Chapter 8: Let see what you got

Ichigo had no idea the depths of what he got himself into. Well, he knew seconds after he shook Rukia's hand that he would be doing nothing but school, dancing, and sleeping for the rest of the year and a good part of next year. But he had no idea how hard Rukia cracked the whip when it came to this dancing stuff.

Ichigo thought that, after agreeing to become her dance partner, that he'd at least get one day off to let his decision soak in, but he was greatly mistaken. He had to be at Kuromai theatre no later than 6:00 and no earlier than 5:59. And on a Sunday, no less! Already, Ichigo was regretting his decision.

He managed to do it, however, though through grinding teeth and grumbling voices. He showed up early, but waited outside the doors until his watch read exactly 6 o'clock before shoving apart the large front doors and striding inside. Hey, what they didn't know wouldn't hurt him.

It was a cold day, so Ichigo had on a pair of baggy sweat pants and a thick coat over his tank top shirt. He had his backpack slung over one shoulder with a change of clothes and shoes stuffed inside, along with his water bottle and a few snacks incase he got the chance to have a break. He would at least get a snack break…they had to at least give him that much…. hopefully.

Once inside, Rukia and Renji were already on the stage, stretching and talking about something Ichigo couldn't make out. He cocked his slightly, wondering if he could pick up on anything as he walked down the isle. All he could make out was mumbles, but apparently, the red headed one said something funny, because Rukia laughed and punched him gently in the arm.

It was the laugh that caught him.

Ichigo got the impression yesterday that Rukia was a gorgeous, graceful tight ass who had nothing better to do that strip people of their social life. But that laugh…more of a chime, to Ichigo… provided something different. She seemed more like a child in her fun loving state; small, elfin and fragile. Her tiny body seemed so flimsy compared to her red headed dance assistant sitting cross-legged on the stage, and even more so when he stood up next to her. And her being in black tights and a white swimsuit made the curves of her body very prominent. Her black hair was pulled back in a tight bun on top of her head, exposing her small neck to the world, and her ivory skin seemed to accent her natural rose lips more in the yellow stage lights. She really was a porcelain doll.

Rukia was still laughing when Ichigo's form caught her peripheral vision, and she looked down at him as he glided down the isle towards the stage. Her smile faded when he came into the light at the edge of the stage, and her eyes grew large.

She could have sworn it was Kaien. If only for a spilt second, she saw him standing there, smiling at her warmly like he always used to. Like he never left….

Than Ichigo's bright orange hair reminded her of reality as the second long reunion was halted from the flash of its vibrant color. Rukia shook her head lightly and rubbed a fist into her eyes. Was this really a good idea?

No…she couldn't let herself think like that. She knew what she had to do in order to redeem not only her title, but also Kaien's, and that meant purging all thoughts of doubt from her mind. She was going to go threw with this, regardless of the consequences. And besides, it would not be fair in the least bit to turn away Ichigo when he made the effort to get here…and on time, no less?

At that thought, Rukia smiled again, this time more businessman like than anything else. She put her hands on her carved hips and tilted her head at Ichigo.

"Wow, you made it. I'm surprised. Not many get here exactly on time." Rukia said as Ichigo threw his backpack on stage and hoisted himself up to her level.

"Yeah well…I try." he replied.

He was cocky…Rukia loved it. A cocky attitude meant a show-offie performance. And in dance, there's nothing more important than wide, out there moves. Her smile grew when he replied to her.

Ichigo breezed past her, placing his backpack against the brick wall at the end of the stage, before turning back to face his instructor.

He looked at her, taking in a deep breath and letting it out loudly, because he was growing very nervous. Rukia could tell right off the bat that he was, and she could only smirk at him, because he had every right to be nervous. And Rukia was going to play on that emotion until it was gone completely.

Rukia and Ichigo stood on opposite ends of the stage, starring at each other with serious eyes. Rukia still had her hands on her hips and Ichigo had his slack beside him. He had his coat off, so his white tank top was nearly blinding in the stage light, and his sweats hung loosely off his hips and the bottoms collected at his feet…they were just a little big on him.

"The first step to dancing is to admit you're scared," Rukia begin, her bossy tone back in action. Ichigo nodded, showing that he was listening.

"But don't confuse nervousness with fear. Nervousness is natural and will never go away. Fear is something that can be concurred and overcome."

