Title: Fall

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Chapter 16: Pretend we’re forbidden lovers…



Kurosaki Ichigo got a good night’s sleep, that’s for sure.

He may not look like it but he was beaming, grinning and all things that make up the meaning of the word: happy.

He had a wonderful time yesterday, a good night’s rest and the thought of butchering—er… torturing his group of friends when he gets home is enough to put a guy in such euphoria.

Kuchiki Rukia wasn’t at all different.

She had an absolutely wonderful day yesterday, and she was now thinking of putting it as number one in her: ‘Most exciting and memorable things that happened in my life’ and the thought of Ichigo singing her to sleep is still fresh in her mind. She wanted a replay of that, and hoped; just a little bit that he will keep on doing that from now on.

Needless to say, they were content. And this trip was such a very, very good idea. Minus the awkward moments that is, but who would want to remember those things anyway?

The three hour drive was a bliss, and to the people who don’t know them that much, they look like a happy couple, but to those who did, will think they are sick and are not functioning properly like a good machine would.

They left the resort at an early hour, saying their ‘goodbyes’ and ‘thanks’ to Yumichika. The effeminate man smiled, and told them that he is happy that they enjoyed their stay at his place, beautifully.

Soon, they reached Rukia’s house.

The raven haired woman got out and took her bag, turning around to look at Ichigo before heading towards the door to the house. “Thanks for yesterday and today Ichigo. I had fun.”

Ichigo smiled. “Yeah me too. Take care then.”

Rukia waved her hand. “You too. See ya around.”

The carrot top raised his hand to wave and looked at her retreating form after. As soon as she closed the door behind her, he started to leave.

Rukia sighed, that was fun, but boy was she tired. Her muscles are feeling heavy, perhaps the events and the ‘competitions’ that they did last night are just taking its effect now. She really needs to rest.

“RUKIA!” Hinamori exclaimed.

Rukia jumped at the sudden outburst. “Oh, hey Hinamori. I’m back… you’re still here?” then she looked at her watch. 9 am. Oh, it’s that early eh? But didn’t Hinamori have work?

Hinamori beat her to it, before she could even ask. “My shift doesn’t start until 1 pm. I start late at work every Friday.”

“Oh… I see, man, my body hurts… I need a rest.” Rukia swore she heard her spine crack as she made her way towards the stairs.

“No way, wait, you have to tell me what happened!” Hinamori raised both her arms so her raven haired cousin can’t get pass her.

“Nothing geez, we did the usual things people do when they go to the resort. Can I pass now?”

“Nope. Be more specific, and detailed. We all want details.”

“You’re the only one who wants details. If you must, I’ll tell you up in my room okay? At least let me plop down on my bed.”

Hinamori squealed and pulled her up to her room, boy was she in a hurry.

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“I wonder how Ichigo and Rukia’s trip went. Aren’t they supposed to be back today?” Hitsugaya pulled a magazine underneath the coffee table.

“They must have hit it off and are still sleeping together at each other’s arms.” Hisagi chuckled.

“He must have used the little package we gave him by now, oh; our little Ichi is a man, a brave, brave man full of libi—.” Urahara giggled, and Yoruichi cut him off.

“Kisuke, as much as I love you, I don’t think the idea of having these guys hang around in our living room at freaking nine in the morning, suits me well. “ Yoruichi grumbled, scratching her head in the process. She just got out of bed and still in her pajamas.

“But honey, we are talking about serious stuff here.” Urahara cooed.

“If you ask me, you look like a bunch of perverted old geezers meeting up to talk about something… oh I don’t know, perverted?” The tanned woman went towards the fridge to get some milk. “Oh, hey, where’s the damned milk?”

Hisagi raised the container for her to see. Yoruichi twitched and approached him, grabbing the carton violently. “And for gosh sakes, if you want to meet up here and all, you could at least bring your own food! This carton was supposed to be off limits.”

Hisagi shrugged. “Sorry, Urahara said it was okay.”

Yoruichi glared at her fiancée. Urahara just laughed and winked at Hisagi. “She’s very, very territorial with her milk cartons. It gives full boost around her boo--.”

WHACK!

Hitsugaya, Chad and Hisagi scurried off to the other side of the couch, away from the now bickering couple. Actually, they weren’t fighting, it looks more of like Yoruichi beating the hell out of Urahara and Urahara loving every minute of it—what a masochist.

“You think we pissed him of so much before he left?” Hisagi asked the white haired young man beside him.

“Ha? What do you mean ‘WE?’ It was all you and Urahara’s idea to go there and ask him about condoms.” Hitsugaya bit back.

“What? You were there too.” Hisagi grumbled.

“So is Chad, but he wasn’t conscious so he’s out of the picture. And me, I was against it anyway, so count me out.” Whitey came again, flipping the pages on the magazine and completely trying to not look at tattoo-face.

“….” Chad, well, he never said anything anyway, because he’s asleep the whole time back then to begin with. Come to think of it, even if he’s awake that time; he still won’t be saying anything.

“But you’re the one who blurted the ‘condom’ part. You’re in it too.” Hisagi accused.

This time, Hitsugaya’s patience was cut off. Since when did it not cut off anyway? Slamming the magazine on the desk, he spat out, “Because you were prolonging everything with your stupid ‘hint-hint’ stuff! Geez, in any case, why are we arguing about this? You can totally see how pissed off he is that he even strangled Urahara back then!”

“Yeah, that time, I really loved to kill all of you, until now.” A new voice came.

Yoruichi and Urahara stopped their beating session and turned to look to the owner of the voice.

Hitsugaya and Hisagi simultaneously looked up also.

Chad smiled. “Hey, Ichigo.”

“Yo, Chad.” Ichigo raised his hand as a greeting and then turned to the others, with an irritated look on his face.

“I wonder which RAT placed this particular hateful package in my pocket.” Ichigo grinned-no, sneered, a very malicious one at that. He was like a maniac longing for bloodshed, lots and lots of it.

Hitsugaya pointed to Hisagi while Hisagi pointed to Urahara. The hat man giggled, thinking it was a funny game and pointed to Yoruichi. The tanned woman slapped her forehead; whatever did she see in this childish man?

