Hey no cliffhanger in the last chapter :D Arnt you all proud? I do love me a good cliffhanger.

This story has reached a milestone that I never thought would happen. 300+ reviews :O OMG! That is just... you guys are amazing.

Honestly, this has been the hardest chapter to write so far. After the climatic events of other chapters, and having the big reveal, how was I meant to make this chapter follow on from that? I have so many other chapters planned and typed out, hopefully this one will fit into the context of the story. So you might find this chapter a little short or even a little what ever. But I have a few really big chapters coming up and... well you try writing a follow up to that climax! Its hard!

Im also, at the request of a reader, only going to feature two reviews at the beginning of the chapter. And this chapters lucky winners are:

27kirune12- nope! This is not the end. There are a couple of really big chapters coming up, so why would it end here? I mean, the gender hasn't even been revealed yet. I wont end it without letting you know what they have :D

ValkyrieXhawk- I dont know how id feel writing a gangrape section, but Kana will be playing a vital role soon (and no she wont be seducing Ichigo and making Rukia angry thinking he's cheating or whatever). And im not skipping into the future. And yeah I know, but Rukia will be toughing up soon so hold on ok :D

Chapter 12

Ichigo woke up early Christmas Day and decided to leave the sleeping Rukia alone. She had slept in the closet with the door open. After falling asleep with her in his arms the night before things had become a little awkward so Rukia spent the night in her makeshift bed instead. Ichigo knew how he felt about the black-haired midget, but he didn't know what to do about it. He climbed out of bed and made his way towards the bathroom to shower and change.

After he showered and had gotten dressed, Ichigo made his way downstairs where Yuzu was already hard at work in the kitchen.

'Morning Ichigo.' Yuzu greeted as Ichigo made his way towards the fridge.

'Morning Yuzu.' He grabbed the milk and decided to make a small bowl of cereal.

'You're up late. You missed breakfast and all.' Yuzu stated, watching Ichigo move around the kitchen.

'Had a lot on my mind. Wasn't really hungry.'

'You know its Christmas.' Yuzu said after a little bit of thought.

'Your point?' Ichigo asked.

'We have our traditional Christmas lunch and...' Yuzu started, unsure how to ask Ichigo.

'And?' Ichigo didn't quite know if he wanted to hear the rest. He took a spoonful and shoved the cereal in his mouth.

'Is Rukia going to join us?' Yuzu asked, watching her brothers response.

'What? I dont know.' Ichigo grumbled.

'Please ask her. Please!' Yuzu whined, waiting for Ichigo to answer as he put his dishes in the sink.

'Ok fine ill ask he.' He answered then turned and made his way back upstairs towards his room.

With Rukia

'Do I stay in here? Or do I venture out and face your father?' Rukia whispered to the small bump. She gave it a rub, feeling very unsure of what to do.

'Rukia,' Ichigo's voice came through the door, knocking Rukia out of her thoughts.

'Yeah?' Rukia said in a small voice.

'No matter how quiet you think you are, I can still hear you through the door.' Ichgio stated, causing Rukia to blush a little in embarrassment.

Sliding the closet door open Rukia was met with a very amused Ichigo on the other side.

Ichigo couldn't help but stare for a moment. The way Rukia was sitting, he could see the slight outline of her bump through the tightened fabric of her t-shirt.

'What are you looking at?' Rukia glared, narrowing

'Its nearly eleven. Quit being lazy and get dressed midget!'

'Ass.' Instead of getting angry Rukia just smiled and closed the door to the closet to get changed. On the other side of the door Ichigo smirked and walked back out of the room towards the bathroom.

As soon as his foot hit the last step Ichigo regretted coming down stairs.

'Ahh good morning my son!' Ichigo dodged his father, letting him crash into the wall behind him. Ichigo headed for the fridge, deciding to not make the trip wasted.

'Did you hear girls? Our Ichigo has finally become a man! Isn't this wonderful!' Isshin yelled cheerfully, recovering from his run in with the wall.

'A man?'

'Our Ichigo has not only found a girl but he has created a grandchild for me!'

