Disclaimer: Bleach and the characters are the sole property of Tite Kubo. The only thing I own is the idea for this story.

Rated M for Mature - This story will be filled with course language and adult themes throughout. It will get quite racy at times but will not push the envelope as rated MA stories and descriptive sexual interactions are not allowed. Rated M to be safe.

Prologue

Tears stained the bruised area surrounding Rukia's right cheek. It stung miserably, so miserably that she had initially refused even a pack of ice to keep the swelling from expanding. She didn't want help from anyone, at least in the beginning. Sitting in the passenger side of Ichigo's vehicle as it careened through traffic proved she relented and accepted his proposition to take her home.

Fighting. That word was one she never associated with before. Sure she had seen a scuffle or two happen on and off the grounds of school but she was never in the middle of it. She knew to stay away from such happenings for a variety of reasons. The main reason being because her status and the status of her family could potentially become tainted if she became involved in any way. She didn't even wonder what the papers would say about her fight if anyone in the press caught wind of it. Just thinking of the headline made her visibly shaken.

"We're almost there," Ichigo glanced over at Rukia as her shaking intensified. "Just hang on, okay?"

Rukia nodded but she didn't fully comprehend what was being said. As the familiar road appeared within eyes sight she silently prayed that none of the house maids were at home. It was the beginning of the afternoon so she was sure anyone who worked for her brother were either running errands or off for the day. Given the time, she knew she had a few hours before those on duty would come back to the manor, ready to prepare her lunch, dinner, bath and put out her pajamas for the night. Seeing the outline of her mansion surrounded by cherry blossom trees in the distanced made her breath catch slightly. Again she silently prayed that no one was home.

Ichigo waited for Rukia to push the front gate open and climb back in the car before he took to the long paved drivew, parking in front her house with ease. Rukia had barely placed her hand on the latch before it swung open and Ichigo was standing over her, his hand extended to help her to her feet.

"Thank you," Rukia replied meekly.

She took his gesture just long enough to stand on her own then released his hand as he reached inside and gathered her belongings. She didn't want to be seen in any compromising positions, it was the middle of the day after all. Without further acknowledgement, Rukia reached into her pocket and pulled out her house key. Before long the door was opened and the two found themselves standing in the foyer above the bright lights of a chandelier.

"Thank you for the ride," Rukia turned toward Ichigo, watching as his eyes were everywhere but on her. "I can take it from here."

Amazed over his new surroundings, Ichigo regained his composure. A light blush crept along his cheeks over how foolish he must have seemed. Truth was it was his first time standing in a house that could easily apply for its own zip code. It was large and he was only standing in the foyer. There was no telling what else was in store for him if he saw the rest of the manor.

"Are you all right?" Rukia startled Ichigo from his own thoughts.

"Yeah, sorry," Ichigo held up Rukia's book bag, which he carried inside from his car. "Are you sure you'll be all right?"

Rukia nodded. "Yes, I'm sure. I can gather some ice from the freezer. Thanks again for the ride."

"You're welcome," Ichigo set Rukia's bag by the door. "It shouldn't swell too much, that bruise on your face."

Lightly touching said bruise with the tip of her index and middle finger, Rukia forced a grateful smile on her face. The two were silent, both unsure of what the next step should be. Rukia waited for Ichigo to leave but the tall orange haired teen seemed rather reluctant to go.

"Would you like something to drink?" Rukia offered. "You know, my way of saying thank you for bringing me home?"

"Yeah, thank you."

Rukia took the lead toward the kitchen, leaving Ichigo to follow and admire the decor of the house ranging from subtle paintings to large erect statues.

"So, where is everyone? I'm sure in a house this large there has to be someone home." Ichigo started the conversation.

"Off running errands, most likely. They usually have a long list of tasks to do every day, even in the absence of my brother. The house maids won't be home for at least another hour or two."

"And your brother?"

