NEED TO KNOW STUFF:For this story, it is Ichigo's senior year in high school, Rukia is staying in the twins' bedroom, and she still goes to school with him. If that's enough to qualify for AU, then go ahead and call it that.
LAYOUT:I never paid attention to the layout of the house in the anime, so my brain made up a house for this story to take place in. Come in from outside, you are in the living room. Straight ahead is the kitchen, with an archway and no door. To your right is a staircase. To the left of that staircase and recessed a ways is Isshin's bedroom (and you can add another bathroom there too if you like). Up the stairs to your right are the girls' bedroom, a bathroom, and then Ichigo's room.
THERE WILL BE AT LEAST ONE LEMON AND ONE LIME IN THIS STORY. THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER WARNINGS!
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SATURDAY
"Why did I agree to do this again, Rangiku-san?"
"Because we need to get you into something more festivefor Ichigo's birthday party, Rukia! It's a special occasion, after all; all of his friends from here andSoul Society will be there! Isshin went to great lengths to set this up, ya know."
"But why does Ichigo'sbirthday require meto buy a new outfit? Shouldn't hebe the one dressing up?"
"This party is supposed to be a surprise, is it not? Then you should surprise him by wearing something nice for a-Oooooh! Look at thisone, Rukia! This would look terrificon you!"
Rukia glares at Rangiku for her almost-comment on her usual garb, but then looks over the outfit the older woman has found, dressing a store mannequin. The top is a strapless black half-shirt-vest with a heart-shaped 'neckline' around the breasts; two big silver buttons on the front ; the white sleeves begin midway down the upper arm rather than at the shoulder; frills adorn the cuffs; there is a 'slice' in a straight line through the whole of each of the sleeves, running from the gathered tops around the arms down to the tailored wrists; and a sheer white mesh overlay is sewn into the bottom of the bodice, for covering the belly button-without completely obscuring it-and adding a touch of modesty to a rather seductive blouse. The bottom piece is a mid-length black leather-like skirt that clings to the hips and posterior but flares into a feminine ruffle at the bottom. A flower pattern decorates the skirt, with one white rose depicted on each side of its front, their stems crossing at the bottom. A red accent belt is fastened around the top of the skirt, and red high heel boots complete the outfit the mannequin is displaying.
"Well," says Rukia, "I must admit, this is a lot cuter than anything else you've made me try on so far, but this isn't really my style. It's a little...revealing."
"Rukia, look! It's on sale!"
Rukia sighs, obviously not happy with this one either. Rangiku then leans in close to Rukia's ear and whispers, "And Ichigo won't be able to keep his eyes off you!"
Rukia's violet orbs widen. Then she gets a thoughtful look on her face before repeating, "Well...it isthe cutest thing you've made me try on so far...and it is on sale...mmm...I guess I'll take it." Rangiku grins at Rukia's cool-and-casual face knowingly. "See? Didn't I tell you this place had something for everyone?"
"I guess," replies Rukia with seeming disinterest. However, in the back of her mind...she wonders if Ichigo really will...
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"No, no way! I changed my mind, Rangiku-san, I'm not going in there like—"
"Ru-Ru-Rukia?" Ichigo sloooowly looks her down and up and up and down, eyes wide and jaw open. He had just stepped out onto the porch, ready to go fetch some more ice, when he saw...
Red high heel boots...slender legs under sheer hose...hips...belly button...and right around a red pendant necklace...he couldn't believe his eyes!
Rukia's face is fireball-red, quickly turning to the side. "I...I...I'm going to go change. Happy birthday, Ichi—"
"Don't you dare!" exclaims Ichigo, surprising himself and Rukia both. "Er, uh, I mean...you look..." Now it's Ichigo's turn to redden. "Ahem...you look fine the way you are," he finally manages, trying to avoid settling his eyes on her suddenly out there—and incredibly tantalizing-breasts. "Come on in and join the party!"
