A/N: This is a Bleach fanfiction. Characters involve Kaien Shiba, Miyako Shiba, Ichigo Kurosaki and our main character, Rukia Kuchiki. Usually there'd be love triangles, but I decided to make this a love 'quadruple.' Pairings will be KaienxMiyako and IchigoxRukia, but it will take hardship for these couples to come together, so bear with me :)

[This story will focus mainly on IchiRuki]

Hope you enjoy this short story.

"Stalker Meets Devil"

Rukia's heart pounded against her rib cage; she forced herself to run faster up the staircase. "Woah," she gasped, nearly tripping over a step, but she quickly regained her balance. It was almost time... Seeing the door that lead to the rooftop, Rukia didn't dare slow down. Pushing it open, she felt the afternoon's cold wind kissing her cheeks.

Finally taking a moment to breathe, Rukia walked towards the rails, looking down. Being up here on the four story building always made her tremble with fear. It was as if she was flying in the sky, just looking down at earth. All the remaining students leaving for home looked so indifferent from this perspective. They were tiny.

"There he is," Rukia fell to the ground, laying low and hidden from his sight. "Ichigo," she whispered his name, watching him leave the school campus. He was always the last person to leave, after of course. His golden eyes and strange orange hair had seemed to ward off most people... except her. He was handsome, but she assumed his scary aura made him unapproachable to others. To Rukia, he was like an unreachable flower at the top of a cliff.

Ichigo's always alone and according to rumors, he's a no-good delinquent. Rukia didn't let other people's opinions influence her thinking though. She sighed, admiring him from afar. Every day, she'd come to the school rooftop after school was over to watch him leave. "I wonder what kind of music he listens to..." Rukia whispered. She never sees Ichigo without his earphones; he's always listening to music on his iPod.

Rukia wanted to know what kind of person Ichigo is. When he reached a distance where she knew he wouldn't be able to see her, she stood up, inhaling a deep breath of air. With all her energy, Rukia shouted to him, "You're really cool, Ichigo!" Her words echoed in the still air, and like every other time, he never turned around. He kept walking forward with his hands in his pockets. His music was always too loud for her words to reach him, but she was okay with it. She preferred it this way, actually.

Her name is Rukia Kuchiki, currently a sophomore at Karakura high school, and she deeply admires Ichigo Kurosaki.

Next Week

"Ow," Rukia shook her left hand in pain, feeling the blisters forming on her fingertips. Playing the acoustic guitar wasn't easy and it really was painful. With her other hand, she grazed the steel strings, hearing the wonderful sounds it made.

"Rukia, you should take a break. Your classmates already left," Rukia's music teacher, Ms. Miyako, told her. She was a beautiful woman with dark long hair that she kept tied up with strands at the side of her pretty face. Her face was always illuminating with cheerful brightness and her smile radiated with warmth. Any girl, especially Rukia, standing next to her would look dull. Out of everyone in her class, Rukia was the plainest.

Rukia's black hair stuck out in strange places; it never knew where it wanted to go. Her violet eyes, matched with her hair, were ordinary. She held no special features, skills, or anything. Rukia always thought that if one day she were to disappear, no one would remember her. She never made an impact on anyone, so who would? It didn't bother her though. Rukia's classmates didn't care for her, not even her teachers. She didn't care though. She liked being ignored.

There were few teachers who cared though, and one of them was Ms. Miyako. She treated each student with care and treated each other equally. There was no one who Rukia knew of that hated her. Ms. Miyako was bubbly and had a mother-like aura. Besides Ichigo, Rukia admired her too. "Your playing is coming along beautifully, but why did you pick a difficult song to start with? Canon in D is a lovely tune, but I'd recommend you start off with an easier song."

Rukia had been playing the same song for the past two weeks now; it was a fingerstyle picking song. "It's because I heard you playing this song on the piano during lunch last year. I fell in love with the song and the way you played it, so I hoped I could play it with the same grace as you, except on the guitar."

Ms. Miyako was a little surprised by Rukia's story, but she never failed to smile. "I understand. Canon in D is quite special to me too," she blushed. Rukia bet that while she played the song on the piano, she was thinking of someone special. When Rukia practiced the song on her guitar... she'd think of Ichigo. Rukia blushed a little too. "One day when I get married, I want this song to be played at my wedding," Ms. Miyako said, giggling to herself.

Ms. Miyako wasn't shy about her thoughts; she always said that it was better to express one's self than to hold something in. Ever since she told Rukia's class that, which was about the beginning of the semester, Rukia had been going out to the rooftop to scream out her feelings to Ichigo to express herself. She was right; it was a lot better than keeping it in. Rukia admired him so dearly, it couldn't go unheard. "Is it Mr. Kaien who you're thinking about?" Rukia asked her without hesitance.

