RUKIA POV

Disclaimer: All Kubo Tite's.

"Ms. Kuchiki, your next appointment has arrived" her assistant said from the design room door. "Thank you, Kiyone, we're wrapping up here, please send them to my office, I'll be with them shortly."

Her next appointment if she remembers correctly is a friend of Tatsuki and her fiancé.

When she enters her office, she saw two heads with orange hair. Their back facing her. She faltered a little. Orange hair always makes her mind automatically think of someone in particular. She shakes her head, composed herself and entered "Good Morning, I'm sorry you had to wait, I'm Rukia Kuchiki." She went to her chair and face the two. She first shakes hands with the lady who said "Orihime Inoue, pleased to meet you."

She turned to the other person and extends her hand. When their eyes met, she felt momentarily blank, like she was seeing nothing. The man said "Ichigo Kurosaki." Eyes boring into her.

When they shake hands, Rukia feels like there was suddenly someone playing a fast paced drum inside her chest, the way they do when they are announcing the big winner. It took everything she got and all her Kuchiki training not to reveal anything. She hope she succeeded. It made even more difficult because he was looking at her intensely. So she focused her attention to his fiancée. His fiancée. Rukia's heart clenched.

She listen to the lady about her requirements, glad that she's oblivious to the tension hanging in the air, she concludes that she didn't really need to prolong the meeting (or her suffering? she didn't know), so she told them to fill the form where they can write down their specifications and ushered them to the Clients Room. When she returned to her office, only then she breathed freely.

"Ichigo." She softly said, unconsciously. She hadn't expected meeting him again, although she admitted that chances of this happening is highly possible seeing that they are now back in Karakura. She have decided long ago not to interfere with his life anymore, that it would be best for him, but seeing him now up-close is kind of… nice.

She wonders what will happen now. What will he do if he find out about Kouichi. He'll blow a fuse, I'm sure of it, thinks Rukia. Her berry-head has always been short tempered, she thinks, amused, then faced palm as she realized what she just thought.

He's not yours anymore, has not been since you left him, he have a fiancée now…, and whose fault is that? She couldn't help but remind herself.

Is it really her fault that she want to give him a peaceful and normal life, a life that is not complicated, a life that is not being scrutinized by her family every step of the way?

If you ask her before if those reasoning is right, then her answer would have been a resounding YES, but now though, it sounds like an excuse, her excuse for not fighting for them, for allowing her family to decide for her.

Even though she submitted to her family long time ago, she couldn't forget the times when she had wanted Ichigo to be by her side so bad.

XOXOXOXOX

8 years ago.

It has been two weeks since they've arrived in UK. Rukia is lying in her bed. She feels exhausted. She's easily getting tired these days. Is it because her heart feels heavy? Or maybe because she hadn't had a proper sleep since "that" day.

That day when she had felt hurt and betrayed the most.

She is used to having her heart broken, so much so that it hardens her heart. Her heart breaks when she learned about her sister, breaks during the countless times some family members openly shows their displeasure to her, her heart also breaks every time she hears unpleasant news, like the kids sufferings, from the orphanage. But having her heart broken by the very person she thought would never hurt her is entirely different, it is like comparing a scratch to a stab.

Having her heart broken because of love is a first for her, since Ichigo is the only person who's stubborn enough to penetrate his way into her heart. And she's lucky because if she had experience this pain before then she's not sure if she can survive it this time.

Now that she have time to really think, she shouldn't have been so surprised about the bet. Many guys have tried pursuing her but none holds her attention. None have tried enough for her to be interested. Most of them were just attracted to her due to her family, physical attributes or achievements.

Rukia has always been aloof and prefers to be surrounded only with those she trust. So it is not so surprising if some are challenged to break the "Ice Queen" as she often hear them call her.

She thought Ichigo was different, she thought that he genuinely liked her for who she really was and not the perfect image that often associated to her. Alas, it wasn't the case. He just played her. Rukia feels her heart constricts again, it's so painful that she had to ball herself, she hadn't realized tears has been freely flowing for a while now.

