Hello! This is the first chapter of something that should end up being 7 chapters total. These first few have been sitting on my computer for a while, so hopefully the rest get finished up soon. It's something different from what I normally write, think: reality tv. There'll be some substance too, but mostly just fun :) I'd love to hear what you all think!

Week 0

Long Beach, California

"You're joking, right?" Rukia questioned. She couldn't believe the words coming from her agent's mouth.

"I'm completely serious," Byakuya said. "I know it's hard to hear, but ever since your little 'incident,' you're a lot harder to sell for lead roles." The older man put a sympathetic hand on his sister's shoulder. "I'm trying to help. As your agent, if you don't do this and reclaim some important people's attention, I'm going to have to put an end to your acting. You've done some great work, but at this point, you're costing me a lot of money."

The violet-eyed actress sighed, thinking the situation over.

"Fine. I'll do the stupid reality show."

"Smart choice." Byakuya nodded. "I'll get you an interview this weekend."

"Wait a minute," Rukia interrupted. "How can I be on a reality show about relationships when I don't even have a boyfriend."

"Interesting point," the older man said thoughtfully. "I'll ask around and see what I can come up with."

"No way! You're the last person I want choosing my partner." The actress refused, cringing at the idea.

"That's awfully bold for someone about to be unemployed," he said, shooting her a look.

Rukia frowned. "Fine."

"Don't worry," Byakuya said soothingly. "I'll have it all arranged by tomorrow. You'll be back on top in no time."

Rukia groaned internally. She certainly hoped her brother was right.

Los Angeles, California

EVICTION NOTICE

The Occupant(s) of this room (Room 405) hereby has 5 days in which to remove all possessions and return all room keys and copies to the Building Supervisor.

Any articles remaining will be dealt with at the discretion of the Building Supervisor, at the tenant's expense.

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS NOTICE

Ichigo peeled the paper off his front door and tossed it in the trash once he was inside.

He grabbed a pre-made smoothie from the refrigerator and collapsed onto the black leather couch that sat in the living room of the apartment.

He sipped on the chilly berry mix and wondered what he should do about the eviction notice. He was two months behind on rent and, unless he got a new client in the next 24 hours, he'd never be able to come up with the money.

Even with all his experience as a personal trainer, Ichigo had still yet to break into the celebrity world. He had hoped that moving to L.A. would give him access to a better-paying client base, but no one had even given him a chance yet.

After racking his brain, the orange-haired boy reluctantly admitted to himself that he would have to ask to stay with his best, and only, friend in L.A.

He got off the couch and stretched before locating his cell phone. But, just as he picked it up, it began ringing.

The small screen read 'Chad,' and Ichigo chuckled to himself.

"Hey, man," he answered. "I was just about to call you."

"Is everything ok?" The deep voice on the other end asked.

"Yeah," Ichigo answered quickly. "I just... Well, I was wondering if you would mind me visiting for a few days."

Chad remained silent for a few moments before responding, "A friend of mine is actually looking to hire someone for a fitness challenge. Housing would be provided."

Ichigo stared at the phone in shock. "Seriously? That's perfect! Tell him I'll take it!"

There was another long pause before Chad began again. "You should know that you'd be working with another person... a partner, for the entirety of the challenge."

Ichigo frowned, before shrugging it off. "No problem. I can carry both of us to the finish line if I have to."

Chad chuckled. "She's certainly small enough to carry. Your partner would be Rukia Kuchiki."

"You mean the actress? Since when does that midget do anything more than smile at the camera?"

"My friend thinks it'll be good publicity for her," Chad said simply.

Ichigo thought about this for a moment. "She's the one that was sleeping with her director, right?"

"That's what people seem to think," Chad said.

Ichigo sighed and tried to weigh his options. "All right," he finally agreed. "I'll do it. Besides, it's not like we have to get along or anything. Thanks, man. I owe you."

"Anytime," Chad responded before ending the call.

More motivated than he had been in weeks, Ichigo threw the empty smoothie cup in the sink and went back outside to his car. He was heading back to the gym, eager to focus on winning this competition and finally getting his name out as a celebrity fitness trainer.

Long Beach (the next day)

"So... You don't need a fitness expert, but someone to pretend to be this kid's boyfriend?" Ichigo attempted to clarify. He was meeting Byakuya and Rukia Kuchiki for the first time and already had concerns about their proposed plan.

"Kid?" Rukia protested, about to give this 'fitness expert' a piece of his mind, before Byakuya interrupted.

"Exactly." He nodded. "You two will pretend to be in a relationship in order to win the competition, giving Miss Kuchiki more positive media attention, and giving you a chance for some networking. I was under the impression that you were hoping to expand to a ...more elite clientele."

The orange-haired man considered his options. Finally, he answered. "I'll do it, but when we win, I want the $100,000 prize. All of it."

Rukia was almost out of her seat again when Byakuya put a hand out. "That will be fine. We have no interest in the prize money anyway. We just ask that you do your best to get yourself and Miss Kuchiki to the finale."

