do," she teased, fighting back a blush at his sudden compliment to her. She didn't have that many clothes from the living world and had picked a simple white dress and a lavender cropped cardigan.

"You think so?" she teased, her hand reaching up to tug on the collar of his shirt playfully, "Be honest. Did you miss me~?"

[blacksun4ever]

"Tch, of course not. I'm busy too, ya' know!" He lied.

At this point, he wasn't shy with her anymore, he just teased for banter and fun. After all, that status quo had to be upheld somehow between them, at least somewhat for the public eye. They've had several close call situations before in Soul Society, where they'd turn a corner and Ichigo would nab her for a few seconds to feel her tender touch again- when some shinigami would pass and he'd have to play theater in all sorts of ways. To be fair, it was his fault most of the time...

He smirked softly at first, when she pulled on his collar as he held her cheek in return, caressing her soft, cold skin with his thumb. His smirk slowly turned into a grin, the simplest touch of her skin revitalizing him like a battery.

"So, where do you want to go today? More of that takoyaki you like?" He guessed. Usually, when she would visit, he'd take her out to try all sorts of foods and drinks- she always seemed interested in finding out more about the world of the living.

[third-daughter]

"Ohh.." she cooed, her happy expression remained though it took on an icy edge, "How disappointing. Maybe 3 weeks is too soon for you to see me again?"

His hand on her face was a reminder of the comfort he always brought to her, even when he was being a brat about it. "Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully, her hands coming up over his, "Okay, let's go."

[blacksun4ever]

"N-no, t-that's not..." he suddenly protested, almost innocently, to her suggesting he could wait even longer to see her. However, he quickly noted his own behavior, and the fact that she was clearly making fun of him, pouting to the side to show her his discontent. It was no joke, after all. He really did miss her! He lowered his hand from her cheeks and switched to holding her hand instead, turning to the direction of the little corner sweets shop he had in mind to take her to. "Fine, but this time you get an extra one! Last time you ate mine as well..." Ichigo barked, beginning their walk.

[third-daughter]

"Not what?" she smiled as he took her hand, content to follow wherever they were headed. "We've always been honest with each other, haven't we? Don't break my heart already, Ichigo,"

Her eyes had fallen to admire the wildflowers that grew along the road absentmindedly, until she pulled his hand at his comment. "Wha- I only ate yours because you offered it to me!!"

[blacksun4ever]

"F-Fine....I missed you, a lot...midget." Ichigo finally gave in, his face as red as a tomato. He was still having a difficult time expressing his feelings openly and honestly, despite the fact that Rukia was the closest person to his heart by a longshot. He was still getting used to it, no matter how much he tried to hide it though, she could always see through him. It was just the way she was...his world revolved around her now.

They continued to bicker playfully about the 'stolen' food- all of it translating to who loved whom more, as they slowly left the calm streets of Ichigo's neighborhood and began to enter the hustle and bustle of Karakura's center. It was a lively day and the weather seemed a perfect combination of a decent temperature and a light breeze blowing. Exactly the type of weather Ichigo enoyed the most.

Upon crossing a big intersection, Ichigo turned his attention to a board he saw that stated: "COUPLES SPECIAL HOUR! PAY 1, GET 2!". It was a rather cheesy hand-drawn board, in front of an okay looking establishment. He stopped in place and gently yanked Rukia's hand, pointing to the sign.

"Hey, this sounds interesting! How are they not losing money this way...?" He wondered for a moment, then shot Rukia an inviting glance.

[third-daughter]

"Look how red you are, is it that difficult to admit?" she questioned with a shameless laugh. It always humored her how someone so unashamed to speak his mind would suddenly grow shy over admitting these small things, even after these few months. "Don't lose your cool just yet, Ichigo- or you won't be able to keep up with me today."

Her free hand raised to block the sun from her vision, wide violet eyes looking everywhere. Indeed, Karakura had always been a rather small, sleepy town with not much going on aside from the hollows that seemed to be attracted to the place. But seeing it on a weekend, it was actually quite alive. There were a lot of families and children out, parents and siblings, young people.. and, now as she noted, a lot of couples too.

"It's so bustling here," she commented offhandedly, glancing at the sign Ichigo pointed out to her. She curiously skipped over and knelt in front of it, a finger pressed to her chin as if analyzing the meaning of the ad.

"How interesting.. how do they verify who's a couple from who isn't? Will they ask us for proof? See, I told you if you wrote your confession in a letter it would come in handy!" she glanced over her shoulder to him, pointing at the sign with a told-you-so smile.

[blacksun4ever]

"Shut up, as if!" Ichigo retorted immediately, his cheeks yet again turning a bright shade of red at the prospect of his feelings being written out on paper. He would shout from the rooftops that he loved her, if he had to, but then he'd die from embarrassment right after. Still...he'd do it, if she asked him to.

Knowing societal norms, he sighed and began to explain. "It's nothing like that. The most they'd do, if anything at all, is ask us if we're a couple." he finished, completely convinced in his own explanation. "That being said- let's go." and just like that, without warning, he was now dragging her inside. Ichigo was like that, sometimes. He didn't like thinking too much, usually making an impulsive decision when there's a fork in the road. All he wanted, actually, was to spend some alone time with her- it didn't really matter where.

[third-daughter]

"You just can't admit when I'm right, can you?" She glared up at him for a moment, feeling tempted to kick him for raising his voice at her, but didn't only because her shoes today had a heel and it might actually hurt him if she did.

"Well won't people just lie then, for the discount? How do they know?" the question was more rhetorical and to herself, but she had no time to think on it because he was quickly seizing her hand and dragging her inside.

The inside was quite lively too, from the sound of people talking to the music, and most of the patrons seemed to also be couples- so the sign didn't only interest us, Rukia observed in her thoughts. The long wall had a giant, fantastical mural of cherry trees painted on that covered the entire thing, which she admired silently as she followed Ichigo to find a table.

"Ichigo, what's wrong with that horse. Who impaled its head?" She questioned as they sat down, gesturing to the part of the mural that had a unicorn on it. "Why does it have wings? Did it die and turn into an angel? Humans are so odd.."

[blacksun4ever]

"You know most people don't just think about how to game the system, right...?" Ichigo sighed. Explaining modern day japanese society to her was always a monumental task, especially since Soul Society seemed to be somehow stuck in a simplistic way of life of the ancient world- probably acceptable to spirits who just want some peace, but not modern day life.

He was about to go through the hallway with her when she stopped him in his tracks, making him look at the mural that caught her interest. His face sunk as he realized she'd never heard of a unicorn before, a childish yet mythical being most pre-schoolers were familiar with.

"It's a unicorn, and it's basically a magical horse with a horn on it's head. You know, now I wonder if it isn't some weird lookin' hollow someone saw at some point..." he finished, throwing himself in a loop as the theory he had might just be close to reality. Before he could ruminate more on it though, they got approached by the hostess.

"Welcome to Omotesando! Are you a couple? We have a special today for couples!" the hostess welcomed them with a small bow and a wide grin.

Aha! There it is - Ichigo thought to himself. "Yes, in fact we are!" He answered as he shot Rukia a knowing glance, proud of his theory manifesting itself as true.

"Very good! We'll have to take a picture of you as part of our campaign, which you can claim a copy of at the end of your stay with us! Okay? Onegai shimasu!" the hostess briefly explained, with a hint of mischief in her voice, before instantly taking out a portable camera from her back pocket, ready to shoot.

Ichigo's face suddenly froze in comical shock...

[third-daughter]

"A unicorn..?" she muttered, as if she doubted Ichigo's explanation. Her eyes roamed over the mural again, staring deeply for another minute before she sighed, her arms crossing over her chest as she declared, "I like it."

She grew silent when the hostess approached, holding back a laugh when she requested as photo. That was something new- they'd gone out before but this was something she hadn't heard of being done before. Still, it sounded fun- and she didn't have many photos with him, anyway.. she wouldn't mind having one.

"I'd love a photo!" she chirped in her half-fake saccharine voice, seizing Ichigo's wrist to drag him forward to where the hostess wanted them to stand. She put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder gently, moving him to lean forward so she could whisper to him in as low a voice as she could.

"You'd better smile and look cute, or I'm going to make you scream later." she hissed quietly, before turning back and smiling pleasantly.

"Okay, please take the photo~"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's face contorted into an uncomfortable grimace when he felt Rukia's grip on him like a hawk's talon. He was never surprised at how physical she was with him, and he wouldn't have it any other way...were it not for situations such as this. He absolutely HATED getting his picture taken. So much so, that he usually skipped taking the yearly photo for the high school yearbook.

"W-wait, do we hav-!" Ichigo began to protest before she yanked him forward to whisper death threats in his ear. What a monster of a girlfriend he had, always capable of putting on a grammy award winning act in public, getting anybody to twist to her desires. Ichigo thought for a moment how to get out of it, but it occured to him that he really had almost no pictures of her, save the ones that he kept like holy secrets on his phone, safeguarding them through a password locked folder- just in case. The prospect of being able to have a physical photo of them together on a date seemed exciting to him... he'd have something to hang up in his room!

