Ah, update finally. This update was the result of a combination of factors: first, my internet connection has been like non-existent for awhile so, I had to write my own fanfic instead of being able to read others. And secondly, my "editor/friend" practically beat me with my laptop until I promised to write another chapter (jk, my laptop is far to valuable to use as a tool of bludgeoning).

Does anyone go to conventions? Say like the Kumoricon?

So, Personal Riot brought to my attention the fact that I had originally stated on my profile that I would try to make this fanfic around fifteen chapters long ... unfortunately it is going to go over that. I also have another rather large "plot occurrence" that has to do with Senna that I would like to work into this fic as well as more actual band "things."

So, I'm wondering, should I just make this a really long fanfic, or should I make a part two to it? Would it be better for it to be like 30 chapters long, or to have a sequel?

Onto the good stuff:

AnimeFanx3 - I've been pondering the kiss thing for awhile now and have realized that in most the manga I read, like Ouran High School Host Club and Dengeki Daisy there is like no kissing! So, I'm thinking if there's going to be a kiss, it will occur with one of the non-main couples (probably Hitsugaya and Momo), by accident (like Ichigo accidentally kissing Uryu or something) or at the very end of the story. I'm still not sure :( sorry for my indecision but thank you for reading and leaving a review!

Rocket Out - Yay, good to know you're still reading and you'll have to let me know what you thought of Dengeki Daisy. Thanks for the review and there will be more on Hitsugaya's past in this chapter :)

H0P3FUL - Lol to fangirl spasms :) I have them too! Review was funny and spirit lifting, thanks :D

ashezo - I feel bad about the long time between updates but I promise I will finish this story! :) and strange huh that Ichigo was asking Rukia for advice for how he should apologize to Tamako who is actually Rukia! I have fun with the digipad :) Thanks for you review!

Newbie0100 - I sooo hear and understand ya on the finals dilemma. They are very not fun but I hope yours went well :) I reread some chapters of this story and was like "Wait, when the heck did I start liking the whole Hitsugaya and Rukia couple so much?" I may actually have to write a Toshiro and Rukia story, but this one I will have to try and remember to keep Ichigo and Rukia :) Thanks for your review!

Cattenlent - Glad you've enjoyed the story so far and I definitely have my brain storming away on how to bring all my plot strands together. The Hitsugaya and Momo one kinda ends in this chapter and the next one and I may end up having to put Senna's part into a whole other story. I hope it all works out ... my brain is a mess right now :) but I will try to sort it all out and keep the chapters coming! Thank you for your review :D

Darkspider - Yeah, as you said, despite the fact that they hardly ever interact, I still want to pair Hitsugaya and Rukia together too! I don't know why ... I just can't stop myself (yes, I think there is something wrong with me). Yay for your cousins successful bone marrow transport :) and Kanon Wakeshima is definitely all sorts of amazing! I liked the other song you recommended too and sorry for the slow update *offers tissue, I hope you aren't sobbing anymore :) and thank you for the review!

rukikon - Um, let's see, I would say Dengeki Daisy is romance, school life and comedy (some really good comedy) with a bit of mystery. It is captivating, even from the first chapter and the plot moves along quickly, without a lot of "filler" chapters. The heroine is brave and stands up for her friends and isn't all "damsel in distress" The main guy is bad *ss, intelligent and awkward in love. They are very bickerish towards each other. And man, I so wish I could draw! then I would draw out this instead of writing it but alas, my drawing only extends into the realm of stick people :( buuuut enough of my moping, I hope you read Dengeki Daisy and let me know what you think of it and thank you for your review :)

Juveniliare - Oooh art class? What kind of art class? Oh and of course, thanks for the review :)

Personal Riot - I could not stop laughing as I read your review (cause you're funny), I can't believe you told your mom, "You don't even know," for some reason I find this hilarious and can imagine myself saying it to my mom :) and I forgot that I had originally planned to make it about 15 chapters, I may have to make it longer ... if that's ok with you :D and I will shoot you a PM with the chapter titles meanings, they are all musical terminology. Your review was great :) thank you!

