Rukia woke up to the sunlight filtering in her room through her curtains. She sat up and stretched her limbs yawning in the process. She smiled a lazy smile and wondered how long it had been since she actually had a good night's rest. She paused as she got up and realized she had never actually fallen asleep in her room yesterday. Ichigo's work no doubt. Thinking of Ichigo...she touched her fingers to her lips and felt her face grow warm. She smiled as she remembered his reaction at her rating him, telling her it wasn't true. Well he was right, she did lie. She glanced at the time and let out a groan when she realized she had to be at SU in 15 minutes. She got up and headed for the bathroom all thoughts of morning laziness disappearing with each step. She stopped when there was a knock at her door and a second later the door swung in to reveal Ichigo standing in with messier hair than usual.
"Why did you bother knocking when you were gonna open it anyway?" asked Rukia crossing her arms over her chest.
"Good morning to you too" he grumbled in response leaning in the doorway.
"...You ok?" she asked.
He raised an eyebrow at her "Aren't I supposed to ask you that?"
"Uh...why?" she asked in confusion.
He stared at her "You don't remember..?"
"Remember what?" she asked started to get annoyed.
"You had a dream last night...a nightmare..." he said cautiously.
Oh hell no
Her eyes widened at this "You're saying I had a...nightmare?"
"Yes"
"How do you know it was a nightmare?"
He looked away uneasily and scratched his head "You were crying...and saying things..."
Rukia closed her eyes and bit her lip. She should have known that this would happen. She was a fool to think that she would ever be free.
"Rukia" said Ichigo snapping her out of her thoughts, he slightly hesitated "If there is something wrong...you can tell me"
Rukia forced a smile on her face "I am pretty sure it was just some silly dream"
He looked at her skeptically not buying a word she was saying. So she changed tactics to throw him from her trail.
"Are you saying you are worried about me?" she asked teasingly and breathed a sigh of relief when he rolled his eyes "Hearing problems midget? I never said anything like that"
"Whatever strawberry" she said proceeding to shoo him out with her hands "Get out, I need to get dressed"
"Ya ya" he muttered "By the way, since I am such a generous soul I've decided to let you off the hook from cooking, I can take over till your stupid expo is over"
"Cook? You? My my, is the sexist lord actually offering to do some kind of... dare I say it chore?"
"Oh be quiet and be glad that I am doing it" he said turning to walk away.
Rukia closed the door the minute he was gone and hurried to her drawer and started searching through her various things.
She finally found the white cylindrical box and she checked its sides to see the expiry date. She let a frown mar her face when she saw that the numbers were faded and were just a few black lines. She chucked the box back in and headed for her dresser where she unplugged her phone from the charger and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over the message option of the contact named Dr Shirayuki as she wondered if she should message her or not. With an irritated huff she dropped the phone and decided to give herself one more chance.
She hurried and got dressed and grabbed her messenger and headed to the kitchen where she saw Ichigo enter through the foyer, tossing the keys in a bowl placed at the side table.
She raised her eyebrow at the bag of donuts and the two coffees in a tray in his hand.
"So glad you made the food"
He opened his mouth to respond to her when her phone started ringing, she held up her hand to silence him "Rukia Kuchiki speaking"
As always she ignored him yelling 'Kurosaki!' and grabbed the donuts from him.
"Ya I am leaving now" she told to her phone as she took one donut out and grabbed the coffee and headed out closing the door behind her.
-x-
"So that's all! I am sure all of your hard work will pay of tomorrow. Job well done"
All the council and the volunteers present in the hall gave a round of applause as the short speech concluded and started heading towards the exit. Everyone was pumped up for the expo tomorrow.
Rukia was also among the students making their way out and she smiled and returned everyone's greetings.
It had been a week since the day Ichigo had pulled her out and tomorrow was the big event. She was nervous and excited about the whole thing since she had some talking to do tomorrow.
"Ms. Kuchiki!" called a voice behind her.
She turned to see a volunteer approach her
"Yes?" she inquired.
"Professor Ukitake has called you to his office"
She nodded and thanked the girl as she made her way upstairs towards the office.
She knocked on his door and instead of telling her to enter the door unlocked and out came the white haired man himself.
