I have fallen in love with this story all over again! Man, do I like writing harems!

Rukia woke to her alarm clock on her phone beeping. She sat up and turned it off, feeling wired. She had only taken about an hour nap, but the raven-haired woman was too excited about the race to sleep much. It was 1:30 in the morning and the drive was about twenty minutes out of town. Rukia had slept in the clothes she would wear, which were much warmer than what she had worn to Chippendales. She traded the cut off blouse for a black sweater. The wind seemed to have died down a little, but according to her weather app, it was a toasty 24 degrees.

Rukia got her purse from the back of her chair. Phone and wallet got placed inside and she headed towards the door to lace up her boots, put on her jacket, and make sure her scarf was around her neck. Rukia grabbed her beanie off the coat rack, put her gloves from heaven on her hands, and walked outside. The temperature was chilly, if not worse, but at least the wind's intensity lessened. Rukia jumped in her car and turned it on. While it was warming up, she pulled out her cell. There was a text from Kensei.

You remember what my car looks like?

Rukia thought about it. She remembered that it was blue and white… right?

Not quite. What color jacket are you wearing?

Rukia continued to wait. The heater was kicking in allowing warmth to seep through her layers. It didn't snow more, so she didn't have to worry about trying to get ice off the windows. Her phone buzzed again.

Red jacket, black beanie. I'll be standing next to my car.

Rukia texted him back letting him know she would be there soon. There was still plenty of ice on the roads. How could they race in these conditions? Did they clear it earlier? She also wondered if Rangiku would be there. She hadn't mentioned it when they were at Chippendales. If she wasn't there, Rukia would ask. After a few more moments, her car was ready to drive. Rukia cranked up the music, getting more into the spirit of watching the race. Mistress by Disturbed blasted through her speakers as she drove. Her head nodded to the beat and the all too familiar lyrics fell from her lips.

The city lights faded away, and she headed into the darkness of the night. All she could see was the yellow street markers and the white road lines. She turned on her brights because it was so dark and Rukia wondered if her GPS could even drop her off at the right place. Kensei had told her earlier that the location was on the outskirts of a city close by. So far, her GPS was holding up. About ten minutes later, she was seeing sporadic street lamps again. Rukia turned on a bunch of different streets before coming to the beautiful lit road that was the world of racing. She parked her car in a parking lot a few hundred feet from the action and texted Kensei. A quick survey of the area showed there were attractive people in this business. Rukia guessed it was from all the money they could earn from it. Incredible cars littered the streets, but just two sat at the painted starting line. Rukia avoided people while feeling lost.

"Hey, shrimp!"

Rukia saw Kensei closing the distance between them. His smile was bright, and he looked pumped for his race. "Don't call me shrimp!"

"Grow taller," he shot back. "Come on, the race starts in about ten minutes."

Rukia huffed and fell in step with him. When she saw his car, she recognized it. "So, who are you racing tonight?"

"That would be me."

Rukia turned around and her eyes widened. It was the same guy who worked at that bakery Ichigo had taken her to. Her heart sped up at the fact that someone she had seen before witnessed her being at something illegal. Then again, Shinji was here racing, so he'd incriminate himself.

"So ya riding with me again?" Kensei questioned, glancing down at her.

"I thought it was a distraction to ride with you," Rukia pointed out. "Last time you told me you didn't even know why you let me go with you."

Kensei grinned. "Maybe you're good luck or something."

Rukia gazed at the car. She wanted to ride with him. It was just so fun last time. What would it hurt? Kensei had a lot of experience with driving. "All right."

They got in the car and Rukia noticed that the road was straight. "What kind of race is this?"

"This is a drag race," Kensei answered, sitting forward with his eyes still on the road. "It's a test of your car's speed and the driver's reaction time."

A thought struck her mind. "How are you going to drive on a two-lane road that has oncoming traffic? And what about the ice?"

"They blocked it off for construction and cleared the road."

Kensei made air quotes with his fingers when he said construction. Rukia nodded. "Let's do this."

A guy holding a checkered flag walked in front of the two cars. "Ready?" he called.

Shinji and Kensei revved their engines in response. He dropped the flag, and the cars sped away into the darkness. Rukia's adrenaline spiked through her being and she smiled while keeping her eyes on the road. Pink and blue lights outlining the road streaked into lines. Her hands ran over the dashboard just as Kensei switched gears. The car roared and picked up speed.

