48Thanks to Wolfgang04 I realized I ended this story prematurely. So here's another chapter dedicated to all of you who're still interested to read. My gratitude to all for taking time to review.
Disclaimer: If I were Kubo, Ichigo and Rukia would have been married and have lots of Kouichi's already, dammit!
Epilogue – Part II
As he drove to the airport, he prayed to all the deities that he is mistaken. That Rukia isn't trying to run away from him again.
Aside from the pain and fear circling his gut, Ichigo also couldn't help but feel a tremendous sadness. The elation he felt when he thought that he have gotten his happiness back seems like a far-off memory to him now.
He felt betrayed. Why would he given back his happiness only to strip it away from him when he hasn't even gotten around it?
Hasn't he suffered enough? Hasn't he endured enough?
He steeled himself with a burning determination. If eight years ago is going to repeat itself, then he'll be damned if he will let them get the best of him again. They're in for a hell of a tug-of-war game.
He parked his car in the departure area and ran, ignoring the security guards calling out to him. He was about to enter when he turned to his right and saw a Limo parked in front of the arrival gate. At least this time it was parked and not speeding away, he thought bitterly. He briskly walked towards it to check the plate, he felt hope arising in his chest when he saw it was the same limo that picks up Kouichi. He ran to it but slowed down when he saw the door opening. It was Rukia with a confused expression.
Ichigo faltered in his steps and ran a hand in his hair, exhaling loudly. He couldn't have been more relieved seeing her. His legs almost gave out as the adrenaline rush subsided, the panic sensation he felt earlier slowly leaving his body.
"Ichigo?"
Ichigo hastily closed the remaining gap and hugged Rukia with all the remaining energy he has. "Shit, Rukia, don't scare me like this again. I thought.. I thought.." Ichigo couldn't thank the Gods enough that Rukia is still within his grasp.
"What are you doing here, Ichigo?" Rukia asked when he finally allowed her to breath.
"What are you doing going here when I told you yesterday I will be picking you up? " Ichigo countered. His tortured heart is slowly catching a break. He realized his lungs are functioning properly again as he can now breath freely. Though his face still shows a lingering fear of losing her again.
"You did not say you will pick us up this early. It's only past seven in the morning, Ichigo." Rukia said looking at his face. "You got worried, didn't you?" She asked, running her thumbs in Ichigo's cheeks. Concern visible in her small face.
"Tch. Who knows what those elders will put in your brain again." Ichigo said, looking to the side. Of course, he got worried, dammit! What if they will whisk her away again, then he will spend all his life searching for her again.
Rukia's eyes soften. She wraps her arms around Ichigo and buried her face in his chest. "I will never waiver anymore, Ichigo. If they want to separate us then they will have to physically drag me away from you." Rukia assured him. She couldn't blame him for not trusting her fully. She was the one who ran away, she was the one who hurt him. He was right though, the elders have argued with her again about getting married, that the one she rejected before still wants her, that it would be beneficial to both clans if she marry him. This time, she firmly told the elders that she is only going to marry the father of her son. She told them Ichigo has forgiven her and that they are back together and if they cannot accept her decision then they can go ahead and disown her. The elders have left her house fuming. She knew their visit wasn't random. They might have been informed that she is seeing Ichigo again. She was not even surprised that her brother is coming home unscheduled.
"Can you prove it?" Ichigo asked, he lifted Rukia's face so he could gaze into her large violet eyes. His other arm still tightly wrapped around her waist.
Rukia nodded. "Tell me what I have to do?"
"Become Rukia Kurosaki." Ichigo asked her out of the blue. Ichigo himself was surprised when he realized what he just blurted, but he realized too, there was not a hint of hesitation in his heart and he couldn't have been more proud of himself by asking her that.
Rukia's eyes widens. She opens her mouth, but before a word came out…
"Mom?" Kouichi said from the limo, his hand covering his mouth, stifling a yawn. "Has oji-sama's plane landed yet?... Daddy!" Kouichi exclaimed when he saw his father and got out of the limo.
Ichigo beamed at his son, ruffling his hair. He felt double relieved that they are still within his reach. "Are you here to see Byakuya?"
Kouichi nodded.
"Brother told me he'll meet us later this afternoon but Kouichi wants to surprise his uncle that's why we came." Rukia told Ichigo.