Hatake Tsughi - Yay, I'm glad you got the whole, "ultimate decision" thing for toshiro, choosing between his family and himself. Don't worry, that whole issue gets sorted out in this chapter :) and Ichigo and Rukia get closer with every chapter :) Thanks for your review :)

Thank you to:

Lighting Rain, Jimy and Steph the book lovers, SinoviVaatell, Llyssa-maiden, amehoshi141, -ICHIRUKIFTW-, headyzest, Argenteo. Wings, KurukiXV, Violentkitty, Tee Hee, DAyaNelXD, xxxIchiRukixxx

Your reviews were great and much appreciated :)

Disclaimer: I do not lay any claim to owning Bleach, or anything else protected by a copyright

oOo

Meditation/Ave Maria - Charles Gounod (based on J. S. Bach's 1st Prelude)
this is meant for any multitude of instruments, but the flute and piano duet is very beautiful

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Urahara

Reading the note in his hand, Urahara chuckled to himself before passing it towards his friend. The dark-haired man gave the note the once over, shaking his head with a grin on his face all the while. "Your boy sure takes after you," Urahara took the paper back, folding it once before slipping it into his jacket pocket.

"What can I say?" Isshin shrugged, reaching out to pour more sake into his cup. "But are you ok with him causing such a ruckus during your dance?"

Urahara ran the tip of index finger along the rim of his glass, "It's already been started, from the moment he entered the ballroom."

"You still do have time to stop it, you know," Isshin grinned at his old friend. "But you would rather watch this play out and let my son entertain you for the night, am I right?"

"Exactly."

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Renji

The man, that liked to refer to himself as Kuchiki Byakuya's "wingman," adjusted his formal attire once more. It had been awhile since Renji had been dressed to the nines and he had oh so modestly thought aloud that he definitely looked smashing tonight. Although, he was impressed with how well he had cleaned up, Renji had been left gaping like a fish in awe of his date.

The shorthaired girl smiled at Renji as he stood before her like the first caveman to discover fire. Her smile lessened though as the staring continued, "If you don't stop gaping, I'm going to punch your nose into the back of your cranium."

The threat worked to full effect. Renji's mouth clamped shut with a snap, and he mumbled an apology. He hesitantly offered his arm to her and they began their walk towards the ballroom. "Er, so" Renji cleared his throat, "Tatsuki, you look nice tonight."

So, Renji wasn't exactly the shining definition of a "smooth operator." Tatsuki cracked a grin once more, "Well thank you very much. You don't look half bad yourself."

For some reason, whenever Renji had been around Rukia he would run into Tatsuki. One way or another the pair had begun to talk, or rather, make fun of Ichigo together and Renji had finally decided to ask Tatsuki to the dance. Now, here they both were.

A few more nervous chuckles between the pair and Renji groped about for another topic. "So, you, uh, you do Karate right Tatsuki?"

The tomboy girl immediately clamped down on the topic, "Yes, for almost my whole life. I get to learn all this new stuff, all while being able to pummel stupid idiots who think they're all macho." She struck a fighting stance, almost punching Renji's lights out in the process. Her face shown with the thrill she felt for karate, but her attire didn't quite match her fighting spirit. Her gold-in-color dress flattered her fit form and she had foregone heels in favor of a pair of sequined, black flats. She struck the air once more with her fist, the flower on her corsage barely hanging on. "That was how I met Ichigo," she chuckled, "he was such a wimp."

The mention of the Kurosaki's name sparked Renji's memory. "Tatsuki, just what type of person is Ichigo?"

"Uh, well he's a good friend and can be a bit arrogant at times, but I'm always there to beat his ego back into his fat head."

"Is he the type of person, that might say, oh I don't know, do something idiotic and causes-a-scene-at-some-big-event-and-get-himself-in-trouble-with-some-powerful-people?"

"That's very specific," Tatsuki frowned. "Does this have anything to do with the fact that your friend is disguising herself as a boy."

"Possibly," Renji said, scratching his head like a monkey. "He seems obsessed with Rukia and-" his words came to a halt and he turned, to eye Tatsuki in caution. "And, how did you know Rukia was disguising herself?"

"So, the girl is actually Rukia," Tatsuki said the name with a slight edge of bitterness. "The Kuchiki Rukia right?"

"Yes, but how do you know? Did someone spill?" The name Rangiku was currently flashing through Renji's mind.

"No, I sparred with Tamako once for practice. He can kick butt in karate, but the movements had greater similarity to the girls I had fought rather than the guys. Plus, there were a few other indicators that Tamako wasn't actually a boy. Tamako almost never used the bathroom or showers at school and one time he did, he tried to follow Orihime into the girl's restroom."

Renji face was solemn, "You won't let this slip will you?" It was a request, but a glint in Renji's eyes indicated he was willing to go to great lengths to keep this secret.

Tatsuki smirked and quickly socked a light punch to Renji's stomach. He doubled over, rubbing the tender spot. "What are you doing to do if I do tell someone?" Tatsuki asked. "Ichigo should at least know. That boy has been in awe of Kuchiki Rukia for a long time. He was like a freaking celibate monk towards all the other girls starting back in the days of grade school! The only person that he seemed interested in was Rukia."

