Title: World Torn Apart

Word Count: 9,500+

Pairing: Ichigo/Rukia

Rating: Mature

Summary: Sequel to World of their Own.

…

Ichigo stared up at the ink-black sky, the cold rain drenching his orange hair and the tattered school uniform he was wearing. He was standing on the edge of a cliff watching his inner world being consumed by a storm. The tall buildings, that cluttered his inner world, were tumbling down due to the force of the wind and the harshness of the sharp water that split the thunder clouds to crash on the concrete like it was nothing but paper.

Ichigo felt his lungs seize inside his chest, each breath a strain while the rest of him turned to ice. His limbs were numb and somewhere in the back of his throat a scream was fighting its way out. Everywhere he looked he saw that it was blanketed in soot and shadows.

Suddenly, it appeared as though his inner world was collapsing. Slowly, the skyscrapers were being swallowed up by a black hole, the tall buildings steadily disappearing and the black hole increasing mercilessly. Ichigo watched hopelessly on the edge of that cliff. And when his despair was all but palpable, lighting would strike and would divide the sky into brightness and darkness- causing him to catch a glimpse of Zangetsu. Zangetsu was standing upright on the side of one of the buildings on the far end. Gravity having no effect on him as he tapped a foot against the skyscrapers' tall windows with a lowered head- his body taking the powerful force of the storm as if it was nothing.

Forked lightening would strike again and Ichigo would then be reminded of Rukia. She was pure light that tore through the black smoke-like sky. She was a messenger trying to reach through his hell to bring him off that ledge and calm the raging storm. After having this dream for countless nights the forked lightning that was Rukia began to fade and with it the appearance of Zangetsu. He felt utterly alone as his inner world continued to be consumed by the never-ending rain and endless night.

…

Ichigo woke with a start, his entire body shuddering in surprise. He found that his face was buried in Rukia's stomach, his arms circled around her waist in a vice grip. After a moment, where his hectic breathing slowed and he loosened his grip, he looked up to see that Rukia's eyes were closed as she cradled his head in her arms. She was whispering. Her voice was low and gentle, soothing him while she carded her fingers through his damp hair. "Rukia," he rasped, his voice was rough as though he hadn't used it in a long time.

Rukia looked down at him, her violet-colored eyes visible even in the darkness. She gave a small smile and continued to weave her fingers through his hair. "Shhh, it's okay…"

Ichigo sucked in a breath, her scent- the scent of freshly fallen snow, filled him up with relief. It had only been a dream. His inner world wasn't on the edge of destruction. He had gotten his powers back months ago. Everything is as it once was. Zangetsu was back, and so was Rukia. He nodded his head and laid it against her stomach again. He didn't close his eyes however. Somehow he could still feel that freezing rain running down his spine and see that black hole increasing. Rukia was whispering again and Ichigo found that he was squeezing her.

He clenched his teeth in frustration. That dream…that dream had begun plaguing his sleep for almost a month now. His Shinigami powers were back, his inner world was intact, and Zangetsu and Rukia were part of his world once again. Everything was better than ever… then why that nightmare?

Rukia began whispering again, her words were slurred by sleepiness and most of it was distorted but Ichigo caught a few words that warmed his heart and body. "It's okay… don't worry…okay…I'm here…I'm here." He shifted so that his nose brushed against her chin and he moved further up so that he could kiss her on the corner of her mouth.

She opened her eyes and Ichigo moved his arm from around her waist in order to tuck a strand of midnight hair out of her beautiful face. "I'm alright now." Ichigo breathed. This was the fourth, no fifth time, where he woke up from that nightmare to see Rukia embracing him. It wasn't that long ago that the nature of their relationship had changed. After the return of his powers, after those horrible seventeen months powerless, Rukia declared that she was staying in Karakura Town for a while- never mind that she was already a lieutenant and that she probably had other responsibilities back in Soul Society.

In the months following they were virtually dancing around each other, coxing one another to push the bar that separated friendship to something else. He remembered the first time he had gathered enough courage to finally kiss her. They were out late patrolling for hollows near a park. It had been snowing on and off for days and he never got over how beautiful she looked with white snowflakes in her dark hair and the innocent grin she always adopted at the first sight of snow.

He had backed her against the trunk of a tree, the moonlight shining off her eyes and the wind making her short hair flutter softly. He couldn't restrain himself any longer- he had kissed her. She had responded to the kiss but then fear and uncertainty made her retreat. Ichigo was sick with fear that he had lost her. He chased after her and he found her in the safe house, an empty warehouse that was protected by a barrier, there he told her that he loved her. She was sprouting nonsense that they were part of two different worlds and that Soul Society would never allow them to be together. 'Fuck Soul Society,' he had told her. Ever since then they sealed their fates. They intertwined their destinies in a mess of steel webs and red thread that nothing could destroy or untangle.

That had been more than two weeks ago. So far they have only kissed a handful of times, each time being sweeter then the last. When his nightmares began the bond between them grew stronger and more intimate. She no longer slept in that small closet. Her presence in his bed felt natural and comforting. He knew that she only began to sleep in his bed because of the nightmares, but he also knew that once the nightmares stopped she wouldn't be leaving. And if she tried he would pull her back between his sheets.

"I'm alright now," Ichigo repeated. She lightly tapped her forehead against his and slowly she leaned forward and laid her lips on top of his, a barely there kiss that always manage to drive him crazy.

She pulled back from the kiss and her fingers felt the cold sweat that had gathered at the nape of his neck, concern riddled her face. "Was it the same dream?" She asked softly.