Rukia saw Shinji next to them. "Pick it up Kensei."

"Shut it!" he yelled. "I'm concentrating."

Rukia frowned. Was he serious? Why the hell did he keep asking her to drive with him if it was such a burden to him? It made no sense. "Stop being a jerk! You asked me to come!"

Kensei growled and shifted again. They were on the home stretch and Kensei flipped switches on the dash. That feeling of being pasted against the seat hit her like a ton of bricks. The finish line was coming up fast, and they passed it in less than five seconds. They got out, and the crowd swarmed Kensei. Women draped themselves all over him while guys came up and congratulated him. Shinji walked over and shook his hand.

"That was fun huh Rukia?" Kensei called. He turned to look over his shoulder for her. "Rukia?"

His eyes landed on her retreating form. He untangled himself from the draping women and followed her. He jogged to catch up. "Where are you going?"

"I'm leaving so I don't break your concentration!" she snapped, picking up her pace. "You're an ass."

Kensei blinked. Rukia didn't seem to care if they were friends or not. That bugged him. He decided he would win her over, show her how awesome he was. It wasn't like she was unattractive. She was leaner than most women he liked, but she still had beautiful features. Those violet eyes, especially when they were alight with her temper were addicting. Fair skin, heart-shaped face her raven hair framed. Then there was her smile; it radiated, perfect white teeth showing when she did so.

"Hold up!" he called. "Shit, stop taking everything so personal. I wasn't trying to be mean!"

"Why the hell did you ask me to drive with you then?!" Rukia reiterated. "It is a distraction to you! And where is Rangiku?"

Kensei ran his hand through his hair. "Yeah, but I like when you ride with me. Makes it more interesting." He looked away. "Me and Rangiku aren't together."

Rukia paused for a moment and he smiled at her. She got a strange feeling from him and wondered if he was trying to flirt because she would not be another one of his conquests. More so if he and Rangiku weren't talking anymore. She wondered how her friend was taking it.

"Well, it was fun. Goodnight."

Her stomach rumbled when she tried to keep walking. Kensei walked her to her car. "So, can I treat you to dinner sometime?"

"No thanks," Rukia said while getting in her car. "Rangiku I'm sure would love to though. Maybe you guys can patch things up."

With that, the woman turned on her car and backed out of the parking lot, leaving a dumbfounded Kensei to stand there. He put his hands in his pockets and grinne.

"Little wench."

Rukia stumbled into her room, sleep pulling hard at her. She knew she would study all day tomorrow and do her upcoming papers if she wanted to have next weekend for fun. She had assignments during the week to complete; however, as long as she paid attention to due dates, Rukia wouldn't have issues. The tired woman realized that having a social life and an academic one was very difficult. Still, Rukia enjoyed the fun she was having. She shed her winter gear and jumped into bed in just her satin panties. Who needed a bra? The underwire dug into her sides. She was still hungry, but sleep seemed much more important. Rukia yawned, snuggling underneath her comforter before falling asleep in seconds.

The sound of a howling puppy awakened Rukia. The nursing student felt like a truck had hit her. Rukia glanced at her clock; she saw it was seven in the morning. She hadn't gotten home until almost four, meaning she'd only gotten three hours of sleep. Rukia sighed and got dressed to head over to Renji and Ichigo's. It was time she held a Dog 101 instruction class. After that, it was back to bed with tissue stuffed in her ears since she had yet to buy earplugs.

Rukia stopped at the front door after putting on her slippers. Orihime was awake cooking herself breakfast. She smiled over at her friend. "Kiko sure has a set of lungs doesn't she?"

"All puppies do," Rukia sighed. "I'm going to see if I can help them out."

Rukia put on a jacket and shuffled across the way to her friends' apartment. She knocked. There was shuffling around and an exhausted Ichigo appeared. A gentle smile crossed his lips.

"Morning."

"Morning to you," Rukia responded. "I've come to do teaching on puppy training."

Ichigo opened the door and rubbed his eyes. "Thanks. We're dying over here. She won't be quiet."

Rukia heard the whining and shaking of the kennel the moment she entered the house. "First," she began while turning to Ichigo. "Because she's a pup, get used to getting up early mornings every day for potty breaks. Has she gone yet?"

