AN: I'm back~! It's been a while since I've written anything IchiRuki related but I had this idea (initially for HitsuKarin but everything I think of usually has to do with HitsuKarin) and it demanded to be written. And it's going to be my first IchiRuki smut~ So excited. I've only written HitsuKarin smut so this'll be so much fun for me. LOL

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this two-shot!

This is dedicated to the lovely and wonderful ichilover3, who I owe fiction to for reasons. Maybe this'll help find your muse a little? I can only hope. :)

Summary: THREE-SHOT. Racer!AU. He drives the racers and she fixes them. It should be that simple, right? Nope, not even close.

Warnings: Nothing in this chapter. ;) But, I do want to say this: I claim to have very little knowledge on the inner workings of cars. I'm just not savvy enough. So I wrote a bit about mechanics but I personally don't have much of an idea and I just wanted to let you guys know that I openly proclaim that I've made up a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. :)

Part One: Rough Roads

Life had never been easy for Rukia.

The hardship had arrived early, an unannounced solicitor at her door. It'd been an odd ordeal to be adopted into the Kuchiki family when her sister married Kuchiki Byakuya. Heralded as the most wanted man in the world, it was a stroke of fate when he appeared at the small diner Hisana worked.

After quitting school when their parents died unexpectedly, the frail but hard-working girl had taken up a job that kept a roof over their heads and their stomachs full with leftovers. Sometimes Rukia would come visit after school, skipping along merrily with her backpack snug around her small shoulders.

Her bobbed, shoulder-length hair danced with each jump, as she jetted in to greet the elderly couple that had shown the two orphans kindness. Looking back, Rukia knew they were living a blessed existence despite the fact there was no money to their name.

Although Hisana had had a few suitors, none of them were well equipped with dealing with a small girl. Rukia hadn't understood at the time but she'd learned later that she had been a hindrance to her sister's future prospects. After all, who wanted a child as a burden so early on in their marriage?

Maybe that was why Rukia, at age eight, found Kuchiki Byakuya so interesting. From the entrance, she would peek at him as inconspicuously as possible—which meant she was always in the way of others' footfalls. But she paid the passers-by no heed and watched as the quiet man made conversation with her sister.

He was nothing but elegant and beautiful, two things even a child like her could appreciate. There was a sophistication to him that didn't match the cozy restaurant, as he sat at the counter with a cup of tea and a small snack. Every day for months he would come, his intentions unknown but his attention never wavering.

Eventually Rukia found the courage to ask her sister about him one night, hands locked as the streetlights flickered overhead. She hadn't understood the resignation in her sister's face, the broken hope of a woman who wouldn't get what she wanted. Instead she'd taken her comment about mere friendship at face value and had let it slide. Because really, who would believe that a wealthy man like that would want an orphan and her sister?

It was when Hisana was starting to entertain the attention of another man that things started to change. She primped herself a little more, fixed her hair in a trendier style, wore perfume that occasionally made Rukia sneeze. He was by no means a rich man but he was good and Rukia had liked him well enough. He patted her head and gave her candy and really, was there anything else a little sister needed?

But it was the scent of another man closing in on Hisana that did Kuchiki in. Dressed in all his finery, he courted her sister until the point of madness. Bouquets of foreign flowers lined the doorway and presents were beginning to accumulate in their studio apartment. But what truly won Hisana over was seeing Byakuya and Rukia in a booth on a late autumn afternoon, sitting across from each other with very opposite faces.

Rather than his usual coolness, there was a slight discomfort about him, as if he'd never gone toe-to-toe with a grade schooler before. There must've been truth to that statement. Across from him, Rukia eyed him with the sternest expression she could muster, laying down the law about dating her big sister with shrewdness that was more than a little impressive.

However, it was the absolute solemnity that Byakuya regarded the little girl with, as if her words would tell him of treasures and wonders beyond his imagination, that had Hisana melting with a guileless smile. Because a man that could regard her only family so well could only be a man worth marrying.

From then on, Rukia's life changed instantaneously. She was no longer a normal girl but an aristocrat. Schooling had turned into tutors and scholars of the highest education, etiquette lessons with women who could chill winter with their dispositions, and a variety of subjects she had no use for. But, Byakuya's parents had decided sternly, if they were going to be joining the family then they would not sully the Kuchiki name.