"So, Byakuya doesn't know you are waiting for him. That's good. Take your things. Let's go." Ichigo ordered.
"What? Can't we wait for just a little bit? His plane is arriving soon." Rukia asked.
"No. If he see me here, I'm sure he will drag you both to his plane and brings you to God knows where. So, let's go." Ichigo said, grabbing Rukia and Kouichi's hand. Ichigo wants to clarify he is not afraid of Byakuya, he just doesn't want to delay introducing his son to his family, that's all. He'll face him when he see him.
"Son, you'll see your uncle later, let's go meet your grandpa and aunties." Ichigo told his son.
"Really, daddy?" Kouichi excitedly said. Rukia sighed. She turned to the driver that was standing behind them. "Please, don't tell my brother we were here. We'll meet him later." The driver nod.
"Ichigo, let's dropped by my house first. I prepared something to bring." Rukia said when they were exiting the airport.
"No need. I'm sure, Yuzu's preparing enough food." Ichigo told her.
"It's rude to visit empty handed." Rukia insisted.
"No. What's rude is to make them wait any longer." Ichigo countered. Rukia huffed but gave in.
XOXOXOXOXOX
Few hours after, Ichigo knocked on his family's door which was opened immediately. "Hey there, son. I'm glad you still remember your way home." Isshin greeted.
Ichigo entered. "Shut up. I came here for a reason." He looked outside.
Rukia took that as a cue to enter. She step on the threshold too then smiled tentatively at Isshin "Hello, Mr. Kurosaki."
Isshin's face was dumbfounded, his mouth was hanging open. Rukia knows she shouldn't be accepted in this house again, considering of what she had put them through, so she bowed "Mr. Kurosaki…"
But before she can ask for forgiveness, she found herself suddenly couldn't breathe and realized Isshin was squeezing her in his arms, saying "I want nothing of that. You are my third daughter. Daddy is so happy you are back."
"Grandpa?"
Isshin's eyes widens comically and released Rukia all of a sudden that Ichigo had to hold her to steady her.
"Oho! And who are you young man?" Isshin crouched to Kouichi's level and study the boy in front of him. Ichigo and Rukia knows, Isshin already figure it out. If those goofy face of his is not indication enough.
Kouichi took one step back, bowed and said "My name is Kouichi Kuchiki. Nice to meet you, grandpa."
And Isshin's face was full of tears and snot as he squeezed Kouichi too. He looked at Ichigo "You idiot son. Why did you hide this adorable grandson of mine? Look at his face, he looks so much like my dear Masaki, even the hair. Oh Masaki, we have an adorable grandson!."
Rukia bowed her head in guilt but Ichigo tug her to him, raised her head and kiss it.
"Auntie Yuzu?" Kouichi said from Isshin's shoulder.
Yuzu was stunned. Did the boy called her auntie? She had thought only her brother is coming, so she was curious what the commotion was all about.
Isshin released Kouichi who bowed to Yuzu and introduce himself again. "Hello Auntie Yuzu. My name is Kouichi Kuchiki. I hope you are doing fine."
"Has Byakuya been teaching my son?" Ichigo asked Rukia as he watched Yuzu and Isshin dotes on Kouichi. She smiled. "He is very charming, isn't he?" Ichigo tsked.
"I have to prepare more food." Yuzu announced.
"I'll help you." Rukia offered. She felt ashamed again for coming empty handed.
"Oh you don't have to, Rukia. Everything is almost prepared, anyway."
Rukia insisted so they both went in the kitchen. Leaving the three boys in the living room.
After a little while. "Why is the door open?" came a voice from outside. It was Karin. She entered the door and close it.
Kouichi who saw his other Auntie, wriggled from his grandpa's clutches, stands up and greeted her "Hello, Auntie Karin."
Karin who was thirsty did not stop walking towards the kitchen but waved "Yo." Then she stopped. Thirst forgotten. She swiveled her head to look at the boy, still standing. "Did you called me Auntie?" she asked, then "Uy Yuzu, did you suddenly sprout a son? Because there is no way Ichi-nii will impregnate his girlfriend unless it was Rukia." Karin called to the kitchen.
Ichigo who was coming down from his room, smirked. "What do you mean, Karin?"