" You will never unlock your full potential if you hide behind your fear of embarrassment. For one to dance freely, one must first become free…" Rukia walked forward towards Ichigo, who stiffened when she approached him.

"You have to release all thoughts of doubt and disarray form your mind and soul," Rukia began to circle him, looking him up and down with stern eyes. "Become free from the world outside so that you may create your own on stage."

She put her hands on Ichigo's back and slowly ran them up his spine. Ichigo tensed and caught his breath in his throat. Rukia paused fast; her hands mid-way up his back.

"Don't be afraid of me, Ichigo," Rukia said softly yet sternly, looking up at him. "If I'm to become your dance partner, you can't be afraid of my touch." Ichigo kept his eyes forward, hearing his heart thump in his head and felt his breathing hot in his lungs. He tried to calm down, but it wasn't working. Nothing seemed to calm his nerves.

"It's okay…" Rukia cooed. "Trust me…"

Rukia began to run her hands up his back again, but this time going very, very slow. Ichigo could hear himself quiver when he breathed, and he had no idea why he was reacting the way he was. It's not like he's never been touched like this from Inoue…on accident, mind you. But for some reason, Rukia's touch sent shivers down his spine…the very quiver that had been held in suspense since the first time he saw her. It was like her touch awaked his soul…made it alive again.

"Breath in…" Rukia commanded, her hands getting closer to his shoulder blades. Ichigo obeyed her and took in a deep breath and held it in.

"Breath out…" Rukia ordered again. Ichigo obeyed and let his breath out slowly.

"Again…" Rukia said. Ichigo repeated the ritual multiple times, each time feeling calmer and calmer. Rukia could feel the muscles in his back ease up and she smiled to herself briefly, proud that it was working. Her hands slid up the bone of Ichigo's shoulders than glided to the sides of his neck. She was shocked; even his skin felt like Kaien's. It was soft, unusually so, with hard muscles resting below like a beast ready to attack at any point. His neck was thick and strong, held together by bulging veins under his tan skin. Rukia lifted one finger and traced Ichigo's jaw line, feeling the hard bone underneath. Kaien's jaw always had a curve to it; not a big one, but one you could feel when you touched it. Ichigo's jaw line was exactly the same. She let her hands softly glide over his throat, feeling the tendons, the Adam's apple, and the under part of the chin. He was exactly the same…in almost every way. She let her hands slide down his shoulders, down his arms, and to his hands.

Those were different.

Kaine's was always calloused and rough…and huge. Ichigo's hand was indeed large but the texture was all too different. They were smooth…. softer than the skin on his neck, and his veins stuck out, forming designs underneath that looked like they were drawn on there. His hands were gorgeous.

Ichigo closed his eyes and sighed. Never had he felt so relaxed in a long time. He felt like he was numb, felling his skin grow hot wherever Rukia had touched. He felt like her touch was not foreign to him. It was like she had done this his whole life. He didn't try and flinch away when he felt Rukia take his hand and lift it up to her face. He…. trusted her.

"Feeling better?" Rukia asked, her voice like the wind. Ichigo mumbled and smiled, nodding lightly.

"Good." Rukia said softly. She slowly put Ichigo's hand back down at his side, than she sidestepped in front of him.

"Now touch me."

And we're nervous again.

Ichigo's eyes snapped open and he looked down at Rukia with red, red cheeks.

"Huh?" he squeaked out.

"You heard me. I proved that you could trust me, now you must prove that I can trust you. Touch me."

Ichigo stammered, bringing a shaking hand to his head as he rubbed his eyes. " I uh…but um I uh…."

"It's alright…I won't be offending…" Rukia reassured, her soft tone still lingering. Ichigo's hand flexed, knowing he should obey her but…. still hesitant. He wanted to prove himself but…at the same time, he was scared. This girl was very hands-on about everything. Hell, he's only met her three times, and two out of those times, its involved intimate somethings. He was really starting to wonder about her. But he knew he had to do it…if not for her than for the people who've supported him thus far. For his mother.

Ichigo's hand outstretched for Rukia's face, slowly but surly. Rukia just stood there patiently, watching as his fingers past her line of vision and touched her cheek. She closed her eyes the instant his fingers touched her skin, and she breathed in deeply, performing her calming mantra that she made Ichigo do earlier. Ichigo had noticed this and wondered to himself…. was she afraid too?