Ichigo exhaled and the moonlight that was steadily streaming through the window was momentarily blocked by a cloud. "Yeah…"

Rukia tapped her forehead against his again, the contrasting color of their hair entangling smoothly. He could tell that she wanted to talk about it but he could also see that while his sleep was restless she hadn't been getting any sleep at all.

"Don't worry," Ichigo sighed, shifting so that they were even closer than before. "We'll talk in the morning. Try to get some sleep, Rukia." He saw that she was about to protest. "Sleep."

She still looked uncertain but she finally nodded and moved so that the top of her head was neatly nestled under his chin. Ichigo sighed again, this time in contentment. Having her so close, being able to simply hold her- at last, he wondered why it had taken them so long to get together. The freezing rain that had drenched his soul in the dream was evaporated by Rukia's body heat. The terror he felt on viewing his inner world collapsing, slowly but surely disappeared each time Rukia's heart beat against his.

Ichigo stayed awake for an hour or so, enjoying the small sounds Rukia unknowingly did in her sleep, and watching fat snowflakes fall from the dark cloud-less, star-filled night. This time when he fell asleep, that tormenting dream was nowhere to be found.

…

Ichigo tapped his pencil continuously against his desk in irritation. It had been over fifteen minutes since Rukia left. Sixteen minutes and twenty-three seconds to be exact. He stared at the clock on the wall above the blackboard and cursed. I should have gone with her, Ichigo mentally ranted. How long does it take to kill one fucking hollow?

He could feel her reiatsu falling and raising. She was out there fighting and he was stuck in class. Seventeen minutes and ten seconds. His fingers were twitching from his impatience. Not only that, he was worried. He knew he had nothing to worry about. Rukia could take care of herself. But if one of those hollows got in a lucky shot…He hated the thought. He knew all about the unpredictably of battle but he also knew that Rukia's over one hundred years of experience wouldn't let her fail so easily.

Ichigo continued to tap his pencil against his desk even though it earned him an irritated glare from Ishida from across the room but he didn't care. The teacher in the front of the class was giving a lecture that would probably be on a test but it sounded like static to him. Twenty minutes and sixteen seconds. Ichigo suppressed a groan and considered just leaving class. Rukia would be furious though. Her reasoning for going off alone to slay the hollow was that the nightmares would be a distraction, and that his reactions would be sluggish from lack of sleep. Ichigo knew she was right but that didn't keep him from complaining and countering that she also suffered from lack of sleep.

Ichigo had frowned when he said that, guilt eating him up. Rukia only smiled- a small tilt of her lips that was pure understanding. She took his face in her hands and kissed his lips. "Focus on your studies, Ichigo, and leave the hollows to me." He was about to protest again. "Just for a while. And don't you already have too many unexcused absences? You even had a meeting with the principle last week." Ichigo grumbled and Rukia laughed behind her hand.

Twenty-two minutes and thirty-three seconds. Ichigo rested his chin in his hand and stared ahead at nothing in particular. He was so acutely aware of her absence that it began to physically hurt. It was silly but his chest felt tight and his mouth was dry. He sighed and made the decision that when the thirty- minute marker passed he was leaving class to find her.

He felt her before she even opened the classroom door and Ichigo was already sitting up with relief. Rukia entered the classroom and gave the teacher up front a weary smile. Her short raven hair was ruffled and her skirt was wrinkled. Maybe it was because of their new relationship but Ichigo's view of her shifted and her appearance looked scandalous. Ichigo blushed because he now clearly understood why most of the class thought they were doing something intimate when they would come back to class together after hollow hunting.

Rukia found her seat to his right and all of Ichigo's muscles loosened up. They made eye-contact and he conveyed how frustrated he was when she took so long to return. Rukia rolled her eyes and said without words that everything was alright and that he worried too much. He frowned when she stubbornly faced the front but he quickly became distracted when he saw her attempting to smooth out her skirt.

Her hands ran down her lap, outlining her thighs, as she stretched out her legs. Ichigo could feel his face burning up when he realized too late that he was staring. He unnecessarily cleared his throat and accidently caught Ishida's questioning gaze. Ichigo's face burned all the more. For the rest of class he was a model student because he hanged on every word the teacher said. Needless to say, he was able to pass that test after all.

…

Rukia was laughing at him, her eyes were bright with mirth and she was hugging her sides trying to contain herself.

"Don't laugh, Rukia." Ichigo grumbled. He left her on the side of the sidewalk and continued walking toward his home. He kicked at the melting snow on the ground and muttered under his breath about inconsiderate midgets. As soon as they exited class- thank god it was the last class of the day- Ichigo had criticized Rukia on how long it had took her to slay the hollow.

"Ichigo," Rukia called, trailing after him. She had to grab his arm because he was ignoring her. "It took me fifteen minutes just to locate the hollow- it was running all over town. Five minutes to defeat it and another five minutes to make it back to class. How much faster could I have done it?" She questioned. She then smiled, "What?" Her smile turned flirtatious. "You can't live without me for twenty-five minutes?"

Ichigo looked into her eyes. He remembered the anxiety he felt while in class, feeling as though he was chained to his desk. He remembered the pressure in his chest and the pinching of his heart when she was away. He remembered the relief he felt when she walked through the door. Those twenty-five minutes had felt like an eternity.

Rukia sensed the shift in his mood and she noticed that the color of his eyes turned a darker hue while his hands at his sides flexed uneasily. Her flirtatious smile faded and turned shy.

Ichigo saw her cheeks redden and as always, at times like this, he was fully aware of her. "Something like that," he replied. Before, when they were only friends, he'd never seen her flirtatious smile or coy side before. Now, in the many wonders of their new relationship, he saw her blush more and more.

