Author's Note: Hey there readers! It's xXxMiserableLoveFairyxXX. Yes, I am doing a collab for this story, so I hope you all enjoy and review it!


Stage 2: The Chase


He drummed his fingers nervously on the desk, his hand reached up and curled into his bright orange hair. He stared longingly at the scrap of paper that had Rukia's phone number on it. He was pondering whether to call her or not.

His eyes rolled back slowly to his laptop screen, with a blank document opened up nearly two hours ago, not even a damn introduction on the sonnets yet.

He let out a small growl before grabbing his bag, digging into it fiercely, and soon found his cell phone.

He activated the touch screen phone pad and dialed in Rukia's number.

It rang a few times before a click was heard.

"Hello?" She asked, Ichigo could how bored she was when she had answered the phone.

"Uh…" How smooth of him, he should've thought out on how to say hello to her.

"If my crazy friend Rangiku gave you my phone number so you could try to date me, I don't think so, bye."Ichigo panicked and fumbled around.

"No! Wait! Rukia, it's me, Ichigo!" The tone shifted and he could even imagine Rukia blinking as she held away the phone and put it back to her ear.

"Ichigo?" Rukia asked and Ichigo released a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, the guy you met in the library a couple of days ago." Ichigo shifted to his laptop and began playing on some computer games.

"I know who you are, so, what's up?" He could hear her chewing on some chips and the tapping of her laptop keyboard as they talked.

"Are you calling to go take up my offer on that essay?" Rukia asked as she cleared her throat and Ichigo smiled uneasily, why else would he call her? I mean, it's not like he was attracted to her or anything…

"Yeah, I kind of need some help, my essay's due in two days and I've got no clue on how to start it." He spoke as he fiddled with his thumbs and he heard a small bit of laughter over the phone.

"I'd love to help you, meet me at the University Apartments; I'll be waiting for you outside of Block 2." He heard the phone click and Ichigo shrugged as he shut off his phone, gathered his laptop, book, and notes into a bag and went out of his apartment. He walked out of his room only to be greeted with his roommate Uryu making coffee.

"Where are you going Kurosaki?" Uryu asked as he took a sip once he finished adding the first packet of sugar. Ichigo grabbed his wallet, keys, and slipped on his shoes.

"Out, bye." Uryu rolled his eyes as Ichigo opened the door and there stood Uryu's girlfriend, Ichigo stepped to the side as Nemu entered in. "Make sure you don't get the sheets dirty!" Ichigo yelled as he closed the door and Uryu blushed red as Nemu stared at him.

"Stupid idiot." Uryu muttered.

Ichigo squinted at the bright sun and started running through his head the way to get to Block 2. He turned to the left and began walking. Block 2 wasn't far and in about three minutes he saw a petite figure standing outside of Block 2. Wearing black sports shorts that reached mid thigh, a comfortable purple v-neck, and her black hair tied up into a high bun, she was listening to her IPod and texting on her phone.

After running a hand through his spiked orange hair, he walked towards her; she looked up at him and gave him a gorgeous smile. He felt his heart just pound a little faster.

"Hey there Ichigo, you ready to go work on your essay?" Rukia asked and Ichigo nodded firmly.

"Yeah, so where do you want to do this?" Ichigo asked as Rukia turned around and started walking, signaling for him to follow.

"We can just do this up in my place, come on." Ichigo followed and shortly reached Rukia's apartment, where she opened the door to a lavender colored apartment. He took off his shoes and placed it near her doorway as she closed her door.

"Just drop off your stuff on the couch. Do you want anything?" Rukia rushed into the kitchen and Ichigo sat on the couch.

"Uh, if you have soda, or water I could have that." Rukia came back with a can of ice cold Cola and set it on the table while she took a sip of her lemon iced water.

Ichigo took out his laptop, notes, and book and set them down on the table. Quickly typing in the password to his laptop and took out the empty document that had resided on his screen. Rukia had already dug into his notes and read each of them thoroughly.

"I have an idea on what I'm going to write, I just don't know how to start this off though." Ichigo stated and Rukia held up one page of his notes and pointed to various points on the sheet of paper.

"Let's use these and then we'll go through your quotes to find which quote fits with which paragraph."

Ichigo and Rukia smiled at each other as they looked through the notes and tried to organize what could be used for his paper.

A couple of hours later, after completing half of his essay, Ichigo stood up.

"I need to use the bathroom." Ichigo said and Rukia pointed to the door at the end of the hallway.

"Down there. I'll save this for you on your computer since it's getting late." Rukia stated as Ichigo muttered a thanks as he walked down to the bathroom briskly. Rukia scanned at all of the energy drinks she had given to him, he had gulped down all of them in a matter of a few seconds.

She went to go save the document and opened the files folder and a file caught her eye. Looking back at the locked bathroom door, she turned her attention back to the document called, Shakespeare essay and opened it. It was a completed essay, Rukia widened her eyes.

The bathroom door unlocked itself and Rukia saw Ichigo walk towards her and sit back down on the couch.

"Are you having problems or something saving our document?" Ichigo asked and Rukia leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared at him.