'Ichigo... you got Rukia pregnant?' Yuzu asked completely stunned. Karin just stared at her brother, although from the look she had seen Ichigo give Rukia she wasnt completely surprised. She knew her brother had feelings for the black haired girl he spent all his time with.

'What makes you think it's Rukia?!' Ichigo grumbled, a small tint of blush threatening to spread across his cheeks.

'Please. You two have been tied at the hip for so long. Im surprised it didn't happen a LONG time ago.' Ichigo just glared at Karin but Karin didnt notice.

'You know, most parents would be a little more upset about this...' Ichigo said putting the juice back in the fridge door.

'There's no use worrying about a mistake that has been made.' Isshin said waving his hand in the air.

'The only thing that matters-'

'MY SON HAS BECOME A MAN! HE HAS-' Isshin continued to rant only to be ignored by Ichigo. Ichigo sighed and put his glass in the sink, tuning out his crazy father.

'I'm going back to my room.' He climbed back up the stairs and entered his room, coming face to face with Rukia how had finished getting dressed. She was wearing a pair of light blue jeans and a purple and white sweater with little flower along the hem.

'Do you mind if I go see Orihime for a little?' Rukia asked watching ichigo walk over to the window.

'Yeah just be back by lunch. My dad asked for me to invite you.' Ichigo said, stretching his arms up above his head.

'You sure that's a good idea?'Rukia asked. She had eaten with Ichigo's family before, but the situation was completely different this time.

'Please. He's so happy he could burst.' Ichigo grumbled, annoyed at how his father was acting.

'Ok. I wont be too long.' Rukia said sliding her arms into her thick winter jacket. She picked up a Christmas bag off her make shift bed and headed for the door.

'Be careful.' Rukia stopped, her hand resting on the doorknob. She looked over her shoulder but Ichigo wasn't facing her. She smiled at his concern and how he tried to brush it off and left the room but leaned back against the door once she was out. She put her hand to her chest, a strange feeling had settled in her chest and made her feel nervous.

Once she was outside Rukia took a deep breath and smiled at how cold the air was. She had always loved the cold, which explains her zanpakuto. As she walked along the side walk she was awed by the Christmas lights in shop windows. She remembered her first Christmas in the human world. Ichigo had taken her out at night to see all the lights on houses and it took her breathe away.

'Next year you'll be able to see these lights.' She said to her small bump, giving it a pat through her thick jacket.

At Orihime's

Rukia smiled as she came to stand outside Orihime's house. She climbed the stairs and knocked on the door and waited, listening to the sounds coming from behind the door as she waited for Orihime to answer the door. She could hear her coming to the door, the latch snipping and the door swung open.

'Rukia?' Orihime gasped, not expecting to see Rukia today.

'Morning Orihime!' Rukia greeted, smiling brightly.

'What are you doing here?' Orihime asked.

'Its Christmas day. I came to deliver this.' Rukia held out a Christmas bag in front of her. Orihime moved to the side and left Rukia enter the apartment before closing the door. She turned around the they both moved and sat down around the small table on the floor.

'Does Ichigo know your here?' Orihime asked.

'Of course. He asked me to be back by one for their Christmas lunch.'

'I was worried about you. Ichigo called me and told me that you ran out of the house and you were crying.' Orihime explained playing with the handle on the gift bag Rukia gave her

'I told him.' Rukia said giving a small smile.

'And? How did he take it?' Orihime asked, her concern showing through her expression.

'He was really great about it. But we will talk about it properly soon.'

'So you haven't talked about it properly yet?' Orihime asked.

'Ichigo asked for a little time. He needs to let it all sink in. Its a lot to take in, finding out that your soul-reaper-gigai-friend is pregnant with your child.' Rukia explained trying to interject a little bit of humour into the conversation. She could tell Orihime was feeling upset, and Rukia knew why.

'I guess.' Orihime agreed not really sure what else to say. The two fell silent, Rukia stared down at her hands while Orihime looked from Rukia and away, unsure what to say.

'Thanks Orihime.' Rukia said, looking up into Orihime's shocked eyes.

'What for?'Orihime asked, looking up into Rukia's warm, smiling eyes.

'For being such a good friend. To me and to Ichigo.' Rukia smiled at Orihime, making Orihime feel bad.

