Archive of Our Own ^beta

Rukia Kuchiki was tired to the point where she was struggling to even keep her violet eyes open. It was uncommon for the dark haired Shinigami to reach this level of complete and utter exhaustion, but she knew this is just what happens after you've been through war.

Literally.

The first two weeks after the war were the hardest. She learned of friends and comrades dying, the death toll was uncountable. It made her sick to her stomach. Seeing the extensive damage through out the Seireitei made her heart drop in the worst way. Finding more dead bodies around the wreckage was even worse. Sometimes when she closed her eyes, she could still see those bodies. Could still smell death in the air.

It was hell. The hardest thing she had ever been through, she knew it was probably the same for all of her comrades and friends. It was something nobody talked about, at least not yet. It was too soon. Too fresh.

But the hardest thing out of all of it was seeing her best friend get stricken down after offering the last finishing blow to their enemy. She had watched him fall in that moment, her body completely frozen in fear before she moved as fast as she could to get to him before he hit the ground.

She knew he had finished off their enemy, the only worry on her mind in that heart stopping moment was reaching him in time.

It's been a month, and she still does not know how she made it to him in time. She remembers catching him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and holding on to him tightly as they fell the last remaining distance to the rocky terrain below. She remembers trying to move him to where she would take full impact of the fall. Before they hit the ground, she blacked out.

When she had awoken, three days later; she was surprised to see that she had no visible injuries although she still ached. She knew it must have been Inoue Orihime that had healed her injuries. Before she could even finish that thought, she remembered the last few moments before she entered darkness. She had shot up in bed, looking around before noticing someone in a bed ten feet away from her.

It was Ichigo. He was alive. Looked like hell, but he was here. He was breathing.

Overcome with relief she couldn't hold back her tears before she noticed Renji and Unohana enter the room. Renji ran to her bedside faster then she could blink, enveloping her in a hug. For the first time in decades she completely broke down in front of her red haired friend as he held her. The relief was overwhelming.

As Rukia looked at Ichigo over Renji's shoulder as she wept, she knew in that moment that she was in love with him.

Shortly after, she would find out from Unohana that Ichigo's condition was not critical but could have long term effects. Orihime had healed his injuries but he had not woken up. They weren't sure if he ever would.

"But... I caught him... I thought I had shielded him from the fall?" she asked softly. Unohana looked down somberly as Renji gave her a concerned look. He laid a hand on her shoulder as she looked up at him, silently urging him to tell her.

"You did. I saw it with my own eyes. Rukia, you nearly died from shielding him. You were..." he closed his eyes, bowing his head. He couldn't say it. It was a gruesome sight he had seen, one that would surely haunt him for a long long time.

"Your back broke from the fall. You had multiple broken ribs, one that was piercing your lungs. Your right leg was broken in multiple places and you had a severe concussion. Thankfully, Orihime Inoue was able to heal you mostly back to one hundred percent. But you may still be in physical pain for the next few weeks.

Rukia's breath hitched while hearing what was her condition. She had protected Ichigo the best that she could. She had not failed him. She nodded her head at Unohana's words before her gaze went back to Ichigo.

Then.. why is he like this? What happened?"

The room was silent as she waited for an answer. But all her two friends could do was look at her with saddened eyes. Their expressions answered her question.

They did not know what happened Ichigo.
All they could do was wait for him to wake up from his comatose state.

For the second time since Rukia had awoken, she cried. The pain in her heart, in her soul; was the worst pain she had ever felt.

Within the next few weeks, Rukia's physical pain slightly went away but she still had pain in her chest due to her previous lung damage. Due to the damage her right leg sustained, she struggled to walk due to the sharp chronic pain that shot through her leg up into her hip. But to the dark haired Shinigami, this pain was bearable compared to the pain of knowing Ichigo may never wake up.

Much to Renji and Byakuya's dismay, she helped with recovery efforts the best she could a week after waking up, She helped clean up debris, and helped her Captain with their squad who were struggling in their Division. This was not surprising, considering every Division was struggling after what they had all been through.

Everyone had lost someone.

Rukia experienced almost unbearable anxiety while she was away from Ichigo. Every second she worried the worst would happen, and she would not be there for him. But she knew she had a duty to do as Lieutenant and she could not push those duties to the side.

Much to Rukia's annoyance, on the third week of her waking up, she experienced a terrible pain in her chest that she could not ignore. She knew her lung injury had been the worst, and had been causing her aggravating pain every day since she woke up. Ukitake had been with her when the pain hit and caught her before she hit the ground. From that moment on she as dismissed from any physical activity until she was back to one hundred percent.

That is how she found herself back in Ichigo's recovery room. She spent her days in the chair beside his bedside as she worked on paperwork. When she was not working on paperwork she was holding his hand; waiting for him to awaken. It became harder every day, to see him like this.

Every week though Isshin would come by and spend an afternoon with them. He would look at his son as he told her stories of when Ichigo was younger. Stories of Ichigo with his mother, before she died. Stories of life in the Kurosaki household when Karin an Yuzu were born and how excite Ichigo was to become a big brother. Rukia would watch him speak of his family, a smile on her lips. It made her so happy to hear these stories of the man she had grown to love.

One afternoon Isshin had come by and told her that he had sat down with the twins and told them everything that happened. Rukia had been very surprised to hear this. She knew that Karin knew about Shinigami's and knew that her brother was involved somehow. She didn't think Yuzu had known anything other then Ichigo being able to see spirits.

"Karin took it all pretty well, aside from hearing about Ichigo's condition. She was not surprised by any of it, she told me Tōshirō had warned her about a war coming. I was surprised at first to find out that my daughter knew my old Lieutenant. I was even more surprised when she practically burst into tears when I told her he had survived the war. Life has a funny way of doing that."

Rukia looked up from her spot beside Ichigo's bedside to look at Isshin who was sitting in a chair on the other side of his sons bed.

"Doing what?" she asked him, her curiosity spiking as the older ma grinned back at her.

"Bringing people together."

She watched his gaze go from her to his son, then back to her before winking. Realization dawning on her, she leaned back into her chair as a blush appeared on her face.

Rukia couldn't deny his statement. He was right after all. Rukia didn't know if it was fate, meeting Ichigo. Her soul felt a connection to his that she could not ignore. She wasn't sure if it was from lending him her powers. But it was a strong connection.

"Are you going to tell him when he wakes up?"

Isshin's question caught her off guard. Blinking a few times, she looked back up at him. What was he talking about? Rukia recognizing the smug look on his face, very similar to the one she has seen on Ichigo's face whenever he knew something and was proud about the fact.

"Tell him what?"

As hard as she thought about it, she had no idea what he was referring to.

"Rukia."

The way he said her name and with the way he was looking at her, it finally dawned on her what he was talking about. She leaned further back into her char, arms folded; face beat red. She couldn't look him in the eyes. How did he know?

As if reading her mind, he gives a small laugh before settling his hands in his lap.

"I've had my suspicions for awhile now. But I definitely knew when I heard how you saved him from that fall. You saved my sons life, Rukia. I will forever be in debt to you."

Rukia met his eyes then, seeing the clear emotion in them as he leaned forward to hold his sons hand.

"Listen to me, Rukia; when I say you deserve to be happy and so does my son. He may be reckless at times and stubborn as hell; but he is a good man. He has a big heart, just like his mother did."

Rukia's heart warmed hearing his words. Oh, how she knew Ichigo deserved to be happy. She knew she was only happy with him by her side. She had watched him grow over the years. He was definitely stubborn at times and still a bit reckless, but his intentions were always pure of heart. One of the many things she loved about him.

Leaning forward, she took Ichigo's other hand i hers. She looked down at their joined hands, rubbing her thumb over his before looking back up at Isshin. she knew the answer to his question without hesitation.

"When he awakes, I will tell him."

Isshin smiled softly as her before looking back at his son. "I think happiness can only come from you telling him. Happiness for you both."

With that said he stood up, walking to the other sie of the bed to stand next to where Rukia was sitting.