“Oh, so no one will tell the truth eh? But anyway, I don’t mind since I want to kill all of you anyway!” Screw the idea of just torturing, when he came to see them and heard that they were talking about him and Rukia hitting it off, he saw red all over.

Ichigo grabbed a wooden stick, hanging on the wall as a decoration, and stormed off first to Hisagi. The tattooed face man ran and got himself the other stick and slammed it right at Ichigo’s cudgel to protect him.

“Oh, hey, SPAR! The last one we had this was way back during graduation.” Hisagi declared excitedly. Ichigo had to admit, the clashing of their sticks sent him a chill of nostalgia and perhaps a very different kind of energy flowing in his veins—a murderous kind of energy, he longed for victory.

“Yeah SPAR! But I would not be liable if I jam this stake up your guts!” Ichigo grinned and he attacked again.

“Oh my, how violent, we should do something.” Urahara waved his fan around and giggled. Hitsugaya shook his head in disbelief and Chad stared at them in surprise.

“Let them, they haven’t done that for a long time ever since we became a band.” Hitsugaya smirked, crossing his arms on his chest.

“Yeah, it looks like Ichigo had a good time, he’s very energetic today.” Chad pointed at how the carrot top looked. He looked murderous alright, but there was the all too familiar fun and satisfaction on his face, it was like he had missed all the brawling and stuff he used to do back then.

“Oi, you, whitey and hat man, when I’m done with tattoo face here, you’ll be next!” Ichigo snarled at them and continued attacking Hisagi.

Hisagi growled back at him, telling him to focus or he loses.

“You’re the one who will lose you jerk ass!” The citrus head came.

“Oh my, I better split then.” Urahara sneaked out of the living room. “Damn, Chad, hand me that umbrella will ya? I’m going to teach our strawberry a lesson.” Hitsugaya glared as the gentle giant handed to him what he asked for, and waited his turn.

“Oi, Kurosaki, Hisagi, Hitsugaya, don’t break anything around in here or you’ll be picking up pieces of your bones from god knows where.” Yoruichi called out and followed her ‘escaping’ fiancée.

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“ONE ROOM?!” HInamori exclaimed, the girl felt faint, this was just too much. First Ichigo asks her out on a trip and they share one room?! “So, what happened?! Did you two do anything? ”

Rukia raised an eyebrow, a slight pinkish tint creeping up her cheeks. She plopped her head down on her soft pillow in defeat. “What the hell is that stupid question? Of course we did not do anything! It wasn’t as if we liked the idea of sharing one room, we were fortunate enough to have separate beds.”

“Mou… that’s no fun, I thought you two would…” Hinamori pouted and then stopped when she saw her cousin glaring at her direction. “What? We would what? Come on, say it.” Rukia glared down at her cousin.

“I don’t know… maybe you know…” Hinamori blushed.

“I don’t know what you are talking about, and I don’t think I would want to know either. Seriously Hinamori, can we get off the ‘sharing a room’ topic? Do you want to know what other stuff we did, and not the: what ‘stuff’ we could have done, in your twisted mind?” Rukia let out an exasperated sigh.

“Oh alright, I’m sorry for even thinking it. It’s just that, you were perhaps the luckiest woman last night and yesterday, spending time with Ichigo. Everybody would kill to be in your position.” Hinamori chirped as she joined her cousin and plopped herself on the bed too. “I mean, you were lucky enough from the very start to have someone like him pay attention to you and all.”

“Please, don’t let Ichigo hear you say that, he’ll be so full of himself for a week. But hey, yeah, maybe I am lucky, but I don’t care about the people wanting to kill to be in my position, they can do it as long as it doesn’t involve killing me.” Rukia scoffed, she should really insist to Hinamori that she really, as in truthfully needs to sleep right now. “But then again, you’re a fan, why aren’t you wishing to be in my place?”

“Tsk, tsk cousin, true I am a fan, but when you ask me who I like in the group, that would be none other than Histugaya. If it’s him you were able to spend time with last night, I would have been green with envy. But then again, it’s Ichigo, and I like him when he’s with you, no questions asked.”

“You’re pretty biased. Maybe I should ask Hitsugaya to take you out on a trip too, and then I’d be the one grilling you next.” Rukia chortled, Hinamori blushed HARD. “Anyway, so where were we? Ah, yes. So there, we basically made into a competition everything. I got this cut from playing tennis.” She showed her a small gash on her knee, but it was patched up neatly. “It kind of helped that Ichigo has knowledge with patching wounds up, so it didn’t hurt much.”

Hinamori smiled, she observed the way Rukia’s face would lighten up as she relayed the events that happened in their trip. The two have finally started warming up with each other’s presence that it seemed impossible to separate them. Except the fact that there is Rukia’s boyfriend of course, but Hinamori had never met the man, and maybe that’s why it’s making her biased towards Ichigo.

Come to think of it, maybe she was just pushing these two together, when in fact, they don’t really think that way? Hinamori sighed and stood up.

“Alright cuz, I’m glad you had fun. I’ll be getting ready for work, so you go and take some rest, you will need it. I’ll see you around dinner time then.”

“Yep, thanks. Take care, momo-chan.” Rukia smiled and closed her eyes, to finally sleep.

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“Ichigooooo…” Urahara said in a sing-song voice.

“Whaat?” The carrot top fumbled on his bed, it was freaking eight in the morning, and a Saturday at that, Ichigo loved staying up late in bed on a Saturday; this had better be good Urahara.

“Guess who’s going to pose naked tomorrow?” Urahara came again, this time Ichigo’s eyes shot open.

“What the hell?!” The carrot top bellowed, enough to wake the dead if it were possible.

Urahara entered a fit of laughter, and then went silent; soon it was Yoruichi talking to him. “Hey.”

“Yoruichi? What the heck was that all about? What the hell did Urahara mean by posing naked tomorrow?” Ichigo stammered this is one kind of wake up call he definitely didn’t want to last. “I thought we talked about those kind of…”

“Shut up for a minute, will ya? I could tell you if you would let me explain.” Yoruichi came, her tone very serious, and obviously irritated. Immediately, the citrus head shut his mouth.

“You do know about this photo shoot you guys are going to have tomorrow right?”

“Yeah-Hell yeah, but nobody said anything about us posing naked, I mean if Hisagi and the others would want to, I’m sure as hell don’t—.”

