#ichiruki month 2020

[jackattack20writes]

FanFic Recommendations for Feedback Fest 2024

Since the 15th of Feb is apparently fanworks day I’m doing an early list of Fic recs to celebrate in no particular order from various fandoms that’ve taken root in my mind at some point or another.

Fatumonagatari By ScyllaAlter

Fandom: Fate/Stay Night | Rating: T+ | Ship: A mix of everyone in Fate/Stay Night but with an emphasis on Shirou/Saber

Shirou Emiya becomes the center of several conflicts, each surrounding a different girl.

(This is an entire Monogatari au)

Forever and Ever By DreamyMarry

Fandom: Bleach | Rating: T+ | Ship: IchiRuki

Rukia talks to the most important women in her life, makes plans and gets herself a fianceé. Ichigo just wouldn't argue it was quite in that order.

In Vino Cogitatio Bona By Strypgia

Fandom: Neon Genesis Evangelion | Rating: T+ | Ship: AsuShin

December 4th, 2015. Everyone is at NERV HQ trying to get the Third Child out of Unit-01. No one cares Asuka is alone and feeling miserable on her birthday. So she decides it's time Misato's forest of bottles does her a favor. After all, Misato thinks liquor is the solution to everything, right? Asuka's turn. And of course, this leads to Good Ideas...

Trains That Lead Me Back To You By Skylin3

Fandom: Persona 5 | Rating: General | Ship: ShuMako

Makoto simply has too much to deal with right now. She just wants to go back and focus on what really matters to her; her education. Maybe someone will be there to cheer her up.

Makoto Niijima Week Day 6 - Train

Gradually By Croeses

Fandom: Persona 3 | Rating: T+ | Ship: ShuYuka

Makoto, Yukari and moments throughout the year.

A Battle Of Love and Piracy By SonnieCelanna

Fandom: My Hero Academia | Rating: T+ | Ship: IzuMomo

Izuku and Momo have been friends for years despite their wildly different stations, and their favourite game to play together was always "Pirates and Solidiers.", in fact Izuku would claim Momo was obessed with pirates. So what will she do when he gets kidnapped by them in an attack on their village?

Seeing Red By SpellCleaver

Fandom: Star Wars | Rating: General | Ship: LuMara

Luke and Mara visit Vader on Mustafar to break the news of their engagement.

The Future We Build Together By Tren

Fandom: Fate/Stay Night | Rating: General | Ship: Sunny Days Trio (Saber/Shirou/Rin)

Rin did not expect her day to be interrupted by the need to help her boyfriend (not-exactly-legal mage) and her girlfriend (Actual King Arthur), but some things can't be helped.

Especially, when you love them very much.

Crossroads of Fate By PumpkinTeacup

Fandom: Bleach & Doctor Who | Rating: T+ | Ship: IchiRuki

It was Ichigo’s birthday, and Rukia was not going to visit.

But fate was a funny thing. While some events were fixed into the flow of reality as if carved into stone, others only needed a slight nudge into place for destiny to unfold as it should. Even in the form of a simple meal with her time-traveling friend.

For Ichiruki Month 2020, AU week, Day 20: Romeo and Juliet

Flash Fire Photography By AriadneKurosaki

Fandom: Bleach | Rating: T+ | Ship IchiRuki

The annual Eighth District Firefighter Calendar is always a big hit, raising millions of yen for charity and causing more than a few fires of the metaphorical kind. When her boss gets sick at the last minute, photographer Kuchiki Rukia steps in to make sure the project stays on schedule. It's just a photo shoot, and she's a professional. It can't be that hard to take pictures of a bunch of firefighters for a good cause, even if they're posing shirtless.

She didn't really count on one particular firefighter being hotter than the fires he's supposed to put out...

[handsome-kakigori]

[IchiRuki: Love Text]

[chrismho]

hey everybody im ~~* still ~~** ichiruki trash

could yall imagine Rukia with a snapchat?? lmao 

ig: cardinalchristy

[hellsbella]

IR MONTH 2020 - day 3 / stars in your eyes

[lemonadethefifthart]

IR Month 2020 Day 10: Just Friends

[everything-withered]

For day 2 of ichiruki month: fantasy vs reality. I have no idea if I'll be able to keep up with the prompts, but I figure there's points for trying. This fic is also on ao3 and ffn.

Sometimes, Ichigo wonders what his life could've been.

If his mother hadn't died. If he couldn't see ghosts.

He wonders sometimes what it would've been like if he'd been normal.

He watches his friends, his classmates; the ones who don't know about monsters wearing masks and swords forged from souls. He watches them and wonders if he'd be as stressed out about exams, or as fretful of the future, or be turning himself inside out over some guy or girl. If he'd be so focused on milestones and school politics if he wasn't so busy training and fighting, and a girl with blue eyes.

Ichigo would be fussed over by his mom through every new school year. His parents would be gross and loving, and his sisters would get to be kids, same as him.

And that. That would be good.

Maybe he'd go through a rebellious phase because it seems like a trend to. Maybe he'd get into fights because he'd said the wrong thing and not because they'd been the jerks first. Maybe he'd even dye his hair, in fit of pique and insecurity.

Maybe one day, he might meet someone. Date. Say the wrong thing. Break a heart. Break two. Maybe he'd find someone he liked enough. Maybe they'd even make it. Maybe.

But maybe the story was always meant to be written that he'd lose his mom, that he could see ghosts.

So, what if, instead, Rukia hadn't appeared?

If it had been a different shinigami in town that night. If he hadn't gotten in their way. If the Hollow had been disposed of without his intervention. If Rukia hadn't given him her powers.

Because it must be Rukia.

Only she could've done something so reckless, so selfless to risk herself for a stranger.

Another shinigami wouldn't have.

But then again, that's not entirely true: "She saved me, I saved her."

Ichigo's expression is stiff. "It was a debt."

His dad huffs a chuckle. "Is that what it was with you and Rukia?"

And.

Well. Like father, like son.

So, he wonders instead, if without Rukia, he'd continue to live as that grumpy kid who could see ghosts, who had nightmares of his mother dying; who walked through life in a gauzy haze of existence, and who would eventually have to set an alarm on his phone to remind himself to wake up, goddamn it.

He wonders how long that would've lasted.

If he'd finish high school. Go to college. Become something respectable enough to feed himself and eventually move out. If he'd continue to live with ghosts he couldn't help, and nightmares of his own inadequacy, and an alarm on his phone pleading him to feel something, anything.

His breath shudders out of him at the thought, a chill trickling down his spine.

Or maybe. Maybe he'd pretend.

Maybe he'd get tired of being that kid. Maybe he'd try to be normal. Maybe it would work. Maybe he'd be so good at it that even he could believe it.

Meanwhile, the alarm on his phone would trill in reminder, in accusation no one can know you're a liar.

These are not thoughts Ichigo occupies himself with. Not usually.

His mother's death is the only almost. The only what if. The only, if I could go back and do that right.

But life is a fragile thing, strung up together with the threads of everyone else's destinies; one thread pulled, plucked, rewoven and resewn, could send it all tumbling down. So. Ichigo learns to let it go. Learns to let her go. Because his mom wouldn't have wanted him to get tangled in the past, in the would-bes and almosts.

So, he doesn't, but that doesn't mean he doesn't indulge sometimes. He's allowed to be a little sentimental today, and wish she could've been here for this.

An alarm on his phone goes off, but when he reaches for the device it's a call incoming instead.

He smirks. "Having second thoughts?"

"No," is Rukia's snorted reply, and though she's annoyed at having the question thrown at her, she's still teasing, and hearing her voice for the first time today makes him feel stupidly giddy. God, he's so whipped. They'd only been apart for one night. It's not like they haven't been separated for longer before.

"I was just checking if you were having any," she continues, purposely casual. "I don't want to walk out this room and look like an idiot when you aren't there."

At that he effects a scandalised tone, "And ruin all of Byakuya's wedding planning?"

And that gets her to laugh. He presses the phone a little closer, like somehow that'll erase the distance between them until he can feel her breath against his skin, the soft shudder of her shoulders against his chest.

