Good News From the Front

“Earth to Rukia, oi you there?” Ichigo asked, shaking her hand. In front of the Kurosaki clinic they both stood, hands clasped.

“Sorry Ichigo. I was just thinking…” Rukia apologized. He turned her around with both hands on her shoulders.

“You sure you’re okay?” Ichigo asked in concern. Immediately his arms wrapped around her, pulled her to his chest, and held her close to his body. His heart pounded quickly under her ear. A lump formed in Rukia’s throat. Here Kurosaki Ichigo hugged her in broad daylight, something he would not have done before.

“I’m fine,” she said.

“Bullshit,” Ichigo snorted, glaring down at her. “Don’t give me that. Tell me okay?”

“I’ll tell you after dinner okay?” Rukia promised before she glanced at her watch. “Isn’t it five pm…”

“Shit, the job,” Ichigo groaned. “Look, you’re still going to tell me okay?”

After Rukia said these words, Ichigo raced into the clinic. She knew he would be working as hard as his two sisters instead of sitting in the corner assuming the fetal position.

***

At seven, she found him sitting wearing that white lab coat behind the front desk. Sometimes Yuzu or Karin sat here, but he was filling out appointment cards or looking through the calendar books to accommodate people for future clinic appointments. He actually smiled up at her when she told him dinner was ready.

Nevertheless, it was not until after dinner that she finally confessed what she had thought about on the walk home. Once they finished Ichigo returned to the clinic, Rukia following behind him. Back in his father’s office, Ichigo sorted through patient paperwork while Rukia gave him a hand. She balanced a manila folder on her skirt-covered lap shuffling papers. Ichigo glanced up from the filing cabinet to see a reddish orange glow through the window. Rukia too noticed, realizing it was the same hue as the teenager’s hair. Getting up from the desk, Ichigo dragged his chair so it was closer to her.

He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek catching her attention again. “So, what were you spacing out about on the walk home?”

“I was thinking about what Renji and Nii-sama said before I came here,” she said.

“You mean Byakuya?” Ichigo asked, cocking an orange eyebrow.

“What other brother do I have, eh?” Rukia retaliated.

“I know that, but Renji’s just as bad as one. That red pineapple can kiss my ass. He shouldn’t say when and where you should go. Screw what he thinks,” said Ichigo, rattling the papers more noisily.

Despite the frown on his face Rukia thought it was annoying and sweet for him to be so protective of what she wanted, not what others thought was best for her. She leaned over and said, “Maybe that’s the case but he’s still my oldest friend.”

“If he’s your friend he’d give a shit about what you really wanted,” Ichigo mumbled.

“He was a pain in the ass about it, but only because well…” Rukia trailed off, tapping the ends of her papers on the table so they lined up. Turning them sideways, she evened the stack before setting it back into the folder. Ichigo passed her another taking the one she had sorted through already.

She rested it on her knees, both of them pressed together. Immediately straightening up Ichigo asked, “Why were you thinking about Byakuya huh? Is he mad at you for being here? I thought you two were okay…”

“He knows I’m here, and he knows WHY I’m here,” Rukia said, setting her file on the corner of the desk. She grabbed another Ichigo thrust into her hand.

Ichigo’s brown eyes widened as he got up from his chair. He returned to the desk, snatched up another folder of bills, and commented, “And he still let you come here? The guy can’t stand me!”

“He didn’t stop me from coming. Nii-sama knows I would find some way regardless. Besides Ukitake Taicho has a way of convincing him. Plus if my hunch is right, Nii-sama’s distracted by now…”

“Distracted by WHAT?” Ichigo asked, digging his pen into the paper of the form he checked over. The pen soon thudded against the nearest trash basket after Ichigo realized it was out of ink. He ducked out of view for a few minutes searching through the nearest drawer of stationary he yanked open.

“By romance I hope,” she said. Ichigo’s head popped up, his eyes wide with shock still.

“What the hell do you mean by that?” Ichigo asked dumbfounded.

“Romance. As in two people in love? You familiar with that?” Rukia said sarcastically.

He laughed, “Give me a break Rukia. It’s just that your brother strikes me as someone who doesn’t go for that sort of thing. I mean he’s still carrying a torch for your sister. He must have had a romantic bone in his body being in love with her, but are you telling me someone has the hots for him now?”

Her waist ached from twisting at such an awkward angle to hold the papers. She sighed, “That’s exactly what I’m saying, Ichigo.”

The teenager glanced down at the folder he sorted through. He crumpled up an outdated invoice, tossed it into the recycle bin, and asked, “Who? Anyone I know?”

