Good News From the Front

A closet door rasped open in the middle of blackness startling Ichigo out of sleep. Those quiet footsteps tiptoeing towards his bed made him smile mischievously. It was difficult to keep lying on one side without turning over in response to the shifting of the sheets. Cold air fanned his body one second only to shiver at the warmth of the body shifting to lie next to it. Ichigo immediately scooted to give her more room however.

Two hands slid up and under his shirt to rub his chest in small circles. Lazily they continued during the soft kisses commencing on the edge of his ear and back of his neck where the orange hair sprouted. One hand diverted its path towards the elastic band of his boxer shorts. He suppressed the gasp resulting from the hand moving adventurously over him.

She wanted to play and he was enjoying this far more than he thought. One leg flung over his hip brought his backside right against her front. Sighing Ichigo slid back in response bringing them flush together. For a time he let Rukia's hands wander over his body through his clothes till he could not stand it anymore. He flipped over so they faced one another, catching Rukia's lips in a soft kiss. Simultaneously he slipped his hand under her pajama top and caressed her chest. She gasped audibly in the darkness, suddenly over sensitized. Breaths rasped through their parted lips hitting one another in the face.

"Mm, that's nice," he murmured flinching at how cheesy it sounded. From her hitching breath, she was affected too by his soft moans. Finally, he turned over to face her pulling her closer to his body with one arm. Reaching under the pillow, he grabbed something, passing it to her. Rukia smiled guessing what they were, along with just who probably gave them to him.

"I'm not even going to ask who gave you these," she whispered. "But I'm in a gigai remember... that's not an issue…"

"Just… work with me okay?" he mumbled, stiffening up at the now awkward moment.

Rukia suppressed the urge to giggle at him, touched at his thoughtfulness. Rolling over she lay on her back, lifting her hips with her head pillowed in the pool of warmth left by his head minutes before. Blankets tumbled off Ichigo's shoulders in the darkness as he knelt between her legs meeting her gaze with his in one serious moment.

One of his large hands slipped beneath her hips, the other tentatively reaching for her chest covered in cloth still. His fingers seemed to tremble for another long moment he knelt completely still. Instead of unrestrained, it resembled their first time in reverent darkness. Now the hand that had touched her breasts slid off to one side, holding him up off her.

Rukia encouraged him by wrapping her legs around his waist so his hot breath fanned the hollow of her neck, showing that she insisted on being an active participant. For a minute or so, his head descended once more, claiming her lips. A quick thought of their differences in size passed through her mind along with the question of what this would be like with someone as tall as Chad, or Renji. Proportionately Ichigo's erection was wide enough to spread and stretch her to such proportions that she could feel him imbedded inside her if he caressed her stomach. The thought of other male's cock sizes left her reeling and yet thankful he was so generously endowed.

Memories of some fifty years ago crossed her mind, something Rukia was ashamed to admit even passed through. The immediate intense sensations he evoked in her increased to the degree it snapped her back to the sensations he awakened in her. Rukia allowed the shivering tingle to eclipse all other thoughts, focusing just on the dark eyes looking intently down into hers. Pistoning in and out Ichigo gritted his teeth as his hands squeezed her breasts in time with each assault.

"Ichigo... damn... keep it up..." she urged, his sweat dripping down on her face and mingling with her own.

"Rukia... ahhhh..." he groaned, his dark brown eyes rivited to hers with that same resolve she saw in battle. A quivering itch between her legs was sated each time he slammed home within.

Small hums of appreciation passed through her lips joining the soft gasps he gave. The initial fall unleashed a nearly white-hot seizure, heart hammering in her ears along with the seizing knot in her chest. A split second later she automatically tensed like a spring.

Ichigo continued once she relaxed beneath him and tilted her head up to kiss him, knowing he would take much more time to catch up to her. Feeling him tense in the manner she had she knew he had reached a similar place so Rukia wrapped herself tightly around him in one last tight hold. Her interior squeezed him tightly, milking him of all his excitement. Ichigo felt his energies soaring in one last exploxive climax.

Heavy, sweaty, and hot he lay atop her. This was another thing Rukia was thankful for, the fact he was slender and not muscle-bound. She whispered, "Don't move yet."