"I must take my leave now. But I want you to know the girls will be coming by tomorrow to see Ichigo. The Captain Commander approved of it. Will you watch out for them?"

Rukia was surprised by the news, but nodded her head before offering him a kind smile. She was happy knowing she would see his sisters tomorrow. Before Rukia could speak he leaned down, offering her a side hug before kissing the top of her head.

"I will see you soon, my dear third daughter."

Rukia's heart clenched at his actions and his words. She almost grew teary eyed. Isshin was like the father she never had. He could be crazy and over dramatic at times but he had a big heart, like his son.

"Thank you."

She said it so softly she was afraid he did not hear her.

"No need to thank me. That's what family is for."

With that he headed to the door, but stopped and turned around before exiting.

"Have you talked to your Zanpakutō lately?"

Rukia perked her head up, sitting up straighter as she thought about his question. Feeling guilt, she slumped her shoulders.

"I have not talked to Sode no Shirayuki since I woke up." He nodded his head, a thoughtful look on his face.

"You should talk to her about what's going on with Ichigo. She may have a idea as to what to do about Ichigo's condition. If anything, talking to her may help you."

After hearing his suggestion, she couldn't help but wonder how she did not think of that before. She smiled at him, nodding her head.

"I shall do that. Thank you, Isshin."

He gave a nod back before waving his hand in goodbye as he exited the room, shutting the door softly behind him. Rukia's gaze went back to Ichigo, as she held his hand just a little bit tighter.

"Hold on, Ichigo. I'm going to find a way to bring you back, I promise."

Feeling determined now but also more exhausted, she slowly stood up. Her hand reluctantly letting go of his before reaching up to move a few strays of hair out of his eyes. Her fingers ran along his cheek before she gently pulled away and said goodnight to him. Going to her bed, she got under the covers; determined to talk to Sode no Shirayuki tomorrow. Her gaze stayed on him before her eyes grew to heavy o stay open, and she drifted off to sleep.

______

Rukia woke up to the sound of Unohana entering the room. Something she did every morning to check on Ichigo. Giving a yawn, Rukia sat up in bed; stretching before moving to stand up.

"Goo morning, Unohana."

"Goo morning, Rukia. How are you feeling?"

Rukia stretched again, feeling pain in her chest and her right leg; but noticing not as bad as it had been the week before. "There is still some pain but I can feel it's slowly improving."

She watched as Unohana looked over Ichigo, and attached a new IV bag. Rukia then noticed she had rolled in a cart that had a pale of water on top, towels and a sponge set beside it. Unohana looked up and smiled at Rukia, knowing what she would ask.

"I do not see any change in his condition, but his stats are good and he is still breathing strong." Rukia nodded at her words, feeling relief rush over her. She always did while hearing that his condition had not worsened over night. Rukia walked towards Ichigo's beside, looking down at him. She still found it odd to see the calm serene expression on his ace. She had gotten so used to his trademark scowl over the years. But more then anything, she missed his smile.

"I'll give him the sponge bat, Unohana. I know you have many more patients to see."

Unohana gave her a grateful. Although this had become a routine for them by this point. Once she had been restricted from physical work she had been doing what she could to help Ichigo, including giving him sponge baths; rotating his pillows and moving his body to lay sideways so he would not get bed sores during his comatose state. It made her feel good to do what she could to help her best friend.

"After this, I will be heading out to my Division to turn in some paperwork and then I must make a stop somewhere. Ichigo's father told me his sisters will be visiting him this afternoon. I should be back before then."

Unohana nodded, before bringing the cart to the side of the bed Rukia was on. "Very well, I will keep an eye out if they show up earlier then expected if it is before you return.

"Thank you, Unohana."

Unohana nodded her head in reply before silently exiting the room, closing the door behind her. Rukia watched her leave before turning back to Ichigo. Picking up the sponge, she set it in the warm water before squeezing it. As she started on his face and neck, she thought about when she should enter her Inner World to talk to Sode no Shirayuki. The best time would probably be after his sisters left later tonight. She planned on meditating in the room, not wanting to be away from Ichigo.

Se was excited to see his sisters, but mentally prepared herself for them to become emotional at seeing their brothers comatose state. It was only natural after all, considering he was their big brother. She would be there to comfort them though, every step of the way.

_____

An hour later after finishing his sponge bath, she emptied out the pale before getting dressed in her robes and ready to start the rest of her day. She made sure to grab her finished paperwork, before talking to Ichigo for a moment, telling him where she would be going and that she would return soon. She did not know if he could hear her, but she felt it best to talk to him as much as possible; just in case he could.

On her walk to her Division, she took in the site before her; noticing the rebuilding of her home was coming along nicely. It made her happy. She did not plan on running into her brother, but was happy to see him. He stopped by when he could to visit her and would bring her her favorite tea. During those times, they would sit at the chabudai in the corner of the room and enjoy their tea together while discussing various topics.

Byakuya had also sustained injuries during the war, but had recovered thanks to Orihime. He had returned straight back to his Captain duties, knowing his Division needed him.

"Good morning, Rukia. How is Ichigo Kurosaki doing?

Rukia eyes widened at his question,once over her soc she smiled warmly up at her brother.

"His condition is still the same. But I have not lost hope."

Rukia's words were true. There were certain days over the last few weeks that she became depressed and scared that he really would never wake up. But at the end of the day, she still had hope. She believed in him, more then anyone else. Her brother nodded at her words, a neutral expression on his face.

"I am happy to hear his condition has not worsened. You are a good friend to him, Rukia."
Her eyes couldn't help but water at his words. She was not used to her brother saying such open and kind things, definitely when it came to Ichigo. But he had saved the, once again. She did not believe her brother hated Ichigo, not after all he had done for them.

"Thank you, Nii-sama. That truly means a lot to me."

A moment later they said their goodbyes and Rukia continued on her way to her Division. Once she was there, she was slightly out of breath. Her leg was causing her pain again, she signed in frustration before reaching her hand up to knock on her Captains door.

"Come in."

She opened the door, seeing Ukitake sitting at his chabudai. The first thing she noticed was how tired he looked. It concerned her greatly, considering she knew he had been having a difficult time with his illness since the war. His face lit up when he saw his Lieutenant enter and motioned for her to sit down across from him at the table. She slowly sat down, wincing from the pain in her leg but managed to sit cross legged before smiling at Ukitake. she set her paperwork down on the floor as he spoke.

"Is your leg still causing you pain?"

Rukia nodded her head, as he reached towards the tea pot an poured her a cup.

"Yes, but is slowly getting better. How are you feeling Captain?"

Once her tea was poured, she picked up the cup and took a sip before looking back up at Ukitake.

"I'm doing okay. I feel a little better today compared to the last week. How is Ichigo doing?"

Rukia couldn't help but lower her eyes to the table.

"His condition is still the same, but at least it hasn't worsened. I talked to his father yesterday and he suggested I talk to Sode no Shirayuki about it."

Ukitake thought over her words as he sipped his tea. He knew how much the substitute soul reaper meant to his Lieutenant. She did not need to say her feelings for him to know.

"It is a good idea, considering the bond you and Ichigo share." Rukia lifted her head, a curious expression on her face. He grinned at her in a way that made her flustered. She felt this was going to be a conversation about her feelings for Ichigo. Her Captain knew her too well.

"When you gave Ichigo your Soul Reaper powers, a part of your soul merged with his. A connection was born between you two. I suspect it has only grown over time, yes?" Rukia felt her face heat up before meeting her Captains eyes and nodding. She cleared her throat to speak.

"It has. I'm not sure how to explain it.. when I saw him fall, it was like I felt his pain. His fear. The darkness..."

Ukitake nodded in understanding. He set his now empty tea cup down, as Rukia did the same.

"A part of your soul is still merge with his. It makes sense that you would feel his pain and his emotions. Have you been more tired then usual, Rukia?" Rukia node, remaining silent. She was unsure where he was going with this.