“Did I tell you to complain? Stop butting in.”

“No ma’am, sorry ma’am.”

“Anyway, it’s not a butt naked photo shoot.”

“Thank God.”

“It’s more of a very sexy photo shoot.”

“What, the same as before, the beefcake calendar-like shoot?”

“That was a ‘HOT’ photo shoot, not ‘SEXY’.”

“What difference is there?”

“You get to model here in a well, sexy position, with a woman, a lady model at your side.”

Ichigo growled. “Nobody ever told me about that, I mean, sure beefcake I can handle, but actually strutting there with a woman, in a much lest compromising position? What kind of magazine is this anyway?”

“It’s a sexy women’s magazine, what do you expect?” Yoruichi stifled a laugh; Ichigo is such a modest virgin. “It would help you a lot if only you were listening at the meeting. But you weren’t so tough luck kid.”

Ichigo resisted the urge to pummel somebody-somebody like Urahara. The freakin’ manager likes to get them into this kind of situation! Ah, what the hell, it’s just a pose, with a woman wearing less clothes and him back. He’ll just think of his trip with Rukia, and then he’ll be off the hook.

Yeah right.

The minute he did think about the trip, it evolved into him modeling half naked with Rukia.

Shit.

This is gonna be hard.

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“Who’s there?” Rukia’s head peeked in from the hallway upstairs. Hinamori sighed. “My cousins from my Father’s side, they’re here to talk about something to Mom. So, let’s just get in your room and not appear for the remainder of it.”

“Why not, aren’t they your cousins? And that would make them my second cousins. I want to meet them.” Rukia smiled. “Not now, maybe after the whole thing. The whole family is there, my uncle and aunt, and their four kids. I don’t know, but it seems kinda serious, plus if Mom sees me downstairs, she will ask me to entertain the kids, and well, I don’t want to.” Hinamori sat down on Rukia’s bed.

Rukia just nodded and did what she was told to do. Come to think of it, Hinamori never mentioned her Father. Last she heard about him was that her Aunt and Uncle got divorced and Hinamori chose to live with her mother. But her relatives in her Father’s side are still close to them.

The raven haired girl settled with that fact and did not wish anymore to pry at her cousin’s life.

A few minutes after, Unohana called the two to come down. They introduced Rukia to Hinamori’s Aunt and Uncle and her cousins. Two were merely infants a boy and girl, twins actually, the other one was a boy in junior high school and the other also a boy in grade school.  They warmed up to Rukia, especially the junior high. He said he had read Rukia’s manga once and then asked for her autograph.

A family, she never had that, she only had her brother, but of course, not that she’s complaining. She liked the idea of her and Byakuya as her family, small but good, all good.

Unohana sighed inside the kitchen as she, Hinamori and Rukia prepared something to eat for the guests.

“What’s up mom?” Hinamori asked.

“Well dear, your Aunt and Uncle had their house renovated and they have no place to stay. I want to help them really, the house is big enough for them and us and it’s only for awhile… but I don’t know where I can make them stay. We only have three rooms, my room, yours and Rukia’s.” Unohana rubbed her forehead, a bit troubled from all the thinking and stuff.

“Why don’t we just give them my room and I’ll stay at Rukia’s?” Hinamori smiled, and Unohana thought about it for awhile when Rukia spoke.

“You know what, they could use my room. Actually, the thing is, I plan on renting an apartment near the editor’s place so it won’t be much a hassle to go there and back.”

Unohana and Hinamori looked at her. “No, Rukia, you don’t have to do that, we’ll make this work. Wait, don’t you want to stay here anymore?” The peach girl came.

“Huh? What? NO! Of course I love it here, I can’t thank you enough for all the things you have done for me. But the thing is, don’t get me wrong, I would really like to try and do things independently from now on, and I thought maybe the first step to that is getting my own place, I have saved enough from the manga I submit every week. But that doesn’t mean I won’t visit you guys. You guys are too golden for me to ignore.” Rukia chuckled and gave her Aunt and cousin a hug.

“Rukia!” Hinamori almost wailed.

“Geez, I’m not going to die. So, what do you think?” Rukia smiled as soon as she let go of their embrace.

Unohana smiled, Rukia as always, so sacrificing. She knew Rukia liked it there with them, but also understood the girl’s need to do things and explore things on her own. After all, if she’s going to stay here, she needs to familiarize herself with everything. That’s why she’s been letting Rukia spend some time with Ichigo, spend some time with other people other than them, and the young man has been quite helpful in that area.

“Alright. But if you need any help, or anything for that matter, don’t be afraid or be too shy to come over and ask us.” Unohana patted her niece’s head. “Thanks a lot Auntie.” Rukia grinned.

Hinamori pouted and then cheered up, “Well, while you’re still looking for your apartment, you could stay at my room.”

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Ichigo scratched his head in annoyance. He still hadn’t gotten over the fact that they were going to pose in a compromising position with a woman, a half naked woman actually. What has he gotten himself into?

It’s not like he’s insecure or anything, he has a body to brag about, a well toned one at that. The thing is he’s shy about all of this.

He stared at his cell phone for awhile and dialed Rukia’s number. He doesn’t have any plans for the day anyway, might as well share his misfortune with her. He chuckled, as if she would let him.

Rukia’s cell phone blared after a few seconds. “Oh, excuse me.” The raven haired female stood up to answer her phone, her cousin Hinamori followed her and mouthing a: ‘Who is it?’

“It’s citrus head.” She answered back and then pushed the talk button. “Yeah?”

“Oh, hey Rukia… by any chance, are you doing anything today?” Ichigo almost sounded ecstatic.

“Wanna hang out? Sure.” Rukia quickly answered, Ichigo was taken aback, usually she was the one who reacts and tries to decline in this kind of situation.

“Great, I’ll pick you up then, give me about 30 minutes to get there, I still need to dress up.”

“Okay, I’ll wait.” Rukia looked over to her cousin. Hinamori shook her head, and mouthed her words of protest. Rukia raised an eyebrow and soon got Hinamori’s message.

“Uh on second thought, don’t come here.”

“I thought you said you wanna hang out?”

“Uh… I mean, let’s meet someplace else.”