"Can't anyway," he chuckled.

Relaxed and comfortable Ichigo simply shifted to lie on one hip with his arm still managing to hold some of his weight off. They lay facing each other, arms wrapped around one another so Rukia could tuck her head under his chin. From his even breathing, she judged that he had fallen fast asleep. Rukia reflected there were far worse places she could be then here.

**

Next morning Rukia was aware of a change in position. Somehow, during a very sound sleep she ended up lying on her side with her ear and cheek half stuck to his hard muscled chest. An equally solid arm still wrapped around her back securing her against him. Slowly she blinked up at the bottom of Ichigo's chin, following the line of his nose and closed eyes. In sleep he frowned slightly even, making her wonder just what he was concerned about. If she shifted the slightest bit, his grip tightened on her.

"Come on, you're awake aren't you," she could not resist whispering. Brown eyes fluttered open to focus on her. The frown lessened to the hint of a very rare smile.

"Smartass," he mumbled affection in his voice.

"Since you're holding onto mine pretty tightly, you mind letting go so we can get a shower?" she asked.

"Stupid question. Of course I mind," he answered. "Waking up without my crazy father attacking me is worth staying in bed for. Not as much as another reason…"

His hand tightened on her hip. Rukia shivered allowing herself a small smirk while turning over so their fronts were pressed together. Sunlight painted his room in shades of orange and gold. Still comfortable and relaxed she pressed her hands against his chest and kissed along his neck to his jaw reaching his lips. This time his mouth opened almost immediately to hers granting access so she could deepen it.

"Ichi nii! Breakfast!" called Karin as she knocked sharply on the door. "Rukia nee san!!! Get up before Dad scarfs it all down!"

Both of them broke the kiss frowning at each other before glaring angrily at the door. Ichigo did not know what was more embarrassing, being woken up by his crazy father or having one of his sisters bellow at him. "This is just what I was worried would happen," Ichigo mumbled.

"Oh lighten up," Rukia scolded, thumping him with a fist on his chest hard enough that he yelped. Immediately he sat up so she climbed off him and sat waiting for him to swung his legs around and climb out of bed first.

"Today we're going to Soul Society," Ichigo murmured standing with his back to her once he grabbed his T-shirt and shorts off the floor.

"What?" Rukia asked, not sure she had heard him clearly. She found her pajamas and slipped them on, knowing they would end up in the wash soon anyway.

"For two reasons. One, to get some privacy before I pound my dad or corrupt my sisters further, and two so you can talk to whoever you need to because you know people are going to bug the crap out of us once they know," Ichigo said pragmatically as he tossed something at her. She realized it was a set of clean towels just for her.

"Oh god, Matsumoto," Rukia groaned grimacing at the thought of that bouncy vice captain pestering her with questions. "Kiyone and Sentaro are going to be bad enough but gods…"

"How the hell do you think I feel? I'm going to get a damn speech from Ikkaku and Yumichika if I stop by squad 11, and you know that Matsumoto won't leave me alone when I go by squad 10. Toushiro's probably not gonna want to know anything…"

"So you figure it's better to inform everyone in advance? Announce it as if it were news?" asked Rukia, frowning.

"You rather read it in the Sereitei times once Matsumoto finds out?" Ichigo grumbled, digging out a spare change of clothes. "You know she's drinking buddies with Hisagi and Kira, and Kyoraku… so that's why we gotta cover all the bases."

"But you were the one who asked if there were some formalities to announce our relationship! You'd practically sabotage all dignity if you went babbling our business to everyone instead of informing Nii Sama," Rukia complained, tossing the bedspread aside.

"Maybe, but you know what our friends are like. Chances are that Hat and Clogs can't keep his damn mouth shut cause he's probably guessed we're a couple already," Ichigo mumbled, wincing at the thought of Urahara teasing the crap out of him the next time he went to use the training room.

"You're right," she mumbled rubbing her eyes as Ichigo opened the door to his room and immediately walked to the bathroom. When she hesitated, he gave her an odd questioning look.

"What, aren't you gonna want to share," he mumbled, almost disappointed.