Tatsuki forced a laugh, full of spite, "And now, after all this time, it turns out that Kuchiki Rukia has been by that idiot's side for almost a year. How cruel is this to Ichigo? That fool, dedicating himself to a girl who probably never even knew he existed."

"Oh, she knows," Renji straightened, shoving his hands into his pocket. "I doubt that Rukia will ever forget that dandelion."

"What do you mean? Ichigo said Rukia probably didn't even remember him."

Renji sighed, leaning back against the wall in the hallway. "I don't know if Rukia will give a damn about me telling you this, but I know for a fact that she remembers Ichigo. Did you know, that Ichigo's mother used to be one of the best piano players in the world?"

Tatsuki nodded, "Yes, until she retired because she met Ichigo's dad and blah, blah, blah, the birds and the bees. If you want the detailed version of that story Ichigo's father is always willing to divulge just how Ichigo came to be."

Renji failed to respond to the humor in her words. Instead he stared straight ahead, his eyes cast over with a glassy sheen. "Rukia always said she loved her, Masaki Kemuri."

"Kemuri?"

"It's her maiden name, before she married. She didn't change her name until 'bout eight years after she retired."

"Is that why, Rukia doesn't realize who Ichigo is?" Tatsuki said slowly, connecting events in her head.

Renji nodded, "Rukia knows Ichigo and his mother Kemuri Masaki. I'm not sure what she would do if she found out that Ichigo was that woman's son."

"Well, if Rukia loved his mother so much, she'd probably fling herself at Ichigo and they'd finally just admit they actually like each other and make their own birds and bees story," Tatsuki snorted. "It is obvious that there is some sort of attraction between those two, even with Rukia disguised as a boy. Ichigo doesn't realize it, but he isn't good at hiding just how strongly he feels for Tamako. I was surprised, it was the first time he actually showed interest in another person, I mean real interest to the point of almost calling it a crush, and it turned out to be on a boy, or at least I thought so."

"Yea, Ichigo probably thinks he's gay," Renji said, recalling the whispers of gossip he had heard earlier, circulating about the school. "But, if Rukia found out that he was Masaki's daughter, their relationship would end. Rukia would run the other way."

"Why?"

Renji's shook his head, "Don't ask me to answer that, sorry."

If Tatsuki was surprised at his request, her face did not show it. She forced a smile and punched Renji in the arm, earning a satisfactory grunt of pain from the tall guy. "No problem, I will keep Rukia's secret for now, but I won't be able to keep my mouth shut forever. Ichigo will need to know and he's my best friend after all, I can't watch him suffer forever."

"You're a good friend."

Tatsuki smiled, "And our friends are both idiots."

"Uh."

"You're supposed to agree with me."

"Right, idiots, Ichigo and Rukia."

"Speaking of the idiot Ichigo, there he goes now," Tatsuki pointed a hand in the direction of the lithe orange head as he wove his way through the people, down the hall, with his cell phone to his ear. His brow was furrowed and he appeared to be engaged in a rather serious conversation. "What do you suppose he's up to?"

"I can't be certain," Renji watched as Ichigo ended his call and a smirk appeared on the younger boy's face, "but I have a pretty good idea."

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Rukia

Her feet were aching and Rukia stumbled. Hitsugaya gripped her hand tightly, helping her to keep her footing. "Careful there," he said softly. Rukia turned to thank him, but found his eyes off somewhere else, once again. The whole night he had been distracted, his gaze on some unknown distance.

They continued their round about the dance floor, their strides in perfect step to the music, despite Hitsugaya's distracted state of mind. His usually unreadable face showed an expression of serious thought and every now and again he would scowl at some thought that crossed his mind. So far, it seemed that none of the Karakura students had recognized her, well at least not as Tamako. Kiego had followed her around for half an hour, spewing words that Rukia was pretty sure he jacked from a book of poetry, until Chizuru had intervened, dragging him off to dance. Those two made one odd couple. Another strange couple, Uryu and Orihime managed to knock down a handful of people as they did their own rendition of the waltz, that looked more like the chicken dance.

The song's last note wavered and came to and end. "Shall we take a break?" Hitsugaya said in an offhand voice. He took Rukia's hand in his and guided her from the floor. "Here we go," he said in a harsh whisper. "Hope you're prepared."

"For what?"

"The sharks are here."

