Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ A Cruel Fate ❯ New Beginnings ( Chapter 3 )

 

“I'm really sorry Isshin.”

 

“Not to worry my dear, it's quite alright really.”

 

Rukia dropped her gaze to the floor, “But this is the first time he will not be able to go with you to pay his respects to his mother.”

 

Isshin chuckled and moved out of the doorway ushering her inside, “Well considering his duties as a shinigami he has a pretty good excuse; besides Maskaki would never hold that against him.”

 

“I see.”

 

“Come now, are you hungry want some tea? Yuzu made some wonderful cookies and I'm sure you'll love them.” Two seconds later found Rukia sitting at the kitchen table with tea and tantalizing cookies on a dish.

 

“Thank you for being so understanding, I mean, if it hadn't been for me-

 

A warm hand enveloped hers, “Please do not bring that up again.” The softness in his eyes almost made her tear up along with him. “My son did the right thing. He died protecting his family and I could not be any prouder of him for doing that. He wouldn't have wanted you to continue to blame yourself for his death. Anyhow he does drop by every once in a while so it's not really like he's not here.”

 

“Thank you Isshin,” she said wiping away a stubborn tear.

 

“My darling daughter how many times must I tell you to call me Poppa! You are the legal wife of my son so I welcome you with open arms into the Kurosaki family!” he boasted practically climbing on top of the kitchen table to express his happiness.

 

Whatever sour mood was in the air was now gone and Rukia couldn't suppress her laugh. It was the first time she'd laughed since he died.

 

It'd only been four months.

 

“In fact, I must insist that you take me up on my offer to move in! After all you are nearing your due date and as a doctor, I think it is wise that you live closer to a clinic. I know you might not the prior sleeping arrangement you had while staying here, but I can always take the couch.”

 

Rukia sighed as she reached for her tea. Living here meant living with more memories and constant reminders. Although they had only shared their new apartment for a few months, it was still less painful than the bedroom she first met him in.

 

“That's a really nice offer Iss-

 

A death glare quickly made her correct her slip up. “I mean Poppa, that sounds like a really nice offer, but I really do not want to impose. With it being Karin and Yuzu's junior year and with their studies I don't think it would be such a good idea.”

 

“Nonsense, besides it wouldn't be the first time we lived under one roof. And I heard Yuzu talking about how she wishes she could fatten up her niece or nephew before they were born,” he waggled his eyebrows as if sweetening up the deal. “And we all know that Karin takes the long route home from school just so that she can stop by the apartment to check on you.”

 

“What? She does?” She must have totally been out of it to not notice her reiatsu around.

 

“Yeah, but don't feel too bad, between Urahara and Chad's training, she's gotten pretty good at suppressing it.”

 

Somehow that didn't make her feel any better. Rukia secretly hoped that no more of the Kurosaki siblings would get involved in Shinigami duties. However, with Chad catching the tomboy's attention, she knew all hope was lost.

 

“I see.”

 

“Good then, it's settled, we'll move you back in today and you can save me the trouble of worrying about the twins. Because if they're too focused on you back in the house, then they'll probably stick around more.”

 

Rukia clasped her hands in her lap. “You're not just saying this, are you?”

 

This time Isshin turned her chair around and hugged her as much as he could with a seven month baby in-between them. “My dear, you are my family and it would be my honor to welcome you into my home.”

 

The petite ex-shinigami smiled through her tears and hugged him back. “Thank you….Poppa.”

 

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