Disclaimer: I dont own Bleach... at all

"Rukia?" Ichigo asked the raven haired girl who was staring out the window.

"Hmm...?" She replied, not bothering to look away from whatever was outside.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Ichigo came up behind her.

"Yes, I'm fine." She answered, looking up at him with expressionless eyes.

"Okay, do you wanna do anything today?"

"No... I think I'll just stay in."

"Are you sure? I think I'm gonna go out, you don't wanna come?"

"Yes, I'm sure... thanks though."

"Well, I'll be back soon and if you need me for anything, I'll have my cell on."

"Okay."

Ichigo slowly put his sweater on and headed outside. Once Ichigo was gone Rukia slid to the floor, releasing the many tears she'd been storing.

She was afraid to let anyone see her like this: weak. She couldn't stand their looks of pity and babying words meant to make her feel better. Yet, as much as she couldn't stand everyone's pity, it reassured her that she wasn't all alone in this desolate world, that she still made some type of impact on peoples' lives.

Ichigo couldn't remember the last time he and Rukia had joked around, in fact, he could hardly remember the last time she had smiled, a real, genuine smile. She worried him and just about everyone else who knew her. Rukia knew she was causing worry and greif, yet she did nothing about it. She had created a tough shell, allowing noone to break it. Something had happened back in the Soul Society, something had gone wrong, but she had said nothing of it, just requested that they leave right away. Now whatever had happened was haunting her, bringing her immense pain and depression.

Ichigo and all his friends had tried everything to make Rukia happy, nothing was working. It was hard leaving her all alone, but Ichigo knew she needed time for herself and maybe she might relent on ther shell and release some of her pain.

On his way home from his walk, Ichigo picked up some of Rukia's favorite candy with hope that it might cheer Rukia up. Ichigo took his time walking home, taking in everything he saw and passed. Sighing, he opened the front door, slipped his shoes off, then took the stairs by two's. Quietly, he opened the door to his room and poked his head in first then slowly opened it all the way and allowed himself in, shutting it behind him.

Rukia sat on the floor with her head tucked under her arms. Ichigo set the candy down on his bedand knelt down in front of her. Carefully, put a hand on her shoulder and slowly she raised her head to look up at him with red- rimmed eyes. A gush of emotion swarmed through Ichigo as he pulled her closer to him. She closed her eyes and turned away, pulling away as she did so. He sat back and looked at her with confusion contorting his features. Rukia leaned back, avoiding Ichigo's topaz eyes that searched her expression, looking for some clues as to what she was feeling. Holding his hand out, Ichigo grasped her chin to look her in the eyes. She glared back at him, still trying to to break away from his contact, but he only held on tighter a look a seriousness glaring back at her.With tears in her eyes, Rukia slapped Ichigo across the face allowing her to break his grasp. Frustrated, Ichigo grabbed both of her arms and held them to her sides. She struggled, trying to push him away, only he held on tight and pulled her towards him. Rukia hit him again and again as Ichigo brought her into his arms. Finally, exhausted and distraugt, Rukia collapsed into his open arms, letting her tears flow free.

All the pain and emotions she'd been bottling up for so long escaped, coming in waves of sorrow. Holding on tight to Ichigo, Rukia burried her head deep in his arms, releasing her sobs.

Ichigo hadn't expected this of Rukia but gladly comforted her, soothing her and stroking her unwashen hair, unbelievably still silky and beautiful. He moved up against the wall and placed Rukia so that he was cradling her like a child.

Rukia had never shown this side of herself and it marveled Ichigo that she could be so tender and defenseless. A new feeling of respect for Rukia and also a feeling he couldn't quite explain. One thing he could understand was how he felt towards her, he felt a new sense of togetherness, like they had connected in some way they never had before, there on the floor in each others' arms.