The way she simply looked at him was amazingly different also. Her smiles were somehow purer and he would be filled up with warmth to the point where he wondered if he was breathing anymore. Rukia was breathing for the both of them.

They stood there, a block or so away from the gates of the school. The late afternoon sun was high in the air and the wind was cool as it weaved through their hair and got under their clothes. Ichigo found that he wanted to kiss her; never mind that a few classmates were nearby, walking toward them or walking away from them. Rukia gave that flirtatious smile again, a twinkle in her violet-colored eyes, and Ichigo knew that she somehow read his mind. She always seemed to know what he was thinking.

Ichigo huffed and looked off to the side trying not to be embarrassed. He knew full well that his thoughts were incredibly sappy and he blamed them on all those books he read in his youth, which included the many sonnets and plays that Shakespeare wrote. Ichigo began to walk again, after a few steps he gave Rukia an exaggerated, impatient look so that he had a reason to grab her by the hand. He tugged and squeezed her hand; the both of them walking down the sidewalk side by side and Ichigo ignored the knowing smile on her face.

When the nature of their relationship changed, when the look in their eyes shifted to private moments and memories, they had decided to keep it to themselves. It wasn't that they thought that their friends wouldn't understand or be unhappy for them. But ever since the moment they first kissed- it just seemed like it was precious thing and the longer they kept it between just the two of them- the sweeter it would be.

But the instant Ichigo took her by the hand, in plain sight of other classmates and under a bright sun, Rukia knew that the precious thing between the two of them could no longer be contained. It didn't take long for them to arrive at Ichigo's home. Ichigo went through the front door, passing the living room that held his father and the kitchen where his twin sisters sat at the dining table, never once dropping her hand as they went up the stairs. Once they were in Ichigo's room, the familiar smell and the familiar walls, Rukia unexpectedly pulled Ichigo down by the collar of his school uniform and kissed him deeply.

Even though it was unexpected he responded in kind. It was somehow different than all the other kisses they've shared so far. He heard her take in a shaky breath, almost a sigh, which had Ichigo's nerves tingling and spiking. Another one of those sappy thoughts entered Ichigo's head but he no longer cared enough to be embarrassed. How many more wonders and marvels are there left to experience in the world that is Rukia?

…

"Not again…" Ichigo whispered. The sound of his voice was drowned by the rolling thunder over his head. The freezing rain was spilling down, soaking him to the bone. He looked around at the pitiful sight his inner world had become. Many of the skyscrapers were in stages of ruin. The thunder rolled again and lighting flashed.

Instead of standing on a far off cliff, he was now standing on top of one of the ruined skyscrapers. The cement under his feet was cracked and broken; the strong wind blew rumble past his feet and over the ledge. Suddenly, on instinct, he ran and nearly toppled over the ledge in order to look down. Just as he suspected, he spotted Zangetsu. Zangetsu was standing up-right on the side of the building. Ichigo stilled his nerves and leaped over the ledge. Instead of falling to his death Ichigo was able plant his feet on the tall window. This was his inner world and Ichigo was glad to see that he still had some control over things. After a moment of vertigo, where his head felt heavy and his limbs tensed, he was finally within arm's reach of Zangetsu.

"Zangetsu!" Ichigo called out. The grey storm clouds flashed with lighting and roared. "Why is this happening?" Hazel-colored eyes were wide with fear. "Zangetsu, answer me!"

The long cape, seemingly made out of shadows, that was draped over Zangetsu's shoulders swayed and encompassed his form when he suddenly leaped into the air and landed on one knee in front of Ichigo.

Zangetsu's coal-colored hair was unaffected by the rain as he looked up, his long face and sharp eyes burning. "Ichigo," Zangetsu said, his voice was hardly a whisper but Ichigo heard him loud and clear. "Ichigo, wake up."

"Huh?" Before he could fully understand the words the world rushed back and Ichigo awoke with a gasp. It was dejavu as he found his forehead pressed against Rukia's stomach. "Fuck," he mumbled.

"Ichigo," Rukia's soft voice pierced through the darkness and he looked up into her concerned amethyst-colored eyes.

"Uggh," Ichigo groaned. "That fucking dream…" He withdrew his hands away from Rukia's form and rolled onto his back to peer up at the ceiling of his bedroom. "Zangetsu…" Ichigo groaned again and used the palms of his hands to rub the sleep out of his eyes. "That bastard didn't answer me."

Rukia sat up and angled her body so that she was facing him. "What do you mean?"

Hazel-colored eyes were hooded. "I finally got to talk to him. I asked him why a storm was ripping my inner world apart…"

"And?" Rukia motioned when he stopped midsentence.

"And, nothing." Ichigo rolled back onto his side and took Rukia's hand into his. Ichigo never thought he was one to hold hands, every time he saw couples doing it at school or on television he would roll his eyes. But now it was something he couldn't get enough of. He liked the feeling of her hands intertwined with his, the smoothness of her skin, the warmth, and the fact that he was able to feel her heartbeat through the tips of her fingers. He tightened his hold because his heart suddenly clenched in his ribcage. He had no idea why that was, but the feeling passed and he looked out the window that was just above Rukia's form and at the full moon that was bathing the whole of Karakura Town.

"Zangetsu didn't say anything."

Rukia looked thoughtful for a second. Her thumb played with the skin on the back of his hand and she spoke in a soft whisper. "You don't know how to materialize your zanpakuto do you?"

Ichigo shook his head. "Urahara said that it takes years of training in order to do that. That's why he gave me that special training so that I can achieve my bankai without having to go through that step. I can't materialize Zangetsu without his help."

