"So...I guess this is it." Ichigo takes a single step forward as the portal opens up in front of him before turning around to face his friends.

I would like to thank EVERYONE who favorited, followed and specially those who took their time to review and/or pm me. HONTO NI ARIGATOU!

I don't own Bleach

Ichigo takes a single step forward as the portal opens up in front of him before turning around to face his friends. "You guys, I really appreciate everything you have done for me. You have stick with me until the end. You are the best persons I've ever met and I just-"

"Man, will yah just shut up? We still have to catch your wife, remember?" Renji interrupts and everyone agrees with him.

Ichigo's brow twitches as he groans under his breath. Here he is, trying to be a little philosophical and sentimental since it might be their last time seeing each other but they just have to interrupt him of his speech and-oh come on they're right! There's no need for farewell speeches. His friends already know how he feels for them.

"Alright!" Ichigo lets out a huff turning at the portal gate with determination written all over his face. "Let's roll."

.

The group enters the portal one by one until the only person left are Ichigo and Toshiro. The silver haired guy looks back at the distant before sighing and walking towards the portal. But Ichigo suddenly blocks his way.

"I believe you have someone else to go to."

"Kurosaki I-"

"Go. Don't waste your last chance. Rukia will be mad if she finds out you broke her best friend's heart."

Toshiro blinks up at their leader before finally nodding, blushing a little. "Ah. Goodluck, Kurosaki."

"Same to you."

With that, the two vampires head toward the opposite directions, with Ichigo going inside the portal while Toshiro heads back to Karakura town. When Ichigo finally arrives at the other end of the portal, he is surprised to see some unexpected companions.

"Tia?"

The tanned woman smirks, a group of female wolves standing behind her. "Hisashiburi da, Ichigo."

.

"Tia?" Ichigo repeats in awe. "What are you doing here?"

"Urahara called me. He said you need some help. And I wouldn't want to miss this chance to get even with you. I still owe you one, right?" Relief and confidence flood through Ichigo. With the help of the female wolves, his plan will be perfect. "I saw the convoy already passed by about 30 minutes ago." Tia informs.

"So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Shinji exclaims and everyone answers him with a determined "Hai!"

.

.

....V...

The ride along the main road is silent. It is so peaceful and smooth Hisana can't help but feel anxious and nervous. She's sure she told Ichigo about the time of their departure and the road they'll be taking. But then she remembers that Ichigo is busy kissing Rukia while she informed him of their departure. Now Hisana isn't sure if the boy remembers.

Moments pass and the Kuchiki convoy finally enters the main expressway and Hisana can't help but feel more agitated as she glances back and forth on either side of the car's window. 'Where are you, Ichigo-kun.'

"Is there something bothering you, Hisana?" Byakuya asks, a tiny hint of suspicion lying in his tone. The woman in question jerks slightly on her seat, looking at the rear mirror to meet her husband's questioning gaze.

"Oh! Nothing much. I'm just wondering why there aren't many cars passing by." The woman answers nonchalantly, putting on her best act to stay calm despite her anxiousness.

"This is a paid road. Most vehicles use the public road instead. So it is likely to have few cars on it."

Hisana nods. "I see."

Byakuya draws out a soft breath, strengthening back on his seat and turning his attention back on the road that is until Chad steps on the break. "What is happening?" Byakuya asks sternly as the cars in front of them stops causing the rest of the convoy to halt.

Chad reaches for his radio and communicates with the convoy at the front while Rukia tugs on her mother's arm with a questioning expression on her face.

"Do not worry, Rukia." Byakuya answers. "We'll keep moving again in a few moments. Just relax there and take some sleep," he finishes before Chad confronts him.

"Sir, Alpha 1 reported that there's an unconscious woman lying in the middle of the road. It's seems that she's a victim of a hit and run. They are waiting for your orders, Sir."

The Kuchiki head lets out a controlled breath before grabbing the radio handset. "This is Byakuya. I want that body be off the road. Alpha 1, you stay in front. Alpha 2, pick up that woman and take her to a nearby hospital. You don't need to come with us to the airport anymore but make sure the woman will be attended to... Now move and let's head out."

"Roger."

After Byakuya's orders are given, the guards riding the second car steps out to pick up the woman on the road. But as they move closer, the woman suddenly sits up and grins wickedly at them.

"Hello boys."

The guards gasp, staring with wide eyes and open mouths as the supposedly injured woman suddenly transforms into a huge four legged beast.

"What the-AAAaaaahhh...!" A guard screams out as the wolf swipes him with its paw, causing him to fly several feet away before disappearing into the forest. The remaining guards gawk at the direction where their co-guard disappears into before turning back at the beast before them. The wolf grins and that cause the guards to pull out their guns and start firing.

"Alpha 3 and 4. We need backups, a wolf is attacking us. I repeat, a wolf is attacking us!"

.

"What's going on?" Rukia asks as she hears screams and gunshots coming in front of them.

"Chad, stay here and make sure they're safe." Byakuya says, pulling out his katana before turning at his wife. "Do not get out of this car. I'll be right back." He then steps out of the car and scowls as he sees a huge wolf assaulting his men. He had seen such beast before so he isn't surprised at seeing one again after a long time. The nobleman gestures to the other guards from the cars at the back and asks three of them to stand guard around the car where Hisana and Rukia are in while he summons the others come with him.

Hisana bites her lips worriedly as she watches her husband's retreating form. The guards keep firing along but the wolf simply jumps around to dodge their shots. When Byakuya arrives, everyone stops firing. The female wolf snickers slyly as the raven haired man points his sword at her-gray eyes narrowing in a steel cold glare.

"I don't have much time to play around with dogs so if you value your life, I suggest you walk away now." Byakuya says menacingly, sword still pointing at the wolf before him. But even if he's glare alone can kill any beast, the wolf doesn't budge from its spot. Instead, it raises its noise towards the setting sun before making a long resounding howl.

Byakuya's hand tightens at the hilt of his sword as the wolf stops howling and looks back at him. And before it can even start attacking, the nobleman decides to take manners with his sword. He charges forward, surprising the wolf with his speed, the female beast almost freeze on her spot. But before the blade slices across the wolf's neck...

"RAAAAARRRGGGH!"

A yellow furred wolf suddenly appears, butting its head against the charging Byakuya causing the swordsman to skid backward.

"What the-!"

Everyone's eyes widen and their jaws drop as three more wolves jump on the scene. One appears from the hill on their left, the other coming out from the trees on their right. While the last one comes crashing down upon the car in front of where Hisana and Rukia are.

Thud!

Rukia jerks as the ground trembles and the sound of crashing metals and steels follow. She can't see what's happening but she knows that something's going on and it starts to make her worry. "Mom, what's going on? Where is Dad? Are those wolves attacking us?""

"Ssh. It's alright, sweetheart. This is just..." Hisana cuts herself off before she can say anything more, remembering that Chad is still with them. She heaves in a deep breath and pulls Rukia closer. "Everything's going to be fine. Just sit here and 'wait'."

"Wait for what?" Rukia asks before she and her mother jumps in surprised at the sound of metal banging continues.

.

Byakuya's eyes flicker in anger and fear as the bluish wolf crashes the car with its paws, flattening it into a thin can. Fortunately, there is no one inside the said vehicle. But still, the wolves start circling them with low hisses and taunting gazes. And then Byakuya's fear escalates as the wolf steps off the wrecked car and slowly turns its attention towards the next car where Hisana and Rukia are. And then...