"I suspect that may be because he is in a comatose state. Since a part of your soul is merge with his, you can not help but feel fatigue and exhaustion due to his condition."

Rukia's eyes widened in surprised at his words. The more she thought about it, she knew her Captain was right. Over the last few weeks she thought it was only because of her remaining pain from her injuries.

"Do you believe in Soulmates, Rukia?"

She froze in place at his sudden question. Did he believe her and Ichigo were Soulmates? It was not something she ever thought about before, so she wasn't sure if she believed in Soulmates; but she knew she believed in something.

"I believe anything is possible with a strong enough bond."

That she knew she believed in. Her an Ichigo had been through so much, had saved each other numerous times. Had stood by each other's side in countless battles. Had protected one another, no matter what. She knew their bond was strong. But how strong?

"I do believe you and Ichigo are Soulmates. I also believe Sode no Shirayuki will be able to help you reach Ichigo. As you said Rukia, anything is possible with a strong enough bond, "

Rukia couldn't help but smile. She was now more then determined to find a way to bring Ichigo back. She would save him.

____

After visiting Ukitake and turning in her completed paperwork; she made her way to the 10th Division/ She knocked on a door before hearing a male voice telling her to enter. She strolled in and met eyes with none other then Tōshirō Hitsugaya. His eyes widened at seeing her in his doorway.

She gave a small smile as she closed the door behind her. She winced again, realizing she had put to much pressure on her right leg. She would have fallen if Tōshirō had not run over to her, bracing her to stay upright.

Rukia grunted through her pain before giving her friend a grateful look. He helped her to the chair in front of his desk, once she was sitting he stood in front of her.

"You're pushing yourself, Rukia Kuchiki."

She waived off his comment as she massaged her leg with her other hand.

"You know I hate it when you use my full name, Tōshirō Hitsugaya."

The white haired Captain rolled his eyes at her comment before leaning om his desk, folding his arms.

"What brings you here? Is Ichigo okay?" his question was laced with concern. He had grown rather fond of the orange haired man.

"His condition is still the same. I'm going to talk to Sode no Shirayuki tonight about his condition."

He nodded as she finished massaging her leg, the pain now just a dull ache. She sighed in exhaustion before answering his first question.

"I wanted to ask you if you would be able to come visit him in a few hours."

The 10th Captain raised his eyebrow at that. He found it a little odd, but he would not question her. It had been two weeks since he had visited his friend. Thinking of the substitute soul real it made him think of his friend, Karin Kurosaki. He had not seen he since a few months before the war.

"How did his sisters take the news of his condition?"
Rukia looked up after hearing his question. She leaned back into the chair.

"As best as they could. Their father told them everything after the war ended." She could practically feel his shock roll off of him in waves.

"After everything that happened, it's best that they know." Rukia nodded in agreement before slowly getting back up, the white haired Captain lending a hand and helping her up. She gave him another grateful look before walking back to the door. She nodded in farewell, before exiting.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya sat back down at his desk, determined to finish his paperwork before heading out to see Ichigo this afternoon. The whole time wondering when he would see Karin Kurosaki again. He wished he had a way to visit her.. he didn't allow himself to dwell on that though. With a sign he began his work again.

Rukia made her way back to Ichigo, a grin on her face. The 10th Captain would be seeing Karin Kurosaki much sooner then he may think.

____

Once Rukia had returned to their room, she cleaned up and made her bed. She switched out Ichigo's pillow, rotating him to his left side for an hour before moving him back to his back. She sat in the chair beside his bedside, his hand once again in hers.

"Your sisters will be here soon to see you, Ichigo." she spoke to him softly, squeezing his hand before leaning her head on the bed beside their joined hands.

To Rukia's surprise it was much sooner then she thought. As soon as she had closed her eyes she heard a knock. She cleared her throat, telling whoever it was that they can come in. The door opened slowly, and Yuzu and Karin Kurosaki entered the room.

Rukia sat up straight in her chair, softly letting go of Ichigo's hand as she stood up. She thought she heard her heart break as she saw the heavy-hearted expressions on his sisters faces/ Karin quickly grew pale as she looked at her brother, Yuzu had a hand over her mouth in shock. They knew of their brothers state before arriving, but it was still a shock to actually see him in person. They both looked over to Rukia and before she could blink they were beside her, embracing her in a tight hug.

Rukia was not used to comfort like this. Her eyes grew misty as she hugged them back. Yuzu was crying, as Karin sniffled; trying to blink her tears away. Rukia rubbed their backs in a comforting manner, feeling her throat tighten as she tried to keep her emotions at bay. She needed to be strong for them.

"I'm so sorry." she whispered to them as her chest grew tight and her heart ached for them. The girls slowly pulled away, shocked expressions on the twins faces.

"Rukia, why are you sorry?" Yuzu asked, wiping her tears away. Rukia was surprised when Karin laid both her hands on either side of her shoulders, giving her a soft look. A look she was not used to seeing on Karin.

"Listen to me, Rukia. You have nothing to be sorry for. Dad told us everything. All you have ever done is try to protect Ichigo and to help him. He told us how you caught him from that fall, he would have died from that if it weren't for you. You saved his lie, Rukia."

Rukia felt her walls crumple away as she looked in their eyes. Yuzu nodded in reassurance at Karin's words, giving Rukia a small but grateful smile.

"We are so thankful, Rukia. We love you, you're family after all." Yuzu said gently, as she took one of Rukia's hands in hers.

That is all it took for Rukia to feel her chest tighten so hard that the sobs she had been holding back finally came out, tears escaping before she broke. For the first time in weeks. Karin enveloped her in another tight hug, before Yuzu joined in.

"I love you both too." Rukia whispered softly, as her heart ached for the Kurosaki family.

____

Once the three girls had calmed down, they sat around Ichigo's beside. Rukia had pulled in an extra chair for Karin to sit in next to Yuzu on one side of the bed as Rukia sat on the other wise.

Much to Rukia's dismay, the girls were curious about the war. Rukia told them what she could, being as careful as possible with her words; not wanting to go into much detail. They didn't need to know any of the gruesome details.

"Your brother saved us all, again. He was brave the entire time. He has strength I've never seen before him."

The teen girls listened intently, smiling at her words. Rukia had Ichigo's hand in hers again, looking at the serene expression upon his face. She wished more then anything that he would wake up.

"That's Ichigo for you. Always has to protect everyone." Karin said in an amused tone, laying a hand on her brothers arm. Rukia smiled at that. They sat in comfortable silence for awhile before they heard a knock at the door. They jumped in surprise at the sound before looking at the door.

"You can come in."

Rukia tried to keep her voice neutral, but it was hard knowing who it would be that'd be walking through the door. She glanced over at the girls, and couldn't help but grin at Karin's curious expression. She watched the curious look turn into complete shock and then pure emotion as none other then Tōshirō Hitsugaya walked into the room.

The room was silent for a long moment as the twins looked at him in surprise. Rukia looked back to Tōshirō seeing his mouth almost fall open at the site of the Kurosaki twins. She noticed he could not take his eyes off of one twin in particular who Rukia heard stand up quickly, frozen in place. Obviously still in shock at seeing her long time friend.

"Tōshirō?"

"Karin Kurosaki."

There was a smile in his tone as he said her name, causing the dark haired twin to snap out o her frozen state and run to him. Rukia watched in amusement as the teen practically tackled him to the ground in a tight hug. He held his balance, his back almost hitting the door frame.

Rukia watched his face turn to complete surprise before he closed his eyes and hugged her back. Rukia heard a sniffle and looked over to see Yuzu holding back her tears.

"It's just so beautiful." she whispered to Rukia. Rukia could only nod her head in agreement, attempting to hold in a small laugh. Yuzu was a lot like her father in certain ways.

Karin reluctantly pulled back, her hands resting on his shoulders as he stared at her. Before anyone could blink, she reached up and slapped him over the head. He hissed in pain, grabbing his head as he glared at her.