Mr. Kaien was the math teacher; he was really handsome. He had spiky black hair and a manly look to him... Some students say he looks like a "sexy doctor." Rukia didn't know why though. Most students also say that he and Ms. Miyako are secretly dating, as they make a good couple due to their good looks. Also, Mr. Kaien was a kind man who respected everyone. "Eh?" Ms. Miyako became flustered. "N-Not at all. Besides," she leaned in and whispered, "word has it that he has a girlfriend already."

It was obvious that Ms. Miyako had a crush on Mr. Kaien. The way she frowned when she mentioned his girlfriend and the way she looked at him were sure signs that she liked him. "She must be really pretty then," Rukia murmured, pitying her.

"I bet," Ms. Miyako sulked. "Anyway, shouldn't be going now? Don't you usually leave during this time- oh, goodbye then!" She waved as Rukia dashed towards the door, completely losing track of time.

School Rooftop - Fourth Floor

"Did I make it!?" Rukia shouted, searching for Ichigo. Her eyes darted in every direction below, seeing no students and no signs of Ichigo. The orange-haired man who Rukia always shouted her feelings of admiration for every day wasn't here. "I missed him..." she panted. She was too late.

Seeing Ichigo was what made Rukia's days worthwhile. Unable to see him... this day would seem so long. The sun began to set as it was already five in the afternoon. Yes, he's already left. Rukia got so carried away in her conversation with Ms. Miyako, she wouldn't get to express her feelings to Ichigo until next week since today is Friday.

"I have to come earlier next time," Rukia sighed, walking back to the music room to get her belongings. She always had a tendency to forget her items in there as she always rushed up to the rooftop. The hallways were empty. Almost everyone has gone home. Rukia wondered how Ichigo's home was like... Was it warm? She was sure it was.

"What are you thinking about?" Rukia looked up to see Mr. Kaien carrying some textbooks and materials. She greeted him, hoping he didn't see her smiling to herself like a lunatic. Rukia immediately told him that she was just daydreaming about nonsense. He gave a charming laugh, "Help me with these, would you?"

Rukia couldn't say no to him. Sometimes Mr. Kaien offered to tutor her after class when he saw her grades dropping, and it was because of that that she managed to even have a B+ in his class. Taking half his books, she followed him into his classroom. The dim lights that made it past the curtains made the room seem lonely-like. The classroom filled with shadows and the sunset's light; it gave her a nostalgic feeling of her childhood days.

"You can set those there," Mr. Kaien pointed to his desk while he made room for the items. Rukia set them down, earning his thanks. "You're quite strong despite your small frame," he gave another rough laugh. Mr. Kaien was in his early-20's, same as Ms. Miyako, yet he was cool like a man with a 5 o'clock shadow. "So, how's school coming along? I know, forgive me for asking the predictable question that every teacher asks."

"It's not too difficult."

"Are you able to play Canon in D now?" Rukia shook her head. He asks her the same question every time she saw him. She wanted to tell him that she's not as gifted as other students who learn in one go, but she decided not to. "Remember, you promised that I'd be the first person to hear you play it."

Actually, Rukia never promised him. Mr. Kaien practically forced her to say she'd play it for him first when he kept pestering her about it. "I know," Rukia said. "It's getting late; I need to get my things."

Mr. Kaien looked at his watch, realizing the time. "Sorry for troubling you," he hurried Rukia out the door. "Study hard," he reminded before bidding farewell.

After retrieving her things in the music room, Rukia made her way home. Today, she decided to take a detour. Rukia needed something to get her mind off missing Ichigo today. A walk beside the river was always soothing. All she could hear was the rushing water and the ducks swimming. The shimmering lights that reflected off the water also helped distract her.

Beside the path Rukia was walking on was an old basketball court. Teenagers usually occupied themselves there, but since winter was approaching, everyone spent their days indoor with their families instead. Rukia only had one family member, so she didn't have anyone to talk to really. Her family consisted of an older brother who adopted her into the Kuchiki family. His name was Byakuya, but he was always busy at work so Rukia took care of herself most of the time. She was an independent girl.

Hm...? Rukia stood corrected. Someone was at the basketball court. There was a man lying down in the middle of the court. She squinted her eyes, seeing that he had the same school uniform as her. It was then that Rukia's heart began to beat erratically; it was Ichigo. She had never been this close to him before!

Rukia stared like a deer in headlights, unsure how to react. Should she run? Should she approach him? Should she... act normal. Right, why should she make a reaction? He doesn't even see her. She could just stare at him. Unfortunately, Rukia couldn't shout and tell him how much she admired him from this short distance between them. He'd definitely hear her dumb confessions.

Rukia realized a moment later that Ichigo was... sleeping. His eyes were closed and he had his arms crossed behind his head. Before she knew it, she was standing over him. She had never seen him so vulnerable before! Rukia clenched her teeth, thinking that if her heart beat any harder, he'd hear it and wake up. She gulped, kneeling down beside him.