"Off on a business trip." Rukia's voice revealed a hint of sadness. "It's okay though. I've gotten used to it."

As the pair continued along the hall, Rukia stiffed a laugh at every gasp Ichigo made while they maneuvered through the final room and appeared in the kitchen. Leaving Ichigo in the doorway, Rukia pulled open the fridge door and retrieved a small bottle of water.

"Catch," She turned and tossed the bottle into Ichigo's awaiting hand. "It's a hot day today."

"Hottest day so far." Ichigo unscrewed the cap and took a few sips of water, relishing in the cold effect it had as it traveled along his throat.

He watched as Rukia gathered a few pieces of ice and made herself comfortable on top of one of the marble counter tops. He laughed outwardly as she began to run one of the ice cubs against her swollen cheek.

"What's so funny?" Rukia questioned as Ichigo approached her.

"You are. Here, hold on, okay?" Ichigo set his water on the counter beside Rukia and took the ice from her hand. Seeing a paper towel rack hanging above the sink he instantly grabbed two sheets. Wrapping the ice inside, he returned to her side and gently pressed the cold compress against her cheek.

Rukia shivered and jumped as the make-shift ice pack made contact with her skin "It's cold."

"Of course it is. This wouldn't work if it was warm or hot, now would it?"

"Don't get smart," Rukia snapped but soon her voice softened. "You don't have to do this?"

"I know but I don't mind. Besides, I doubt I'd miss anything in the last class of the day."

Rukia kicked her legs as they hung over the counter, careful not to kick Ichigo accidentally.

"I should have known this would happen." Rukia admitted adamantly. "They were never my friends."

"I'm sorry things turned out like they did but you did give that girl a pretty good punch to the face. I didn't think you knew how to fight."

"My brother taught me how to defend myself and that's what I did but I don't think I learned enough if I have you now applying ice to my face."

Ichigo smiled. "You can't always expect to come out of a fight unscathed. I've been in enough fights to know that."

"How many, fights I mean, have you been in?"

"Too many," Ichigo paused as he slowly rubbed the toweled ice against her cheek in a circular motion. "It seemed like I was in a fight every day."

"Why though, I mean, what did you get out of fighting every day?"

"Survival. It was either stand your ground or end up being a punching bag forever."

"I see," Rukia became startled as a drop of water landed on her leg. "I've never been in a fight. This was my first one."

"You handled yourself well, all things considered. You don't want to make a habit out of it though. A face like this shouldn't show too many bruises."

"A face like what?"

Ichigo shifted his eyes and met Rukia amethyst orbs. For the first time since their conversation started he suddenly felt tongue tied and at a loss for words. Feeling his cheeks growing warm, his eyes focused on her bruise.

"Never mind," Ichigo stepped back and studied her face. "Just keep ice on it and you should be fine by tomorrow." He hesitated. "I should go."

Rukia appeared saddened but didn't protest to Ichigo's suggestion. She hoped off the counter and stood in front of him.

"Well thanks again, for everything. I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

Ichigo nodded stiffly and set the ice on the counter. He turned to leave but stopped before making a full turn. He could feel Rukia standing behind him, possibly wondering why he suddenly stopped moving. Shaking his head, Ichigo turned toward her, his eyes dark and mysterious.

"Ichigo, what's-"

Rukia's lips were concealed beneath Ichigo's as he caught her off guard with a kiss. Her hands pressed against his chest in a vain attempt to protest but soon her body relaxed as their kiss started to heat up. Her hands once in a position to push him away were now clinging to the fabric of his button down white collared shirt. Their bodies drew closer to one another, neither one willing to break the embrace, but they did momentarily when Rukia's body was caught between Ichigo and the kitchen counter.

Seeing an opportunity, Ichigo slid his hands beneath her bottom and hoisted her onto the countertop. He caught her lips once again while standing between her parted legs. His fingers ran smoothly through her short black hair, ending against the base of her neck. Their breathing was in sync as Ichigo pulled away but still kept their hips close to one another.