'I'm really sorry. I know I shouldn't have told him to look under your pillow.' Orihime apologised, feeling guilty that it was her comment that led to upsetting Rukia.

'Its fine. I mean... I know I asked you to keep it a secret, but its something I should have told Ichigo anyway. I shouldn't have put that burden on you, it wasn't fair. I should have just had the courage to tell Ichigo from the start.' Rukia said, feeling a little ashamed at having lied about this for so long. The pair smiled at each other and laughed, having been worried about the other this whole time, stressing out over nothing. Orihime came around the table and wrapped an arm around the shorter girl, giving her a tight hug.

The two girls started talking, Orihime opened her gift which was a pretty yellow top she had seen in a shop window. It had little white flowers spread out in a triangle shape on one side and little pieces of lace around each arm band. Orihime went straight into the bathroom and came out wearing the shirt which fit her perfectly.

'I love it Rukia!' Orihime gushed, looking at the beautiful detail of the flowers. Rukia smiled, loving that she was able to do something nice for her friend. Orihime turned away and when she faced Rukia again she was holding a small box. Rukia took hold of it and started to unwrap the paper. Once she opened the lid of the box she spotted a beautiful gold bracelet with a little heart clasp.

'Oh Orihime.' She whispered picking up the bracelet. It was so light and delicate and as soon as she put it around her wrist it fit perfectly.

'Thank you Orihime.' She said standing up and hugging her friend.

'You're welcome Rukia.' Rukia giggled, looking at the bracelet. She was so happy with the gift that she nearly forgot about the time.

'Oh god what time is it?' Rukia asked, realising she left her phone at home and didn't have a watch on.

'Twelve thirty-four.' Orihime said, looking at the watch on her wrist.

'I better get going. Don't want to be late.' Rukia collected her coat and headed for the door. She gave Orihime a quick hug before putting her shoes on and dashing out the door and down the stairs. She walked fast down the streets, heading back towards Ichigo's house. As she walked she put her coat on and pulled it closer to her body against a strong cold gust of wind that nearly knocked her over.

She turned down the street where the Kurosaki clinic was and suddenly he began to feel very nervous. Her foot steps slowed as she approached the house.

Rukia paused outside the Kurosaki house, suddenly feeling so nervous that she couldn't move. Her hand hovered above the gate, hesitant to enter.

'This is stupid.' She muttered, ashamed at how much of a coward she was being. She took a deep breath she knew she had to go in and face this, if not for herself then for Ichigo. She entered and walked straight to the front door. Quietly she opened the door but was met with Isshin who ran over as soon as he heard the gate.

'Come! Sit.' Isshin grabbed Rukia, who barely got her shoes off, by the shoulders and pushed her over to the table and forced her to sit down next to Ichigo. She looked over at a very nervous Ichigo then to everyone seated around the table. She removed her jacket and draped it over the back of the chair.

'Is it true?' Karin asked, setting down a plate of food before sitting down at the table herself.

'Eh?' Rukia looked at Karin who was looking her back in the eye.

'Are you really pregnant?' Rukia looked from Karin to Ichigo but Ichigo looked too annoyed to say anything.

'Oh! Yes, I am.' Rukia answered, wringing her napkin through her hands nervously.

'How far along are you?' Isshin asked eagerly, ignoring Ichigo's glare.

'Almost 15 weeks.' Rukia said with a small smile.

'And morning sickness, have you had any of that?' Isshin continued, grabbing some food to put onto Rukia's plate.

'Only everyday.' Rukia sighed, looking down at the plate of food that was being dished up to her.

'That will pass. My beautiful wife suffered with morning sickness all through out carrying Ichigo. But both girls were so much easier.' Isshin said with a smile looking over at the picture of his wife.

Lunch passed by without much hassle. Isshin and the girls would as Rukia questions and Rukia more than happily answered them with Ichigo not saying a word and just listening, taking in everything she said about her pregnancy. He didnt so much enjoy Christmas lunch as he was listening and learning to Rukia's pregnancy details.

When lunch was finished Yuzu dragged Rukia and Karin outside for a snowball fight. Rukia was hesitant at first but when she threw one at Ichigo she began to laugh and have fun. After being hit Ichigo moved away, choosing to watch his sisters have fun with Rukia.