Ichigo grinned. "I doubt the show producers will be able to find any 'celebrity' who could beat me in a physical competition."

The dark haired actress rolled her eyes at her new 'boyfriend's' cocky attitude.

"That's what we're betting on." Byakuya said, smiling as he shook the trainer's hand. "Now, if you two will take these folders and memorize them before your audition on Saturday. They contain everything you need to know about each other to pretend to be a real couple and pass the interview."

The pair sighed as they took their respective folders and opened them.

"You were really in 'The Warrior'?" Ichigo asked, flipping through the papers

"I was." the actress smiled proudly. "Did you see it?"

"I hated it," the trainer said, making a disgusted face.

"Well, at least I have a job." Rukia said, obviously offended. "Besides, who actually lives in Los Angeles besides washed up D-listers and wannabe artists?"

Ichigo rolled her eyes. "Sorry, I don't have a million-dollar summer home on the beach. L.A.'s a central location, close to my clients. Plenty of respectable people live there."

"If you say so," Rukia said doubtfully.

"If you say so, dear," Byakuya corrected, causing his younger sister to make a face like she was getting sick.

"Yeah, sugarplum, you really should start being nicer to me," Ichigo teased.

"Just you wait, honey bear, I'll show you-"

"Anyway," Byakuya quickly interjected. "That's enough for today. You two can get better acquainted tomorrow after you've gone through these folders."

The agent watched, slightly amused, as Ichigo left and Rukia went off to sulk.

Fortunately, the show was supposed to be about mending broken bonds and fixing relationship issues anyway.

Unfortunately, Byakuya thought to himself, he wasn't entirely sure that these two would able to make it to the end of the show without killing each other.

The Studio

"Well, Mr. Kusosaki, Miss Kuchiki, it seems that you would indeed qualify for the show as far as credentials and celebrity status go," a short man, one of the producers, informed them. "If you'll just follow me, we'll move on to the interview process and then you are free to go."

Ichigo and Rukia followed the man down a hallway with two rooms. He gestured for Rukia to go through the door on the right while he and Ichigo disappeared behind the door on the left.

.

"Question 1: What is your relationship with Ichigo Kurosaki?" Another man asked once Rukia had taken a seat at the table in the small room.

"He's my boyfriend," she lied casually.

.

"Mr. Kurosaki, how long have you and Miss Kuchiki been dating?" The producer asked in the other room.

"Please, call me Ichigo." He grinned charmingly before reciting the information he had memorized just days before. "Rukia and I have been together about three months now."

.

"What would you say is the biggest issue in your relationship with Ichigo?"

Rukia pretended to think before reciting her answer, "Sometimes he gets jealous if he thinks I'm paying too much attention to other men."

.

"Do you have any reason to be jealous?"

Ichigo sighed, as if he were genuinely upset. "I think she does it on purpose, just to make me mad. I'm around other women all the time for work, and I really don't see any of them as anything more than friends, but I guess it bothers her that I have to spend so much time away from her."

Then, he grinned, adding, "and I mean, who wouldn't be jealous if their boyfriend looked like this?"

.

"What would you say is Ichigo's worst quality?"

"Arrogance," Rukia answered confidently, before reconsidering. "Actually, his stubbornness is probably the worst. No, never mind, it's definitely his moodiness."

.

"In your opinion, what is Miss Kuchiki's worst quality?"

"Well," Ichigo started, "she's super cranky all the time and she always acts like she's so much smarter than me. And she's a total hard ass, like, no fun at all. Ever. ...Oh, you meant just one?"

.

"What are you hoping to gain from this experience?"

Rukia reminded herself that 'publicity' was not an appropriate answer. "I think this would be a really good opportunity for me and Ichigo to spend some serious time together to work on our relationship. I just love him so much; I want to work out a way for us to be together without fighting all the time.

.

"All right, Mr. Kurosaki. That will be all. You and Miss Kuchiki will receive a call in 2 or 3 business days either confirming your spot in "The Dating Game" or declining your application. Have a nice day."

.

"Well?" Byakuya asked once the 'couple' returned to the car.

Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other before looking back at the businessman.

"I answered everything correctly," Rukia said confidently.

"I aced it," Ichigo said, grinning.

Byakuya smiled to himself as he started the car and drove away. Maybe they had a chance after all.

Long Beach

Dear Mr. Kurosaki and Miss Kuchiki,

We are pleased to inform you that-

"We got it! Brother! I'm going to be on the show!" The actress exclaimed as the agent rushed into the room.

"Wonderful." He smiled, pulling out his phone to call the physical trainer. "Yes, Ichigo? I have some good news."

The House

"I expect exemplary behavior from both of you." Byakuya reminded the pair as they pulled up to the large mansion that would serve as the main set for the show. "Don't forget what's at stake here."

Rukia and Ichigo got out of the car and carried their luggage up to the front door. Already they could hear loud voices echoing on the inside.

The pretend couple exchanged hesitant looks before Ichigo went to knock on the door.

