Hi All,

In dedication to IchiRuki.

Plot: I find that movie's and stories over use the find love, main couple have a fight and split up then get back together to live happily ever after scenario. Saying that this story is going to be about Ichigo and Rukia getting through drama's together, aka Byakuya, Soul Society and other secret stuff only for me to know you guys to read. ;)

I welcome all flames and criticism as long as you can back it up or provide an example. As this story is a project for me to improve my story writing and grammar skills

Disclaimer: I don't own bleach or IchiRuki would be cannon already.

All in all i hope you guys enjoy reading my story.

The light was always present, forever floating just out of his reach. A cruel reminder of the world that would once again be in peace, one he was desperate to return to. Reaching out his hand for the light he clasp nothing but darkness. How long had he being here trying to reach for the light, days, weeks or months he couldn't tell, it felt as if time had ceased to exist around him?

Returning his hand to his chest, he felt the felt the ridges of the hollow hole, at his touch a strong memory captured his mind, sending a tremor throughout his body. The memory fresh in his mind, as he remembered the blood and pain he experienced apron arrival. He had managed to stopped Aizen but at what coast.

No, he wasn't going to fall back into his earlier depression; he had to reach the light. The light was his key to escape the empty space around him; he had to let his family and friends know he was alright. Reaching out once more for the light he could feel the warmth on his cold fingers for the first time, "what if they hate me for what I have become" he whispered to himself as the light blinked from existence and the warmth with it.

Letting out a feral scream that sounded much like a hollow as his sanity slipped at the complete loss of the light. A voice echoed around him causing him to reclaiming his sanity immediately. "If no one in the world believes in you, stick out your chest and scream in defiance! That's the kind of man you have been... In my heart Ichigo!" hearing her words Ichigo dug his hand into the blackness and clasped the spiritual particles tearing it apart, he would see his queen again.

His mind felt hazy as if he was missing something important, searching back through his memories the last memory he could recall was seeing his friends before passing out. Slowly opening his eyes he focused on the little pictures of the dancing cartoon rabbits lining Rukia's pyjama bottoms. Chappy, if his memory severed him right then those were his sisters Zu's that she had given to Rukia when she first stayed. That's why his father let her stay; he knew the entire time that she was a Soul Reaper and Byakuya's sister.

Shaking the thought from his head he focusing on his Reiatsu in attempt to control it, reaching out he checked on his family, making sure he remained undetected by the others to his awareness when something odd caught his attention. His Reiatsu it interacted differently around Rukia, unlike the others were he could feel it slightly pushing down on them, yet with Rukia it felt like a thick warm blanket had been draped around her shoulders leaving only her face unobstructed so she could breathe freely.

Shifting his gaze to the ceiling ignoring the crick in his neck, had their spiritual pressure always been like this? Or was it something of a side effect from when he first got his soul reaper powers from her? Why had she never mentioned anything to him about it?

Confused he debated asking Urahara about it, except it felt private like something that should remain a secret between them. Coming to a conclusion if it didn't harm then there was no need to worry, right? Also how would he go about bringing it up with her? Probably the same reason she didn't with him.

Thinking about his Reiatsu behavior he recalled Zangetsu's words, he was meant to lose his spiritual pressure. It was like someone had flicked a switch as depression started to sink in quickly, he was going to lose her and the others. The thought stunned him somewhat; it had felt like someone had just dropped a bomb in his stomach. It's not like she couldn't come back and see him in a Gigai right? They remained close friends after everything that transpired and would always make an effort to see each other still.

Sitting on the edge of Ichigo's bed she looked out his small window, the low clouds floated past like nothing had happened; it had been just under a fortnight since Aizen's defeat and the end of the winter war. Turning back to her friends Rukia let out a little sigh; Urahara had warned them Ichigo might be out for up to three weeks while he recovered, and that the after effects are unknown until he woke.

They all had understood the under laying message that each one of them needed to be prepared for the worst, and that if any signs of an internal struggle either Isshin or himself needed to be contacted straight away.

She couldn't seem to shake the feeling that Urahara and Isshin knew a lot more than they let on, and what the pair was hiding was bad news. The other night she had awakened with a dry throat and moved to go down stairs for a glass of water after checking on Ichigo.

Tip toeing down the stars not to wake the family, she heard Urahara or Uncle Kisuke as the twins nicknamed him, mention to Isshin in a somber voice that Ichigo's Reiatsu was holding and not dropping like expected to.. She had gathered this was a good sign at the time, but thinking about it now could something be wrong and worse that it wasn't going to plan.

She had felt the dark spikes in his Reiatsu, and every time it slowly becomes that bit darker. If she concentrated hard when it peaked she could sense an additional strand, it was small yet carried just as much power as the darkness, was this his Zanpakuto and if so why did it feel like the dark strands were keeping it alive.

