I'm still here! I haven't forgotten, I do apologize for taking so long to update I admit I was lazy. I had an idea on how I wanted this chapter, but didn't know how to start it which didn't help my focus at all. But hurray finally I've done it and I try to make it as long as I thought this chapter should be to make it up to you. I thankElisa20, DinieLuvYunho, andHappyBlossomfor their wonderful reviews again I apologize for the long wait.

Chapter 10

Ichigo held back a yawned as the period droned by. He will never come to enjoy math and having extra sessions with Rukia made him hate it even more. He wasn't planning on having any extra sessions with her today because his dad was forcing there whole family to be part of that damn carnival opening tonight. To make it worst it was a formal party which meant everyone will have to be dress-up and one thing Ichigo hated is to be a life size Barbie doll. Ichigo half woken mind was barely aware that the bell that signified the end of the period rang. Students shuffled out of the classroom, Ichigo was one of the last to exit as he lazily moved about.

Thank god it was last period, He stated as he let out a full yawn.

"I never saw you this zombie-like before, was math really that bad," an amused Rukia said.

The sound of her voice instantly snapped him out of his stupor. He looked behind and saw her trailing behind him, "Oh hey Rukia I thought you would be at the Library by now."

"Yea… I won't be able to tutor you today," Rukia said.

Ichigo was surprised to hear her say that considering he was going to say something similar.

"It's okay, I'll get a break from your slave driving," Ichigo joked.

Rukia smiled, "I'll see you later."

Ichigo watched her slowly made her way through the thorn of crowd. He sighed, he had to go home and get ready for tonight.

Rukia rushed home, she had to be one of the first to the party to help finish the decorations before majority of the crowd arrived.

"Welcome home Rukia," Hisana said as Rukia enter. Hisana hadn't change into her dress yet, she will be arriving with the majority.

Rukia nodded her greeting, "Sorry Hisana gotta get ready."

"I understand."

Rukia left in a hurry and went to her room. She went to her closet and took out a covered dress. She went with Hisana not long ago to make this dress. It was hard to find something for her height considering she wasn't tall. They decided to have a dress customize for her which was pricey given the materials it was made with. Byakuya though was a little reluctant, he didn't want anything too revealing, but Hisana convinced him to not treat her like a child, she was almost of age.

Rukia unzipped the dress; it was blue with silver lacing at the hem of the long sleeve and collar of the dress. A fleck of silver was scattered all over the dress to make it sparkle lightly. It took her about 50 minutes to get everything done. The V-collar neck showed some cleavage which was something Byakuya didn't want. Her dress was snug comfortably on her and she had on small silver shoes, the heels weren't that high. She wore a silver pendent that was shape as a crescent moon. Her sister bought it for her on her last birthday; she didn't have anything appropriate to wear with it at the time. Her short hair was clipped high over her head, tips of her hair cascading down.

A knock made her look away from the mirror, "Come in."

Her sister entered, she wore a bathrobe which meant she was going to get ready soon. She gasped as she saw Rukia, "Oh, you look stunning!"

Rukia blushed at her sister compliment, "Thank you."

"I bet that young man Ichigo would be stun."

"Why would I care what he thinks!" Rukia said quickly, feeling hot and embarrassed.

This made Hisana laughed, "Relax I was only teasing, don't need to get defensive."

Rukia growled, "I hate you," she said half-heartedly.

After their small banter, Hisana went back to her room to change and Rukia went to grab her small vest size jacket, it was white leather and the collar was etched with fur. She put it on as she went to the kitchen.

"I'm heading out!" She shouted at her sister.

"Rukia," the voice of her brother-in-law made her jump in surprise.

He was wearing a black and white suit, with polish black shoes and white gloves. He had a top hat resting under his arms and he was holding a polish black cane with his white hand glove that was meant for looks then to be use.

"Oh hi Byakuya."

His gray eyes examine her for a bit which made Rukia nervous, she feared he wouldn't approve, "Be careful," he said at last.