"What the hell, Kurosaki?!"

"Don't you 'Kurosaki' me! I told you to contact me when the war was over so I knew you survived, you Baka!"

She fumed at him as he rubbed the sore spot on his head, still glaring at her before his face softened and a look of fear came across his ace. Rukia and Yuzu heard Karin sniffle as she folded her arms and bowed her head.

"No, please don't cry; Karin. I tried. I was going to see you right after the battle but I was unable to leave. My Division was in shambles and I couldn't leave my squad. I'm sorry."

Rukia had never heard the 10th Division Captain talk in such a gentle tone before. It made her realize maybe their friendship ran much deeper then she had previously thought. With the he was looking at her, she could tell Karin was special to him.

"I thought you died. I didn't know you were alive until my dad told me." her voice was barely above a whisper due to her holding her tears back as she looked at her friend. His face fell at her words and before he could realize what he was doing, he could enveloped her in another hug. He held her tightly as she cried, overcome with her emotions.

Karin buried her face into his shoulder, grabbing onto his Captain robes. She was so sad about her brothers condition but so happy they had both survived. It was completely overwhelming.

"You may be an idiot, but I'm happy you're okay." she said in a muffled tone due to her face buried in his shoulder. He heard her and held her tighter, before replying back.

"I promised you I'd see you again, didn't I?"

She laughed at that, as her tears slowed and she smiled into his robes. She didn't need to say anything. He knew what she was thinking.

______

After the emotional reunion the girls sat back down next to Ichigo's beside as Tōshirō stood with his arms folded, leaning his back on the wall a few feet away from Rukia. The white haired Captain didn't remember how they got to the discussion of what he went through during the war, he was slightly agitated but couldn't be mad about it considering the look of awe on Karin's ace as he explained to his friends what had happened.

"What, that was you? You told me that was your older brother!"

Tōshirō rolled his eyes before smirking at his friend, giving her a very amused expression.

"You really believed that I have an older brother? Don't think I would have told you before if I did?"

Rukia sat back in her chair, arms folded and pouting. She knew she was gullible.

"I would have told you the truth but I didn't really have the time to explain it to you and Renji."

Rukia thought over his words before her breath hitched. He gave her a questioning look before she smiled up at him.

"I'm glad you didn't try to explain. Because they you told me and Renji to go to Ichigo. If I didn't.." she trails off, her gaze going back to her best friend.

"Thank you, Tōshirō." he can't help but roll his eyes, yet a smile was tugging at his lips.

"No need to thank me. Let's just be happy the war is over."

The two Shinigami's nodded their heads, as Yuzu and Karin still looked fairly shocked. Karin leaned forward in her chair, as she held onto Ichigo's hand.

"Hold up. Your Bankai makes you OLDER?!"

Rukia's eyes widened before she snorted at Karin's question. He stared at her blankly before nodding his reply.

"So you go from looking like a twelve year old to what, thirty?" The white haired Captain closed his eyes, leaning his head back on the wall.

"Yes." was his simple reply, as he kept his eyes closed, head still leaning on the wall before his eyes shot open and he glared at her.

"And I don't look like a twelve year old!" he said loudly, causing Karin to laugh before smirking at him. He closed his eyes again, giving a sigh. He knew where she was going with this. He reluctantly opened his eyes to see Karin now standing in front of him.

"Were you taller? You know, not a shorty?"

Rukia and Yuzu laughed at her question, as Tōshirō scowled at her; feeling his face flush. He knew she was going to go there. Damn her and her short jokes.

"He was definitely taller, and not bad on the eyes either."

His eyes widened at Rukia's comment as he sent her an icy glare, she could only grin in response; holding in her laughter. It was too fun picking on him. He almost let out a yelp of surprise when he felt Karin grab him by the shoulders again, eyes wide as she leaned her face close to his.

"I. Need. To. See. This. Tōshirō, please?!"

The look on her face was a cross between comical and adorable, which the young Captain noticed and tried to calm his racing heart. 'Why she she be like this?' He thought as he tried to look away from her pleading look.

"I can not achieve that form again just yet. It is too soon." Karin let her arms fall back to her sides, clearly pouting. Tōshirō sighed, knowing he would surely regret what he was about to say.

"But give it a few months, and then you can see."

Karin's eyes lit up as she stood up straighter, her face lighting up with excitement. He didn't expect the hug he got in return to his words, but in his mind it was worth it. He did not hesitate to hug her back, but stilled when he saw the expression on Rukia and Yuzu's faces.

Yuzu was wiping tears from her eyes as she held in her squeals due to the display of cuteness happening. Her face was comical much like her fathers when he became dramatic over Masaki's portrait. Rukia had a hand over her mouth, trying to hold in her laughter at the young Captains facial expression due to Karin hugging him. All he could do was send her an icy glare, hoping his face was not as red as it felt. Thankfully he was cut off from his embarrassment when Karin;s stomach rumbled loudly. he pulled away, refusing to look him in the eyes.

"You guys have food here, right?"

Tōshirō couldn't help but smirk at her question, as he looked back towards Rukia before speaking.

"Would it be okay if I took them to my Division to get lunch?"

Yuzu clapped her hands excitedly at his question, she had secretly been excited to see Rukia's home and where she came room. Karin looked over to Rukia, and beamed when the Lieutenant nodded her head.

"That will be fine. I'm going to rest my leg a bit." Tōshirō nodded in understanding. He walked the girls to the door as they said goodbye. She said farewell and once the door was shut she turned back to Ichigo.

It was true she needed to rest her leg but she had something much more important she needed to do.

It was time to talk to Sode no Shirayuki.

_____

Rukia grabbed a spare blanket from her bed and laid it out on the floor beside Ichigo's beside before laying her Zanpakto down on the blanket and sitting cross legged next to it.

She got comfortable, closing her eyes; listening to Ichigo's breathing as she focused. A moment later she opened her eyes to see landscape covered in white. She looked up to see the sky was cloudy, it was snowing. She stilled for a moment before standing up, noticing she no longer felt the pain in her leg.

Stretching, she looked around and noticed a frozen lake not too far away. She slowly walked her way towards it, noticing a figure sitting on a bench. It was Sode no Shirayuki. As she got closer, she turned her head to look at Rukia; giving her a soft smile. Patting the spot next to her, Rukia sat down beside her and before she could speak Sode no Shirayuki laid a hand on her shoulder before speaking.

"I already know what you are going to say, dear. You do not need to apologize for your absence these last few weeks. I know how hard it has been for you."

Rukia's mouth fell open before quickly shutting. She shouldn't be surprised. Her sword knew her better then anyone else.

"You are here to speak about Ichigo Kurosaki, yes?"

Rukia pursed her lips, but could not stop her eyes from widening at her question.

"How did you know?" Rukia asked softly, Sode no Shirayuki smiled at her, something that always made Rukia feel better.

"I am a part of you, Rukia. I will always know things without you having to tell me."

It was silent for a long moment as they watched the snow fall on and around them. Rukia lifted a hand, palm upwards as she watched the snow flakes fall into her palm before melting.

"What are you feeling?"

Rukia's hand trembled at her question, as she slowly closed her hand and laid it to rest in her lap. She fidgeted with her robe, unsure of how to word everything she was feeling.

"My heart is breaking for Ichigo. I'm upset this has happened to him, when he did not deserve this. I'm scared he won't wake up. But then I get angry at myself for even thinking that because I believe in him. I know he is strong, I know I..."

Rukia couldn't finish her sentence, suddenly overcome with too much emotion at once. She had never felt love like this. To the point where she felt her very soul would break i he did not awaken. She felt warmth on her hand and looked down to see one of Sode no Shirayuki's hands laid atop hers.

"I felt your pain and your fear when he fell. I felt your relief when you reached him and risked your life for his. I felt the realization in your soul the moment you knew you had fallen in love with him."

