Previously:

Urahara opened the gate to the spiritual world, and Ichigo ran through the Precipice World to meet his destiny: to be with Rukia once more.

It's Finally Been Said

Rukia reclined against a tree, and closed her eyes. Today was the day she always took off from training every month. She was going to relax, even if it killed her. The grass under her legs felt soft and smooth. The air was cool, and the tree was firm enough to support her in a comfortable way. Firm yet comfortable, just like Ichigo… No, I can't dwell of the past. It's not good for me. Although, Captain Ukitake had a second chance, so why can't I? Rukia sighed; she just couldn't get Ichigo out of her mind. He was just too special to her. Even though she could do without him constant calling her midget, she secretly longed for him to just walk back up to her, and say it.

XXX

Ichigo was still traveling through the Precipice World, on his way to the Sereitei. He looked around, and all he could see was darkness. I always hated this freakin' Precipice World. This slimy tunnel gives me the creeps. At least the brightest light in existence is waiting for me on the other side. Wait, "brightest light in existence?" Where'd tat come from? Urahara probably poisoned me with some romance potion of his own making. Either that or I'm going soft. It doesn't really matter as long as I can get the message to Rukia. Ichigo started running faster; he couldn't wait to see Rukia much longer. As he ran, a slight smile crept over his face. The smile grew until it was the same smile Tatsuki used to see when they were kids. The smile was instantly shattered when Ichigo heard a large, rumbling sound. What the –? Crap! That's the cleaner! Urahara never give me a Hell Butterfly, and he probably knows it. Jerk.

"Curse you, Urahara!"

XXX

"Achoo!" Urahara let out a powerful sneeze, rendering the stares of Tessai, Jinta, and Ururu.

"Mr. Urahara, are you okay?" Ururu asked shyly.

"Of course, Ururu. Ichigo probably just cursed me for not giving him a Hell Butterfly."

"Why didn't you, sir?"

"He'll get to Rukia faster that way."

XXX

"Rukia!" Rukia's head snapped up. She had fallen asleep against that tree. When she opened her eyes, she was surprised to see a very familiar young man running towards. He looked as if he gone through quite a lot of trouble to see her. But why was he here, and as always, his hair was still the most noticeable thing about him.

"Hey Renji, what's up?" Rukia asked tiredly.

"There's an unregistered Senkaimon opening, and Byakuya asked me to find you so we can check it out."

"Naturally, nii-sama only sends me to do things for him on my day off."

"Yea well, he does tend to do things that get under your skin at the worst possible time."

"I didn't give you permission to speak badly of my brother, idi-… Renji" Rukia couldn't bring herself to call him idiot.

"He's my captain. I see him more often, and I'll take the heat for it anyways."

"Fine then, let's go."

XXX

Ichigo walked into the Sereitei, the streets were just as confusing as ever. It was never a wonder that Zaraki always got lost. Now, he had to find Rukia, or another friend, before he was arrested by the shinigami who hadn't ever seen him before. Ichigo began running through the streets, ducking behind corners, and trying not to be seen. At one point he was crouching behind a crate in front of the R&D Building, when he felt himself being strangled by an unknown force.

"Welcome back Ichi! Ken-chan and I missed you!" the pink-haired lieutenant yelled.

"Y-Yachiru… be quiet," Ichigo whispered.

"Why Ichi?" Yachiru whispered back.

"I can't be caught and arrested, get it?"

"Oh yea, I get it. But if I take you to Ken-chan, he can help you."

"No, not him. Can you take me to Ukitake?'

"Silver hair?"

"Yea, that's him."

Yachiru led Ichigo to Jushiro's quarters. Ichigo quietly knocked on the door, and he heard a kind voice welcome him in. Ichigo stepped in quietly.

"Ichigo Kurosaki! H-How is it possible that you're here?" Ukitake exclaimed.

"Pleasure to see you Captain Ukitake. As for my powers, Urahara had me smoke something, and they came back," Ichigo explained.