Ichigo's earphones were still on. I wonder what kind of music he listens to...

Rukia understood that an opportunity like this would never come again. She had to know... just this one time. Reaching out with a shaky hand, she grabbed a hold of one earpiece. Steadily, like she was deactivating a bomb, Rukia tugged at it. She died a little when the piece fell; he stirred a little before remaining still again. Success!

Rukia put the earphone to her ear- it's too short! The other piece was still in his ear and the earphones were too short. She leaned closer, so close that she could just die. His face was unnaturally beautiful. He did look different from your typical student, but that's what Rukia admired about him. He didn't care about what people thought about him. She wanted to be as daring as him. She didn't want to be this plain girl... she wanted to be different like him.

Snapping out of thought, Rukia quickly put the earphone in her ear before he woke up. Finally, she could understand him, even if it's just a little-... "This song..."

The familiar piece played. It was a beautiful piano cover of the song Canon in D. The artist playing the song hit every note perfectly. As Rukia listened further, it wasn't hard to tell that it was Ms. Miyako's version of the song. Ichigo admired Ms. Miyako's playing too? So this is the kind of person he is... Rukia smiled, placing the earphone back into his ear- "You're done snooping around?"

Rukia's eyes widened. D-Did Ichigo speak? His eyes finally opened, revealing a set of ember eyes. His gaze lazily fell on her and she knew that she was in huge trouble. Unable to find her voice, she did all she could do. Rukia tried to run for it, only to feel him tug at her collar.

"You go to my school?" Ichigo asked, probably noting Rukia's uniform. She nodded, hoping he'd have mercy on her if he knew they were classmates. "Hn," he scoffed, "your parents never taught you manners? Who goes around listening to other people's music?"

Rukia yelped. Ichigo's voice was quite the opposite of what she imagined. She thought he'd have a soft voice, like Mr. Kaien's, but it was quite rough and raspy - it sounded dangerous. "I-I'm sorry."

Ichigo observed Rukia, watching her every move like a hawk. "What should I do as punishment? Should I hand you over to my gang and let them have their way with you?" Rukia flinched. "Or should I feed you to my dogs?" Both choices seemed very displeasing. Did she have the wrong impression of Ichigo all this time? The admirable man she thought everyone was misunderstanding was really a delinquent all this time?

Ichigo's feral eyes didn't make Rukia's situation any better. After pondering for a brief moment, he finally snickered. Just a simple laugh. Her lungs collapsed. He walked past her, giving a nod before departing.

"Hope you learned your lesson not to impose on other people," Ichigo bellowed.

Rkia watched his broad back walk the opposite direction. Ichigo's orange hair wavered in the presence of autumn's chilly breeze. Only when she realized that he was teasing her did she feel her legs become like jelly and her face flush with embarrassment.

Next Day

Today, Rukia didn't have the courage to go on the rooftop and shout out her feelings to Ichigo Kurosaki. After yesterday, she wasn't sure if she still admired the boy. She was starting to have doubts in him, or rather, she was having doubts in her assumptions of what he was like. Rukia realized yesterday that perhaps everything about him that she thought was wonderful, was just a fantasy she created to push herself. It was just a figment of her imagination... That thought saddened her. It was like a parent telling his/her child that Santa didn't exist.

Rukia carried her guitar in its suitcase, making her way downstairs to the second floor where Ms. Miyako's music class was located. Before making a right turn to where her classroom would be, Rukia heard a faint tune. It was Chopin's 'Etude Opus 25.' Rukia could tell that it was Ms. Miyako playing it because it sounded so wonderful. She didn't want to interrupt, so she stayed where she was, out of sight and where she could hear the song.

Rukia found herself humming to the song. She leaned her head against the wall, wishing that her playing would never come to an end. If only Rukia could play Pachelbel's masterpiece on her guitar... She could only imagine until the day came. "She plays wonderful, doesn't she?"

Rukia yelped, jumping as she heard a deep voice whisper near her ear. "M-Mr. Kaien," she stuttered, pale and a little dazed. "Did you need help carrying things again?" Rukia asked, seeing his arm full again, this time with boxes.

Mr. Kaien shook his head. He held his head back, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the faint music in the air. "I just came for a free music show. It's really nice that I got a room close to the music room." A smile traced on his lips.

"Which song do you like to hear the most?" Rukia asked.

Mr. Kaien shrugged. He wasn't a picky person; he enjoyed most things. "Classical music is always nice, I guess. But what I enjoy the most? Probably hearing you practice strumming on your guitar," he spoke like a charming prince. "As the saying goes, it's not the destination, but the journey. Well, I must go now," he shifted uncomfortably, nearly having the boxes topple him in the process. "See you in math class tomorrow."