"Idiot," she half laughed, pushing him aside to start the shower.
***

When Ichigo and Rukia had arrived at Urahara's shop, he had given them a very smug smile from behind the fan and kept his comments to a minimum. He had only said, "Had a good weekend Rukia?" before Ichigo threatened to punch him or go a few rounds with him. Only after Rukia almost knocked him over in her own annoyance.

Urahara then decided to hide any further expressions behind his fan and open the senkaimon gate as quickly as he could. Yoruichi fortunately was in her cat form, peering at them with a thoughtful gaze and lick of her paw. Ichigo blushed at what she would probably say, but was holding back because of the already persistent blush on his face.

Once they arranged to store Rukia's gigai and entrust Ichigo's body to Kon's care once they found him, the couple rushed through the precipice world towards Soul Society. Both of them clasped hands as if it were the most natural thing in the world, only loosening their grip once they sprang out of the now open gate. They received a rather confused look from the guards who held their questions when they saw Rukia's annoyed gaze.

"You're back early, Rukia san," one of them commented. "And why's the Shinigami Daiko here?"

"We have an important matter to discuss with Ukitake Taicho. We'll be heading to squad 13 first," Rukia said. "To ask permission for Kurosaki Ichigo to stay here in Soul Society for a few days so he can speak with Ukitake Taicho."

"All right," said the guard, nodding at her. He quickly made a notation in his log at the presence of Ichigo in Soul Society, and then Rukia dialed her soul pager.

Ichigo waited, tapping his foot as Rukia waited and finally got hold of Ukitake. After a few minutes of chatting, she then motioned him with her hand. "He wants to see us right away."

"Has he given clearance?" asked the guard.

"Everything's taken care of. You have Ukitake Taicho's permission for him to remain," Rukia said.

"Thank you Rukia san," the guard said in gratitude. Then reaching out, Rukia grabbed Ichigo's hand and pulled him after her, leaving a very amused guard to see them flash step away.
**
Rukia deliberately held hands with him in full view of most every Shinigami she came across, Ichigo realized with amusement. So much for keeping it secret. Some of them flashed him a thumbs up while others blinked as if seeing something weird. Still some Shinigami gave them a bored glance as if expecting it.

"You're doing a GREAT job keeping it from your brother I see," Ichigo teased her.

"Shut up. This was YOUR idea," she snapped back, squeezing his hand.

"My idea wasn't parading up Sereitei holding hands. It was to tell people we were together. But I guess you decided otherwise," Ichigo trailed off.

"You would rather I not hold your hand?" she asked, miffed.

"Damn it I didn't SAY that!" Ichigo snapped, squeezing her hand and pulling her back so she landed against him by the time they arrived at the 13th Taisha.

Two people already arguing stopped when they heard Rukia and Ichigo's voices. Hand fisted in Sentaro's hair Kiyone turned her head and looked at Rukia with surprise and delight. Sentaro's hand was pushing against Kiyone's chin at the same moment, blinking at Rukia in concern. Two pairs of eyes traveled from Rukia down along her hand clenched in Ichigos, then up his arm to his face. The substitute shingami held back the chuckle at their dumfounded expressions.

"Rukia!" they chorused. "Kurosaki Shinigami Daiko!"

"What the hell's up with the hand holding huh?" Sentaro demanded as he glared at Ichigo, marching over to within a foot of him. "You'd better be dating her for real if you're gonna put your hands on her…"

"Oi, who said I wasn't?" Ichigo retorted, frowning at Sentaro before Kiyone shoved her fellow third seat out of the way.

"Shut up and don't listen to him! Is it true that you two ARE together? I hope so because…" Kiyone laughed. Ichigo sighed and rolled his eyes, glaring at Rukia. She bit her lip, still keeping her fingers interlaced with his.

"I don't care as long as he's gonna do the right thing," Sentaro said.

"Oi! Who said I wasn't?" Ichigo mumbled as he returned Sentaro's glare.

"Back off you dumbass!" Kiyone grumbled, shoving Sentaro behind her. "Rukia I'm so happy for you and Kurosaki! Congratulations!"

"Thank you," Rukia said as she inclined her head.

"Yeah, thanks a whole bunch," Ichigo mumbled half sarcastically. He was sure that Byakuya was going to give him hell this time.

