Happy April Fools! I don't have any jokes for you, except this story ;) Thanks for reading!
Week 3
Couples Therapy
"Good morning," Dr. Yoruichi greeted the pair as they entered her office. "I must say, I am very impressed with you two. You made incredible improvement, almost overnight. What provoked the sudden change?"
'We wanted to win the money' seems like the wrong answer. Ichigo tried to think of something better.
"Well," Rukia answered for them. "I thought a lot about what you said. I realized that I am unfair to Ichigo sometimes and I wanted to show him that I'm trying to work on that."
The doctor smiled widely. "Wonderful! And has this had any effect on your relationship, Ichigo?"
The orange-haired man smiled and put his arm around his pretend-girlfriend's shoulders. "I think it has, Doctor. I hope we can continue to impress you this week."
"I'm sure you will!" Dr. Yoruichi praised the pair. "However, I also know that this will be an important week for you two, as trust seems to be the main issue in your relationship. Rukia, you really stepped up last week, but I'd like to see you put more faith in Ichigo moving forward. Do you think you can ask him for help this week?"
Rukia squirmed uncomfortably, and Ichigo grinned. Even acting, he knew that this would be difficult for the petite woman.
"Ichigo," she put her hand on his and took a deep breath. "I want to be able to trust you more and you can help me with that by showing me that you're invested in this relationship and not just your work."
Dr. Yoruichi's eyebrows rose slightly at declaration and she looked curiously at Ichigo for his response.
Fully hamming it up, Ichigo put his hand on top of hers, and nodded solemnly. "This relationship means the world to me. Just give me a chance to prove it."
"Ok," Rukia said slowly. "I trust you."
The House
"Seems like you and Rukia are really working things out," Gin commented as he climbed onto the treadmill next to Ichigo. The two men were alone in the gym later that day. Ichigo pulled out his headphones and reduced the speed on his machine.
"Yeah, I guess so." He acknowledged between heavy breaths. "You and Rangiku have been fine from the start though. It must be nice to have a relationship like that."
Gin smiled wryly and set his own treadmill to a slow walk. "Be careful what you wish for. You're still young and life is full of options. There's less hope for an old man like me whose only appeal is money and power."
Ichigo paused awkwardly, unsure of how serious the other man was being. "Well, you know, if you want to get in better shape, I could give you some tips," he tried changing the subject.
"Ah, no," Gin laughed and waved off Ichigo's suggestion. "I'm just here today to make sure I won't have a heart attack during the physical challenge tomorrow. It's supposed to be the most difficult so far, you know?"
"How do you know that?" Ichigo wondered. "I thought contestants weren't allowed to know anything about upcoming events."
"Like I said, money and power." The older man shrugged dismissively. "I've just been in the movie business long enough to make some friends. I do hope you're not afraid of heights."
"Of course not!" Ichigo scoffed. "It's some sort of obstacle course, then? Or a zipline?"
"Not bad guesses," Gin nodded approvingly. "Let's see... I imagine it'll be quite a reach, sort of like hitting a wall, in a way. Might even put your relationship on the rocks if you can't climb to a victory."
"Uh huh," The orange-haired man mumbled, trying to put the clues together. "I think I get what you're saying. I appreciate the heads up."
"Not a problem." Gin stopped his treadmill and stepped off delicately. "You're not our biggest competition this week."
"Wait," Ichigo turned around quickly. "You're trying to get a specific couple out? Who is it?"
"Anyone that's been together longer than... say, three weeks?" Gin had become disarmingly serious.
"I-I don't know what you mean..." Ichigo fumbled.
"Don't worry about it, kid." He smiled again, laughing, and waved him off. "Like I said, you're not a target this week. I'll see you at dinner, yeah?"
"Yeah," Ichigo said quietly as the older man walked away. Have we been found out already?
Challenge
"Welcome back, everyone!" Urahara shouted enthusiastically as the couples exited a large van and came to stand in front of a large rock climbing wall. "We have an exciting challenge for you all today and I just know you're all going to 'rock' it!"
Uryuu let out a sad sigh at the pun, but Ichigo was too excited to pay attention to the other contestant beside him.
"Finally." He said quietly to Rukia, who was standing on his other side. "Something that we have a chance at winning!"
He had decided against mentioning his odd conversation with Gin to his partner, preferring to let her be pleasantly surprised about the type of challenge when the time came. But, no response came from the petite woman like he had expected.
Confused, Ichigo looked down to see Rukia white-knuckled and wide-eyed. "Rukia? What's wrong?"