Rukia did not realize that it started snowing more heavily until she looked up to meet eyes with her sword. Sode no Shirayuki held her hand tighter as Rukia silently cried from the pain in her chest, but this time it was not from her previous injury. A few minutes later she blinked the rest of her tears away, as she looked around and saw the huge amounts of snow everywhere. She could not see the frozen lake anymore.

"I'm sorry, Sode no Shirayuki."

Rukia wiped the remaining tears off her face with her free hand, taking a deep breath before looking back at the beautiful woman beside her. Sode no Shirayuki smiled, and Rukia could not ignore the fierce look of determination in her eyes.

"Do not apologize, Rukia. I am going to help you bring Ichigo back."

Rukia stilled, frozen by her words. Before her lips curved up in a smile; an for the first time in weeks she felt a wave on determination wash over her. she squeezed Sode no Shirayuki's hand as their eyes met once more.

"What do I have to do?"

Rukia listened intently to Sode no Shirayuki talk about her plan. She made it sound easy, too easy. Once she was done explaining, Rukia stood up. Watching as the snow slowly stopped falling around them. Rukia's heart felt less heavy, thanks to her new found determination. Rukia fidgeted with her hands as she looked across the snowy landscape.

"All I have to do is meditate while holding onto his hand, and reach my reitsu out to him?"

"In a way, yes. You will flow your reitsu towards him, imagine you are pouring it into his hand. Once you do that, you should enter his Inner World."

That was the first time her sword had brought up Ichigo's Inner World. She spun around to gap at her.

"But, that's impossible. No one has ever entered someone's Inner World before."

Sode no Shirayuki simply nodded her head at Rukia's words before standing up beside her.

"Zangetsu sent me a message. This is originally his plan. I told him once you arrive here, we will discuss it to see what you think. I told him to keep an eye out. for you."

Rukia could only blink, complete shock settling over her. Zangetsu had sent her a message? How? How was this possible?

"Rukia, do not doubt how strong your bond is with Ichigo Kurosaki. You and Ichigo's souls are connected. Your souls have been merged since the night you met him and gave him the power to protect his loved one. It is a spiritual connection, one that can not be wavered or broken; no matter what happens. You have all the power you need to bring him back. He is trapped in his Inner World. Zangetsu suspects what happened with Yhwach was very traumatic for him. It is blocking him from awakening. You are the only one that can bring him back."

Rukia could not breathe in that moment. She should have known her was stuck in his Inner World. She had suspected it, but had no proof that that is what was happening to hi.m. Now she had her proof, as well as her immense determination.

When Rukia looked back up to Sode no Shirayuki, her violet eyes were shining with resolve. Her sword had never seen such a fierce look of determination before.

"Let us begin, Sode no Shirayuki."

_____

Once Rukia had awakened from being in her Inner World, she stood up quickly; ignoring the pain in her leg. That was not important right now. She walked over to Ichigo, pulling he chair up to his bedside before sitting down and intertwining his fingers with hers.

"Ichigo... I don't know if you can hear me. But I'm coming. You will see me soon. I promise I will bring you back."

She had no doubt in her mind that she could do this. She looked softly at him one last time before closing her eyes and concentrating. She let the sound of his steady breathing pull her into the state of peace she needed to meditate. She took a deep breath as she focused on her reitsu, instantly recognizing his beside her. She reached out, imagining her reitsu pouring into her hand before she sent it towards his hand that was laced with hers.

The feeling she felt when it happened was unlike anything she had ever felt before. She imagined it was like jumping into a pool of ice water and then being dragged back up to the surface faster then she could even process. When she opened her violet eyes again she was looking at several large skyscrapers that were sideways in her line of sight. It was pouring, and the sky was dark aside from the lightning illuminating the sky every few seconds.

Rukia was in his Inner World.

_____

Rukia realized when she looked down that that was a bad idea. She had no idea how she was standing on the side of a building, not falling into the darkness below. It made her incredibly dizzy. Her head spun as she put a hand to her forehead, taking deep breaths to calm herself. She jumped when she heard a voice from behind her.

"Rukia Kuchiki, you've arrived."

She spun around to meet eyes with none other then Zangetsu. She took in his dark long hair and his black overcoat. She notices his brown tinted semi-transparent sunglasses as soon as she notices the small smile on his face.

"It's nice to meet you, Zangetsu."

He nodded at her before slowly walking towards her. With the rain falling over her, it almost looked like he was floating towards her.

"It is a pleasure to meet the women who is the center off Ichigo's universe." Rukia looked away, feeling her face flush at his reply. She couldn't help but watch as Zangetsu lifted his head up and looked past her to watch the darkened skies before lightning exploded across the sky. A moment later, his gaze locked with hers.

"Usually Ichigo's Inner World is full of sunshine and blue skies. Ever since the was it has been nothing but dark and stormy. I suspect the battle with Yhwach effected him far greater then I thought it would."

Rukia looked down at her feet, watching the rain slide down the building they were standing on.

'I want to fix it, Zangetsu. I want to bring him back."

Zangetsu simply nodded at her words before walking past her, motioning for her to follow him. She took hesitant steps, nervous she may fall. After a few steps she became more comfortable and walked next to Zangetsu. It didn't take long to reach the edge of the skyscraper. He climbed up the ledge and reached a hand out to help her. She gratefully took hi hand, as he helped hoist her over the edge. Once at the top, she could see the skyscrapers better and watched as the sky lit up with lightning again. She was still unsure how she was not feeling, but at least the dizziness had faded.

"Look below you, Rukia."

She did as instructed and looked under where she stood. It was hard to see with the rain coming down. She crouched down and peered into the glass below her feet.

That is when she saw him.

Ichigo was a few feet to the side of where she stood below him. She estimated she was about fifteen feet above him. She noticed with a heavy heart that he was sitting on the floor, his legs folded up and his head was tucked in towards his chest. His arms were wrapped around his knees. He was curled up in a ball. She wanted to cry at the sight of him. She could feel his pain much more deeply due to their close proximity to one another. It was suffocating.

After a moment, she stood up and gave Zangetsu an intense look, full of determination. It amused him. This women was really something.

"How do I get in?"

Before he spoke he took her hand in his, it surprised her but she did not pull away. It almost felt right holding his hand, she suspected that was because Zangetsu was a part of Ichigo. In a way, it was comforting and what she needed in that moment. Her nervousness vanished.

"Close your eyes and think of Ichigo. Think of the moment you met him. Think of every monumental moment that happened between the two of you. Think of the moment you knew."

Rukia did not need to question him. She understood completely. She took a deep breath before closing her eyes, remembering every single important moment that happened between them.

She remembers the night she met him in his bedroom, when she gave him her powers. She remembers the day he first showed her how to open a juice box. She remembers the first dinner she had with his family, and when he saved her from her execution. She remembers the day he took her ice skating, before remembering the moment that he lost his powers completely and they had to say their goodbyes. She remembers how it felt when her heart broke when he said goodbye as she faded from his sight. She remembers the night she gave him his powers, for the second time. The look of shock on his face when he turned his head and saw her again. She remembers him falling as she shunpo'd across the air to reach him in time. To save him. Lastly, she remembers the moment she knew she had fallen in love with him.

When she opens her eyes she is surprised to see she is in the room with Ichigo. She looks up to see Zangetsu still holding on to her hand, before he lets go and she falls the last remaining feet to the ground. She is grateful when she lands on her feet with a soft thud. It is loud enough sound for Ichigo to list his head up in surprise.

His eyes meet with hers, and it that moment she can not breathe. She can not speak nor move. Because he is right there in front of her and she can not help but notice how utterly terrified he looks. Before she can clear her throat to get a word out, he scoots himself to the wall behind him, his eyes wide. Completely petrified.

"This is a trick. Yhwach is tricking me."

Rukia knows he is talking to her, but to himself. Her heart drops as she realizes he thinks this is an illusion, that it's not real. That she is not here.She has to get through to him. She takes a step closer, as his eyes go to the ground before meeting hers again. She can tell how scared he is. What the hell did that bastard do to him to make him like this?

"Ichigo. It's really me. I promise you."