"Tch, fine." he finally relented with a soft sigh, throwing his arm over her shoulder as he leaned down to be closer to her face, figuring that it might as well not look like that famous painting with the farmer and his wife.

"Okaaaay~ Say 'Omotesando' !" The hostess teased before clicking her camera, a bright flash appearing that almost blinded them both. The hostess looked pretty satisfied with herself as she gave them a bow in thanks, pointing out the way soon after with her hands to guide them to their seating; a soft lit window booth.

Ichigo sighed in relief and shot Rukia a glance that silently said, 'You happy now?' .

[third-daughter]

Rukia had to let out a little sigh of relief, too- it was always a bit of a gamble as to whether Ichigo would listen to her or not. Sure, he was much more level headed and mature now that he was older.. but she still remembered the punky fifteen year old who would've died rather than have someone think he had to listen to her every order.

That thought made her bite her lip to not laugh- he'd truly been a lil nerd hiding behind a mask of cool indifference back then. She reached up with a free hand and grabbed his face gently, kissing his cheek as she all but purred, "Thank you, baby," before skipping off to their booth, sliding into her seat easily.

"I'm keeping the photo when they give it to us, right?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo froze yet again as she planted the kiss on his cheek, thinking she'd get away with being mischievous scot-free, skipping all dandily to her seat. He followed in a flash afterward, sitting across from her but leaning into the table to smack his forehead into hers with a competitive glare in his eyes.

"You wish, poppet! If I gotta get a random picture taken of me, you can bet your cute little Kuchiki butt it's mine!" He protested, almost to the point of a growl.

The hostess, who followed them to their seating, was reluctant to speak but managed to point out. "E-excuse me, but you can claim any amount of copies. We'll prepare them for you, free of charge...So I take it that's 2 copies?" She asked politely, yet with some amount of fear in her voice.

"2 please!" Ichigo immediately answered, his hand slamming on the table dramatically. He realized soon after that he was causing a slight scene, so he leaned back into his seat with a slight pout as he rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"...and 2 lattes and a serving of takoyaki, please" he mumbled the order that he knew Rukia liked, throwing up his hand with 2 fingers raised as he looked to the side in embarrassment.

[third-daughter]

"Wha- how rude! Don't you know anything about the rule... ladies first?" She complained in half displeasure, only growing quiet because she saw the waitress approaching from behind, her cheeks reddening at the nickname- it didn't phase her to call Ichigo by a pet name, but being called by one herself would take some getting used to..

She snickered lightly at his embarrassment as he ordered and the waitress left, and leaned on the table with her chin propped in her hand. "What's wrong? Why are you all embarrassed suddenly?" She reached across the table to take his hand in hers, as if to stop him from getting more awkward.

"By the way, what does poppet mean? It better be something nice,"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo sighed, shrugging before copying her posture as he leaned into the table himself. Her hand was cold to the touch, as per usual. Ichigo loved that about her. He accepted her hand and gently squeezed it in return, his gaze focused entirely on her eyes. The pleasant atmosphere, light music, gentle background chatter, and the soft sunlight made for such a relaxing feeling. After not having seen her for 3 entire weeks, this was practically a dream. He really did love experiencing the world, his world, through her. It was like experiencing things for the first time again. Well...most things. He couldn't help but smile at her warmly.

"I'm not...I-...hmmm...I guess I just missed you too much, that's all. You know I'm not good with these types of things. Especially since you're still keeping us a secret from most of the Shinigami... it's not like I'm rearing to go shout it from the rooftops, but I still feel a bit paranoid." He admitted, yet again sighing to release his tension. Of course his family already knew about them, and so did Urahara, but the whole laying low strategy still bothered him.

Ichigo propped up his head when she asked about the pet he had chosen for her. "Huh? You mean 'poppet'? It means 'small cute person', basically." He explained, short and sweet. He wondered for a moment where it came from as well, but didn't think too deeply into it.

[third-daughter]

"Paranoid.. about what?" her eyes scanned over his face, his body language, wanting to understand his words. She meant to speak again when the waitress returned with their drinks and set them down on the table, growing silent instead.

She leaned back in her seat slightly, staring up at the ceiling of the cafe in silence. It was painted too, a pale blue with fluffy white clouds all over it.. a false sky. Any normal person would've simply found it pretty. To her, it felt like a creepy omen. So pretty... and so fake.

Her eyes closed in thought. What were they doing anyways? What was she doing? Was this.. relationship.. with him real? ..Would it become real if everyone knew about it? Was she confused, or was it that things worked differently in the living world? The last thing she wanted was for Ichigo to be unhappy, whether with her or with their situation. Some things simply couldn't be helped.. like the differences in their lives. But some things, she did have control over. She heard the waitress excuse herself and walk off.. her mind made up.

"Alright," her eyes opened then and she looked back at him once again, her expression almost too calm. "I understand your feelings."

She picked her bag up from her side and opened it, reaching inside and grabbing something from within. When she pulled her hand back and held it up, her hand opened to reveal a hell butterfly, black wings fluttering delicately.

[blacksun4ever]

"O-Oi...what are you-...?!" Ichigo got taken aback suddenly when he saw her randomly pull out a hell butterfly out of her... PURSE!? What was she thinking, in the middle of a cafe at that.

He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, leaning in over the table to whisper somewhat nervously. "H-hey, baka! What are you thinking? C-calm down!" He tried to sound reasonable, thinking that he somehow pissed her off with what he said.

Luckily, no one else had eyes on them just yet...

[third-daughter]

"What? I'm perfectly calm. No one can see it except for us anyway, remember?" she held the butterfly up to her, speaking in a low but calm voice as she relayed her message to it.

"Nii-sama, this is Rukia. I'm on a date with Ichigo in the living world and I've decided to remain here for today. I'll return tomorrow. So please don't worry. And please inform Renji and vice captain Hinamori, I was supposed to see them tonight."

She let it go then, and it fluttered down and landed on the center of the table, on top of Ichigo's hand as he still held hers. Rukia pulled her soul candy from her bag, placing it on the table as well, she took one and separated from her body, immediately removing her sword and using it to open a gate right there in the middle of the cafe- it wasn't as if anyone could see it happen- and sent the butterfly through it before letting it close.

"Okay, I'm done." she returned to her gigai, straightening and tucking her hair behind her ear as she picked up her coffee cup. "Now you didn't answer my question. What are you feeling paranoid about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He sat there, his mouth agape, as she nonchalantly professed her love for him- to BYAKUYA no less, of all people, through the hell butterfly. Ichigo couldn't believe his eyes when she left her gigai and opened a senkaimon to send it through, returning to her spiel as if nothing ever happened.

"Bakayaro! What's the big idea, just blurting it out like that??? Have you totally lost it?!" Ichigo smacked his hand down on the table as he leaned forward with an exhasperated and panicked face. He immediately slammed back into his seat and covered his now completely red face, ignoring the question as he continued with his rant, "Oh my god...he's gonna slaughter me, isn't he?! I can see it now...all the pretty sakura petals coming to slice me up like christmas dinner! Ahhhhh....".

His attention suddenly shifted again back to her as he scowled, his brows fully furrowed. "You....explain yourself!" He demanded half seriously, in a comical fit.

[third-daughter]

"You're so dramatic, Ichigo. Calm down." Rukia sipped her latte calmly, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands as she listened to his panicking. "And just what do you think my brother is... I know he may seem quiet and hard to read, but he has respect for you.. and he understands me. He's not going to come over here and attack you, so stop being silly."

She set the cup back on the table, tracing the rim with her fingertip idly. "I get that you have disliked keeping things secret these past months.. so that's why I sent the butterfly. Nii-sama will certainly relay my message, so by tomorrow rolls around everyone there will probably know, and this matter can be resolved. I want you to be happy."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo thought about it for a second, leaning back into his seat. Her eyes were determined, she really wasn't joking about any of this. Then again, she wouldn't be so cruel to him and joke in that manner. It seems that, from this moment, their relationship was official. Surely they'd have a lot of explaining to do, but this way she'd at least ripped the band aid off. He sighed, taking his phone out with a light blush on his cheeks, stubborn as ever, as he readied himself. "Two can play at that game, Rukia." he mouthed off as he began to type furiously with a serious conviction in his eyes; a moment later, he was done. His gaze returned to hers and, with a final inhale he clicked "submit" on the phone, turning it towards her to show her what it said. It was his LINE account, and a new status update that read: "I'm dating Rukia Kuchiki. She's mine. Deal with it!" There was no going back, he'd already clicked the button that updated the status, so that each of his contacts could see. His friends, his family, everyone he knew...would now know, officially. Ichigo snorted and smirked, content that he'd payed her back with just an outrageous move. In the end, they were just two peas in a pod, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing to her.