"Ah Rukia! You just made it in time, I was leaving for a meeting that I got word for just now"
"Oh, then we can talk some other time" said Rukia
"No need for that, it's just a small thing" said Ukitake "I just wanted to know who you are going tomorrow with?"
Rukia gave him a confused look "I beg your pardon..?"
"Your date Rukia. Who's your escort for tomorrow?"
Rukia gave him a small frown "I was planning on going alone sir, since I would be busy and all"
"All the more reason for you to have a gentlemen by your side while interacting with others" he said smiling.
Rukia knew he was right but still that didn't make her want to agree with him. She hadn't denied all those who had asked her for any reason at all.
"I understand what you are saying Professor but I doubt there will be any guys available at such short notice"
At that moment Rukia heard footsteps approaching in the deserted corridor. She made out the silhouette of a guy approaching.
Ukitake spoke and she turned to him again "I realized that and that's why I have made arrangements with another suitable individual for you"
"Yo Prof!" called the familiar voice from the end of the corridor "You called for me?'
Rukia let out an inward groan as the teal haired man came into view.
"Oh hey Rukia" said Grimmjow grinning at her
"Good evening Mr. Jaggerjack" said Ukitake smiling at him.
"So what's the deal prof?" asked Grimmjow.
"Have you made the necessary arrangements for going tomorrow?" he asked.
"To the expo? No way!"
"Need I remind you Grimmjow that it wasn't a choice for you to decide? It was an order, attending such events will do you good"
"Oh come on prof" he whined in response "Don't make me do this!"
Ukitake fixed him with a stern look "Mr. Jaggerjack you are going there is no doubt about that and I even found you somebody to go with"
Rukia who had been trying to slip away now stood in shock as she pretty much guessed what was coming next.
"Since you both know each other this is a lot easier. Rukia, he is going to be your escort for tomorrow"
Grimmjow looked at me puzzled and a slow smile formed on his face.
"Escort's just a fancy word for date right?" he asked smirking.
"You could say that" said Ukitake
"But-" Rukia began but she was cut off by the white haired man.
"Rukia this will be perfect, Grimmjow will probably learn to behave in public in a decent manner that doesn't scare away anybody"
Grimmjow snorted at that, Rukia ignored him and tried to reason with the professor but he told her "I hope I do not have to impose this upon you as an order from your superior"
Rukia became silent as she did not want to upset him, she did respect him a lot.
"Sure I'll go with her" said Grimmjow coming up and standing next to her "This will be fun! Right Rukia?"
Rukia fixed him with a glare that he returned with a grin. She prayed that the gods be merciful on her tomorrow.
-x-
"Yes professor" said Ichigo nodding his head as he exited the room.
He had just been told to come to the event tomorrow since he was a teacher and all. Not that he wasn't planning on coming in the first place, he would never admit it but he was genuinely curious to see how the team's hard work would pay off, especially his dear wife's work.
Ichigo was heading to the cafeteria when a girl with blonde hair stopped him, he looked at her with raised eyebrows. She blushed under his gaze and stammered "K-Kurosaki-san, would you go to the expo with m-me t-tomorrow?"
Ichigo blinked at her and tried his best to not sound rude "Uh...I am sorry but I am under the professors so...I can't really be with you"
Ichigo let the little fib slide, sure he was informed by a professor to go but that didn't mean that he couldn't be with someone.
The girl who looked to be a junior gave him a weak smile that did nothing to stop her disappointment from showing from her face. She walked away quietly with a nod while the people around him who saw the scene gave him hard looks, as if it was his fault the girls always asked him. Besides, it wasn't high school prom and dates weren't even necessary.
"Yo Ichigo!" There was a thump on his back "Breaking hearts as usual I see" said Ikkaku falling in step with him.
"How very un-beautiful" said Yumichika who stepped up on the other side.
"I doubt 'un-beautiful' is even a word" said Ichigo looking at Yumichika who just loved saying the adjective 'beautiful' even if it wasn't necessary. "And I am not breaking anyone's hearts Ikkaku" he said to the bald male who was dressed up in torn jeans that did not look fashionable but looked like they could be ripped by a simple tug. He wore a shirt that looked like it had never met an iron. Yumichika was the opposite of Ikkaku wearing a pressed shirt and neat pants.
"You guys heading to the cafeteria?" asked Ichigo.