Rukia dreaded. As Mr. Kaien left, she returned to listening to Ms. Miyako play. She found solace in her music. It always gave her a nostalgic feeling. As the music was coming to an end, Rukia lifted up her guitar case before passing period began. She was usually the first person to arrive to music class-...

Turning around the corner, Rukia immediately stepped back behind the wall, her eyes widening at the sight of Ichigo Kurosaki. He stood beside the entrance of the music room, just leaning against the wall and listening to Ms. Miyako play. It didn't seem like she noticed his presence. Rukia's hands trembled; she didn't plan on seeing him today. Was this fate?

Huh... Ichigo's eyes look different compared to all the other times. They were more content. They weren't scowling, they were... happy.

Ah, so that's what it is. Now it makes sense. Rukia always wondered what kind of music Ichigo Kurosaki listened to. Now she knew - he listens to Ms. Miyako's playing, because he loves her...

Next Day

Rukia held tightly onto her sweater, feeling the cold breeze of the winter air. She sat behind the rails, looking down at the ground from the roof. "There he is..." she sighed, seeing Ichigo leave for home. Her lips were sewed shut. Rukia didn't know why, but for some reason, she just didn't feel like shouting today. Ever since yesterday, she'd been 'sulking' like this.

Ichigo was like Rukia, always watching the person he admires from afar.

"Hm, what is he doing?" Rukia lifted her head up, seeing Ichigo tug at his ears. He pulled out his earphones, unplugging them from his music device. "Why's he throwing them away?" she asked herself, seeing him toss them in a nearby trash. Without thinking, Rukia unconsciously grabbed her things and ran downstairs, forgetting about music class.

When Rukia reached the place where Ichigo was standing only moments ago, she could see he was already gone. She darted her eyes towards the trashcan, then looked around, hoping no one would see her. Quickly, Rukia delved into it, pulling out his old earphones.

"You gonna collect that and add it to your shrine where you worship me?"

Rukia jumped, whizzing around to see the familiar frown. "I-Ichigo," she stuttered, only finding herself in a bad situation. "Your earphones," she held them in her fist, holding them out towards him. "Why did you throw them away?" He was always using them to listen to his music... to Ms. Miyako's music.

Rukia could feel his eyes burning into her. "They're broken," Ichigo said.

"Eh?" Rukia asked, dumbfounded. "Broken?"

"Only one side works. It's been like that for a while now."

Rukia felt stupid. Trying to hide her embarrassment and humiliation, she broke out into a nervous laugh, throwing them back into the trash. Maybe she could just slip away and pretend this never happened - "Wait... they've been broken for a while now?"

A sudden sly smile curved onto Ichigo's lips. He leaned forward, breathing onto Rukia's face while giving a nod. She froze, completely immobile. "For exactly three months now." Rukia's face began to break out in a sweat. "So I'm cool, eh?" he smirked obnoxiously.

'Oh my god... That means he heard me all those times when I was shouting from the rooftops,' Rukia thought. "C-Can we just forget about that?" she pleaded, or more like begged.

The Ichigo she thought she knew was starting to disappear. The cool Ichigo she thought she knew was quickly being eaten by this crude and cocky person. Rukia began to see him in a different light. She was wrong all this time about him. He shook his head, "Which part of me do you like most?" he asked, curious. Rukia could tell he was having fun teasing her.

This man is the devil! "I..." Rukia's throat became parched.

"Well?"

"I... I hate you!" Rukia bellowed, swinging her fist towards him while her eyes shut tight in fear. Rukia felt a sudden pain on her knuckle, and it was then that she opened one eye, seeing a surprised Ichigo. His eyes widened and Rukia could see the right side of his face beginning to swell. She gasped, frantically waving her arms in front of her.

"You..." Ichigo hissed, "are so dead!"

"But you provoked me!"

"You know what," Ichigo calmed, "I have a better idea. Instead of making soup with your head, I'm going to use you as my slave."

"I will not be your dog," Rukia glared. The more she spoke with him, the more she just... detested him!

"Oh yeah?" He raised a brow, "You will if I threaten to tell the whole school about you being my stalker."

… A stalker? Rukia laughed slowly, wagging her finger at him, "Oh, you're cute. Come on, be serious." Ichigo didn't budge, he only laughed with her, throwing his arm over her shoulders. "You're serious, aren't you?" He nodded while maintaining that proud smile of his. Rukia swallowed her pride, "What would you like... master?" she asked through gritted teeth and a fake smile.

1 Week Later

Long ago, there was a time when Rukia used to think, 'Hey... I want to be his friend.' She glanced over at Ichigo, who lay asleep on the roof with his hands crossed behind his head. Like this, he really looks innocent. No one would assume...

"Oi! Put some effort into those arms would ya? And could you try looking a little more excited? I hate opening my eyes to see you glaring down at me," Ichigo sneered.