[third-daughter]

She watched him silently as he seemed to type something on his phone- she didn't know what. His words however, did pique her interest, though she didn't get what he was referring to. In her head, the action she'd taken was totally serious.

"What's that?" she blinked in confusion. Clearly he'd done something on his phone that made him look very pleased with himself and he turned the phone to her. She could only just read the words on the screen, and she couldn't help but to blush at it- she didn't really understand social media, but clearly that message he typed would be read by everyone here in the living world. She tried very hard to not look as pleased as she felt, her eyes closing to feign calm as she picked up her cup, taking a sip.

"..Well. Do you feel better now? Less paranoid?"

[blacksun4ever]

His smirk became even wider now, his gaze becoming softer as he put his phone back down on the table gently. Indeed, he was satisfied. Actually, this wasn't the correct way to do this- but he couldn't lie that he felt a load off his shoulders the moment they officialized their relationship. She was too important to him to carry on being a secret, so even letting it out in a silly way like this seemed enough.

"Aah. Much." He nodded once contently, still wondering about Byakuya...ultimately he decided to wait and see. Maybe he wouldn't be so protective? Ichigo was the one that saved her, even when Byakuya was naive enough to let her die because of pride.

Ichigo reached out to hold her cheek, smiling softly still. He adored touching her, whether it was holding her hand or...their nightly activities. "You look gorgeous today, you know..." he let the words roll of his lips, sending them her way like an invisible kiss.

However, before the mood caught unto them too much, his phone began beeping and vibrating like crazy which sent him into a loop again. He was confused for a moment until he picked it up to see, his eyes widening in disbelief...

He suddenly had 15 new notifications to his status!

All of them were from his friends...

[third-daughter]

"What were you paranoid about anyway? Nii-sama knowing?" she questioned idly as she tore apart a piece of the takoyaki with her fingers, only stopping and looking up when she felt his hand on her face.

That action made her blush again, much to her annoyance- what was it with his ability to make her face go red all the time? As did his compliment. Part of her wanted to scold him for being too sweet on her, part of her wanted to look away and call him a fool.. instead she turned her face slightly, pressing a kiss into the palm of his hand.

"So do you," she murmured, and there was that familiar stormy purple in her eyes as she stared at him for slightly too long of a moment, before she let go of his hand.

It wasn't too soon either, when his phone started making a bunch of noise, causing her to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

[blacksun4ever]

"It's nothing like that. It just felt weird hiding it...as if we were doing something wrong. Meanwhile, you're the only right thing that's ever happened to me. You know what I mean?" He blurted out in response to her question finally, now busy scrolling through his phone to see what the entire commotion was about.

As soon as he saw, he moved to her side to sit next to her and show her as well, propping his phone up to her face. He stared almost too deeply as he began to scroll and uncover his friends' reactions one by one:

IshidaProKnitter: "Idiot! It's cringe to just post like that. Anyways, say hi to Kuchiki-san." KeigoTheGreat: "I knew it!! When is she coming back to school?!" MizuiroSama92: "Well done, Ichigo. Say hi? Hello from the bahamas!" SadoTheChado: "Mmm. Ok." IsshinGOAT: "That's my son! Welcome to the family, third daughter!!!" Kontastic: "Nee-san.... you'll pay for this, Ichigo!!" TatsukiSawa: "Did you somehow think we didn't know? Psh...don't get cocky!" UraharaShoutenTM: "Ara, ara...congratulations, Kurosaki-san!" KanonjiOfficial: "My #1 protégé! Love is always with you, boy!!"

...

Ichigo continued to read, his eyes wide and a smile creeping on his face as he subconsciously stuck his cheek to hers.

[third-daughter]

She fell silent as she watched him, moving the fabric of her skirt closer to her when he got up to sit next to her instead. At first she thought he just wanted to sit nearer to her, blinking when he held his phone up for her to see what all the commotion was about. Violet eyes widened as she read.. and read.. Ichigo's thumb scrolled the screen down. She felt his cheek against hers and it distracted her for a moment- it was still a little surprising when he acted so affectionately in a public or semi public place.

"Oh... oh my.." she murmured, eyes wide in surprise. So this is what social media looked like.. it was a bit overwhelming. There were so many comments from so many people.. did he have to respond to all of them? It would be a bit of a headache.

"Well," she turned to look at him then, wanting to know his thoughts by his expression, "At least they're being positive. Because if they weren't.."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo grew sentimental for a moment, his gaze turning to hers as they both finished reading at the same time. He snorted and smiled in relief as his eyes sunk to the ground, the memories of his friends' support throughout the years flashing through his mind briefly. There were times were he really didn't think he could go on, where his nakama gave him the power he needed to fight. This was, after all, one of the major reasons why he loved her. She was always there when he needed her. Despite the normal appearances, they've fought together, bled together.

"Aah...they're wonderful. All of them..." Ichigo spoke softly. He then turned to face her, his love, his moon, his light...and smiled a genuine, bright and loving smile. "Being here, with you...like this. It almost seems like a dream." he let out, snorting again in an endearing way. It was funny to him, really it was. The simple fact that he could sit there, next to the woman of his dreams, with all the love and support of everyone he knew...it was quite special feeling.

Ichigo reached out with his hand to her cheek, bridging the small gap between them together as he planted his lips unto hers in a passionate kiss. Throughout their months together, Ichigo had slowly grown accustomed to physical contact. He had no problems showing his emotions physically, actually it's what he excelled at.

"We should be grateful." he spoke soft and teasingly, as soon as his lips left hers.

[third-daughter]

Rukia listened in silence to his words, choosing to say nothing in the moment. It wasn't very often he got the nerve to say exactly what he wanted to say.. he tended to show he cared about someone by his actions instead.

She'd been wanting to ask him how he felt in hindsight of Tsukishima's abilities being used on everyone. It had been a few months since then, and it seemed like things had pretty quickly gone back to normal since then. Chad and Inoue, his sisters, everyone.. they all seemed to not remember what happened, nor Tsukishima, at all. In the end it was only Ichigo who had to suffer with the memory of what happened. And though she'd kept perfectly calm in the moment, she could still picture his face that day in the rain, broken and lost and crying. Sometimes when she slept, her mind would force her back there to see it again and again.. she was determined to not let him sink so deep ever again.

She just smiled at him when he touched her face, her eyes roaming over his face as if she were observing him keenly. Then he kissed her and she didn't have the heart to stop him, even though they were in public and she still wasn't completely used to it yet.

Her hand slid in his hair, her fingers curling in his golden threads, "You're so sentimental," she teased, tugging on it gently.

[blacksun4ever]

She was always great at bringing him back to reality, especially when he was embarrassing himself. It dawned on him that his behavior might not be suitable for public display, and his cheeks naturally turned the appropriate color. "S-shut up, baka..." he rubbed the back of his head in protest of what felt like teasing to him. Although, he had to admit...he was sentimental at that moment. In general too, maybe. It was difficult not to be, he really was living the dream.

She was kind yet stern, she motivated him, and often made him laugh or smile. Her skin is soft, she has good style, and she's a freakin' lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Above all else, she was his partner in crime, his light. He never missed the opportunity to ask himself once in a while, if she truly knows how much he loves her.

"Of course I am. I-it's just...I didn't think it would be so easy. Everyone is so supportive." he admitted, turning to softly kiss her wrist. He was, after all, missing her touch for a few weeks. Public display or not, the corner they were at seemed intimate enough for at least this kind of affection, he thought.

[third-daughter]

It was funny- watching him get flustered as if he hadn't been the one to move to her side of the table, sit in the booth next to her and desire to kiss her. That was just like him, half the time brimming with overconfidence, waxing the most poetic and seductive words, then the other half a blushing little mess. Her mess.

She slid down in the booth a little, sighing as she propped her feet on the booth opposite to her, where he'd been sitting before. She wasn't used to wearing heels, especially such high ones, but she also wasn't uncouth enough to remove them in the middle of the cafe. Her thoughts wandered to what he'd said, silently thinking.

Everyone is so supportive, he said. It was true.. and she hadn't expected it to be any other way- he had friends and family always supporting him, all in their own ways. She'd noticed someone who hadn't responded, though- and she wondered if he'd noticed it too. She hoped, prayed, it wasn't for the reasons she thought.

"...Yeah," she said softly, her eyes narrowing a bit without her thinking. "You're right."

Inoue... maybe she just hadn't seen her phone. Hopefully. Rukia's eyes, the brighter violet seeming like a deep blue in the low lights of the place, couldn't help but stare at Ichigo for a moment. She wondered if he guessed what she guessed- that Inoue might've had feelings for him at one point- or perhaps she still did. She couldn't say for sure. But the idea of someone else wanting him the same way Rukia wanted him... no matter who it was.. made her feel an unwarranted sort of anger she didn't dare to show on her face.