She wasn't sure if she should tell them but Urahara was an ex-captain of the Gotei 13, and seemed to know everything before it happened. Isshin would be aware as well, she knew he had to be a captain level Shinigami since he wore a Haori but she could never heard of a Kurosaki-Taicho unless he was part of the Royal guard. It would explain Ichigo's Reiatsu, but what could have occurred that they would have expected his Reiatsu to cease to exist, was it the same thing that happened to Isshin?

Coming back to the present from her thoughts, she looked back around to the others, when she noticed Orihime glaring at her with cold eyes before quickly turning back to the boys. "What was that about?" Rukia asked her Zanpakuto mentally.

"I'm not sure but be careful ok?"

Staring at the other girl who was sitting there day dreaming out the window while she sat next to Ichigo, frowning would Rukia still be able to sit there so casually if she had been on the roof of Los Noches. It had been the most horrifying moments of her life, one she tried to force from mind, yet it didn't stop the small glimpse's that escaped from the prison she had created. Last night she had to watch as the demon thrust his sword into Uryu stomach over and over.

No that was not the Ichigo she knew, that was something else she reminded herself. She would overcome her fear, as it should be her sitting by his side not Rukia. She maybe her friend but it felt like a bad omen to her, the living look after the living and not the dead. She wouldn't let that girl take her place by Ichigo's side. Noticing the said girl looking at her, she quickly turned her head away and joined the boys conversation.

"Rukia-Nee" called out Yuzu from the doorway using her nickname for the older girl as she knocked on the door. Rukia had always been like an older sister to her during her stays, at least now she knew why Rukia was staying with them and disappeared at odd times with her brother.

Rukia and her father had explained everything to her and Karin the night they all got back so they could understand why their older brother was in a coma, Rukia knew it was Ichigo's place to tell them but if it was here she would want to know the true.

Feeling a small smile tug at her lips at Yuzu's name for her, she looked up to the little blond "Come in Zu"

Pushing open the door and looking shyly around the room she walked over to Rukia being careful to step over Chads legs. "Ah I made fresh Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies, if you guys would like some?" Holding out the tray to show the others, the aroma was already violating their sense of smell from when she had opened the door.

Taking a deep breath and breathing in the wonderful aroma Rukia smiled at the girl who had become a sister in return "These smell fantastic, you really need to teach me how to make these. You should open a bakery when you're older" Rukia smiled, as the twins face lit up with excitement.

"Thank you Rukia-Nee, I got a Chappy mold we can use to make Chappy shape ones. I don't think Ichi-nii would like them tho" she laughed although tears threaten to swell when she mentioned her brother.

"Can you really? I didn't know you could buy them" squealed Rukia slightly, feeding off Zu's excitement and trying her best to cheer her up.

Nodding her head excitedly as she walked back to the door, "We can do all different shapes, Butterflies, Birds and Camels."

Offering out the Cookies as Ichigo's sister left Rukia put the tray on the floor before taking one for herself, sitting back down on the bed she placed her hand on Ichigo's, something that had become a habit and reinsurance over the fortnight for her. When she felt his hand twitched under hers.

Whirling her head around at break neck speeds, Rukia jumped with her eyes wide open in shock, standing there stunned with the cookie clenched between her teeth she looked down into his open honey brown eyes. A swell of emotions took over her as he looked up towards her with a faint smile on his lips. She didn't even hear Orihime's call of "Kurosaki-Kun".

"Hey" he whispered raspy and hardly audible.

Hey… Hey! After everything that happen that's the all he could say, not even an apology for making her worry for days on end with no idea what was happening, without a word she raised her free hand and slapped him hard across the cheek, stunning everyone in the room at her actions.

Withdrawing her hand tear trickled down her check from her eye. Chad and Uryu shared confused looks, unable to hear what Ichigo had said. Yet it was there friend's next action that surprised them the most.

Throwing herself down on to Ichigo she hugged him tightly, holding him like her life depended on it. "Rukia?" he questioned his voice a bit stronger. Her abnormal behaviour was worrying him, she never let anyone close to her and now she was hugging the life out of him. Rising his arms up and around her, he hugged her back lightly. What had happened that she would react this way, was everyone alright in the Soul Society.

Shifting her right arm so she could grab the half eaten cookie from her mouth, she glared at him "Don't you dare hey me again baka, you had me… everyone so worried. Don't you dare make us worry like that again; I had to explain everything to your sisters with your father, they were so worried about you."

Her voice was strained with anger as she refrained from shouting at him. Looking into her eyes "I promise" he replied hoping she would get the message, he wanted to say more but the others were present. "Shit"

Puzzled at his reply she flicked her eyes in the same direction he did, noticing Chad and Uryu watching on with amused looks, looking back at Ichigo with panic written on her face before she leaped off him. Returning to her previous position by his side wearing the cold hard Kuchiki mask, "Sorry I slapped you" she said meekly looking at the small red hand print imprinted on his cheek starting to show on his cheek.