She wonders if she will ever find even a drop of happiness. She would really want that for herself.

Weeks passed by. Rukia is having a dinner with her brother when he asked "Rukia, how is your college application?"

"It's fine, Nii-sama, I received my acceptance yesterday," Rukia said from the other end of the table. She was enjoying her meal when suddenly her stomach churn, she abruptly stands and went to the bathroom where she retch. When her stomach finally settles a little, she stands there, trying to remember if she had eaten anything that could cause her stomach to react this way, and when none came to mind, she thinks of the other causes.. then it came to her like a herd of elephant, she felt her body froze, her blood ran cold, eyes terrified. "I'm pregnant," she said softly. Yes that must be it, she realized she missed her period last month and she didn't even noticed. I have allowed myself to get distracted this long, Rukia thought sadly.

After re-assuring her brother that she was fine, she went straight to her room and sat in her bed trying to decide the best way to tell her brother. He will kill Ichigo, she thought. "Ichigo!" that's right, Ichigo needs to know… but does he? She doesn't want to think of that yet. She have to focus on Nii-sama. She have to ready herself for the disappointment that she have caused him.

During the time she was waiting for her brother to visit her again, after thinking over and over, she decided that she will go back to Karakura and talk to Ichigo. She realized that it was unfair not to let him explain. She hoped that, maybe, with everything he did, endured and went through just to be with her, maybe, he really did love her and that the bet was nothing serious and was just a part of the conversation.

I should have not reacted strongly, she thought. She reasoned out that maybe she reacted this much because of her hormones, didn't they say that pregnant women are way more sensitive? No, it's just an excuse, she thought firmly. She needed Ichigo more than ever now.

So, when her brother came, Rukia took the opportunity and told him in a way she practiced several times in her mirror.

Her brother, if she didn't know any better, look still the same, face betraying nothing, but with the small movement of his eyes and the clenched hands, she knew he's furious and disappointed. This hurts Rukia too. She can endure the displeasure from the rest of her family but her brother is different.

"No, you will not go back to Karakura and the boy do not have to know. I will arrange for a private tutor until you can go back to school." He finally said.

"But brother, Ichigo, he's the father, he has the right to know, please Nii-sama, let me go back to him," pleaded Rukia.

"He had lost the right to come near you the moment he hurt you. That is our agreement." Her stoic brother said, resuming to read the papers in front of him.

"NIi-sama, I need him. I can't do this alone." Rukia cried.

"I will not repeat myself." He said. She turn around defeated, but before she closes the door, she heard him say "Do not worry, sister, I'll protect you."

Rukia was not deterred though, during her pregnancy, when she had wanted badly to speak with Ichigo, she had tried to find a way to contact him. She tried his phone several times but she couldn't get through, same with their home number, her emails bounced back as well. Momo and Renji are not helping either. In the end, she gave up thinking that he had really forgotten her.

Her brother was true to his word, she was being tutored at home and given several maids to attend to her needs. He even accompanied her in some of her checkups.

During the time she was delivering Kouichi, she had hoped desperately for Ichigo to be there, holding her hand and whispering encouragement to her, and she was crushed once again.. but when the nurse handed her Kouichi, she couldn't help but cry, she's finally given a happiness.

Time passes by and before she knows it, Kouichi is now over a year old and she is going back to school. She have decided to take Engineering courses along with her major course which is Architecture. She immersed herself in her studies when she's at school and focuses in Kouichi at home.

When she graduated from these two degrees, she continued her education and took up Masteral degree and added Business Management as suggested by her brother.

When Kouichi turns four, she was able to finally hear about Ichigo. She finally got to know that he had searched for her non-stop, that her family had prevented him in reaching her, and that he had missed enrolling to college. Isshin, his father even tried to help and went to talk to her brother to the point that he was nearly arrested for harassment. Ichigo is no better, he got arrested several times that he became a regular at the jail. She never got to know though what made him stop, but she was glad he did, because she knew he deserve someone better, someone who won't turn her back on him.