Yes, no one would assume that he's a complete jerk! Rukia held the umbrella over him higher and forced a smile. "Who needs an umbrella over them during a winter anyway?" she asked beneath her breath. There was barely any sunlight out anyway, and it was freezing out here! "Lunch break is almost over; can I leave now?"

Ichigo didn't look at Rukia when he shooed her away with his hand like she was a pest.

Rukia wondered... how long would it take for the school to discover a dead body up here? "How long must I continue serving you?" she asked, glowering.

"Until I graduate."

"B-But that's a long way from here!"

Ichigo shrugged, "Sucks for you then."

"You... You're unbelievable."

"Ah, don't wait for me after school."

"Why?" Rukia asked. Was Ichigo punished for something? She wouldn't be surprised. Or wait... Her eyes widened as she grinned from ear to ear. "Got a … date?" Rukia kicked him lightly on the side of his stomach.

Ichigo sat up with a deadly scowl, "You dare kick me, servant?" He stood up, towering over her.

Rukia mentally laughed to herself. Why didn't she think of this sooner? "Call me servant one more time. Though, I don't think you'll have the guts to once I tell this whole school about your crush with the music teacher." Bingo. Ichigo's eyes lit with surprise and now she knew she had him in her palm. Oh, the things she was going to make him do...

"Go ahead."

"Eh?" Rukia gawked.

"If one word slips out from you, then you best expect me to not keep silent about you being my stalker."

Crud, Ichigo's right. "Fine," Rukia crossed her arms, trying to not lose face. "Let's just forget about everything then. See ya, hope to never encounter you again-" she turned around, only to feel him grab her arm.

"Not so fast. Let's make a deal." A deal? No way was Rukia making a contract with the devil himself. "In return for your freedom, you have to help me capture Ms. Miyako's heart."

Rukia blinked dumbly at Ichigo. "No way! A student-teacher romance is illegal. And why should I help you when you know this love will never work out? Ms. Miyako is a kind person who will never fall for your devil lies," she said as a matter-of-factly. Besides, who could love this demon? He's rude and prideful. Rukia doubted he had any kindness in him. Ichigo pulled out his cell phone, dialing a number. "What are you doing?"

"Spreading the word that you're a stalker. Ey, Keigo- oof!" Ichigo's eyes nearly popped out of his skull as Rukia sent a kick at his stomach.

"Fine, it's a deal!" Rukia screamed at him.

Ichigo chuckled, "That's what I thought."

Next Day

Rukia played her guitar diligently as Ms. Miyako watched, humming and smiling. Rukia grimaced. Mr. Miyako was so happy, not even knowing that that devil Ichigo had his eyes set on her! And instead of trying to save her, Rukia offered to help him whisk her away into hell! She was the worst.

"What's the matter Rukia? You've been frowning the entire time. You also haven't been going up to the rooftop like you usually do... I may not be a therapist, but if you need someone to confide in, I'm here." Ms. Miyako placed her hand on Rukia's shoulder. She could only mentally cry to hermself, wondering why she was going to let this poor woman suffer at the hands of Ichigo just so her already poor reputation could be saved.

Rukia cracked a grin, "I'm alright," she told. It was herself she needed to be worried about. "By the way..." Ms. Miyako raised her brows, all ears. Rukia sighed, reluctant to say what she was going to say. "Um... it's almost Christmas."

Ms. Miyako laughed at Rukia's obvious statement. "I know."

"What would you want as a present?" Rukia asked, trying to not be suspicious at the same time.

Ms. Miyako was already on to Rukia. She tilted her head, wondering why Rukia would ask such a random question. "Well, I'm not sure really. Anything is fine; I'm grateful for whatever I receive." Rukia hungher head low. Of course she would give such an answer.

"But if you were to be selfish... hasn't there been any item you've ever wanted?"

Ms. Miyako rethought the question before saying, "Earrings, I suppose." Huh... That's it? All she wanted was some items hanging on her ear? Perhaps Rukia's disinterest in those sort of things was because she just wasn't a fashionista. "And you?" she asked.

"Me?" Rukia asked in a tone that was dreading. "Chappy the rabbit," she said, suddenly sparkling with joy. Going back on subject, Rukia asked, "What kind of flowers do you like?"

Ms. Miyako narrowed her eyes, "You wouldn't be playing Cupid by any chance, would you Rukia Kuchiki?"

Crud. "Heavens, no," Rukia said, almost a little too obviously. The sweat on her forehead was beginning to show.

Ms. Miyako crossed her hands on her laps before simply saying, "The hibiscus. And you?"