Rukia nodded, "I will," and then she left.

Ichigo arrived home before the sun had set. Luckily his old man was too busy getting ready for the party to harass him. He still couldn't believe that he had to go, the party was by invitation only and Urahara girlfriend was the one that invited his family. He couldn't fathom why, the party was meant for the division district. The ones that was well off that they would be donating different causes. That's what the party was mainly about, brag rights. Then something occurred to him, Rukia might be there since she lives in the division district. For some reason he felt his heart beating irregularly. It was strange he never felt fluster thinking of her before, he blamed it on nerves; he wasn't use to being in a fancy party. This will be the first.

"You're home!" Yuzu said happily. She was wearing a simple sunflower yellow dress, the collar reached up to her neck; a pink sash was tied around her hip the bow was on her back. A pink hairclip pinned her hair to the side.

"Yuzu you look wonderful," Ichigo commented.

"Thank you," She said, a blush evident on her cheeks.

"So where is Karin?"

"Oh, well Karin is being reluctant. She locked herself in the room and won't open the door."

Ichigo couldn't help but laugh, Karin would never be caught dead wearing a dress. This is the first time she will have to and he could relate. He really did not want to wear a suit.

"You better get ready before dad comes down," Yuzu said.

Ichigo nodded, the last thing he wanted was his dad on his case about getting ready.

He went to his room and opened his closet to retrieve the suit his father rented for him. He unzipped its cover and shuttered. It was a simple black and white suit, he took it off its hanger and placed it neatly on his bed. After examining it he forced himself to change in them.

He was surprise that it fit him so well considering that it was a rental, This damn thing itch, he thought to himself as he readjust the cuffs of his sleeves. The last thing to do was his black bowtie which he would prefer to be without. He looked into his mirror as he tried to tie it around his neck several times and failed each time. A knock had him stop his attempt for the moment.

"Come in."

His father entered, he wore a white suit, he wore gloves and a top hat as well. Ichigo would've laughed at this new refine look of his dad, if he wasn't embarrassed and fed up with the stupid bowtie.

"What is it old man?" He asked as he struggled with the damn thing again.

He heard his father chuckled, "You are like a fish out of water."

"Are you here just to tease me?" Ichigo asked now in a fouler mood.

He saw his father smirk through his mirror, "Turn around."

He looked at his father suspiciously, "Why?"

"Geez don't need to be suspicious. Thought you might need help," Was his father answer.

Ichigo was about to deny him when he realized that he will be stuck fiddling with the thing without help.

Ichigo sighed before answering, "Fine just hurry it up."

He turned towards his dad, arms crossed. He looked away as his father finished the knot, "You know it's good if you look at what I was doing. So you would be able to do it on your own next time."

"I don't see the point. It's not like I will be doing this again."

Before Isshin could respond Yuzu entered the room.

Isshin looked at his daughter, "Is there something wrong Yuzu?"

"Karin isn't coming out of our room," Yuzu said annoyingly.

It was rare to see the sweet temper child annoyed, but Karin was able to bring it out of her sometimes and this was one of those times.

"I'll try to get her out," Isshin said.

He left Yuzu and Ichigo alone. Yuzu finally notice his suit, "Oh, Ichigo you are like a gentleman."

"Yuzu that's not a compliment you make it seem to be. We better go and help dad."

Yuzu nodded and followed her brother out the door. They saw their father knocking at the door, "Open this door, there's no reason to be shy," Isshin said.

"Shut up! I'm not coming out this room and that's final!" She yelled from behind the door.

"Karin you have to get out or we will be the last ones there," Yuzu complained.

"I don't care!"

"Come on Karin, I'm stuck in this getup. You're not the only one," Ichigo said lastly.

"I doubt you look as ridiculous as me," Karin murmured.

Ichigo laughed, "Dad look more ridiculous then you I bet."

Isshin looked offended, "Hey!"

