Ichigo looked at the rearview mirror and saw Karin and Takeshi staring straight at him. He let out another sigh and turned his attention back on the road.
The day before Ichigo told them the overall story about how he had to leave to prove to Byakuya that he was determined to keep his family together (of course the consummation of Mai was not detailed in front of them). The two finally got the information that they wanted but they weren't satisfied. Takeshi was determined to meet this uncle of his and give him a piece of his mind. But Ichigo was also determined to never have his kids meet the cold man.
The morning after they all got in the van to go home. The entire trip has been a quiet one. Isshin, Yuzu, Rukia and Mai fell asleep as soon as they sat down. The other two kept staring at Ichigo and he was starting to get irritated. He really wanted to go home and sleep. Of course this didn't happen for several hours. Ichigo was just glad when he entered Karakura and saw his home down the street.
"Okay guys," Ichigo called out, "Wake up! We're home."
Mai and Yuzu moaned as they woke up but Isshin was determined to stay asleep. As Ichigo parked in the driveway, he jumped out of the van and opened the back door to help the others out. He noticed Isshin still wasn't moving so he got in next to him.
"Get out!" Ichigo yelled as he kicked his father out of the car. Isshin landed face-down on the ground but continued to snore. The orange head frowned as he jumped out of the car again. The old man seriously didn't want to wake up.
Takeshi and Karin slowly got out and helped Yuzu and Mai take their bags inside the house. Ichigo looked behind him and saw Rukia still sleeping in the passenger seat. He scratched his orange hair and walked up to her.
"Rukia," he shook her shoulders, "We're home. Get up."
"Mmm," she groaned as she shifted her body towards the other direction.
Ichigo rubbed his temples with his fingers. He knew that she was immune to his threats when she was asleep. Besides, the day before she had to go back to the gallery, after long hours of shopping, and didn't return at all. In fact everyone had to pick her up on the way back home.
So Ichigo did the only thing that came to mind. He placed one of his arms under her legs and the other under her neck. As Ichigo lifted her out of the van, Rukia wrapped her arms around his neck and wiggled to a more comfortable position. Ichigo sighed knowing full well that if she kept moving around in his arms, then his 'seven-years-neglected-hormones' will start up. He closed the van door with his leg and walked into the house. Isshin was still sleeping outside but nobody seemed to care.
The others were in their room either cleaning out their stuff or looking for more sleep. Ichigo gently carried Rukia to her room and placed her on top of her bed. She easily rolled off and grabbed her pillow. Ichigo sat on the edge of the mattress and pulled some of her hair out of her face. He noticed a small smile appear at the corner of her mouth. He didn't know why but after having told Takeshi and Karin about his past made him feel more pathetic.
Ichigo knew that his reasons seemed stupid. He also knew that he should have tried to contact them several times, secretly. Byakuya would often come to his university or hospital to ask on his progress, and each time he did, Ichigo should have just punched him then and there.
The orange-haired daddy scratched his head as he let out another sigh. He then noticed Rukia turning around in her sleep so that now she was facing him. How beautiful she looked when her expression relaxed. He really missed seeing her like this and noticed small details about Rukia that have changed. Her hair was still the same style but a little bit longer. Her hands looked a bit worn and dry from too much work. When awake, her eyes showed more worry for her children. But one thing that hasn't changed was her scent.
Ichigo was still stroking Rukia's hair when she squinted her eyes and slowly opened them.
"Mmm… Ichigo?"
"Sorry, did I wake you up?" Ichigo whispered.
Rukia shook her head as she lifted one of her hands and placed it on top of the hand he had on her cheek. "When did we get home?"
Ichigo smiled as he lay on the bed next to her, his thumb now rubbing her cheek. "Just a few minutes ago. You looked tired so I brought you to your room."
"Thanks," Rukia mumbled out and closed her eyes again. She moved closer to him and buried her head by his shoulder.
Ichigo took this opportunity to snug his nose into her hair and take in all of her scent. It was always a good thing for him because it made nothing else in the world matter. He then lifted his head to look at the face of the woman snuggled up to him.
"Rukia?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you hate me?"
Rukia's eyes suddenly opened and she looked up at Ichigo whose amber eyes were staring straight into her violet ones. "What?"
Ichigo asked again. "Do you hate me?"
"Why would you say that?" she asked.
"Because of my disappearance seven years ago."
Rukia gasped. She did NOT want to talk about this. In fact, she's been trying to avoid how she felt seeing him again, knowing very well how she would have reacted if she allowed her feelings to come out. Rukia averted her eyes and turned around so her back was facing Ichigo.
Ichigo was shocked by her actions. He felt kind of hurt seeing how she ignored him. He never liked it when she turned away from him whenever they shared a bed, and now was no different. "Rukia—"
"Why are you asking about this now?" she interrupted.
He pulled himself closer to her. "Because… I hate myself. And I know Takeshi hated me along with the others, though they're hiding this fact."
"You're stupid," Rukia responded, "Nobody hates you. Look at how happy they're having you back."
"But are you?"
Another moment of silence passed by them. Ichigo knew she wasn't going to answer. He closed his eyes as he slowly got up. Without another glance he walked out of Rukia's room and closed the door.
When Rukia felt his warmth leaving her, she felt her body wanting to grab him back. But she forbade herself from doing so. As she heard Ichigo leave and close the door she finally let the tears run down her face. The tears that she had been shedding for seven long years just didn't want to stop.
A/N: Sorry if this was a bit boring... tried to make it funny but it became more serious. This is short because I just want to move on with the story...
I've uploaded another chapter so go read!
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