"You laugh," he says, goading for more, "but I'm pretty sure if I've so much as tied this tie wrong, he'll pick a better dressed guest to marry you."

Rukia hums, her smile curling her words as she teases, "In that case, I'll make sure you can still come to the reception."

It's his turn to laugh, but before he can say anything more, there's a knock on his door, and Karin's head has popped in. At first she looks approving, likely that he's managed to get dressed to her equally rigorous standards, until he turns and he has his phone pressed into his ear.

His sister scoffs. "You two are ridiculous, you guys are literally going to see each other in ten minutes."

"Who even says I'm talking to Rukia?"

"Please," Karin scoffs again, "you don't like talking to anyone but her. Now give me your phone, you should be mediating on the fact that this is your last ten minutes before you're shackled into the bonds of marriage. Forever and ever, in your case."

"She makes a compelling argument," Rukia tells him, faux seriously. "Maybe I don't want to do this."

"Now look what you did,"  he complains to Karin, "I just tricked her into agreeing to marrying me."

"It only took ten years and three proposals," Karin deadpans, and Rukia's laughter echoes, bubbling like champagne in his chest and splitting his face in an answering grin.

Karin rolls her eyes fondly, shakes her head and says, "C'mon, we gotta finish up or Byakuya will find other people to get married today and I don't like my chances, I've been sitting next to Toshiro, and I don't trust Rangiku not to have volunteered us as tributes."

Ichigo snorts, agrees, and Karin leaves.

Against his ear, Rukia asks him softly, "You ready?"

At that, he huffs out a breath and says, "Always." Then, "And if Byakuya makes me wait longer than I need to to see you, I'll storm the bridal suite in full Bankai."

"You'll ruin your suit," is her derisive sniff.

"Good, tell him that. God knows the kind of fit he'll pull for ruining his color scheme."

She laughs and not for the first time he thinks dazedly I'm going to get to hear that sound for the rest of my life.

As he ends the call, the alarm on his phone from earlier is front and centre with a simple reminder: This is real and this is yours. Don't screw it up.

[photorose11]

Just Friends

I am actually proud of myself for writing another prompt, two days in a row. lol I am actually surprised I am posting this, I had a terrible day. The kind where you get home from work and want to bawl. It hasn’t been easy lately. But writing makes me happy and I was excited to share this. So, here is day ten of Ichiruki month. :)

Disclaimer: I don’t own Bleach, bleh.

_______

“You’re staring, Rukia.”

The raven haired Shinigami looked over from her spot on the sofa to look at Rangiku Matsumoto who had a certain look in her eyes that Rukia simply could not ignore.

“I am not.” Rukia muttered, taking another sip of her drink, making sure to keep her eyes away from Ichigo this time. She heard her friend give a laugh beside her, Rukia looked over to see Rangiku bring her saki bottle to her lips with a grin on her face. Rukia couldn’t help but roll her eyes. What would the 10th Lieutenant know anyway with how intoxicated she was becoming.

Rukia looked around the room, spotting Ishida and Orihime in the corner of the living room discussing something. Orihime was waving her hands around dramatically, obviously telling Ishida something very exciting. Probably another cooking idea she had come up with. Rukia grinned at the look on the Quincy’s face, he seemed perfectly happy with listening to her.

Next Rukia saw Karin, Yuzu and Tōshirō sitting at the kitchen table. Karin showing Tōshirō how to play a certain card game which he was losing at, if the frown on his face was any indication. Isshin was behind Tōshirō, telling him something probably regarding the game. 

Rukia’s gaze went back to Ichigo who was standing inside the entryway of the kitchen, surrounded by Chad, Keigo, Tatsuki and Mizuiro. Rukia assumed they were probably talking about what colleges they would be attending in a few months.

Rukia had not been surprised when Isshin had decided to throw Ichigo a graduation party, although she was a little surprised he was allowing them to drink alcohol. When she questioned him about it before the party, all he had said was that after everything his son and his friends had been through over the years, they were now grown adults.

‘They deserve to relax a little bit, after everything that’s happened. ‘

Rukia could not help but agree with him. As far as she could tell, Ichigo had grown very much in the last few years since she had met him. The last year had been especially hard on him, the Quincy War had taken a toll on all of them but him more then anyone else she knew.

He had stayed in Soul Society the first month after the war, recovering. When he had returned home, Rukia went with him and stayed for a week before returning back to Soul Society. He returned back to school to finish his last year of High School, while Rukia helped rebuild her Division and the Seireitei.

“You should tell him, you know.”

Rukia blinked, breaking out of her daze to turn and look at Rangiku who was smirking at her. Rukia took another sip of her drink before replying to her friend.

“Tell him what?”

Rangiku put an arm around Rukia’s shoulders, practically squishing her to her chest. Rukia scowled, trying to pull away before snatching the saki bottle of out her friends hands. Rangiku watched in amusement as Rukia re filled her cup, before leaning forward and whispered into Rukia’s ear.

“That you loooove him.”

If Rangiku had not grabbed the saki bottle back, Rukia would have dropped it on the floor. She was thankful in that moment but also completely flabbergasted at her friends words. She recovered quickly, taking a large gulp of her drink before settling back into the sofa.

“You’re delusional, Rangiku.”

“You’re in denial, Rukia.”

Said raven haired Shinigami was getting very sick of rolling her eyes. Did her friend even know what she was saying?

“Come on, Rukia. In a few months he will be going off to college. You may not get to see him as often anymore, and I really think now is the best time to tell him.”

Rukia scowled at her friends words. She hated that Rangiku was right. But she knew that she could not tell Ichigo. It wouldn’t be fair to him, or to her. They were from two completely different worlds. She refused to hold him back from living his life. She loved him to much to do that to him.

“We’re just friends.” Rukia said softly, sipping at her drink again. Rangiku looked over, seeing the sad look in Rukia’s eyes. Laying a hand of Rukia’s shoulder, she spoke.

“But you want to be more, and I can bet you he does too. Do you even notice the way he looks at you?”

Rukia gave her friend a questioning look before shaking her head in reply. Rangiku only smiled softly at her before looking towards where Ichigo was. A grin overcame her face.

“Well he’s giving you that look right now.”

Rukia wasn’t sure why, but Rangiku’s words made a chill run down her spine. She could feel Ichigo looking at her, she desperately wanted to know what look Rangiku was talking about.

Before Rukia could think further about it, she stood up before finishing the rest of her drink and handing the now empty cup to Rangiku. Said friend lifted an eyebrow at her in question.

“I’m going to the bathroom.”

With that she walked to the stairs, making her way up the steps; the whole time feeling Ichigo’s gaze still set on her until she vanished out of his view.

—-

By the time Rukia made it to the bathroom, and splashed some cold water on her face; she realized she may have drank a little to much saki. This was the first time drinking in her Gigai and after almost tripping when she entered the bathroom she realized with horror that compared to drinking in Soul Society, her Gigai was making her a lightweight. She was grateful she at least wasn’t seeing double.

As she stood in front of the bathroom sink, she gripped the counter; thinking over what Rangiku had said. Rangiku had first confronted her about Ichigo as soon as she had made it back to Soul Society after he had returned back home. Rukia had ignored all her questions, only saying the one thing she had told her downstairs.

‘We’re just friends.’

The more Rukia thought about it, the more it felt like a lie. Rukia had felt a change in her relationship with Ichigo as soon as the war had ended. As she had watched him recover the first few weeks after, she had been terrified for him. She had hurt for him. Her soul had been in turmoil with feelings that were confusing at the time and still were.

When he had first woken up after the war, she had been right there beside him. They were both shocked when she cried, as soon as he had said her name after opening his eyes for the first time since the war had ended. To her surprise, he had cried too.

It was a defining moment in their relationship. One Rukia had not stopped thinking about since it had happened. Ever since then there had been a gradually slow shift in their relationship. They still bickered, they still got annoyed with one another; but being around him now felt different. It felt more intimate, more meaningful.

Looking in the mirror, she wondered if he felt it too. Giving a sigh, she ran her fingers through her hair before smoothing down her dress. She gave another sigh, feeling extremely conflicted with what to do. It was frustrating her. Considering she was drunk, her frustration was heightened. 