Many time she had planned to contact him, to inform him about Kouichi but she couldn't bring herself to do it, that it might be too late already, and that he might not appreciate barging into his life again. Now that he is continuously achieving his dreams. She knew he was in America, furthering his education and doing research at the same time. She was extremely glad when she learned about this, glad that her family's meddling did not entirely deter him from reaching his goals.

But she knew, she owes Ichigo, he deserves an apology for all the trouble she caused him. So she decided she will tell Kouichi all he needs to know about his father, that Kouichi will know of him, of his family. She knew he deserves that much.

XOXOXOXOXOXO

Present

There's no point dwelling on it now, Rukia thought. He came here asking her to design a house he will share with his future wife, for crying out loud. She sighed, then she heard a knock on her door, she looks up, it was Momo. She sigh again, she knew what it is about.

"Rukia"

"I'm fine, Momo."

"It is going to get complicated from now on, isn't? What are you gonna do? Will you tell him now about Kouichi? If you had just told him last year when you went to see him, maybe things have turned out differently, maybe he isn't getting married now!" Momo said, non-stop.

"I'm still glad I didn't. He deserves someone like her. She loves him, I can see it." Rukia said, facing her window.

"Keep saying that, Rukia. I know you. You still love him. Are you fine with him getting married?"

"It doesn't matter what I feel, Momo, Kouichi is more important, maybe I will consider introducing him to Kouichi. He has been asking about his father lately." Rukia said.

Momo frown then "he looks good, doesn't he? He looks matured and professional looking, he doesn't look like a delinquent brat anymore." Momo giggled,

"Yeah, but he still scowl and furrow his brow without reason," Rukia said fondly, then "his fiancée, she's beautiful and curvy, they both have orange hair, and she's kind too."

"Rukia"

"Anyway, where's their form? I'll start drawing their house" Rukia said, dismissively.

If she had informed him last year, will things really turned out differently?

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Over a year ago

"Really Mommy? We're going to see daddy?" Kouichi asked, excitedly. Rukia has just informed his son that they will go and meet Ichigo. She have decided this in a whim after a few months living in Karakura again. She felt courageous at the moment.

When they arrived at the hospital, she inquired his office and they were guided there. When they entered the reception area, they found his secretary giggling.

"Excuse me, we're here to see Ichigo, please" Rukia said to the giggling assistant.

"Hello, I'm sorry but Doctor Kurosaki couldn't be disturb at the moment, and I'm sure I cleared his schedule for the rest of the day, unless this is urgent?" The assistant said.

"Is he operating someone?" Rukia asked.

"Oh no, at least not yet," the assistant said, giggling again. Rukia is starting to develop a headache for all the giggling.

"Then why couldn't he be disturbed?" Rukia asked, annoyed.

"Because he is currently proposing to Doctor Inoue." The assistant whispered. Rukia's heart felt like it's being stabbed repeatedly.

"Mommy, is that daddy?" Kouichi asked. She look where Kouichi is peeking and sure enough, it was Ichigo, holding a lady's hand, slipping a ring. The assistant finally notices the boy and was about to ask something.

"Thank you, we'll take our leave." Rukia said and took Kouichi's hand and headed outside.

While they were walking, Kouichi asked "Mom, why didn't we call out daddy? He was there, I'm sure of it."

"Rukia bend down to Kouichi's level and said "daddy's busy at the moment, he won't be able to see you yet. Are you fine with just mommy, Kouichi?"

"Yes, mommy." Kouichi said, looking down. Rukia knows her son is sad, that he had wanted to meet his father for a long time but it is a different matter now, considering what she just witnessed. Ichigo is starting his own family. He is getting married to someone that is not her. Maybe this is my punishment, she thought.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Present

After two weeks of meeting Ichigo again, Rukia is still undecided about the father and son.