At first, Ichigo only let his fingertips caress her face, but after a few second, he allowed his palm to touch her too. She was soft…like silk, and her features were so very smooth, it was like she was carved out of marble. His feat was lost in an instant, and was replaced with curiosity. He slid his hand to the back of her neck, feeling the soft, black baby hairs sticking out as if to greet him. He slid his hand down her arms, feeling like he was touching an angel. He was so gentle with her, in fear that if a pressed too hard, he'd break her delicate form. He too examined her hand, taking it and holding it up to his face. He put his palm to hers, forcing her fingers out with his gently, and compared sizes.

They were so small compared to his. And her fingers were so slim and perfect…

"You see," Rukia began. Ichigo didn't stop looking at her hands when she spoke. "When you're not afraid of each other, you're not afraid to touch one another during dance. This provided an almost unbreakable bond between partners, because when you give up your body to each other, you are putting all trust you have into them."

Ichigo looked at her, his eyes obviously showing that he was thinking about what she had said. He remembered dancing tango before, and that dance in itself is rather touchy feely, but that was a long time ago, when he was younger. The only places on a woman he had to touch than, was her waist, neck, and occasionally her upper thigh. But now he was working with the pros, and they do things totally different. And as much as it sounded sexual, she was right. She had to trust him that her body will be safe in his arms, and that when they get into dancing, his touch won't scare her, or make her quiver. And that went the same for him…just not in the same degree. He has to trust that she wont force him to do anything unwanted, and that she would allow him to do what he needed during a routine and not worry about offending the pants off of her.

"Do you understand?" Rukia asked him, cocking her head slightly. Ichigo nodded.

"Okay, good." Rukia took her hand back and walked away, going back to her spot on the opposite end of the stage.

"Now!" she began, her voice loud and bossy again, taking Ichigo by surprise. He looked at her as she turned and faced him, a smirk on her face and a hand back on her hip.

"Let's see what you've got." Ichigo took a breath in, held it, than let it out. He was letting himself get scared again, and he was trying to calm himself down.

Rukia walked over to a boom box that had gone unnoticed until than, and pressed play. Music began and it was loud, nearly eardrum popping.

"We're going to turn this into a little game," Rukia yelled above the music, walking back to her spot. "You do what I tell you, when I tell you, and we'll see just how much you know, and how well you know them."

Ichigo nodded and licked his lips, preparing himself for whatever she told him. She let the music play a little bit, until a fast beat came up.

"Tap!" Rukia ordered, pointing at his feet. Ichigo didn't hesitate. He instantly began to tap dance to the beat of the song, surprising himself when he kept the beat. He was kind of glad that she chose one that he knew right off the bat, and he hoped she'd keep doing that. Rukia was inwardly surprised, though she didn't show it on her face, at how well he could tap. He brushed the floor with the ball of his foot, shuffled, ball-changed, camp-rolled and stomped. He was amazingly graceful.

"Ballet!" Rukia shouted.

Ichigo jumped in the air, than landed in a Plie, spun around and fell into an arabesque, or when you position your body on one leg while the other is raised behind you at an angle. He than preceded to jump in the air, spin, and land in the fifth position, or otherwise known as Tours en L'air.

Rukia was in awe. This boy certainly knew what he was doing, and how he was doing it. He was amazing to watch; so free when he flipped in the air, and so light when he taped. It was like he was a totally different person when he danced, like, even though he looked so miserable, when he danced he looked so calm. He was a true dancer.

Rukia decided that maybe she should try and trick him; just to see how quick he can be if he suddenly had to dance with two people.

"Ichigo!" She called, catching his attention when he landed after a flip. "Catch me!"

She didn't give him time to react. Without warning, she ran full out at him, lept in the air and closed her eyes.

Perhaps this was a bit too daring? What if he didn't catch her? She'd fall flat on her face and most likely hurt her leg…again. Well, now that she was flying threw the air; it was a bit late to consider the consequences.

Down in the auditorium seats, Renji went wide-eyed in fear. Seeing her fly threw the air at Ichigo, who didn't seemed to be ready for her, sent his heart into his throat. He stood up in his chair fast, ready to leap on stage and throw himself under her if Ichigo didn't make it. But there was no need to be scared.