It made her want to scream.

Cursing under her breath, she quickly opened the bathroom door; and gave a sudden yelp when she ran into something. She blinked, noticing a chest in front of her. Realizing she had ran into someone she looked up and met eyes with none other then Ichigo.

Rukia really wanted to scream in frustration.

‘Of course this would happen.’ She thought inwardly, trying to stop the blush she felt forming on her cheeks.

Ichigo looked down at her, his face flushed; probably from the saki.

“Hey. I was just checking on you, you’ve been in there awhile.”

His voice came out husky, much to Rukia’s dread.

‘Why must he sound like that when I’m intoxicated and conflicted?’

Rukia cleared her throat, fidgeting with her hands before looking back up at Ichigo, giving him a grateful smile.

“I’m okay. Just a little dizzy, I think I may have had to much Saki.” She said somewhat in embarrassment. He gave her an incredulous look before grinning down at her.

“Even with how tiny you are I never pictured Rukia Kuchiki as a lightweight.” He said in a teasing tone. Rukia’s blush deepened, as she rolled her eyes before looking off to the side.

“I’m usually not. I think it’s this damn Gigai.” She muttered in annoyance, becoming even more annoyed when Ichigo threw his head back and laughed. Scowling at him, she reached out and poked him hard in the stomach yet it did not faze him.

“I guess we can be lightweights together then. I struggled just making it up the stairs.” He said in clear embarrassment as he rubbed the back of his neck, refusing to meet her eyes. Rukia could only smile at that.

It became silent then, as they stood in the doorway to the bathroom. Rukia could feel the tension in the air growing, and her heart skipped a beat when he reached out one of his hands to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. His hand slowly moving down her arm, to take her hand in his. Rukia realized then that he must be drunk if he’s being this touchy. Ichigo Kurosaki was never touchy.

“I have something to give you.” He said with a smile on his face, as he led her to his bedroom. She followed,her hand still in his. Once in his bedroom, he led her to his bed, motioning for her to sit. He let go of her hand, moving to his desk to open a drawer and pulled out a small box. He sat next to her on the bed, hesitating at first before telling her to lay her hands out palm upwards. She did as he asked, and he laid the small box in her hands.

Rukia looked at it, it was a simple black box. Rukia’s curiosity rose when she glanced over at Ichigo, seeing his face slightly red. He rolled his eyes, as she looked back down at it.

“Open it, Midget.”

Rukia couldn’t help but notice the smile in his voice but also something else. Nervousness?

She opened the box, and saw a key inside attached to a key ring. Also attached to it was a small Chappy keychain which Rukia instantly found adorable. She set the box down beside her on the bed, pulling the key ring out as she held it in her hands.

“What is this for?” She asked softly. The room was silent as she turned her head to look at Ichigo, another chill running down her spine as her violent eyes met his. There was something intense about the way he was looking at her.

‘Is this the look Rangiku had been talking about?’

“It’s a spare key to my dorm room at the University. I’m moving into a newer building, I’ll be the first person to be living in that room so they already sent me a key for it. I wanted you to have one so I made a copy for you.” He said softly as he stared back at her.

Rukia blinked, feeling her throat tighten at his words. It was something so simple, yet it made her want to cry. It was such a sweet gesture for him to do for her. She broke her gaze from his, running her finger over the key before admiring the Chappy key chain.

“I know you have your own life in Soul Society and I know you’ve been really busy since the war ended. I know.. that I won’t get to see you as often anymore once I leave for college but I want you to know you’re always welcome to visit me; when you have the time. Even if you just need to get away from Soul Society for a bit and to take a break, I want you to know that you’re always welcome.”

After his somewhat long explanation, Rukia couldn’t stop the smile that was tugging at her lips nor could she stop the tears from forming in her eyes. Even if she had not been drunk, this would still make her want to cry. Rukia’s heart felt full. Running her fingers over the key and Chappy key chain again, Rukia knew what she wanted. 

It wasn’t just ‘being friends’ with him. 

The realization made her heart race and more tears gather in her eyes.

Ichigo leaned down, trying to see her face. He saw a smile, but was nervous with how silent she was being. It was very unlike Rukia.

“Ichigo... this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.” Rukia whispered through her tears, before looking up at him. His eyes widened when he saw the tears in her eyes.

“Hey, why are you crying? Don’t cry.” He said concerned, reaching a hand out to wipe her tears away.

“I can’t help it, fool.” She whispered, as she smiled up at him. His hand stilled on her cheek as he gazed down at her.

“Why would you do this for me?” She asked him gently, breaking their gaze to look back down at the key ring in her hand.

“What do you mean why? You’re my best friend.” He said it in a way that made Rukia realize he was definitely nervous. Ichigo was not the kind of person to randomly do things such as this for someone. So why her?

She looked back up at him to see him rubbing his neck nervously, looking away from her. He still had his hand on her cheek, until she gently laid a hand over his and put it down to rest between them. She kept her hand in his. Wrapping her other hand around the key chain, she stared at their intertwined hands as Ichigo did the same. The tension was back, this time much stronger. She was sure he noticed it too.

“Thank you so much, Ichigo. This means so much to me.” Her words came out so softly, Ichigo couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows at the tone in her voice. She sounded happy, but also a little but sad.

Before he could reply back, Rukia stood up suddenly; her hand leaving his. He watched her walk over to the closet, laying a hand over the closet door before turning around and giving him a coy smile.

“Will I still have my own comfy closet to sleep in?” He rolled his eyes, a smile on his face.

“You can have the closet, midget.”

Rukia smiled wide at his answer, watching as he stood up and stretched; walking over to her.

“Can I decorate your dorm room with Chappy?” She asked excitedly. He gave her a deadpanned expression, but couldn’t help but grin at her facial expression. She was particularly adorable when she became excited, definitely when it was over Chappy the rabbit.

“Three Chappy items, tops.” He said, pointing a finger at her. She gave a small laugh, before taking a step closer to him. He silently watched her movements, as she gently took his hand in hers again.

“I’m really proud of you.”

“Rukia..”

The room became silent again, as he stared down at her. Her head was bowed, only a few inches away from his chest. He really wanted to bring her closer. To hold her.

He did not want her to leave back to Soul Society.

Before he could move, Rukia lifted her head up; smiling softly at him. The tears were back in her eyes, it made his chest hurt.

“We should head back downstairs before anyone starts looking for us.” She said gently, before letting go of his hand and turning towards the bedroom door. He watched her turn away from him, and he knew.

He couldn’t let her walk away.

Not with things like this.

She was his best friend, but Ichigo wondered if she suspected how much he truly did care for her. How much he loved her. How much he didn’t want to ever let her go.

It happened in slow motion for Ichigo.

Putting caution to the wind, he reached his hand back out to grab hers, twirling her around. His other hand went to the side of her face as he leaned down and kissed her, before she could say a word.

To his surprise, it wasn’t awkward. Even though it was his first kiss. He felt her grip his hand tight as she deepened the kiss, her hand still holding onto the key ring went to his chest but she did not push away. Her fingers curled around his shirt, bringing him closer.

A moment later, she slowly broke the kiss and took in a deep breath before opening her violet eyes to look up into his. She gaped at him, trying to form words.

“What-“

“You are my best friend, Rukia. But you’re more then that. You’re so much more then just a friend.”

They stared at one another for a long moment before a smile appeared on Rukia’s face, as her grip on the front of his shirt tightened.

“I know.”

It was only two words, but he understood. He smirked as she leaned up to kiss him, as his arm wrapped around her waist; bringing her closer to him. To his amusement he was almost lifting her off of her feet, as her hand left his; her arm wrapping around his neck.

He did not want to ever let her go.

—-

It had been twenty minutes since Ichigo had gone upstairs to check on Rukia, and Rangiku was beyond curious at what was taking him so long. She gave a smirk at the suspicion she had in her head, before moving to the stairs; saki bottle still in hand. No one noticed her move up the stairs, everyone to entertained by Karin beating Tōshirō against the card game.

Once up the stairs, she slowly walked to Ichigo’s bedroom seeing the light on. She couldn’t keep the smile off her face as she made it to the doorway, peaking her head in slowly to find her two friends very close, much to close...