Looking at the cookie in her hand, "You could always get me a cookie though to make up for abusing my poor soul" he grinned to her, letting her know everything was ok".

Noticing the looking on his face she relaxed a bit, "What am I your slave?"

"Do you want me to answer that?"

Feeling her heart-throb as she watched Kuchiki-San hug Ichigo, she just missed her friend that's all it was she reminded herself. She would have done the same had she not been to shy, after all Ichigo went all the way to Hueco Mundo to save her… Yes he put everything on the line to save her. Maybe he just hadn't seen her yet. "Kurosaki-Kun" she called out trying to get his attention again.

Hearing Orihime's call, he pushing himself up slowly as he looked at the others, "Hey guys" he nodded. Noticing Orihime's big smile he sighed mentally as he reaching down and picking a second cookie off the plate, already finishing the first Rukia had handed him.

Watching Ichigo's eyebrows knit together slightly as he looked at Orihime, Rukia frowned what had happened that caused him to do that. What had happened on the roof of Los Noches, Uryu had only shared with her a bit of information when Orihime wasn't around but it wasn't much. Orihime otherwise would smile a fake smile like she was now and change topics in a flash.

"How long has it been?" he asked standing up a bit wobbly on his feet.

"Just under a fortnight, are you sure you should be standing Kurosaki?" Uryu answered.

Nodding his head slowly "Just a bit stiff, but I need to go see my Imouto and make sure they are alright."

About to take a step when intense pain shot through his skull as his hollow sneered to him "Hey Kingy feeling better yet?"

Watching Ichigo stand up Rukia hesitated to make him sit back down when talked to Uryu he sounded confident he was going to be alright until his body shook violently. "No" she screamed as she watched horrified, his hands shot to his head at the same time his legs folded out from underneath him. "Ichigo" she cried out slipping down onto the floor next to him as his body convulsed causing his head to slam against the wooden floor harshly a second time.

Scooping up his head and slide under him so she could support his head in her lap. Like hell was she going to let the baka go back into a coma any time soon, "Isshin" she screamed out.

Footsteps and shouts could be heard coming up the stairs before his family came barging into his room, "What happened?" asked out Isshin kneeling by his son's side flashing a torch into his son's eyes checking for concussion or any other symptoms.

"We don't know he seemed fine then he stood up, two seconds later he shock violently as he lifted his hands to his head before collapsing, once he hit the ground he convoluted once badly. Kuchiki-San slide under him to support his head as you arrived". Uryu stated calmly, he had been over how to recap medical incidents nemorus times with his father.

"Is Oni-Chan going to be ok Rukia-Nee" asked a terrified Zu as she clung to her sister side with fearful eyes, as she stood staring at the half eaten cookie in her brother's hand.

Moving over in front of the girls Chad squatted down placing a large hand on each of their shoulders "Your brother is tough, Ichigo will be alright so don't worry about him too much okay". Glancing over his shoulder before looking back to the girls he lent in and softly spoke "Your Rukia-Nee will kick his ass back inline don't worry too much".

"Thank you Mister" whispered Karin standing strong for her sister; turning her focus back to Ichigo and her dad she grabbed Zu's hand. "Common Zu lets go and hire a movie or two for tonight, something for Ichi-nii".

Nodding her head "I think Ichi-nii would like that too".

Fixings his glasses Uryu looked to Isshin for silent permission before crouching down to Orihime-San who had moved to the floor beside Ichigo before Isshin got in. "Why don't you try your Soten Kisshun he might just be weak after coming out from a coma." hoping for both the girls state of mind that whatever was happening to Ichigo now was only short term.

Nodding at Uryu's suggestion Orihime looked down to Ichigo, lifting her hands to her blue hairpins "Soten Kisshun I reject" she commanded as the golden shield covered his body and half of Rukia. She would do this for him and his family, maybe if she could heal Ichigo she could become one of his little sisters Nee-San as well.

Concentrating her attention on his vital signs "he appears normal but I can feel something else, his spiritual pressure it's different" she stated, missing the look of fear in Rukia's eyes. Focusing on his spiritual pressure she gasped loudly. "His spiritual pressure its different it's like a mix of his Shinigami and wild like-like his hollow" she squeaked the fear reflecting in her features from that night. It's still Ichigo she reminded herself.

Listen to Orihime she looking down to Ichigo as his face contorted with pain, "Ichigo please come back to me" she whispered to the young man in her lap, when a large cracking sound was heard followed by many little ones. Within the shield a furry of black spiritual pressure had started leaking from Ichigo.

In a shower of sparkling orange light the shield shattered, resulting in a tremendous boom and an unrealistic force of spiritual came crushing all around them, followed by the cynical laughter of Ichigo's hollow.

I Hope the chapter length is suitable. If I get any reviews commenting over wise, ill adjust the length to match the more popular request. Note: longer the Chapter longer until the next release.

:D