"Then ask-"

"No," Ichigo interrupted. "I feel I'm in that guy's debt already. Like I owe him something I can't give. I can't keep asking him favors. Plus, that guy is crazy. I have no desire to go through his devil may care training sessions." Ichigo grumbled at the memories, those hours after hours of being on the brink of death, the air burning his lungs and his overworked heart about to explode. His muscles ached just by thinking about it.

Rukia shrugged her shoulder causing her short hair to shift and the smooth, white skin of her long neck to catch Ichigo's eye. "I guess you have a point." She smirked and her long arm moved so that she can trail a lone finger down his chest in a seducing manner that was probably unintentional. "I can train you, you know. It might take longer but I can get you to the point where you can talk to Zangetsu without putting your life in danger."

Ichigo smiled, the tension in his skin melting and the frustration about the occurring nightmare evaporating. "I guess," he teased, shifting closer to her.

Rukia pinched him playfully and the smile never left Ichigo's face when he leaned forward to kiss her. She was warm and smelled of his shampoo. She was intoxicating and wonderful. He kissed her again because he simply wanted to and he felt Rukia hands rush upward so that she could comfortably wrap them around his neck.

The kiss was unrushed and sweet. His lips would always tingle from the contact and tonight was no different. She shifted against the sheets, moving them aside so that he was able to pull her flush against the whole length of his body. He could easily feel her small, round breasts through the thin layers of clothing that separated them.

Thankfully Ichigo long ago got over his embarrassment when he found out that Rukia slept without a bra. Ichigo was red face when Rukia had explained that sleeping in a bra was uncomfortable and that he had to get over it or else she would go back to sleeping in his closet. Now, when Rukia would sigh in between kisses and unconsciously rub her breasts against his chest, he was far from embarrassed. The desire that engulfed him was sometimes maddening.

They never talked about taking it slow or taking the leap or whatever. But Ichigo had the feeling that Rukia was waiting for him to make the first move. Ichigo had never been ashamed of his virginity- but at those times when the kisses were uncountable and where his skin would burn at a touch, he wished his caution and worries of not being able to please her would vanish.

Rukia shuddered when Ichigo boldly moved his hand under her pajama shirt and up along her spine. He had done this once before a few nights ago, this being the furthest he's gone yet. But at this moment the numerous hesitations that always restricted him were nowhere to be found. He wanted more, he wanted her to feel that rush of desire that he always experienced when they were together like this. He moved his hand, his fingertips leaving trails of fire, to her front and softly cupped her bare breast.

Her reaction was instantaneous. She broke away from the kiss and gave a moan that Ichigo had never heard before. His breath left him and he squeezed lightly while his other hand grasped her hip as though he needed an anchor or else he would be lost in this whirlpool of emotion and touch. "Ichigo…" She whispered breathlessly. He could feel her fingernails digging into his skin of his shoulder blades.

He kissed her hard and pushed forward so that Rukia's back was to the mattress and Ichigo hovered over her. He looked down at her and at the sight she made he became a possessed man. Possessed by desire, fervor,…love. "Rukia," he whispered, the love he felt coating her name like a warm blanket.

She must have felt it because her eyes, which were closed in pleasure, opened and that shy, adorable smile was back. Ichigo knew at once that that kind of smile was for him alone. His hand never left her breast as he leaned down to kiss her once more. There was an awkward moment where he wasn't sure what else to do besides squeezing but then he remembered the nipples. Hesitantly he swiped his thumb across the small bud and Ichigo knew it was the right thing to do when Rukia whimpered against his mouth and softly bit his bottom lip.

After that it became a blur. Need, want, and desire fueling their movements to meet in a place that closely resembled heaven in Ichigo's mind. Their breathes became heavier and their souls burned for the other as Rukia begun to slide his shirt upward, her small hands spreading across his chest and making his muscles ripple and twitch in anticipation.

When the kissing became messy and air became a factor he moved down and buried his face near her collarbone. He kissed her neck and was drinking in the sounds she made. Once her pajama top became a barrier he debated on whether or not to move it aside or unbutton it all together. Before he made a choice however she suddenly moved her leg, which was between his legs, and her knee accidently came into contact with his groin.

Ichigo grunted in surprise as pleasure spiked through his body like a lightning bolt. He quickly detached himself from Rukia and he had no control when his chest heaved as he fought for a breath.

"Sorry," Rukia spoke from below him. She sat up on her forearms and laid her legs flat on the mattress. "I didn't- My leg slipped."

Ichigo could feel his face heating up and he hated himself for it. "No, it's okay." He moved away from her and fell onto his back beside her. His pajama pants felt tight and uncomfortable. He covered his face with both his hands and tried to calm down. The taste of Rukia's kiss was still in his mouth and the softness of her breasts was imprinted in his mind. Calming down was going to be impossible.

"Shit," he couldn't help but curse. He lowered his hands and tried not to fidget as he faced her. "Don't get me wrong- I want to…" he could feel his face heating up again. "It's just that-" Words escaped him and his pants were getting tighter just by looking at her.

Rukia, with her short hair looking disheveled and absolutely adorable, shook her head in a sign of understanding. "I know, Ichigo."

Ichigo stared at her, her liquid eyes bright and cheeks slightly flushed, and he knew that she truly did understand. His twin sisters were just down the hall and his obnoxious father was downstairs, a stone throw away. He couldn't have her under these circumstances. Not in the middle of the night after a spontaneous make-out session. He wanted her all to himself. He wanted to make it special, no matter how corny that sounds.