"Momo I just sent you the file containing Ms. Inoue's house plan, please have a look at it, if you are fine please ask Kiyone to send it to them and ask for their feedback." Rukia said to Momo. "Oh and I'm going out for lunch with Renji, do you want anything?"

"Noted. I'm fine, I brought my lunch, you know, preggy and all" grinned Momo.

When she returned to her office, Momo informed her that Ms. Inoue and Mr. Kurosaki would like to discuss the house plan with her, with emphasis on "Mr. Kurosaki", to which Rukia just rolled her eyes.

"I think I'm free after my meeting at 2pm, please tell Kiyone to schedule them at 4pm." Rukia said, entering her office.

So then, I'll be seeing Ichigo again and I still don't know what to do, Rukia thought. She admitted that seeing him with another woman still hurt. He couldn't blame him though. Of course, he is bound to love another, bound to forget her. But her, she couldn't forget about him, how could she if every time she see Kouichi, she see Ichigo. She didn't even try opening herself up to other men. Rukia had decided long time ago that she is happy being alone as long as she have Kouichi.

But when he saw Ichigo last year, when she saw him happily proposing to his girlfriend, she felt her heart brakes again, because she knew there will be no one else for her except him.

When they got home that time, her brother was there waiting for them and knew instantly that things didn't went well because he had suggested she should consider the arranged marriage her family chose for her. She knew she needed to move on so she agreed to meet the man and he turned out to be a fine man but she couldn't go through with it.

She had long since realized that her heart only longed for someone that is brash but gentle, scowls all the time but smiles only for her, looks intensely only at her, someone that holds and hugs her so tight she could barely breath.

Sometimes, she missed Ichigo so much that she cries herself to sleep.

I shouldn't be thinking about this now, Rukia thought. So she focused her mind on her meetings and set her mind to calm when she see him again.

And now, she is sitting opposite him again. Only this time, he is blatantly looking at her like he was trying to search something in her face and just like last time, she avoided him and only look at his fiancée.

They were in the middle of discussion when…

"Mom, look what I got!"

Kouichi? Why is he here? Rukia thought. Then her eyes got wide because she just realized that Ichigo is sitting opposite her. Stupid Renji, why did you bring him here?

She prayed, please don't look, please don't look…

She glanced at Ichigo and she saw that he was surprised, probably because she slipped and showed some form of recognition to him. Before he say anything, she looks back at the door again, there is Kouichi with a bunny in his hands, beaming at her. She look fondly at her son. Then Kouichi's eyes shifted and she followed where he set his eyes on. Her son and Ichigo is now looking at each other.

Looks like fate has decided, Rukia thought, defeated. There's no escaping it now. Rukia is sure Ichigo will realize it and sure enough she saw him stands abruptly and face her, she stands as well but didn't meet his eyes, she went to the boy.

"I've got a bunny, mom! Uncle Renji bought me one!"

"That's great, sweetheart! We'll play later, Mommy is working, why don't you go to Renji and I'll come pick you up when I'm finish here, ok?" she told her son. She ushered him outside and called out to Momo.

Rukia returns to her seat, Ichigo was still standing, hands balled. "Mr. Kurosaki please sit down." She told him, still not looking.

"The hell I'm sitting down Rukia!" So he dropped all formalities now. Rukia knew he is angry but he didn't have to make a scene here in front of his fiancée.

"How long? How long are you planning to keep me in the dark?" he continued, Rukia's still trying to contain herself. He is starting to get in her nerve.

How long are you going to punish me?" That does it.

"Punish? As if you care! I'm only worth a stupid game account to you, remember?!" she shouted back. Faces inches from each other. Her old feelings of that time are rushing back.

"How can you say that when you didn't even let me explain?" He countered.

Rukia knew his fiancée is confused now and was trying to pacify Ichigo, so she controlled herself and acted the matured one, she told him they will talk about it outside the office at a separate time to which he agreed and declared when he want it. Of course not without ordering her to be there.

When they were heading home, Kouichi asked "Mommy, what is daddy doing there? Is he there to see me?"