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Gun fires and yells fill the air as the wolves start attacking the men followed by the loud screeching of the tires as Chad steps on the gas, quickly backing their car away as the blue wolf starts pursuing them.

"Hisana! Rukia!" Byakuya tries to runs to his family's aid but another pack of wolf appears, with one of them quickly lunging down at him. The man draws his sword ready but before he can swing his blade, a flash of green cloth flutters before his eyes and the next thing he knew, the wolf gets thrown down the side of the road. "What the..?"

.

"Ara. Looks like we came just in time," A man with a bucket hat and green cloak says, turning towards the noble swordsman with a laid back smile on his face. "Hisashi buri desu ne, Kuchiki-san?"

"You..." Byakuya mutters before his attention gets caught by louder banging and maniacal laughing.

Renji appears, kicking a wolf away from a group of guards. Yoruichi, Nanao, Rangiku, Hisagi, Hiyori, Shinji and Yumichika also jump on the scene-forming a protective circle around the Kuchiki guards. And lastly, there's Ikakku, who lifted a car with his bare hands and threw it back on the ground, growling and pounding his chest with his fists like he's the king of all kong .

Everyone sweat drop.

"You...kozo's friends. What are you doing here?" The circle of vampire hears Byakuya says. But instead of answering, they all just turn to the Kuchiki noble and give the man smug grins before...

"Haaaaaarrrgghh!"

"Wooohoooo!"

"Yeee-haaaaahhh!"

Byakuya is fixated on his spot, blinking as 'kozo's friends (as what he calls them) take out a wolf opponent each and starts fighting them. Growls, bangs and crashes fill the atmosphere. There's a moment when a car flies above Byakuya's head followed by a lone tire rolling down next to him.

Byakuya gawks uncharacteristically at the chaos. It is a total disaster. This scene right here is just a big proof of how reckless and violent vampires can be. That is why, he promised himself that he will never allow his daughter be near and worse be influenced by this kind of...two legged beast.

Yes, the only difference he finds between the vampires and the wolves are the number of their legs. Other than that they are all a beast to him. What do you expect? He's Byakuya Kuchiki after all.

But wait! Speaking of his daughter.

Byakuya looks ahead and is slightly relieved to find that Chad manages to back the car several meters away from the chaotic brawl. But as his attention goes back at the said chaos, the scowl returns on his face as he notices something...strange. However, before he can figure it out, his attention reverts back to his family's car and finds that the wolf finally get holds of the said car. "Hisana! Rukia!" Byakuya calls out. He tries to move ahead but the fighting wolves and vampires prevent him from advancing towards his family's side. "Kuso!"

.

Bam!

Hisana and Rukia yelp as the wolf slams its paw on their car's hood, stopping its movement and keeping them in place. Chad steps harder on the gas, making the tires screech so loud as he tries to back away but to no avail. The furry beast grins wolfishly, tilting its head up ready to break the front glass.

Hisana heaves in a deep breath, holding her daughter protectively as she waits for the crash.

.

But it never came...because the wolf gets kick out of the way. The scene happened so fast, that all they get to see was a cloud of dust surrounding the area where the wolf came crashing into which was several feet away from them.

"What-" A weight thumping on the roof of their car cuts Hisana's sentence off. She looks up, heart beating frantically as she hears footsteps on the roof. The person walking on the roof jumps down the car's hood and finally lands down the ground revealing himself to the person inside the car.

Finally! Hisana sighs in relief.

"Mom, what's happening? Please, tell me we're alright." Rukia asks worriedly but her mother responds to her by kissing her forehead and letting go of her arm.

"Everything's fine now, my dear. You will be fine now."

"What-"

"Rukia."

The raven haired girl stiffens as her door opens and that familiar low velvety voice that she oh so wanted to hear for days comes whispering next to her ear. Her heart starts beating fast and her breath gets caught in her throat but that doesn't stop her from turning towards her head over her shoulder and facing her man. "Ichigo?"

The orange haired vampire smiles. "Yo."

"Y-Yo..." Rukia repeats absently, blinking for a moment before an angry vein suddenly pops in her head. "Yo? That's all you have to say?!"

"Look baby, I-woah!" Ichigo never gets to finish what he's about to say because someone suddenly grabs him by the hood of his jacket and pulls him away from the car. And before he can take hold of what's happening, a strong fist connects on his jaw sending him tumbling on the ground.

"Sado-kun!" Hisana steps out of the car, helping Rukia to get out of it too.

"You must stay inside the car, Hisana-dono. Byakuya-sama ordered me to protect you."

"But he's not an enemy, Sado-kun. Just let him be."

"No."

"Sado-kun!" Hisana says in a warning tone but the tan skinned man remains on his spot.

Ichigo groans, sitting up and clicking his jaw back into place before looking up to see Chad standing protectively in front of the car's door.

"Wow..." he chuckles dryly. No wonder he's Byakuya's assistant. The man has a steel hard fist.

"It's alright, Hisana-san. I can deal with him." Ichigo stands up, patting the dirt off his shirt and jeans before turning at Chad with a serious scowl. "I don't have much time so don't ask me to go easy on you," he says and Chad responds with...well, he doesn't say anything but Ichigo is sure that his silence is enough response.

Sweat drops.

"Arrrgh!" Ichigo growls and launches a punch at Chad's face. But the tall man dodges his attack and easily throws a punch of his own-his big fist landing on Ichigo's gut. The vampire hunches forward and Chad uses the opportunity to give Ichigo a strong elbow on his back before kicking and sending the vampire toppling over on the ground for the second time around. Ichigo pushes himself up on his feet again and charges again using the same move. And as he continues to miss, Chad also continues to hit him hard in different parts.

.

"What is he doing?" Renji asks, watching as Ichigo gets beat up by Chad. He and his wolf 'opponent' turn at each other and shrug in confusion.

That simple notion between Renji and the wolf doesn't go unnoticed by Byakuya. He knew it! He knew that something's a bit strange about this whole attack-and-rescue thing. He finally sees through the act. They are just playing! This thing is planned! It's scripted! That explains why those vampires seem to be cautious with their attacks. They are fakes! And they even managed to lure him away from his family so that...

Byakuya's eyes widen. 'The kozo can kidnap Rukia...AGAIN!'

.

"Uuurrrggh..." Everyone turns to see a heavy reiatsu flaring around Byakuya. And they are shock to say the least that the man has a massive amount of energy enough to make them shudder. Byakuya hisses, a killer glint screaming in his eyes which means 'Stay out of my way or die!'

In several pieces.

Everyone gulps and quickly makes a path way as the furious father flies past them and charges towards the orange haired vampire.

"Kuso." Ichigo narrows his eyes as he sees the approaching swordsman. He turns back at Chad and decides that it's time to stop playing. Yes, Ichigo made Chad beat him up in purpose because he thinks he deserve it. He deserved to be punch by someone for everything he did. And he gladly accepts it, because somehow it lessens his guilt.

But being sliced into million pieces by his very angry father-in-law is another story.

"I'm sorry," Ichigo mumbles. And before Chad can understand what he means, the vampire disappears from his sight and a swift blow to his nape knocks him out of consciousness. Ichigo then turns at his wife and mother-in-law. "Hisana-san," he says as if asking for permission. The mother understands and quickly nods, pushing her daughter gently towards Ichigo.

.

"Hisana, what are you doing?!" Byakuya grits as he quickens his pace.

.