Ahh... why did she have to ask Rukia too? "Magnolias." They both exchanged answers like it was some competition. "Well, look at the time," Rukia looked at her invisible wristwatch, "guess I gotta go now!" She packed her things and hurried out the door before Ms. Miyako could say anything else. Rukia let out a breath of relief-

"So, earrings and daisies huh?" Ichigo mumbled, scaring Rukia as he was standing by the door the entire time listening to their conversation. Talk about rude... "Good job, rabbit." Rukia growled as he patted her head as though she was some pet. What a degrading job this was!

Rukia looked back, making sure Ms. Miyako didn't see her and Ichigo together. "When can I stop being your slave?" she asked in a hushed voice. They walked the hallways alone as it was already after school. Even though Rukia was speaking quietly, it was like her words were being echoed in the entire school for everyone to hear.

"Asking survey questions to Ms. Miyako aint gonna seal the deal. When she and I are together, then you can disappear forever, got it eyesore?"

… Words couldn't even explain how much Rukia wanted to kill him. "I'll be counting down the days... Mr. Kaien," Rukia stopped in her tracks, along with Ichigo, when they caught a glimpse of the teacher. He seemed a little surprise seeing Rukia and Ichigo together. Of course, she didn't blame him. Why would someone as pure and innocent like Rukia hang out with this cocky bastard Ichigo? "Good afternoon," Rukia greeted.

Mr. Kaien glanced at Ichigo. 'Hm, seeing them this close, they look almost identical,' Rukia thought. SheI kicked Ichigo on the foot, ushering for him to greet the teacher. Ichigo rolled his eyes and gave Mr. Kaien a two-finger salute, "Yo," Ichigo uttered.

Mr. Kaien smiled, turning to Rukia. "Have you been studying for tomorrow's test?" he asked, giving me her look that threatened her to tell the truth.

"Of course... okay, maybe a little," Rukia held out my thumb and finger, placing an inch of distance between them to show the amount she'd been studying.

"You'd better pass." Mr. Kaien placed his large hand on Rukia's head, ruffling her hair. "Otherwise it's back to tutoring." She sighed at the last word. Mr. Kaien was nice, but he was a spartan when it came to teaching. "Go home before it gets dark you two."

After Mr. Kaien left, Rukia heard a snicker coming from Ichigo. "What?" She shot him a glare.

"Teacher's pet," Ichigo sang, placing his hands in his pockets before strolling towards the school exit.

Rukia gasped, thinking of a retaliation. "At... at least I'm not in love with a teacher!" She gulped, seeing Ichigo's footsteps halt.

Ichigo looked over his shoulder and at Rukia. "And you're not?" he asked. She blinked stupidly. Her? In love with a teacher? "Don't play stupid. I know you and that Kaien have a thing for each other- ow!" He bent down, grabbing his shin after Rukia kicked it hard.

"That's disgusting!"

"Huh? Then I guess Mr. Kaien has an unrequited love."

"No!" Rukia shouted, feeling icky now. Mr. Kaien and Rukia shared a teacher-student relationship. He only saw her as a student! That's all there was to it. Not once has he looked at her as a woman. Besides, Rukia knew that he's meant for Ms. Miyako... She gasped, slamming her fist into her palm.

"What?" Ichigo asked, still rubbing his leg in pain.

"Oh, nothing," Rukia smiled cheekily. "Well, I've got to get home now!" She dashed towards home, leaving Ichigo by himself. Now she knew what she must do! She must make Mr. Kaien and Ms. Miyako fall in love, that way Ichigo has no chance with Ms. Miyako! Then everyone would live happily ever after! That is, except Ichigo.

One Week Later

"I told you to study," Mr. Kaien lectured as they sat alone in his classroom after school. Rukia got a D+ on the last math test, but she sort of failed it on purpose so that she could get Mr. Kaien to tutor her. While he's tutoring her, she planned to learn information so that she can get him and Ms. Miyako to be together! And because she was stuck here, Ichigo couldn't boss her around!

Rukia sat behind her desk while Mr. Kaien sat in front of her, explaining the rules of logarithm. While she was working out the problem, she asked, "So Mr. Kaien... don't you think Ms. Miyako has lovely fingers? She's really a graceful woman, huh?"

Mr. Kaien glared at Rukia, "Finish the problem." She sighed, continuing solving the problem. It was rather easy, but Rukia stalled, hoping to get some information out of him. "Rukia..." his voice hissed, "is that your phone buzzing?"

Rukia blinked, hearing her phone vibrating. She smiled innocently, hoping he'd let her off the hook, but he snatched the phone once she took it out of her bag. "Mr. Kaien..!"

Mr. Kaien glanced at who was calling before placing it on his desk. Rukia sighed. Maybe she shouldn't have failed the test. He glowered at her. "So, you've been getting chummy with the 'Devil?'" he asked, raising his brows. She laughed, tugging at her collar. That was Ichigo's name on her phone.

"What can I say? I sold my soul to the devil," Rukia said with a sour face.