Hinamori signaled to her where they would meet, pointing to her cousin the ‘coffee kitten’ brochure.

Rukia nodded. “How about we meet up at Soi Fon’s shop?”

“Okay, if you say so.” Ichigo agreed and then said his goodbyes.

“That was close.” Hinamori sighed. “We can’t have him coming here with my cousins, Uncle and Aunt here. They might just make a commotion out of it.”

“If you say so, anyway, I guess I should be dressing up now eh?” Rukia winked and went up inside her soon to be former room.

Ichigo came at a perfect timing actually, it was still early and she was thinking of asking him for help in looking for an apartment complex. The sooner she finds one, the sooner can she be not a burden to her Aunt.

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“Hey. Sorry, were you waiting long?” Ichigo sat down across her.

“No, actually, it was a good fifteen minutes wait. Soi Fon was kind enough to talk to me and share me some stories.” She looked over at the counter and waved her hand at the Chinese woman. Said woman waved back with a smile.

“That’s good, so… where do you wanna go?” Ichigo sipped some of Rukia’s left over mocha frappe, and the raven haired girl just shook her head in disbelief. “You could order your own you know.”

“Nah just wanted a little sip. So, thought of anything yet?” The carrot top placed down the now empty cup.

“Actually, I was supposed to ask a favor from you.”

“Okay, what is it? Or in your own terms: Spill.”

Rukia flushed a bit and then coughed. “You see…” She then relayed her story about how she’s moving out and is now trying to look for an apartment, and how she is in a hurry too.

“Wow, all that decision in one day. You are such a hurried woman.” Ichigo chuckled.

“Well, can you help me or not? If not, it’s really okay I…” Rukia explained when Ichigo cut her off. “Of course, I know a few good apartments around here that may be available.” Ichigo stood up. “So let’s go?”

Rukia did the same. “Wait, I forgot to add, I’m looking for something cheap okay? I’m not going for the pent house thing or some sort.”

And so they started their search.

There were a lot of good apartments around, but some either are just too big or too small. There’s also the case of too expensive. Some actually recognized Ichigo and quickly offered him the finest and the most expensive apartments around. He gritted his teeth and shrugged saying that it was for the lady with him; he didn’t need those since he has a place of his own.

“Geez Ichigo, if I only knew being with you would always end me up with the most expensive units, I wouldn’t have asked you to come.” Rukia spat.

“Hey, hey, be grateful I even agreed to this. How was I supposed to know that some of these landlords are greedy as hell?” Ichigo snorted.

After a long day of searching, with no results, the two decided to sit down at the park.

“Who would have thought that looking for a unit would be so exhausting?” Ichigo plopped down on the wooden bench. Rukia gently sat down beside him. “It’s the way it’s supposed to be. You probably had someone to find you one. Figures, since you’re a very rich rock star.” Rukia scoffed.

“Geez, you’re such a pain. I’m not that rich, and well, my sister Yuzu actually was the one who got me my unit.” Ichigo coughed.

“See? You even drive you sister to work for you. What kind of a brother are you?”

“It’s not like I told her to do it, she volunteered, saying that I had no taste and a good eye whatsoever in finding a good pad.”

“I can see that.”

“What the hell do you mean by that?”

“Nothing.”

“Che, stupid midget.”

“Do something about your hair will ya? It attracts too much attention, they easily find out you’re Ichigo Kurosaki of the Shinigamis—correction, THE ever popular SHINIGAMIS.”

“My hair is of natural color darn it, and I can’t blame them, they know a good singer when they see one.”

“Ladies and gentlemen I present to you the ever cocky Kurosaki Ichigo. Geez, it was bad enough they offered you a high price, but to sell you the whole apartment complex?” Rukia grumbled, not really liking the fact that they will go home empty handed.

“You’re just pissed because we didn’t find you an apartment.” Ichigo grumbled back.

“I’m not, what about you? You’re grumbling too, is it because your wonderful feet got tired?” Rukia spat.

“Che. Shut up, you said we’d hang out.” Ichigo turned to look at the opposite direction and placing his chin over his palm.

Rukia froze. Oh, right, she did say that, and yet she dragged him to do this stupid apartment searching. She just abused his generosity again. Standing up, she dusted her skirt and walked away.

Ichigo turned to look at her, surprised that she suddenly walked off without notice. “Oi, hey midget where are you going? Don’t tell me you’re so pissed, you’re walking out on me.”

Rukia frowned and turned back to look at him. “No Idiot. Just stay there, I’m going to get us something to eat.”

“What? Wait, I’ll come with yo—.”

“Just sit there and wait or I’ll kick you ass!”

Ichigo sat back down at her threat. He pouted as soon as she was nowhere in sight. He just realized he acted like a trained dog, being told by his master to stay put. “Woof.” He sarcastically let out.

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Twenty minutes had passed and Rukia hasn’t returned yet, Ichigo was starting to get worried. Hell, he can’t even follow him without getting lost himself since he didn’t even know where she went to get something to eat.

He fidgeted at the wooden bench and chanted to himself: ‘Rukia is a big girl; she can take care of herself.’ Just so he would calm down a bit.

Soon, Rukia came into his sight, running towards him with two crepes in her hand and a beaming smile on her face.

“Ichigo!” She yelled.

The carrot top stood up to meet up with her. “What’s up?” He asked and took the crepe from her hands. “Quickly, I just found myself an apartment!” She said excitedly and took him by the wrist.

Ichigo gaped at a two storey apartment complex. It had enough space for two people renting in, so it was a tad big for Rukia, but it was okay, it’s not that huge. What bothers Ichigo is that the said apartment is old, and by old meaning antique, ancient, just simply, purely OLD. The bars around are rusty, even the side of the doors, the wood looked like it was going to give in any moment, or if the big bad wolf blew on it without breaking a sweat, it would be smothered to pieces, and said wolf would be walking away like nothing happened.

“So, what do you think?” Rukia smiled.

‘What I think? I think you’re crazy to even think of living here, what are you, some kind of beaver or something, living in this wood pile?’ was what Ichigo wanted to say, but shut his mouth to avoid any disarranging of his limbs today.

“Uh…” was the only thing that came out of his mouth.