"Rukia, come here." Ichigo says urgently, glancing towards his approaching father-in-law. But to Ichigo's surprise, Rukia chooses to become the brat that she is and refuses to go to him.

"No." Rukia says firmly, surprising everyone. She crosses her arms and tilts her chin stubbornly.

"Rukia, you have to come with me-"

"Go away!"

"Rukia." Hisana frowns at her daughter's behavior, glancing worriedly at Ichigo as she sees Byakuya coming near them.

.

"Stay away from my family, you bastard!" Byakuya growls, picking up his speed.

.

"Rukia-"

"No!" Rukia stomps her foot to emphasize her refusal making Ichigo groan in irritation at her bratty behavior.

"C'mon sweetheart, if you don't go with Ichigo-kun, your Daddy's going to kill him." Hisana pleads but Rukia shakes her head.

"I said No! NO! NOOOO-" Rukia's screams hitch as Ichigo sweeps her off her feet, scooping her in his arms in a bridal style. She is about to protest but the moment her face hits his chest, Rukia turns in a complete mush. Oh how she missed being in his arms again. She missed his scent filling her nose and his heart beating against her ear. She missed him...so much.

"Rukia!" Ichigo tightens his hold on his wife as the raging Byakuya reaches them and quickly points his sword at him. "Put my daughter down, now!"

"I'm sorry but I can't let you take her away." Ichigo responds calmly, infuriating the Kuchiki noble even more.

"Neither am I."

"But you have to. I'm the only one who can save her anyway."

Byakuya scoffs. "Do you think that you can fool me around, kozo? I know a way to cure my daughter, there's no need for your help. Now put her down or I'll tear those arms of yours."

Ichigo stares intently at his father in law for a moment before he does something that surprises everyone. He puts Rukia down gently, sliding his hands from her head down to her cheeks with a crestfallen smile before turning back at Byakuya. "I apologize for everything that I've done," Ichigo says. "If you think that slicing me into pieces will solve the problem then..." Ichigo lifts his arms in a surrendering manner, presenting himself. "Go ahead."

Rukia frowns in concern as Byakuya starts walking towards the orange haired vampire. Murder is screaming in his eyes.

.

"That idiot-" Renji attempts to aid Ichigo but Urahara stops him-shaking his head before saying that they shouldn't interfere. By this time, the wolves and vampires stop 'fighting' as they watch with bated breath what is about to happen.

.

"Byakuya, stop right there." Hisana also tries to calm her husband but the said man keeps moving forward. "Byakuya..."

Left-right-left-right. Byakuya takes wider, more anxious steps.

"Byakuya!"

And now, he is walking super fast he's almost running until...

"Byaku-YA!

"Aw!" The noble, stoic, one of the most feared swordsmen in Japan yelps as his loving adorable little wife hits him upside the head.

Everyone blinks.

"Hisana?!" Byakuya sounds almost like whining as he rubs the lump in his nape while giving his wife a 'what-the-hell-was-that-for' glare.

"You hot headed stubborn man! How many times do I have to call your name before you stop and listen?" Hisana is beat red from irritation. Her hands are placed on her hips as she berates her samurai husband.

"Hisana, I was trying to save our daughter here-"

"Shut up!"

By now, everyone has to bite their lips-hard- to stop themselves from laughing. This scene is quite familiar. It's as if they are watching the older versions of Ichigo and Rukia while fighting.

Byakuya grits out a quiet curse and closes his eyes, trying to revive his demeanour while Hisana steps in front of him and pushes his hand that's gripping his sword down.

"Byakuya, please." Hisana says gently. "If you want to save our daughter then we have to trust Ichigo-kun. Don't be so hard on him." Byakuya scowls but not as hard as before. Somehow, the desperate tone on his wife's voice helps him calm down. "Please, my love. Let's give him this one last chance."

Byakuya stares at his wife's pleading face before turning towards his daughter then to the orange haired boy-man...vampire before heaving in a prideful air.

"Byakuya," Ichigo calls out, taking a few steps closer to the two parents. "I know that I've never been a good son-in-law to you."

"You are far from being good." Byakuya corrects but Ichigo ignores the comment and decides to continue.

"I was never nice or polite. I always want to get on your nerves as much you want to get on mine-" Byakuya grimaces at that. "-but I want to make it right this time."

'This one last time.' Ichigo wants to add but thought otherwise.

"I want to apologize for the cars...and to your men. Honestly, I planned this ambush-"

"I knew it!" An angry vein pops in Byakuya's forehead. But Hisana grabs his arm before he can even make another move to attack.

"-but we make sure that no one will be harmed. But still, I am sorry. I did this because I thought it's the fastest way to take Rukia away without having to confront you. But you still caught me...I guess I don't have a choice. This will be the first and probably the last time I'm doing this so..." Ichigo heaves in a deep breath then bows down at his parents-in-law. "Hisana-san, Byakuya, I want to ask for your permission to take your daughter out...I mean away-er somewhere away from here."

Ichigo gulps, a tiny bead of sweat running down the side of his face. He usually gets what he wants on his own-unpermitted-way that's why he never thought that this will be so...hard and nerve wrecking. He can easily snatch his wife away and to hell with the consent. But he refuses to do that. He wants to make things right out of respect for the two parents and...for the sake of apologizing for everything he did in the past.

BUT IF BYAKUYA REFUSES TO MAKE PEACE WITH HIM THEN HE HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO-

"Alright."

Ichigo snaps his head up. "Wha...what?"

Instead of confirming his answer, Byakuya looks down at Ichigo like he's a dirt under his nose. "I don't want to repeat myself, kozo," he says before whipping around with a dignified "Hmp!"

Ichigo smiles. He'll take that as a yes.

Ichigo bows his head once again as he says words of gratitude before turning around. He is surprised to see Chad already up and standing protectively in front of Rukia. The guy really has an extraordinary strength fit to be a 'royal' guard. Chad gives him a silent glare but nevertheless he steps aside, revealing the petite girl he is hiding on his back.

Finally!

Ichigo smiles wider as he steps closer to his wife. "Rukia...will you come with me?"

The girl rolls his gaze up, staring at Ichigo's face as if she hasn't lost her sight at all. It's as if she's examining him, scrutinizing every wound on his face before frowning and whipping around with a dignified "Hmp!"

Ichigo sighs in relief. He'll take that as a yes also.

Heh. Like father, like daughter.

.

.

"So..." Ichigo turns at everyone with Rukia already riding on his back. "I'll see you again, minna." He gives one meaningful nod at his friends before finally taking off.

There's no need for goodbyes for they'll definitely see each other again...someday.

.

"Did you catch everything on tape?"

"Everything amigo!"

"Great! It will surely be a worldwide trend!"

"Oh I already have a title for this! How about hit me baby one more time-Byakuya Kuchiki style! Hihihi!"

Renji and Shinji are snickering at the video of Byakuya being scolded and hit by Hisana that they recorded earlier on Shinji's Iphone. The two are so caught up in giggling that they haven't notice a dark figure looming behind them. And with a quick swoosh of air, Shinji's Iphone suddenly splits into four.

"Wah!" Shinji cries while Renji looks like he's going to piss himself as Byakuya Kuchiki towers above them with the darkest murderous glare he could ever muster.

"You..." Byakuya billows and before he can even finish his threat, the two vampires start running for their lives.

Everyone sweat drops.

"Yare yare..." Urahara spreads his fan over his mouth before slipping something out from his coat. "I think it's time to clean the mess!"