"I don't know, I don't think I have to save our essay." Ichigo arched an orange brow and looked at Rukia.

"Why are you thinking that?" Ichigo asked and Rukia looked at his computer screen, at the finished essay done a few days ago.

"Because you already have an essay done." Ichigo widened his eyes as his eyes looked over at the completed essay he had finished a few days ago. He was caught. Shit.

"I-I'm sorry. I just-." He was interrupted when Rukia kissed his cheek as she smiled at him and got up.

"You know, if you wanted to spend time with me, you could've just asked." She went to her room and came out with a light jacket and zipped it up. Ichigo arched a brow at her.

"What are you doing?" Ichigo asked as Rukia chucked his shoes at him.

"Come on, you're taking me out." Rukia held out her hand and Ichigo took it readily and she dragged him out of her apartment.

They found themselves at the mall, and Ichigo had went up the ice cream kiosk with Rukia. He looked at her,

"What flavor do you want?" He watched her examine the ten flavors in the kiosk, she pointed to the creamy pink tub with dark red chunks in it. Raising a brow, he forked over the money.

"Two strawberry ice creams please." The cashier took the money and gave two large waffle cones, filled with thick strawberry ice cream. Ichigo handed one to Rukia, which she took gladly and immediately dug in.

They sat down at the edge of the streaming fountain and lapped up their ice cream with their tongues.

"I didn't peg you to be a person to eat your own kind." Rukia teased as her tongue indulged in the icy treat. Ichigo glared at her.

"My name doesn't mean strawberry, it means one who protects. It fits me though." They finished their cones in a comfortable silence and Rukia pointed to the glowing arcade with flashing neon lights.

"Do you play?" Rukia asked as she got up and wiped her moist hands on her shorts. Ichigo got up, looked at the arcade and snorted.

"What do you mean do I play? Of course I play, I'm a male." Rukia took his large hand and began dragging him to the arcade, once inside the clean and dark arcade, Rukia pointed to a bright game.

"You want to play DDR?" Ichigo asked as Rukia fished out her wallet and held up twenty dollars.

"You know how to play right?" Rukia and Ichigo walked over to the coin machine and inserted her bills.

"I beat everyone I play against." Rukia dropped a small amount of coins into his hand while he helped her up onto the platform of the game.

"Oh really now? Let's make it a bet." Rukia smirked devilishly as she crossed her arms against her chest and began moving her foot to find the perfect music on the game.

"Loser has to give something to the winner that is in the mall." Ichigo made up and Rukia nodded her head.

"Sounds reasonable, this song okay?" Rukia asked as Ichigo tapped the okay button.

"Let's go." The game had begun.

Ichigo walked with a cloud of defeat, Rukia was really good at DDR. She had matched all of the moves in the game and did it with ease.

"Alright, I want my payment." They had reached the fountain and Ichigo put his hands in his pockets.

"Well, what do you want?" Ichigo asked and Rukia shrugged with a smile on her face.

"Surprise me, but if you want a suggestion, there's a Chappy store on the upper level." Ichigo tapped a finger onto his chin and smiled.

"I've got a good idea, close your eyes." Rukia immediately shut her eyes and Ichigo took in a deep breath as he came close to her.

"Just keep still okay?" Ichigo whispered and Rukia nodded as he leaned in and gave her a brief peck on the lips. He pulled back to see a smile curl onto her lips as she opened her eyes.

"Someone's bold." Ichigo chuckled as he turned away and Rukia looked at her cell phone.

"Hey," She caught Ichigo's attention and he looked at her, "We have to go now, but we can go out again sometime if you want." Rukia offered and Ichigo held out his arm for her to take, she looped her arm in his and they began walking.

"Yeah, I'd like that."

That day, they had another date, which progressed into many more dates over the next two months.

They had been to festivals, parties, the mall again, restaurants, and did almost everything with each other.

Ichigo waited in Rukia's apartment as she got ready to go the small amusement park they were holding at the local park. Ichigo checked his watch for the fifth time; they needed to be on time for the surprise he was planning.

Rukia came out and waved to him.

He examined her, her hair was slightly curled, wearing a bit of liner, red lips, and a strapless red dress with white polka dots on it. With the red dress, she was wearing a thick white belt that cinched her waist.

She smiled as he got up and scratched the back of his head.

"You look nice." Ichigo commented as he held out his arm for her and she automatically looped her arm in his.

"You look nice too." Rukia commented as they walked out of her apartment and felt the hot summer breeze hit them.

"So, where are we going for our date? They turned on a corner and walked straight.

"Well, since it's my turn to plan our date, I thought I'd take you somewhere special, since it's been three months since we started going out on dates."

"That special place would be?" Rukia asked as Ichigo took out a blindfold.

"It's a surprise, so wear this." Rukia arched a brow at the blindfold, took it, and wrapped it around her eyes gently. Ichigo took Rukia's hand and they began to walk again.

"I'm surprised you're so compliant." Ichigo said as they walked and Rukia rolled her eyes as she smirked.

"Well you did say it was a surprise, I didn't want to ruin it for myself. I'm sure whatever you planned will be fun." Rukia faintly heard loud music that blasted everywhere and Ichigo smiled as they reached the entrance of the amusement park. His fingers went to the blindfold.