"Yes, Kou-chan." She said while tickling her son. No use denying it. Ichigo will surely demands he meets his son now that he knew of him. There is no stopping Ichigo. She couldn't explain herself but she feels happy, though she is dreading the time when Ichigo ask the question she doesn't know the answer to.

"Really Mommy? When is he coming back?" Kouichi asked happily.

"Soon, sweetheart."

Ichigo picked her up as he declared and brought her to a nearby restaurant. When they sat, he didn't even look at the menu instead he just stare at her. Rukia tried to admonish him, so she asked "Aren't you going to order, Mr. Kurosaki?"

"I'll have what you'll have. And the name's Ichigo, or have you forgotten?"

Rukia inwardly rolled her eyes. No, your name's berry-head, she thought, amused.

"So, when are you going to tell me about my son? Or do you plan of ever telling me I have one?" Ichigo asked straightaway.

"No beating around the bush, I see." Still the same impatient Ichigo.

"What is his name?"

"Kouichi." She said proudly. His name came to mind immediately when she first hold him. Her only happiness.

"One Happiness huh! I like his name. Even more so it has "Ichi" in it, he really is my son." Ichigo smirked.

Rukia rolled her eyes. "What makes you think he is yours?" She asked, even though she knew it was glaringly obvious, you have to be blind if you don't see the resemblance.

"Do I need to point out the obvious? Orange hair, brown eyes, a boy who is more or less 8 years old. Because last time I check I have the same feature and as far as I hoped I remember correctly, I was your only boyfriend 9 years ago." Declared Ichigo.

And that remain true till now, thought Rukia, but he did not have to know that.

"How are you, I..Ichigo?" She asked, she feels nice saying his name out loud for the first time again.

He look startled with the change of topic, but he relent. "I'm fine, and you?"

"Fine. How's Isshin and the twins?" She need to apologize to them as well, especially to his father, who had accepted her wholeheartedly despite the troubles that seems attached to her. The twins, she missed them so much, they were like a sister to her.

"Dad's still the same, I'm sure you know what I mean" he gave her a pointed look. "The twins are doing great too." Rukia is glad to hear that.

"and your friend Uryuu? How's he?" she couldn't help but ask. She saw Ichigo stiffened and for the first time since she met him again, he looked nervous.

"He is fine. We work in the same Hospital." He said, averting his eyes.

Then he look up "Rukia.. about the video…you know that…"

"It doesn't matter now Ichigo. Past is past. Besides, I'm actually glad now you took the bet." She cut him. There's no point discussing that anymore.

"Rukia, you have to know.. I didn't pursue you because of that bet! I didn't even play that damn game anymore after I accompanied you to the orphanage the first time. If you had just given me the chance to explain." Ichigo said intensely. "I have liked you from the time you bump my head!" he mumbled.

Rukia knows that for a very long time now. In fact, she should be the one groveling at Ichigo's feet. She should be the one apologizing, considering all the things he went through. Alas, she's a Kuchiki, and Kuchikis don't do that. In time Ichigo. She thought.

So instead she told him to eat his food, of course he glares at her for that. She needs to at least respond to him so she told him "As I said Ichigo, it was in the past now. I'm not troubled about it anymore, have not been for a long time. I've realized it was very childish and I shouldn't have left."

"Then why didn't you come back?" he asked again.

"It was too late. We were already in UK. My brother wouldn't let me go back, especially after finding out my… situation." She look at him, trying to convey what's really inside her.

'I tried Ichigo. I had wanted to come back to you so badly, and I'm ashamed that I wasn't that determine like you. I should have tried harder.' She thought bitterly.

"You see, my brother is very protective, he didn't want to tarnish the reputation of the family and he didn't want people to look down on me, so we stayed in London and lived there until last year."

'I couldn't defy my family, Ichigo, especially my brother who has done a lot for me. I know now these are just an excuse.' She added inwardly.

"Are you ever going to tell me what that situation was?" asked Ichigo. Face expectant.