Rukia frowned; she knew exactly what was on Ichigo’s mind and pulled on his wrist again. “I know what you are thinking… but before you say something that you would regret, why don’t you see the inside first?”

Ichigo nodded and went towards the stairs, each step creaking as he made his way on it.

Rukia opened the door to one of the apartments and shoved him inside.

Well, the term ‘looks can be deceiving’ is actually true even in non living things. The inside of the apartment is nice, not that well maintained but at least one can live in it. He then turned to Rukia. “Not bad, the inside is not as bad looking as the outside. A few patches here and there and it’s all good. Are you sure about this though?”

“Yes. In fact, I already talked with the landlord of this place. He’s the old man selling the crepes at the park. I happen to have blurted out the topic when I was waiting for him finish making our snacks.” Rukia reached in for her crepe.

“I’m very happy right now.” She smiled and bit at some dough. “Thanks a lot Ichigo.”

Ichigo was taken aback for a second and then smiled back at her. “No problem. Glad we got this over with.” He ate his share of the crepe. Rukia decided to move there if not tomorrow, the day after that.

Before heading home, they decided to walk around for awhile.

“I heard from Hisagi you guys will be having a photo shoot tomorrow.” Rukia started.

Ichigo’s eyes widened. “Uh, yeah… about that…”

“He asked me to come, him and Chad.” Rukia picked up a pebble and threw it at the water.

“What? Why?” Ichigo stammered, also picking up a pebble and throwing it in the water.

“They said it would be cool, that I would get to see how you guys do some modeling and stuff. Sounds fun if you ask me.”

“Uhm, yeah… but wouldn’t it be awkward on your part? I mean, Yoruichi just told me it’s for a sexy women’s magazine.”

Rukia choked, “Whoa, I didn’t know you go for that stuff.”

“I don’t damn Urahara did this, but it’s not all pornographic, just… well, sexy…  I don’t know I haven’t done that before, maybe it’s not that complicated.” Ichigo flushed, not really liking the topic.

“Oh well, still it would be so cool to see how those photo shoots are done.”

“I guess. So you’re still coming?”

“Why, you don’t want me to?”

“No, I mean, of course I would.”

“Great then. Oh, yeah, since you said it’s all sexy and stuff, can I have another picture of Hitsugaya after? You know, for Hinamori?” Rukia smirked.

“Consider it done.” Ichigo gave a thumb up at her.

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“Alright people, I want all lights ready here, hey, you! Put that down and give me a large fan over here, now!” Kiyone bellowed, when it’s photo shoot day, she’s the queen of the studio.

Urahara sat down, waving his fan around as Yoruichi stood behind him, making gentle massages on his shoulders. “Oh Hisagi, are you ready now?”

“Not yet, they are still having trouble covering this bruise on my shin.” He growled, apparently, Ichigo had so much murderous spirit that day; he lost to the carrot top. He had him with a series of hits at both shoulders and a big one on the shin, and he had a bruise to prove that. But thank goodness, it was diminishing now.

Whitey also lost, at first he had Ichigo when he whacked him on the head, but the carrot top had such evil aura in him, it made his hit look like a pansy—having no effect at Ichigo at all. Said carrot top retaliated by hitting him with the stick straight at his stomach. He had a bruise there, and is also diminishing. But he was glad it was at his belly, so he won’t need make up for that since he’s wearing a sleeveless top for this shoot anyway.

Talk about being violent.

“Where are the models? Darn it, get your butts here already, we’re way behind schedule!” Kiyone shouted again, and everyone scampered about.

“Alright already, geez.” Hisagi growled and walked towards his position, He only wore white pants with suspenders and no top. “Shit, these spotlights are freaking hot, it’s like an oven here!”

“Quit complaining, I had to have it opened so I can get the aperture and meter its brightness.” Kiyone snarled back.

Chad sat there, while a hairdresser styled his curly brown locks. He wore the same pants as Hisagi but wore a white vest, unbuttoned to expose his chiseled chest.

Hitsugaya sat down beside Urahara. “Where’s our bleached boy?”

“You know he would kill you if he heard that, his hair is natural as he insists.” Urahara chirped.

“So am I.” Hitsugaya scoffed. So, white hair ran in his blood, such twisted genes he thought.

“He’s still not here, he must have picked up Rukia on the way, Hisagi and Chad invited her here.” Yoruichi smiled.

“Oh. Well, never mind that, they’re here.” Hitsugaya stood up. “Oi, Kurosaki, get dressed already before Kiyone spots you and trashes you for being late. Hi Rukia!”

“Hi.” Rukia smiled and sat down at the seat Hitsugaya offered.

“Your first time witnessing a photo shoot?” Yoruichi sat down beside the petite girl. “Yep.”

“Then you are in luck, this time’s photo shoot will be hot and stea—.” Urahara grinned.

WHAP.

“Stop scaring the shit out of her, it’s not like that.” Ichigo growled at his manager. Seriously, this guy, their manager? The God’s are so twisted, to give them this fate.

“Oh hey, Kurosaki, you’re late! And you’re not even dressed!” Kiyone bellowed behind him.

“Good luck, moron.” Hitsugaya scurried away.

Ichigo turned to look at the short haired blonde photographer. “Stop giving me that ‘way behind schedule’ crap Kiyone, I’m just in time, you just feel like shouting all over the place, you make up reasons for it. It’s not as if, we’re all busy here.”

Kiyone was about to claw Ichigo’s hair when her eyes caught an unfamiliar face. “Hello, I’m Kiyone I’m the resident photographer, and you are?” She quickly shook Rukia’s hand. “Uh, I’m… I’m Rukia.”

The photographer’s eyes narrowed in a sly way and turned to look at Ichigo. “Your girlfriend?”

Needless to say, Both Ichigo and Rukia flushed and fumbled in surprise. “WHA, NO! NO, IT’S NOT LIKE THAT!”

“Well, then what is it?” Kiyone grinned.

“She’s a friend. We just invited her to watch how things go around here; you know the photo shoot and stuff.” Ichigo explained. Rukia nodded and pointed to Ichigo. “Uh huh, what he said.”

“Ookay, nice to have you around Rukia, I hope you enjoy watching.” Kiyone turned and chuckled. “Oi, Kurosaki, if you don’t get dressed in fifteen minutes tops, I’ll have you do push ups with Urahara and Hisagi laughing while sitting on your back.”

