Pre-Author's Note: This one-shot sort of builds off of an idea that I developed in my previous Ichihime Week entitled 'Rock Band AU'. While reading the other story is not completely necessary to understand this one, it may be helpful to read it since I am planning on also creating a second chapter in this Ichihime Week series that will use Ichigo and Orihime's band again. Just an fyi.

"You have got to be kidding. Uh-uh. No way. Never in a million years. Nope. Can't make me."

"Would you quit acting like a spoiled brat already?! You know Shuhei can't sing lead on this one since his voice is still recovering. Just this once, please?"

"No, no, no, no, no and a thousand times NO!"

"What's going on in here?"

"Thank God you're here! Please Uryu, you have to talk some sense into Ichigo. He needs to sing lead on this one and he just won't."

"Aren't you a little old to be throwing tantrums like this Ichigo?"

"Lay off, will you? Just take a look at these lyrics! They're revolting! Who in their right mind would sing them anyway?"

"Well, only one of the most popular female punk rock vocalists would write it to begin with and then record it on one of her best-selling albums…but I'm guessing that's not really what you were asking me, is it?"

"You're no help at all."

"I don't think I was brought into this debate to help you, Ichigo."

"Enough! Enough! We don't have time for this! Ichigo, you need to be ready and on that set in less than fifteen minutes or so help me-"

"Excuse me…I couldn't help overhearing…is there a problem?"

"Why Orihime! You are an angel sent by heaven!"

"I am?"

"But of course! My don't you look stunning! That dress really does a lot to flatter your figure. Don't you think so boys?"

"Well…yeah…"

"I must confess that I am quite impressed with the skill of stitchery. Is that a-"

"Really Uryu? That's the best you've got?"

"I fail to see what I have said in error."

"Honestly, you boys will be the death of me…"

"Umm…pardon me…but is there something you need from me Rangiku because otherwise I think Isane wanted to finish-"

"Of course, of course! You need to finish getting ready for your big part in today's shoot. Today's ROMANTIC shoot with the dashing YUMICHIKA who is DROP DEAD GORGEOUS and loves beautiful women LIKE YOURSELF! Yes, you do need to get ready for all that, don't you?"

"Umm…yes…uh, Ichigo do you-"

"Oh no, Orihime! Ichigo was just about to finish getting ready to go out there…weren't you, Ichigo?"

"…"

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. What did you say?"

"I said…I'll be ready in five."

"Excellent! See you out there! Come on now Orihime. I want to see Isane put the finishing touches on you."

"Oh, ok. I'll see you out there, Ichigo."

"Yeah, I'll see you there, Orihime."


Four minutes later, Ichigo meandered into place for final touch-ups on his make-up and then settled himself grudgingly behind a drum set complete with hanging microphone for him to sing into.

Today A.Q.E.S. were going to shoot a music video for their cover of Avril Lavigne's 'Slipped Away' which would feature the popular actor/supermodel Yumichika Ayasegawa as well as the beautiful pianist/vocalist Orihime from up and coming musical group Chappy Fanatics. While there would be some scenes that the director was going to have to shoot in the next day or so, the plan was to film the majority of the almost four minute video today. Shunsui Kyoraku was a director who liked to jump into a project full force and finish in as little time as possible since he went by the phrase 'strike while the iron is hot'…or in his case 'cameras don't ever stop rolling so you'll stay there as long as it takes'. As such, Ichigo was irritated about today's events for several reasons.

First of all, he really, really, really, REALLY didn't like having to sing the lead. However, as Rangiku and several others had pointed out, Shuhei needed a break this time around and Ichigo sounded the most 'authentic' when singing in English. Ichigo had always had a knack for imitating things that he heard…he just didn't necessarily display the talent very much because he thought it was silly. In this case, he really wished he hadn't shown off his skill of singing all the English words correctly because now he was stuck singing lead.

Second, Ichigo wasn't too thrilled with the casting of this project. Either have Yumichika play the guy or Orihime play the girl, but don't have them working together. Or even better, don't cast Orihime in any role for this video at all unless the guy she was working with was…he was going to have to keep a lid on those thoughts. Grimmjow was the one who went off the nut, not him.

Think of the devil, suddenly Ichigo looked up from doing a sound check on his tom-toms to see Grimmjow with his blue eyes twinkling evilly as he drawled, "Well, well, well. Looks like a pretty little kitten is starting to grow up, eh?"

Before Ichigo could respond, his attention was arrested by a vision in white. More specifically, Orihime dressed as an angel. Her role in the video was to portray the deceased love interest of the male character, so Isane, the costume designer and make-up artist, had dressed Orihime up as a kind of angel.

"She looks good, doesn't she?" asked Grimmjow in the same tone as before.

Deciding not to take Grimmjow's bait, Ichigo tried shoving his irritation even deeper as he said curtly, "Yeah, she does."

The rest of the band members arrived on set, saving Ichigo from any more irksome Grimmjow comments…at least for the moment.

Adjusting his guitar strap and checking his amp level, Shuhei grinned at Ichigo sympathetically as he asked, "Doing all right there?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Ichigo replied, "Yeah, I'll be fine. How's the voice?"