And neither girl had wanted to disappoint, especially with all the stares that deemed them failures from the start. But they thrived and flourished, resilient enough to have others turn away and some even praise them for their success. The confines of the upper society weren't meant for children but Rukia clung to that shallow acceptance.

She threw herself into their world in hopes of finding the parts of herself that'd gone missing, to find purpose in an otherwise listless world. It took many years for her to realize that it was a fruitless endeavor.

She fell in love for the first time when she was fifteen-years-old.

He was older than her, mid-twenties to be exact, and handsome, highly unconventional looking for a man of means. But although he was in line for the head of his family and well educated for it, Shiba Kaien had an unusual hobby that had everyone's tongues wagging.

To keep him happy, the Elders had allowed him to continue it but only until he succeeded his birthright. And that was the way they met, so memorable it burned a hole in her memory. She'd been brought along with her sister and her husband, Byakuya doing a business luncheon with the Shiba's leader while Hisana caught up with the mistress of the house. The younger two children were at school-unlike her, who'd been educated at home and would be until university—which left her with the heir of one of the largest companies in the world.

Saying the meeting was startling would be an understatement.

Where Byakuya was the traditional model of wealthy breeding, Kaien was his complete opposite. Their first meeting had her finding him in his private garage, head stuck under a hood as he tinkered with the engine of a racer. Covered in oil and grease, she took in the surroundings with surprised interest. When she finally looked upon him, her tongue tied itself as she blushed hard, noting that he was shirtless, the muscles of his back pronounced while he hunched over the bumper.

"Kaien-dono, you have a visitor," the stuffy butler introduced, bowing at the waist before presenting her. "Kuchiki Rukia-sama, daughter of the Kuchiki family. Your parents wish that you will take some of your time to entertain her properly."

The slight start was almost unnoticeable. "Ah, Fujiro-san, I wish you wouldn't sneak up on me," the man laughed, turning around with a sheepish grin. Grabbing his shirt, he slipped it on before wiping his hands on his pants. "I had no idea people were coming over. Please tell me there's some food ready at least."

"Of course, sir. It'll be set out soon."

"Good, good. I'll have to get ready first though." Smiling, amiable eyes settled on her as the butler departed. "Welcome to my home, Kuchiki. I'm sorry I'm not quite ready to receive guests but please make yourself at home."

Nodding, her uncertainty must've shown because he began to scratch the back of his neck shyly. "You caught me at a bad time as you can see. I'm on a deadline because there's a race this weekend and I'm trying to finish up the adjustments last minute."

"Do you race?" The question slipped out, too eager that she flinched. She'd never managed the feigned interest Byakuya-nii-sama had.

"Me? Oh no, I'm not cut out for it. Can't seem to keep my cool," Kaien joked, open about his shortcoming. The honesty made her eyes go wide. "I've tried but I can't seem to hold my own against other drivers. I'm good but not great and I accept that. What I am good at is this."

Gesturing at the car, she saw how his eyes seemed to sparkle. "I can put together and take apart an engine in hours, I know every type of turbine and how they should be used depending on the course, and I'm damn good with a wrench. And since we own a team, I get to put these skills to use."

"That's amazing." But Rukia wasn't just talking about his skill. It was the passion he obviously had, the kind that others would turn their noses up at.

Too much devotion to one thing showed lack of education, the older generations touted. A man or woman of good upbringing had an assortment of talents, evenly distributed so as to appear well-rounded. Unfortunately for Rukia, she'd never quite managed any of the feminine pursuits that the world preferred.

Unlike her sister, her dancing was only passable, her art melded down to colorful crayon creations, and her singing abysmal. Instead she flourished as a martial artist, kendo champion and the like. If she'd born a man, she would've been well respected. An unfortunate twist of fate.

"Really? You're the first person to ever tell me that," Kaien responded with a gentle smile, caught off-guard. "Most people brush it off. They don't seem to get it."

"I think it's cool, really. I don't know much about mechanics but it looks difficult and interesting," the teenager said in earnest, for once not embarrassed by her easy excitability. Because the way Kaien smiled back at her, open and so friendly she could cry, made her heart skip in her chest.

Whether it was the silly little crush or actual scholarly interest, Rukia found herself diving into the world of automobiles and engineering. She devoured books and texts, throwing herself into the hobby that was starting to consume her life. It was obvious that Byakuya didn't approve but Hisana had been adamant about protecting her sister's passion. It was the first time she'd seen her so lively, and she was grateful for the change.