"Yeah," Ichigo answered.

"Why did you put her back?"

"I wanted more sleep," he responded.

Rukia followed the whining. "Has she had breakfast yet?"

Ichigo scratched the back of his head. "Well, not yet."

"Mistake number one."

Rukia could see that a grey blanket was covering her kennel. Kiko sensed that she was there and cried louder, biting and shaking at her kennel in childlike frustration. Rukia motioned for Ichigo to come closer. She waved harder for him to bend down.

"Have you or Renji been going to her when she cries?"

Ichigo placed an arm around her shoulder and whispered, "No, we try to ignore her and if is potty time, we'll take her out and put her right back in at night."

"Do you yell at her when she's barking?"

Ichigo's face fell. "Yeah… we do that."

Rukia shook her head and pulled away. "You've created a problem here. By yelling at her, you still acknowledged her behavior and in puppy language, attention is attention, good or bad."

"So how do we fix this?" Ichigo asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Hold on."

They both quieted as the puppy continued to cry and whine. They stood there for almost five minutes before she quieted. Rukia uncovered her. Kiko jumped on her back paws and whined again. Rukia stepped back, not saying a word. When the little one quieted down again, Rukia continued to get ready to let her out of her kennel. She unlatched the first lock. Kiko got excited again, jumping around and crying. Rukia stopped and pulled her hand back. Kiko also stopped, so the brunette placed her hand against the kennel. Kiko remained calm and licked her hand. The final lock was unlatched, and she came bounding out.

"Going and in and out of her kennel should be no big deal," Rukia explained. "Do not make eye contact, do not give excited goodbyes beforehand. When you come in, don't engage her with high pitched talking while she's still in her kennel. You want her calm when you're about to open the door."

Ichigo leaned against the doorway, hands going into his pockets. "You're good at this, huh?"

Rukia gazed up at him with a smile. "Like I said, I've had a lot of practice."

Kiko bounded around between them while Rukia grabbed the silver bowl on the floor. Ichigo walked to the pantry and pulled out a bag of dog food. He measured and picked up the other bowl while Rukia dumped the water in hers and turned on the faucet. Ichigo was about to place his on the floor, but Rukia stopped him.

"Have you guys been practicing sitting with her?"

Ichigo shook his head. "We were just trying to get through potty training at this point."

Rukia chuckled. "Yeah it can be tough with a puppy this young, but they're like sponges for learning. Do you have any treats? I showed Renji how to do this when he helped me bake the chocolate gateau a while ago."

"That asshole didn't share the knowledge."

The ginger grabbed Milk Bones out of his pantry. Ichigo handed her one and watched as Rukia stepped forward. She broke the soft bone into little pieces.

"Kiko sit."

Kiko paused, wagging her tail but didn't sit. Rukia used the same technique she did before: placing a piece between her fingers and moving the treat by the dog's nose and backward until she was looking up at it. Finally, the puppy sat. "Good sit!"

Rukia gave her the treat. She did this a few more times then grabbed her food bowl. "Kiko sit." When she did, Rukia petted her and told her "good sit" once again. She moved to place the food bowl in front of Kiko. That made her get up.

"Ah ah ah," Rukia scolded with no malice in her voice, pulling the bowl back to her. "Kiko sit."

The puppy sat again, cocking her head to the side in confusion. Rukia placed the bowl back down. "Okay!"

Kiko got up and chowed down her breakfast. She turned to her friend. "Stay consistent with that. Make her sit before food, before she comes back in the house, and once she's better potty trained before you'll even open the kennel door."

Rukia also placed her water down. Kiko was making a wonderful mess with how fast she was trying to inhale her food. The woman laughed and also tested out something else. She stuck her hand in Kiko's bowl while she was eating. That didn't stop the puppy. She also dragged it away. Kiko followed without growling or becoming aggressive. Next, she petted the top of her head. She explained that she was checking for food aggression and Ichigo nodded in understanding.

"You're impressive Rukia."

At the sound of her name, she stopped petting Kiko's head and stood up, smiling at the handsome man in front of her. Her heart sped up from his kind praise. She broke eye contact, cheeks flaring pink.

"Thanks." She stood there for a moment before getting ready to go. "If she doesn't have a vast collection of toys, go to the pet store and get her some. Toys will help burn off energy she can't right now because of the weather until she gets a sweater."