Turning a few knobs and then strumming a chord, Shuhei responded absentmindedly, "Oh I'll be fine just singing back-up today."

Walking over from his keyboard, Renji asked, "Has anyone seen Rangiku lately?"

Looking up from tuning his own guitar, Kira said vaguely, "I saw her not that long ago fussing over Orihime. Why do you ask?"

Crossing his arms and looking off-set, Renji replied, "Nothing really. Just asking."

From the other side of the set came Rangiku's breezy tone, "I'm here! And look who I've brought my pretty boys!"

At the sound of Rangiku's voice everyone turned to look at her. Renji immediately uncrossed his arms and tried to stand up straighter when he saw who she had brought with her.

"Hey guys," called over Rukia while she was followed by the other members of Chappy Fanatics, "How's it going?"

After giving Renji a few moments to respond and finally having sympathy on the guy, Shuhei said politely, "I haven't seen the director around or Yumichika so I don't know when we're going to get started here. However," he nodded in Orihime's direction, "I think she's all ready if you want to talk to her before we start."

All the girls turned and then clustered around Orihime 'oohing' and 'ahhing' over her outfit and make-up. From what Ichigo could see, having her friends there to support her definitely helped to calm Orihime's nerves. Looking over at Rangiku and seeing her smile, Ichigo figured he'd have to say something to his manager later…something nice that is.

Twirling his drumsticks, Ichigo was about to make a comment about wanting to start when a voice called out happily, "All right people! Let's get this show on the road! Get the cameras ready! Everyone in place?"

Looking up, Ichigo started to wonder exactly what he had gotten himself into. Shunsui was a…was a…well, Ichigo wished he had a thesaurus to use so he could find a suitable word. Long brown hair that just about reached his waist was pulled back with a hair tie decorated with flowery hair pins. Apparently, flowers were Shunsui's trademark as they were everywhere on, over, in, pinned to, hanging upon and just all over his outfit. Didn't matter what kind of flower or color, they were just everywhere on the guy.

Behind the flamboyant director, came his very professional yet plain looking assistant Nanao, who looked over everyone on and around the set and said in a straight tone, "Almost everyone is in place. We only seem to be missing Yumichika."

"Present," drawled a perfectly cultured tone.

Taking a look at Yumichika, Ichigo didn't know if he wanted to snort with laughter, ignore him and hope the shoot would be done quickly or what. His options changed drastically when the supermodel started making his way over to his leading lady for the day.

Standing at Orihime's elbow, Yumichika reached over to take Orihime's hand and draw her attention towards himself as he said in what Ichigo could only define as a 'sly slimy snake' tone, "A pleasure to finally make the acquaintance of someone as…" here he paused to lean down and kiss Orihime's hand, "…beautifully exquisite as you."

Letting go of Orihime's hand to lay a hand over his heart, Yumichika went on, "One of the perks of being as famous and…" here he paused so that he could smooth back his already perfect hair ('preening' was what Ichigo would call it), "…stunningly beautiful as myself is that I can demand to only work with people who will add to the beautiful standard I have set."

Not knowing what else to say, Orihime said quietly, "Umm…all right…I look forward to working with you today."

"And I you," here Yumichika's tone changed slightly as he took in Orihime's hair and costume and he said in a less egotistical tone, "Your costume and make-up were done quite well. I hope you're happy with it."

Beaming and looking over to where Isane was quietly applying touch-up make-up to Shuhei, Orihime said brightly, "Yes! Isane is wonderful to work with. She does such good work and is so thoughtful."

With a more sincere grin that made Ichigo wonder, Yumichika said quietly as he fingered his own costume, "I agree," before his mask was back in place and he asked airily, "Shall we proceed to the set?"

The set was sectioned off into three parts. On the left was a pure white room where Orihime would shoot the bulk of her scenes. In the middle was where A.Q.E.S. was set up and their costumes were all gray to match the backdrop. And on the far right was a room for Yumichika. His costume and the room were all pitch black. However, unlike in the other rooms, in that room were two colored props that included a framed photo of Orihime holding a rose and that same rose in a vase.

When everyone was settled into their respective positions, Shunsui gave one long look at the camera monitors and then around at the actors and musicians on set before he spread his arms and said dramatically, "Let's have fun working together and do the best we can today!"

Waiting a few moments to let people applaud politely, Shunsui lowered his arms to cross them over his chest as he said in a less theatrical tone, "Everyone was sent notes on what this music video is about, but I usually like to spend a few minutes before we start shooting just to make sure everyone is on the same page."

Making eye contact with everyone in turn, Shunsui said, "On the surface, the story behind this music video is that the female character died and so slipped away from the man she loved. However, I want to take things a little deeper."

Nodding his head in Orihime's direction, he went on, "Our angel is trying to make her way over to her lover, but can't because he has slipped into a place she cannot enter. Without meaning to, he has shut himself away and cut off his connection with her. She wants to save him before it is too late."

Looking around, Shunsui asked, "Any questions?" when no one spoke up, Shunsui grinned and said, "Then with that, why don't we get started?"