Sentaro moved up and whispered, "Don't worry. People already figured you were together anyway."

"What?" Ichigo asked, blinking.

"C'mon it's so obvious," Sentaro whispered, jabbing him in the ribs with an elbow. "Congratulations Kurosaki you damn lucky guy!"

"I'm not here," Ichigo mumbled. Slapping his palm against his forehead Ichigo groaned. He squeezed his eyes shut, wishing the ground would open up and swallow them. Rukia bit her lip, feeling guilty about having her boyfriend hazed, but he was asking for it. She had spent enough time in the living world and left so suddenly that people had put two and two together.

"Kurosaki san! Kuchiki san, welcome back," said a cheerful voice that caused Ichigo to open his eyes once more.

"Ukitake Taicho, good day," Rukia said gently as she looked at him. Still her hand held Ichigo's.

"It's quite nice to see both of you here. Kurosaki san I've taken the liberty of assigning you temporary quarters for your stay," said Ukitake.

"Temporary quarters?" Ichigo asked, blinking.

"Well you can't just stay anywhere you know," Rukia said with a sigh. "You do have to have an official place, and where better than 13th Taisha?"

"Fine," Ichigo mumbled.

"Sentaro, please escort Kurosaki to his quarters while I speak to Rukia. As soon as you're done and settled in, come and see me in my office for tea," said Ukitake with a warm smile at Ichigo. Despite this casual air, Ichigo knew it was an order, not a request.

"Yes Ukitake… Taicho," he said, adding the proper title at the last moment.

"Ichigo, it's okay," Rukia whispered to him. Leaning up she pecked his cheek with a kiss, and he felt her release his hand.

"All right," Ichigo said once she gave him a reassuring smile. Feeling nervous, he let Sentaro lead him away to the bachelor squad quarters.
***
Sliding the door open Sentaro walked Ichigo into the upper floor of one of the squad barracks. He spotted the small kotatsu table and a futon folded up against the wall. A small cooking area sat to one side of the one-roomed chamber. Another sliding door led to what Sentaro showed him was a lavatory.

"Baths are in the bathhouse. There is a small shower here if you don't feel up to using it. Also there's some spare uniforms in the dresser and closet," Sentaro informed him, showing Ichigo all the small nooks and crannies of the small place.

"Thanks," Ichigo said.

"No problem," Sentaro nodded. He suddenly handed a small cloth bag with coins jingling in it to Ichigo.

"What the hell's this?" Ichigo asked, taking the bag from it as he tossed it up, then caught it.

"You never got your Shinigami daiko pay you know. You ARE entitled to some wages though they're not much compared to what a standard Shinigami would get. But since you're going to be in Soul Society for a bit, you'll need walking around money," said Sentaro.

"Thanks. Why the hell didn't anyone tell me this before?" Ichigo grumbled, stuffing the money bag into the front of his kimono next to his substitute combat pass.

"I'm surprised they hadn't. Anyhow, you have a bank account here and we can put your pay into it. So whenever you go to Soul Society and need to buy something, you can withdraw what you want," said Sentaro. "Though don't spend it all in one place."

"Ha hah," Ichigo mumbled sarcastically at Sentaro's teasing.

"There's a good number of local places you can get food. Since you're a Shinigami with high spirit pressure you're gonna have to eat sometime. If you want I can recommend some," Sentaro said.

"Thanks that'd be good," Ichigo said. "I don't know my way around here."

"Not to worry. I'll take good care of you," Sentaro chuckled as he motioned Ichigo to follow him out. "Unless you'd like to get settled first."

"I've only got Zangetsu," Ichigo said with a shrug.

"In peacetime we'd ask you to put your Zanpakuto in our keeping. But since its wartime still you are entitled to wear your weapon in Sereitei," Sentaro explained.

"Yeah, Rukia said something about that more or less," Ichigo said, scratching his neck. "So am I in trouble or something?"

"Why the hell are you asking me that?" Sentaro asked, leading the way out of the barracks.

"Well she's a Kuchiki and… well you know?" Ichigo trailed off.