There was silence before they heard the door slowly open. Karin took a tentatively step out. Ichigo gawked while Isshin and Yuzu swoon over her new look.

"You look amazing," Her twin said.

This made Karin blushed, she looked away and crossed her arms. Karin wore a velvet dress with white lacing the hems and she had a sash like Yuzu but in white. The bottom of the dress flowed to her ankles. Her pump shoes matched her dress. Her hair was twisted into a braided bun.

"There is a girl inside you after all," Ichigo joked.

Karin growled, "Shut up."

"How did you do your hair?" Ichigo asked, knowing very well that Karin wasn't good with hairstyles.

"I did it before I left her to change," Yuzu answered.

"My little girl is all grown up," Isshin cried dramatically.

Karin went even redder, "Shut up."

"Now that we are all here we better go," Ichigo stated.

Yuzu pumped her fist into the air, "All right!"

Yuzu took her short blue jacket that fit her snugly. Karin had her plain black jacket that past her hip. Ichigo and Isshin both had their suit jacket on. After everyone was ready they all left.

Rukia arrived as the sun set, many of the other volunteers were already there. Many were still prepping the carnival. She decided to wonder for a bit, enjoying the sights, what she really enjoyed was the pond behind the large white mansion at the far end which Yoruichi said would be prohibited when the guests arrived which is why she took the opportunity to check it out before that happen. There was an arch bridge over the pond.

After she took in the sights she entered the large mansion. Round tables were scattered around, each could sit 6 people; each table had names tags placed on them for that specific person to sit at. All tables were covered in white cloths. Two long tables were placed next to the entrance Rukia entered in. A wide assortment of food was on display, which made Rukia stomach rumbled a bit. There was a stage at the far end were the violinist will be to play their music.

"You look amazing," Yoruichi complemented.

Rukia turned around and smiled, "Thank you."

Yoruichi had on a strapless dress. The silk from the purple dress was glossy-like making it seem bright in the light.

"You know you didn't have to come early."

"Oh but I wanted to help."

"Well we just finish everything."

Rukia was a little disappointed at that.

"Don't worry about it. After all you did a lot of the planning and inventories, you can relax before the company arrives."

"I'm sorry I wasn't here to help."

Yoruichi studied her before laughing which surprise the raven hair teen, "Don't need to be all gloomy, Byakuya must've rubbed off on you."

Rukia looked away a little embarrassed, "Sorry."

Yoruichi patted her on the back, "Lighten up. Are you hungry?"

Rukia was about to decline when her stomach answered for her. She couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

"I see that you are. Go and eat something if you want. I'm going to leave you for a bit to oversee the list of guests."

"Okay," Rukia said. Yoruichi smiled at her then left.

Rukia decided to take her advice and eat. She went to the long tables and took what she wanted. She sat at a chair with her name; her tables consist of Byakuya and Hisana and to her surprise Ichigo and his family. She couldn't believe he was coming. It made her almost too nervous to eat. She couldn't help but wonder why he was coming; she knew it wasn't the social group he preferred. After calming her nerves a bit she managed to eat, while waiting for the guests to arrive.

There were many expensive cars and limos parked outside the gates of the giant mansion which was close to the carnival. This place was the biggest house that Ichigo ever saw, it was hard to believe that one woman owns this place and it was even harder to think that his principal was dating her.

She must be a really important person, Ichigo thought as they entered the mansion.

The place was already crowded; men were wearing all the same kind of suits which Ichigo had to groan about. He hated looking like everyone else, the women were able to where a variety of different style of dresses. People were dancing on the stage floor at the center of the room. The violinist was playing a soft melody for couples.

"Isshin it's so good for you to come," Ichigo heard the voice of his school principal.

Ichigo nearly gawked when he saw what Urahara was wearing; he wasn't like any of the other men. He wore a green pinstripe suit and had a green top hat on, probably the most ridiculous thing Ichigo ever saw.

"Kisuke my friend, how are you," Isshin said a little too loudly causing the nearby crowd to look in their direction.