Finally, tearing her violet eyes away from the rock wall, she looked up at him and barely whispered, "I'm afraid of heights."
"What!?" Ichigo whisper-shouted. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"I didn't think it was important!" Rukia hissed back. "Besides, it's embarrassing."
"And, now, let's explain the rules for today's challenge!" Urahara continued with his introduction.
Ichigo ran a hand through his hair and groaned to himself. Of course, the midget's afraid of heights... How are we going to make this work?
"We'll be putting our couples' trust to the test with this physical challenge! Not only do they have to both make it to the top, but partners will also be attached with this connector rope!" The announcer pulled out a black cord, only five feet long. "This means that couples will have to climb alongside each other and, if one partner falls, the other partner can keep them in the game as long as they hang on tight!"
"So, whoever makes it to the top gets to move on to next week?" Renji asked skeptically. Both professional athletes, he and Tatsuki were clearly excited about the athletic requirements.
"We'd have a problem if everyone made it to the top, then, wouldn't we?" Urahara laughed. "Each couple will be timed on their attempt! And the better your time, the better options you'll get in your group therapy session later this week, so I definitely recommend doing your best today!"
"Hear that?" Ichigo nudged the terror-stricken woman beside him. "We just have to beat one other couple to make it to next week. We can deal with the group therapy session when we get to it."
Rukia shook her head quietly. "I don't know if I can do it. Maybe we can still get through if we do really well in therapy?"
"I don't know if that'll work..." Ichigo's determination softened slightly at her genuine fear. "Just give it your best, ok? We have to at least try."
Rukia nodded reluctantly as Tatsuki and Renji raced to be the couple to go first.
.
"Wow! What a time!" Urahara exclaimed as Renji and Tatsuki began their descent from the wall. The pair had raced each other rather than working together which had lost them some time, but they still managed to complete the wall in less than six minutes.
"Who's up next?" Urahara pointed to Ichigo and Rukia. "How about you two?"
Rukia stiffened, but Ichigo pulled her along gently. "It's going to be fine," he tried to sound reassuring as they got into the climbing harnesses. "See? It's totally safe. They're not going to let you fall."
Rukia did not seem convinced but she managed to force her body to walk forward until they were both in front of the wall.
"Just don't look down, ok? Focus on what's in front of you," Ichigo motivated as he started climbing. He only got a few feet up before the rope between them pulled tight. "Rukia?"
"Ok, I'm coming," she said, taking a deep breath.
They managed to make it about a quarter of the way before Ichigo felt the connector rope tighten again. Rukia was totally frozen.
"I'm sorry. I can't go any higher." Her eyes were closed, Ichigo noticed, and she was clinging to the wall.
"Rukia?" He climbed down so they were eye-level again. "Hey, Rukia, I have an idea, ok?"
The dark-haired girl peeked an eye open at him.
"You're going to have to trust me," he explained. "I'm going to carry you to the top so you just keep your eyes closed and hold on."
"Are you crazy?" Rukia was now fully paying attention to the man beside her. "What if you fall? What if you drop me!? No way in hell!"
"You said you were going to trust me," Ichigo stood his ground. "You got us through the last challenge, let me get us through this one."
Rukia looked terrified. "You're serious?"
"I am serious. Now, come here." He reached out and pulled her toward him by her safety line. "Remember, you're a lot lighter with the harness and ropes. I'm not going to drop you."
Rukia reluctantly released her grip on the wall and let herself be pulled into Ichigo's chest. She buried her face into his shoulder and wrapped her arms and legs around his neck and waist in a death grip.
"Ok," Ichigo gasped through the chokehold around his neck. "Here we go."
Grateful for his long limbs, Ichigo scaled the wall effortlessly and within minutes, they were repelling back down again. Unsteady on his feet after being in the air, Ichigo fell backwards upon hitting the ground.
"Did we make it?" Rukia asked hesitantly when she felt the impact.
"And our second couple has finished their climb!" Urahara announced to the viewers at home. "Ichigo and Rukia got a time of 15:07, putting them in second place behind Renji and Tatsuki! Well, maybe we should just give Ichigo the credit for that one! Talk about trust!"
Urahara laughed at his own joke and spun around. "How about we have you two next?" He pointed at Gin and Rangiku.
"Well, we certainly can't compete with that, can we, darling?" Rangiku cooed to the older man beside her.
"You're certainly in the better shape of the two of us," Gin praised his partner as the crew fitted them for their harnesses. "I'll do my best not to slow you down too much."