Her eyes widened as she slapped a hand over her mouth upon witnessing Ichigo move Rukia against the closet door. Before she could comprehend what she was witnessing, she quickly reached for the door handle and silently closed the bedroom door.

This was certainly private.

The Lieutenant could barely hold in her laughter once the door was closed, before turning away and walking down the hallway; a grin on her face.

‘Just friends, huh Rukia?’

Once walking down the stairs, she couldn’t hold in her laughter anymore.

She was rather excited to have a certain conversation with Rukia tomorrow, that entailed her asking Rukia again if her and Ichigo were really ‘just friends’.

[hesesols]

Decidedly So

Day 14 and 15 of Ichiruki month 2020

When you're secretly dating your boss's sister, you just know that someone in the universe is out to get you and your love life.

Rating: M (suggestive themes)

FF/ao3

His Adam's apple bobs as his thumb hovers over the Send button.

A deep, shuddering breath later- the deed is done and he is reclining against the back of the chair, fingers shaking.

Ichigo is nervous.

For obvious reasons- it's not every day that you finally summon the courage to send nudes to your tentative girlfriend of seven months and counting. A task made infinitely more daunting when said woman has the face of an angel, a ruthless sense of humour that cuts you deep and never fails to make you smile and your heart skips a beat when a small teasing touch of her hand lingers for a second too long on yours and the sight of her smile makes you want to squish her apple cheeks so badly.

His love for her makes him stupid- stupid enough to tempt fate and risk certain ruination when Rukia also happens to be the precious sister of his boss and as of now, the man probably still has no idea that the two are dating.

But Ichigo digresses. They're both consenting and legal adults. She can date whoever she wants and they've been going strong and he thinks he's five minutes away from blurting out 'I love you's whenever he's in her presence for too long and it makes him giddy.

And the sex—

.

Oh dear LORD, has he mentioned how absolutely obscene she is in bed with him? There's a thing she does with her tongue and—

.

He clears his throat.

So what's wrong with showing a little skin- it's all in good fun right?

It's not like he's shy of his body- his very manly biceps and triceps and pecs, the sight of which that he swears he sees Rukia surreptitiously glancing at during staff meetings before averting her gaze, a flush of pink staining her cheeks, a rare stutter to her words after she pointedly clears her throat.

By all accounts, it wasn't even a full nude- just a very tastefully rendered picture of him- fresh out the shower, terry cloth covering his lower torso; bare-chested and smirking into the mirror.

He's just teasing her.

I mean- that's what couples in love do right?

.

Right?

.

.

He frowns, getting up to pace the room as the phone lays quiet and silent.

No, he takes it back. It's a terrible idea, probably one of the worst he's ever had- right next to the one where he decided to take up the position of head of security and personal bodyguard for the illustrious Kuchiki CEO.

She's taking too long to reply. Granted it's not like he's expecting her to reply with a nude of her own or something.

.

Though it would be nice.

.

His mind is being worked into a frenzy of paranoia. What if he messed up?

What if he offended her?

He's a mess of cold sweat and sweaty palms when he finally gets a ping from his phone.

.

.

Oh fuck!

FF/ao3

Review, reblog, comment and/or like to send some love my way my pretties~~~

[biribirichan1]

Our Futures

Ichigo scowled at his surroundings. He didn’t think middle school could get any worse than today, really. For starters, why were they being forced to write about what they wanted to be when they grew up? They were only 12 year olds! Wasn’t it a stretch to think you’d know what wanted to do for the rest of your life in 6th grade? His father had told him to think of it as an exercise. But what a useless exercise it was. And then to have it read aloud to the entire class? That was mortifying.

One by one, he heard his classmates echoes of doctor, lawyer, engineer, vet being said out loud as the sensei called out the students’ names. His turn was coming soon. He briefly pondered saying something funny like wanting to be a ghost buster or a spirit chaser like Don Kanoji, but he thought better of it. He already got a lot of flack for his bright orange hair - safer to just go with his pre-rehearsed answer.

“Kurosaki,” the teacher called.

Ichigo stood up. “Hai. My dad owns a clinic, so I’ll become a doctor and take it over from him.”

“Wonderful, Kurosaki. You may sit down. Let’s see who’s next. Ah, Kuchiki.”

As Ichigo was sitting down, he saw the new dark haired transfer student stand up, a glint in her impossibly violet eyes.

“I want to be a professional gamer when I grow up.”

There was pin drop silence in the classroom.

Ichigo gawked at her. What was this girl even saying? Sure, he contented, every kid that loves games wanted to be a professional gamer, but who actually admits to something like that? In a classroom? In front of a teacher! He had to admit this girl had guts.

The teacher had recovered from his initial shock. “Kuchiki, by professional gamer do you mean you want to play video games?”

“I was thinking of specifically joining the leagues for Overwatch, Sensei. My specialty is DPS, so skills like mine are always needed.”

Ichigo balked. Was this girl seriously trying to explain the concept of damage per second to the teacher? He looked from her to the teacher who looked like he was really struggling to come up with an appropriate thing to say.

"Kuchiki, I really recomme -” The rest of the teachers words were drowned out by the sound of the lunch bell. “Okay class, we’ll resume this conversation next time.”

Ichigo half smiled to himself. At least class wasn’t as boring as he’d initially thought it would be. Maybe today wasn’t so bad after all.

...

Returning to the classroom after buying lunch, his scowl came back on. He should have figured this would happen. His classmates were already borderline cold to Kuchiki, and now with her bold declaration, it seemed like they were intent on isolating her. Everyone had steered their desks away from hers and the classroom was full of whispers like, “A girl gamer, how weird” and “She just wants attention to herself.”

Ichigo looked over at the girl sitting with a defiant expression on her face. “I shouldn’t meddle with this - she looks like she can handle herself,” he thought to himself. Just as he had resolved to go sit with his usual friends, he heard someone calling her the “ice princess” and saw her mask of determination crack just a little. It was so little in fact, that he wondered if he had imagined it, because the next second she was snarling at the boy who had hurled the comment at her saying, “Too scared to say that to my face aren’t you? Want me to trounce you here or in a game? Both will be equally humiliating. For you.”

Ichigo was impressed. He wished he could have as much passion for what he wanted to do like this girl. Gripping his tray, he made up his mind.

“Hi. Kuchiki Rukia, wasn’t it? I’m Kurosaki Ichigo. I play Overwatch too.”

The girls eyes lit up like the fireworks in the summer. “Really, what’s your handle name?”

“I’m Berry015. It’s a pun on my name. What’s yours?”

The girl laughed. “Hi Berry015. I’m Death13.”

...

Written for Ichiruki Month 2020 Day 16 AU Prompt: Video Games. I’m not a gamer, but it was actually a lot of fun to write this story and learn some terms from the hubby. Hope you enjoyed!

[artificial-daydream]

reach the zenith

Rating: T Fandom: Bleach (Ichigo x Rukia) Summary: They both had a fight and for the whole week, Rukia decided to avoid him like the plague. Ichigo would have tried to approach her faster if only she didn’t have different alpha’s scent marks covering her every day. Pissed was putting it mildly. (ABO Verse)

Notes: Participation of IchiRuki month, day 3 and 12. Also posted this on my ao3. Majorly inspired by @everything-withered ‘s work, “Push My Luck”.

Big thanks to @hesesols because halfway through this fic, I was on major block but their participation pushed me to struggle through it.

Today sucks. No, scratch that- this whole week sucks.

Right at the corner of the hallway, Ichigo can see the person he has been looking for these past days. He can recognize those pair of violet eyes anywhere in the crowds. However, before he could actually approach her, she had fled from his sight- again.

He sniffed the spot Rukia had been. The stink of another alpha was thick enough to overlap her own scent. Ichigo snarled- That’s it. He didn’t care if Rukia was still mad. He had to talk to her.

To live up to his determination, he stormed out to the places Rukia usually went to the university. However, the omega in her was so fast to figure out how near he was, he didn’t even catch anything besides her leftover smell.

