Rukia awoke with a start from her nightmare, a cold sweat covering her brow. She was breathing heavily, and she felt a hint of clausterphobia, which accompanied her habit of sleeping in Ichigo's cramped closet. She quietly slid the door open, as she did not want to awaken Ichigo (who was far from being a sound sleeper, thanks to his father). She tiptoed over to the door, and carefully turned the doorknob as she stifled her loud breathing. She made her way to the bathroom, flipped on the light and filled a glass up with water. As she quickly downed the water, Rukia gazed at the mirror. She was a mess. Her hair was strewn about in all directions, she had bags under her reddened eyes, her face was an unflattering shade of red, and she had tears streaming down her cheeks. Not wanting anyone to see her like this, she ran some water over a washcloth, wiped her face down, and organized her hair. Rukia made her way back to the bedroom quickly, and as she entered, flicked the lightswitch on out of habit. Realizing her mistake, she quickly spun around, swung at the switch, missed and landed face first on the floor with a loud thud. If the light didn't wake him up, he was definitely up now.

"Nghh...Rukia?" Ichigo asked in a raspy voice as he sat up, the bright light assailing his pupils. "What are you doing?"

"Uhhh... sorry to wake you... I was getting a drink." Rukia replied, picking herself up off the ground. She turned to face him, unaware that she still had some tears sliding down her red cheeks. A look of sincere concern flashed across Ichigo's face.

"Are you okay?" He asked in a stern, yet gentle voice.

"I'm fine." Rukia said coldly.

"Don't give me that, Rukia. You're crying"

"I am not."

"Are too."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am n... Ichigo, I'm not doing this right now, it's three in the morning."

"Then tell me what's wrong."

"No."

"So you admit that there is SOMETHING wrong."

"N... I just... Just leave me alone Ichigo..." Rukia turned towards the closet and reached to slide the door open, but was pulled back by two strong arms. "Let go." She said, Ichigo firmly holding her shoulders. He spun her around and leaned in close to her.

"Rukia... Please just tell me a little bit... I'm worried, and maybe I can help..." Ichigo pleaded, the same look of concern once again plastered on his face.

"You... you're really worried?" Rukia gazed up at him. Her tears started to flow again, as she told Ichigo about her nightmare. The one that came back every year. The one about Kaien. Rukia sobbed quietly as she explained the details of Kaien's death. When she was done, Ichigo was shocked. He pulled her into a tight hug, and whispered into her ear,

"It's okay, Rukia, I understand." Rukia sobbed into his chest, but clenched her fists as he spoke those words. She pushed away from him and yelled,

"No Ichigo! You could never understand! It's my fault! I killed him!" Ichigo felt hurt, but he knew she was too. She turned away and stormed out of the room. Ichigo gave chase, and caught up with her at the front door. Rukia glared at him through her tear-soaked eyes. "Just... Just stay the hell away from me, Ichigo! I should've never told you a damn thing!" She screamed, running out and slamming the door behind her.

(A/N: This is the first part of a two-part songfic based on the ending theme "Gallop". Enjoy. Remember, reviews make me a happy IchiRuki fanboy! Do you think I'm kidding? Do not test me. Review, I am serious, motherf*cker. )