Or was it fear? ..She wasn't even sure.

She was pulled from that uneasy thought when she felt him kiss her on the wrist, and gave a small smile instead. "Are you going to eat this takoyaki with me, or am I eating alone today?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo noticed something was off. He always kind of had a nose for things like this, when people were concerned or had something troubling them, he could always tell- especially if it was her.

Watching her place her feet up was a dead giveaway. Rukia usually got into strange positions or would make cat like movements whenever she was deep in thought, Ichigo remembered. Except for the fact that it was incredibly distracting for him the entire day, watching her prance around with him in a skirt and high heels, he noticed it's one of the first times he'd seen her wear some. She still had a load of surprises for him, and every day he was learning something new about her. 'Man, I'm gonna make sure there's hell to pay for this. Later, though...' Ichigo thought to himself, trying to snap back into reality as he slated the thoughts that were about to invade his mind for later. At the moment, he wanted to know more about her concerned look.

"...Yeah," "You're right."

Inoue. Ichigo immediately understood, observing the way she spoke and how her eyes looked to the bottom left, as if she was thinking back on something. But besides that, he had noticed himself.

There was no message from Inoue.

He knew, from some time ago, how Inoue felt about him. Even Tatsuki had hinted at him before. He tried to explore his feelings for the topic, he really had. During the year and a half, when he was just a normal person, he tried to bond with her more. It was pointless though...he couldn't stop dreaming about her, about Rukia. He never really addressed it outwardly in any way, to Inoue at least. Ishida more or less knew about his condition, he's usually perceptive like that... Should he have addressed it? Should he have said something to her? He was sure that, intuitively, Inoue knew as well. Was that enough though?

Ichigo's eyes sank as he began to wonder if he was being a good friend, his hand softly cupping Rukia's in an attempt to maker her linger on his cheek a little longer. "Yeah...We should be grateful."

[third-daughter]

She noticed it of course- how could she not? It was pointless for him to hide his feelings around her- she could read his face too well. Maybe other people couldn't see behind the mask.. but she certainly could.

Had he read her mind? Did he notice? Or was he suddenly worrying over something else? She stared at him in thought, as he touched her face in that way he often did when he wanted her to look at him.

"Right.." she said softly, stretching her legs as she did. She could hear her bones snap in complaint- her gigai did not approve of her choice of footwear it seemed. "..You said that already."

She looked away then, her polished fingers picking up a napkin from the table silently and balling it in her hand. She couldn't help her thoughts either- from the beginning she knew she didn't deserve him. That he could, and should, do better. She wondered if that thought hadn't occurred to him... until now.

She wouldn't blame him. She'd always felt that. He still had his whole life ahead of him.. she knew it wasn't realistic to think he'd want her forever. And all she wanted was for him to be happy.. with or without her.

"..Should we go?"

[blacksun4ever]

The moment he snapped back, realizing he repeated himself, he could feel something else. It's as if there was tension, or no...fear, coming from her. He could feel it in the subtle ways her reiatsu moved, suddenly becoming spikey as if an invisible threat were around. He looked around the table, noticing his untouched takoyaki, her half filled latte...why would she want to leave? They just got here.

"H-hey, wait a minute. What's wrong, Rukia?" he flinched backwards slightly, leaning out of her touch and his own hand let go from holding her cheek. She was clenching a napkin, as if she were trying to strangle it.

Why is she upset..? What is happening? Is she sad that Inoue didn't write?

His mind raced with thoughts, trying to make sense of the situation. It wasn't like her to suddenly switch moods like this, but why did she feel fear? Ichigo's eyes raised back to inquisitively look into her violet orbs, expecting some kind of answer.

[third-daughter]

"Nothing," she said softly, her gaze shifting back to him, eyes dark. "I'm just asking."

Maybe she was wrong about it all. Maybe he knew nothing... maybe he felt nothing. Still, a part of her couldn't believe that.. because he was smarter than that.

She saw him flinch then, and that was odd- she didn't think she'd seen him do that before.. at least not with her. Her free hand flexed a bit, her eyes moving from him to it, fingers closing into a fist.

"..Sorry. Did it feel cold suddenly?"

[blacksun4ever]

"O-oi...Rukia." he mouthed, his look now one of worry. It really wasn't like her, to suddenly react to something like this. Her reiatsu wasn't usually this defensive. It had to be something deeper than she let on, something bothering her. Inoue.

Oh. That's right. She got like this when she thought of Inoue, his inner monologue dictated. Did she think that he somehow had feelings for her? Surely not, Ichigo thought. It was more likely that she was afraid that she'd lose her friendship with her. It made sense, right? ....right?

Ichigo leaned in slightly, relaxing himself fully. For a while now, he was conscious whenever he spoke to Rukia. He wasn't just speaking as a friend anymore...but as a lover. He took that responsibility on himself, for her. One of his core principles, was to never be dishonest about anything...especially the important stuff. With that in mind, and a long inhale, he began talking in a gentle tone.

"Are you...upset because of Inoue?" he asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

[third-daughter]

That was unexpected to hear- then again, maybe she should have. Ichigo had never been the predictable type of man. She'd made the assumption he hadn't noticed what she had, but of course he had. And of course he would ask about it, right here in the middle of a date, in public, without mincing his words.

But her expression was clear on her face and her head turned to look at him suddenly with an unflinching, disapproving frown. Her voice was calm and kind of low, but that calmness didn't quite match the look in her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He could always tell when he struck a nerve with her, especially the way it made her reiatsu shimmer slightly wheenver she found something annoying.

"Aha, so it is Inoue...Speak your mind, woman. Now." he demanded, half light-heartedly, giving her an expecting look as he leaned in to get a closer look into her eyes.

There was a pact between them, in the beginning of the first month, to not stay angry at each other no matter what and always demand the other party speak up about the issues. So that's the way it was always, even to his own dismay sometimes.

"Talk." he repeated.

[third-daughter]

Her expression didn't change, and in fact visually she appeared mostly calm except for the clear look in her eyes that said 'are you crazy?'

..and the fact that her left hand resting on the table currently had ice beginning to form underneath it, encroaching over her fingertips and on the flimsy layers of cheap plywood making up the table.

No, it was how low her voice was, refusing to elevate even slightly, that held warning in it. "Talk about what, exactly?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's expression quickly turned into a grimace as he pinched a juicy sweet takoyaki and threw it in his mouth, trying to release the tension by being a bit like his usual self. He munched the takoyaki and spoke at the same time, crossing his arms after rubbing his fingers to clear the stickiness of the thing. "Oh come on, Rukia. You know that's not fair." he gulped finally, reaching out for his coffee again to get the rest of the takoyaki down with a full small sip

[third-daughter]

CH.II - The sunrise after the rain

[rp with @blacksun4ever]

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Rukia walked along on the sidewalk silently, carrying nothing but a little purse that held her soul candy and her phone. It had been a little over 3 months since she and Ichigo had started dating, and had left off telling anyone yet- she'd wanted just a few moments to simply revel in it before it became everyone's business.

And what a blissful 3 months it had been.. even though it wasn't easy to get to see him, since he was finishing high school. She'd also been busy with her work, and often their communication was limited to phone calls when neither were busy. Every spare moment they could talk was more valuable to her than anything.. she wished she could've spent her whole life listening to his voice through the phone while she fell asleep at night.

It was hard, too. It was a weird, long distanced sort of arrangement. She longed to see him, missing his company and his unchanging, stalwart personality.. she missed the feeling of her fingers in his.

She'd finally managed to go off to the living world to see him, only stopping to get her gigai from Urahara before she continued to his house. As she rounded the corner to where his home was, she couldn't help but grow mischievous when she saw him outside doing something.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed over, taking all of her willpower to not give herself away. As she got closer to him, her hand raised, ready to strike..

"Ichigo!" she crowed loudly as her tiny hand wacked him on the butt, an impish grin on her face.

[blacksun4ever]

The last 3 months,for Ichigo, were a learning experience like no other.

Rukia Kuchiki, Fukutaicho of the 13th Division, a Noble of the Kuchiki Dynasty, his best friend, was his girlfriend. It was a dream.

He was not only finding out stuff about himself- things he really hadn't known about before, but he was discovering her as well. He learned the comfort of knowing someone intimately, he also learned about the separation anxiety that ensues. He never acted clingy with her, but secretly he always wanted just a bit more, just a bit longer. Since seeing her was somewhat of a rare occasion in the week, he always felt like he had to make the most of it. Despite that, it was the loveliest months of his life. He got to experience so many new things with her, he even got to experience her on occasion...

Urahara, their trusted friend who knew long before them about their own feelings- in his infinite wisdom and all, had gifted them each a special type of phone that could send/receive calls and text between worlds. It was heaven-sent. Ichigo would often spend his days either texting or calling her whenever he had the chance, always feeling low whenever he'd even go a few hours without talking to her somehow.