Ichigo sprinted towards the dressing room.

------------------------------

The individual photo shoots went smoothly, Ichigo had to fight off his embarrassment at posing with a seductive face because Rukia was watching.

Kiyone didn’t help by shouting: Oi, hey Ichigo, what’s the matter with you today? Usually, you get this over and done with. You look like you’re embarrassed, what’s the matter? You don’t want someone looking at you while you act all sexy?

“Fuck off Kiyone!” He spat back when two to three veins popped on his head. All of his pals stifled a laugh and resisted an urge to look at Rukia, the very clueless Rukia.

But all the while, when Ichigo did the sexy pose, he took a glance at Rukia watching him, and saw her blushing and trying not to look. What was that about?

Then the shoot in where they would pose with a woman model came.

They all rested for while, Hisagi complaining how he felt like a piece of toast with all the heated lights on him. “See, see, I looked all tanned and stuff! This sucks!”

Ichigo approached Rukia to offer her something to eat or drink, in which the young lady gladly accepted.

“Thanks. By the way, you were cool there. You have such confidence. Even if you didn’t like it, you never once showed it in your poses. That was cool.” Rukia complemented him all the while looking at her toes, avoiding his gaze.

Ichigo didn’t quite get why she did that, but answered back at her anyway. “Uh, thanks.”

“WHAT?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN CANCELLED? I CAN’T HAVE THAT; THE SHOOT MUST BE DONE NOW!” Kiyone shrieked, and all the staff in the room cowered in fear, pitying the man she is talking with.

“I am very sorry, but you see, Ms. Senna can’t make it, she had a previous engagement with another company.” The man nervously said.

“Then why did she say ‘yes’ to us in the first place?” Yoruichi frowned.

Hitsugaya and Hisagi had a good guess why. She just wanted to piss everyone off that’s why. That stuck up model Senna, always did this. Actually, they had an audition as to who the model would be for this shoot, but when Senna came in and forced the editor to use her instead of the ‘other’ girls, said editor gave in. After all, she’s a top notch model, who would say no if she is the one already insisting to be used for their magazine?

Urahara didn’t like it at all, but what can he do, he’s not the editor anyway. The one who will have a problem here will be the magazine itself. And Kiyone? Needless to say, she wasn’t pleased, not very pleased at all.

“HEAR THIS, ALL OF YOU, FROM NOW ON; I CUT ALL FUTURE TRANSACTIONS WITH SENNA! SHE WILL NO LONGER WORK WITH THE SHINIGAMIS AND ME IN ANY PHOTO SHOOT!” She declared she doesn’t care if this came in the news, she doesn’t give a damn! And who cares about one stuck up model anyway? There are lots of down to earth there, and professional ones at that!

Everyone gaped; others wanted to cheer but suppressed it for it might not help with the mood. Urahara clapped. Finally, she’s out of our hair.

Nobody dares question the great photographer Kiyone, she is respected in her field for being a young genius, but that wasn’t all, they respected her for her professionalism and being down to earth behind all the success. Everyone who encountered her loved her for the wonderful person she is.

“Nobody told me the model would be Senna…” Ichigo grimaced.

“See the fruits of not paying attention in meetings Ichigo?” Hitsugaya smirked. “Sock it white hair. Oh well, at least she’s off our hair, seriously, that woman gives me the creeps.”

“Che, you’re the reason she forced the editor to be in this shoot.” Hisagi scoffed.

“What the hell do you mean by that?” Ichigo glared at Hisagi.

“Please, we all know she has the hots for you, and unfortunately for her you don’t. She tried to get in here so no woman will be close to you in a compromising position.” Kiyone sighed.

Yoruichi excused herself from Rukia to join the now circled group. Rukia sat there, not really wanting to butt herself in their business.

“Apparently, she doesn’t know about Rukia yet.” Urahara giggled.

“Will you quit it with Rukia? She doesn’t have anything to do with this.” Ichigo grumbled.

Kiyone noted Ichigo’s sudden irritation, and continued, “She decided to ditch this photo shoot thinking that we won’t be able to get a replacement. Well, she thought wrong. She’s not the only girl in the planet.” Kiyone grinned and looked over to Yoruichi, who just came in the circle.

“But who will we get at such short notice?” Chad asked.

“We need someone you are all familiar with, so it won’t be awkward because you would all be posing with her.” Kiyone smirked and did not take her eyes off Yoruichi, the tanned woman looked back at her.

Urahara noticed the silent exchange between the two women. “Oh no, as much as I want to flaunt my fiancées delicious and oh so wonderful body, I want it for myself thank you.” He hugged Yoruichi and the tanned woman rolled her eyes in disbelief.

Kiyone frowned, and so did Yoruichi. “Not me you idiot.”

“Oh, who then?” Urahara let go of his fiancée.

Kiyone smirked and turned her head towards Rukia’s direction. Everyone looked at the said direction too.

Ichigo paled. “Oh no, no NO! NO way in hell!”

“Oh yes!” Kiyone then made her way towards the clueless petite manga artist.

“Kiyone NO! You’ll embarrass her to death!” Ichigo bellowed as Hisagi, Hitsugaya and Chad stopped him from running over to Kiyone. “What the hell guys let go off me!”

Hisagi smirked. “Actually, I like the idea, don’t worry Ichigo, Rukia-chan won’t be embarrassed, Kiyone has a point; she’s familiar with all of us so she won’t!”

“Come to think of it, I think it would be you who’ll be embarrassed to death than her.” Hitsugaya chuckled.

“SCREW YOU!” Ichigo growled, it was hard getting them off with Chad helping around.  “Chad, not you too!”

Chad shrugged. “Sorry Ichigo, but I think the shoot’s important so we need to do this.”

“Yes, desperate times call for desperate measures.”  Urahara almost sung.

“Go fuck up and DIE!” The carrot top shrieked.

Youruichi went over to follow Kiyone, perhaps to help with convincing the girl.

“Oh hi Rukia-chan.” Kiyone came. “Uh hi, Kiyone… uhm, is everything all right there? Why are they holding Ichigo like that? Is he having some kind of attack?”