The rest of the gang nods in approval. Urahara presses the button and soon a flash of white light blasts around the area, covering the mortals including Hisana, Chad and Byakuya. And soon, the mortals' memories of this event are altered.

.

.

...V...

Ichigo leaps high up from one tree branch to another. He hops down the ground, flash steps through the forest and glances over his shoulder every now and then to check up on his wife riding on his back.

Rukia has her right cheek resting on his back, still frowning and hasn't said anything. She notices that Ichigo is purposely increasing his speed, going up and down just to try and make her talk or complain. However she refuses to say a word. Though there are some moments when she'll tighten her arms around his neck. And that was enough reaction for Ichigo...for now.

The rest of their journey has been very quiet. Neither one of them spoke or said a single word until a few more minutes pass and Rukia finally feels Ichigo slowing down.

"We're here," Ichigo mutters, lowering his wife gently on her feet. Rukia turns her head around, sensing her surroundings. "We're in the river..." Ichigo says beside him. "...where we first, you know, made-"

"Why?" Rukia cuts him abruptly. "Why did you bring me here, Mister?"

Mister? Ichigo scowls at that, forgetting about her question.

When he remains quiet, Rukia huffs and crosses her arms in a bratty posture. "Don't you have anything to say to me like I don't know, I'm sorry or something?"

"I'm sorry." Ichigo mumbles and for some reasons, Rukia suddenly gets irritated.

"You don't mean it."

"What?"

A vein pops on Rukia's head. She uncrosses her arms and stomps her foot on the ground with fisted hands. "I said you don't mean you're sorry!"

Ichigo adopts her irritated frown. "I'm the one saying sorry here so how would you know if I mean it or not, teme?!"

"I'm the one you're saying sorry to so I should know if you mean it or not! And I say YOU didn't mean you're sorry!"

"Whatever." Ichigo brushes her tantrums away but then rolls his eyes and says. "Fine! I'm sorry and I mean it. There. Happy?"

"Urgh...bakamono!" Rukia growls and pulls Ichigo abruptly by his hair. She has to give him what he deserves.

A rough kiss on the lips.

Ichigo's eyes are wide when his lips smash against Rukia's. He is surprise to say the least for he is expecting something like a kick, a slap, a hard punch or anything but a kiss. But as Rukia wounds her arms around his neck, Ichigo pushes all his thoughts away and wraps his arms about her waist. However, before he can respond to the kiss, Rukia abruptly pulls away.

And that's when Ichigo receives the solid punch in the jaw.

"There. Happy?" Rukia mocks as if she had read his previous thoughts, smirking triumphantly as stars dance around Ichigo's head.

.

A rush of cold wind blows, causing Rukia to tilt her head on the side and close her eyes as grasses and leaves dance passed her. When it stops, Rukia opens her eyes again and the orange rays of the sunset sparkling against the river greets her. She can't see it but the warm glow that kisses her pink cheeks is enough for her to say that...there is light out there.

Rukia steps closer to the river and opens her arms, welcoming the last of the sunset glow to bathe her with a serene smile on her beautiful face. Ichigo has a smile of his own as he watches his wife. He tucks his hands on his pocket and stands next to her.

"It's beautiful," Rukia whispers, not turning away from the sunset.

"So beautiful," Ichigo responds not turning his gaze away from Rukia's glowing face.

The young wife clears her throat, lowering her arms back on her sides before tilting her chin up in a back-to-business manner. "Well, are you finally telling me why'd you kidnapped me again?"

"I'm sorry." Ichigo says, his voice a deep rumble and Rukia can finally hear the sincerity in it. "All the things I've said before you leave, I didn't mean it. I only said that because-"

"Ssh." Rukia lifts a finger to cut him off. "You don't have to say sorry."

"What?" Ichigo blinks. "But I thought you wanted me to apologize."

"I never said anything about apologizing, haven't I?"

"But you-"

"Ichigo, you're not making any sense." Rukia waves him off nonchalantly causing several annoyed veins to pop on Ichigo's head.

"You are the most complicated human in this planet." Ichigo mutters between gritted teeth.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

The mischievous smile on his wife's face has Ichigo sighing in defeat. He smiles back and flicks Rukia's forehead, knowing that it will annoy her. And true enough, Rukia jerks at the gesture and pouts at him. Ichigo chuckles, placing an arm over Rukia's shoulder before pulling her against his side. "I miss you."

Rukia sighs contentedly, snuggling closer against her husband's warmth and lacing her right fingers with his left hand that is hanging on her shoulder.

"You know, my mother always used to watch the sunset." Ichigo says as he turns back to watching the sunset. Rukia, slightly surprised at the small revelation regarding a 'topic' he seldom tells her, turns towards the sun as well. "My mom always sat next to the window, knitting a quilt or embroidering a handkerchief. There was this afternoon when I had a fight with the older boys in school who used to pick on me because of my hair. I beat them of course but I still I end up going home bruised and wounded."

Rukia frowns, mentally cursing the thugs who hurt her beloved husband. They're lucky their dead or else they'll be...well, dead. Double dead, perhaps?

"When I entered the house, I found Mom sitting next to the window like she used to. I thought she's going to scold me...but she didn't."

A beautiful orange haired woman turned at the door and met her 8 year old boy with dirt and bruises tainting his young face. Her heart twitched upon seeing his beaten form but she refused to let him see her pain. It would hurt him more than his wounds. So she stood up and opened her arms to her son, smiling as she said, "Welcome home, Ichigo."

The boy's face brightened before he burst out crying into his mother's arms.

"That moment was the most wonderful memory I had of my mother. I felt so protected whenever she smiled at me. Her face seemed to glow against the sunset and she was like an angel. The most wonderful and beautiful angel I have ever seen...until you."

Rukia is flattered by his words. She smiles at him gratefully before turning back at the sunset. "Ichigo, if I met your mother, do you think she'll like me?"

"Of course. She likes to play with cute little brats like you," he jokes, earning a light pinch on his side. "It's true! My mom loves cute things...just like you."

Rukia contemplates on his statement before finally accepting it. "And your father?"

"Dad? Well, he's a total psycho. I'm sure he'll call you his third daughter the first time he laid eyes on you."

"Really?" Rukia smiles mischievously. "Cool! But...how about your sisters?" Rukia knows he had twin sisters. But she knows little about them since Ichigo is quite sensitive when it comes to his past. Though right now, Rukia is still a little curious as to why he suddenly open things up about his family. But whatever reasons, Rukia will not let this chance pass.

"My sisters have opposite personalities. Yuzu is like my mother, she's warm and kind to everybody. While Karin...she's a little rough for a girl. But she's kind-hearted too."

"So I say, Karin-chan is a lot like you."

"What? No! Karin is-"

"Snob, brash and hot headed. Totally a lot like you!"

Ichigo rolls his eyes in defeat, knowing that he won't win over her on this one. "Fine. But I say that you are the reincarnation of your father. You're stubborn, proud and annoying."

"But you love me."

"So much."

"Then that means you also love my Dad!"

"Yea-what?!"

Rukia bursts into a laughing pit, imagining the funny horrified look on Ichigo's face. He almost fell on her trap and admitted that he admires her scary father too.

"Why you..." Ichigo groans half heartedly, grinning as he gets back on his giggling wife by tickling her sides. Rukia squeals, trying to attack him back and causing the both of them to fall down the grass, with her lying on top of him.