Ichigo's family, of course, were the first to know- despite them agreeing to lay low for a while. Karin simply could not be fooled, and Isshin had already accepted the fact long before, since the day he called her "third daughter". Yuzu was perhaps the only one half clueless, though she knew more than she let on. They would greet her like family every time she visited.

This time, it was a slow day like any other. So slow, Ichigo couldn't stop checking his phone every 20 minutes just to see if she wrote.

-Nothing. "Gaahh! Where is this woman?!" he almost threw a tantrum, spinning in his rotating chair while falling back in the chair, exhaling upwards. "That's it! I'm going for a walk..." he suddenly slammed the phone rebelliously on the desk, deciding some air to clear his head could be for the best. On the way out, Isshin had asked him to take out the trash- to which Ichigo reluctantly agreed, although with a big pout. Just as he was about to throw the trash out properly, he felt the nonchalant smack of his buttcheeks, causing it to drop on the ground next to the can. He turned in a raging fume, ready to kill, until he saw her- her voice now reaching him. "Rukia?!" His irritation transformed into euphoria as he lunged at her, hugging her and sweeping her off her feet. "Well, isn't this a surprise..." he remarked right before planting a juicy peck on her lips with a coy smirk.

[third-daughter]

Rukia squeaked when he picked her up suddenly, laughing as he kissed her. They hadn't seen each other in person for almost 3 weeks; it always surprised her how agonizingly quick the pace of the world felt without him. Her small hands grabbed his shoulders to balance herself as she grinned at him.

"How was that? Did I catch you by surprise?" she questioned proudly, letting her fingers thread in his hair playfully.

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo snorted, his cheeks getting slightly reddish at having to admit that she did, actually, catch him by surprise. "Learned how to hide your reiatsu enough, huh? My, my, Lieutenant Kuchiki~" he tried to tease back. He was feeling completely excited, the loneliness of the weeks without her having left him entirely now. Slowly, he set her her down and placed his hands in his pockets after exhaling a sigh of relief. He wasn't expecting her visit at all, and now that she was here, he could finally look forward to spending a good day outside doing activities. Usually, when she wasn't around, he'd either be studying or on the rare occasion he felt like socializing, he'd be out with Keigo, Mizuiro, Chad or Inoue...if he wasn't sulking in his room cause he missed her, that is. "You look good." Ichigo finally noted, her new style of clothing now more pronounced since they began dating.

[third-daughter]

"Fool, I've always been good at controlling my reiatsu. It's you with the wild unmanageable one, so overwhelming it enters the room before you do," she teased, fighting back a blush at his sudden compliment to her. She didn't have that many clothes from the living world and had picked a simple white dress and a lavender cropped cardigan.

"You think so?" she teased, her hand reaching up to tug on the collar of his shirt playfully, "Be honest. Did you miss me~?"

[blacksun4ever]

"Tch, of course not. I'm busy too, ya' know!" He lied.

At this point, he wasn't shy with her anymore, he just teased for banter and fun. After all, that status quo had to be upheld somehow between them, at least somewhat for the public eye. They've had several close call situations before in Soul Society, where they'd turn a corner and Ichigo would nab her for a few seconds to feel her tender touch again- when some shinigami would pass and he'd have to play theater in all sorts of ways. To be fair, it was his fault most of the time...

He smirked softly at first, when she pulled on his collar as he held her cheek in return, caressing her soft, cold skin with his thumb. His smirk slowly turned into a grin, the simplest touch of her skin revitalizing him like a battery.

"So, where do you want to go today? More of that takoyaki you like?" He guessed. Usually, when she would visit, he'd take her out to try all sorts of foods and drinks- she always seemed interested in finding out more about the world of the living.

[third-daughter]

"Ohh.." she cooed, her happy expression remained though it took on an icy edge, "How disappointing. Maybe 3 weeks is too soon for you to see me again?"

His hand on her face was a reminder of the comfort he always brought to her, even when he was being a brat about it. "Hmm," she hummed thoughtfully, her hands coming up over his, "Okay, let's go."

[blacksun4ever]

"N-no, t-that's not..." he suddenly protested, almost innocently, to her suggesting he could wait even longer to see her. However, he quickly noted his own behavior, and the fact that she was clearly making fun of him, pouting to the side to show her his discontent. It was no joke, after all. He really did miss her! He lowered his hand from her cheeks and switched to holding her hand instead, turning to the direction of the little corner sweets shop he had in mind to take her to. "Fine, but this time you get an extra one! Last time you ate mine as well..." Ichigo barked, beginning their walk.

[third-daughter]

"Not what?" she smiled as he took her hand, content to follow wherever they were headed. "We've always been honest with each other, haven't we? Don't break my heart already, Ichigo,"

Her eyes had fallen to admire the wildflowers that grew along the road absentmindedly, until she pulled his hand at his comment. "Wha- I only ate yours because you offered it to me!!"

[blacksun4ever]

"F-Fine....I missed you, a lot...midget." Ichigo finally gave in, his face as red as a tomato. He was still having a difficult time expressing his feelings openly and honestly, despite the fact that Rukia was the closest person to his heart by a longshot. He was still getting used to it, no matter how much he tried to hide it though, she could always see through him. It was just the way she was...his world revolved around her now.

They continued to bicker playfully about the 'stolen' food- all of it translating to who loved whom more, as they slowly left the calm streets of Ichigo's neighborhood and began to enter the hustle and bustle of Karakura's center. It was a lively day and the weather seemed a perfect combination of a decent temperature and a light breeze blowing. Exactly the type of weather Ichigo enoyed the most.

Upon crossing a big intersection, Ichigo turned his attention to a board he saw that stated: "COUPLES SPECIAL HOUR! PAY 1, GET 2!". It was a rather cheesy hand-drawn board, in front of an okay looking establishment. He stopped in place and gently yanked Rukia's hand, pointing to the sign.

"Hey, this sounds interesting! How are they not losing money this way...?" He wondered for a moment, then shot Rukia an inviting glance.

[third-daughter]

"Look how red you are, is it that difficult to admit?" she questioned with a shameless laugh. It always humored her how someone so unashamed to speak his mind would suddenly grow shy over admitting these small things, even after these few months. "Don't lose your cool just yet, Ichigo- or you won't be able to keep up with me today."

Her free hand raised to block the sun from her vision, wide violet eyes looking everywhere. Indeed, Karakura had always been a rather small, sleepy town with not much going on aside from the hollows that seemed to be attracted to the place. But seeing it on a weekend, it was actually quite alive. There were a lot of families and children out, parents and siblings, young people.. and, now as she noted, a lot of couples too.

"It's so bustling here," she commented offhandedly, glancing at the sign Ichigo pointed out to her. She curiously skipped over and knelt in front of it, a finger pressed to her chin as if analyzing the meaning of the ad.

"How interesting.. how do they verify who's a couple from who isn't? Will they ask us for proof? See, I told you if you wrote your confession in a letter it would come in handy!" she glanced over her shoulder to him, pointing at the sign with a told-you-so smile.

[blacksun4ever]

"Shut up, as if!" Ichigo retorted immediately, his cheeks yet again turning a bright shade of red at the prospect of his feelings being written out on paper. He would shout from the rooftops that he loved her, if he had to, but then he'd die from embarrassment right after. Still...he'd do it, if she asked him to.

Knowing societal norms, he sighed and began to explain. "It's nothing like that. The most they'd do, if anything at all, is ask us if we're a couple." he finished, completely convinced in his own explanation. "That being said- let's go." and just like that, without warning, he was now dragging her inside. Ichigo was like that, sometimes. He didn't like thinking too much, usually making an impulsive decision when there's a fork in the road. All he wanted, actually, was to spend some alone time with her- it didn't really matter where.

[third-daughter]

"You just can't admit when I'm right, can you?" She glared up at him for a moment, feeling tempted to kick him for raising his voice at her, but didn't only because her shoes today had a heel and it might actually hurt him if she did.

"Well won't people just lie then, for the discount? How do they know?" the question was more rhetorical and to herself, but she had no time to think on it because he was quickly seizing her hand and dragging her inside.

The inside was quite lively too, from the sound of people talking to the music, and most of the patrons seemed to also be couples- so the sign didn't only interest us, Rukia observed in her thoughts. The long wall had a giant, fantastical mural of cherry trees painted on that covered the entire thing, which she admired silently as she followed Ichigo to find a table.

"Ichigo, what's wrong with that horse. Who impaled its head?" She questioned as they sat down, gesturing to the part of the mural that had a unicorn on it. "Why does it have wings? Did it die and turn into an angel? Humans are so odd.."

[blacksun4ever]

"You know most people don't just think about how to game the system, right...?" Ichigo sighed. Explaining modern day japanese society to her was always a monumental task, especially since Soul Society seemed to be somehow stuck in a simplistic way of life of the ancient world- probably acceptable to spirits who just want some peace, but not modern day life.