"Yeah" said Ikkaku "Captain's been killing us all week, need to keep my strength up"
They reached the cafeteria and made their way to their table, with their food. Everyone was already there except Rukia and Grimmjow.
"Yo losers!" said Ikkaku taking a seat.
"Calling us losers makes you a loser too" said Shuhei picking up his sandwich.
"Smartass" said Rangiku and everyone broke out laughing.
"What's so funny?" asked Grimmjow joining them, followed by Rukia who sat next to Momo.
"Ikkaku" said Momo and Grimmjow smirked in response.
"So Rukia you done with everything?" asked Nel scooping the cream of her cupcake with her finger.
"Ya I am done, just have to show up tomorrow"
"Speaking of tomorrow..." said Rangiku "Whose going with whom?"
"Rangiku this isn't prom, and I think the more apt question is whose going in the first place" said Tatsuki while glaring at Keigo who was trying to jump Orihime.
"She's right" said Izuru "So who's not going?"
Ikkaku, Yumichika, Izuru, Shuhei, Keigo and Tatsuki raised their hands.
All the students were invited to attend since it was being held by the university, it was their choice.
"Reasons?" asked Momo leaning on her hand as she looked at them
"We have nationals practice going on" said Tatsuki motioning at herself and Ikkaku.
"Even if we weren't having practice. You think I would go to something like this" said Ikkaku and everyone nodded in agreement.
"I want to go but my sister is dragging me to help her out in the shop tomorrow!" said Keigo whining.
"Nah, I think she's just assuring the safety of the women attending tomorrow" said Mizuiro looking at Keigo
Everyone laughed at that. "And I" said Yumichika "hav-"
He was cut off by Grimmjow "I swear if you say something girly, I will kill you"
"How rude" said Yumichika haughtily "I was just saying I have work tomorrow and will miss the beautiful event. It is getting me quiet tired these days too"
"That's what she said" said Keigo and all the boys laughed at that while the girls rolled their eyes.
"What are you two up too?" asked Orihime looking at Shuhei and Izuru. Who just muttered something inaudible in response.
"Next, whose going with whom?!" asked Rangiku "I am going with Gin!" she said happily.
"Big surprise" said Uryuu sarcastically.
"I am going with Shiro" said Momo matter of factly.
"Uryuu and I are going together" said Orihime casting a glance at Ichigo who was messing around with his phone.
"Finally" many of them muttered glancing at Uryuu, who had apparently enough balls to ask her out.
"Who are you going with Nel?" asked Tatsuki.
Grimmjow stared at the green head for her response and added "Who do you think will go with her?" he said smirking.
Nel glared at him and suddenly smiled coyly "Oh I am going with Nnoitora"
"Oh my god really?!" said Rangiku excitedly "Did you guys finally decide to let go if the whole 'we are just friends act'?"
Grimmjow glared at Nel and she gave him a smirk meeting his eyes she said "Maybe"
"That's awesome!" exclaimed Momo but she paused and stared at Grimmjow in disbelief "Wait a minute...I just realized you are going?"
Grimmjow rolled his eyes "Why I can't go?"
Ichigo looked up from his phone and stared at him, giving his full attention to the conversation.
"I bet you are going alone"
"Actually I am...uh" He looked away uneasily not meeting Ichigo's eyes. The group stopped their chatter and wondered what had gotten Grimmjow uneasy.
"He's coming with me" said Rukia casually.
Everyone stared at both of them.
"I didn't know you both were going out..." said Momo with a frown on her face
"That's because we aren't going out" said Rukia looking at Momo
"Yeah Professor Ukitake set us up" said Grimmjow and they proceeded to tell the group about the events that had occurred.
"You can't go with him!" snapped Ichigo in a very un-Ichigo manner. He quickly tried to cover up "I mean you both won't...uh...work out"
"Oh? With who I 'work out-'" she said with air quotes "-is none of your concern"
Everyone watched them both bicker and noticed their unusual behaviour.
"You forget I am yo-"
Rukia widened her eyes as she realized what he was actually going to say in his anger but was saved by someone squealing...
"Ichigo!"
To Rukia'a surprise that girl...Senna, bounded up to Ichigo and sat down in the empty seat next to him. She was wearing a blue mini skirt and a white blouse that contrasted with her loose black hair.