.
Rukia still seemed to be in a daze as the other couple began their climb.
"So," Ichigo started awkwardly, "you want to get up or..."
The petite woman gasped and jumped up from his lap. "Sorry, I just..." she stammered.
"No problem," Ichigo shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I just think the crew wanted the harnesses back, is all"
"Right, of course." Rukia nodded, starting to pull the safety equipment off.
.
Despite the couple's humble comments, Gin and Rangiku worked together well on the wall and managed to complete the climb in nine minutes.
This put Ichigo and Rukia at risk of coming in last, but fortunately for them, Orihime was particularly enamored with Ichigo's stunt and demanded that Uryuu carry her up the wall in a similar fashion.
.
"Orihime, sweetheart, I would do anything to make you happy, but I am a fashion designer, not a professional meathead. Why don't we just work together? I don't want to see you disappointed," Uryuu tried to reason.
"We never do things my way!" She protested. "You're such a pessimist. You haven't even tried!"
.
"Well, folks, to no one's surprise, that did not end well!" Urahara announced as the last couple slipped off the wall. "That puts Uryuu and Orihime in last place for the challenge this week, and makes them significantly at risk of going home during our elimination. Can they save themselves during our group therapy session coming up next? Stay tuned to find out!"
Group Therapy
"So, everyone understands the rules for this week's group therapy exercise, correct?" Dr. Yoruichi looked around the room to observe blank and confused stares.
"It does seem a bit... complicated," Rangiku finally spoke up. "Could you go over it one more time?"
"Ok, but pay attention this time." The therapist sighed. "Your goal is to plan an ideal day for your partner. Your partner has already identified their top choice for each of the categories, so we'll know if you make the right choice for them. However, they'll end up getting whatever you pick for them, even if it's not what they would have chosen for themselves. Clear so far?"
The group nodded obediently.
"Based on your ranking from the challenge yesterday, each couple will have a different number of options to choose from. For example, Renji and Tatsuki will automatically get their first choices because they each only have one option to choose from for each category. Second, Gin and Rangiku will have three options each. Ichigo and Rukia have five, and Orihime and Uryuu have seven. This means that the higher you placed, the higher chance you have of picking your partner's top choice."
"And will you remind our viewers what exactly those categories are, my lovely co-judge?" Urahara asked sweetly from off to the side.
"Of course," Dr. Yoruichi smiled at the camera. "The three categories for our couples' luxury day provide three opportunities for each partner to make the other happy tomorrow. First, partners will choose a fun, individual activity for each other, then they will have dinner together with whatever menu their partner has chosen for them, and finally, their partner will select their clothing items to be worn to bed that night."
"Oh, how intriguing!" Urahara added. "You have a dirty mind, doctor! What an exciting opportunity, to be totally at the mercy of your partner's whims and desires..."
"This is a highly-regarded, research-supported, therapeutic exercise, Urahara. Please don't sully it with your base assumptions." Dr. Yoruichi reprimanded her co-star.
"Oh, absolutely not, doctor." Urahara agreed quickly. "Let's see how our couples will get on with this exhilaratingly deviant exercise, then, shall we? We'll get right to it after these commercial messages!"
.
Could a horse even support Ichigo's weight...? Rukia wondered to herself as she tried to make the best selections for Ichigo's luxury day. Or maybe he'd like snorkeling with sharks?
Ichigo, in a similar fashion, pondered about what Rukia might enjoy most of the choices they were provided. I don't think I've ever seen her eat Italian food... And for nightwear? He hesitated over the choice he was tempted to make before choosing something that Rukia was more likely to appreciate. Definitely would've gotten killed for that one.
.
At the end of the next day, after their individual activities, all the couples returned to their respective rooms for romantic evenings together.
"You'd think after all the extravagance this afternoon, we could have had dinner in an actual restaurant," Rukia commented drily as she sat down at the cheap dining table set up on the balcony outside their room at the house.
Ichigo smirked at her comment. "I don't think dinner is supposed to be the highlight of tonight."
"What do you mean?" Rukia looked up at the man across from her with a confused look, before following his pointed gaze at the large, plush bed just inside their room.
"Oh," Rukia cleared her throat. "I guess that explains why they had us choose night wear for each other."
"Did you have fun with your movie thing?" Ichigo asked, trying to break up the tension that had fallen over the pair.
"I did!" The dark-haired woman chirped brightly. "I was worried you were going to pick something stupid for me, but the museum and movie screening were really interesting. Thank you."