"It is what I said. I don't understand why you proposed to your girlfriend when it was so clear you are still hang up with your first love." Karin said, nonchalantly. She then looked at Kouichi. "But he really looks like you…. Uy old man, don't tell me we have a little brother and you've been hiding him all this time."
"Let the boy talk, idiot" Ichigo said, sitting on the sofa, he winked at Kouichi.
Kouichi bowed for the third time "Good Morning, Auntie Karin. My name is Kouichi Kuchiki. I followed your team and you were the best. I hope we can play soccer sometime."
Karin's jaw dropped. "Ku…Kuchiki?" She looked at Ichigo, who is still smirking. So, everything clicked. She had been right, of course, it could only be Rukia. So, Kouichi was conceived before the whole fiasco. Very smooth, brother.
"Yes, Auntie. But daddy said, I will be a Kurosaki soon." Kouichi answered, his face still beaming, happy to meet his father's family. His family.
"Really, now?" This time, Karin smirked at Ichigo. She took a step closer to her nephew and ruffled Kouichi's hair.
"Yes. So that I won't receive smelly letters from my P.E. and Computer teachers anymore, also the manager of the School administration, and maybe the principal will stop calling me to his office just to ask about mom again…." Kouichi said while counting them with his fingers.
"Ohh, my grandson is so smart." Isshin gushed.
When Karin entered the kitchen, Rukia regarded the twins. They have grown so beautiful, she thought. She then took the opportunity and bowed at them. She apologized for what happened in the past. The twins brushed aside her apology saying they understand.
"I may have been furious with you for a long time, especially when I saw how brother suffers and how he cannot move on, but I understand now. I had a boyfriend whose family is the same as yours. I learned from your mistake though so I made sure we had a clean break up." Karin said, her face vague. She turned and left the kitchen.
Rukia and Yuzu watched her ask Kouichi to play video game with her.
"She went through the same as brother, she fought for him, but eventually one of them gave up. I know she love him, still." Yuzu told Rukia.
Rukia wished Karin will have the same fate as her, that she will have a second chance to be happy again.
After a little while, Yuzu called everyone and they had an early lunch. Kouichi was prim and proper at first which earned snickers from the Kurosaki's, but gradually became at ease as he saw his mom was also comfortable, later on he joined in the boisterousness of the family.
Rukia could see Kouichi enjoying himself with his new found relatives, he adores them, their liveliness, even the eccentricity of his grandfather.
The Kurosakis are also enthralled with Kouichi. Isshin is still gushing at his similarities with his late wife, yes he looks like Ichigo but Kouichi's face has a gentler side that was unmistakably Masaki's, the brown of his eyes is darker than Ichigo's but the same as Masaki's. Although he could also see an eight year old Ichigo in him, especially the way Kouichi treats his mother. The boy is smart too which is not a surprise considering his parents.
When they had worn him up, Isshin carried his grandson to the twin's old room to tuck him there, Rukia following. Karin took that opportunity and asked her brother "Ichi-nii, how about your girlfriend?"
"I broke up with her." Ichigo responded while looking at Rukia's back.
"I feel bad for Orihime but we always knew where your happiness lies so…" Karin clapped her brother's shoulder.
It's true. Karin, personally, has never seen Ichigo this happy for a long time. But she knew too that his brother is still guarded. From the corner of her eyes, she watched his brother always reached out for Rukia, that he couldn't keep his hands off her, his body automatically angled where Rukia is, as his eyes, like he is afraid Rukia might disappear any moment.
Karin chuckled bitterly. She knew that feeling so damn well.
"Karin…." Ichigo started. Yuzu also feels sad for her twin.
"I'm fine, I chose soccer so…. I have to go, we have a practice." Karin said, waving at them while heading out. "Tell the squirt we'll play soccer next time. Say goodbye to Rukia for me." Then she shouted "Later, dad!"
When the door closes, "Are they still seeing each other?" Ichigo asked Yuzu.
"No. Karin can't get in contact with him or she'll be removed from the national team. Oh that reminds me, they're competing Women's World Cup soon. Bring Kouichi with you so he can watch Karin play before she retires, we're turning twenty soon." Yuzu told her brother.
"Yeah." Ichigo agreed, then "Get a rest, Yuzu. You are exhausted. I'm sorry for making you wake up so early." Ichigo told her.
Yuzu saw Rukia coming out from the room. "Okay, I'll be with Kouichi in the room. I'll prepare our snack later."
