A/N: Oh, wow. Well I really don't have any good excuses as to why I didn't update this in a long time expect that well life got rough. But I hope there are still some out there who will read this story and I know this chapter is short; I apologize for that. As for where this story is going, right now I'm pretty much going with the flow so we'll both have to see. I hope to finish this story this summer before taking on a new chapter in my life: college. Anyways I hope you enjoy!: )

*winter formal is a dance during the winter season

00000 = time jump

Couple of months after Ukitake's death

I let out a sigh as I walked down the hallway to the cafeteria. Ever since the school made the announcement that there would be a winter formal*, the students have been talking non-stop about who's going to ask who, what they're going to wear, what the theme is, etc. I was never one to get excited about stuff like this but ever since Matsumoto and Inoue started talking to me they've been chatting non-stop about how excited they were and who they were planning on going with.

"Yo! Rukia!" I lift my head up and saw Grimmjow walking towards me with his usual smirk. "Ulquiorra is waiting for at our table along with that big dude Chad and that wimpy boy." He jerked his thumb towards the table. "I'll see you later!" He ruffled my hair before walking off.

"Hmmph." I fixed my hair while walking towards the others. "Hey guys!" I greeted while taking a seat next to Chad.

"Hello Rukia-san!" Hanataro cheerfully greeted me while Chad just nodded and Ulquiorra passed me a plate with food.

I mumbled a thanks before digging in. "So are you excited for the winter formal?" Hanataro asked with a gleam in his eye.

I swallowed my food before answering. "Not really. I mean I don't think I'm going."

Hanataro pouted. "Whyyy? It'll be fun!" He whined.

I sighed. "I don't know. Social gatherings aren't really my thing." I explained. "Besides I don't think anyone will ask me any way."

Hanataro pointed to Ulquiorra. "You guys can go together?!" I looked at Ulquiorra curious how he would respond.

Ulquiorra grunted. "I have no time for such things." Hanataro pouted some and I chuckled. Many of the students here think that Ulquiorra and I have a thing going on, but we don't. We're close, I'll admit that but he reminds me Byakuya-nisama in a way. Silent yet protective. Plus I think he might have a thing for Inoue. He's been tutoring her lately in math. Maybe they'll go together?

"Chad are you going?" Hanataro asked with hopeful eyes.

Chad remained silent for a minute. "Maybe."

"Aww, Chad! Why can't you give a definite answer!?" Hanataro whined flailing his arms around and I chuckled at his goofiness.

00000000

Finally time to go home. Normally I like being at school especially now since I have made friends but the whole squealing of girls after they get asked by a guy to the winter formal was getting pretty annoying. The winter formal is two weeks away so I guess people need to start asking each other so they plan their night.

"Rukia!" I turned and Kaien was running down the hall. "Hey!" He cheerfully grinned when he caught up.

"Hello Kaien." I smiled at him and turned to keep walking.

"So the winter formal? You going?" He flunged his backpack behind as he walked next to me.

"Hmm I don't know."

"Well if you don't get a date, I might consider taking you." He teased with a grin.

I laughed. "Like I would want to go with you!" I stuck my tongue out at him and he pouted.

"No, but for real. Even if you don't get asked we can always go as friends." He ruffled my hair and teased. "After all, someone has to look after since Schiffer is falling head over heels for Inoue!"

I was surprised that he noticed Ulquiorra and Inoue, but I'm glad that things might be going better between them than I thought. "I don't need anyone looking after me." I playfully punched him. "But thanks." I smiled at him because I did appreciate the thought.

He smiled back. "So you better look for a dress because one way or another you're going!" He said determinedly before rushing off. "See ya, Rukia!"

A/N: So did you like this short chapter? Hopefully the next one will be longer! Anyways so I hope I cleared that Ulquiorra and Rukia will NOT be a couple as well as Kaien and Rukia. Keeping them as just friends. However IchiRuki and HitsuRuki are still on the table! Will they ask Rukia to the dance? How will Kaien, Ulquiorra, and Grimmjow make their lives rough by teasing them? Stay tuned to find out! Please review so I know there are still some people reading this!:)