She brought her arms up to give Ichigo a half hug which he avoided by moving back "Senna" he said his voice a mix of surprise and weariness "What are you doing here?"
"Oh silly! I am back from my trip!" she said ignoring everyone's attitude towards her.
"I don't think that's what Ichigo meant" said Nel feeling a need to stand up with her friend "I think he means what are you doing here? As in our table where stalking exes are no part of"
Senna rolled her eyes at her "Puhlease, I am not his ex Nel. In fact I am the one going to the expo with him!"
Ichigo widened his eyes at her "Senna I am not going with you"
"Come on Baby! You don't have to lie to your friends"
"He isn't lying to us" said Grimmjow.
Senna looked at him but her gaze shifted to Rukia and she gasped pointing a finger at her
"Oh My God! It's you!" she said angrily "Rukia Kuchiki!"
"You know her?" asked Momo sounding surprised.
"She's the one who stole my position. Why is she here?" she said dramatically placing a hand over her chest.
"Rukia did no such thing" said Ichigo scowling at her.
"She's our friend" said Tatsuki others nodding around her.
"I am your friend too!" she said her eyes wide staring at everyone.
"Um...were" said Rangiku "you were our friend before you pulled all that crap you did"
"Actually" said Grimmjow "I never liked her, I am pretty sure nobody did"
"He's got a point" said Uryuu "We only you beared you because of Kurosaki"
Senna looked at them all in shock.
"Senna you don't have to act like this is the first time we are telling you all this" said Toshiro.
"Shiro's right" said Momo "This happens at least once in two weeks, maybe you should stop being such a drama queen"
"How ugly" Yumichika murmured
Rukia looked at her friends and at Senna and wondered what kind of relationship they had. The said girl turned and glared at Rukia her orange eyes narrowing at her "It's you isn't it? You took my place"
Rukia fixed her with her own look "I did no such thing"
"You ly-"
"That's enough Senna" said Ichigo staring at her "I think you should leave"
"Ichigo!" she gasped "Are you defending her?!"
"I am not doing anything like that" said Ichigo "I just want you to stop yelling, we are starting to attract attention"
Sure enough the surrounding tables were casting glances at them and wondering what was going on
"Oh would you look at that!" exclaimed Keigo dramatically and said something he would never say "I think we will be late for our classes!"
Everyone started talking together and agreeing with him, even those who didn't have classes started getting up and the cafeteria was filled with the sudden chattering of the large leaving group.
Everyone said their goodbyes and their table slowly became empty only a flabbergasted and embarrassed Senna remained sitting.
She turned around and glared at the retreating form of the petite raven haired girl.
"I swear to you Rukia Kuchiki, you will pay for taking my place"
-x-
"Stop yelling Momo" said Rukia as she cradled her phone on her shoulder, wearing her earrings with her free hands as she stood in front of the mirror "Yes I am leaving in five minutes, he should be here soon"
She gave the diamond studs a press and took her phone back in her hands "Finally! See you there" she said and hung up.
Rukia rolled her eyes and gave a small smile at Momo's antics, the said girl had gone early for helping out to get a good impression for her resumé and had called her boyfriend with her and that's how they had ended up being an hour early and Momo's impatience got the best of her.
Rukia glanced at the time and wondered when her date was coming to pick her up since it had already been five minutes past his assigned time.
She just hoped Ichigo hadn't meddled in any way ...speaking of Ichigo, he had left long back and she hadn't seen him go. After the whole Senna incident they were back to normal and had even had dinner together yesterday.
Rukia heard her phone ring and she swiped the screen and put it to her ear "Rukia Kuchiki speaking"
"Uh...Hey Rukia it's me Grimmjow" said the voice sounding oddly miffed.
"You better be calling to tell me you are out" said Rukia feeling lead form in her stomach.
"I wish I were, but you see my...great aunt passed away and I need to go out of town for the funeral"
"I am sorry" said Rukia holding a hand to her head.
"I am sorry too...she just died out of the blue"
"Uh uh"
"So how about you head to the expo, I told Ichigo to be with you so no worries"
"You told Ichigo?!"
"Yeah I did, I need to go now. Bye" he said and hung up without letting Rukia finish her train of thought.
She sighed as she slipped on her heels. Tonight's going to be a long night.
-x-
The Gotei was a hotel that was meant for aristocrats, the people who were lucky enough to get an entry into it were sure it was god's blessing on their poor souls that allowed them into this piece of heaven.