"You here for the show?" A voice asked from the side of the porch.

"Yes," Rukia answered. "Are you competing as well?"

The two men had seven empty glasses between them.

"You bet your ass," the first one said, an obviously aggressive man with a shaved head. "I'm Ikkaku."

"And I'm Yumichika!" The other man added in a singsong voice.

"Ichigo," the trainer said, putting a hand up in greeting.

The more feminine man tilted his head to the side, pursing his lips and looking Ichigo over. Then, he smiled sweetly.

"Oh, honey, he's cute," he said, nudging Ikkaku.

The bald man raised an eyebrow and looked at his partner. "No way."

"Oh, come on! He's perfect!" Yumichika crossed his arms and pouted. Then, he whispered conspiratorially to Ichigo. "We've been looking for a third person to spice things up, if you know what I mean. You in?"

Ichigo's jaw dropped and Rukia fought valiantly to contain the fits of laughter threatening to overcome her.

"I think we should go inside now," Ichigo said quickly, pulling Rukia into the huge house behind him.

"Oh my god," the actress said between giggles. "I can't believe you turned them down!"

"Shut up," he hissed, noticing that the other couples in the house had taken notice of their sudden entrance.

"Rukia!" A girly voice exclaimed, causing the petite woman to groan.

"Orihime, I didn't know you would be here!" The actress tried to smile as she addressed the bubbly redhead.

"Yep!" She said, smiling. "I'm trying to fix Uryuu's commitment issues."

"How nice," Rukia said drily.

The quiet fashion designer gave a small nod at the mention of his name, but he didn't seem interested in talking.

"And who's this?" Orihime asked excitedly, looking at Ichigo.

"This," Rukia grabbed Ichigo's hand in an attempt to look convincing, "is my boyfriend, Ichigo."

Orihime raised an eyebrow. "Well, he's certainly better than that Kaien... But don't you think he's a little ...tall, for you?"

The dark haired actress rolled her eyes. "Ichigo and I are perfectly happy. How are you and Uryuu, by the way?"

Orihime giggled and displayed the extravagant ring on her finger. "Just wonderful! We're still engaged, as you know. Of course, it never hurts to keep your options open!" She looked Ichigo up and down approvingly, before smirking at Rukia. "Except for you, of course. You might do better keeping some things closed."

Ichigo couldn't believe the girl's catty comment. Rukia looked like she was about to punch the other actress but, fortunately, another girl approached them.

"Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that dinner's ready."

Uryuu got up and escorted Orihime out to the dining room, leaving Rukia and Ichigo with the stranger.

"I'm Rangiku, by the way. You two are the last ones here; everyone else is already eating."

Ichigo and Rukia introduced themselves and Rangiku led them to the dining room.

"That's Tatsuki and Renji, complete jocks, but they're pretty cool if you can get either of them alone." She pointed consecutively at the couples seated around the large table. "And then the Barbie doll is Yumichika, with his boyfriend, Ikkaku. Momo and Hitsugaya are kind of hard to describe... And there's my Gin."

Rangiku sat down next to the man she pointed out as her fiancé, and Rukia and Ichigo took seats on the other side of the table.

"Rukia Kuchiki," Rukia said, introducing herself as they sat down. "And this is Ichigo Kurosaki."

Gin smiled widely. "I've heard you can build abs of steel in just a month," he commented politely, before addressing Rukia. "I loved you in 'Kon: A Lion's Tale.' Absolutely brilliant work, and the humor was so intricately scripted."

"How kind! I'm glad you enjoyed it," Rukia responded eagerly, simultaneously shooting a glare at Ichigo for scoffing at the compliment.

"Are you guys ready for therapy tomorrow?" Rangiku asked between bites of food.

"I guess we'll see," Rukia said, shrugging.

"Yeah, we definitely need it," Ichigo joked, nudging the girl besides him.

Rukia rolled her eyes at the joke and the orange-haired boy threw his hands up, highlighting that Rukia had just proved his point for him.

"We all need it," Momo said diplomatically. "That's why we're here."

Ichigo and Rukia glanced at each other briefly, each thinking about their own reasons for being there.

"To the coming weeks," Gin toasted, holding up his glass. "May we last as long as we can, and learn even more!"

"Yeah," Rukia said unenthusiastically, raising her own glass.

"Here, here!" Renji chimed in, before taking a long drink.

Ichigo winced as he took a sip. The beer was cheap and bitter, but he gulped it down before setting the glass back on the table. He'd need it, he realized, if he wanted to make it through these next few weeks without going crazy.

Next to him, Rukia's wine glass was already half empty. She was watching, slightly horrified, as Tatsuki and Renji made out heavily, while still continuing to eat.

Her glass was quickly emptied and refilled, and Ichigo realized his 'girlfriend' was thinking the exact same thing.

"The Dating Game" was going to be a bigger challenge than either of them had anticipated.

Thank you for reading this far! I also have lots of romance/angst/shorter stories on my profile too if that's more your speed :) See you next chapter!