A group of people turned to watch in keen interest as Rukia and Hitsugaya strode from the dance floor. "Kuchiki Rukia," a tall blond woman offered her hand to Rukia, shaking it gently. "It has been too long."

"How do you do?" Rukia adopted her public speaking voice.

"I'm great darlin' truly grand. It has been far too long."

Rukia and Hitsugaya forced small chat for another few minutes before they managed to break away from the woman and continue up to the second floor. "Did you know her?" Hitsugaya said in reference to the blond lady.

"Nope."

The night was far from over, and Rukia had to undergo more than her want of similar conversations. So many people lay claim to knowing her, but there were only a handful of people she could place a name to. "They are just trying to get on my good side," Rukia muttered as she sat at a table, poking at the crème brulee that was meant for her dessert.

"That is the type of world we live in," Hitsugaya was leaning back in his chair, in a posture of relaxation but his movements were tense as he carefully sipped the after dinner tea. "They all know that you are a Kuchiki and are trying to figure out where you have been for the last year."

"Do they have nothing better to do?"

"Well, many only come here it if will prove advantageous to them in some way. So, at these type of events, kissing up is the only thing some people can do."

"I hate kiss ups."

"It can't be helped, these sort of events help our type of society go round."

"I hate our type of society."

"Plus, Urahara loves throwing big parties like this."

"I hate Urahara."

"Ouch, that cuts me deep."

Rukia barely glanced up, a crease appearing on her forehead being the only indication that she had noticed Urahara's sudden appearance beside her table. "Madame," Urahara said, poking fun at Rukia as he executed a well-mannered bow. "I thought it best to forewarn you that there is a rather large group of reporters outside Euterpe, so it would be wise of you to not step foot outside the school."

Rukia raised an eyebrow, "Why are they here?"

He shrugged, pulling a fan from within the sleeve of his suit jacket. He waved it about in front of his face, and half muttered, half coughed something that sounded suspiciously like, "I invited them."

"You invited them?" Rukia hissed, stabbing a fork through Urahara's fan.

"Ahaha," he released his punctured fan, pulling out another one from who knows where. "I didn't say anything like that!"

"Then, what did you just say?"

"I said, it is pie-pie time, I think I'll go get myself a piece."

"That doesn't even sound the same!"

Urahara counted, quietly mouthing, 'I invited them,' then 'It is pie-pie time." He held up five fingers, "But the same amount of syllables, see Rukia."

Rukia fumed and rolled her eyes, "Why is it pie-pie time?"

"Because, I love pie times two."

What the heck, he is messing with me. "Urahara, are there really reporters out there? Or are you just trying to keep me from running away? Because I'm not going to," Rukia crossed her arms.

"Why Rukia," Urahara's grey eyes shone from behind the red mask he wore. "I would never dream of you running from anything, you are a Kuchiki after all. As for the truth on whether or not there are reporters, I guess that is for me to know and for you to find out."

With that, the blond haired director departed, leaving Rukia to stare quizzically at his back. "I wonder," she mumbled, peering out the large windows to see if she could catch the flash of a camera lens, or hear the yells of reporters outside. "Hitsugaya, what do you think?"

…

"Hitsugaya?" Rukia looked towards her fiancé. He had gone rigid, his hands curling into fists and his mouth frowning even more so than before. Down on the floor, twirling away, a couple made their way about the floor. A head of orange hair and the brown of another passed by their table and Hitsugaya got to his feet. "Ichigo?" Rukia felt a twinge shoot through her heart, something playing with her heartstrings, "with Momo Hinamori." Tonight, more than any night before, she couldn't free her gaze from him. His dark suit, white bow tie and mask, and bright orange hair, he was the picture of the ideal gentleman in her mind. He was so careful, as he spun Momo about, her skirt of her peach colored dress fluttering behind her. Momo looked so happy, calm and confident, like she knew Ichigo wouldn't let her fall, like she trusted him.

Rukia felt light headed and a familiar burn that foreshadowed tears assaulted her throat. Realizing she had been holding her breath, Rukia exhaled. Why? was the single question that now occupied her consciousness.

Why is Ichigo dancing with Momo?

Why has he not tried to talk to me?

Why do I care whom Ichigo dances with?

Why do I care about anything that has to do with Ichigo?

Why do I care?

Hitsugaya was abruptly by Rukia's side, grabbing her hand and helping her to her feet. "Let's go dance."

She couldn't agree with his decision more, "Yes, I feel like dancing again."

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Ichigo

Ichigo worked to hide the satisfaction on his face as he watched Hitsugaya pull Rukia to her feet, down the stairs and onto the dance floor, all the while staring at Momo. The Karakura student had long ago figured out that Hitsugaya possessed strong feelings towards Momo. He could definitely use this to his advantage.