While A.Q.E.S. would likely do some recording of the track within a studio, for this video Shunsui had requested that they play it live in order to get real footage of them playing and singing. So things started with Renji at the keyboard before the cameras switched to focusing on Ichigo as he sang the opening verse.

"And let's try that again from the top please," called out Shunsui (very few times would he ever tell the cameras to stop rolling in any shoot that he did), "Orihime, could you act more hurt rather than desperate? You can sense that your lover is hurting, but you don't know yet just how bad the situation is."

"Yes sir," came Orihime's voice from the adjoining room.

And so they did it again from the top and this time Ichigo almost got through the first chorus before Shunsui stopped them again.

"That was pretty good, Yumichika, but maybe instead of looking so sad you can simply stare blankly at the wall before you turn your attention to the rose and picture. Remember, he's cutting himself off without realizing it, so there's probably not going to be a lot of emotion in your character, just depression and resignation."

"Of course, director. Whatever you say."

"Good, then let's try it from the bridge into the chorus please."

And on things went for what seemed like an age. Every time they stopped to get direction, Ichigo tried not to think about anything or anyone. Just keep his angst controlled enough to make it through the shoot and then never do something like this ever again.

"All right cut!" called Shunsui suddenly and Ichigo looked up in surprise and a bit of hope that was quickly squelched when he heard, "We're getting some great footage here, but how's about everyone take a lunch break and then we'll finish off a few things afterwards."

Letting out a silent sigh of resignation, Ichigo stretched and set his drumsticks down before he stuffed his hands in his pockets and only just remembered to keep himself from slouching off set. No reason to look like a defeated dog walking away from a fight at this point.

As he walked past the camera monitors, Shunsui was just checking some footage of Orihime's…and Ichigo stopped dead in his tracks. It was from the second chorus and apparently Orihime was starting to realize what was going on with Yumichika because she looked about on the verge of tears. Seeing that expression on Orihime's face made Ichigo's gut churn with mixed emotions.

He was brought out of his dark thoughts by a soft touch on his arm. Looking around, Ichigo's eyes connected with Orihime's. Without saying a word, Orihime asked him a question and when she received Ichigo's silent reply, she grasped his hand and led him into a secluded area.

Keeping hold of his hand, Orihime asked quietly, "What's wrong?"

"How could you tell?" mumbled Ichigo.

Giving him a small smile, Orihime said, "I know all your scowls. From 'you are irritating' to 'get away from my friends' to 'stop being such a jerk'," then squeezing his hand lightly, Orihime went on, "but the scowl you were just wearing said something quite different than usual. You weren't just angry, you were ready to blow your top."

Letting out a sigh, Ichigo said slowly, "It's just that this whole project is so…frustrating."

Scratching his head furiously in irritation, Ichigo went on, "I'm going to sound like a spoiled kid, but I don't want to do this. I don't want to sing lead. I don't want to work with Yumichika. But I especially don't want to see you in love with someone else or crying…even if you are only acting."

There was a period of silence before Orihime said, "I don't know how much help this will be, but…when I'm acting out there…I keep thinking about how you're in the room next to me."

Looking at Orihime in complete surprise, Ichigo let her go on as she said, "I can hear you singing and it's the emotion of your voice that I'm reacting to. Not Yumichika."

"You serious?" asked Ichigo in a tone that was half-hopeful, half-doubtful.

Reaching up to cup Ichigo's face in her hand, Orihime said softly, "Completely," with a light giggle, Orihime went on, "I think Yumichika is doing something similar for his acting as well."

With a confused frown, Ichigo asked, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that I don't think he's picturing me as his angel, but the woman he loves instead."

When Ichigo kept giving Orihime a blank look, she said, "He's thinking about Isane."

"What…you're saying that that guy likes…a guy like him is in love…"

"Yes, Ichigo and don't make it sound like it's such an impossible match. Yumichika has said before that he loves beautiful things and beautiful people. Most people assume that he means expensive, flashy and gaudy, but I think he prefers a more simple, elegant beauty, which is why he's in love with Isane."

Mulling over Orihime's words, Ichigo nodded slowly, "I guess that makes sense…"

Wrapping her arm around Ichigo's neck to pull him down to her level, Orihime kissed him briefly before she asked, "Now can you get through the rest of this shoot without looking like you want to kill someone?"

Drawing her against his chest, Ichigo said in a mock reluctant tone, "I guess so…"

"Good. Because I don't want to work with you professionally ever again if you're going to act like this every time," hastily Orihime added, "Not that I don't understand why you were jealous at first, but I don't think it should affect your work quite like it has today."

"Fine," said Ichigo.

Leaning away from Ichigo before he could kiss her, Orihime asked firmly, "Promise?"

"Promise," Ichigo said quickly before he swooped in for a more substantial kiss.

The rest of the afternoon shooting went smoothly after lunch so that it wasn't long before Shunsui announced, "All right people! Let's check the gate because I think we got it!"

There was loud cheering from the stage and Ichigo immediately made his way over to Orihime's side.

He leaned over to whisper in her ear, "If I ever have to do something like this again and you are involved…I'm playing the male lead. And that's a promise."

Author's Note:

Ummm...can't think of anything much to say other than hope you liked it!