After spinning around, Ichigo caught her in mid-air, flipped her around his waist, than brought her up to his face. Rukia instinctively locked her legs around his waist and held tight to his neck, breathing hard.

Ichigo looked into her eyes, a new part of him glowing under his golden eyes. Rukia was in shock…pure and utter shock. He caught her…. actually caught her! And he didn't drop her, or hit her head on something when he flipped her around his waist. He actually, safely…. caught her!

Renji's face went from scared to shocked as well. Damn, this guy was good.

"Good job," Rukia said, breathless. Ichigo nodded and breathed out harshly. He was getting tired again—he hated being out of shape.

"Shall we?" Rukia asked, sending a subtle hint to Ichigo. He just nodded again than took one of her hands in his and let her slip off his waist. Rukia landed on stage solidly, her body in perfect Tango position with his. She whipped her head back, sticking her nose in the air but keeping eye contact with Ichigo. She than proceeded to do what is called Tango Fantasia. This is where the dancers combine dance styles like ballet, ballroom, gymnastics, and a few subtle Ice-skating twirls, while still going the traditional tango steps into one dance performance. Rukia kicked behind herself high left and right while moving forward, Ichigo did the same thing, only moving backwards. They still hand their hands intertwined as they moved, like they were part of each other. Renji was captivated, instanced. Seeing Rukia dance again was like seeing an angel glide threw the skies.

Renji didn't know what Rukia had seen in Ichigo until now. He was made to dance with her, even though they only just met, it was like they were sculpted out of the same clay. They were perfect for each other.

The song drew to a climactic end, and Ichigo bent Rukia over his leg, still keeping her hand in his and Rukia stuck her free hand out above her. The song stopped, and Ichigo slowly and gently lifted Rukia up, letting go of her hand once she was on her feet.

Renji began to clam widely…almost gay like. Rukia and Ichigo had to hide their chuckled under their hands as they acted like they were scratching their upper lip.

Renji clapped up to the stage, jumped up, than clapped again until he was standing next to the duo.

"That. Was. AMAZING! You two are simply incredible together. Never in my life have I seen such a bond between two strangers." Renji patted Ichigo on the back than turned to Rukia. "Rukia…I must admit you had me worried when you said you wanted this boy as your dance partner, but now…. I can see what you saw. YOU TWO ARE AMAZING!"

Clapping sounded from behind them and all three heads shot up and looked to the back doors. Shuuhei, and Byakuya were standing near the entrance doors, clapping and whistling. Rukia blushed when she saw her brother standing there, and she looked away for a brief second until the red went down.

"Encore! Encore!" Shouted Shuuhei as he walked down the isle, Byakuya close behind.

"When did you two get here?" Renji asked, raising an eyebrow. Shuuhei hoisted himself up on stage and walked over to the three.

"A while ago. We kind of snuck in, thinking you guys were in a session and we didn't want to disturb you."

"You two saw all that?" Rukia said, narrowing her eyes at Shuuhei and Byakuya with the hopes of them saying 'no'.

"Oh yes. You two were quite the dancers," Shuuhei said with a nod. Rukia Bit her lip and stepped back a little. She knew she was just being hypocritical now, but she couldn't help but let herself get embarrassed.

"Wait," Renji stuck a hand in the air. "Shuuhei…you know about Rukia's…umm.." He indicated with his eyes at Ichigo, making sure Shuuhei got the drift not to say too much.

Shuuhei nodded. "Yeah. But don't worry. My lips are sealed," he pantomimed zipping his mouth shut. Renji raised a spectacle eyebrow at Shuuhei, who just smiled at him. Renji dropped it and turned to Byakuya, hoping to quickly change the subject.

"So Byakuya…what do you think?"

Byakuya looked at Renji, than at Ichigo, who was looking rather nervous and confused. Byakuya eyed Ichigo for a few seconds than down at Rukia. She was looking at him with hope in her eyes.

He looked back up at Renji and nodded once. "Yes. He'll do just fine."

Rukia squealed and latched her arms around Byakuya's neck. Byakuya kind of laughed, than pried her arms off his neck. Rukia smiled and clapped happily.

"This is so great. Okay, Ichigo…" he said, going back to her bossy tone. Ichigo looked down at her.

"Be here tomorrow at three?"

"Yeah," Ichigo managed to get out through a few breaths. He was still out of breath! Well, after he takes a nap, he's going to work out tonight.