His eyes widen further at her soft spoken words before she watches his gaze turn hard, eyes full of tears. This is breaking her heart, to see him like this.

Damn Yhwach for doing this to him!

She takes another step closer, now only a few feet away from him. She looks down at him, her gaze soft. She could feel herself trembling, and it was not from her being soaked from the rain outside.

"Do you know what happened, Ichigo?"

She waits patiently for his reply, not wanting to push him. He is scared enough as it is. She watches him push his back further int the wall, staring back down at ground between them.

"There's a war going on. I was fighting Yhwach. He trapped me in his illusion. This isn't real, it can't be."

After hearing his words, she blinks back her tears; refusing to cry at a time like this. He needed to see her strong. She gently lowers herself to the floor, sitting only a few feet in front of him. She tucks her legs under her, setting her hands on the top of her knees before looking back up at him.

"Listen to me, Ichigo. Just listen." she spoke softly, nervously tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she watched Ichigo slump his shoulders in mental exhaustion. He moved to sit cross legged, before meeting her gaze again. He hesitantly nodded, urging her to continue all the while hoping this was indeed Rukia sitting in front of him. Nothing could prepare him for what she said next.

"Yes, there was a war that happened. But it ended. You dealt the finishing blow to Yhwach. But he landed a hit on you before yours ended him." she swallowed, feeling her throat tighten. He waited though, watching her close her eyes before continuing.

"You were falling.. I saw it happen. I shunpo'd to you and got to you just in time before you hit the ground. We both went unconscious. Both of us had been severely inured from the fall. But Orihime healed both of us in time. I woke up.. but you didn't. You haven't yet."

When she opened her eyes and locked eyes with his, he was shaking and she could tell he was holding back his emotions. He still did not seem to convinced so she did the only thing left she could think of. She reached her reitsu towards him, slowly; waiting for him to notice. He trembled at first at the feeling of her reitsu meeting his. But then he realized, it was familiar. It was comforting.

It felt like home.

"You;re trapped in your Inner World, Ichigo. What happened with Yhwach affected you so much mentally that when you fell unconscious the only place you had to go to was here. It's been a month since you defeated Yhwach and the war ended."

By the time she was done explaining everything, she could not stop her years from falling. She gripped her knees with her hands, as she bowed her head down and shut her eyes tightly. Her reitsu still reaching out to his. It was silent for a long moment before she heard shuffling, and then his voice.

"Rukia?"

Her eyes shot open, her head lifting up. When she met his brown eyes, she knew in that moment that he believed her. Her tears were still falling as she smiled at him.

"Yes, fool. It's really me."

before she could blink, he was moving towards her. They met halfway, and she felt her heart race as he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his head into her neck.

He was shaking so much, it only made her hold onto him tighter. She felt her neck grow wet, and knew he was crying. But it was okay. She was here for him. always. she laid her head on his chest, closing her eyes tight as she cried with him. Rukia was unsure how long they stayed like that holding one another until he slowly pulled away, bringing his hands up to gently cup her face.

"How.. how are you here?"

His voice was full of emotion, something she was not used to hearing coming from Ichigo. She looked up at him then, violet eyes full of tears still.

"I talked to Sode no Shirayuki. he had received a message from Zangetsu, he had an idea about how I could enter your Inner World and bring you back."

Ichigo' eyes softened at her words, as he stroked this thumb over her cheek.

"How is this possible?" he whispered, clearly in shock from what was happening. Rukia did not think her heart could race any faster then it already was. She was unsure how to word this. She looked down, as he still held her face in his hands.

"The night we met, when I gave you my Shinigami powers; I ended up giving you a part of my soul. Ever since then we have had a connection, and that's how I'm able to be here now."

Rukia knew there was more to it, but she didn't feel now was the right moment to mention the whole "Soulmates" thing. That was a shock to her earlier and he didn't need any more shock right now.

When Rukia lifted her head back up to look at him, he leaned forward before enveloping her in another song. She held on to to him, she was unsure how long they stayed like that but when he pulled away he had the typical Ichigo expression on his face. Eyes determined, focused on what needed to be done next. Rukia had really missed that look.

"So how the hell do we get out of here?"

Rukia's mind went blank. Zangetsu had not mentioned a way on how to get out. She looked around the room before noticing a door across the room from them. She took his hand in hers and led them to it.

"I've tried that one, the damn doorknob is-"

Rukia reached her hand out and turned the doorknob and before he could finish speaking the door was wide open.

"- broken. What the hell?"

She almost laughed at the frustrated look on his face but decided instead to lead him into the room. It was dark, but she noticed a ladder that led to... the ceiling?

Curious, she walked over to it; still holding onto Ichigo's hand. She hesitantly let go as she made her way up the ladder. Once at the top, she pushed on the ceiling above until it opened. She was surprised when she felt sunlight on her skin, she had to shield her eyes from how bright it was. She climbed the rest of the way up, Ichigo following. Once she was out, she turned around and reached a hand out to Ichigo. In that moment, before his hand grabbed hers; he smiled up at her. The smile she had missed so much. She couldn't help but smile in return.

"I'll be there when you wake up." she said softly. Before he could speak she grabbed his hand and helped him out of the darkness.

_____

When Rukia's eyes fluttered open, the first thing she noticed was she was not soaked from rain anymore. Before she could digest what had just happened, she felt something move in her hand. Remembering what happened, she shot up in her chair and realized it was Ichigo's hand squeezing hers.

Her eyes trailed to his face and watched as his eyes slowly opened. Brown eyes met violet, and she stood up fast from her chair; slightly leaning over him. she heard him clear his throat before coughing. Without removing her hand from his, she reached to the small table beside his bed and grabbed the pitcher of water before pouring a cup. She lifted the cup to his lips as he drank quickly. Once finished, she set the cup back on the table before bringing her other hand up to his face, softly stroking his cheek.

"Welcome back, Ichigo."

Rukia's eyes were stinging from the tears she was holding back. They stared at one another, as he slowly lifted a hand up to cup the side of her face. Her breath stilled as she watched him blink away his own tears before he brought her face closer. He was so close when he whispered her name before he leaned up to close the distance between them and kissed her.

Her eyes widened, heart racing; before slowly shutting them and kissed him back. She could not think, only react to his lips gently moving against hers. Instinctively moving closer, she sat on the bed and as his hand left hers so he could wrap his arm around her waist and bring her closer. Her hand went to his shoulder, as he kissed her deeper. A minute later she reluctantly pulled away, opening her eyes to meet his.

"You brought me back." he whispered, as he leaned his forehead against hers. She smiled before poking him softly in the chest.

"Of course I did, fool."

Ichigo grinned at that before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. a smirk appearing his ace.

"I missed you, Midget."

"I missed you too."

____

"I need to know."

Rukia perked her head up to look at Ichigo, who had a rather intense look on his face. She had no clue what he was referring to.

She was sitting across from him on the bed, Ichigo sitting cross legged from her. Unohana had just left the room, rather surprised but happy to see Ichigo had awakened. She had taken the IV out and brought him some food which he was devouring quickly, and told him to wait a bit before trying to walk. It would be a difficult thing to do after being bed ridden for a month.

"Need to know what?"

Ichigo finished his food, setting the tray on the cart beside his bed before locking eyes with her.

"How badly were you injured?"

Rukia knew he would ask this question at some point. She sighed, unconsciously rubbing the spot above her right knee that still ached. He noticed, but didn't say anything; only waited patiently for her answer.

"Bad enough. we both would have died if it wan't for Orihime. But, I had a concussion, a broken back, my right leg was broken in multiple places and I had two broken ribs.. one which was puncturing my legs.."

Rukia watched his expression turn from shock, to anger and then to sadness. He bowed his head down, so she could no longer see the look in his eyes. She could tell he was not taking this new information well, he was shaking. She figured he was angry, knowing that her injuries were from catching him before he hit the ground. He was upset with her.