"I've got one in the mail now.".

"Good. Well, goodnight… I mean good morning."

"Good morning to you too," Ichigo said while chuckling.

Rukia exited the apartment and walked back to hers. Her eyes were burning with lack of sleep and when she got inside, Rukia collapsed on her bed, lying down while she struggled to get her shirt off. Annoyed, she sat up, chucked it over the side of her bed, and got underneath the covers.

Rukia stretched and yawned, feeling rejuvenated. She sat up and looked over at her clock. "Dammit!"

She launched herself at her desk and flung herself into her chair. Frantically, she opened her laptop and went to the website she used for her chemistry class. It was 4:20 in the afternoon and she had a quiz due at 5:00. She hadn't studied much and forgot about it until now. The panicking woman pulled her chemistry book from the bottom of her pile of textbooks and opened it. This quiz was on chapter seven and Rukia was so focused on learning the muscles for A&P that she had pushed chemistry to the side.

Forty minutes might have seemed like enough time to answer 25 questions, but it wasn't if you weren't familiar with the chapter. Rukia rubbed her temples in irritation and set to work. It was a tough quiz, and she struggled through it, but Rukia finished it with three minutes to spare. She doubted that was an A quiz, but she hoped for at least a B. She'd find out later tonight. Rukia sighed and pulled out worksheets she needed to do for A&P. Rukia was on a roll with her homework and studying. Normally, the nursing student did assignments as soon as they came down so she wasn't cramming like this, but she'd been having so much fun that homework sort of fell to the side. Christmas break starting in two weeks helped. It was a little after 6:30. She stretched and yawned, getting up to go get a glass of water. Her throat felt like she hadn't drunk water in days. Her phone vibrated on her nightstand, so she turned to go get it. It was the pain in her ass named Grimmjow.

Be ready by 7:30. We're going to dinner.

Rukia blinked.

I'm studying, I'll have to take a rain check.

The woman continued her trip to the kitchen and got a glass from the dishwasher. She frowned at the growing pile in the sink. Orihime wasn't as clean and Rukia was. It wasn't like she was a slob; the orange haired woman just left things a mess longer than Rukia liked. After drinking a cool glass of water, relishing as the sticky sensation left her throat, she set to work at washing the dishes, first emptying the dishwasher.

Her phone buzzed again.

I'll bring dinner to your place then.

He was so persistent. Rukia remembered that he wanted to go on another date with her. Her stomach was roaring. She hadn't eaten since the night before. She didn't want him at her house so with an irritated sigh; Rukia texted him back.

I'll be ready.

After taking a shower and drying her hair, Rukia stood in front of her closet, unsure what to wear. It at least was starting to semi warm up to where the snow was melting; however, it was still chilly outside. Rukia decided it didn't matter where they were going. She would dress warmly. When she finished getting ready, it was about ten minutes from 6:30. It was hard not to snack because of how hungry she was. He'd better be on time. At that moment, her phone rang.

"I'm outside."

Rukia grabbed her things. "I'm on my way down."

The weather was a hair warmer even though it was still cold. The sun had set already, so she hoped it wouldn't get too much colder before she got home. Rukia walked to his black Camaro and got in on the passenger side. He brought a truck when her car wouldn't start. Must be nice to afford two vehicles. Grimmjow studied her with a grin.

"You dressed up for me?" he teased, throwing the vehicle in reverse.

"I'm not dressed up," Rukia corrected while looking out of the window. "Where are we going, anyway?"

"You'll see." He gave her that fanged smile. Rukia noticed it fit his features well. Grimmjow had an exotic appearance. Never had she seen such blue eyes and having matching hair complimented him.

"I hate surprises," Rukia sulked.

"Get used to it if you hang out with me."

They pulled into a parking lot of a building that didn't seem like much. In fact, you couldn't tell it was somewhere to eat. Rukia frowned. Just where were they? He pulled to a stop, and they got out. He grasped her hand and tugged her towards a glass door in a little crevice on the left side of the building. It was tan and on the door had "Reika's BBQ" in white cursive letters. When he pushed open the door, it dinged, alerting the workers that there were customers.

"Can you stop manhandling me, you jerk?!" Rukia snapped, pulling away from Grimmjow.

When she did so, he placed an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. "Can't help it. I like you a little close."

"Are you flirting with me?" Rukia accused.