Slightly out of breath, Rukia stares down on Ichigo's face. She can't see him but she knows that he is staring back at her, smiling. She flicks him on the forehead just like what he always do to her before quickly rolling off and lying on her back on the grass next to him. Still cackling, Ichigo pillows her head on his bicep while cushioning his head with his free arm. A comfortable silence pass and the couple regains their breath, lying on the grass and staring at the orange-purple-red sky. Rukia sighs happily, closing her eyes and starts humming a tune.

"That song sounds familiar." Ichigo says.

"It's from a movie Momo and I watched some time ago. I always play it too in my phone."

"That make sense. Can you sing it?"

Rukia cracks an eye open. "You sure you want to hear a crappy cheesy song about old couple still madly in love with each other?" she teases and Ichigo just snorts at her.

"Try me."

"Hm...okay." Rukia moves closer to him, closing her eyes again before she begins singing. "I wanna make you smile...whenever you're sad. Carry you around when you're arthritis is bad. All I wanna do...is grow old with you." Ichigo's eyelids droop half close as Rukia's soft voice fill the air, blending with the cold breeze blowing around the peaceful forest. And as she continues, he completely closes his eyes and let her voice take him down to memory lane. "I'll get you medicine when your tummy aches..."

He remembers the first time Rukia got sick under his care. She was just 11 that time, and they're living for almost a year together. Going home and finding her curled up in the couch, hogging her abdomen and crying in pain was one of the most frightening moment of his life. He got so afraid, he quickly took her in his arms and shunpoed from roof to roof all the way to the hospital only to find out that she was just having her first period ever. Ichigo almost fainted in front of the doctor while Rukia was pouting, blushing in embarrassment.

"I'll miss you...kiss you. Give you my coat when you are cold."

Ichigo smiles as the song keeps the memories playing in his head. He remembers the first time he kissed her during their wedding. He caught her off guard and God only knew how furious Rukia was to him after that. Then there's the memory of the first day they moved into his house. Rukia got really homesick during her first three nights, she demanded him to take her back to Seiretei right at that moment. Thinking that she'll stop once he ignored her tantrums, Ichigo went to sleep. But he had learned not to try and deduce how the mind of his little wife works. Rukia is unique. She won't accept defeat. That same night, she ran away from their house and went into the train station on her own. Good thing the station was already closed. That time, Ichigo could only sigh at her royal brattiness.

"Need you...feed you."

And who would forget that time she sneaked into his room and stole his credit card. She even ruined a costly pen by 'accidentally' stepping on it.

"Even let you hold the remote control."

A lot more memories came into his mind. That time when she drew a moustache on his face when he was asleep. The time they almost got caught necking at the janitor's closet. That time they bickered over money, food, house rules, tv channels and school supplies. They bicker over who gets to use the bathroom first or whose fart stinks more and so on and so on. They had fights, many many fights...from serious to childish and playful to painful. They made love a few times but each time is full of love and passion.

Those happy, sad, disastrous, surprising, heart breaking, heart warming, adventurous, annoying, funny, dangerous, mind blowing and wonderful memories are so precious to him. It breaks his heart to know that they will have to lose all of it.

"So let me do the dishes in our kitchen sink. Put you to bed when you had too much to drink..."

Ichigo placed a blanket over Rukia's shoulder as the girl fell asleep on a pile of homeworks on top of her study table. He sat down next to her, resting his cheeks on his palm then gently brushing a hair away from her face.

"I hate homeworks...sensei." Rukia mumbled on her sleep and Ichigo couldn't help but smile as he watched her sleep.

"Oh it could be so nice, growing old with you."

Ichigo's heart clenched.

"I wanna grow old with...you."

The last of the afternoon glow quickly fades as the sun disappears into the horizon. The night birds start crooking and the crickets begin chirping. Ichigo pulls her tighter against him, burying his nose on her hair to breathe in her scent. He wishes he could stop the time, right here and right now. Just like that last memory, he wishes he can always watch her sleep every night after helping her with her homework. But...

The sun finally goes down and Ichigo knows that his time is also gone.

Ichigo pushes both of them gently up on their feet. He's never been glad that Rukia lose her sight because then she will see how lonely and heartbroken he is right now. Telling Rukia about his mother and his family is like reminding himself that he can't keep what he wants forever. He wanted to keep his family to his side just as much as he wants to keep Rukia his wife forever. But there will always be a time that one has to let go of something. That's an inevitable part of life.

"Rukia."

"Hm?" Rukia moans, dusting dirt off her dress.

"...I'm leaving."

Rukia's hands pauses abruptly. She blinks once before looking up at him with a quizzical look on her face. His voice is so quiet and hollow; she quickly catches the message behind his words. "What exactly do you mean?" she confirms, brows knitting together.

.

.

...V...

Toshiro gulps, stepping on the side as groups of students start exiting the school gates. He looks around, scanning through the crowd of giggling, laughing and running students looking for a certain raven haired girl. His palms become sweaty and his heart starts beating nervously with each moments passing by. He is eager to see her yet he is still unsure of what to say or how to say it rather.

Is confessing his feelings worth the try since they will have to part a few moments from now? Would it still make sense? Or is it just a waste of time and effort?

"Shiro-chan?"

Toshiro snaps out of his thoughts as the familiar voice of that special girl hits his ears. He turns his gaze up and finds Momo standing a few feet in front of him. "Y-You..."

"What are you doing here?" Momo asks softly, without the cheerfulness on her voice. A cool wind blows around, rustling the leaves of the trees and blowing off their hairs.

"I..." Toshiro tries to speak but the questions of uncertainties he had earlier echoes in his head making him close his mouth and hides his face in the shadows of his hair. "...I have to-"

.

...V...

"-leave." Ichigo has his eyes cast down, hiding his face in the shadows as he feels the breaking of his voice. "I h-have to leave, Rukia. That's the only way to save you."

"W-What are you talking about? How-I mean why?" Rukia is getting confused and annoyed at the same time. She gives him a questioning glare but Ichigo can't find the words to explain it to her. She calls his name again, placing her hand on his chest. And realization hits her the moment she feels the erratic beating of his heart against her palm. "Ichigo, don't tell me..."

'We, immortals live under a same rule...An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth.'

Rukia's eyes widen. "You will sacrifice yourself, won't you? You'll give your life in exchange to mine?!"

Ichigo is not surprise that Rukia figures that out just by feeling the beat of his heart. She has that power to read him, no words applied. "Rukia-"

"No!" The girl snaps, backing away from him.

"But it's the only way to save you."

"Then I don't want to be saved!" Rukia growls angrily. "If saving me will cause your life then please, I...I d-don't want you to die." The tears that she's holding on finally fall down her face. Pain stabs through her but Ichigo is suddenly there, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her in another comforting embrace and muffling her cries against his chest. Rukia pounds her fist on his chest once, telling him how big an idiot he is before clutching on his shirt and continue crying. Ichigo is not sure which is more painful...letting her go or seeing her beg not to let her go. In the end, he still chooses to let her go...and save her.

"I'm not going to die," Ichigo says, his voice a deep rumble against her hair.

"But y-you-"

"Ssh. Listen..." he says, rubbing her back soothingly. "You're illness was caused by a venom. It ruined your sight and will eventually take all of your senses. But Urahara-san found a way to take that venom out. I can take it out but in exchange, I will lose something, my powers and my existence in everyone's memories... But I won't die, I swear."

"Then why don't we make something that will help us remember, l-like a letter or something!" Rukia suggest, desperation is in her voice.