Her heart ached, not knowing what to say. She was surprised when he reached a hand out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her hand from massaging the sore spot on her leg. His head was still bowed down as her heart started to race.

"You could have died, Rukia."

"But I didn't."

"But you could have!"

She flinched at his raised voice. She could not be mad at him for it though. she would be just as mad if she situation was reversed and he had been the one to catch her. He gently let o of her wrist before gently grabbing her hand and holding it in his. She wished she could see the look on his face; but his head was still bowed; his hair obscuring her from seeing any emotional at all. She didn't need to see his face to know what he was feeling though, she could feel it now. She could feel his grief.

"Why in the hell would you do that?"

This time his voice was gentle and more of a whisper; but full of grief and pain. He really did not know why she would do such a thing such as risking her life for his? She answered him quickly, without hesitation; because it was time he knew.

"Because, I love you."

Ichigo's head shot up at that, and his shocked eyes met her nervous violet ones. Her face flushed due to the look he as giving her. She hesitantly broke eye contact with him, choosing to look down at their joined hands.

"What?"

"You heard me, fool."

Rukia was not used to being shy. But it was not every day she confessed her unconditional love for her best friend.

"Wha- I don't think I heard right. Can you say that again?"

She lifted her head up, giving him an incredulous look that said 'You have got to be kidding me'. His eyes widened at the expression on her face, causing him to blush. She held his hand tighter, refusing to break eye contact with him this time.

Was it really that surprising to him? After everything they had been through together?

"When I watched you fall, I froze. Those first few seconds I completely froze.. I was terrified. More terrified then I have ever been. But then I realized if you hit the ground, it would kill you. I did the one thing that was the only option in my mind and that was saving your life. I didn't give a damn if I died, if it meant you would live, Ichigo."

Ichigo gave her a soft look, before scooting closer to her while still holding onto her hand. Right now the contact with him was the only thing keeping her from continuing. She gave a shaky breath, focusing on keeping her voice level.

"When I woke up, I was confused as to why I had no visible injuries; then I figured that was Orihime's doing. The first person I was concerned about was you. You were there in the room with me. You were hooked up to the IV, you were so pale.. but you were alive. I was so relieved. That was the first time in decades I completely broke down. Because you had survived. I knew then.."

To Rukia's annoyance she sniffled, trying to blink back her tears. She hated getting emotional. she slowly lifted her other hand, placing it over their joined ones.

".... that I love you, Ichigo."

The room was silent, so overwhelmingly silent as they stared at one another. Violet eyes staring into golden brown. His was mouth was a gap before he promptly shut it as a blush appeared on his cheeks. He bowed his head down low enough to lean his forehead on their joined hands. He let out a breath he had been holding in.

"Dammit Rukia."

Rukia looked down at him in confusion, not understanding what he meant by that.

'Oh Kami, he doesn't feel the same way.' She was about to move to get up, but then he lifted his head up. His face even redder then a minute before. He stared away from her, focusing on a corner of the room before sighing.

"I should have told you before the damn war. Actually, I should have told you a long time before that."

She watched as he bent his head down in shame. But not low enough for her to not notice the smile that appeared on his face. She was confused, did he-

"Rukia, I have loved you for so long now. I didn't realize it until we said goodbye after I lost my powers after the war with Aizen. I watched you fade away, and I knew then. In that moment, I knew. But it was too late to tell you. Then once you gave me my powers back again, I wanted to tell you, so badly. But I didn't think.."

He nervously rubbed the back of his neck, looking away from her. Rukia's face turned red, her thoughts racing.

'He... loves me? He's loved me for that long? All this time?'

"You didn't think I felt the same."

He shook his head in response, before looking back at her.

"I hoped you did. But I didn't want to risk ruining what we already had. And I knew how important being a Shinigami is to you and I know I'm just a human-"

"You are not just a human, Ichigo. Even if you were just a human, it wouldn't change how I feel."

They stared at one another, coming to an understanding. Rukia felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Like she could breathe again. she smiled sincerely at him, leaning forward.

"Nothing can ruin our connection, Ichigo."

His face flushed at her close proximity before she gently kissed him. He didn't hesitate at returning it as he brought her closer.

Neither of them were expecting the sudden knock on the door; Rukia pulled away as she jumped at the sound, Ichigo just about flailing out o the bed. She gave him an amused look before realizing who it probably was.

"I have a surprise for you." she said coyly, a grin growing on her face. He arched an eyebrow at her as she slowly stood up from the bed.

"You can come in."

Rukia gave him one last grin as his eyes locked to the door as it opened, revealing his sisters; Hitsugaya behind them. The twins stopped in the doorway as their eyes caught Ichigo sitting up in bed and very much awake. The sudden stop caused the 10th Division Captain to almost walk into Karin, but he caught himself as he looked up and saw Ichigo sitting up staring at the three of them in shock.

"Yuzu? Karin?"

Rukia watched his face break out into a grin, and she knew he would have jumped out of the bed if he could.

"Ichigo!" the twins shouted simultaneously as they ran to their big brothers bedside and hugged him; almost knocking him clear off the bed. There were many tears shed around the room at the happy reunion, as Rukia and Hitsugaya stood back and watched.

"Sode no Shirayuki was able to help, wasn't she?" Hitsugaya asked his Shinigami friend as he went to stand beside her.

"Yes, Zangetsu as well."

Rukia watched his eyes widen at that, as he gave her a questioning look.

"It's a long story. But I brought him back."

Hitsugaya laid a hand upon her shoulder as their eyes went back to the happy reunion. Yuzu was crying into his shoulder as Karin hugged him as tightly as she could. A few minutes late the girls pulled away, wiping at their tear streaked faces as Ichigo grinned at them, still finding it hard to believe his sisters were here.

"How are you guys here?"

"Daddy said the Captain Commander gave the approval for us to come visit you!" Yuzu beamed at her brother, tears still in her eyes.

"Really?" the girls nodded happily.

"You saved us all, Ichigo. Not for the first time. I'm sure pretty he would give you anything you wanted at this point." Surprisingly the comment had come from Tōshirō who had his arms folded, a smirk on his face.

"It's good to see you again, Tōshirō."

"That's Captain Hitsugaya to you." the Captain said in an almost playful tone.

"Right." Ichigo said, a smirk on his lips.

Everyone jumped when they suddenly heard a booming voice in the doorway.

"MY DEAR SON IS AWAKE AT LAST."

Before Ichigo could blink his father was tackling him in a bone crushing hug, thankfully Ichigo had landed back on the bed and not the floor.

"Get off me old man, I can't breathe!" Ichigo said in clear annoyance as he wrestled his father off of him. Karin ended up slapping the older man over the back of the head to get him to back off.

"ow! I almost forgot how cruel my beautiful can be!" Karin's eye twitched, ready to slap him again if she needed to. Isshin got up, standing next to Ichigo's beside before placing a hand on his sons shoulder.

"I'm happy you're finally awake son. Rukia's doing I suspect?" Everyone looked towards the raven haired Shinigami who couldn't hold back he blush that came to her cheeks. Ichigo looked over to her, a soft smile on his face.

"Yeah, she brought me back."

The room was silent as the pair looked at one another before Isshin cleared his throat, his gaze turning to the white haired Captain.

"Think we can step out a moment and talk, Captain Hitsugaya?"

The room became silent as Tōshirō gave a nod in his direction and walked towards the door. Isshin followed before Karin spoke up.

"Hold the hell on, you two know each other?"

Everyone's gaze turned to Karin who had a confused look on her face. Tōshirō sent an icy glare to Isshin, the older man almost cowering at the threatening look.

"Ah, that may be something Tōshirō can explain to you later on..." Isshin trailed off before quickly leaving the room. Hitsugaya gave the dark haired twin an apologetic look before telling her he would explain later. With that he followed Isshin out of the room and closed the door. Karin glared at the closed door, before turning back to her family and plopping into the chair beside the bed; a scowl on her face.

"Since when are you such good friends with Tōshirō?"