Ichigo watched as Rukia gathered up the snow and threw it at his sisters who were more than willing to return the attack. She was laughing, the smile on her face made her glow. He watched as she moved a piece of hair behind her ear and hurled a ball of snow at his father, who started crying that his "third daughter" had betrayed him, only to be hit with a barrage by Yuzu and Karin. Ichigo continued to watch Rukia, and it made him think back to this morning while Rukia was still asleep.

Flashback

Ichigo watched Rukia sleep for a bit, smiling when she snuggled into his pillow. He stared at her, his eyes drifting from her soft pale lips to her sharp small nose to her eyelids which hid the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. They were a deep pool of violet, so cold at times but when she smiled became so beautiful and innocent.

He turned around in his chair and started reading but his eyes kept looking to the little diary on the corner of his desk.

Deciding he wanted to know more, her picked up the diary and opened the front cover. He spotted the ultrasound picture and picked up and brought it closer, staring at the tiny baby in the picture. He could make out the face just slightly and he couldn't help but stare.

He started reading through the pages, learning more about Rukia's experience for the past few months.

I know I have to tell. No. I want to tell him. I need him with me. I need the father of my child but I can't seem to keep my nerve long enough to tell him. And now he's dating Kana. Should I still even tell him? I mean what if he breaks up with her just because of the baby. I mean he couldn't actually love me.

This whole experience has made me realize that I am in love with Ichigo. I have for a while. But I don't ever think he could feel the same.

'Stupid midget. Don't you know how I feel?' He murmured, looking over at Rukia as she shifted in her sleep. He put the diary to the side but kept the ultrasound picture out, propping it up in front of some books on the desk.

End Flashback

When she stopped to take a break Ichigo walked over to her, knowing what he wanted to say.

'Rukia.' She looked up at him as she pulled her gloves off her hands, rubbing her fingers to try and warm them up.

'Come with me.' Rukia stared at Ichigo's back for a second before following after him. The pair walked for a little while, Rukia wasn't paying attention to where they walked, only worried about what Ichigo wanted to talk to her about. She followed until Ichigo came to a stop.

Rukia recognised the place; it was where Ichigo's mother was killed.

The water was frozen. The grass covered in a thick, powered white blanket of snow. He stood, looking over the area where his mother died, looking over the now serene area that showed no hint of its dark past for the orange haired boy.

'My mother loved Christmas.'

Rukia looked up at Ichigo, surprised to hear him freely talk about his mother.

Ichigo turned his gaze from the frozen lake to Rukia. She was silent, admiring the scenery, wondering why Ichigo brought he all the way here. She was curious but didnt say anything, figuring Ichigo would tell her in his own time.

'Here.' Rukia looked from the small box in front of her into Ichigo's eyes.

'Its your Christmas gift.' He said, shoving it closer so she would take it. Carefully she undid the ribbon and opened the small box. When she saw the contents she let out a small gasp, letting her fingertips brush against the gift.

'Ichigo...' Ichigo watched as Rukia gently picked up the delicate heart locket. Underneath she spotted a pair of little mint green booties.

'Those are for the baby.' Ichigo said as Rukia picked up one of the booties, bringing it up to her eye level.

'I'm not going anywhere Rukia. You really can count on me.' Rukia looked up from the little pair of shoes up to Ichigo. His gaze was serious but softened when he met her eyes.

'Thank you.' She said, putting the locket back into the box. She put the lid back on and held the box to her chest. 'You really didn't have to do this though.'

Ichigo watched Rukia's hand rest over her stomach. She didn't even seem to notice she had done it. Slowly he reached out his own hand and covered her hand, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. His gesture made Rukia blush, she wasn't expecting him to make such a gentle gesture.

'It is... pretty amazing isn't it?' To that Rukia had no response. The warmth of his hand on hers sent her mind blank.

'Merry Christmas, Rukia.'

'Merry Christmas, Ichigo.'

To be continued...

Let there be no mistakes. This story has not ended. I think putting The End on each chapter confuses people. So to be continued it is. And to be continued it shall. The next chapter will be coming soon!