She knew he wouldn't drop it, he is waiting for the confirmation, so she decided to give up. "I told you I'm glad you had that bet right? Because if you didn't then I wouldn't have Kouichi." She smiled. Having Kouichi is the best thing she has ever had after Ichigo.

She saw his face animatedly transform to downright happy and she felt her heart bloat with happiness as well. But as fast as that feeling came, the reality came faster. They couldn't be a family. Whose fault is that again? She couldn't help but berate herself.

'Will you look like that if I was able to inform you before, Ichigo? What will you do now that you know? How will you share your time with us knowing you are about to start your own family?'

Better to face the reality, Rukia thought, so she asked the wedding details and his house plan.

After a while, their conversation veered back to their son. When he learned that Kouichi knows him and she saw that he was really relieved, she couldn't help but feel proud, at least she did something good for him and she felt her guilt was reduced even for a bit, that is until he ask…

"Does he know what I look like?" She wanted to tell him Kouichi has known about him since he was four years old but she doesn't want to answer the 'how' question yet so she told him,

"Yes, he saw you last year."

"Then why didn't you approach me? I could have known my son then."

'Because seeing you happy reminded me my resolve not to disrupt your life anymore. Not to mention it hurts' she wanted to say, instead

"You were busy proposing that time." Rukia is ashamed, she doesn't have the right to get hurt.

"After that then, why didn't you come and see me again?" she heard him say. She knew he's getting angry and she couldn't blame him.

'Because I'm selfish, because if I see you again, I might ask you to take me back, I would want you to be mine again, and if by miracle you'll take me back, then your normal life will not be so normal again and I won't ever want you to suffer anymore, even if it means I won't have you. Also, I can see you are happy with her and you might not want anything to do with me anymore' She desperately wanted to say but decided to inform him the more obvious reason,

"I didn't think you would appreciate. You look happy and about to start a family. We don't want to intrude. Kouichi understands it as well."

When she told him that she realized, she had been wrong in so many aspect. She had forgotten how dedicated Ichigo was to his family, and Kouichi is his son. She will understand if Ichigo will make a scene. She's is glad thought when he just threw her accusation, which she honestly deserves, and not flip the table or break something. His temper has improved a little, she thinks, somewhat amused.

He dropped her back to her office with a demand that he will pick her up later and bring her home to meet his son.

So after few hours, he picked her up and she guided him to her house. He asked him to stay in the living room to wait for Kouichi.

She was preparing for snacks when she heard Kouichi calling for her. When she finished preparing the snack she went out and saw them talking in time to hear Kouichi defending himself why he got into a fight and telling Ichigo what he knew about him. Looks like it's her son who gave Ichigo the better answer he was looking for when he asked how did Kouichi know of him.

She let them talk some more.

She saw the many emotions showed in Ichigo's face and her heart skip when Ichigo suddenly hugs Kouichi, she almost cried too. She felt so happy seeing them together, interacting as if they have known each other for a long time. "My two berry-heads," she couldn't help but say, fondly.

She suddenly make her presence known when Kouichi asked his father if he's going to be with them from now on. She is sure Ichigo appreciated her cutting their conversation for even she doesn't know how to tell Kouichi that what he is asking is impossible.

When Kouichi went upstairs to change, Rukia knew Ichigo will ask her about the things Kouichi told him and sure enough..

"Rukia, about the things Kouichi said…"

She cuts him and told him that he have informed Kouichi about him, even his family.

"but.. but.. so you have been following me? You knew I studied abroad? If you have been updated about my life, then why?"

'Of course, I've been following you, Ichigo. How else could I inform our son about you, and because I wanted to see you progress, that every time you achieve something, my resolve of not disrupting you is justified'

But she couldn't bring herself to tell him that…

"Rukia, why didn't you tell me about Kouichi? I need to know, dammit!" Of course, this is Ichigo, he won't stop until he gets his answer. She breathed a sigh of relief when Kouichi came running down with papers and books on his arms. These are the things she collected about Ichigo to show her son, show proofs of his father.