Rukia was smiling; she had once again read his thoughts like he was an open book. Ichigo could feel himself blush and he leaned forward to kiss her just so he could wipe that smile off her face. The kiss lasted longer than he meant it to and when they finally separated Ichigo looked down into her lust-fogged eyes and whispered, "I'm going to take a shower. A very cold shower."

Rukia's eyes cleared up and that smile was back. She withdrew her hands from around his neck and Ichigo slipped out of the warm bed, his nerves still tingling. "Shit," he couldn't help but curse again.

…

"This isn't working," Ichigo growled with frustration.

"That's because you're not trying hard enough!"

"How can I try to be relaxed? Let alone try hard enough?" Ichigo was sitting cross-legged in the middle of Urahara's hidden underground training room. He had both his hands resting on his zanpakuto which was spread across his knees. "Rukia, this is stupid."

Rukia sighed in annoyance and paced in front of Ichigo with her arms across her chest. "Ichigo, I know it's frustrating but you really do need to relax. Don't you know how to relax?"

"Not really," Ichigo deadpanned. "Meditation doesn't make all that much sense to me. Never did."

"Not with that attitude." Rukia walked behind Ichigo and removed her own zanpakuto from her slash and settled it on the ground so that she could freely use her hands. "Face the front," Rukia instructed when Ichigo got curious and peered over his shoulder. "Focus on your Zanpakuto," she commanded as she got close behind him and laid her hands on his shoulders and began to knead the tense muscles. "You and your Zanpakuto are one. Keep repeating that in your mind." Rukia dug hard to rub out the knots in his back. "Zangetsu wants to talk to you just as much as you want to talk to him."

When she was done with his shoulders she settled down on her knees and lowered her hands to the middle of his back. "His energy is your energy." She focused her reiatsu to the tips of her fingertips and used that to further dig into his muscles. "Your energy is his energy."

Ichigo had his chin to his chest and found that relaxing wasn't that hard after all.

Rukia continued to knead his back, rubbing away the buried tension in the muscles and letting her reiatsu wash over him in a calming manner that she learned back in the academy. After about five minutes she stopped the ministrations and spoke close to his ear.

"Picture your inner world. Call out to Zangetsu. He can hear you. He wants to talk to you." Rukia's smooth voice echoed and faded. There was no wind in Urahara's underground training ground but somehow the tips of his hair swayed side to side. The zanpakuto under his hands was warm and getting warmer.

Slowly, a vision began to form in his mind. He viewed his inner world. The tall skyscrapers kissed a clear blue sky and Zangetsu was standing tall on one of those rooftops. Just as quickly as the picture formed it diminished. Ichigo's eyes flashed open and he had to take a breath.

He realized that Rukia was patting his back and he could hear the smile in her voice. "You got to breathe while you're meditating, idiot."

"Shut up," Ichigo rasped, coughing a little. "I saw him. I saw him but I couldn't get close enough."

"Don't worry about it, Ichigo." Rukia said, moving in front of him to peer into his eyes. "Just seeing him was a success. After a few more sessions you will be able to enter your inner world completely and speak to him."

Ichigo nodded his head in agreement. "I know I don't say this much, Midget, but thanks." He saw that Rukia wanted to scowl him for calling her 'midget' but the word of thanks gave her pause.

Her cheeks reddened as she stared at him. "Why are you suddenly being nice?"

Ichigo laughed. "No, I really mean it. Those nightmares have gotten me so frustrated and now I feel like I can do something about it." That rush of power, knowing that something can now be done, was exactly what he needed and as always it was Rukia who was his strength. Without thought he reached forward and pulled her into his lap, making sure to grab his zanpakuto and lay it on the ground first.

Rukia made a sound of surprise that Ichigo interrupted with a kiss. He pulled her down further, pressing her into the ground and making puffs of dirt erupt and the rumble shift. As they were kissing, their hands grabbing for each other and heartbeats in sync, they didn't notice their zanpakutos.

The two zanpakutos crossed one another by the middle. The two blades were pulsating, emitting a glow, and calling out and singing to each other like lovers holding steady in a tempest.

…

If Ichigo was ever addicted to anything, it would be Rukia. She was his drug, his smile, his cloud-free sky and so much more that it was hard to describe. It had gotten to the point that an hour apart felt like days. Anytime they were alone, away from curious eyes and secluded in their own world, their hands would reach out for one another like blind souls pulling at the red ribbon that tied the two of them together. Their lips would connect like magnets and that rush and lightheadedness of such simple and delightful physical contact would be enough to kill any other man and woman.

Ichigo groaned when Rukia pulled back from the kiss. His mouth was hot and he missed her hands on his shoulders but ultimately he was glad that she stopped. The middle of the living room wasn't exactly isolated and footsteps were approaching fast. By the sound of the footfalls Ichigo knew his father was coming. If that old man found out that they were together Ichigo would never, ever hear the end of it.

Ichigo took a step away from Rukia and pretended that the past five minutes were innocently spent by talking about something trivial like schoolwork. Isshin smiled at them and was luckily too busy searching for his keys to notice Ichigo's flushed face and unkempt hair and Rukia's red lips and mussed school uniform.

"I'm heading out with the twins. I promised my little angels that I'll take them out to the movies if they passed their test today." Isshin beamed, his fatherly pride overflowing. "Would you two lovebirds like to come?"

"No thank you, Kurosaki-san," Rukia answered, smoothly cutting off Ichigo's angry rant about the use of the word 'lovebirds'. "We got a project to finish for school."