Mr. Kaien shook his head, "I think it's time we took a break." He walked towards his desk, pulling out two water bottles from beneath it. He tossed Rukia one. "Is Ms. Miyako fine with me stealing you from her music club?"

"Yes," Rukia said, popping the cap off her water bottle and taking a sip. "Mr. Kaien. You know there are rumors about you."

"Like what?" he asked, leaning back in his rolling chair.

"Like you having a girlfriend."

Mr. Kaien choked on his water; he pounded his fist against his chest, gasping for air. "Girlfriend?" he squeaked.

"People also think you and Ms. Miyako make a good couple."

"Rukia," he grabbed his head in pain, groaning from all this information. After a moment of catching his breath, he looked at Rukia seriously. "Ms. Miyako and I are just friends."

"But she likes you."

"Eh?" Mr. Kaien's eyes nearly fell out of their sockets. "Rukia, it's not good to lie."

Rukia shook her head quickly, telling him that it was the truth. "When Ms. Miyako talks about you, she smiles and glows like she's in love."

Mr. Kaien scratched his head, trying to picture it in his head. He blushed, smacking the thought away. "You're simply misinterpreting things, Rukia. Now," he picked up Rukia's bag and phone, shoving them into her arms and then guided her to the door, pushing her out of his classroom, "go home." He closed the door behind Rukia.

Rukia hung her head low, disappointed at her little progress. In fact, she just made Mr. Kaien angry. Could she have been wrong? Maybe he really doesn't like Ms. Miyako? Rukia climbed to the rooftop, which was usually the meeting place for her and Ichigo. When she reached there, he had already arrived. She sulked once they made eye contact.

"How was tutoring?" Ichigo asked. "You didn't pick up my phone calls."

"What was I supposed to do? Answer my phone in front of the teacher?"

Ichigo gave a simple, 'tch.' He leaned against the rail; Rukia wish he'd fall off the roof. "You're doing a really shitty job as my servant y'know. You might just have the reputation of being a stalker tomorrow-"

"Look," Rukia cocked her hips, crossing her arms and tapping her foot. "Why don't you just join the music club? Pretend to be that cute student who achieves at everything you and might just get Ms. Miyako to look at you!" she shouted, angry and frustrated. Once Rukia realized that she had just barked at him, she was expecting to get thrown off the roof until she saw him smiling like a child.

"That's a great idea," Ichigo nodded. Rukia facepalmed. She might have just put herself into a stickier situation. Not only did it mean that Ms. Miyako was going to fall prey to this child from hell, but she'd be stuck in class with this moron! "But I don't know how to play an instrument. You," he eyeballed her, "teach me how to play that," he pointed to Rukia's guitar case.

Rukia gasped, hugging her guitar closely to her chest, protecting it from Ichigo. "If you laid one hand on it, it'd probably explode!"

"Give me it," Ichigo pulled at it.

Before Rukia knew it, she was sitting on the ground with him, playing a few tunes and teaching him the basic chords. Surprisingly, Ichigo was quite focused and patient. She had expected him to go into a rage with how frustrating the guitar seemed, but he didn't. Perhaps it was his love for Ms. Miyako that was keeping him determined on learning?

"Play a song," Ichigo insisted.

Rukia hated the kid ordering her around, but she did as she was told anyway. She played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, plucking at the first string, and then the third with her right hand while her left hand was making the F minor chord. When she finished, she expected Ichigo to applaud, but instead he gave her a dull look.

"The hell do I look like? A four year old?"

"No, but you sure act like one!"

Ichigo snarled at Rukia before meditating to calm down. "Play that song Ms. Miyako always plays."

I assumed he meant Canon in D. "I'm still not able to play it well."

"Do I care?"

Rukia groaned at his persistence. This seemed more like a concert than a lesson. She picked up her guitar, then starting playing. Her pace was slow and sometimes she hit the wrong string. A few times she forgot the next note. Overall, it was terrible. Rukia stopped half way, "Yeah, I still need a lot of practice-"

"Why'd you stop?" Ichigo asked. He wasn't angry at all. Instead, he was more puzzled.

"Because it sounds horrible?" Rukia was too embarrassed to play in front of someone when her performance was awful. Thinking about it, he was the first person to hear her play the song, besides Ms. Miyako of course. She mentally apologized to Mr. Kaien, because he had wanted to be the first to hear her play the song.

"Really?" Ichigo cocked his head to the side. "Maybe it's because I've no idea how a guitar is supposed to sound like. It sounded nice to me though."

Rukia pointed her finger at Ichigo as though he was a monster. "D-Did you just compliment me?"

"I dunno. I guess," Ichigo said mundanely like it was no big deal. Well... it was a big deal! All this time Rukia had only known the evil Ichigo. This kinder side of him was never revealed to her until now. "I can say nice things you know," he glowered. "Now give me." He snatched her instrument, holding it awkwardly.