“Would you believe Renji?” Rukia asked, tossing her head so the piece of hair fell between her eyes again.

Seeing she was serious, Ichigo’s brow creased in that scowl she secretly liked. People claimed she had a sour expression stamped on her face even though they knew she could not show emotion because she was a Kuchiki. Well perhaps she did not have to frown, but her emotions were always restrained unless she was around people who were ordinary. People like Renji and his friends, or her classmates in the living world.

“Yeah, I would actually,” Ichigo answered causing Rukia’s eyes to open wide now.

On her lap, the folder slid down, spilling papers all over the floor. Cursing she climbed down to scoop them up. Ichigo knelt on hands and knees snatching them up as well. Rukia whispered, “How…”

“C’mon Rukia it was damn obvious he’s nuts about your brother. He worships the ground the man freakin’ walks on and he’s always gushing over Kuchiki Taicho this... and Kuchiki Taicho that. “
Ichigo trailed off, noticing Rukia staring at the floor, hand reaching out to pick up a paper.

She glared at him, grumbling, “He does NOT gush!”

“Are you kidding me?” Ichigo retorted, shoving the folder in front of her. Rukia thrust the paper into it before he snapped it shut. “I know he has the hots for Byakuya because Renji snapped my head off when Orihime and I interrupted him that one time. He was pissed because I stopped him from saying something important.”

For a moment, Rukia considered this. Relief filled her, for Ichigo already suspected what she had for a while. No wonder he accepted things so quickly. Why she would want to stay. On the other hand, was it another simpler reason? Ichigo dipped one hand in front of her face after he stood up again, waiting. Rukia seized it and let him pull her to her feet.

“You’re not totally oblivious,” Rukia teased.

“So, are you going to tell me just WHAT happened between you two, huh?” Ichigo asked, lowering himself into the chair. Rukia wandered over, sitting on top of the desk opposite him. She swung her heels back and forth bumping them against the desk.

Immediately Ichigo reached up and then took her by the hips. She found herself plopped in his lap the next minute held in place by his hands latching just in front of her belly. The office chair they sat in creaked a bit, and Rukia drew in her breath feeling Ichigo’s lap under her thighs. “Ichigo…”

“Why were you thinking about Byakuya huh? Is he mad at you for being here?” Ichigo asked. Looking down Rukia rested her hands overtop Ichigo’s, which were clasped over her front. His chin descended to rest against her neck and shoulder.

Savoring the protective note in his voice she clarified, “Ichigo I owe you an explanation. He knows I’m here, and he knows WHY I’m here.”

Arms tightened possessively around her just like she hoped and feared they would. Sometimes Ichigo’s protectiveness reminded her too much of her brother and childhood best friend, but the way he expressed it was far different. He did not say ‘you’re mine’, he simply incorporated her into his life and world. Made space for her as if she belonged instead of demanding that she force herself into a role she felt uncomfortable in.

Ichigo’s brown eyes widened, breath hitching and hissing against her ear. He grumbled, “And he still let you come here, Rukia? I guess you must have said something pretty impressive to him, or else you’re not telling me everything.”

Looking down Rukia rested her hands overtop Ichigo’s, which were clasped over her front. His chin descended to rest against her neck and shoulder. She murmured, “He didn’t stop me from coming. Nii Sama knows I would find some way regardless.”

Haltingly she told him the story:
***
Miserable, Rukia had flash stepped back to the Kuchiki manor, dreading facing her older brother. Seeing the hurt in Renji’s eyes was bad enough, yet facing Byakuya was something she truly dreaded. Fortunately, Ukitake Taicho had given her the assignment she requested in the living world as part of Squad 10’s infiltration team. Something Renji had asked for but now she figured he would turn it down.

IF the big idiot listened to her, she hoped Nii-sama would also understand just why she was doing this. Carefully she pulled the letter out of her haori and strode to the library to leave it. Unfortunately, she sensed her brother’s considerable reiatsu nearby.

“Rukia, you are late. Is anything the matter?” Byakuya asked with a tinge of concern in her voice that reassured her. Ever since the execution, he had gradually warmed up to her in private though in public he kept his icy demeanor.

Sometimes they shared nighttime walks together, simply discussing the affairs of the day. Alternatively, they shared tea. Often times they ate breakfast in companionable instead of awkward silence. While she sought to reclaim her powers, Byakuya insisted on taking over her kidou lessons. Not to mention wanting her to recuperate at Kuchiki manor where he could insist that she had the best care.