Ichigo gave her an odd look before he understood that she was saving them a family trip to the movies; which would probably end up with one or more members of the Kurosaki family being kicked out of the theater. "Yeah, a project," Ichigo agreed, nodding his head for extra effect.

Fortunately, the twins came into the room and with Karin's concern of being late and Yuzu's excitement about movie night on a school day they were out the door in a matter of seconds. Once the front door was slammed Rukia was back in Ichigo's arms. They kissed and instant relief and that sweet tingle of electrified nerves washed over the two of them like warm water.

He wasn't sure how Rukia managed it, but she was able to get him to the other side of the room where the couches were without him noticing. The back of his knees hit the cushions and he fell backwards fast and landed uncomfortably. But any discomfort vanished when his dark-haired Shinigami straddled him. She sat firmly in his lap and without delay his hands reached up to grab her and pull her even closer.

The kiss that followed was heavier than usual. Rukia's small moans escaping more frequently when Ichigo reached up and cupped her breasts through her uniform shirt while his other hand was dangerously close to her ass. Rukia broke away from the kiss and breathed into his ear all the while pressing down on his crotch.

Ichigo groaned in surprised pleasure and he grabbed onto Rukia's waist to prevent any further movement. "Fuck, Rukia." He cursed, stopping himself from biting his lip. "My old man didn't lock the front door, you know. If he forgot something he would see us as soon as he steps through the door."

She held his gaze and didn't look away, that sense that they were the only two left in the world was stronger than ever. "I don't care," she whispered.

That was all the permission from Rukia he needed. He flipped her over so that he was now on top. He fit perfectly between her legs and he boldly pressed down and forward so that their groins connected. He lost his breath and instinct took over as he pressed down again and again. Rukia was kissing him, her tongue doing wonders while her hands grabbed the front of his uniform and nearly ripped it off.

Complaints about popped buttons left Ichigo's mind when her hands lowered and gripped the front of his pants. "Rukia," he breathed. He wasn't sure if he was trying to stop her or urge her on. The sound of his zipper being undone was remarkably loud in his pounding ears. But what really made him jump was that in the next second a hollow alert pierced the air.

"Fuck!" Ichigo automatically cursed. Rukia, who was still underneath him, began to laugh. She reached for the spirit phone and Ichigo grabbed her forearm to stop her. "Someone else can get it." Rukia narrowed her eyes at him and Ichigo knew he lost. "Fucking hell,…fine!"

Rukia laughed again, "I can go and take care of the hollow quickly."

"No," Ichigo sighed, climbing off of her and sitting up. "We'll go together. Lately high level hollows have been crashing down."

"Okay," Rukia was already in spirit form and halfway out the door, calling out to him that she was heading out first. Chappy, the artificial modsoul, was in Rukia's body and she jumped onto Ichigo's back playfully and she ruffled his orange locks. "What were you two doing that would leave you in this state of undress?" She asked with a sinful smile.

Ichigo looked down at himself, his open school uniform with popped buttons and unzipped pants, and just cursed.

…

That addiction and attraction he felt towards Rukia was always at its peak when he watched her fight. Ichigo had to squint against the strong sun even though it was already setting in the distance. He was right when he predicted that the alert was for a high-level hollow. Even so, he knew that Rukia could handle it by herself. He watched her fight, her blade an extension of her arm and her legs moving to unheard music. Without permission the memory of earlier, her underneath him on the couch and her hands on his zipper, kept popping up in his head.

He could feel his cheeks redden and he cursed himself and the damn hollow that stopped them. Just how far would they have gotten if that alert never sounded? He didn't know and it frustrated him to no end. Still, even though he was frustrated and his body was a wreck with unkempt emotion, he couldn't stop smiling. But like everything else in this vast, old world- all good things must come to an end.

The hollow released a high-pitched shriek when it was defeated and it dispersed into tiny partials of reiatsu that floated upward. With the threat gone Rukia sheathed her blade. Her sandals sounded on the pavement of the empty street as she made her to his side, the smile on her face mirroring his. Halfway there though the smile left her face and she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Ichigo frowned. "What is it?"

There was a crease between Rukia's eyes. "This reiatsu…Somebody is coming."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Reiatsu?" He took a second to search for it. It wasn't hard to find and it was closing in on them fast. Somebody was flash stepping towards them but it didn't feel menacing and Rukia wasn't reaching for her blade. "Who is it? I don't recognize it."

Ichigo was looking off in the general direction of the reiatsu so he didn't see Rukia's clenched fists and hard face. "I know who it is," she whispered.

"Huh?" Before he could question her further a man appeared. He was donned in Shinigami robes but he had white stripes on his uniform and a hat that was pulled low over his eyes. He was kneeling in a respectful way in front of Rukia.

Suddenly Ichigo felt like he was doused in cold water. He felt dislocated from his body as he watched from his position a few feet away. Rukia, who was part of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the great noble houses in Soul Society, was receiving new orders.

"Zangetsu! Zangetsu!" Ichigo called. "Damn it! I know you can hear me!" The orange-haired shinigami had successfully entered his inner world. After over a dozen meditation sessions Ichigo could finally step onto one of the millions of rooftops and feel the hard cement as well as breathe in the fresh air of his inner world. "Zangetsu!" He called. Even though he finally entered his inner world Zangetsu was nowhere to be found. "Zan-"

"Are you going to continue yelling?" Said a smooth voice from Ichigo's left.

Ichigo turned and saw the solid form of his zanpakuto standing next to him. "If that's what it takes to make you show yourself." Ichigo snapped. The orange-haired shinigami folded his arms across his kimono and huffed. "Do you know how hard it was to set up this meeting?"