Her favorite moments were when she found someone of similar expertise willing to impart new knowledge. While Kaien was able to teach her the basics, even he didn't know everything. So she sought out specialists, using her family's connections to get interning jobs. And she took to it like a fish to water, so smart she stunned her mostly male co-workers and gaining their admiration.

Dropping in one day unexpectedly, Rukia sought out Kaien at his home to talk about a combustion engine that was gaining a lot of talk. She'd gotten plenty of opinions but his opinion mattered the most, she mused with a smile. Two years since their friendship began and she still held him on an untouchable pedestal.

Not waiting for an escort, she went straight for his garage, humming with a bounce in her step. But she didn't find him. Instead someone was lounging in a chair, back turned to her as he flipped through what looked to be a magazine. The only thing about him that stood out was the bushel of orange hair on his head.

Looks like a Yankee, she thought with a frown. Not that she cared but why a man like that was sitting in Kaien's private area was a little strange.

"Excuse me? Is Kaien-dono here?" Rukia called out, coming to a halt as she surveyed the area. When the man turned towards her, she nearly swallowed her tongue.

"K-Kaien-dono!" The screech even made her stumble back a step, as a scowl crossed his features. It was the first one she'd ever seen on him and she decided she didn't like it. The kindness she'd always looked for had disappeared.

"Who're you?" Brown eyes narrowed at her and immediately her guard went up. Kaien had dark eyes, nearly black and always warm. These were cold, distrusting, the kind that would scare off a small child. His face was a bit younger too, etches of baby fat rounding his otherwise angled face.

Rukia clambered for her resolve. "I could ask you the same thing. Who are you and what're you doing in Kaien-dono's garage?"

"I asked you first." Well, he had her there.

"So? I can't just give my name away to a man who doesn't even have an ounce of courtesy in him," she bristled, crossing her arms over her chest.

"And you think you're any more deserving of mine?" He shook his head. "I don't know what your relationship with my cousin is but believe me when I say that I pity him. He's somehow made friends with a loud, overactive midget."

Turning back to his reading, Rukia felt her jaw unhinge and her body lurch forward. She might've lost equilibrium if not for the anger that was making itself known, straightening her shoulders as she put herself together. The glare she was aiming at him would flay skin with its heat.

The swift kick was more habit than anything else, deadly as she made contact with the back of his head. As he crashed onto the ground and into a sprawl, the satisfaction made her smug. Her haughty stare was met by a growl before he shot up and towered over her petite form.

"What the hell is your problem, brat?!"

"It's obvious that it's you, fool!"

"I didn't even do anything! Seriously, what is wrong with you?"

"... Is everything okay in here?"

Two heads swiveled in his direction, as Kaien put up his hands in appeal, dressed in plain clothes so he could continue working on his latest venture. It was with reluctance that his cousin put on a more appropriate face, furious but doing a better job of hiding.

On the other hand Rukia was embarrassed, going flushed at the uncharacteristic loss of control. It'd been a long time since she'd acted that way and the fact that it was in front of Kaien-dono made it even worse.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize we were causing such a fuss." With a bow, she ignored the other's annoyed murmur of 'oh, sure, apologize to him.'

Thankfully, he was in as good a mood as he always way. "It's fine, Kuchiki. Forgive my younger cousin. He's a bit of a hothead."

"Oi, I am not!"

"You're young and reckless so of course you're hotheaded. There's no shame in it," he waved away the protest. Gesturing at the sullen man, Kaien smiled at her. "I guess the introduction is late but this is my cousin, Kurosaki Ichigo. He's from one of the branch families, but we're close. I've been looking out for him since he was in diapers."

"Don't act so high and mighty. You're only ten years older." The derisive snort made Kaien rolls his eyes.

"And that makes us light years apart. Ne, Kuchiki?" Although she already agreed, the wink he sent her made her nod quickly in agreement. "See, there you go. Two against one, in my favor."

Fighting a losing battle, Ichigo changed tactics. "Considering that the girl's in lo-mmf!"

"That's enough outta you," Rukia interrupted sweetly, hand clapped over his mouth as she piggy-backed on top of him. Deciding on a safer subject, she looked over at her amused friend. "May I ask where you've been, Kaien-dono?"

A non-committal shrug. "Talking business with my old man. I'm getting to that age, y'know."

It was a subtle but effective deflection. And she understood it well, as she sent him an understanding frown. He would be taking up the reins sooner than he intended to due to his father's declining health. It was an unwanted but not unforeseen end.