A vein popped on his forehead. She thinks she can get away avoiding him like this? Oh no, today she won’t. Ichigo could barely hold his anger for a second, let alone another 24 hours.

Ichigo sighed. He was about to go crazy with all these pent-up frustrations. They both had a fight and for the whole week, Rukia decided to avoid him like the plague. Ichigo would have tried to approach her faster if only she didn’t have different alpha’s scent marks covering her every day. Pissed was putting it mildly.

This was all Rukia’s fault. Usually, he would let her cool off a bit before actually chasing her down, but his patience was running thin. She really had the nerve to let another alpha marked their scent on her just to drive him off. Contrary to her belief, the scent of another alpha taunts him. If he knew who the alpha was, he definitely would have ripped their head off.

He almost fist-bumped himself when he discovered her figure from the distance- near enough for him to recognize her, but far enough for Rukia to not discover him. This was it. His chance was handed to him on a silver plate; he just had to figure out the best approach so she could never squirm her way out.

The best course of action was the last thing expected. Ichigo decided to face Rukia upfront, and once she was caught off guard, he had his grip locked on her wrist; firm enough to keep her movements in bay.

His eyes glowered, his teeth gritted. “Where do you think you’re going?” He knew the woman in front of him would not be fazed by his intimidation; or even if she was, she would never show it. Yet there was something inside him roaring to be shown- to be acknowledged by his partner and needing attention.

The stink of another alpha was thicker once they met. He noted that she didn’t even try to conceal with blockers. The actuality nerved him. He felt her slight shudder when he instinctively growled. “Where I’m going is none of your business.” Violet eyes glared back unwaveringly at his strong stare.

“Look, Rukia,” Ichigo began, “the least you can do is tell me what went wrong.”

“Nothing went wrong.” Rukia replied in matter-of-fact tone.

“Then what the fuck are you so pissed off about?!”

“I am not pissed.”

Ichigo glares, “Don’t lie. You are mad because of what happened with Senna.”

“What happened? Oh, how you were on top of Senna that night when you knew she had been pining on you since the first semester?” Rukia fumed. “That has nothing to do with me.”

“You say that,” Ichigo began, “but you doused yourself with another alpha’s scent right the very next day.”

“That is an entirely different matter,” Rukia justified, “and you have no right to inquire about this subject.”

Ichigo scowls, “You don’t understand-”

“You’re right, I don’t,” Rukia cut off sharply, “and I don’t want to so just fuck off.”

You know Rukia was intensely furious once she emphasized swearing words in public. This time, he didn’t try to resist when she tried to break off his grip and walked away.

-----

It came close on blowing out of proportion.

The moment he interrupted, he wasn’t even trying to. Ichigo didn’t even plan on bothering her tonight, he only wanted to take a look of her from afar. He assumed he should wait for Rukia to calm down by the weekend and maybe the next Monday, they could talk. The plan was thrown out of the window, however, once he saw Rukia on the barstool with someone next to her.

At first he was only watching, his eyes attentively trying to make out their dialogue. The insistent alpha was coming close- too close to actual cross personal boundaries. At first it was palpable how much Rukia constrained herself. The crossing line was the moment that alpha actually tried to cop a feel.

It didn’t take long until Rukia decided to kick the alpha in the shin. Ichigo restrained himself on butting in because he knew Rukia could handle herself and for the love of Chappy, everyone knows how much she needed to blow off her steam. His plan went well until he saw Rukia getting hurt; the alpha actually dared to attack back and land a punch on her.

He just, snapped.

Everything went red. He didn’t think when he furiously launched. Ichigo didn’t even realize what happened after- his thoughts were filled with unyielding killing intent. He tried to calm himself but he was downright enraged. His shoulders were rigid, his throat felt tight. His whole muscles were tense and his eyes flared with full animosity.

A tug was felt on his sleeve. The familiar sweet scent reaches out slowly, crippling his senses and altered his attention. The alpha he just attacked fled in such hurry at the chance, lost in the crowds and forgotten by the more important presence across.

Once his head was starting to get clear, the first thing he felt was pair of soothing palms cupping his cheeks. His sights were still blurry and his knuckles felt sore.

“Ichigo, focus.”

And he did.

Once his sight was centered into one point, the blurry lines slowly came into apparent picture. The first thing he noticed was pair of violet eyes staring intensely towards him, locking him with the gaze that pierced something within him. He was heaving, gasping for air as sweats trickled his facial features- his whole body was trembling.

“Rukia,” he instinctively called out, flinching at his weakened voice as he frantically scanned her whole body. He searched for any possible bruises or scratches, but his roaming hands were halted before he could finish his attempt.

“You fool,” she barked, “you are more hurt than I am.”

He didn’t even realize until she stated so. Now that his attention averted to his own self, he noticed his sore knuckles were dripping with a mixture of his wound and the opponent’s blood. The sight was enough to make an eleven-year-old to grimace but-

“This is nothing,” Ichigo replied, “you’ve seen me ten times worse.”

Rukia frowned. She opened her mouth as if she was ready to counter back but then paused with no words coming out of the syllables. She decided to settle with a sigh, eyes still glaring as she tugged his shirt to follow her- so he did.

She led him to the parking lot, telling him to get his ass inside the car before drove it herself. The whole journey was filled with silence, then Rukia decided to drag him inside her flat so she can tend to his wound. Again, Ichigo complies- most of his intention was to make sure her flat wasn’t raided with the stink of another alpha.

He was ecstatic to learn it wasn’t. The living room was filled with the usual scent, no leftover of another person’s sleepover which meant Rukia did not actually sleep with anybody else. Once Rukia left to retrieve her first aid kit, Ichigo sat on the couch- the usual spot he trademarked inside Rukia’s flat.

Rukia came back with a box of kits with her. Once she began to treat his hands, Ichigo decided to break the silence.

“So,” he began, “you didn’t bring anyone here after all.”

“Bold of you to assume we weren’t doing it in his flat instead.” Rukia countered, head not looking up as she still concentrated on the task at hand.

Ichigo growls, “did you?”

“No.”

It was to be expected. No matter how angry Rukia was, she would still have common senses. There was no way she would actually bring herself to another alpha’s flat just to piss him off. Still, Ichigo needed to ask for confirmation anyway.

Once Rukia finished her treatment, she was about to head to the kitchen and return the kit. Before she could, her wrist was locked by Ichigo, his amber eyes now filled with certainty as he speaks, “We need to talk.”

The tone was final; without room for Rukia to argue. He was tired as hell and he was sure Rukia knew that. Probably being most of the reason why Rukia actually relented despite a full week of stubbornness.

“I don’t think there is anything we actually need to discuss.”

“Rukia,” Ichigo groaned in frustration, “tell me. What was the actual reason you have been avoiding me?”

There was the silence. It was always that pause of silence whenever Ichigo guessed something right. Something was bothering her but he didn’t know what.

Rukia sighs, finally relenting. “I know what you want to say.”

Ichigo furrows his eyebrows in confusion, “What do I want to say?”

“Don’t do this, Ichigo. Senna already reached out to me.” She said. “I just- I just needed time to prepare-”

“Hold on,” Ichigo cut her off, “Prepare for what?”

“For bracing myself to actually listen to you,” She inhaled, eyes averting his stare as she proceeds to say the next word, “because you want to say that Senna is your true mate.”

Ichigo blanked out, thinking he had actually heard that wrong. “I’m sorry, you were saying?”

“… That you and Senna are true mates.”

“And how the hell did you come up with that conclusion?”

Rukia frowns, “what do you mean? That night at the party proved everything.”

“You mean by me falling on top of Senna, either of us fully clothed, with no single strand of hair misplaced?”

“Wha- Fine, I was there before you two started, so what?” Rukia huffed. “Not changing the fact you two actually did the deed.”

“Oh my God,” Ichigo gaped, “you can’t be this stupid. I never did anything with Senna, there was nothing going on between me and her.”

“What?” Her brain trying to register the sudden take of information, “that can’t be, Inoue testified and everything…”

“I can’t believe you actually believed in Inoue.”

She glares, “Inoue likes you, Ichigo. Why would she actually said that about you and Senna if she wanted people to believe you like her?”