Great we already caused a bad impression, thanks a lot dad, Ichigo wanted to leave his old man to embarrassed himself without him being there and from the look of his sisters they were thinking the same thing.

"So these are your little girls, hi there," Kisuke said.

The twins politely return the greeting.

"Kisuke I was wondering where you ran off to," A woman (Ichigo thought was out of Urahara lead) arrived with a wine glass in her hand. He admits she was beautiful in an exotic kind of way.

"Yoruichi this is my friend Isshin and his children," Kisuke introduce.

"Nice to meet you all," She shook Isshin hand.

"The pleasure is mine. What I can't believe is that Kisuke snag a lovely lady like yourself," Isshin complemented.

Ichigo was founding the display annoying, he examine the crowd, completing ignoring the conversation now. His eyes stopped when he spotted someone he was nervous to meet. Rukia was not far from where he was and she was wearing a beautiful dress that made her attractive, she was wearing a small jacket, she was conversing with others he never met before. Without realizing what he was doing he walked towards her. The people she was talking to stop and stared at him. Rukia notice this behavior and turned around.

"Oh, Ichigo," she said as if she was dreading this moment. He started to wonder if it was the right decision to come here after all.

"… Hi," was his only replied, by than the others were walking away leaving the two teens alone, not wanting to be part of a conversation with Ichigo, "… So how are you?"

Rukia stared at him for a moment before answering, "Fine since the last time you saw me a few hours ago."

Ichigo wanted to slap himself; he should've realized it was a stupid question.

"Oh Ichigo it's very nice to meet you again," The sound of Rukia's sister voice made him sighed in relief. The silence between him and Rukia was becoming awkward.

"Hi nice to meet you again as well."

Hisana wore a simple red silk dress, but it looked good on her, "Oh you never met my husband," She grabbed the hand of a man he hadn't notice before. The guy towered over his wife. "This is Byakuya."

Byakuya just stared at him as if sizing him up, this made Ichigo instinctively stood straight demanding a challenge. Byakuya glared at him noticing the challenge. Hisana must have realized this because she quickly said, "That's a beautiful song, come Byakuya lets dance," She grabbed her reluctant husband away to the dance floor.

"Rukia!" The voice of Yuzu was heard. The girl hugged the raven head.

"It's nice to see you again," Rukia said kindly.

"My dear girl it's so nice to meet you again," Isshin stated.

Rukia bowed, "It's a pleasure to meet you again as well."

"Where did Kisuke go?"

"Oh his girlfriend dragged him off to meet more important people."

Ichigo then realized someone was missing, "Where's Karin?"

"Oh, she's with Toshiro," Yuzu answered.

"She's with who?!" His protective side erupted.

"He is such a pleasant boy, very respectable," His father stated in approval.

"Dad you don't seriously mean that?"

Isshin just laughed at his son outbursts, "Just relax, why don't you and Rukia dance?"

The teens in question blushed and looked away from each other, "You know how much I hate to dance," Ichigo explained.

"Well now is the time to learn," Isshin guided both teens by their backs (much to Rukia surprise) and pushed them causing both to stumble at the center. Ichigo was about to get out but the center got crowded and it was hard to move anywhere.

Rukia was surprised at what Ichigo father did. Being in close proximity of the orange head teen made Rukia want to run in the opposite direction, she never felt hot or sweating next to someone before and her stomach felt weird like she had the urge to throw-up but couldn't. She saw him sighed like he was resigning an action. She wouldn't admit this to him or anyone else but she did found him quiet attractive in his suit, it was so unlike his rebellious persona.

"It will be hard to get out without causing a riot. We might as well get this over with."

It took her a moment to realize what he said, "Oh, right."

"I've apologize in advance if I stumble or step on your toes."

Rukia laughed, most of her tension went away at his attempt to joke, "Just follow my lead."

Ichigo was unsure for a moment before he nodded.