Muffled protests got louder as she realized she'd been suffocating the orange-haired Kurosaki, who managed to rip off her grip and small form from his body. The gasping breath he took was compounded by the irritation he aimed at her but her haughty shrug was far from appreciated.

"Well, now that everyone's acquainted, why don't I ask you why you've come to visit, Kuchiki. Usually you call at least first."

"A-ah, I'm sorry for showing up unwanted..."

"Yeah, you should be," Ichigo muttered. The swift kick to the knee was ignored by his companions.

"But I was wondering if you were interested in the newly tested combustion engines. I got the results and I know you looked over them personally so I wanted to hear what you had to say."

"You're in luck today. I'm not the only one who got a look at those chargers so you'll get a lot of info." Offering her a seat, he himself perched on his racer while Ichigo took a nearby stool.

"Oh really? Who else is here?" she asked excitedly, face brightening.

With a thrust of his finger, the soon-to-be Shiba head looked pleased with himself. "You're looking at him."

With a grimace, Ichigo and Rukia eyed each other. "I guess you're that mechanic Kaien can't stop talking about."

Flattered that he'd talked about her but not wanting either of them to know, she tossed her hair. "And who are you exactly? You don't look like the type to show interest in this kind of thing."

"Oh, he's not."

"Thanks, Kaien. Sell me short, why don't ya?" Ichigo grunted, leaning forward menacingly.

"He's a racer," he continued. Her shocked face only made him laugh more. "He's a novice but good. Growing up around me, I think it might be my fault he's got an insane need for speed. He's been driving around the circuit for a while and it looks like the other teams have got their eyes on him."

She saw the pride in him as he clapped a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, and a moment was shared between the two. Camaraderie sat between them, as thick as the blood they shared. For an instant, Rukia was glad for Ichigo's presence because he brought light to her friend's tired eyes. And anyone who could make Kaien look like that was someone she could appreciate.

It was only a year later that Rukia went off to college, finding herself thrust into the real world. And she immediately took to it like a fish in water, gripping the new freedom with both hands. Her campus was an open beginning, a place where no one knew or cared what her last name was. Oh sure, some people made unnecessary fusses but most didn't. She had something to prove and she thrived on that adversity.

It didn't take long for her to decide where she wanted to be. Her love of technology and physics had led her down this path for years. She wanted to build things, create what most people could only dream and conceptualize. After being sucked into its gravitational pull, the Kuchiki princess wanted nothing more than to get her hands dirty revolutionizing automotive vehicles.

But it was a large order to fill. In the mean time she was too busy to meet up with Kaien. At first it'd been a bit depressing, knowing she couldn't see the man who'd inadvertently become her friend and confidante. However, those thoughts were soon replaced and eventually, maybe even sadly, forgotten. She'd met people, made new friends, picked up old hobbies that would've been mocked if she remained in the little bubble of the upper class.

And on the occasion she would get to see Shiba Kaien, they would share just a word or two before he was dragged away to cater for someone else's favor. It was only a year into university life that she learned he'd stopped building racers, forced to take the helm when his father collapsed a few months prior. She mourned his presence like the loss of an arm. The person she had always admired was being molded into someone he didn't want to be.

But Rukia didn't feel she had the right to feel sorry for him. She'd learned a lot and had plenty of good memories and experiences to show for it. Without even knowing it, he'd given her a dream she hadn't know she'd wanted.

Much to her chagrin, Rukia learned that she wasn't the only one who was doing big things because of him. Whenever she checked the latest news, he was there, making a name for himself as a stand-out start-up. Kurosaki Ichigo had become an overnight sensation just as they'd predicted. He was becoming a darling of the amateur circuits, signing contracts left and right and gaining fans with distressing speed.

She'd scoffed at first, denying his obvious talent. To acknowledge it would mean to acknowledge him and she just didn't want to. The man was far too arrogant already. But the second she saw him on the track, her mind had flipped on its axis. Ichigo was a good driver, great even, and he was nowhere near his peak. It hurt to think that he might have some untouchable potential and would end up leading the pack in a few years. Because she wanted to work with the best and he was proving that he might be it.

She followed his progress for the next few years, either from the sidelines or through a screen. She got to know his face well after seeing it plastered across various media outlets. They tuned in to see the boy from the rich family do far better than they expected, showing his critics that money couldn't buy talent. And he had it in spades.