"Imagine that," Ichigo rolled his eyes. "The actress likes museum exhibits on cinema and old movie screenings. I thought that was a pretty clear choice."
Rukia shot him a disapproving look before retorting, "Seems like your activity didn't do anything for your bad attitude. Maybe it's incurable."
Ichigo huffed before admitting, "It was actually really cool. The trails by the beach were perfect for running and the sport massage was perfect for my sore shoulder."
Rukia raised an eyebrow, suggesting she was waiting for Ichigo to say more.
"So, thanks," Ichigo finally said reluctantly. "When are we eating?"
"Your food is right here, sir!" Hanataro barged in cheerfully as he scurried in through their bedroom and out onto the balcony, carrying a large tray. He uncovered the dish to reveal several plates of food.
"Did you just let yourself into our bedroom?" Ichigo asked incredulously, but the nervous server didn't seem to notice his question.
He set two plates in front of Ichigo loaded with a variety of meats and vegetables and another pair of plates in front of Rukia.
"This looks wonderful," she complimented. "Thank you, Hanataro."
The younger man blushed at being thanked. "Here you go, Miss Rukia. Your dish is an assortment of dumplings and carefully crafted Chappy cake. I'll excuse myself for now, but I'll be back later to make the last delivery of the night." He bowed before stepping away.
"Chappy cake?" Rukia wondered aloud once Hanataro had left their room again.
Ichigo shrugged, mouth full of food already. "You ordered dumplings that one day we were studying before the interviews, remember? The cake was just the dessert that came with it; I don't really know anything else about it."
Blushing slightly, she pulled the plastic Chappy toy off the top of the cake and set it by her plate.
"It's certainly cute," she said lightly.
"Yeah, well," Ichigo started awkwardly. "It looks better if we choose things that the other person likes, right? That's all I was trying to do."
"Of course," Rukia agreed quickly. "That's what I was doing too."
"Good." Ichigo nodded, unsure of what to say next.
"Good." The petite woman echoed quietly, suddenly shy. "I do also want to say thank you for the other day, with the challenge. We probably wouldn't be moving on this week if it wasn't for you."
"It was nothing," Ichigo waved off her gratitude. "That's why I'm here in the first place. You're pretty light anyway, midget. It wasn't that hard."
Rukia's eyes narrowed, shyness evaporated. "Don't call me that."
"Whatever you say, sweetheart," Ichigo cooed obnoxiously.
"Just forget I ever said anything nice to you, ok? I'm starting to regret it," Rukia groaned, turning away from the table to look out over the edge of the balcony.
It was late in the day and the sun had started to set, bathing the couple and the bedroom behind them in a soft pink light.
Ichigo was silent, unable to find a comeback, but taking advantage of the opportunity to study the woman across from him as she looked away. She is sort of attractive after all...
Violet eyes flicked over in his direction, looking suspicious. "What?"
"Nothing," Ichigo shook his head. "Just thinking about the next part of the night."
"The nightwear?" Rukia quickly turned to look at him, blushing red.
"I hope you picked out something nice for me." The taller man chuckled.
Rukia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You better not have chosen anything perverted."
Ichigo shrugged innocently. "I guess we'll have to see, won't we?"
.
"You really think this is all being recorded?" Rukia asked quietly, arms crossed shyly in front of her chest. The couple had finished with dinner and already changed into their designated outfits for the night.
Ichigo, comfortably sprawled out on the bed in a pair of black boxers, looked over at her as she sat down next to him. "Why, you nervous?"
"No," she snapped. "A real actress is comfortable in any role."
"Oh, good," he commented off-handedly. "Then you can take off the robe and show me the outfit I picked out?"
Rukia took a long, deep breath before sighing in defeat. "You really thought that this is what I would have chosen for myself?"
Removing the robe revealed a silky purple tank top and shorts set. While not explicitly revealing, it was certainly more revealing than the cozy yellow pajama set she had been wearing to bed up until this point.
Ichigo grinned, taking a moment to admire the woman across the room. "I assure you I could've chosen something much worse."
Rukia shot him a look. "You haven't said anything about my choice for you."
Ichigo looked down at the boxers he was wearing, considering them for a moment. "They're not very exciting, but this is what I would've chosen to wear."
"You're welcome." Rukia responded shortly, folding the discarded robe and placing it on a chair by their bed. "Enjoy it while you can."
A confused frown formed on the man's face. "What does that mean?"
As if to answer his question, a loud knock sounded on the door. Without waiting for anyone to answer, Hanataro let himself in, carrying a large box.