Karin's glare turned to her brother who was giving her an incredulous look. Karin rolled her eyes, folding her arms over her chest.

"Since I was twelve."

Ichigo's mouth practically dropped open from her answer.

"FOUR YEARS?"

Rukia and Yuzu couldn't help but laugh before becoming silent when they both received heated glares.

"Yeah. It wasn't really a subject that had time to come up. If you haven't realized Ichigo, you've been saving the world left an right since you were fifteen."

He shut his mouth to that. His younger sister wasn't wrong, and everyone in the room knew that.

Before anyone could say anything else, the door burst open. A flash of red coming through the doorway.

"Renji?"

The red haired Lieutenant lifted his head after leaning his hands on his knees trying to catch his breathe; a huge grin over taking his face as he saw one of his best friends finally awake.

"Shit, you're finally awake!"

Rukia watched where she sat next to Ichigo's bedside, an amused expression on her face. Renji walked over to Ichigo's bedside, grin still on his face before he slapped him over the head.

"What the hell, Renji?!"

Ichigo sent him a heated glare as Renji glared back, grin now gone.

"That's for being a dumbass! Rukia was shook up for weeks worrying over you!" His glare deepened as Ichigo looked down at his lap, a frown settling over his face.

"Renji.." Rukia placed a a hand on her friends arm, silently urging him to let it go. He gave her a look before looking back to Ichigo who was still silent for a moment longer.

"I know. I don't know what happened, I guess it was the trauma from the war but it caused me to become trapped in my Inner World, until Rukia brought me back. But still, that's no excuse. I'm sorry, Renji."

Renji stared at him, a shocked expression on his face. He had never heard his friend talk so maturely before. He saw the pained look in his friends eyes, and laid a hand on his shoulder in comfort.

"It's okay man, I get it. Sorry I freaked out on ya like that. It was just so hard seeing Rukia so depressed because of it. I'm happy you're back." The two men gave each other an understanding look as Rukia smiled as she looked on.

"Aren't you the moocher?"

Everyone's gaze suddenly went to Karin, as she pointed at Renji who was gaping at her.

"How do you know me by that infuriating name?" Ichigo and Rukia snickered, as Yuzu laughed.

"oh 'Infuriating' big word, Renji." Rukia said behind her hand as Ichigo laughed. Renji sent his childhood friend a heated glare before looking back at the twins.

"I saw you leave Unohana's shop one day and then saw Jinta complaining about the "moocher" who would eat three servings worth of food a night. Wasn't to hard to piece together."

Renji scowled, a smirk on Karin's face.

"You guys have never been introduce I don't think. Renji, this is Karin and Yuzu. Yuzu, Karin; this is Renji." The girls smiled politely at the red haired Shinigami, before he could say anything Karin reached her hand out in a fist, holding it out in front of her. Renji raised his eye brow in question.

"I know who you are. You're Rukia's childhood friend. And you fought beside Ichigo during the war, and you were thee for Rukia when she needed you these last few weeks, so you're cool in my book.

Ichigo gaped at his sister before looking over at Rukia who he was surprised to see looked a little teary eyed. Yuzu smiled warmly at Renji, as he grinned back; reaching his closed hand forward to fist bump Karin.

"I know who you are too, aside from being Ichigo's sister you're also friends with Captain Hitsugaya, right?" Karin couldn't help but be shocked at his question. 'How did he know that?'

"Yeah, I am. How did you know? My own brother didn't even know until like five minutes ago." She said, pointing a finger at Ichigo.

"There were a few times back in the day I'd stop by to see Rangiku and Captain Hitsugaya wouldn't be there. She'd say he was in The World of The Living visiting you." Karin had an odd expression on her face, as Renji looked back at Ichigo with a smirk on his face.

"Dude, how did you not know?"

Ichigo had a dumbstruck look on his face, speechless.

"Because he is an oblivious fool." Rukia said coyly, Ichigo pouting at her. He smirked then, looking right at Rukia. she raised her eyebrow at his expression.

"I'm not the only oblivious fool."

The room became silent at that as they watched Rukia's face turn beat red in embarrassment. She folded her arms, staring off at the corner as the grin on Ichigo's face grew.

"What's happening here?" Karin asked in a deadpan expression. Yuzu had a flabbergasted look on her face before her eyes widened, realization setting in. She excitedly poked Karin's arm, her other hand covering her mouth as she dramatically gasped.

She definitely got her eccentricity from her father.

Renji had a baffled look on his face as he looked from Ichigo to Rukia, eyes growing in size as his mouth fell open. Ichigo blushed from their reactions, as Rukia covered her face with her hands.

"Ichigo, you finally confessed your undying love to Rukia!!" Yuzu squealed as she went to hug her brother. Yuzu's words made Karin's jaw drop.

"What, for real?!" Ichigo, you actually grew some balls?!" Renji exclaimed loudly. Rukia sighed loudly before peeking between her fingers. She was surprised by Renji's question. How long had he known?

The room grew silent again as everyone looked at Ichigo, who folded his arms before looking at Rukia.

"She said it first. I can't take credit for that."

Everyone turned their gaze to look at Rukia who had removed her hands from her face, but was still blushing bright ted. She stomped her foot in agitation, pointing at Ichigo.

"I entered your Inner World to bring you back, you fool! That alone should have made it obvious!"

Everyone stared at the raven haired Shinigami in shock, seeing the expressions on each of their faces she knew she would have to explain. She gave a sigh before sitting back down in the chair beside Ichigo's bedside. Yuzu sat in the chair opposite of Ichigo's bed, as Karin stood beside her. Renji leaned on the wall beside Ichigo's bed, waiting for an explanation.

"When Isshin was here yesterday he told me I should talk to Sode no Shirayuki. Earlier I visited Captain Ukitake to hand in some paperwork and I told him what Isshin said. He said it was a good idea, and it would make sense because she may have an idea as what to do to bring Ichigo back. I was confused, he explained how ever since I transferred my powers to Ichigo when we first met, a part of my soul has always been merged with his."

Everyone's eyes widened at that, other then for Rukia and Ichigo. Rukia cleared her throat before continuing.

"Ukitake said because of our souls being merged, I should be able to bring Ichigo back somehow. When I went to my Inner World an talked to Sode no Shirayuki she told me I am the only one that can bring Ichigo back. Zangetsu had sent her a message detailing how I would be able to enter Ichigo's Inner World. The process was simple enough, so I did it."

Renji, Yuzu and Karin stared at the couple as Rukia took his hand in hers; smiling softly at him.

"You guys are soulmates!"

Everyone turned to look at Yuzu, who's eyes were shining with emotion as she looked at her brother and Rukia. Rukia blushed, looking down at her and Ichigo's joined hands.

"She's not wrong. Ukitake said the same thing earlier." Ichigo raised his eyebrow, his mouth falling open.

"That's a real thing?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck. It was not something he had ever thought about.

"She entered your Inner World. That's never been done before, not that anyone has ever heard. Plus the whole soul merging thing; I'd say 'soulmates is the right term for that.' Renji smirked down at his two best friends.

"DID SOMEBODY SAY SOULMATES?!"

Before anyone could process what was happening, Isshin ran into the room; hugging both his son and Rukia. The others around the bed could not help but smile at Isshin's obvious excitement. Rukia blushed, wanting to pull away from the hug. Ichigo scowled, pushing his fathers face away and trying to pry him out of the hug.

"So when's the wedding?"

Everyone turned to look at Tōshirō who was standing in the doorway. Yuzu clapped her hands in excitement. Renji could only smirk and watch his friends faces turn red. Isshin gave a thumbs up to Ichigo as Karin threw her head back and laughed.

Rukia couldn't keep the smile off her face as she met Ichigo's gaze. In that moment, she didn't hear their family and friends around them. All she saw was him as his reitsu reached out for hers which met her reitsu half way. He grinned, before pushing his father away and bringing Rukia closer so he could kiss her.

Rukia realized then a soul connection with Ichigo was something she could certainly get used to.