The hall were the event was held was decorated beautifully, with numerous paintings on the four walls and chandeliers hanging gracefully on the ceiling. A choir sat in the corner playing soft music as both men and women dressed in the finest wear milled about talking in soft tones and studying the art whilst waiters moved between them with platters of champagnes. A staircase wound its way down in the center of the hall and the huge doors above were accepting people.
In the corner of the hall was a man with tangerine hair, he was dressed in a black tuxedo and had a scowl on his face as he listened to the voice on the phone. He leaned back against the wall and ran a hand through his hair as he processed what he was hearing.
"So let me get this straight, your great aunt died and you can't make it?"
"Yes"
"Jaggerjack, give me one good reason why I shouldn't drive to Hueco Mundo and beat the hell out of you for your oh-so-believable story"
"It's true my grandmother's dead! And you want me to come to a party?" He asked dramatically.
"It's not a party dumbass! And if you wanna sound believable you might wanna decide if it's your great aunt or your grandmother and FYI I can hear music.
"Bastard. Rukia bought it so I thought you would to"
"Rukia hasn't been unlucky enough to be with you for more than a decade"
" é"
"Ukitake is going to kill you and so will Rukia when she finds out"
"Like I care. Dude I gotta go...I told Rukia that you are gonna be her date so take good care of her Romeo"
Ichigo widened his eyes "You told her what?!"
"She will be there soon. You better be there or else poor girl might get in trouble with her superiors"
"Why you so-" and the line went dead. He slid the phone in his pocket and grabbed a champagne from a passing waiter.
"Well well if it isn't the scowling little brat" said a voice behind him.
He turned around and came face to face with a dark skinned woman who had burgundy tresses arranged above her head in a bun. She wore a black halter neck gown that complimented her busty physique.
"Yoruichi" said Ichigo in response nodding at the woman who was his family friend and always visited them on numerous occasions. She was a CEO of a hotshot company and it was no surprise seeing her here but the man next to her...
"You know him?!" asked Ichigo staring at the blonde smirking at him.
"He's my husband Ichigo" said Yoruichi as the said man wrapped an arm around her waist.
"What?! How come I never met him with you?!"
"That's because we simply never had the chance to " said Kisuke Urahara.
Yoruichi chuckled lightly as she looked at him "Oh relax Ichigo, enjoy the night"
Ichigo just glared at her.
"Oh I suppose you can't enjoy without your significant other"
Ichigo turned his glare on the man.
"Oh I completely forgot about that" said Yoruichi dramatically placing a hand on her chest "Congratulations Ichigo"
"Oh shut up" said Ichigo downing his drink in one gulp.
"Speaking of which where is your wife"
Ichigo was about to shut them for even talking about this matter when he felt silence in the hall, he frowned at it and saw Kisuke point behind Ichigo
"That would be her..."
Ichigo turned around and felt his jaw drop as he stared at the top of the staircase, standing in front of the oak doors was Rukia. A man came forward and took her lavender wrap from her and she smiled at him politely as she made her way downstairs.
Ichigo's eyes moved over her form taking her appearance in. Her silky raven hair were pulled back in an elegant knot at the back of her head while few strands that escaped the knot framed her small face, her diamond studs glittered in the lighting along with delicate necklace around her neck. Her violet eyes were confident as she studied everything before her. She wore a strapless violet gown that showed her creamy shoulders and had a shimmering net of silk over it that trailed a few inches behind her and cast a silver glimmer every time she moved. She wore silver stilettos that made her look all the more beautiful.
Ichigo snapped from his staring and made his way towards her as she reached the last step. He felt a jolt through his body as their eyes met and he wanted to do nothing but stare into those eyes.
He silently offered her his arm and she smiled softly as she hooked her arm through his.
Professor Ukitake approached them wearing a tailored suit and smiling at them
"Hello professor" said Rukia nodding at him. Ichigo did the same.
"Rukia you look beautiful tonight" he said smiling at her.
"Thank you professor"
He turned to Ichigo "You don't have to explain to me anything I am pretty sure this was Grimmjow's doing"
Ichigo just nodded. "Come both of you I would like you to meet some people"
They both started following the man and Ichigo kept repeatedly glancing at the woman next to him.