Ichigo tugged Rukia towards his room and they lay in his old bed. Rukia was so comfortable that she almost drifted to sleep when Ichigo spoke "Aren't you forgetting something, midget?" He asked, his lips in her head.
"Hhmm, what is?" She asked groggily in Ichigo's chest.
Ichigo ran his hand in Rukia's side, his other in her hair. "My question earlier, at the airport."
Oh that. "I did not know it was a question." She yawned.
"Of course it was a question and I need your answer" Ichigo said, perplexed. Why is she taking this so lightly when he has been so anxious to hear her answer?
"What you said earlier wasn't a question, idiot." Rukia said again and make herself even more comfortable, she's almost curled on top of Ichigo now.
Dammit! I knew she's not going to make this easy for me, Ichigo thought. "What, you want me to kneel down with a ring or something?" Then he stilled, eyes wide. Shit, he didn't have a ring with him. He sat up abruptly that Rukia slid from his chest. "Wait here, I'll go buy a ring, now." He was about to step off the bed when he felt Rukia embraced him from behind.
"Ask me, Ichigo." She whispered. Ichigo's lips tugged upward, he turned. He lifted Rukia's face. He feasted his eyes on her. His heart thudded hard. He couldn't wait to make this woman his. This woman who captured his heart from that fateful day he bump at her over 9 years ago and until now, his heart is still at her mercy.
"Will you do Kouichi and I a favor and become a Kurosaki, Rukia? Will you settle this fear in my heart that I can lose you anytime and be mine forever?" He asked. Intense amber eyes boring into violet ones that widens in surprise.
Rukia opened her mouth to readily say yes, then she remembers her old reservations- trapping Ichigo into the kind of life she have.
"Ichigo, you know what it means if we get married, right? You will become a member of the clan too. Are you sure you can deal with that?" She asked.
"Didn't you hear what I asked, midget? I asked you to become a Kurosaki, not me becoming a Kuchiki." Ichigo shuddered at the mere thought. "Don't worry, I've been dealing with your family since I was seventeen. I'm not letting them get in between us again." He smirked.
Rukia couldn't contain her heart hearing that. That attitude of his, that determination in his eyes. It's all she needed. But she just have to make sure one more time "A.. are you sure? Did you think this through?"
"I've never been more sure when it comes to you." Ichigo said, softly.
Rukia's heart clenched, she heard the honesty in his voice and she was once again blasted with guilt. Her head dropped. "But I hurt you, I hurt you for a long time. I hid our son from you. I did not trust you. I am terrible, Ichigo. Why would you want me?" Rukia couldn't stop the tears escaping her eyes.
Ichigo reached for her face, wipes her tears, and lock his eyes into hers "Because you are worth it, always has been. You are worth all the trouble, all the pain. I knew what I am getting myself into when I first approach you all those years ago. Besides, I did not suffer alone. You were hurt too. So let's just call it even, okay?"
Rukia nodded.
"I still need your answer, midget." Ichigo reminded her. Eyes still boring into her.
Rukia gripped Ichigo's arm, the other fisted in her skirt "You know that I love you, that my heart is incapable of loving anyone else but you. I've always been yours, Ichigo, and I want you to be officially mine too."
A/N: I just realized that in my two stories, I made Inoue confessed to Ichigo. In my defense, I couldn't imagine, even how hard I try, for Ichigo to confess to her instead. So for me, the only way they can be together is for Inoue to trap Ichigo into accepting her.. (I know, I am mean. I am sorry).
(SPOILER ALERT)
(SPOILER ALERT)
If they do end up together in canon, then their relationship's going to be so lame, so bland, that Ichigo's just gonna kill himself and go to the afterlife where he can scowl, growl and bicker all he wants with a certain midget captain – a certain blushing, long-haired, slightly-taller-but-still-a-midget captain. (She's so kawaii! I think she's gotten a little taller, right? But, of course, for our berry-head, she's still his midget.)
So, the final epilogue will be after the release of the final manga chapter. I'm dying to see how Kubo ends it.
I hope they announce the return of the anime so we will all have something to look forward to.
Thanks a lot for the reviews guys.
P.S. For those following Battle of Ideology, I did not abandon it, I'm just so caught up with all the hype that I couldn't concentrate yet.