Eventually even he began to occupy space on a pedestal she'd made for her heroes. Reserved for world leaders, theorists, revolutionists and inventors, Kurosaki was going to change the world of racing. And as reluctant as she was, Rukia couldn't help but want to be a part of that.

She was twenty years old when Kaien got married.

There was no expense spared for the newly crowned CEO and his wife was everything the business world clamored for. Tall, feminine and poised beyond measure, Midoriko stood out like a diamond in a golden crown on her wedding day. Dressed in a gown pieced together with lace and silk, her trail made her look like the princess she was. And from her seat, Rukia watched the glow that shone across her old friend's face.

He was so happy she could ignore the tightening in her chest, a dull pain that wasn't really anything but disappointment. A first love that'd been crushed, that's all, she told herself, watching as they exchanged vows. She had no right to him, to be sad that he'd never be hers. She'd loved him because of how good he was. And the admiration was affectionate but far from love. Real love was reciprocated and he was kind enough to not let her think otherwise.

The reception hall was filled with the rich and famous, the former being busy bodies with their noses too high and the latter serving as fodder for gossip. It made her inconspicuous, as sneering eyes found fault with beauty and little upbringing. She was glad those people had thick skin. They'd need it for the wolves.

After she'd eaten, she promised to say her well wishes and leave. She had an exam next week, a project the week after, and more than a few emotions to sort out. The turmoil there would die out soon enough but she didn't want to take a chance on it.

Reaching the group that crowded the newly minted couple, Rukia waited patiently for her turn. The wedding was just as much for business as it was pleasure. Even she understood that.

"Congratulations, Kaien-dono, Midoriko-dono," she bowed respectfully, watching him light up. The dull pulse in her chest had the gall to gallop.

"Kuchiki, it's good to see you. And thank you for coming," he greeted. Five years and nothing had changed. The thought made her beam, happy. "Ah, it's been too long."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." She took his offered hand and shook it warmly. "I know you're going to be very happy together."

Midoriko thanked her as well, smiling a little wider when Kaien took her hand again. She wondered if someone would make her look like that way too. They could strip away the dress and jewelry and make-up and no one would be able to say there was a more beautiful woman in the room than Shiba Midoriko.

"Yo."

Unwillingly Rukia felt her skin bump, suddenly sensitive. It was weird hearing that voice without the filter of a microphone or speakers. The instruments didn't capture the heady treble or quiet arrogance, nor had she ever reacted quite like this. She didn't move as Kaien greeted the newcomer.

"Ichigo! I haven't heard from you either! Been too busy winning trophies to be with the family, I guess."

"Yeah, like I'm useful in the family business," he replied jokingly, returning his cousin's grin. "One of the perks of being from one of the branch families. No need to paste on a smile and play nice with all the sharks 'round here."

Peeved, Kaien narrowed his eyes. "I'm sure your sponsors get at least one smile out of you. How else does the team stay funded?"

"Because I win." The punctuating shrug had Rukia scoffing unkindly. Both men noticed, one chortling while the other scowled.

"See? Not everyone will buy that tough guy act. That attitude isn't gonna get you a stable girlfriend," the groom chastised.

"Not everyone has to. As long as I keep it up, no one says a word about my behavior." He paused for a moment. "Besides, what good would a girlfriend do? I'm here to race not get married like you, you sap."

"Oh yeah, like I haven't noticed the string of women you've been linked to. Your father complains so much I'm surprised I have hearing in both ears." Sending a conspirator's glance to her, the way Kaien winked de-aged him instantly. And unconsciously, her face stung red with happiness. "Stay away from this one, Kuchiki. He's going around playing with nice girls' hearts and I'd hate for you to be one of them."

"You don't have much to worry about," she shrugged. Her ruthlessness was punctuated by the saucy smile she shot Ichigo, who replied with a sarcastic look of his own. "He's not interested in me and I don't have the slightest interest in him except maybe for one thing…"

"What's that?" Both men asked simultaneously, so much like twins that a giggle escaped her lips. Mystery had never been her strong suit, making her incredibly boring to the young gentry with too much times on their hands. But maybe she could play that game, if she had the right players.

Unceremoniously she draped her arm over Ichigo's. "Now that is the question, isn't it," she taunted as she led the confused man away from his cousin. Kaien's protests were being drowned out by Midoriko's reassuring words and for a moment, it hit her how permanent it all was. Her first love had come and gone, and she was happy to see him go right where he belonged.