"Okay, we're here." Ichigo caught the blindfold as it slipped off of Rukia's face and saw Rukia's face light up.

"It's the amusement park!" Ichigo laughed a little bit at her childish behavior as she grabbed his hand again and ran inside to go buy tickets.

After walking around for an hour or so, going on rides together, and finally picking up some food, they walked past a game. It was those cheesy water gun games, but the grand prize was large Chappy dolls with bows and ribbons tied around its neck. Rukia's eyes filled with excitement once again as she swallowed her cotton candy and pointed at it.

"It's Chappy!" Ichigo looked at the game and arched an orange brow.

"You like a rabbit that's generally aimed for 5-10 year old audiences?" Rukia lightly smacked his arm.

"It's cute, and I really like Chappy. It's one of the things I could never grow out of." Ichigo sighed as he took out three dollars and walked over to the attendant and handed it to him.

"I want to play to get that Chappy doll." Ichigo looked over and saw Rukia smiling as they sat down in the chairs and another couple came up and demanded to play as well. The game had started and Ichigo had easily won after a few minutes. The attendant looked at Rukia and gave a coy smile.

"So Ma'am, what color Chappy do you want?" Ichigo snorted at the attendant, trying to flirt with his date.

"I'm not the one who won the game." Rukia stated and the attendant looked over at Ichigo who glared at him.

"Give me the purple one. Her favorite color is purple." The attendant went to unhook the Chappy doll with the purple ribbon around its neck before Rukia stopped him.

"Actually, give me the orange one," Ichigo looked down at her with puzzled eyes.

"Your favorite color is purple though." Rukia smirked at him and pointed at the orange one.

"I want the orange one, it'll remind me of our date today." The attendant frowned as he stared at Ichigo with menacing eyes. He unhooked the orange one and handed it to Ichigo who swiped it out of his hands. Ichigo then handed the Chappy doll to Rukia who immediately hugged it.

"Thanks Ichigo." Rukia went up and kissed his cheek as they locked arms and began walking away. When Rukia wasn't looking, Ichigo discreetly flipped off the attendant who had been glaring at Ichigo and looked off with disgust as Ichigo smirked.

Ichigo looked at his watch and then gently steered Rukia to his favorite ride.

"So, where are we going next?" Rukia asked as she took a sip out of their shared drink and Ichigo took the cup from her lips to take a sip as well.

"I'm going to take you on my favorite ride; it's good for looking at the sunset since it's almost time for the sun to set." They quickly walked to the ride where a short line was in front of them. They waited for a bit and when they got into the front of the line, handed tickets to the attendant.

"Couple seating right?" Ichigo nodded and the attendant pushed them in and had them do all the safety precautions. He closed the door and locked it.

"The ride will start momentarily, please keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times, and do not move until the ride comes to a complete stop. Thank you." The intercom clicked off and the ride began quickly, rotating them in complete wheels.

"Why do you like this ride so much?" Rukia asked and Ichigo looked out over at the sun beginning to lower itself slowly.

"My mom took me here every single day when the carnival was open. We would always go on this ride; she said looking at the sunset on this ride was the best." Ichigo could feel the ride slowing down, but he looked at Rukia who was enjoying the view of everything surrounding her. He put his arm around her shoulders and Rukia automatically leaned in.

The ride finally stopped and Ichigo almost high fived himself for getting the seat that was right at the top. There was a comfortable silence that enveloped Rukia and Ichigo as they stared at the sky that turned a cool orange, filled with red, pinks, and yellows. The sun turning large and darker was beginning to set over the Karakura Lake and bridge.

"Hey Midget, can I tell you something?" Rukia managed to punch his knee harshly as they stared at the sun.

"Yeah, what is it Strawberry?" They both smiled softly at their nicknames and Ichigo leaned his head on top of hers.

"You're one of the most amazing girls I've ever met, you know that?" Ichigo asked and Rukia stifled a laugh.

"Of course I do, I'm known for being amazing." The sun was barely grazing the bridge as they stared, the bright lights of the city slowly popping up.

"You're awesome, stubborn, a complete psycho, and beautiful." Ichigo let his gaze go down, and he saw Rukia smiling and blushing faintly.

"Go on." The sun now hit the lake and gave off a beautiful reflection on the glimmering water.

"Since we've been dating for months, I was wondering," He took in a deep breath and exhaled,

"Will you be my girlfriend?" Rukia sighed deeply as she lifted her head off of Ichigo's body and grasped his chin and made him face her. She gazed into his eyes and smiled.

"Yes, I'll be your girlfriend." Both leaned and shared a sweet and tender kiss, their free hands intertwining as they kissed and pulled themselves away. Rukia went back to her comfortable position on Ichigo's body as the ride began moving again.

Both smiled contently.

Their chase for each other was over.


Author's note: Oh god, I'm so tired. I finished writing this after a week or two. I hoped you like this chapter! This is xXxMiserableLoveFairyxXx please stayed tuned for La Vie Musicale's next chapter! Enjoy, read, and review please!