Finally, Rukia turns her head to face Ichigo. His face is flushed, but he's wearing a small smile, and his eyes...his eyes...
Now that he can see Rukia's face, Ichigo notices that she's also wearing make-up! Not overdone, but very...attractive...
I wonder if that lip gloss is flavored...
Rukia is terribly embarrassed by Ichigoseeing her like this...yet...part of her likes it.
I've never seen that look before. It looks...like...more than just surprise. It makes me want to ki-
=What the...? What thehellam Isaying?=they both think simultaneously.
"W-well, shall we go then?" offers Ichigo, a little thrown-off. He takes hold of Rukia's arm, and leads her back inside the house, having forgotten all about the ice.
Within moments, people start to noticeRukia. The first to approach is Keigo. With his usual dopey grin spread across his face, he exclaims, "Wow, Rukia, I didn't even know you hadboobs!"
Blam!Blam! Both eyes at once—one Ichigo-fist, and one Rukia-fist.
After this, all the guys in the room quit staring and don't attempt to approach out of fear—save one.
"Rukia?I-is th-that you?" stammers Renji, his eyes wide.
Rukia's face begins to burn. "Hey, Renji," she answers weakly, avoiding his eyes. But before Renji can comment on Rukia's outfit, a gaggle of girls swoops in.
No men in the room (aside from Renji and Ichigo) would dare say anything to Rukia about her clothes, now, but the women all feel the need to compliment Rukia's new outfit. This just makes Rukia feel all the more like she's standing out in the crowd she'd rather get lost in, anonymously. Her face is in a constant state of flush with all the attention.
The girls grab Rukia's arm and take her around the room-basically "showing her off" to other girls-leaving two gaping guys unconsciously watching a suddenly noticeable—and sexy—backside disappear into the crowd.
All the girls fawn over Rukia, but her mind is otherwise-occupied. Her eyes continuously scan the room for Ichigo. To her surprise, she frequently finds him—his eyes already upon her.Though she does not notice, there is also another pair of eyes on her all night, too.
After what feels like an eternity of torture "with the girls," Rukia is finally reunited with Ichigo, having been around the whole living room and kitchen now.
"S-so...h-how do you like my party, Rukia?" asks a suddenly-nervous Ichigo, his eyes darting to Rukia's chest against his will.
"Um...it's nice. You sure have a lot of friends..."
"Correction," Ichigo replies with a half-smile, "We have a lot of friends. Half the people here are friends I made through you!"
Rukia smiles. "Half the people here are friends Imade through you! Anyway, uh...where's your family? I haven't seen them...I thought surely theywould be here..."
"My dad left a note on the fridge for me. He said he was taking my sisters to a nice hotel for the weekend...and not to leave the house for any reason. That's when I knew what he was up to with this little 'surprise' party. Frankly, I would rather be staying in a nice hotel for the weekend, too!"
"Me too!" Oops...that's not what I meant, damn it!
Rukia blushes at the verbal miscue, but Ichigo's rare chuckle banishes her embarrassment.
"Well, since crowds don't seem to be yourthing either, how 'bout we get outta here for a little while? I was supposed to go buy some ice an hour ago."
Rukia nods her reply, throwing him the half-smile she borrowed from him. They head toward the front door side by side-a sad pair of eyes watching them leave. Did you wear that forhim...Rukia?
Just as Rukia and Ichigo step onto the front porch, two late-comers to the celebration arrive—Tatsuki and Orihime. Both girls gape in shock at Rukia's new look.
"Y-you look nice, Rukia," squeaks out Orihime, willing her eyes to stay up—and dry.
Tatsuki pays Rukia a compliment, too, and Rukia thanks the pair graciously. The three girls make small-talk for a few minutes to be polite—Ichigo's eyes travelling all the while. To the left, right next to him...and downward.
Finally, the pleasantries come to an end, and Ichigo and Rukia head outsideas the other two head inside.