"See something you like?" asked Rukia smirking softly while staring ahead.
Ichigo blushed and tried to cover it with a roll of his eyes "Please, I was just wondering how many inches are your heels to make you look not so short midget"
Rukia subtly placed her heeled end at his foot and smiled as Ichigo hissed in pain.
They reached the people and began light talk. Rukia put on her Kuchiki facade and let everything flow.
They spoke to so many people that Ichigo lost count on how many hands he shook and how many people he burned with his glares when they tended to get a little too close to his wife. After bidding farewell to an old man they met Momo dressed in an elegant blue gown with Toshiro who was dressed in a tux.
"Rukia you look amazing!" gushed Momo grinning at her.
"You don't look bad yourself" said Rukia smiling.
"What are you doing with Rukia?" asked Toshiro raising an eyebrow.
"We all would like to know that" said Nel sweeping in wearing a green pleated gown that split into different shades at the bottom. Rangiku stood next to her with a halter neck red gown. Uryuu and Orihime joined them
"Grimmjow" said Ichigo like the word itself had so much meaning.
Everyone just nodded in response knowing it was a typical Grimmjow way to behave, regardless of the situation.
They chatted for a while and bid their friends farewell when Rukia told Ichigo she had to go soon for her speech. They met up with an acquaintance of Ichigo along the way and he stood there talking to him. Rukia noticed Senna in a pink dress standing few meters in front of them. She stood glaring at Rukia completely ignoring the guy next to her who seemed to be talking to her. Rukia smirked back at her as she tightened her hold on Ichigo's arm, watching with delight as the woman fumed at her actions. Ichigo glanced at her for her action then resumed talking.
Ichigo ended his talk at the same time a girl motioned me from afar.
"I've to go" I murmured to Ichigo looking at him.
He bent down and whispered in her ear "All the best"
Rukia laughed at this "I don't need it"
She moved along before he commented on her arrogance.
-x-
Ichigo watched smug and proud as Rukia spoke on a makeshift stage, capturing the entire crowd's attention. He sipped his drink and kept his eyes on her as she answered someone's question...This woman.
After she finished talking she made her way down and the people applauded and began their chatter. A man on the stage gestured the choir to play and they started playing different music than before, people moved to the side of the hall and began dancing to the rhythm.
Rukia joined Ichigo and she saw him furrow his eyebrows "What? You didn't think there was dancing"
Ichigo just shrugged at her and mumbled something incoherent.
"Don't worry I know-"
"Ms. Kuchiki" said a voice near them. They turned to see a blonde man standing there, Ichigo recognized the man as one of the people they had spoken to earlier.
"Yes?" she asked gracefully smiling at him.
"May I have this dance?" he said offering her his hand.
Ichigo saw Rukia glance at him and she placed her hand in his "Of course" she said and glided along with him.
Ichigo watched for the next hour Rukia dancing with different men, he didn't blame them for wanting to dance with her when she was dressed like that. She was currently dancing with someone whose face Ichigo wanted to punch when he saw him leering at her. His irritation kept growing and finally snapped when he saw the man slide his hands from her waist downwards to her hips.
He marched over and vaguely realized the change of song to a slower one. He tapped the man's shoulder and the couple stopped, Rukia looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"The song's changed I wanna dance with her"
The man scoffed at him and Ichigo shot him a glare and he let her go.
Ichigo stepped closer to the woman whose face was looking down so he couldn't see her expression. He placed his arms on her slender waist and she moved her arms around his neck. Ichigo was no dancer but right now he focused on Rukia's movements and got the hang of it.
"So it's finally over huh?" he said staring ahead breathing in her scent.
"Yes" she said still looking down.
"Rukia"
She looked up at him, amber met violet their faces inches apart and suddenly nothing existed around them.
"You look beautiful"
He saw her face become pink and he slid his eyes to her lips and brought them up to her eyes again. He slowly leaned towards her and watched her do the same, their eyes closing together and then just as quickly the song ended and people applauded as the night drew to an end.
They both let go of each other and moved away, thanking and cursing the gods at the same time.
-x-
Rukia looked at him skeptically pulling his coat that he gave her tighter around herself.
"I am not sitting on your bike" she said staring at him as he rolled his eyes.