Rukia first put Ichigo in the proper form for dancing. After many trials and errors (and there were a lot) Ichigo was able to dance and only stumble once during a whole song.

"That's a really nice pendant," Ichigo complimented as they dance.

"Thank you, it was a gift from Hisana," Rukia explained, happy for the simple compliment.

"It really dose suit you."

Both didn't realize how long they were dancing together, but it was about three whole songs. Rukia didn't have the urge to want to puke anymore either. She was focusing on nothing but Ichigo amber eyes which seem to ease away any tension she had before.

"Are you alright?" Ichigo voiced broke her from her musing and she finally realized why he seemed concern.

She just notice how light headed she felt and Ichigo probably figured she would faint. Rukia didn't think it was the dancing that made her this way. No, she wasn't sick. She started to realize how much she wanted Ichigo and the idea didn't leave her mind.

Ichigo notice how flushed and half lid her eyes were, he was worry she would pass out on him. He looked around and noticed the dance floor wasn't crowded anymore, there were a few couples scattered around dancing, many were out for donation or fresh air. He couldn't see his family or Rukia's.

"Come on, let's get you some fresh air," Ichigo said as he guided her by the shoulders to the nearest exit which lead them right next to a beautiful pond in the backyard. He realized no one was here and wondered if it was prohibited. He felt a slight weight on his left and saw Rukia leaning closer to him.

"Hey don't you dare pass out on me."

He heard Rukia chuckled, "Don't worry I am not sick."

Ichigo looked at her incredulously, "Could've fool me." he stated sarcastically.

They've walked by the pond, the music and the noise of the party was muted by now.

Rukia lifted herself off him, "You really look different tonight."

Ichigo wasn't sure if she was complimenting him or teasing him.

She saw his look of suspicion, "I am not setting you up Ichigo. I really meant it. Something is different about you, something that I have come to like."

The look on Rukia face was so surreal, she was genuine about her compliment, there was nothing fake about it this was the reason he felt enchanted by her. Without realizing what he was doing he leaned towards her. Rukia wasn't shying away but slowly leaning forward which gave the orange headed teen more courage at what he was doing. They were so close now; one of Ichigo's hands just cupped her cheek. He could feel her breath gently on his lips.

"What the hell are you doing!?"

The enchantment between them broke and both quickly jerked away from each other. Ichigo quickly dropped his hand from her cheek. Both teens saw to their horror Luke, turning as red as anyone could get. His jaw was set tight and his hands were balled into a fist. Rukia felt so ashamed that she had to look away. There was no excuse at what she was about to do.

"I asked a question," Luke demanded.

"And it doesn't deserve an answer," Ichigo said coolly.

Rukia couldn't help but feel resentment towards Ichigo at that moment, he was making things worst.

"You bastard! How dare you say something like that when I saw you try to force your way into Rukia's life."

"What the hell is that suppose to mean! If you remember correctly I had no choice," Ichigo stated harshly.

His words stunned her, she didn't want to believe that he didn't enjoy her company, but the way he spoke his words made it real to her.

Before she could voice her thought to him she saw Luke charging for him, she shouted his name at the same time he crashed into Ichigo making them both crashed into the pond. Rukia panic, both boys were being ferocious which she never saw in either of them. They made several solid punches in the water; Luke even managed to kick Ichigo in the abdomen, stunning him for a moment giving Luke the opportunity to punch him hard on the cheek.

"Stop it!" Rukia shouted fearing one or both of the boys could get seriously injure.

The commotion drew the attention of everyone from the party. Many gathered around and were shocked to see two teens fighting in the water. After some commotion from the crowd she saw two figures dived into the water and separated them, Isshin grabbed his son by his soaked collar and Urahara held on to Luke's arms to prevent him from lunging at Ichigo. Both adults were able to drag the boys out. Now that both were out of the water she could see the extent that they did on each other. They were bruise pretty badly. Luke had a swollen eye; their clothes were completely soaked through and torn.