"I'm sorry but it won't work. Urahara-san said that after I gave you the cure, everything that came from me will also vanished...our rings, our pictures, all of the stuffs that I'm associated with will..." Ichigo finishes his sentence with a sigh.

Rukia squeezes her eyes tight again as another batch of tears cascades down her face, soaking Ichigo's shirt. She doesn't care if no one agrees with her but she thinks it is plain stupid and unfair. Knowing that he won't die is one thing but losing their memory of each other is just as heartbreaking as the former.

"Ichigo..." Rukia whimpers, wrapping her arms around his waist, returning his embrace.

"Ssh...stop crying, baby. Everything's going to be alright."

"But I don't want you to go."

Ichigo rubs her back for some moments before holding her by the shoulders in arm's length. "Rukia, I know I had broken so many promises to you. And I'm not in the position to make another but this time, know that I will keep this promise, this vow to the depths of my heart and soul." He stares into her eyes, smoothing her hair away from her tear stained face. "We will find each other again. I will defy fate if I have to. My vows to you may vanish from my head but they will be kept in my heart. I swear to my soul."

For a moment there, Rukia feels her sight has come back as she can clearly see Ichigo's determined face and the resolve shining in his eyes. He is staring right back at her. And that's when she realizes how he is like the sun. He is her blazing sun that keeps her warm and protected even if darkness surrounds her.

Ichigo cups a side of her face, wiping her tears with his thumb. "We will be alright. Trust me. You are mine and I am yours. And that will stay forever."

Rukia's heart melts at his words. She leans against the warmth of his palm before giving him a little yet grateful smile. "I won't thank you for this...idiot," she declares.

With tears on his own face, Ichigo returns her smile and says, "Sure."

.

...V...

"You're leaving?" Momo asks after remaining stiff and speechless for a moment. She then takes in a deep breath and finally grins back at Toshiro. "Is that for good?"

Toshiro nods. "Kurosaki, he decided to give the cure. He's probably with Rukia-san right now."

"Oh." Momo swallows a lump forming on her throat, bowing her head slighty to hide the tears that are threatening to fall from her eyes. She bites the inside of her cheeks as her body trembles. A few moments from now, she will lose her best friend, their memories together and everything they had shared. She never thought that their friendship will end up like this. And Shiro-chan and the others, after this, they will become strangers again. "So..." Momo whispers. "I guess this is really goodbye."

Toshiro tries to say something, but Momo suddenly jumps as if she remembers something.

"Oh! I almost forgot, Mom asked me to buy something at the grocery! I should probably go, she's waiting for me!" Momo scratches her head, smiling sheepishly. She turns around, ready to go but pauses to wave back at Toshiro.

"Ne, Goodluck to you, Shiro-chan! Jane!" And then she walks off leaving the silver haired guy behind.

"Matte!" Toshiro calls out but Momo ignores him. Instead she starts walking faster. "O-Oi!" Momo pushes his voice out of her head and starts speed walking. "Hey! Stop!" By now she's jogging, increasing her speed so she's actually running until...

Bam!

Her face bumps into a signboard on the sidewalk. "Aww..." Momo groans, cupping her nose. In an instant, Toshiro appears in front of her.

"I was telling you to stop but you won't listen. Tsh. Are you alright?" he asks, peeking down at her hunched form. "Hey..." He grabs her shoulder when she doesn't answer and gently straigthens her up. But what he sees makes his eyes wide and his heart sinks.

A river of tears is streaming down Momo's face while her hand is shaking and still covering her mouth and nose. She is trying to control her cries until Toshiro roughly pulls her in for a tight embrace, that's when she lets it out. Momo wails out loud but this time Toshiro could care less if she breaks his ear drums or if they're being stared at because right now, she is the only one that matters to him.

"I will miss you," he whispers, making Momo cry even harder.

.

.

...V...

Ichigo removes the pink scarf around Rukia's neck and lets it fall on the grass with a gentle heap. He then starts working on the upper buttons of her coat, placing a lingering kiss on her forehead as he does so, causing Rukia to close her eyes and savour the moment. With each button undone, Ichigo's lips move to kiss a part of her face-hoping that he can imprint his lips on her skin or her skin on his lips.

"Will it hurt?" Rukia whispers as his hand pushes a side of her collar down-his cold palm making contact with her neck.

"I won't hurt you," Ichigo responds, grazing his lips lightly against hers, making their breaths hitch. His words seem ironic since he is hurting her as it is. But Ichigo still tries to take away the pain in their hearts by leaving everlasting warmth through his kisses and touch.

Rukia tilts her head up as Ichigo buries his nose on her neck. The smell of her deliciously warm blood makes his hair rise in raw hunger and desire. Ichigo can't help but lick her skin and drown himself by her unique scent. "Ichigo..." she moans. "I will miss you." That causes Ichigo to stop his ministration and look back at her. Fresh new tears staining her flushed cheeks but she still has a smile on her face. "I love you...only you."

Beads of tears fall down from Ichigo's eyes. All of the emotions inside him become so overwhelming, he can't hold it anymore. And before either of them can say another word, Ichigo cups the back of Rukia's head and smashes their lips in a breathtaking kiss.

The couple heaves in a deep breath as their lips crash upon one another; the heat quickly enveloping both of their bodies.

Rukia digs her nails on Ichigo's scalp, fisting his hair on her hands. She is becoming breathless but she can't seem to pull away from their blissful kiss. She should've felt relieved, knowing that Ichigo came to cure her. But the agitation, the restlessness, and the sense that he will have to sacrifice himself for her and only her sake...all of that are already haunting her.

Ichigo wounds his fingers on Rukia's hair, wrapping his free arm around her waist to pull her tighter against him; her small body fitting perfectly with his. He leans further to kiss her deeper and tasting her essence as much as he could. If only he could stop the time right here, right now. He doesn't want to lose her...not now, not ever. How will he keep up with the speed of the wold if she's not in it anymore? She's the only woman next to his heart. She's his mate, his favourite student, his best friend, his wife, his light, his only love...his everything.

He loves her...he loves her so much!

"Rukia..." he says against her lips. He tastes the salty tears that cascades down their faces causing him to kiss her deeper.

The hunger in their lips is shattering them both, making them relieve the past and long for a promising future; their tongues dancing and lapping at each other. Their moans filling up their ears, revelling the sound of the rushing water falls and night birds. They're kissing each other like it is their last.

And sadly, it is their last kiss indeed.

'Do it!' A voice screams in Ichigo's head eliciting a protesting moan from Ichigo's throat. 'Do it Ichigo, before it's too late!'

The voice keeps screaming but the stubborn part in Ichigo kicks in. Instead of letting go of Rukia's lips, Ichigo kisses Rukia with an urgency that demands more, sending desire singing through her veins. And as her body heat soars, so is the scent of her blood.

Her blood...thick warm liquid of her delicious crimson blood. The thought finally stirs the vampire in him.

"Uurrrgggh..." Ichigo groans as his lips start to move savagely, Rukia can barely keep up with his kiss. His skin becomes incredibly hot; it feels like he's burning. His breathing becomes ragged and frantic. His irises turning blood shot red against his close eyelids. And his fingernails start growing into long pointed claws digging on her skin.

'Do it, Ichigo!'

'DO IT!'

Ichigo rips his mouth from her, growling madly towards the heaven as his transformation takes on its full form.

Rukia opens her eyes and in that moment her sight miraculously returns as she is able to watch in slow like motion how Ichigo tilts his head back, his bloodshot eyes and sharp canine teeth shining against the moonlight, before turning down upon her and finally...