"Don't break it-"

Ichigo strummed hard, snapping two of the six strings in the process. Rukia stared, dumbfounded. "Oops," he grinned sheepishly, "I broke it."

"You don't say?"

Next Day

"Class... this is Kurosaki Ichigo. He's a new member to our club, so treat him kindly and help teach him as well." Ms. Miyako turned to Ichigo, who was unable to look her in the eye. Rukia sat in the back of the class, rolling her eyes at how obvious it was that he was head over heels for Ms. Miyako. "We're glad to have you as a part of our club. I'm looking forward to your contributions," she smiled.

"I'm glad to be here, Ms. Miyako," Ichigo responded, a little too out of character. Rukia sighed. Wait until she knew the real him.

"Please take a seat beside Ms. Kuchiki."

Rukia moaned in distress, burying her head into her arms. She heard a loud screech on the floor as Ichigo pulled out his chair, taking a seat. As Ms. Miyako was carrying lectures about harmonies, Ichigo was tossing balls of paper at Rukia. "Psst... Psst!"

"What?" I asked in a whispered voice.

"This was really a great idea! For once, you used your head!" Ichigo gave a thumbs up, smiling broadly like an idiot.

Oh, Ichigo was really pushing Rukia's buttons. 'I have a sharp pencil in my desk; if I could just grab it and swiftly stab him with it without making any noise, no one would know it was me-'

"Ms. Kuchiki?" Ms. Miyako called. "Are you taking notes?" she asked.

"Yes," Rukia quickly began writing down the lecture. She glared over at Ichigo, who was also taking notes- wait a minute... He's just drawing! She quickly wrote a note, passing it to him. It read: 'Music club is serious stuff. If you're just going to use it like this, then you should leave because it's disrespectful to Ms. Miyako.' That oughta make him feel guilty- Rukia let out a silent gasp, seeing him spit his gum into the note she wrote to him.

'You know... forget it. I'll just mind my own business.'

When there was only 30 minutes left of class, Ms. Miyako let them practice their instruments. Everyone got out their flutes, trumpets, violins, etc. Rukia smirked, seeing Ichigo instrument-less. "Ichigo, would you like to learn how to play the piano?" Ms. Miyako asked.

Ichigo glanced over at Rukia, smirking triumphantly. "I've always wanted to learn."

"Okay, then Ms. Inoue can teach you. She also specialized in the piano," Ms. Miyako introduced Orihime Inoue to Ichigo. Orihime was a pretty woman, just as equally beautiful as Ms. Miyako.

"Hello," Orihime greeted jubilantly.

Ichigo gave a bored, "Oh..." He was clearly disappointed that the one teaching him the piano wouldn't be Ms. Miyako.

"Actually," Rukia butted in, "I brought two guitars today. Would you like to learn the guitar?" she asked Ichigo, who was a little surprised, but nodded anyway. They practiced in a corner of the room. "Hold it correctly," she harshly told.

Ichigo slumped. His eyes were focused on Ms. Miyako the entire time.

"Could you try focusing?" Rukia asked, a little annoyed.

"Did you bring this second guitar for me?" Ichigo asked, looking at the classical guitar. Rukia nodded, shrugging.

"It was my old guitar. Since it was just collecting dust in the attic, I figured I could let you have it."

Ichigo stared at the guitar, running his fingers along the strings. "Thanks," he said, a little too sincerely.

Rukia gaped her mouth, a little surprised that someone like Ichigo could even know what it meant to be thankful. "G-Geez, stop being so nice. It's not like you," she stuttered. "Besides, I'm only letting you have it because I'm afraid you'll destroy mine if I let you touch it again." Rukia noticed again that his eyes were following Ms. Miyako. "I'm curious. Why do you like her so much? It can't just be the looks, right?"

Ichigo shot Rukia a glare. "I'm not that pathetic to just go after some woman because of her appearance." His frown disappeared when Ms. Miyako looked over, smiling at him. He was practically melting onto the floor. "Ms. Miyako saved me."

Rukia quirked a brow. "How?"

"Is that any of your business?" Ichigo asked, staring at Rukia like she was an eyesore. "All I'll say is that she's like the shelter one seeks for on a rainy day."

It was then that Rukia saw a glint in Ichigo's eye. He was truly in love. "Wow that's cheesy," she laughed.

"Shaddup, stalker."

A/N: So, how'd you like it?

I already got two stories (which I haven't completed yet) so this will just be a story that I'll update whenever I have time and inspiration. I usually write angsty romance stories, so this is sort of different as it is more comedy/romance with a tint of angst. It might go all out angst later (I just can't stay away from it; it's my addiction)!

Anyway, hope you enjoyed it. Please pleas review ^^