In those few months, she and Byakuya grew closer as a real brother and sister. Still there were times she dreaded facing him. He had expressed concern about her constant need to spend more time around Renji and Ichigo, two people he considered boorish and annoying.

“Nii-sama, are you busy? I have no wish to interrupt you,” Rukia said.

“It is not an imposition. You may join me and report on your day,” Byakuya said with a slight lilt that mingled request and command in the same statement.

He pointed towards the cushion next to him directly instead of having her kneel facing his back. Now she knelt directly next to him, feeling equal in station. Stomach churning she said, “Nii-sama, I have come to inform you that I’ve taken another assignment in the living world. If you object, please speak to Ukitake Taicho…”

“May I ask the reason for this assignment?” Byakuya said quietly. “If it is because Renji has already been posted to the same mission, you will be sorely disappointed. He requested to be taken off the mission.”

“My reasons for going have nothing to do with Renji,” Rukia sighed.

“I will not be angry if you are truthful with me, sister. However let me inform you that if you have designs on considering Renji as a possible suitor, he is not acceptable.”

“Nii-sama, I’ve no intentions of marrying Renji,” Rukia said quietly.

“That is a relief,” said Byakuya. “Because I would refuse. Although Abarai is strong, he is not sufficient to beat me in battle. I cannot allow any potential husband to pursue you if he cannot sufficiently protect you.”

Rukia sighed. Byakuya did add, “However if Abarai did attain the rank of Taicho I may reconsider refusing him as a suitable candidate.”

“Nii-sama, Renji’s not the one that I’m interested in. He’s in love with someone else,” Rukia said.

“Is it the Shinigami Daiko then?” Byakuya then asked, his voice deepening in disappointment.

“Yes Nii-sama,” Rukia answered.

“He is young, impetuous, and foolish. You cannot be serious,” Byakuya snorted.

“He bested you in battle, Nii-sama. If that’s your criteria for a suitor, then he is worthy,” Rukia answered.

“He is human, Rukia. Though he possesses considerable power, he is hardly from a noble family!” Byakuya insisted.

“He would fight to defend me with his life just as Renji would, or you would,” Rukia answered.

“You are determined to pursue this Kurosaki despite my objections?” Byakuya murmured his steel blue eyes hard and cold.

“You said that you wanted to know the truth. I have deep feelings for him,” she said. “The least you can do is grant me the opportunity to ask him if those feelings are returned. If they are not I will come back.”

“If they are, then what will you do? As long as you live in this house you are expected to abide by my rules,” Byakuya reminded her.

“Perhaps it’s time I lived elsewhere,” Rukia said stubbornly. “That’s the other reason why I want this assignment.”

“You are foolish Rukia. Do not make me take actions that would…”

“Nii-sama, would you rather I insist on testing again for a seat?” Rukia asked. “You should be glad I’m not! Moreover, as for protecting me, your instruction in the art of kidou is sufficient. If that should fail, then Kurosaki will.”

“Even if I forbid you to go?” Byakuya asked.

“Then perhaps you should inform Ukitake Taicho?” Rukia asked.

“Rukia why do you insist on being so stubborn,” Byakuya wondered giving a labored sigh. “Am I that unpleasant to you?”

“Nii-sama that’s not it at all! I love you as my brother. That will never change. It’s just that I need to do this. I will not dishonor the Kuchiki name. How can I prove myself if you do not trust me?” Rukia said softly.

“I trust you Rukia, it is Kurosaki I have difficulty trusting,” Byakuya admitted.

“He knows that you’d use Senbonzakura on him as target practice,” Rukia said.

“If you wish to leave so badly, then leave. Go on this mission. I will not stop you,” Byakuya murmured.

“Nii-sama, you aren’t alone you know,” Rukia suddenly blurted out.

“Shouldn’t you be leaving?” Byakuya asked, back turned to her.

“I still have one more thing to say, Nii-sama. Someone cares about you greatly. If I don’t leave then they’ll never have the chance to inform you how they feel regarding you,” Rukia said.

The deep voice wavered in a question. She was sure his eyes were wide in surprise. “Pardon?”

“Ask Abarai Renji. He’ll know who I’m referring to,” said Rukia. “Good day Nii-sama.”

“You are dismissed. Good day, Rukia,” Byakuya said abruptly.
***
“Do I have Ukitake to thank for letting you come here?” Ichigo guessed after she finished her story. Like her Ichigo had learned to hide his emotions but for a different reason. He was a teenager trying to keep a low profile already elevated by his orange hair. An image she found stupid when he admitted that kissing a girl on the cheek would shatter it. The customs of the living world never failed to surprise her. Never mind that such displays of physical affection were unbecoming of a Kuchiki in Soul Society. Here she didn’t care because nobody knew she was a noble.