'I'll see you again... Ichigo.'

Yoruichi smiles at Urahara. Renji holds Rangiku's hand. Shinji pats Hiyori whose head is lying on Nanao's shoulder. Ikakku places an arm over his buddy, Yumichika's shoulder while Hisagi leans against him. And lastly, Toshiro pulls away from Momo's embrace only to lean his face forward, his lips are an inch away from Momo's lips until...

The vampire's fangs dig deeply on the young girl's flesh.

...everything fades to white.

.

.

.

.

.

...V...

~7 years later~

White clouds blanket the sky as the sun slowly rises up. A bright ray of sunlight escapes through a thin gaps in the clouds, shooting to an open window and hitting directly at a closed eyelids of a sleeping man.

KRIIIIIIIIINNNNGGGGGGG!

The shrill cry of the alarm echoes throughout the room causing the man to jerk, roll and fall from his bed down at the hard floor.

Thud!

"Oww..." The guy groans, ruffling his thick orange hair to feel a lump on the back of his head. Why do this happen so often every morning? He doesn't know. All he knows is that as soon as his alarm goes off, he always rolls around the bed and reach for something to cuddle. And that's the reason why he always falls off the bed. There's nothing to cuddle.

The guy sighs. He should start finding a way to stop this 'cuddling-an-empty-space-habit' of him. He doesn't even know why he had such kind of habit since he has been living alone all his life. He's not slept with someone either! That is if his memories serve him right.

Right?

"Urgh..." The guy shakes his messy thoughts away and decides to get ready for the day. After all, he has a hella load of an enthusiastic life ahead of him!

.

.

.

"I-CHIIII-GOOOOO!" A brown haired guy screams, running towards the school gate as soon as he sees his orange haired friend.

"Yo." Ichigo greets, grabbing the brunette into a headlock before slamming them both on the floor.

"O...ha-you..." The guy mumbles dizzily with birds swirling around his head. Ichigo gets up, dusting himself casually before looking down at his 'new' friend. "What's up...Keigo?"

.

"Let's go K.U! Let's go!"

Karakura University is up and loud early that morning as the students start coming inside the school grounds, filling in the corridors with chats and laughter, preparing for their classes. A squad of girls are practicing their cheers, filling the atmosphere with chants and songs that boosts everyone's spirit.

"Senna!" A maroon haired soccer player calls out, waving out to his girlfriend who is a member of the pep squad team.

"Ashido-kun!" Said girlfriend jumps, blowing out a kiss and mouthing an 'I love you' to which the guy responds with a wink.

"Prrrrrrrttt!" A loud whistles blows the athlete's ears away as their bald coach, Madarame Ikakku, comes in the field to join their practice. "Hora! Keep moving you asswipes and give me 50 laps!"

"Ah!" Ashido and his teammates rush into two lines and starts jogging their way around the field.

.

"Hm?" A raven haired man frowns at the dust that goes his way courtesy of the soccer team that jogs pass him. He closes his magazines and stands from the bench he is sitting in. "Boys are smelly," he says, dusting his feathery hair delicately before walking away from the field. "Good morning, Nanao-sensei. Isn't this a beautiful day?"

"Good morning, Yumichika-kun. I hope so, yes." A raven haired female greets back, adjusting her glasses as she continues on her way towards her first class of the day. She rounds a corner and continues to greet back students and teachers alike until she reaches her classroom. Heaving in a deep calming breath, Nanao gently slides the door open. And as usual, a ball of crumpled paper flies before her eyes as a bunch of overly hyper college students laugh, fight, shout and throw things around her classroom.

Oh the things a teacher have to endure.

"Take that you fat stinky pig!" A girl with yellow hair tied in two high ponytails yell, throwing a book at her sometimes buddy sometimes mortal enemy named Hirako Shinji.

"You're the fat one here, Hiyori!" Shinji shouts back, throwing a handful of chalkdust back at the girl. The dust explodes around the room causing the students to cough, scream and get even more chaotic.

"Urgh..." Nanao's brow twitch frantically. This will be another looooong day.

.

Meanwhile outside Nanao's classroom...

"Yodolay hey hey! It is a happy day. Yodoloo hoo hoo. All because of you!" The eyes of several male students twinkle, shine and sparkle as an auburn haired teacher with busts to die for walks through the corridor. The said teacher smiles broadly, marching to her own song while totally oblivious to the admiring gazes that every male student casts her way.

"Ohayou Ishida-sensei~" a group of boys chime in, their eyes turning into hearts as the teacher walks pass them.

"Oh! Ohayou minna!" Orihime Ishida turns around, not stopping on her tracks as she walks backwards. "Always remember, make this day a happy day. Okay?"

"But sensei-" A worried boy calls out, seeing that the female teacher is heading backwards towards the stairs.

"No buts, young man. Just a happy day!" She finishes her sentence the same time she runs out of floor to walk on to. And, you know what happens next.

Whoop. Wheep. Crash. Thud!

Everyone rushes towards the stairs and founds the auburn haired teacher bent down the floor, eyes swirling but still smiling and singing, "Today...is still...a happy day. Yodolay...hey...hey..."

Everyone sweat drops.

A silver haired student lets out an exasperated sigh, stepping out from the crowd and saying, "I'll take her to the infirmary."

"Oh~ Hitsugaya-kun is such a gentleman~" a group of girls cooed, sighing dreamily like love-sick puppies as Hitsugaya Toshiro takes the dizzy teacher to the infirmary.

.

'School Clinic'

"Welcome!" Toshiro blinks as the clinic door swings open before he can even knock on it. "Oh Orihime-sensei. A regular patient. She falls on the stairs again?" A female doctor with short blonde hair and a braid on the side says.

"Uh hai."

"Muo. I'll be on a meeting upstairs so I'll have my new nurse attend to you, okay? Ja ne!"

Toshiro nods, placing the teacher down the clinic bed. As soon as he turns around, his amber eyes meet chocolate brown ones.

"Hello. I'm Hinamori Momo, the new school nurse." Toshiro is star struck for a moment. But when he hears her giggle and make fun of his shock state, he quickly frowns at her. "Doctor Isane told me your name is Toshiro."

"We're not friends so that's Hitsugaya to you."

"Oh how about Shiro-chan? I like it better." Momo says, ignoring the guy's earlier comment. Toshiro groans under his breath, noting how annoying the girl gets by the minute. "Ne, Shiro-chan...do you believe in love at first sight?"

"What?" A vein pops in Toshiro's head. He controls his temper and prepares to leave instead. But before he can reach the doorknob, the bubbly nurse pops in front of him again and asks, "How about in second sight?"

Toshiro should've feel annoyed but to his surprise, a smirk curves on his lips as something tells him that he just find his perfect match.

.

While most of the students occupy their classrooms, others still loiter around the school grounds. Some girls are flirting with the boys while others are running around, dashing inside their respective buildings not wanting to be late.

"Oof!" A guy bumps Ichigo from behind. "Sorry men, running late!" The guy says, looking over his shoulder as he continues to jog his way ahead while trying to finish tying up his red hair.

"No problem," Ichigo says. The red haired guy smirks appreciatively back at him before meeting with his strawberry blonde girlfriend standing at the school lobby.

"Hey!" Keigo who just recovers from that body slam, pops beside him. "Have you heard about the new professor coming today?" he asks, grinning dreamily.

"No. Not interested." Ichigo tucks his hands on his jeans and continues walking.

