Afire Love (Bleach: Ichiruki)

XXXVII

Rukia Kuchiki

I held on tight to Ichigo as my body shook uncontrollably, not knowing what the hell just happened to me.

All I could remember was that feeling - the feeling of getting my soul poisoned, taken over by something dark, suffocating, evil.

But why now? Why with Ichigo?

"Rukia?"

"I-I'm fine." I whispered, pulling away from his chest.

He looked down at me with nervous eyes.

I smiled up at him, bringing my hand up to his cheek. He sighed, leaning his face into the palm of my hand.

"I missed you."

"I know." I said in return.

I missed you too.

"What.. What happened?"

I sighed.

"I don't know. One moment you were kissing me, then the next I-"

I cut myself off, finally letting that fact sink in.

Ichigo kissed me.

Oh my god.

"You were saying?" Ichigo asked, raising his eyebrow down at me.

I snatched my hand away from his face.

"Y-you! You kissed me!" I shouted in shock.

His eyes widened, as his lips quirked up into an amused smile. "So?"

My eyes widened. I pushed myself up onto my feet, wiping off my clothes from the dirt.

"So? You kissed me, baka!" I snapped at him.

He stood up in response, narrowing his eyes down at me.

"Yeah, so what?" He snapped in return.

"Why the hell would you do that?" I shouted in his face, jabbing my finger into his chest.

He grabbed my hand, squeezing it tight in his.

"Because I... I.."

"You what?"

Ichigo's expression was more distant now as he turned away slightly.

"Its nothing."

I gave him a final skeptical glance before deciding to let this slide, to not question him.

"How are you?" I asked, deciding to change the subject.

"I'm fine."

"I don't appreciate being lied to."

"What?"

"You're lying. We've known each other too long know when we're both lying to each other."

He sighed. "You're right."

"What's bugging you?" I asked.

"Nothing."

I let out an amused laugh.

I punched his arm, causing him to yelp.

"Rukia! What the hell is your problem?!" He shouted.

"You are a pain in the ass, Ichigo!" I shouted back.

"So are you!"

"Will you just quit lying to me, baka?!"

"You'd laugh at me if I told you!"