She let the father and son talk and even let Kouichi led his father to his room. After she prepare the dinner she called them out and they ate. She watch the father and son ate and interact, she wished it will be like this always, but she knew that is just a wishful thinking.

When Ichigo kiss his son goodnight, she heard his promised. A promised she knew is bound to be broken.

So when Ichigo is about to leave she can't help but call him off for it.

"Ichigo, I don't want you giving false hope to my son. We both know you can't always be there for him. Soon, you will have your own family, not to mention your line of work, sooner or later you will start to give excuses, so before we get to that…"

Ichigo cut her off.

"Rukia, Isn't about time you stop deciding things for me? You have done enough of that already. I will be in Kouichi's life starting today. I will be the one to teach him how to defend himself and not Abarai, I will be the one to protect him and not Byakuya! I will be there every time he needs me and you don't have a say in this!" Ichigo all but declared. "Oh and from now on, all your opinions are rejected, you got that?"

What? Everything she decided to do is for his benefit, at least that's what she believe, so how dare he.

"Fool! Are you forgetting you are about to get married? Do you think your wife is going to be happy sharing your time with us.. w..with Kouichi!?" she cursed inwardly for her mistake.

She was surprised when he said that he is cancelling their house plan. Why? So she asked what he meant.

"I'm saying, I can't marry her now that you are back in my life, dammit! Whether you'll take me back or not it doesn't matter, I'm happy just being Kouichi's father." Ichigo looked to the side. Blushing.

Take him back or not? Rukia is now confused, but she saw a glimmer of hope, she desperately tried to hold on to it, so she asked again what he meant.

"I'm so stupid for still feeling this but I still love you, alright! I still love you so damn much that I don't know what to do about it anymore. You must be thinking that I'm a fool for still wanting you, you who have left me behind, you who let me kept searching for you in vain, not even considered telling me you got pregnant, that I fathered an 8 year old boy. If I hadn't found out, would you ever tell me, Rukia? Did you ever really love me? Somehow I doubt it. I really am stupid."

His declaration floored her. She feels her heart is so big it's going to burst from her chest. But hearing the last part pricked her, she knew the moment has arrived where she have to come out clean, to apologize, so she gathered all the courage she could muster and stopped Ichigo from leaving, she embraced him from behind with all her might.

She told him she was sorry, that she was just afraid he'll reject her, that she did not want to cause him pain anymore, she told him she knew what he and his family went through and she never want him to suffer again, she wished for him to have a normal life and if by achieving his dreams meant she shouldn't interfere with his life then so be it…

She told him her decision had been right, that he has become the person he always dreamed to be and found a woman that will not hurt him unlike her, and that makes her remember Ichigo still has a choice, he still has a fiancée he can return to.

She released her hold on him and looked down, bracing herself, if Ichigo won't forgive her then she will respect it.

When he ask her if she has someone in her life now, she couldn't help but be bitter. Of course there's no one. How can he ever think she can be with someone other than him?

So she told him she doesn't have anyone and never had after him, told him she had considered getting married but did not go through.

After that she didn't expect being engulf in his arms again. Is she forgiven? Does this mean that he is choosing her? She really hope so with all her heart.

She embraced him back, she relish the feelings of being in his arms again. She's so happy she felt like crying. She missed his strong arms, his tight embrace, his scent.

She missed him so much it hurts. She buried her face more in his chest she could barely breathe.

She told him that she did love him.. that she still do. Though he doesn't need to know she never stop.

Ichigo lifted her chin and look at her the way he had looked at her years ago, and that is all the confirmation she needs.

When Ichigo finally claimed her lips and kisses her like there was no tomorrow, she kissed him back with the same fervor if not more.

She thanks the Gods for giving her back the man who completes her happiness.

-oware- (again? :b )

A/N. Again, please forgive grammar mistakes. Thanks for reading. Your thoughts would be highly appreciated.