Somehow Ichigo was more intuitive than she thought because he led her outside to one of the balconies, empty save for a few stragglers and smokers. She wasn't ready to rejoin the fray. He didn't say anything when she reached for a railing, catching her breath and refilling it with the sweet midnight air. She could feel his eyes on her, unyielding as if he saw something he badly wanted. It was uncomfortable that it was her they'd sought.

She grappled with herself as she turned back to him. "I'm sure you want to get back to your family or date or whoever you're with tonight. It was nice seeing you again, Ichigo." She smiled as sincerely as she could but was stopped by his imposing form.

"What did you mean by that earlier?" Direct and somewhat uncouth. At the very least no one would call Kurosaki Ichigo a liar.

"I don't understand."

"You said you needed me for something. What is it?" Taking a step forward, Rukia felt herself crowd against the shaved marble as she stared up at him. Was their height difference always this big? He hadn't seemed so large a moment ago. Again, she sought purchase with her courage.

"Oh, that? It's just a little joke. Y'know, something to annoy you guys a little," she laughed. But it was hardly sincere and she was surprised Ichigo even noticed. From their previous encounters she's always pegged him to be a little slow and unobservant.

"No, I don't think you were." Trapped between the banister and him, Rukia watched him lean forward, eyeing her with more than passing interest. "I'm curious what plans you might have that involve me, Rukia. It means you've been thinking of me these past few years, right?"

"In your dreams!" she growled, pushing at his unmoving body. His amusement only fed her fire. "I definitely don't want you, you arrogant fool. But one day I will definitely work with you and your team. It's become my dream, to make you the best driver in the world."

Taken aback, she saw how Ichigo's eyes widened, easing away just enough so she could slip away and gather her wits. When he stood so close she couldn't thinking right and damn it, she had no idea why.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly the way it sounds. I'm going to make sure you win the championship when your company hires me after graduation," Rukia said smugly, her fisted hands on her hips. The pleasure she got from Ichigo's stunned face was making all his questions worthwhile. "I'm going to do big things in the racing world. Great things that no one's ever seen before." Pointing a finger at him, her broad smile lit up her entire face. "And you, my friend, are going to help me do it."

"Why me?" His confusion had his face pinching uncertainly.

"Because I want to work with the best and you're it," she explained, suddenly feeling shy at the admission. However, she didn't lose any of her vibrato. "As much as I hate to admit it, you're the next big thing in racing, Ichigo. You're smart and strong and you've got instincts that put veterans to shame. I know you're going to be the best one day and I'm going to be there when you are."

"You have so little faith in me. I could very well win that title within the next few months." He said it so matter-of-factly that it might've been a boast on someone else.

Shaking her head, Rukai regarded him with eyes as deft as a sculptor's hands. "No, you're not there yet. Almost but not quite. You're going to need a push to get there, something special."

He snorted. "And you think you're it?"

"Fool, I know I'm it. I'm going to be the best thing that ever happened to you," Rukia bragged, smirking so wide that she almost had him believing her. It was the flutter of her lavender dress that had him coming back to his senses, as he watched her walk away. But deep down, a part of him didn't want to leave things so open.

It was more impulse than thought that had Ichigo pulling her close, leaning down so he could see the white of her eyes, the slant of her nose, the fine hairs of her lashes. So close that he could appreciate the prettiness always hidden beneath those muffled curses and tomboyish defenses. And he forgets why he pulled her so near because all he can think is that she's far more beautiful than memory served.

"What the hell, Ichigo? Let go!" Rukia yelled, pulling away sharply. To cover the blunder, he nudged his chin at her in challenge.

"One year from now and if I haven't won that championship, come see me. I wanna glimpse of this dream of yours, Rukia. I wanna see if you're as good as you think you are."

He could feel her watching him as he brushed past her, and he hated to admit that her heat stirred a strange awareness. It was the kind of emotion he got while driving, a counter-rush of adrenaline that he lived for. Kuchiki Rukia had been many things before tonight, but he would've never pegged her as dangerous.

At least, not until now.

AN: And that's it for the first part! The second part will contain smut and I'm thinking of actually posting it on rather than AO3. I feel like it's easier and this is already rated as Mature. So, yes, if you guys could leave a review that would make me all kinds of happy. :3 Thank you~

Thanks for reading, everybody! Until next time~