“Hmm yes. Shortly after I left the Manor I reported to my unit, and asked Ukitake Taicho if he had any missions in the living world. He said he did, so here I am,” Rukia acknowledged, leaning into him. He was nice and warm behind her.

“So, he knows you’re here, and you came because you knew Renji and your brother would get together. And you say you’re on a mission for Ukitake,” Ichigo summed up.

“Yes, that is correct,” Rukia replied, tilting her head to kiss the underside of his chin.

“Yeah, but for how long?” Ichigo asked.

“For a few months. I can always get it extended though,” Rukia murmured as she pressed a kiss to his lips.

“Yeah, but your brother’s still gonna be pissed you’re here with me isn’t he?” asked Ichigo, returning the kiss gently.

“Perhaps, but he will have to learn to live with it. He said as long as I lived in his house I had to abide by his rules. Even when I do go back I’ve arranged to move into quarters at Squad 13.”

“Well I guess that’s not a bad thing,” Ichigo murmured, kissing her on the ear.

“You see I’ve thought this through,” Rukia murmured back.

“Yeah maybe so, but I think we should go back at some point and get this straightened out,” Ichigo said. Immediately she tensed.

“What did you say?” she asked voice cold.

“Rukia, I want this as much as you do, but I don’t want your brother being a pain in the ass. I want to talk to him about this instead of sneaking around. We shouldn’t have to do that to be together, when you’ve every right to do what the hell you want,” Ichigo reminded her, rubbing her goose pimpled arms.

“Are you going to ask for my hand in marriage?” Rukia snorted, squirming on his lap. “Damn it Ichigo I came here to get away from that nonsense and I don’t need you…”

“Just shut up and listen to me,” Ichigo blurted out. “Would you stop putting words into my mouth?”

Rukia snapped her jaw shut hearing his frustration. “Fine Ichigo, tell me what’s on your mind.”

Still holding her in his lap Ichigo cleared his throat. “Look Rukia, here you’re just one of us, an ordinary high school student. But like me you are also a Shinigami and eventually people are going to bug the crap out of you. If we’re a couple, then we need to act like it and not hide it. Since you’re from a noble family, there must be some protocol we have to go by so your brother doesn’t make you miserable and feel guilty to be with me.”

“Ichigo, can we not talk about this right now?” Rukia asked as she bit her lip, curling up against him.

Ichigo sighed, his breath hissing in her ear. “But you’re a still a Kuchiki and people expect you nobles to act a certain way. I don’t want you feeling like you have to apologize being with me when we could just get him to answer some questions. Now are you going to tell me or will I have to wait to ask Byakuya?”

“All right Ichigo. There IS a custom and you have guessed it correctly. But I didn’t think in the least that you’d be…”

“Be serious enough to want to be with you to think ahead a few years, Rukia?” Ichigo asked with a hint of anger. “I don’t just sleep with any girl Rukia. Despite what the hell you’ve read in those damn books not every guy wants to fuck two dozen girls and try them on for size.”

“I’m sorry Ichigo I didn’t mean it like that,” Rukia apologized, grabbing his hands before he could release them.

“All right then, what DID you mean?” Ichigo grumbled. Still his muscles tensed as Rukia turned around in his lap and glanced up at his moody scowl.

“Ichigo look at me. I want us to be girlfriend and boyfriend, and maybe something more. It is just that you’re a teenager and you have your whole life ahead of you I assumed you would not want plans holding you back. I meant that Nii sama has planned most of my life. I just thought you’d understand that I wanted a break from that.”

“I know, but it doesn’t hurt to share things Rukia. I mean couples do that right. Even in those stupid romance novels you read which isn’t anything like how the real world works couples talk and argue right?” Ichigo asked.

“All right, talk,” Rukia relented, still annoyed at his lack of understanding and stubbornness.

“I’m going to probably go to medical school Rukia. Being a Shinigami is something that’s important to me, but so is having a life here. If you’re going to be part of that life, we have to figure out how to make this work,” Ichigo explained.

“Ichigo…” she whispered, hearing the seriousness in his words. That sudden lump of ice inside her melted.

“I was serious when I said you belonged here. That doesn’t mean I want you to stop being a Shinigami. It just means that we have to decide how it’s gonna play out. We need a game plan,” he continued.

“But can we at least talk about that tomorrow?” Rukia asked quietly.

“Fine, but I’m not going to let you off that easily, remember?” Ichigo pretended to scold her.