“Because,” Ichigo breathed, “she wanted us to grow apart,” then he actually delved deeper, “because I love you.”

Her eyes glisten in the soft flickering light, “you drank too much.”

“I didn’t drink. I was at the bar because I wanted to watch over you.”

Her train of thoughts stopped its tracks. Love was a heavy thing to weigh on, especially for Ichigo. He did not confess with a ‘like’, it was as if he was so sure about the way he was feeling- about where this was heading. Rukia couldn’t help but wonder how long had he known and controlled it by himself. Alphas were known to be adversely possessive.

Rukia did not immediately reply because this was not what she prepared herself for. There was Ichigo, her best friend in this lifetime professing his actual feeling they both had never bring up in their relationship.

“You can’t say that out of the blue,” Rukia muttered, “we never talked about any of this.”

There were many things to consider between them. What was the becoming of their relationship? What will go differently? What if they decided things were not working out- will they still be friends then? Even if they were, will things ever go the same?

 “I’ve got to get it off my chest,” Ichigo admitted, “you keep speculating each time and I know this might ruin everything, but we can’t keep pushing it down- I can’t keep pushing it down because it’s driving me crazy. And,” he took a deep breath, “and if you don’t feel the same then-”

“Whoa, whoa, slow down your horses,” Rukia quickly cut him off, “and you say I’m the one who keeps speculating.”

Ichigo arches an eyebrow, “so does that mean you feel the same?”

“It’s funny, isn’t it.” Rukia considered with a glint of amusement. “That we both knew, but never said anything.”

“Never felt like it needed saying.” Ichigo’s gaze was intent, a finger teased over her lip as he leaned closer in half-whisper, “would you like me to say it now?”

Rukia hummed, slightly parting her lips in complement as she decided to reduce the distance between them. Once they were mere few centimeters apart, she swore her stomach did a flip.

“Maybe after,”

Then their lips met.

[fangirlfindings]

Fic: Crossroads of Fate

Prompt: IchiRuki Month 2020, AU week, Day 20: Romeo and Juliet

Fandom: Bleach + Doctor Who

Pairings: IchiRuki

Genre: Drama / Romance / Friendship

Rating: T

Summary: It was Ichigo’s birthday, and Rukia was not going to visit.

But fate was a funny thing. While some events were fixed into the flow of reality as if carved into stone, others only needed a slight nudge into place for destiny to unfold as it should. Even in the form of a simple meal with her time-traveling friend.

AO3 | FF.net

Chapter 1: Luminous Encounters

 Yon light is not daylight, I know it, I.

 It is some meteor that the sun exhaled

 To be to thee this night a torchbearer

 And light thee on thy way to Mantua.

 Therefore stay yet. Thou need’st not to be gone.

     Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene V  

 In the aftermath of the war, Rukia did not have time for mourning. She suspected she was not alone in that, as Shinigami of all ranks and divisions were easily busy with any number of tasks as the process of rebuilding began. The dead would be tended to according to procedure and tradition, of course. A brief moment would be spared for ceremony and duty as was appropriate. But dying in the line of duty was a possibility that loomed over every Shinigami in some way. They could not change the fate of the fallen, she knew. They could only move forward.

 Rukia had lost count of how many times she reminded herself of that fact within the last few days.

 Her position as Lieutenant had its own share of responsibility, and her time was not her own. As their acting-captain, the Thirteenth Division relied on her more than ever before. Each day brought face after face in front of her, many she had only seen in passing, others completely new. They came to her with similar expressions and the same needs, almost like lost children who sought the comfort and guidance of a parent. Did she look that way, wide-eyed and uncertain of the future, when she first entered their company? Was it really so long ago?

 She could not blame them, given the constant reminder brought by their dear captain’s absence.

 There seemed to be no end to her duties. She was thankful for it, in many ways, as she could not let her mind drift in thought so long as she had work to do. She could not afford to be distracted by other, minor things such as grieving.

 Despite the challenges that lay ahead, there was still a lingering feeling of celebration, of relief. The sense that they could truly move towards the future. It was not spoken of or openly discussed, but the feeling of hope was prevalent throughout the divisions.

 It did not take long for the celebrations to begin.

 Some gatherings were more modest than others. The sake seemed to appear out of nowhere, and in surprisingly large quantities. It was no surprise to find her own friends amongst them gathering in a courtyard near the Thirteenth Division training grounds. Rukia found she was eager to join them- both as a reprieve from her duties, and as a means to see her friends. She doubted she had shared more than a few words with them over the past two days. As she arrived in the clearing she saw them standing as a group- Ichigo’s bright hair sticking out as a beacon, though only slightly more so than Renji’s vibrant red or Chad’s towering height. A smile came to her face, possibly for the first time in so many days. She joined them to hear the end of some sort of joke from Renji (though she was not sure she wanted to hear the beginning) and laughed with them despite herself. It was a pleasant, familiar feeling standing alongside them. Someone offered her sake, which she declined. She could hardly afford to impair her judgement as an acting-captain- Although that had not stopped so many Lieutenants and Captains, she mused. Rukia - especially as a Kuchiki- had different standards to uphold.

 She did not need the alcohol to enjoy herself that night. No, it was easy enough to simply feel the threads of familiarity and trust that bonded them together.

 The moment of peace did not last. It only took a simple glance towards the tree along the east end, the one where the two lowest branches reached almost to the ground, where she saw someone sitting cross-legged with a cup held in their lap. The image triggered a memory unbidden, her mind suddenly seeing her departed Captain sitting under that same tree and smiling at her kindly. It jolted through her without warning, her expression frozen, as she was no longer in the courtyard surrounded by celebrating friends. She fought to mask her expression out of reflex, the result of years of living under the scrutiny of nobles and judgemental Shinigami alike. Turning on her heel, her gaze kept firmly on the ground, she mumbled an apology and stepped out of the courtyard. It only took a few steps to bring her to a secluded walkway hidden in the darkness from prying eyes. Only the faint moonlight cast shadows from the nearby roofs, allowing her to stay in darkness.She was grateful for that, given how clumsy she felt. A hand briefly reached out to the closest wall to steady herself. There was a sound of air, repetitive, that she slowly realized was her own loud and uneven breathing. Part of her thought of how weak she must have looked then. It was not befitting for a Kuchiki or an officer. Her back was not straight, she had lost her composure entirely, falling prey to such emotions...

 She wasn’t surprised to hear Ichigo approaching but a moment later. She could hear the concern and worry in his voice, the gentle tones and words of support, although she did not notice the words. Then he was holding her against him in a firm embrace, his warm arms wrapped around her small form with her face pressed against his chest. All thoughts of proper noble behavior left far behind.

 Rukia did not cry. No, she was still too disciplined for that. As in all other times, her tears were saved for moments in the night when no one could see. A Kuchiki did not cry, she stubbornly believed. But it was only barely she resisted the urge, her heart heavy in her chest and the sudden torrent of so many emotions was almost too much to bear. With Ichigo’s arms gently yet firmly holding her, her face against his chest and fitting perfectly under his chin. His rhythmic breathing felt just above her head, tickling her hair. She closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth his embrace gave her. Her shoulders sagged and she realized how tense her muscles had been.

 She took another breath, after several long moments, and had calmed. Her breathing was still not as steady as it should have been. But that did not concern her. She only thought of the soothing motions of Ichigo’s hands against her back and the murmured words of comfort said in barely heard tones. The wounds of her heart were still present... No, it would be some time before she could truly move forward from her Captain’s death. But she no longer felt the cutting grief from earlier that reached to her heart.

 Slowly, she took a step backwards and moved to separate. Her violet eyes opened hesitantly as she moved away. Ichigo’s hands lingered on her arms absently and she finally met his gaze, realizing just how close they were still standing, what small distance there was between them. She was entranced, utterly so, by his amber eyes. It was in that moment that she realized two startling revelations that shook her to the core.

 The first was that she was in love with Ichigo Kurosaki, completely and utterly. No, it was not a new thought to her- For too long she had dwelled on it over the past two years, her mind going in circles over her feelings and what he truly meant to her. Her mind had moved between outright denial and full acknowledgement for some time, constantly hovering just at the edge that would mean fully embracing it. She was too stubborn for it and cited the many reasons why her feelings for him could not be. Until now. And for that single moment, it was hard to breathe.

