Hi lovies! So here is Chapter 9 :) The story will develop in a series of events, all referencing back to the one before. I think it emulates life in general were certain events end abruptly, others blend into one another and so on. Hopefully y'all will like this style a bit better.

Thank you again for visiting and reading my fic! Every review is greatly appreciated!

Happy reading! R&R!

Closing the door

Rukia sighed as she heard the end of the voicemail. She hadn't heard from the old man in 3 years, she'd always just wired him the rent money, and it would be wired back the next day. Yet his raspy voice had filled her ears just a bit ago and she knew that he'd finally decided to sell the old factory building.

"Ms. Kuchiki, it's Mr. Robbins. I just wanted to let you know Mr. Kurosaki came by this afternoon to pick up the small package you'd left inside the studio. He was there for a little bit and then left. I just thought you'd like to know. He also took the check for the deposit, I suppose you two will work that out. Take care of yourself and the little guy." He hadn't said anything after that.

She knew she should call Ichigo, it'd been three years, and she should tell him. Not telling him also could be worse in the long run...she just didn't know how.

"Mama?"

"Tiago! I'm in the kitchen!" Yell behind her shoulder as her toddler waddle-walked into the kitchen, "What's wrong boo?"

"Mama, I want Dada."

Rukia deadpanned, turning around the stream of water making a slight noise as it fell on the plates. "Boo, what do you mean?" She knew what he meant, since he could talk he would ask about his papa, he'd stare at the photo on the mantle during long periods of time. He looked so much like Ichigo, he probably saw a reflection of himself with the exception of his one violet-blue eye and his other honey-brown color. When he'd been born Rukia hoped he looked the most like her, since it wouldn't raise as many questions as to where his father was. But no he was the right mix between herself and Ichigo. Wild burnt orange spiky hair messily fell onto his forehead, the chubby cheeks would one day slim out into a strong jaw line and straight nose just ichigo, he was tall for his age, even from birth he'd weighed 9 lb. 4 oz and measured 22". Yet, he'd never fuzzed, always a calm baby, now a days he seemed to have more of her temper...he was a bit wild.

Tiago easily climbed the low stool that allowed him to climb onto the counter. She'd learned that instead of fighting his climbing habit, she should discover safe ways to get onto higher places. He sat crossed legged on the counter next to her and stared. "Where is dada, mama?"

"Papa is back home, Tiago. We're going to see him soon, O.K.?" Rukia sighed when Tiago picked up a strawberry and started munching on it. "Boo, it's a little late don't you think? Why don't we do bathies and go to bed?"

"O.K. Mama, but promise we're going to see Dada soon," Tiago said, strawberry in hand and wide eyes staring back at her with serious intent.

"Yes, Boo. We'll see him soon."

Ichigo walked down the scarred sidewalk, earbuds in each ear and tears falling steadily from each eye. He knew he'd fucked everything back, he didn't deserve her nor would he ever consider her getting back with him. But he at least wanted to talk to her, see her smile, share a few minutes and hear how she was.

We don't do the same drugs no more.

His head hanging he stopped in the middle of the side walk, cars passing by, snow slowly falling on him. Box under his arm, hand tucked into his pocket, he sobbed.

Where did you go, why did you stay? We're a shadow of what we were once. Don't you miss the danger?

He shook his head, shinning tears filling his eyes once again, a cry leaving his mouth again, his body shaking all over again. Everything, again.

When did you forget how to fly? Don't you call her out, don't you bleed on out. Stay in the line. We don't do the same drugs anymore.

His feet hit the sidewalk again, carrying him down the lone street.

He settle his hand on the door knob. Opening the door he sighed, taking off is coat he hung it, and took off his boots, his head still hung down.

"Mama, is that Dada?"

He snapped his head up, eyes settling on small body, bright orange hair coming into view, small hands hung to his sides and his head titled to the side, looking at him questioningly. One violet-blue eye and one honey-brown eye stared back at him.

"Are you Dada?"

Ichigo stumbled back, propping himself against the large wooden front door. The eyes staring back at him crinkled a little at the corners and a small laugh left the child. His baby. He knew, he knew the little boy standing in front of him was his, the likeness between them undeniable, he was his mini-me.

"Ichigo." He raised his eyes from the small kid, and settled on a pair of shapely legs clad in black jeans. Travelling up, he settled on heavy knitted, mustard-yellow turtle neck sweater, and black tresses of hair falling on narrow shoulders. Large violet eyes stared back at him.

Your love is more precious than gold.

"R-Rukia? Rukia…," He trailed off, a heavy breath leaving him as if he'd been punched in the gut, and he'd might of well have been. "You're back? You're here?" His knees tremble, putting his arm out and holding himself up against the wall, tears fell down his face and neck. His breathing became faster and suddenly a pair of thin arms wrapped around his torso as a smaller pair of arms wrapped around his tigh. He sobbed, small cries leaving his mouth, rapid breathing settled on Rukia's neck as Ichigo's body wrapped around hers. His hands roamed her back and waist, touching her to see if she was real. Putting one hand at the nape of her neck, his other arm wrapped tightly around her waist he pressed her hard against him, his big body shaking after sob after sob left his throat.

Rukia smoothed her hands on his back, holding him tighter.

She'd gotten to the apartment building thinking she'd find him there, it was a Saturday morning, and if she knew Ichigo, he'd gone out for a 10 mile run from their apartment all the way downtown. He'd then get on the green line back to Oak Park and walk the short distance home. When she'd used her key on the front door, she hadn't expect it to work but it had slipped it easily and clicked. Tiago and her walked right through the apartment building's foyer. Taking the stairs up to the third floor walk-up, she stared at her old front door. Nothing had change about it, with the exception of the doormat and the reef that hung on it. Using her key again, she swiftly opened the big wooden double door. She'd always loved that about this apartment, the double wooden doors always made for a grand entrance, though she wasn't feeling so grand at this point.

"Mama, is where Dada lives?" Tiago asked, his small gloved hand in hers, his knitted hat framing his face, large eyes staring back at her.

"Yes, boo. This is where Mama and Papa use to live. Well Papa still lives here. We'll wait for him and surprise him, O.K.?"

"Yes, mama."

She pushed the door open and stuck her head inside. The smell of cologne and freshly baked cookies welcomed her. Her home. Their home. She tugged Tiago inside and started taking off her coat. On the coat hanger next to the door, she saw his heavy winter coat, his running jacket and North-face vest. Next to the radiator, his heavy winter boots were propped up and a pair of black Nike running shoes sat next to them. So he hadn't gone running or he'd come back from his run and come back. What surprised her was finding her black Chelsea boots sitting on top of the small wooden step stool she use to use to get the taller shelf next to the door; under it, her navy blue TOMS were beside her own pair of heather gray Adidas running shoes. Tears brimmed her eyes, he hadn't moved on, he'd kept her things in their place...why Ichigo? She thought, shaking her head, Rukia closed the door behind her.