*I* bought a new outfit, too, Kurosaki-kun...just for you. Tatsuki says it brings out my eyes and shows off my—what did she call it?—'robust bust.' But what good is it to have a lot of cleavage when the only person you want to notice it can only see someone else's? And she doesn't even have any! My best friendTatsuki notices me more thanyou do, Ichigo.
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Ichigo and Rukia walk in comfortable silence, side by side, each lost in thought.
Rukia is bewildered. He...he was...he waslooking! He seemed to be...sorta...watching me...all night! Was it just because it's such a shock to seeme of all people wearing something like this? But...on the porch...Orihime was right there in front of him, wearing a very sexy outfit...I mean her boobs were falling out of that thing! Yet...he wasn't looking ather well-endowed chest...he was...looking atmypetite one! So...does that mean...Ichigo was looking at mine out of...preference? More importantly...WHY THE HELL DO I EVEN CARE? Why am I even thinking about this? Why am I...actually...hopingthat it's the latter...
Rukia shakes her head, trying to get such deviant thoughts out of her head.
Meanwhile, Ichigo is struggling with some deviant thoughts of his own. My god...I always knew Rukia had breasts too...but you really can't ever tell with the clothes she usually wears. Butthis thing...I swear, all I cansee are Rukia-boobs! I mean, Innoue's outfit is even more revealing than Rukia's—and Innoue definitely has more cleavage-but...the only breasts I really care to see belong to...wait...WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING?
With dual sighs of relief, the convenience store lights come into view.
"Hey, they got a McDonald's here, Rukia. You wanna grab a bite while we're here?"
"Didn't you eat any of the food your guests brought for the party?"
"Yeah, but nobody brought Big Macs."
Rukia smiles. "Sure, why not."
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Ichigo notices something when Rukia lifts her sandwich to her mouth...red fingernail polish.
God that's sexy...
"Rukia...you painted your fingernails?" he asks without thinking.
A flash of hurt zips across Rukia's face.
Crap, I didn't mean itthatway,thinks Ichigo.
Putting down her burger, Rukia crosses her arms in front of her and tilts her head to the side, upturning her nose in mock arrogance. "Only because it's your birthday. Rangiku-san said people dress up for birthday parties here and I just went with it. I'm sorry if you don't like it. Hmph!" Then she adds quietly, "I didn't know your favorite color."
FLASHBACK:
"First the make-up, then the outfit, and now you want me to paint my fingernails? Rangiku-san, are you sure this is what people here do for birthday parties?"
"Of course I'm sure! I can't believe you don't already know that, considering how much time you've spent here. Now...what's Ichigo's favorite color?"
"How should I know?"
"Nevermind. Red's better anyway. It will go nicely with your outfit, and if we find a shade matching your lipstick, it will accent your lips, too. Besides, red is a classic!That's because it's the sexiest!" wink
END FLASHBACK
Rukia...you...did that just for me?
"I didn't say I didn't like it. It's just...well that and the dress and the make-up...it's all just a littleunlikeyou, that's all."
Rukia stares down at her uneaten hamburger. "Maybe that's why I did it."
"What do you mean?"
"Oh!" says Rukia upon realizing she just said that out loud. "N-nothing. Eto...I just did this because Rangiku-san said it was normal. It's not like I'm going to go to school this way or anything."
"That's too bad," Ichigo asserts under his breath.
"What was that?" asks Rukia.
"Nothing, nevermind. Anyway, I'm just glad you're still youinside there. Not that I don't like what's outside."
Rukia smiles through a blush, Ichigo's deeper than hers when he realizes what he just said.
"Well, we're gonna miss the whole party if we're any much later, we should hurry up and eat so we can get back."
"Right," responds Rukia, turning her attention back to her burger.
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On the way back, Rukia and Ichigo are too busy juggling two bags of cold ice each to think too much, much less say very much. They make it back to the party and hang out until all the guests are gone...Renji, Orihime, and Tatsuke being the last to go. Afterward, they clean up the place until all that's left is the dishes. Neither wants to do the mountain of plates and silverware, so they agree to share the chore. Rukia washes while Ichigo rinses and dries.