“Oh, don’t mind him, he’s always like that.” The blonde haired girl sat down beside Rukia, Yoruichi positioned herself on the other side, sandwiching the tiny girl.

Somehow, Rukia felt something amiss was going on.

“Rukia, we just encountered this problem… you heard of it right?” Kiyone came.

“Uh, yeah, you were shouting it awhile ago… something about some ‘Senna’ not showing up and so on.” Rukia answered nervously.

“RUK—RUnnn—.” Ichigo stopped when Urahara stuffed an apple on his mouth. “Fufufufu, Kurosaki, you shouldn’t talk with your mouth full!”

“Is everything okay there?” Rukia decided to peek in behind Kiyone when the girl pushed her back to her seat. “Don’t mind them, they’re just goofing around. Anyway, yep, that stuck up bitch didn’t show up, but I took care of that, so now, we are in dire need of a model.”

“I don’t think I am the one you should be telling that… I don’t know anyone around here that can help.” Rukia stammered.

“Ah, yes, but you see, we don’t need just ‘anyone’ for this.” Kiyone smiled.

Yoruichi cut in. “To make the story short, we want you Rukia, to sub as a model for today.”

Rukia blinked, digesting what they had just said. “Ah I see you---NO WAY!” She stood up and tried to run.

The two women caught her. “Please Rukia, my job, sob, my job is at stake!” Kiyone mock cried.

Rukia stopped to look at her worriedly. But, No, she can’t do what they are asking, she’s hideous for gosh sakes, plus model? She can’t even smile and stand right in a normal photo, much lest model?

“If we don’t do this, The Shinigami’s career, Ichigo’s career will be at stake.” Yoruichi came, only she just had that serious tone in her voice.

That did it; she pitied Kiyone, but the band’s career? Oh no, she can’t have that. Ichigo and the others had done so much for her, if it’s her turn to help, now will be a good time, when they need her the most. Sure, model a bit… sounds scary but maybe she could pull it off. She sighed defeated. “Alright.”

The two women cheered and hugged her.

“But I’m not saying I don’t suck okay? Deal with it.” Rukia sighed again, this time a loud one.

Seeing the girls now rejoicing and Rukia sighing in submission, it seems like good news. Urahara then turned to Ichigo. “Oh, looks like we’ll be going forth with the shoot with Rukia. Nice, you must be very happy.”

Ichigo’s eyes widened. Oh God, no, sexy modeling with Rukia? He didn’t know what to think, his mind was skyrocketing to everywhere.

Hisagi, Hitsugaya and Chad finally let go.

“Oh hey, this looks like fun.” Hisagi approached Rukia to welcome her together with white hair and giant. Kiyone was now yelling around to have Rukia’s make-up, hair and clothes done in 20 minutes pronto. The staff hurriedly took the girl in the dressing room.

And in twenty minutes flat, Rukia came out of the dressing room, wearing a white dress that draped along her figure. The thing looked like it was just placed on top of her, well in fact it’s not, the costume designers did a pretty good job, Ichigo pointed out. And boy was she beautiful. She had light make-up on, and her lips we’re pinkish with a speck of glitter, it looked almost kissable. Her belly was showing and her hair was still the same, with beautiful butterfly clips on it.

“Close your mouth Ichigo, it’s rude to stare like that.” Kiyone cooed.

“Shut up, I wasn’t staring. I was just yawning.” He growled at her.

“Perfect, you look absolutely wonderful Rukia. Now, will you please join Hisagi in the spotlight?” Kiyone pointed to the tattooed face man waiting for her at the center of the studio. The elevated piece they are now standing on were draped with lots of snow white silk, and rose petals adorned it while some where falling above them.

It looked like a scene straight from a fantasy romance novel, Rukia noted.

Hisagi reached for her hand. “Alright Rukia-chan, don’t be nervous. Just focus on me or anything for that matter, don’t bother with the people around okay?”

Rukia nodded and whispered a ‘thanks’.

“Alright.” Kiyone looked at her storyboard paper. “Hisagi has the forlorn lovers theme, in this; you two will act like lovers who are lonely because they are separating, and are sharing their last night together.”

Both nodded and Ichigo looked to see the progression.

Hisagi hugged Rukia, grabbing a fistful of her dress and lifting it up a bit on the sides, while Rukia placed her hands over his bare chest, leaning her head slowly on it. Hisagi tilted his head a bit to the side and positioned his lips near Rukia’s neck, making it look as if he was giving it small kisses.

“Perfect! Now, let’s have you looking lonely. And Hisagi, lower that hand of yours a bit, just above Rukia’s bottom. Yep, that’s it.” Kiyone was about to click the camera when Ichigo yelled.

“Hold it! Oi tattoo face, your hand is dangerously low!”

“What the hell, Ichigo, can’t you see we’re about to do the shot! And Kiyone told me to lower it what’s your problem?!”

“You’re making her uncomfortable moron!”

“I am not!”

Kiyone slapped her forehead. “Put a sock on carrot top, anyone please? He’s destroying the atmosphere!”

“I am not! I’m just telling you to not make Rukia uncomfortable!” Ichigo spat back.

“She is comfortable, besides oh genius, if Hisagi doesn’t lower that hand, it won’t be ‘sexy’ looking! Now deal with it!” Kiyone smirked. “You act like a jealous boyfriend!”

“Wha—I am not, I’m just trying to make Rukia comfortable since it’s her first time.”

“Geez, can we hurry up? We’re toasting here. And I feel like I’m having cramps with this position.” Hisagi murmured.

Ichigo was about to spat back again when Rukia finally popped a vein or two. “Ichigo, shut your freakin’ trap will ya? You’re making things complicated as it is with all that yapping!”

That shut him up.

Everyone laughed after.

Next was Hitsugaya, they had the happy lovers theme. They sat back to back hand in hand and smiled in a blissful manner. There wasn’t sexy about it, it was just plain sweet, so sweet looking, everyone stopped to watch it in awe and admiration. After all, you can’t make a sexy image with Hitsugaya, since well, he does look like a junior high, but of course, don’t let him hear that comment, or all hell will be unleashed.