He was about to go through the hallway with her when she stopped him in his tracks, making him look at the mural that caught her interest. His face sunk as he realized she'd never heard of a unicorn before, a childish yet mythical being most pre-schoolers were familiar with.

"It's a unicorn, and it's basically a magical horse with a horn on it's head. You know, now I wonder if it isn't some weird lookin' hollow someone saw at some point..." he finished, throwing himself in a loop as the theory he had might just be close to reality. Before he could ruminate more on it though, they got approached by the hostess.

"Welcome to Omotesando! Are you a couple? We have a special today for couples!" the hostess welcomed them with a small bow and a wide grin.

Aha! There it is - Ichigo thought to himself. "Yes, in fact we are!" He answered as he shot Rukia a knowing glance, proud of his theory manifesting itself as true.

"Very good! We'll have to take a picture of you as part of our campaign, which you can claim a copy of at the end of your stay with us! Okay? Onegai shimasu!" the hostess briefly explained, with a hint of mischief in her voice, before instantly taking out a portable camera from her back pocket, ready to shoot.

Ichigo's face suddenly froze in comical shock...

[third-daughter]

"A unicorn..?" she muttered, as if she doubted Ichigo's explanation. Her eyes roamed over the mural again, staring deeply for another minute before she sighed, her arms crossing over her chest as she declared, "I like it."

She grew silent when the hostess approached, holding back a laugh when she requested as photo. That was something new- they'd gone out before but this was something she hadn't heard of being done before. Still, it sounded fun- and she didn't have many photos with him, anyway.. she wouldn't mind having one.

"I'd love a photo!" she chirped in her half-fake saccharine voice, seizing Ichigo's wrist to drag him forward to where the hostess wanted them to stand. She put a hand on Ichigo's shoulder gently, moving him to lean forward so she could whisper to him in as low a voice as she could.

"You'd better smile and look cute, or I'm going to make you scream later." she hissed quietly, before turning back and smiling pleasantly.

"Okay, please take the photo~"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo's face contorted into an uncomfortable grimace when he felt Rukia's grip on him like a hawk's talon. He was never surprised at how physical she was with him, and he wouldn't have it any other way...were it not for situations such as this. He absolutely HATED getting his picture taken. So much so, that he usually skipped taking the yearly photo for the high school yearbook.

"W-wait, do we hav-!" Ichigo began to protest before she yanked him forward to whisper death threats in his ear. What a monster of a girlfriend he had, always capable of putting on a grammy award winning act in public, getting anybody to twist to her desires. Ichigo thought for a moment how to get out of it, but it occured to him that he really had almost no pictures of her, save the ones that he kept like holy secrets on his phone, safeguarding them through a password locked folder- just in case. The prospect of being able to have a physical photo of them together on a date seemed exciting to him... he'd have something to hang up in his room!

"Tch, fine." he finally relented with a soft sigh, throwing his arm over her shoulder as he leaned down to be closer to her face, figuring that it might as well not look like that famous painting with the farmer and his wife.

"Okaaaay~ Say 'Omotesando' !" The hostess teased before clicking her camera, a bright flash appearing that almost blinded them both. The hostess looked pretty satisfied with herself as she gave them a bow in thanks, pointing out the way soon after with her hands to guide them to their seating; a soft lit window booth.

Ichigo sighed in relief and shot Rukia a glance that silently said, 'You happy now?' .

[third-daughter]

Rukia had to let out a little sigh of relief, too- it was always a bit of a gamble as to whether Ichigo would listen to her or not. Sure, he was much more level headed and mature now that he was older.. but she still remembered the punky fifteen year old who would've died rather than have someone think he had to listen to her every order.

That thought made her bite her lip to not laugh- he'd truly been a lil nerd hiding behind a mask of cool indifference back then. She reached up with a free hand and grabbed his face gently, kissing his cheek as she all but purred, "Thank you, baby," before skipping off to their booth, sliding into her seat easily.

"I'm keeping the photo when they give it to us, right?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo froze yet again as she planted the kiss on his cheek, thinking she'd get away with being mischievous scot-free, skipping all dandily to her seat. He followed in a flash afterward, sitting across from her but leaning into the table to smack his forehead into hers with a competitive glare in his eyes.

"You wish, poppet! If I gotta get a random picture taken of me, you can bet your cute little Kuchiki butt it's mine!" He protested, almost to the point of a growl.

The hostess, who followed them to their seating, was reluctant to speak but managed to point out. "E-excuse me, but you can claim any amount of copies. We'll prepare them for you, free of charge...So I take it that's 2 copies?" She asked politely, yet with some amount of fear in her voice.

"2 please!" Ichigo immediately answered, his hand slamming on the table dramatically. He realized soon after that he was causing a slight scene, so he leaned back into his seat with a slight pout as he rubbed his nose awkwardly.

"...and 2 lattes and a serving of takoyaki, please" he mumbled the order that he knew Rukia liked, throwing up his hand with 2 fingers raised as he looked to the side in embarrassment.

[third-daughter]

"Wha- how rude! Don't you know anything about the rule... ladies first?" She complained in half displeasure, only growing quiet because she saw the waitress approaching from behind, her cheeks reddening at the nickname- it didn't phase her to call Ichigo by a pet name, but being called by one herself would take some getting used to..

She snickered lightly at his embarrassment as he ordered and the waitress left, and leaned on the table with her chin propped in her hand. "What's wrong? Why are you all embarrassed suddenly?" She reached across the table to take his hand in hers, as if to stop him from getting more awkward.

"By the way, what does poppet mean? It better be something nice,"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo sighed, shrugging before copying her posture as he leaned into the table himself. Her hand was cold to the touch, as per usual. Ichigo loved that about her. He accepted her hand and gently squeezed it in return, his gaze focused entirely on her eyes. The pleasant atmosphere, light music, gentle background chatter, and the soft sunlight made for such a relaxing feeling. After not having seen her for 3 entire weeks, this was practically a dream. He really did love experiencing the world, his world, through her. It was like experiencing things for the first time again. Well...most things. He couldn't help but smile at her warmly.

"I'm not...I-...hmmm...I guess I just missed you too much, that's all. You know I'm not good with these types of things. Especially since you're still keeping us a secret from most of the Shinigami... it's not like I'm rearing to go shout it from the rooftops, but I still feel a bit paranoid." He admitted, yet again sighing to release his tension. Of course his family already knew about them, and so did Urahara, but the whole laying low strategy still bothered him.

Ichigo propped up his head when she asked about the pet he had chosen for her. "Huh? You mean 'poppet'? It means 'small cute person', basically." He explained, short and sweet. He wondered for a moment where it came from as well, but didn't think too deeply into it.

[third-daughter]

"Paranoid.. about what?" her eyes scanned over his face, his body language, wanting to understand his words. She meant to speak again when the waitress returned with their drinks and set them down on the table, growing silent instead.

She leaned back in her seat slightly, staring up at the ceiling of the cafe in silence. It was painted too, a pale blue with fluffy white clouds all over it.. a false sky. Any normal person would've simply found it pretty. To her, it felt like a creepy omen. So pretty... and so fake.

Her eyes closed in thought. What were they doing anyways? What was she doing? Was this.. relationship.. with him real? ..Would it become real if everyone knew about it? Was she confused, or was it that things worked differently in the living world? The last thing she wanted was for Ichigo to be unhappy, whether with her or with their situation. Some things simply couldn't be helped.. like the differences in their lives. But some things, she did have control over. She heard the waitress excuse herself and walk off.. her mind made up.

"Alright," her eyes opened then and she looked back at him once again, her expression almost too calm. "I understand your feelings."

She picked her bag up from her side and opened it, reaching inside and grabbing something from within. When she pulled her hand back and held it up, her hand opened to reveal a hell butterfly, black wings fluttering delicately.

[blacksun4ever]

"O-Oi...what are you-...?!" Ichigo got taken aback suddenly when he saw her randomly pull out a hell butterfly out of her... PURSE!? What was she thinking, in the middle of a cafe at that.

He reached out and gently grabbed her hand, leaning in over the table to whisper somewhat nervously. "H-hey, baka! What are you thinking? C-calm down!" He tried to sound reasonable, thinking that he somehow pissed her off with what he said.

Luckily, no one else had eyes on them just yet...

[third-daughter]

"What? I'm perfectly calm. No one can see it except for us anyway, remember?" she held the butterfly up to her, speaking in a low but calm voice as she relayed her message to it.

"Nii-sama, this is Rukia. I'm on a date with Ichigo in the living world and I've decided to remain here for today. I'll return tomorrow. So please don't worry. And please inform Renji and vice captain Hinamori, I was supposed to see them tonight."