"Now don't be like that man. She's a modern woman, finished a degree in the US and a sexy professor from Tokyo High. She has a very good profile. And I'm sure you'll be interested once you know her curves and vital statistics!" Ichigo frowns as Keigo wiggles his brows at him.

"Who's vital statistics are you talking about, Keigo?" A female's voice comes from behind them.

"Chi-Chizuru-chan!" Keigo stiffens, turning nervously at his girlfriend. But before he can explain, Chizuru grabs his neck and strangles him, a string of not so beautiful words spewing from her lips. Ichigo blinks at the couple. He'll take that as his cue to leave. But Keigo wouldn't give up on him. "Ichigo-wait! You should atleast know her name! Waah! Chizuru-babe that hurts!"

"You still dare call me babe while talking about another girl, you dumbass!" By now, Chizuru is pulling on Keigo's arms backwards. Yes, she's actually trying to castrate his every bone.

"Wai-ah! I just want to tell Ichigo that the new professor's name is-"

KRRIIIIIIIIIINNNGGG!

The first bell of the day echoes around the whole university, signalling the start of the first class for the day.

.

3 hours later...

A hard rectangular eraser bar shoots pass several student's head and hits its target square on the forehead.

Thwack!

"Ow! What the-"

"You're sleeping in my class again, Kurosaki." Professor Uryuu Ishida says, adjusting his glasses back into place.

Ichigo groans and rubs his bruising forehead, glaring at the medical professor in front of him. "Am not sleeping."

"Yes you were, Kurosaki. Don't even let me test you."

Ichigo scowls. "Fine. I'm sleeping but that's because your class is boring."

Everyone gasps while Uryuu-Sensei lets out a calming breath and points at the door. "In the corridor...now."

Unfazed by his teacher's deadly voice, Ichigo tilts his head into thinking. Somehow this scene familiar, like it had happened before.

Anyway!

Ichigo steps out of the room, one hand scratching the back of his head while the other is tucked inside his pocket.

'Geez, Ishida-sensei is getting more like a woman on her menopausal period. I mean seriously, I thought he'd become a less tight after marrying the bubbly Orihime-sensei. But he still so worked up on teaching us the simpler term for a particular congenital contraction? It's not as if I'll use it everyday.' Yawning, Ichigo walks towards the corridor window and leans against it. He takes in a deep breath, letting the cold morning wind to kiss his skin before looking up the sky. 'Hmm...gray clouds are coming but it won't rain. I'm sure of it.' Resting an elbow on the sill, Ichigo places his chin on his palm and continues to watch the clouds. 'I'm not an astrologist but believe those dark clouds will disappear. Why did I say that?' Ichigo huffs, smiling at the rabbit shaped cloud. 'I don't really know. Guess that's just what my instincts says. It will not rain today...'cause the sun will come out. Yes, I can feel the sunshine returning any moment now.'

"Excuse me?"

Ichigo snaps out of his muse and turns over his shoulder as a voice appears behind him. The bored expression on his face quickly fades as he finds himself staring into a deep shade of blue-violet eyes.

Those eyes...

For a moment there, Ichigo loses his voice. But he mentally shakes his head and regains his composure by clearing his throat loudly. "Ye-Yes?"

"I just like to ask if you happen to know where the principal's office is. Can you tell me where it is?" The girl says and Ichigo immediately feels the pride and arrogance in her tone.

His scowl returns, making a quick scrutiny at the girl before him. Petite, fair skinned, raven haired, short and big eyes-those are things that he instantly notices about her. And by the way she stands and holds her head up high; Ichigo deduces that she's some arrogant rich brat wìth some arrogant rich Dad. "Why?" Ichigo asks sternly.

"I believe that my reasons in finding the principal's office are none of your business." The girl holds her chin higher, crossing her arms over her modest chest.

"Oh~" Ichigo raises an eyebrow. This girl definitely has some air around her. "Well, highschoolers are not allowed in this building. Sorry."

"What did you say?"

"The highschool department is on the next building. You should go there before the teacher sends you to detention."

"I am not a highschooler." The girl says between gritted teeth.

Ichigo scoffs, leaning against the window sill casually with a sly smile on his female. He's not usually this brash with strangers but somehow, teasing this girl makes him a little...happy. It gives him a nostalgic feeling...like he's been doing this before. "You sure? Cause you look like one to me."

The girl gapes in disbelief. How dare he insult her the fact that he bleached his hair a ridiculous shade of orange! "I told you I'm here to see the principal and-"

"Yeah yeah. I've heard that line before. A female highschool student going to the college building, pretending she's lost when the truth is she cuts class only to meet up with her pedophile college boyfriend."

The girl uncrosses her arms and clenches her fists on her sides. "I. am not. a highschooler! I'm not even a student here."

Ichigo eyes widen in a fake bewilderment. "Then don't tell me...you're the principal's mistress!"

Thwack!

"Ah-ow-ite! Ite!" Ichigo growls in pain, hopping on one foot as he tends to his right leg. Yeah, the girl kicked his shin and she kicked his shin real good. That she did.

"If you know where the principal's office is then tell me. If you don't, then just shut up you jerk!" The girl says, throwing her chin up and her shoulder square before leaving the orange haired student writhing in pain.

"Matte yo." Ichigo calls out, letting go of his leg as the pain slightly subsides. Thankfully, the girl halts on her steps but she still won't face him. "The principal's office is on the fifth floor. The elevator's this way."

The girl lets out a sharp breath before turning around and stomping back Ichigo's way. She lets out a dignified 'Hmp!' as she brushes pass him before muttering a sharp, "Thank you."

"It's Ichigo." The orange haired guy says causing the girl to pause on her tracks. "It's Kurosaki Ichigo...miss?"

Ichigo watches as the girl lets out a calming sigh before slowly turning over her shoulder and says, "Kuchiki Rukia. Just call me Rukia... Rukia-sensei."

.

A ray of sunlight finally makes its way between the thin sheets of clouds, wiping the dullness away and making the world a little warmer and more beautiful.

.

Ichigo is awed for a moment as the sunshine hits the girl's face. He looks up at the bright sun in the sky before turning back at the raven haired professor. 'The sunshine has return.'

"So...you're the new professor my friend is talking about," Ichigo asks, tucking his hands in his pockets casually.

"I'm the only newly hired professor, yes," Rukia answers. The tension completely vanishes between them.

"Then this means we'll be seeing each other again."

"Does that sound like a good or a bad idea?"

"It depends."

Ichigo smirks causing Rukia to smirk back at him. A warm comfortable silence falls between them as amber stares at violet as their eyes speak of words that only the two of them can understand.

"When the two that share destiny part and reunite beyond the frame of time, the ceased clock will awake and start to tick once again."

-Kubo Tite

HOMEWORK by chOOnyOung17

Chapter 28 The End

This chapter was inspired by KT's poem highlighted above. Even if they all lose their connections, their bonds will remain. If people are destined to be with each other then fate will bring them together. And that's what happens to everyone here. I hope you like it!

Grow old with you by Adam Sandler (I don't own this song)

There it is! The final but not the last chapter for homework! Sniff! Sniff! I can't believe I actually finished this. Oh my 2nd baby!

MINNA HONTO NI ARIGATOU! ='D

PLEASE WATCH OUT FOR THE (HAPPY) EPILOGUE! All questions will be answered and all reviewers for this chap will be acknowledged there!

MINNA, PLEASE REVIEW! OKAY!

I LoVe YaH aLL a LoT!

cY17