"Last delivery of the night!" He announced cheerfully before catching sight of Rukia. The man blushed, suddenly sheepish. "Miss Rukia, you look beautiful. I'm sorry to barge in like this, but I brought the item you requested."
Rukia's cheeks tinged pink as well and she cleared her throat in an attempt to sound professional. "That's very kind, Hanataro. I appreciate you going to the extra effort."
Fed up with being left out, and slightly jealous, Ichigo finally spoke up, "Why are you here? I thought we were done for the day."
"I can explain," The shorter man jumped, quickly averting his gaze from Rukia's pajama-clad form. "Miss Rukia chose two options for tonight, which normally isn't allowed," Hanataro stammered nervously, "but I know her heart was in the right place so I went out and got the second choice anyway."
He presented the box to Ichigo. The orange-haired man took it cautiously and opened it to discover fluffy orange fabric inside.
"What the hell is this?" He asked as he pulled it out.
Rukia grinned. "Your pajamas for tonight! Don't you like them?"
In his hands, Ichigo held out a lion-shaped onesie. "You're kidding."
"Not at all!" Hanataro chimed in. "Miss Rukia was quite excited about this option. I'm sure the judges will be happy that you're continuing to prove your love after your feat in the challenge this week."
"I love her to death, all right." Ichigo resigned himself to his fate, unwilling to protest with Hanataro and the judges potentially watching from afar. He reluctantly pulled the one-piece pajamas on.
"Great!" Hanataro exclaimed. "I'll leave you two for the night then. Good night, Miss Rukia!"
.
"Hanataro certainly seems smitten," Ichigo remarked snidely, still unhappily clad in the lion onesie. "You should stop encouraging him."
Rukia chuckled softly on the bed beside him. "You think so? It is nice to hear him say that I'm beautiful all the time though." She looked at the man out of the corner of her eye.
But there was no response from the man on the bed beside her. He pulled on the fuzzy hood of the pajamas uncomfortably. "Sorry, did you say something? I can't hear anything with this mane in my ears."
His smart grin gave him away, and Rukia rolled her eyes. "You might as well take it off if you're going to be so annoying about it."
"Impatient to get my clothes off, are we?" Ichigo rolled over so he was on his stomach and pulled the petite woman toward him. "Don't forget we're putting on a show tonight," he whispered into the crook of her neck.
Rukia inhaled sharply at his warm breath on her sensitive skin before relaxing into his embrace. "One poor decision on my part and you turn into a wild animal," she teased, tugging playfully at the furry orange mane.
Ichigo smirked. "I think this is exactly the outcome you were hoping for."
.
Later that night, after they had both fallen asleep, moonlight trickled into the room. It highlighted the lion-inspired pajamas strewn on the floor and Rukia's cell phone on the nightstand. The phone vibrated for a moment before falling silent again. Unanswered, the caller id read "KAIEN."
Elimination
"Once again, everyone's least favorite part of the week!" Urahara lamented as the couples filed onto the stage.
Softly leaning against the taller man beside her, Rukia let her fingers nervously interlace with Ichigo's as they waited to hear the results. Only 3 couples left after tonight...
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"It's not fair!" Orihime protested, tears welling in her eyes, loudly displeased at being the couple to go home this week.
Uryuu put his arm around her and tried to console her quietly.
"So sorry to see you both go!" The host announced once the three remaining couples had taken their place off to the side. "It's been a pleasure having you join us these past few weeks, but it's time that we focus on what's to come!"
A hush fell over the audience as Urahara got ready to reveal the next theme. "Ladies and Gentlemen, pause for dramatic effect, we all know our couples are capable of whispering sweet nothings to each other after last night." He looked pointedly over his shoulder at the couples standing behind him.
Ichigo squeezed Rukia's petite hand, silently enjoying the embarrassment radiating from her pink cheeks.
"So!" Urahara waved his hand in the air. "Let's see how they get through the week without talking to each other at all! Next week's theme is: Communication!"
.
"Urahara..."
"Yes, my darling co-judge?" Urahara whirled around to face Dr. Yoruichi.
"You can't keep throwing the microphone on the ground after every closing ceremony. The sound people are upset with you."
Urahara looked at his empty hand in confusion and then at the black microphone by his feet. "Oh, you mean those are real?"
This was the last chapter that I had entirely pre-written, which means that updates will probably be slow from this point on. I'd love to hear about your theories for what may happen next! Or just what you did and didn't like :) See you next chapter!