She let it go then, and it fluttered down and landed on the center of the table, on top of Ichigo's hand as he still held hers. Rukia pulled her soul candy from her bag, placing it on the table as well, she took one and separated from her body, immediately removing her sword and using it to open a gate right there in the middle of the cafe- it wasn't as if anyone could see it happen- and sent the butterfly through it before letting it close.

"Okay, I'm done." she returned to her gigai, straightening and tucking her hair behind her ear as she picked up her coffee cup. "Now you didn't answer my question. What are you feeling paranoid about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He sat there, his mouth agape, as she nonchalantly professed her love for him- to BYAKUYA no less, of all people, through the hell butterfly. Ichigo couldn't believe his eyes when she left her gigai and opened a senkaimon to send it through, returning to her spiel as if nothing ever happened.

"Bakayaro! What's the big idea, just blurting it out like that??? Have you totally lost it?!" Ichigo smacked his hand down on the table as he leaned forward with an exhasperated and panicked face. He immediately slammed back into his seat and covered his now completely red face, ignoring the question as he continued with his rant, "Oh my god...he's gonna slaughter me, isn't he?! I can see it now...all the pretty sakura petals coming to slice me up like christmas dinner! Ahhhhh....".

His attention suddenly shifted again back to her as he scowled, his brows fully furrowed. "You....explain yourself!" He demanded half seriously, in a comical fit.

[third-daughter]

"You're so dramatic, Ichigo. Calm down." Rukia sipped her latte calmly, enjoying the warmth of the cup in her hands as she listened to his panicking. "And just what do you think my brother is... I know he may seem quiet and hard to read, but he has respect for you.. and he understands me. He's not going to come over here and attack you, so stop being silly."

She set the cup back on the table, tracing the rim with her fingertip idly. "I get that you have disliked keeping things secret these past months.. so that's why I sent the butterfly. Nii-sama will certainly relay my message, so by tomorrow rolls around everyone there will probably know, and this matter can be resolved. I want you to be happy."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo thought about it for a second, leaning back into his seat. Her eyes were determined, she really wasn't joking about any of this. Then again, she wouldn't be so cruel to him and joke in that manner. It seems that, from this moment, their relationship was official. Surely they'd have a lot of explaining to do, but this way she'd at least ripped the band aid off. He sighed, taking his phone out with a light blush on his cheeks, stubborn as ever, as he readied himself. "Two can play at that game, Rukia." he mouthed off as he began to type furiously with a serious conviction in his eyes; a moment later, he was done. His gaze returned to hers and, with a final inhale he clicked "submit" on the phone, turning it towards her to show her what it said. It was his LINE account, and a new status update that read: "I'm dating Rukia Kuchiki. She's mine. Deal with it!" There was no going back, he'd already clicked the button that updated the status, so that each of his contacts could see. His friends, his family, everyone he knew...would now know, officially. Ichigo snorted and smirked, content that he'd payed her back with just an outrageous move. In the end, they were just two peas in a pod, and he couldn't stand the thought of losing to her.

[third-daughter]

She watched him silently as he seemed to type something on his phone- she didn't know what. His words however, did pique her interest, though she didn't get what he was referring to. In her head, the action she'd taken was totally serious.

"What's that?" she blinked in confusion. Clearly he'd done something on his phone that made him look very pleased with himself and he turned the phone to her. She could only just read the words on the screen, and she couldn't help but to blush at it- she didn't really understand social media, but clearly that message he typed would be read by everyone here in the living world. She tried very hard to not look as pleased as she felt, her eyes closing to feign calm as she picked up her cup, taking a sip.

"..Well. Do you feel better now? Less paranoid?"

[blacksun4ever]

His smirk became even wider now, his gaze becoming softer as he put his phone back down on the table gently. Indeed, he was satisfied. Actually, this wasn't the correct way to do this- but he couldn't lie that he felt a load off his shoulders the moment they officialized their relationship. She was too important to him to carry on being a secret, so even letting it out in a silly way like this seemed enough.

"Aah. Much." He nodded once contently, still wondering about Byakuya...ultimately he decided to wait and see. Maybe he wouldn't be so protective? Ichigo was the one that saved her, even when Byakuya was naive enough to let her die because of pride.

Ichigo reached out to hold her cheek, smiling softly still. He adored touching her, whether it was holding her hand or...their nightly activities. "You look gorgeous today, you know..." he let the words roll of his lips, sending them her way like an invisible kiss.

However, before the mood caught unto them too much, his phone began beeping and vibrating like crazy which sent him into a loop again. He was confused for a moment until he picked it up to see, his eyes widening in disbelief...

He suddenly had 15 new notifications to his status!

All of them were from his friends...

[third-daughter]

"What were you paranoid about anyway? Nii-sama knowing?" she questioned idly as she tore apart a piece of the takoyaki with her fingers, only stopping and looking up when she felt his hand on her face.

That action made her blush again, much to her annoyance- what was it with his ability to make her face go red all the time? As did his compliment. Part of her wanted to scold him for being too sweet on her, part of her wanted to look away and call him a fool.. instead she turned her face slightly, pressing a kiss into the palm of his hand.

"So do you," she murmured, and there was that familiar stormy purple in her eyes as she stared at him for slightly too long of a moment, before she let go of his hand.

It wasn't too soon either, when his phone started making a bunch of noise, causing her to raise an eyebrow in curiosity. "What's going on? Why is it so noisy?"

[blacksun4ever]

"It's nothing like that. It just felt weird hiding it...as if we were doing something wrong. Meanwhile, you're the only right thing that's ever happened to me. You know what I mean?" He blurted out in response to her question finally, now busy scrolling through his phone to see what the entire commotion was about.

As soon as he saw, he moved to her side to sit next to her and show her as well, propping his phone up to her face. He stared almost too deeply as he began to scroll and uncover his friends' reactions one by one:

IshidaProKnitter: "Idiot! It's cringe to just post like that. Anyways, say hi to Kuchiki-san." KeigoTheGreat: "I knew it!! When is she coming back to school?!" MizuiroSama92: "Well done, Ichigo. Say hi? Hello from the bahamas!" SadoTheChado: "Mmm. Ok." IsshinGOAT: "That's my son! Welcome to the family, third daughter!!!" Kontastic: "Nee-san.... you'll pay for this, Ichigo!!" TatsukiSawa: "Did you somehow think we didn't know? Psh...don't get cocky!" UraharaShoutenTM: "Ara, ara...congratulations, Kurosaki-san!" KanonjiOfficial: "My #1 protégé! Love is always with you, boy!!"

...

Ichigo continued to read, his eyes wide and a smile creeping on his face as he subconsciously stuck his cheek to hers.

[third-daughter]

She fell silent as she watched him, moving the fabric of her skirt closer to her when he got up to sit next to her instead. At first she thought he just wanted to sit nearer to her, blinking when he held his phone up for her to see what all the commotion was about. Violet eyes widened as she read.. and read.. Ichigo's thumb scrolled the screen down. She felt his cheek against hers and it distracted her for a moment- it was still a little surprising when he acted so affectionately in a public or semi public place.

"Oh... oh my.." she murmured, eyes wide in surprise. So this is what social media looked like.. it was a bit overwhelming. There were so many comments from so many people.. did he have to respond to all of them? It would be a bit of a headache.

"Well," she turned to look at him then, wanting to know his thoughts by his expression, "At least they're being positive. Because if they weren't.."

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo grew sentimental for a moment, his gaze turning to hers as they both finished reading at the same time. He snorted and smiled in relief as his eyes sunk to the ground, the memories of his friends' support throughout the years flashing through his mind briefly. There were times were he really didn't think he could go on, where his nakama gave him the power he needed to fight. This was, after all, one of the major reasons why he loved her. She was always there when he needed her. Despite the normal appearances, they've fought together, bled together.

"Aah...they're wonderful. All of them..." Ichigo spoke softly. He then turned to face her, his love, his moon, his light...and smiled a genuine, bright and loving smile. "Being here, with you...like this. It almost seems like a dream." he let out, snorting again in an endearing way. It was funny to him, really it was. The simple fact that he could sit there, next to the woman of his dreams, with all the love and support of everyone he knew...it was quite special feeling.

Ichigo reached out with his hand to her cheek, bridging the small gap between them together as he planted his lips unto hers in a passionate kiss. Throughout their months together, Ichigo had slowly grown accustomed to physical contact. He had no problems showing his emotions physically, actually it's what he excelled at.

"We should be grateful." he spoke soft and teasingly, as soon as his lips left hers.

[third-daughter]

Rukia listened in silence to his words, choosing to say nothing in the moment. It wasn't very often he got the nerve to say exactly what he wanted to say.. he tended to show he cared about someone by his actions instead.