"Ichigo..." Rukia could barely speak as she attempted to catch what little breath she could. "Why are you-"

"Shh..." Ichigo captured Rukia's lips once again while his hands toyed with the lining of her uniform skirt. His lips trailed over her bruised cheek before finding its way to the crook of her neck.

Rukia gasped and dug her nails into Ichigo's hair, toying with as many orange strands as she could. She knew the position she was in looked bad if anyone appeared but her body shook with the desire to remain close to Ichigo. The tension between the two was always questionable since he first arrived at her school but not even she could have imagined it would all come to ahead on her kitchen counter.

"Ichigo," She spoke in a hushed whisper. "We can't do this."

"Do what?" Ichigo teased as his hands slid against Rukia's smooth legs beneath her skirt. "We're just kissing."

Rukia couldn't deny that was all they were doing but she was unsure how long they could last 'just kissing' as Ichigo's hands continued to slid along her legs. She could feel his hands continuing to inch closer toward the outer lining of her panty and as she fixed her mouth to protest she was silenced by Ichigo's stern yet gentle brown eyes.

"I would never force you to do anything you didn't want to do. I want you to trust me and not be afraid." he whispered as their lips were mere inches from one another.

"I'm not afraid of you. I never saw a reason to be afraid, not even when other's told me I should be, that I should avoid you at all cost. I knew better."

Ichigo's lips brushed against her own. "That's what drew me to you, your kindness and your willingness to accept me and my less than amicable reputation."

"Your reputation is no secret but that never bothered me. I got to know you and while knowing you I wanted us to be friends."

"What is it that you want now?" Ichigo kissed her gently yet again, leaving a lasting impression by sucking softly on her bottom lip. "Do you still just want to be friends?"

Rukia didn't know how to answer his question without giving away too much. Today was a day shrouded in mystery. She lost those she believed to be her friends yet despite that she could potentially have gained a boyfriend. Boyfriend. That was a word she didn't say very often, at least when referring to herself. Others she knew shared in the title of being ones boyfriend or ones girlfriend but in her four years of school she never once used either word for herself.

Rukia moaned in ecstasy as she felt one of Ichigo's finger's run against her womanhood from the outside of her panty seat. Her body shook with pleasure, a sensation she had never felt before with someone else applying the sensual pressure. She was young but human and toyed with the longing to have a sexual encounter with someone. The long trips to the shower alone did little to quench her throbbing appetite.

"We can be more than just friends, Rukia. Just say the word."

Ichigo removed his hands from beneath her skirt and slid them against her bottom once again. He pushed her hips closer to his and studied her reaction to feeling his stiff manhood pressing against her from inside his gray slacks. He loved seeing her body arch back and her eyes close as he did everything he could to taunt and tease her into saying what he wanted to hear.

Arching her body forward, Ichigo kissed her chin softly while she shook against him. He knew exactly what she wanted, it wanted it too, but he was adamant in hearing it come from her first.

"Ichigo...I- I want-" Opening her eyes, Rukia prepared her mouth to tell him what they both wanted so desperately to hear but movement by the kitchen doorway drew her attention.

Ichigo appeared puzzled by the sudden look of fright that overcame what was once a pleasured expression. Rukia had a look of terror beaming through her eyes and her body shook but it was clearly different than before. Where there was once pleasure now existed a twinge of fear and uncertainty. Turning toward the door, Ichigo saw the basis for Rukia's demeanor suddenly changing. He didn't know who he was looking at but he did know their name thanks to it rolling off Rukia's tongue and through her parted swollen lips. She spoke the name softly yet he heard it all too clearly as

"Brother..."

AN: Want to see what brought the two love birds to this point? Chapter One will start from the top and explore their relationship from the beginning. Like what you've read? Submit a review below and follow along for one of the most intense relationship these two have ever been on.