"It's not like people don't already suspect there's something between you two. C'mon it's so obvious," Sentaro laughed, shaking his head. Groaning Ichigo suspected it wasn't the last time he would hear someone utter those words.

***

Clay cups rattled slightly on the tray that Kiyone carried into the office. Sentaro appeared on her left, sticking his tongue out at her as he grabbed the tray and rushed it before she could stop him into where Ukitake's desk was. At the table in front of it, Ichigo and Rukia knelt opposite the captain of squad 13 himself. So far, Ichigo felt relaxed because of the captain's warm smile and calming presence. Of most of the captains of the 13 court guard squads, he was the most approachable except perhaps for Kyoraku and Unohana.

Though with Unohana there was a polite reserve that indicated he should be on his best behavior. He had not missed that death glare she shot people that snapped even the hardened members of squad 11 into line. Zaraki himself was scared of making Unohana angry. That said a great deal.

"Again I wanted to congratulate you two on your relationship," said Ukitake as Sentaro poured them tea, and Kiyone placed a plate of various pastries in front of them.

"Thanks. But I was just asking Sentaro if there were any rules that…" Ichigo trailed off.

"For two Shinigami to become involved is hardly against the rules. Marriage between squad members is sometimes practiced. However, it depends on the rules of the Taicho of the particular squad. Here in 13 we're more relaxed. Whereas in other squads…" Ukitake trailed off.

"What about squad six?' asked Ichigo.

"I had anticipated that question. You do intend to speak to your brother soon I hope?" asked Ukitake, nodding towards Rukia.

"Of course, Taicho," she responded.

"That's one of the reasons we came here, sir. To clear things up with Byakuya… sama…" Ichigo began, adding the honorific at the last moment though it seemed forced. "I want to do this the right way."

"The fact you do does you credit, Kurosaki san," said Ukitake, sipping his tea as he held the cup between both hands. "However the path you're walking now won't be easy."

"It's never easy when he's involved is it?" Ichigo asked. Rukia this time did not correct Ichigo. She merely nodded.

"You are wise to see me first," said Ukitake. "It is my hope that you can keep things civil between you to ease the transition."

"So, how is Byakuya… sama taking the news anyway? Sentaro here said everyone pretty much guessed Rukia and I were an item," Ichigo said with a shrug.

"Such things are not spoken openly in the Kuchiki residence. I have been over to have tea there a few times. He inquired about your health, Rukia. It would have helped if you had personally been in touch but I understand why you had me act as a go between," said Ukitake with a sigh as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Ichigo took minute sips of the unsweetened green tea. This time Rukia interrupted before he could say anything else. Although Ichigo felt irritated he realized it wasn't his place to answer when the question was directed at her. She cleared her throat and said, "I apologize Ukitake Taicho for putting you in such an awkward position. I shall report home forthwith and speak with Nii Sama regarding the situation. Also I will arrange for a meeting between him and Ichigo…"

"Is that part of the tradition?" Ichigo asked. "Or are you just trying to stop him or Renji from beating the crap out of me?"

"Partly that," said Rukia. "If you're here then there's no reason for anyone to 'beat said crap' out of you. So stay put and don't leave if you don't mind!"

"What the hell am I supposed to do while you're playing peacemaker with your brother?" asked Ichigo annoyed.

"Have Sentaro or Kiyone take you around. You don't mind looking after him, do you Ukitake Taicho?"

"Of course not. I'm quite happy to have him as a guest," said Ukitake gently. "And I'd be happy to answer any questions he may have."

"You sure you don't want me to go with you?" Ichigo asked.

"I need to face him as a Kuchiki," she murmured. "And explain myself. Then you and I will have to face him together. Ukitake Taicho is your sponsor."

Ichigo spluttered, narrowly avoiding spraying the captain of squad 13 with a mouthful of tea. "Say WHAT?"

"Since you are not officially attached to any squad, and since I entrusted you with the Shinigami daiko badge that makes me your unofficial commanding officer," said Ukitake.

"I'd rather deal with you then some others, if you don't mind me saying so," Ichigo mumbled. He half-expected Renji or Byakuya to show up and try to challenge him to a duel. While Renji would probably try to beat the crap out of him, and he would manage all right except for a great deal of pain and injury, Byakuya was another matter.