"…"

"Seriously, he made me smoke something."

"… Urahara never changes."

"Don't remind me."

"But why did you sneak here to see me? You don't have to sneak around here."

"I thought younger shinigami might not recognize, and they'd try to arrest me as an intruder."

"Ichigo, your face has been the first page on every Shinigami magazine since the Winter War ended. Everyone in the Sereitei knows who you are."

"Well, I guess that helps."

"Anyway, Ichigo, why are you here?"

"Well, I, I-I'm here to see-"

"Rukia? I could have guessed."

"May I see her please?"

"She was sent to investigate an unregistered Senkaimon opening. I presume that was you."

"Thank you, Captain Ukitake."

Ichigo ran off, back to where he had entered the spiritual world.

XXX

Rukia and Renji had been observing the site where the Senkaimon had been detected. Nothing was found, but there were traces of reiatsu left behind. Rukia couldn't trace the reiatsu, but it was uncannily familiar. She had definitely felt it somewhere before. Suddenly, Renji brought her attention to a reiatsu that was closing in, and it was huge! Renji and Rukia took stances beside each other. Whatever this was, it was strong and unwelcome. They saw a small figure closing in on them. As it continuedto grow, Rukia lowered her defense. It couldn't be, could it?

XXX

There she is, waiting for me. I can almost see her face. And is that Renji? It'll actually be good to see that fool again. Finally, I'm here.

"Rukia," Ichigo smiled, "It's great to see you again; you look amazing."

"I-Ichigo? Is it really you?" Rukia stammered.

"Of course, who else has this orange hair?"

"It is you, you freakin' idiot!" Rukia began to cry tears of joy as she fell into Ichigo's arms.

"Yep, it's me… midget."

XXX

Midget! He called me midget again! Ah, who cares?

"Welcome back, strawberry."

At this point, Renji had walked away snickering about lovebirds.

"Rukia, we need to talk," Ichigo said seriously, "Oh, I almost forgot, I brought you these flowers."

"Roses? They're beautiful, Ichigo." Oh dear god, he's smiling and brought flowers.

"Yea, I thought you might like them. I also thought they would bright out those bright eyes of yours." Compliments? Yea, I guess Ichigo got tips from some one.

"Thank you, Ichigo. Now tell me who you got tips from."

"What? I didn't get- … how'd you know?"

"The tactics you're using are from an article that was in Women Shinigami."

"Really? 'Cause it was Urahara who gave me tips."

"He's been talking to Yoruichi then."

"I guess."

"Did Urahara give you back your powers too?"

"Yea, he made do all sorts of crap, though."

"Figures, but at least you're back."

"And now I'm with you, midget."

"Now shut up and say 'I love you,' idiot!"

"I love you, Rukia."

"I love you too, Ichigo."

It has been two years since Ichigo and Rukia were reunited. There haven't been any disasters such as Aizen since then, so they have had all the time in the world for each other. Ichigo and Rukia's life together, needless to say, has been prosperous. Ichigo and Rukia, despite Byakuya's pride, have gotten married. Furthermore, Ichigo has taken over Squad 9, in place of Tousen, making Hisagi his lieutenant.

Ichigo and Rukia were walking through the Sereitei together, when they ran into Jushiro and Retsu.

"Hello, Rukia, Ichigo, how are you two?" Unohana asked.

"Very well, Captain Unohana," Rukia replied formally.

"Retsu, please. You don't need to call me by my title."

"Thank you. You and Jushiro look like you're doing well together."

"We are, and I here that I have you to thank for that."

"Well, I gave Captain Ukitake a few tips."

"That same tips Urahara gave Ichigo?"

"Yes, that's true."

The two girls chuckled. Then, the two couples departed. Rukia intertwined her fingers with Ichigo's as they walked away, and Ichigo looked down and smiled. He smiled more often now.

This is how it was meant to be, Ichigo thought.

Well, that's the end of this story. Hope you enjoyed it, and I hope you enjoy my other stories

ShadowSword524