Ichigo has to focus hard on the dishes to keep from checking out Rukia's rack. Rukia, too, is finding it a little difficult to concentrate on what's she's doing for constantly turning her eyes to Ichigo. Then, reaching for the soapy plate Rukia is holding, Ichigo by mistake latches onto Rukia's hand. He freezes, his breath rate increasing. Rukia's eyes widen and her heartbeat picks up. Momentarily, they each feel the warmth of one another's hand. Then Rukia lets go of the plate entirely, suddenly panicking. Ichigo tries to grab it, but fails to do so since his fingers had been attached to Rukia's hand and not the plate; the other hand too far away to grab it in time. It hits the floor and shatters.
Rukia looks up at Ichigo, still feeling panicked. Ichigo is giving her the strangest look...and she feels like it's sucking all the air out of the room. A flushed Rukia, feeling weird and in a state of panic, does what she does best. She breaks the tension by picking a fight.
"You dropped the plate, baka!"
Ichigo is jarred back to reality. "What? You'rethe one who dropped it, baka!"
"When I let go of the plate, that'swhen you're supposed to take it! You didn't do that, and now look!"
"Well sorryI wasn't looking where I was grabbing! Fine, I'll clean up the mess. But you have to rinse and dry while I'm doing it!"
"What? You agreed to half of the job! It's not half if I do part of your job too!"
"Well I have to clean up this mess! I can't do both at the same time, and I don't want to be down here doing dishes all night long!"
"Fine! If it'll shut you up, I'll do it. But only until you get that cleaned up! Then you get back to your station!"
"Hey, don't order me around like you're a Captain and I'm a Lieutenant! You're no boss of mine!"
"Oh shut up already."
Ichigo grumbles, but finishes cleaning up the broken plate and then resumes his 'post' next to Rukia until the dishes are done.
"That's the last one, Ichigo."
"Oh thank the Kami. I thought the end would never come! Well, I don't know about you, but I'm about ready for bed now. It's well past midnight."
"Well, I'm definitely tired, but I have to shower first. Get all this make-up off. And out of this outfit."
Ichigo's heart skips a beat. A flash of Naked Rukia rushes through his mind. Shaking his head to clear it, he says goodnight to her.
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Ichigo lies in his bed, trying to keep Rukia and that damn outfit—and her getting out of it—out of his head. He really is tired, and all he wants to do is sleep. His eyes fall closed just in time...to hear...the shower.
His eyes fly open in a hurry. She's naked in there!Cue the mental images. And the consequences of seeing them. Crap! I can't believe I'm actually getting a hard-on forRukia! She's my best friend, for crying out loud!
With that thought, Ichigo puts on his headphones and listens to his mp3 player to drown out the sound of the shower, and fights back the image-onslaught by doing math problems in his head. Eventually it works, and he gets to sleep.
On the other side of the wall, taking her shower, unbidden images of Ichigo in the shower suddenly rush through Rukia's mind. What the hell was that? Where did that come from? She doesn't know, but she decides then to finish up quickly.
Soon she is in her bed, nearing a restful sleep, when those imagesreturn. Her pulse rises, as does her curiosity as to whyshe is suddenly having such thoughts about her best friend.Too tired to ponder, she simply turns on the radio to a popular station and sings along to her favorite songs until sleep finally comes for her.
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TO SEE AN ARTIST'S RENDERING OF THE OUTFIT (ON RUKIA!) THAT STARTS IT ALL, CLICK HERE: 107839244791449373263/posts/ZqnT34eztTP
[If link does not work, copy and paste this address into new browser tab]
(The artist is my very talented daughter! It is not an absolutely perfect image, but it's pretty damn close! She was having to draw Rukia through online pics since she doesn't watch the anime, and an outfit from *my* imagination! She did change a couple things, tho, but I wrote them in.)