She'd been wanting to ask him how he felt in hindsight of Tsukishima's abilities being used on everyone. It had been a few months since then, and it seemed like things had pretty quickly gone back to normal since then. Chad and Inoue, his sisters, everyone.. they all seemed to not remember what happened, nor Tsukishima, at all. In the end it was only Ichigo who had to suffer with the memory of what happened. And though she'd kept perfectly calm in the moment, she could still picture his face that day in the rain, broken and lost and crying. Sometimes when she slept, her mind would force her back there to see it again and again.. she was determined to not let him sink so deep ever again.

She just smiled at him when he touched her face, her eyes roaming over his face as if she were observing him keenly. Then he kissed her and she didn't have the heart to stop him, even though they were in public and she still wasn't completely used to it yet.

Her hand slid in his hair, her fingers curling in his golden threads, "You're so sentimental," she teased, tugging on it gently.

[blacksun4ever]

She was always great at bringing him back to reality, especially when he was embarrassing himself. It dawned on him that his behavior might not be suitable for public display, and his cheeks naturally turned the appropriate color. "S-shut up, baka..." he rubbed the back of his head in protest of what felt like teasing to him. Although, he had to admit...he was sentimental at that moment. In general too, maybe. It was difficult not to be, he really was living the dream.

She was kind yet stern, she motivated him, and often made him laugh or smile. Her skin is soft, she has good style, and she's a freakin' lieutenant of the Gotei 13. Above all else, she was his partner in crime, his light. He never missed the opportunity to ask himself once in a while, if she truly knows how much he loves her.

"Of course I am. I-it's just...I didn't think it would be so easy. Everyone is so supportive." he admitted, turning to softly kiss her wrist. He was, after all, missing her touch for a few weeks. Public display or not, the corner they were at seemed intimate enough for at least this kind of affection, he thought.

[third-daughter]

It was funny- watching him get flustered as if he hadn't been the one to move to her side of the table, sit in the booth next to her and desire to kiss her. That was just like him, half the time brimming with overconfidence, waxing the most poetic and seductive words, then the other half a blushing little mess. Her mess.

She slid down in the booth a little, sighing as she propped her feet on the booth opposite to her, where he'd been sitting before. She wasn't used to wearing heels, especially such high ones, but she also wasn't uncouth enough to remove them in the middle of the cafe. Her thoughts wandered to what he'd said, silently thinking.

Everyone is so supportive, he said. It was true.. and she hadn't expected it to be any other way- he had friends and family always supporting him, all in their own ways. She'd noticed someone who hadn't responded, though- and she wondered if he'd noticed it too. She hoped, prayed, it wasn't for the reasons she thought.

"...Yeah," she said softly, her eyes narrowing a bit without her thinking. "You're right."

Inoue... maybe she just hadn't seen her phone. Hopefully. Rukia's eyes, the brighter violet seeming like a deep blue in the low lights of the place, couldn't help but stare at Ichigo for a moment. She wondered if he guessed what she guessed- that Inoue might've had feelings for him at one point- or perhaps she still did. She couldn't say for sure. But the idea of someone else wanting him the same way Rukia wanted him... no matter who it was.. made her feel an unwarranted sort of anger she didn't dare to show on her face.

Or was it fear? ..She wasn't even sure.

She was pulled from that uneasy thought when she felt him kiss her on the wrist, and gave a small smile instead. "Are you going to eat this takoyaki with me, or am I eating alone today?"

[blacksun4ever]

Ichigo noticed something was off. He always kind of had a nose for things like this, when people were concerned or had something troubling them, he could always tell- especially if it was her.

Watching her place her feet up was a dead giveaway. Rukia usually got into strange positions or would make cat like movements whenever she was deep in thought, Ichigo remembered. Except for the fact that it was incredibly distracting for him the entire day, watching her prance around with him in a skirt and high heels, he noticed it's one of the first times he'd seen her wear some. She still had a load of surprises for him, and every day he was learning something new about her. 'Man, I'm gonna make sure there's hell to pay for this. Later, though...' Ichigo thought to himself, trying to snap back into reality as he slated the thoughts that were about to invade his mind for later. At the moment, he wanted to know more about her concerned look.

"...Yeah," "You're right."

Inoue. Ichigo immediately understood, observing the way she spoke and how her eyes looked to the bottom left, as if she was thinking back on something. But besides that, he had noticed himself.

There was no message from Inoue.

He knew, from some time ago, how Inoue felt about him. Even Tatsuki had hinted at him before. He tried to explore his feelings for the topic, he really had. During the year and a half, when he was just a normal person, he tried to bond with her more. It was pointless though...he couldn't stop dreaming about her, about Rukia. He never really addressed it outwardly in any way, to Inoue at least. Ishida more or less knew about his condition, he's usually perceptive like that... Should he have addressed it? Should he have said something to her? He was sure that, intuitively, Inoue knew as well. Was that enough though?

Ichigo's eyes sank as he began to wonder if he was being a good friend, his hand softly cupping Rukia's in an attempt to maker her linger on his cheek a little longer. "Yeah...We should be grateful."

[third-daughter]

She noticed it of course- how could she not? It was pointless for him to hide his feelings around her- she could read his face too well. Maybe other people couldn't see behind the mask.. but she certainly could.

Had he read her mind? Did he notice? Or was he suddenly worrying over something else? She stared at him in thought, as he touched her face in that way he often did when he wanted her to look at him.

"Right.." she said softly, stretching her legs as she did. She could hear her bones snap in complaint- her gigai did not approve of her choice of footwear it seemed. "..You said that already."

She looked away then, her polished fingers picking up a napkin from the table silently and balling it in her hand. She couldn't help her thoughts either- from the beginning she knew she didn't deserve him. That he could, and should, do better. She wondered if that thought hadn't occurred to him... until now.

She wouldn't blame him. She'd always felt that. He still had his whole life ahead of him.. she knew it wasn't realistic to think he'd want her forever. And all she wanted was for him to be happy.. with or without her.

"..Should we go?"

[blacksun4ever]

The moment he snapped back, realizing he repeated himself, he could feel something else. It's as if there was tension, or no...fear, coming from her. He could feel it in the subtle ways her reiatsu moved, suddenly becoming spikey as if an invisible threat were around. He looked around the table, noticing his untouched takoyaki, her half filled latte...why would she want to leave? They just got here.

"H-hey, wait a minute. What's wrong, Rukia?" he flinched backwards slightly, leaning out of her touch and his own hand let go from holding her cheek. She was clenching a napkin, as if she were trying to strangle it.

Why is she upset..? What is happening? Is she sad that Inoue didn't write?

His mind raced with thoughts, trying to make sense of the situation. It wasn't like her to suddenly switch moods like this, but why did she feel fear? Ichigo's eyes raised back to inquisitively look into her violet orbs, expecting some kind of answer.

[third-daughter]

"Nothing," she said softly, her gaze shifting back to him, eyes dark. "I'm just asking."

Maybe she was wrong about it all. Maybe he knew nothing... maybe he felt nothing. Still, a part of her couldn't believe that.. because he was smarter than that.

She saw him flinch then, and that was odd- she didn't think she'd seen him do that before.. at least not with her. Her free hand flexed a bit, her eyes moving from him to it, fingers closing into a fist.

"..Sorry. Did it feel cold suddenly?"

[blacksun4ever]

"O-oi...Rukia." he mouthed, his look now one of worry. It really wasn't like her, to suddenly react to something like this. Her reiatsu wasn't usually this defensive. It had to be something deeper than she let on, something bothering her. Inoue.

Oh. That's right. She got like this when she thought of Inoue, his inner monologue dictated. Did she think that he somehow had feelings for her? Surely not, Ichigo thought. It was more likely that she was afraid that she'd lose her friendship with her. It made sense, right? ....right?

Ichigo leaned in slightly, relaxing himself fully. For a while now, he was conscious whenever he spoke to Rukia. He wasn't just speaking as a friend anymore...but as a lover. He took that responsibility on himself, for her. One of his core principles, was to never be dishonest about anything...especially the important stuff. With that in mind, and a long inhale, he began talking in a gentle tone.

"Are you...upset because of Inoue?" he asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

[third-daughter]

That was unexpected to hear- then again, maybe she should have. Ichigo had never been the predictable type of man. She'd made the assumption he hadn't noticed what she had, but of course he had. And of course he would ask about it, right here in the middle of a date, in public, without mincing his words.

But her expression was clear on her face and her head turned to look at him suddenly with an unflinching, disapproving frown. Her voice was calm and kind of low, but that calmness didn't quite match the look in her eyes. "What are you talking about?"

[blacksun4ever]

He could always tell when he struck a nerve with her, especially the way it made her reiatsu shimmer slightly wheenver she found something annoying.

"Aha, so it is Inoue...Speak your mind, woman. Now." he demanded, half light-heartedly, giving her an expecting look as he leaned in to get a closer look into her eyes.

There was a pact between them, in the beginning of the first month, to not stay angry at each other no matter what and always demand the other party speak up about the issues. So that's the way it was always, even to his own dismay sometimes.

"Talk." he repeated.