Zangetsu remained cool and didn't show any obvious emotion. "Of course I do." He deadpanned.

Ichigo huffed again, just his luck that his zanpakuto had an attitude. "Then you should know why I'm here. Why I had to work so hard to talk to you."

Zangetsu continued to stare at him and Ichigo unfolded his arms and took a step closer. "The nightmares…" Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "I've been having horrible dreams that this world was being ripped apart by a storm." Orange hair was swayed by a gentle breeze and Ichigo looked up at the perfect blue sky. He was searching for a storm cloud or anything that indicated that a storm was approaching but none was in sight. "My inner world seems as peaceful as ever," he said with a gesture of his hands.

Rukia suddenly seemed taller. Her back was perfectly straight, her head held up high with a stoic expression on her fine features. The gloves she wore were of rich fabric and the pure white color was a sign of her nobility that Ichigo had somehow overlooked until that moment. One of her gloved hands was clenched at her side as the other reached forward to receive the folded piece of paper from the messenger.

"Those nightmares were warnings. No, they were more like a prediction." Zangetsu replied.

The messenger said something that Ichigo didn't catch but he did hear Rukia reply. She thanked him and she didn't return his bow when he flash stepped away.

"A prediction?" Ichigo parroted. "A prediction of what? What is it that will tear this peaceful world apart?"

Several seconds passed. Ichigo could hear cars honking in the distance; he could hear birds squawking and the rustling of leaves. The world was turning and continuing on like normal but somehow it was crashing down.

"Rukia," Zangetsu said, his smooth voice making Rukia's name sound like the ringing of a bell. "Rukia is the reason why your inner world is peaceful right now…and she will be the reason why it will be tearing itself apart."

"No," Ichigo didn't even realize that he was vocalizing his thoughts. Rukia quietly sighed under her breath and she unfolded the piece of paper and silently read the contents. "No," Ichigo repeated, this time louder. He closed the distance between them and snagged the paper out of her hands. She didn't even try to stop him.

Ichigo could feel his heart rate speeding up. Storm clouds started impeding on the bright blue sky. Ichigo didn't notice the ominous clouds but Zangetsu did.

"I'm due back to Soul Society," she said. Her voice was annoyingly level and indifferent. Ichigo looked down at the paper, peering through his orange bangs and at the clear black print on the white sheet. They wanted her back in Soul Society. They were calling her away, away from the Karakura Town; away from him.

Rain began to fall. "I don't understand," Ichigo exclaimed. He refused to understand.

Zangetsu was as steady as ever. Even as the blue sky above turned grey and the drizzle of rain turned into a flash flood, he stood tall and never broke eye contact with Ichigo. "Yes you do, Ichigo. Rukia will be returning to Soul Society soon. She will leave your side."

"No!" Ichigo shouted over the rain, lighting striking down at the same moment of his cry. The pure flash of a lightning bolt hit a nearby rooftop and made the skyscraper collapse onto itself in an explosion of stone, rubble, and dust.

The sun had finally set and the shadows of the surrounding buildings seemed to grow. Ichigo crumbled the paper in his hands. The paper easily giving way and crumbling into a wad that Ichigo threw away. They both heard it strike the ground but their eyes were locked on one another. "You're not going anywhere," Ichigo said evenly.

Rukia's expression hasn't changed since the messenger had come. It was that haughty expression that reminded Ichigo of Byakuya. "I have my orders. Who are you to say otherwise?"

Ichigo couldn't believe what he was hearing. No, he did believe it. It was just like the first time she was taken away. She was putting up a front. She was trying to be brave. She was trying to make him angry so that she would be able to leave. He wasn't going to fall for it. "You aren't going anywhere." He repeated.

He reached forward to embrace her but she stepped back. "And I said, 'Who are you to say otherwise?'"

Ichigo didn't let her words affect him. "Because I'm your boyfriend." They had never put labels on each other. He had never aloud called her his girlfriend and she had never called him her boyfriend. But that was what they were, that and so much more. "And because I love you."

Finally that indifferent face of hers faded and her eyes widened in surprise. "Tha-That may be so," she stuttered. "But I still have my orders."

"Fuck those orders!" Ichigo bellowed, unable to control his rising emotions any longer. "You are not leaving me again." He grabbed her by the shoulders and it hurt like hell when she shook him off.

Zangetsu watched the collapse of the skyscraper. When the dust somewhat settled, the rain helping it along, he turned his dark gaze to Ichigo. Ichigo was drenched and the shinigami uniform stuck to his contours and hung heavily on his frame. "Why are you throwing a tantrum like a small child?" Zangetsu asked, his even voice easily being heard over the rain and thunder. "You know that it's going to happen. You've known it since you began your relationship with Rukia." Zangetsu looked up at the black sky with flashing silver. "You have known all along."

"We," she started to say but paused as though she needed to take a breath. "We knew that this would happen." The saddest smile that Ichigo had ever seen marred her face. " Didn't we?" She laughed a harsh laugh that had no trace of humor. "What were we thinking?!" She looked down at the pavement and then off into the distance at the full moon above. "We really are part of two different worlds." She shifted her gaze towards him and her liquid eyes were bright with unshed tears. "I am a lieutenant. My post is back in Soul Society." She paused and a tear fell down her face. "And you belong here."

Ichigo shook his head. This conversation was all too familiar. Their fragile world that they built together would be torn apart by his responsibilities toward his family and her duty towards Soul Society. "Stop. Just stop, Rukia. Don't you remember what I said before? We are not part of two different worlds. You are my world and I am ours." His eyes begged her not to say otherwise. "And I believe I also said, 'Fuck Soul Society'."