 The second discovery was frightening in its own way. In the many times she had looked him in the eye, Rukia had seen a myriad of emotions borne out of so many situations. Concern, frustration, anger, determination, kindness, happiness- But not that. No, this was different from any time before it- or had she simply never noticed? A burning gaze with an intensity and passion all its own that threatened to encompass her. Love.

 Her lips parted slightly out of surprise, her chest feeling heavy and yet light. She could not look away from him. No, she was helplessly entranced- and suddenly mindful of the flicker of his gaze to her lips, a fluttering feeling coming to her chest despite the chaos in her mind that verged on panic. The conflict with the flicker of joy in her heart. They were moving closer now. His face was nearly to hers-

 “Lieutenant Kuchiki?”

 The power of his eyes, of      him    , was shattered. Rukia froze, and it took her longer than it should have to recover and step away. A Thirteenth Division member stood hesitantly nearby calling for her attention. What he said, she did not hear.

 She tore her eyes away, though it took every ounce of her resolve. Her eyes shut tightly and she was thankful they were standing in shadow. Her throat was tight, thick, and she hoped she was able to control her expression with the mask she wore when weakness threatened to overcome her. Not trusting her voice, she tersely shook her head in a way only Ichigo could see.

 She turned to follow her subordinate and walked away.

 ---

 Summer in Karakura Town was just as hot as Rukia remembered. The sounds of the cicadas with their constant sirens was comfortingly familiar. She stood idly outside of the Urahara store in her newly inhabited gigai, and was thankful to remember a wide-brimmed hat as part of her living world outfit. It had been some time since her last visit- No, that could not be. It was not as long as it felt, she knew. Had the war truly only ended a month before?

 Her visit to the living world that day was not a personal one. The Thirteenth Division still served as a link to the ‘persons of interest’ in the living world, just as before. It was somewhat strange to think she was considered an expert in the human world. The not-quite-enemies who called themselves Vizards, traitors, or otherwise who still resided in the living world were kept within close contact. She only needed to pay a brief visit amongst them to fulfill her mission that day.

 With a glance at her surroundings, Rukia found her bearings on her location and where she needed to go next. She knew the roads all too well, and they were familiar enough that she noticed the smallest of changes as she walked. The small udon store that was located towards the east, for instance, now passed ownership to the eldest son of the family. She gave a polite nod as she walked by, the young man pausing in his sweeping to wave. There was a new coat of paint on the burger restaurant which caused the sign to appear an even brighter yellow than before. The apartment building to her left, a multi-level tower filled with families, always changed in the toys left outside on the balconies. One unit on the end, on the second floor, usually had beautiful quilts hung out to dry. They were always of brilliant hues that were soothing and pleasant to look at. An old woman lived there. Sometimes she was visited by her family.

 There was also a music academy located nearby, she remembered. It was not uncommon for various melodies to carry through the air, wafting about in an invisible current that soothed her. (Unless the young blonde-haired man was practicing his flute that day. He was in need of the lessons, she mused.)

 Rukia wasn’t sure when she had gotten distracted and lost in thought. She paused in her steps to see where she was- startled, freezing in place. Without thinking, she had started on a different route, another path clear in her memory, so familiar that she could not forget the way no matter how long it had been. She had no intention of going there, that day. It was fortunate she caught herself before getting too close and not in front of the clinic itself. Were her friends gathered there now? Part of her wondered if she was close enough to be sensed by them. Ishida perhaps, or even Isshin. But she doubted the others would notice her presence lingering blocks away. Ichigo would not know she was there.

 She was such a fool, she thought bitterly.

 No, she would not be distracted. She could not- would not dwell on it. But still her gaze lingered off to the street ahead of her. Too easily she knew the way, could picture in her mind that just down that road, taking a turn left, a turn right, and then past the home with the sky blue paint and the corner plant with pink streaks in the leaves-

 Her eyes shut in a grimace as she willed herself back to the present. She would focus. She knew better than to let her mind wander towards pointless things. There was no point in it, she repeated to herself once more. Focus.

 Still she paused, her steps hesitant, before she turned back the way she came. It was not terribly far from her original route, making another turn here and there to once again move in the right direction.

 She had only taken so many steps before she felt it. It wasn’t the same as a spiritual signature of a Shinigami, Hollow, or otherwise, but it caught her attention nonetheless. It was faint, hazy, as if barely on her periphery. It also felt familiar. The more she fixated on the feeling, the harder it was to understand or identify. Frowning and somewhat alert, she moved quickly in the direction of the signature darting down streets and sidewalks. She was close, whatever it was. It wasn’t until she was mere feet away that she recognized it for what it was.

 Rukia rounded the final corner, and her eyes widened.

 She hadn’t expected the feeling of nostalgia that rushed over her, in that moment, as she found herself looking directly at the blue wooden box with ‘Police’ written above in English letters. It looked the same as she remembered from her impromptu extended 'vacation' that night years ago. That night she met her not-human friend of the living world and the many things beyond.

 Then the doors opened, and another familiar sight greeted her which brought a smile to her face. Her very unusual, very strange friend looked just the same as before. His spiked brown hair, his striped suit, and even his brown coat had not changed. But that was to be expected, she supposed- like Shinigami, time did not pass for him as it did for humans. There was also the matter of travelling through time itself.

 She smirked, folding her arms in front of her chest. “I had wondered if you would come back. It has been too long, Doctor.”

 His attention was on her in an instant, his face breaking into an surprised yet excited grin. “Rukia Kuchiki! I thought I might find you here-” He stopped, standing closer to her now and examining her curiously. “You’ve cut your hair,” He noted with surprise.

 Rukia blinked, lifting a hand to the hair that fell just past her ears idly. “Ah- Yes, that is right,” as if she had forgotten and realized it for herself.

 More than that, however, he seemed curious- something in the way he looked at her, yet distracted in thought. “Oh, well then- That’s interesting,” He noted.

 She frowned. “What is it?”

 “Nothing, nothing at all,” He said too casually. “I- Well,” he started, then paused. “How long has it been since you saw me last?”

 “Nearly two years. Why?”

 He sniffed, eyes widened slightly. “Ah.”

 Her brows furrowed slightly. “What is it?” Her tone was slightly firmer, then.

 The Doctor shrugged again, too casually and flippantly for Rukia to believe. “Oh, it doesn’t matter really… Not important.”

 She continued to regard him carefully, verging on suspicion. Something in his words and behavior told her he knew more than he let on, as if there was a joke only he was aware of. She would need to force the information out of him later.

 “What are you doing here?” She asked.

 “I’m- Here to get a bite to eat, actually,” He admitted. It wasn’t another moment before his typical enthusiasm returned. “Did you know that the best soba noodles I’ve ever tasted are right here in Karakura Town? Little shop, been in the same family for generations. Been going there before there was a town, really. Although a hovercart in NeoKyoto comes close.”

 She paused, blinking. “You are here for… noodles?”

 “Oh yeah,” He said as if it were the most obvious thing to know, smiling cheekily. “Can’t find better soba anywhere else in the universe. And believe me, I’ve tried.”

 “Hm. I was not aware,” She said simply. It was not surprising to know there was much to Karakura Town she had yet to learn. The living world had many, many interesting things to offer that were completely unheard of in Soul Society. Trying the different foods was always something Rukia particularly enjoyed. Even such foods as ‘curry’ which looked like mud, but instead tasted spicy. Or ‘pizza’ with tomatoes, meats, and vegetables on large pieces of bread. Such things were rare, if not impossible to find outside of the living world. Although soba noodles were commonly served in Soul Society, the thought of trying them in Karakura Town was appealing. There was also the prospect of catching up with a friend, besides.

 She could delay her duties, just this once, eager for the distraction. The thought of simply sitting down for a period of time with food, for the sole purpose of eating and visiting with a friend, certainly had its appeal. When was the last time she simply relaxed in such a way? Rukia couldn’t remember. Her own cyclical and dismal thoughts, she knew from experience, made for poor company.