Chad had the protector theme. In where he Chad protected Rukia by carrying her in his arms, actually, this also didn’t count as sexy looking more of like really romantic, but Kiyone fixed that, ripping open the sides of Rukia’s dress to reveal her long creamy legs, and told her to cling more onto Chad like her life depended on it, and then telling Chad to lean his forehead with hers.

She blushed but shrugged it off when Chad told her it was okay, as long as they both don’t think about it. Ichigo could be heard growling in the background a: “what the hell are you gawking at? Go back and do your work!’” to the staff who stared at Rukia, especially her legs.

All suppressed a laugh with the way Ichigo is acting.

Now it was his turn. Kiyone went over to Urahara’s table and started writing on the storyboard. After that, she ordered the staff to put comfortable ‘white’ pillows on the elevation.

“Oi, what’s going on? Are we having siesta or something?” Ichigo smirked. Kiyone shook her head. “No you ignorant man, you will have the forbidden lovers theme. In this scene, you will be making love passionately with the woman you love as if your life depended on it. You are forbidden; remember that so you make all of this worthwhile.”

“What?” Ichigo and Rukia gaped.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you two are getting stage fright. Of course we won’t have you doing ‘it’ you silly kids, that’s just the situation, what I want you two to do is make it look like you are about to kiss. And I want lust and passion filled eyes and expression thank you.” Kiyone smiled proudly.

“You demanding woman! Let me see that story board!” Ichigo violently grabbed the said board from the Blonde’s hand and looked at it. “What’s this? Are you sure this is really what we are going to do?”

“YES! Give me that back!” Kiyone snarled, snatching the board back into her hands. “Now quit being a pansy and get the work done. Everyone gave their share, so you should too!”

“I still feel suspicious, why is the board full of scribbles and erasures?” Ichigo narrowed his eyes.

“What do you care? That’s what you are supposed to do, now stop thinking about yourself and help Rukia with the pose, the poor girl there is so clueless, she looks like she’s going to faint or puke or both.”

Amber eyes turned to look at the said girl, fidgeting in her place. Right, I should make her feel at ease with this. Posing is one thing, but asking her to do this much is another. “Oi, Rukia.”

“I think I’ll screw up.” She suddenly spat back. “I don’t think I can do what Kiyone is asking… I can’t pretend to kiss, much lest have that entire passion thing on the face. The hugging I could handle…”

Ichigo sighed, she’s got a point, but then they have to do this. “Look, I think I know a way how to make you not think about all of this and do this at the same time.”

The Raven haired girl’s head shot up, eager to listen.

“It’s called: Role playing.” Ichigo smirked, and led her towards the elevation. He lay down, resting him weight on his elbows and facing Rukia who was kneeling beside him. “Okay, first things first, block off all sound around you. Pretend that it’s only us here, inside this studio.” Ichigo said in a whisper, so no one would hear them doing this method since it might look silly to others.

“Pretend that we really are lovers, forbidden to be together, but long so much for one another.” The words came out from his mouth fluidly; Rukia cannot help but be pulled in such a trance. “Then we decide one night, which is now, that we will meet for the last time since the society will separate us after.”

Kiyone watched as the two tried to warm up in front. She saw how Ichigo had finally able to make her relax a bit. She was shouting instructions awhile ago when she noticed that Ichigo was telling her something all throughout. What it was, she didn’t know, but it was working, Rukia was leaning forward and now placed her hands on top of Ichigo’s bare chest.

Maybe something good will come out of this—maybe. She and the others tried changing the original plan on the story board. The initial plan was that Ichigo got the betrayal theme, one where there wasn’t much contact since after all; they thought that Senna would be the one modeling.

The rest of the staff didn’t notice the silent exchange between the two in front. Kiyone started whispering nonsense instructions to make it look like as if they were still listening to her. But Hitsugaya, Hisagi, Yoruichi, Urahara and Chad noticed it anyway. And it made them smile, their grin almost in danger of tearing their face apart.

Ichigo continued to look at Rukia’s amethyst eyes. They were so beautiful, he swore he almost drowned in them, and he felt as if he is being taken in with the spell he is initiating. Was it even possible, to be pulled in a trance, a trance that you started?

“And in this night, the only thing that could prove our love for each other is being one, sharing everything, emotionally and physically. And we will start it with a warm and longing kiss.” Ichigo slurred, as he leaned forward, looking as if impatient at how slow she was leaning in.

He felt his heart beat fast, his lips and face inches away from her. His hand unconsciously went to the side of her face and then her hair, his fingers combing it.

Rukia flushed, she felt her whole body heat up at his words and then his touch, she really felt like they were forbidden, and that she really had this longing feeling for a kiss, while her fingers made slow tracing circles at his chest. This role playing was something not to be taken lightly she thought, because she felt herself lean more towards Ichigo, longing, for his touch, his lips, everything.

Their lips were almost reeling in for a kiss, their eyes slowly closing at their heated proximity, and Kiyone had to snap the two apart. She felt that if she let this go on, something weird might happen, and she was sure the two wouldn’t like it when it does.

“PERFECT!” She yelled at the top of her lungs.

That helped, the two snapped back to reality. And as soon as they noticed their too close for comfort propinquity, they turned away from each other as if fire had burned their skin.

“Wow, that was… extreme, you two really looked like forbidden lovers there for a second, I thought it wasn’t made up. Hisagi chuckled.

Hisagi smirked. “Well, that’s it then, a big ‘congratulations’ to Rukia.” He clapped his hands and everyone did the same.

Rukia felt embarrassed and at the same time happy, even if they knew she’s not that good with this, they still appreciated her and what she can offer.

She looked up at Ichigo, who coughed. “Let’s go, we’ll be eating after so you might as well change.” He reached out for her hand, and she gladly took it.

Back there, Rukia really thought everything was real, that they were really going to kiss, but she shrugged it off, maybe that’s what first timers in this business felt every time. And she should thank Ichigo for helping her get the thing done and over with. Actually, throughout the duration of her shoot with Ichigo, she didn’t realize that they were done already, much lest when they had started. That method Ichigo did was really effective.

Very effective indeed.

In Ichigo’s case, he can’t believe he got in the trance he himself initiated. It was something, really something, it felt so real, and it was bizarre. He tried to wash off the blush from his face.

The damn spotlights burned him so much, the heat got up too much in his head.