She didn't like to assume that someone liked her until they outright said it, but there were a few people in her life she was wondering if they were into her. Soi Fon crossed her mind first. Rukia's inner "gaydar" sounded every time she stroked her hair or looked at her a certain way. She had no problems with gay people; in fact, she couldn't care less who people dated, but Rukia had always been straight. Kensei seemed to pin for her attention too. Rukia chalked that up to him being pissed that she wasn't draping herself over him.

Rukia shook her head to rid those thoughts and continued glaring at the taller male. It faded when his expression softened. "You got a problem with me flirting with you?"

"Yes," Rukia blurted. "Why would you be flirting with me?"

Grimmjow raised an eyebrow at her. "You're not that dense, are you? When a guy thinks a girl this hot, he-"

"You're attracted to me?!" Rukia exclaimed.

A waitress came toward them, beaming with a welcoming smile. "Just two? Follow me."

They followed her and Rukia looked around. It was super nice inside. The booths had grills in their centers. The walls were a rich vermillion color lined with pictures and paintings that accentuated the décor.

"I would have never guessed this was in here," Rukia commented as their waitress seated them.

"Yeah, it's a nice place. Just the outside looks like shit."

She placed menus in front of them and Rukia studied it. "So this is Korean BBQ? I haven't had this in years."

"It's the fucking best."

A waiter greeted them next. His bright features seemed to light up the room. "Welcome! My name is Tamiko and I'll be your server tonight. What can I get you to drink?"

"Unsweet tea please," Rukia answered, still looking over the food.

"Soju for me."

"Coming right up!"

Rukia was thinking about getting beef to cook. It came with rice and a plethora of Korean dishes. She couldn't wait to dig in. Rukia looked over her menu at Grimmjow, who was also gazing down at his own. He looked up, and she dropped her eyes, cheeks tinting at being caught staring.

"See something you like?" he asked, giving her a sly grin.

Rukia scoffed. "You're so cocky." She paused before deciding to return the conversation back to what Grimmjow said before. "So you're attracted to me? I couldn't tell by how you were all over Yoruichi the night I first met you. I think you were trying for Soi Fon first and she wasn't having it."

Grimmjow snorted before throwing his hands behind his head and linking his fingers together. "I don't have to explain myself to you."

Rukia raised an eyebrow. "Is someone needing a nap? Because you're acting like a child right now."

Grimmjow sat forward and placed his hand on the back of her head, pulling her forward, catching Rukia off guard. She was nose to nose with him, his bright eyes glaring at her.

"So I was trying to get an easy lay that night," he spoke. "You weren't an easy fuck."

"Is that what you're trying to do here?!" Rukia snapped. "Woo me into sleeping with you?! Let me tell you right now that I don't put out!"

Grimmjow smirked. "Yeah I know, but I'm not trying to fuck you. If it happens it happens, but that's not why I wanted to take you to dinner."

"Then why?"

Grimmjow released her head. "Because I think you're hot or did you forget that conversation? And I kinda like your personality. You gotta admit we have fun together."

Rukia paused for a moment. Now that he mentioned it, even though he worked her nerves every time they were together, and it was obvious the blue-haired male did it for amusement, she had fun with him. Rukia admitted that he was very handsome; however, she was pinning for Ichigo. Rukia wasn't sure if she could handle constant battling like she would have to with Grimmjow.

"We do," she answered. "But I kind of like someone already."

Grimmjow shrugged. "Are you dating him?"

"Well… no."

"Then I'm not worried," he responded, linking his fingers behind his head. "I'll win you over first."

His forwardness floored Rukia. Deep within her being, she liked that he went for what he wanted. She kind of wished Ichigo did the same. "Yeah, yeah."

Soon their waitress brought their food, drinks, and they started cooking their meat. Rukia's phone buzzed, and she pulled it out of her pocket, earning a growl from Grimmjow. "I know you don't like it, but I'm just going to make sure it's not an emergency."

"Yeah all right," he answered, digging into his rice.

Rukia's eyes widened at who was texting her. She hadn't seen that name in quite some time.

Rukia, I think it's time we talked. I will call you tomorrow.

"So is it an emergency?"

Rukia shook her head. "I'm wondering if it might be."

"Who was it?"

Rukia placed her phone in her pocket.

"My older brother Byakuya."