 “Is it nearby?” She asked, excitement starting to color her voice. She glanced around briefly, as if she could see it from where they stood.

 “You want to come too?” He asked, surprised, yet strangely uncertain to a degree. It was not what she expected of him.

 “Of course. You do not have a choice in the matter. Now, where is it?” She asked easily, speaking as if stating an obvious fact. His hesitation ignored.

 Rukia was unsure of his expression then, of his exact thoughts or feelings from merely studying his face. To her surprise, he seemed to be considering something, inwardly debating with himself over whatever it was she could not know. It started to irritate her, somewhat, in how he was not open with what he thought. But his internal debate seemed to vanish just as quickly as it had come, as he regarded her with a cheeky smile, his voice exaggerated yet amused. “Oh, I suppose I could let you come along.”

 She smirked.

[Chapter 2: Regrets]

[handsome-kakigori]

[IR Month Day 3: Stars in Your Eyes]

[id-art]

(Follow for more art: IG )

[hellsbella]

@ichirukimonth 2020 - day 8 / east of the sun, west of the moon 

MARKED AU: Soulmates have their mark ‘tattooed’ on their other half

☀一護 ⋆ ☾ルキア

[dawnflames]

I know it’s late, but here’s the pic for ichiruki month day 3.

[everything-withered]

Rukia can turn invisible at will, Ichigo can read minds. She may try to disappear, but he can follow the murmur of her thoughts and find her.

The thing about Rukia is that Ichigo can't ignore her. He's tried. It's hard. Which shouldn't be possible. Not only for someone who's as unobtrusive as she makes herself to be, but also for the fact that she's forgone having a physical body at all.

Ever since she'd reached whatever spiritual pressure threshold required not be Hollow bait, and is essentially invisible to everyone but him, Rukia is a lot quieter than she had been when everyone else could see her.

It's kind of baffling, actually.

He's been around Rukia long enough to know how curious she can be, and how persistent she is to learn whatever catches her attention. She's never thought twice about poking at him to fill the gaps, at least when it's just between the two of them, and now that it technically is -- in a crowded room with no one to see her ignorance -- Rukia just. Doesn't.

Ichigo had fully expected her to take full advantage of her pseudo-invisibility and drive him up and over a wall. Lord knows she does it every other time when the opportunity arises; her poorly concealed mischievous streak would no doubt relish the chance to make him look even more like a crazy person than usual.

And while that had been the case the first few days, after that. Well. Rukia just kind of. Disappears.

She's still beside him, of course, in some way. Perched on the window sill beside his desk, sitting in her chair a few feet away from his own, leaning against the railing of the roof at his elbow or walking shoulder to shoulder as he trudges from class to class; choosing to shadow him like the pluses used to. Though unlike them, she doesn't want anything from him, at least not in that instant.

When a Hollow appears, it's a different story, but those occurrences are few and far between, and until then, Rukia is. Different. Ichigo finds himself constantly glancing over, looking out of the corner of his eye to watch her just. Be.

It unnerves him a little, if he's being honest.

The first few days when she'd abandoned the use of her gigai in favour of walking unseen, she'd been fidgety. Anxious, almost. Like shedding her overt child-like enthusiasm itched, and she'd felt too exposed without it, and had to compensate.

Once that had passed though, Ichigo felt like he was meeting her for the first time all over again.

Rukia had never really struck him as the quiet type, but being the only one to see her makes it abundantly clear that it's a default setting of hers. She's comfortable not being noticed, allowed ample opportunity to observe without being observed in turn.

When they're back home, or just the two of them, it's different then too.

Because the girl everyone in class met is just as much Rukia as the girl sitting by herself in a sea of people who don't see her in return.

He knows this in the way she smiles, absent and content, at the way the sun sets from the roof; the way she traces her fingertips along the edge of the desks, casually nudging papers and pens out of reach of their classmates' hands in a harmless prank. Ichigo can practically hear the incredulity in her expression when she's treated to the unfiltered conversations of a bunch of teenage boys, the friendly mocking in the twinkle in her eye and the curl of her smirk when the girls at school whisper about him.

She'll voice it all to him anyway once they're alone, but with her preference to be invisible, Ichigo's become quite fluent in the language Rukia speaks with no words necessary.

It makes deciphering the expressions she doesn't consciously show him all the more important because even though he's the only one who knows she's there -- and he's the only one to acknowledge her -- she still doesn't think he sees her.

It makes Ichigo angry in a way he can't explain. At least not to anyone else.

Everyone just assumes he's having one of his moods. Rukia knows him better.

Because while he's been watching her, listening to her when no one else could, it hadn't consciously occured to him until then that she'd been doing the same.

It's just as well, he brushes it off, he's got a bone to pick with her, "We're supposed to be friends."

Something in her gaze flickers, a movement along a still pond, there and gone. She doesn't deny it, but her brows furrow just a bit, and he can hear the disbelief, the confusion she doesn't say aloud, we're friends?

Ichigo scoffs, "You live in my closet, you ride on my back, I open your juice boxes even though you know how to. Of course we're friends."

Rukia huffs, incredulous, relieved. She pointedly looks away to hide the flush on her cheeks. "Well then, what are you pouting about?" "Friends tell each other things," he says. And though she nods, she also looks uncertain. Where are you going with this?

"Sometimes you look. You look sad. Or lost. Or just. Like someone's offered you a Chappy and then snatched it right out of your arms. What the hell is up with that?" Oh, her expression says. Oh. "Ichigo..."

He makes a noise like a scoff even as it's his turn to look away so she doesn't see how embarrassed he is now that the words are out, because. They don't make much sense, do they? Definitely not paired with how much of a dick he is by asking her like that. And definitely not a fair thing to bring up after the debacle with the Grand Fisher when Rukia told him she wouldn't ask about it, wouldn't go where he didn't invite her. And he couldn't even return the favour.

He's about to brush it off, brows twitching in a scowl of a dismissive whatever, more annoyed with himself than anything else, but then Rukia says, "Anger is a protective response, a way to tell yourself that you've been disrespected, hurt, and you don't like it you, don't deserve it." Then, "Are you angry at me? Have I hurt you, Ichigo?"

"No," is the immediate, reflexive reply. Because it's true. Of all the things Rukia's done -- annoyed him, drove him crazy, pissed him off -- she's never done anything with the intention of harming him.

She watches him steadily before she slowly relaxes, accepting. Then, more gentle, "Then who are you angry at?"

He thinks of the longing in her expression at the camaraderie shared, open and free, between classmates, friends, family. He thinks of the ache shaping her mouth in the sad curve of her smile; the guilty flick of her gaze as the color of her eyes shift dark and distant, like she doesn't deserve to look at it and want.

Ichigo can feel the loneliness of it at his chest, heavy and clawing, the anger crawls up his throat as he replies in a growl, "Whoever put that look on your face."

It doesn't take her long to put it together.

He knows how to read her as easily as she reads him which means Rukia knows exactly how he feels when she says, "It doesn't matter."

"Rukia," he protests.

But she touches his chest, the same place her sword had pierced him so many weeks ago, and pats it once, twice. Her smile is sad, her eyes a little glassy. It's a plea, louder than the words she says, "Let it go."

And when he doesn't, hours later, and she's gone. Well. Ichigo's angry about that too. He's angry about her note. About the closet she's left vacant like she'd never been there. About the fact that she's agreeing to go with her dick of a brother after all the shit his red haired partner was spewing.

He's angry that Rukia wants to just leave. He's angry that she was ever at risk at all, that she'd been in danger this entire time.

He's angry that he can't make her stay. That he isn't strong enough -to fight for her-to keep her-to protect her. Ichigo's angry about a lot of things, but not as much as Rukia is when she repeats, furious and tearful, "Let it go."

There's no good way for this to end, not with him alive and not with Rukia here, so it just ends right there -- with Ichigo looking up at her, rain (just rain?) clinging to their lashes; fists curled and lips thinned. Their anger is palpable as the lightning that crashes around them, their sadness as heavy as the storm.

He looks into her eyes and feels the echo of his heartbeat reverberate from his soul from hers to say: you're full of rage because you're full of grief, and god, you deserve so much better than me.