"Of course you are not" he said as he started walking along the footpath adjacent to the hotel. They were standing in the parking of the hotel with apparently no ride according to Rukia.
"You mean we are walking?!" she said loudly as she walked faster to catch up with him.
He shot her a look and Rukia noticed a black car pull up in front of them.
"We are going in this" he said taking the keys from the valet who came out of the driver's side.
"Since when do you have a car?" she asked.
"Since I asked Mizuiro to let me borrow his" said Ichigo opening his door and sitting in.
Rukia sat in the passenger seat and looked at him as he started the car.
"Then how is Mizuiro going home?"
"He'll probably crash at one of his girlfriend's homes"
He pulled out and started driving while Rukia stared out the window at the passing lights.
They both sat in comfortable silence, Rukia fidgeted in her seat her body catching up to all the standing she did in her pencil heels. Her legs protested and she unbuckled her heels and sighed when they hit the flat surface of the car.
They reached home and she got out with her heels in her hand ready to walk on the footpath with her bare legs to soothe her feet.
The minute she stood up she felt Ichigo grab her wrist and yank her down. She plopped down on her seat with a yelp, she turned to the man next to him.
"What is your problem?!"
"You are not walking bare feet" said Ichigo looking at her with narrowed eyes.
"Am too" she said refraining from sticking her tongue out at him.
He sighed and looked at her "Remember eighth grade? The party?"
Rukia frowned as she racked her brains and winced when she remembered.
"You decided to pull this stunt that time too and-
"-a glass pierced my feet. I remember, mom gave me hell for that"
"You gave me hell too remember?" said Ichigo scowling at the unpleasant memory.
Rukia grinned in response as she remembered herself lying around on the sofa watching movies while Ichigo did all her work for her since she couldn't walk. The work included getting her food, getting the remote from the table, carrying her upstairs when she had to go take a shower and so much more. She remembered him complaining so much but he had never been able to tell her no with her pleading eyes.
"Maybe I want you to go through that again" she said smirking.
"Like hell" he said.
"Pfffff. Spoil sport" she muttered and stuffed her feet in her shoes leaving the buckles hanging and got out slamming the door in the process. She marched up to their door and fished for the keys in her clutch. She unlocked the door and walked in, hearing the car beep as Ichigo locked it. She walked into the hall and tripped on her buckle and hit her shin, she grabbed the table for support and heard laughter as Ichigo appeared behind her. She glared at him as she sat on the chair
"You ok butterfingers" he asked her with an amused expression on his face.
"Thanks for your concern" she snapped as she pulled of the heels and tossed them aside. She lifted the hem of her gown, examining her bruise unaware of Ichigo's look on her.
She let it go and got up looking at Ichigo who was staring at her now covered legs. She felt her face grow warm and she pushed him from the way and walked to her room. She removed her earrings and tried to remove the expensive necklace from its clasp. Tried being the key word as the thing was now stuck. She debated on pulling it out through a different method but realized it would lead to its destruction.
Sighing she opened her mouth and hollered "Ichigo!" Her hands went to her hair and she started undoing the knot at the top.
She heard footsteps and the door opened revealing him with a raised eyebrow.
She removed the clip and placed it on the dresser running a hand through her now loose hair.
"Can you remove my necklace? Its stuck" she said pointing at her neck.
Suddenly she felt uncomfortable and hot under his gaze that moved up and down her length, resting on her face. He walked closer to her and she saw something flash through his eyes. He turned her around and she jumped at the feel of his warm hands on her bare shoulders. She mentally cursed herself for not changing clothes and making this into some clichéd movie scene.
She looked at him through the mirror and when their eyes met she looked down at the floor. She felt the clasp loosen and she pulled the necklace placing it in front of her. Goosebumps appeared on her skin when she felt his calloused hand run down her arms starting from her neck and stopping at her wrist. She took a step front and turned around and just saw the door close as his orange hair disappeared.
Rukia clutched her arms and decided then that a silent Ichigo was dangerous to her in many ways.
A/N: Well here it is! It took me a long time to write this because I was seriously busy, and when I finally got time I got side tracked by reading this good book...You guys should definitely read Meg Cabot, she's awesome (except princess diaries, I hate it! Dunno what she was thinking when she wrote it)
Rukia's dress and the whole scene was inspired by Anastasia, its an animated film that's really good! go ahead and watch it.