She laughed again but this time it held a trace of humor. Ichigo gave a relieved smile and he watched her wipe the tears from her eyes and this time when he went to embrace her she didn't shake him off.

"We will figure something out," Ichigo stated with certainty.

He felt Rukia nod her head in agreement but when he looked down into her violet eyes he could see her doubt. He hugged her harder and sighed.

"Fine, let's say what you're saying is true." Ichigo ignored the thunder and lightning that dominated his inner world. "I will change that prediction. I won't let Soul Society control us. Rukia and I…" Ichigo paused for a moment. His heart finally stopped shaking and the lightning above discontinued and the rain clouds began to disperse. "We are meant to be together. I don't know how I know it, but I do. Even if we are somehow separated,…we will find a way back to each other."

Zangetsu surprised Ichigo by smiling. The clear blue sky was back, no trace of the storm clouds, and Ichigo took in a lungful of the fresh air as the sun above warmed his soul.

…

The safe house, which was more like an abandoned warehouse, was the same as the last time Ichigo saw it. That was back when Ichigo had first confessed his feelings to Rukia. It seemed so long ago but at the same time it was as if it was only yesterday. Ichigo led her directly to the safe house so that their overwhelming feelings of insecurity and love could be reestablished.

He kissed her and they fell together onto the cot that was laid out on the floor. It wasn't the most comfortable comforter underneath them but that didn't matter at all. He kissed her and continued to kiss her and he tried to think of a future where he might never get to kiss her or hold her like this again- but he just couldn't picture it. Such a future, for the two of them, was impossible.

Rukia was pulling him closer. Her hands were clenched around the collars and it loosened his kimono, giving him the opportunity to slip it off. The cool air of the safe house hit his heated skin but he paid it no mind as he set to work on hers. In the middle of the process he felt her spirit phone underneath her slash and he paused for only a moment and then proceeded to reach in and take it out harshly. Ichigo slightly sat up and he made sure that Rukia saw him turn off the phone and toss it to the far corner of the safe house.

"No more interruptions," Ichigo whispered, even to his own ears his voice sounded deep. He lowered himself back down and placed his lips on top of hers, making sure to steal her breath. Slowly, because Ichigo was certain more than ever that they had all the time in the world, he pulled her kimono off and her chest and flat stomach were exposed to his eyes.

She was like freshly fallen snow, a wide landscape that was unblemished by man's straight lines and blackened hands. She was his definition of perfect. A part of Ichigo wanted to ruin that perfectness with his hands and lips. He knew that he had a streak of possessiveness in him and that Rukia brought it all out. He also knew that if he called her perfect she would probably raise a brow, give a smirk, and then do something silly like pull his hair. But it was perfect moments like that when Ichigo knew for certain that when others were searching for their soul mates blindly- he already had his in his arms.

He kissed down her chest, her fluttering heartbeat underneath his lips and her soft skin warm. Ichigo was running on pure instinct. His mind was blank and his emotions, which were overflowing and thundering down like a waterfall, was driving him forward and toward a new horizon that would soon be revealed as paradise.

He felt her long fingers run down his chest, her fingers dipping into the indents of muscles and making his skin burn, almost hurt, from pure desire. She whispered his name, a vocalization of her love and equal desire, and he became completely undone. From that moment on he was completely hers. Come hell and high water and he would stand steady, in the thick of it; the only thing that can consume him whole and willingly were the very tides of her personality and temperament.

She held him close and never once through the night did she let go. When they finally had shed their clothes, their skin meeting and molding together, they united and became lovers. Later, when Ichigo would try to recall every detail he would only remember the heat, the whispered versions of his name, and the burning of his soul that had left him breathless and wondering if his heart had stopped. He would also be able to vividly recall the way Rukia's eyes shined and the way her body shuddered and called for him over and over again, neither one of them getting enough of the physical version that was their deep love.

When morning came, the heavy sunlight streaming in through the tall windows of the safe house, Rukia was nowhere to be found. Ichigo awoke naked underneath the covers and he sat up and made no motion to stand or leave. Instead he sat there and recalled the last thing he remembered. Rukia had placed her hand on his chest and had looked sadly into his eyes. He remembered because the palm of her hand burned and he fell into an uneasy slumber. Ichigo laughed under his breath, an odd sound that couldn't be described. "She lulled me to sleep with her reiatsu," He said aloud to the empty safe house. He laughed again and ran a hand through his hair. "What a stupid girl."

…

It didn't take long at all, not even an hour, for Ichigo to find Rukia. He crashed into Soul Society, it seemed like he was always doing so, and he flashed stepped all the way to the thirteenth division where he sensed her reiatsu. She was standing outside Captain Ukitake's office, holding a handful of papers with a shocked look on her face. He walked up to her, ignoring all the curious shinigami around- as well as Captain Ukitake when he stepped out of his office to see what all the commotion was about.

"Ichi-" She began to say but he interrupted her with a kiss. The papers she was holding fluttered to the ground and got carried away by the wind. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss uncaring that an entire division of Shinigami looked on at them. When he pulled back he saw her red cheeks and glistening eyes. "We will figure something out, Rukia." He had said those words before but this time he saw that Rukia finally believed him. She smiled, a shy but absolute smile that made him want to kiss her again. And so he did.

-The End-

A/N: I finally got it down on paper! Not literally though seeing as I used Microsoft but you know what I mean. I've wanted to get this all out of me, my fingers have been itching to type, and I'm glad that I finally did. Those two (Ichigo and Rukia) really do inspire me to write and I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you for reading!