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The train approached the station, and Ichigo shook the woman slumped against him.
“Rukia.”
“Mmnnnh…?”
“Time to get up.”
“I don’t wanna get up,” she slurred. “You’re comfy.”
Ichigo frowned at the petite woman, trying to decide if he was more annoyed or amused. Rukia rested her head on his shoulder and was happily slobbering all over his coat.
“C’mon,” he grumbled as he helped her up on her feet, “we’re gonna miss the stop and my arm went numb five minutes ago.”
He grabbed Rukia’s shoulders and helped her out of the train car, shooting a quick, apologetic glance at the other passengers.
Rukia stumbled along obediently, humming a disjointed tune under her breath as she leaned against Ichigo for support. For such a tiny person she was surprisingly heavy.
Must be the kendo muscles, he thought, scowling to himself.
He wasn’t sure if having a girl stay the night at his place was a good idea… But he was certain that her strict, overprotective brother wouldn’t be pleased if he took Rukia home in her current condition. Ichigo considered himself too young to die, therefore sharing his apartment with his drunk friend was the lesser of two evils.
Sadly that did nothing to relieve his nervousness; he rarely had anyone over, let alone a girl.
His arm, wrapped securely around Rukia’s shoulders, was finally regaining its feeling, aflame with an irritating tingle. It was slow going but somehow – despite Rukia’s staggering and trying to sprint ahead or take a wrong turn – they got back to Ichigo’s apartment safely.
Rukia was swaying on her feet as Ichigo went through his pockets to find his keys. Then she almost fell as she crossed the threshold, and Ichigo had to grab her arm to steady her. She laughed and kicked her shoes off before wandering into the apartment. Ichigo shook his head and let her go.
After taking of his coat and his own shoes, he walked into the kitchen to get a water bottle out of the fridge. When he reached the living room, the bottle almost fell from his slackened grip. His jaw dropped and for two stretching seconds he stared, until he recovered his faculties enough to avert his gaze.
The words tumbled out of his mouth in a panicked whine. “What are you doing?!”
“The bra had to go,” Rukia said, shrugging her shoulders. He saw the movement in the periphery of his vision and winced.
The sound drew her attention and she turned to blink at him.
“Why’re you blushing?”
“Oh, I don’t know… maybe because you’re not wearing a shirt!”
Rukia giggled. “So what? ‘S not like you’ve never seen boobs before.”
Ichigo swallowed and keeping his eyes on his feet, crossed the living room into the safety of his bedroom.
“Aww, really?” he heard Rukia’s teasing voice call after him. “Might as well get a good look then!”
Ichigo tried to ignore her, but the tips of his ears burned as he rummaged through his closet.
When he emerged from his bedroom, Rukia’s eyes flashed and her lopsided grin grew wider.
“They’re not that big but they’re still a good pair of –“
“Put that on,” Ichigo hissed from between clenched teeth, pushing an old t-shirt towards Rukia while resolutely staring at the ceiling.
“You’re a real prude, aren’t ya?” she snorted, but thankfully pulled the shirt over her head.
Ichigo breathed easier, and set the water bottle on the coffee table.
“Is the sofa okay or do you want the futon?”
Rukia plopped down onto the sofa and toppled over.
“Sofa’s good,” she hummed, her cheek pressed against the cushions.
“Good.”
“Not good.”
“What?”
“I’m gonna be sick now.”
Cursing, Ichigo dragged Rukia up, half-carried her into the bathroom and closed the door. She proceeded to be sick and he paced around for a moment before he decided to busy himself. By the time Rukia wobbled out of the bathroom, a couple of painkillers had appeared on the coffee table next to the water bottle. Rukia sank onto the sofa and hugged the pillow Ichigo had left out for her.
“…You all right?” he asked, standing in his bedroom doorway, arms folded across his chest.
“I will be,” she rasped.
Ichigo frowned at her and then walked over. Rukia peeked at him from under her lashes as he pulled the blanket over her and tucked her in.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
“Just get some sleep,” Ichigo huffed.
The corners of Rukia’s lips quirked. “Aye aye, captain,” she promised with a throaty chuckle.
He managed a stiff nod and turned to walk back into his bedroom.
“Good night, Ichigo,” she said softly.
He paused in the doorway and gave her one final glance.
“Night, Rukia,” he replied, then firmly pulled the door shut behind him.