"Luke!" His mother ran to her son hugging him much to Luke annoyance, she was a tall skinny woman with long blond hair. Rukia met his parents once and they were extremely influential. If they were provoked that would be bad for anybody that caused it. She knew Ichigo will be in some serious trouble.

The crowd parted as his father arrived; he was a tough guy, someone you didn't want to mess with. He had short crop grey hair. He examined the area quietly, "What is the meaning of this?"

"It was his fault, he started this," Luke had the nerve to say as his mother cuddled him.

His dad stared sternly at Ichigo, "Is this true boy?"

"That is a load of bull! He started it!"

"Ichigo enough," that was the first time she ever saw Isshin serious.

"I should place charges against him."

"That wouldn't be necessary sir," Urahara said.

"None of this would be necessary if you hadn't accepted him in your school," Luke dad said.

"There is no point in placing the blame on each other," Yoruichi said coming through the crowd.

A hand was on the raven head back, the touched snapped her out of her shock. She saw Hisana looking upon her in worry. Rukia faked a smile and looked back at the scene. She wanted to leave now but knew it will attract attention. Byakuya was behind Hisana analyzing the scene.

"If it wasn't for this boy we wouldn't be blaming anyone."

"Instead of escalating the issue mister Young, we should ask the only witness that was there at the time, Rukia," Yoruichi stated.

This was what she was afraid would happen. All eyes were on her expecting an answer.

"So what happen," Luke's father ask after a pregnant pause.

"… Everything happened so fast," She said avoiding a direct answer. For one she didn't want to cause anymore unnecessary trouble and two she didn't think Luke parents would believe her.

"That's not an answer," He said tensely.

"Rukia is in shock you shouldn't expect her to answer appropriately," Hisana said as she drew her sister closer.

"I am not talking to you."

Byakuya stood in front of Hisana protectively, "That is enough. I am going to take my family and leave."

"Not until I get my answer," Luke's father said as he walked forward when he saw them turn to leave.

Byakuya swiftly turn to the man, "It is not wise for you to try and threaten my family."

"She knows the truth and she is hiding it to protect that boy," he pointed to Ichigo as he said 'boy' and then looked at Rukia, anger evident in his eyes.

She wanted to shrink away from his gaze, Byakuya saw this and step into view blocking Rukia from him, "Charge the boy if you want, but leave Rukia out of this."

After the scene between Byakuya and Luke's father, Ichigo saw the three Kuchikis leave the scene. Ichigo did feel guilty. He felt that he put Rukia into a bad position; he should have never been comfortable around her. He saw at the corner of his eyes Yuzu crying and felt even worst, the last thing he wanted was to hurt his family.

"That boy should be arrested," Luke's mom finally voiced.

"There is no need for that," Urahara said calmly.

"You're right there is no need, once you expelled the boy," His dad said.

"You know if I do that he will not be accepted anywhere else in this city," Urahara tried to rationalize.

"That's not my problem, he started this and he'll reap the consequences of it. As for you mister Urahara, the school board will be keeping a very close eye on you after this screw up," Luke's dad said. He grabbed his family and left.

Shortly after that the crowd slowly disperse, the party ended sooner than expected.

Kisuke sighed, "What a mess," he said to no one in particular.

Yoruichi came over to him and place her hand on his shoulder.

"Come, we better go," Isshin said as he slowly guided Ichigo away.

"Dad I…" Ichigo was trying to figure out what to say, but nothing appropriate came to mind. He couldn't say sorry. Sorry for what? Almost kissing Rukia, but for some reason he felt a need of explaining himself.

"Just walk Ichigo we'll talk at home," His father said solemnly.

Ichigo did as he was told this time. Karin had to gently but firmly guide Yuzu away for she was a wreck.

Ichigo now wondered what would happen to his family now that he has no life they would be proud of.

Yaaay, finally done I hope this chapter was good. I was contemplating if Rukia and Ichigo should really kiss in this scene but decided to go for a little drama first. Hope all of you like it and I thank those again who are still with me.