He forced a congenial grin on his face and waved in Hitsugaya's direction as they came to a stop in front of the shorter boy, "Toshiro, hey having a good time?"

The icy glare could not be missed by anyone and if looks could kill, Ichigo would be dead. In fact, he would have been dead a long time ago, because Tamako would have killed him multiple times already. Ah Tamako, he loved that kid … in a totally platonic, friendship, non-gay type of way. NON-GAY!

"Kurosaki," Hitsugaya, with forced politeness bowed his head in Ichigo's direction. "Momo."

"Shiro, you look great! How are you doing?" Momo hugged the white haired boy with enthusiasm. "Are you having fun?"

Hitsugaya opened his mouth to speak, paused, then answered, "Yes, lots of fun," he was forcing himself to smile. It looked rather painful.

"Should switch partners for a bit, Shiro?" Ichigo began to inch towards the woman he knew to be Rukia, still standing by Hitsugaya's side.

"I don't think-"

"That sounds great, right Toshiro?" Momo grinned, looping her arm about Hitsugaya's. He glanced towards the black haired woman by his side. She bowed her head in permission of sorts and smiled.

"Very well," Hitsugaya allowed himself to be pulled onto the ballroom floor, glancing over his shoulder at Rukia until she was lost behind the wall of other dancers.

"Kuchiki Rukia."

She jumped, her purple eyes darting to connect with Ichigo's. "The boy from the dress store right?"

"I'm glad you remember me." Actually that was what he had been hoping for. If she remembered him from the time in Latiffle, then perhaps she would eventually remember him from her childhood. He gulped and took one of her hands in his own, bringing his lips to the back of it to place the lightest of kisses.

She jerked her hand from his, clasping it in her other one. "Rukia," Ichigo took a step closer to her. Now that he was alone with her, he felt the feeling of fluster threatening to overtake him. "Er," he sensed the need to say something, anything. "You look nice tonight."

She turned away from him, hiding her face. Was she ignoring him, or perhaps she just hadn't heard. He cleared his throat, trying once more, "You look very nice tonight."

This time he received a head nod in acknowledgement but she still would not look his way. Maybe his compliment was too run-of-the-mill. Now that he thought of it, you look nice tonight was something only baboon-faced losers used.

He squared his shoulders, reached out and turned the slender girl about to face him, "You look very beautiful."

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Rukia

Ahahahaha why won't Ichigo leave me alone?

Rukia struggled to smother just whatever emotion was currently racing through her body. The fact that Ichigo stood so near her and was even complimenting her was enough to overheat her emotional system. She turned away from him, clasping her hand that he had just kissed.

Kissed.

Kisssssssed.

Ki-us-sussed.

No matter how she said it, it just didn't sound right. Ichigo had just … kissed her. Granted it was her hand, but come on, she and Ichigo always fought like cats and dogs! They in no way, ever, never ever kissed!

What was wrong with her?

She felt his warm hand on her shoulder, skin-to-skin and he spun her around, to face him. His face was set in a determination of some sort and he said firmly to her, "You look very beautiful."

If she thought her feelings were running haywire before, they were now completely out of control. She couldn't turn away from him, and she really wished that he would look away from her. Ichigo, what are you doing to me?

He leaned closer towards her, bending down. They couldn't do this, Ichigo was her best friend, or rather, Tamako's best friend. They could not, under any circumstances, kiss. Like the literal kiss-kiss, real kiss because then, Rukia had no idea what she would do and how she would feel towards Ichigo afterwards.

Things were fine, or rather stable, as they were now and she feared that step across the "just friends" line.

Resorting to instinct, Rukia did the first thing that came to her mind.

She kicked him,

hard

in the shins.

"Freakin' shit," he crouched down to rub his injured limb. Pulling up his pant leg to examine the damage, Rukia was a bit worried to see that there was already a bruise. So, maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to kick him while she was wearing heels.

He lifted his head to glare at her, causing her to take a step back. "Damn, what the hell?"

"S-sorry," she said. "But you know, I just panicked. Hahahaha silly me."

"You did it out of panic? That kick was so hard, I think my ancestors from the time of the cavemen felt it."

"The cavemen? I guess it wasn't that long ago then."

Raising an eyebrow, he rose to his full height, towering above her. "Are you implying I'm like a caveman?"

"Oh no, not at all. Or at least not your looks, your brain on the other hand …"

"What about it?"

"Well, it's exactly like a caveman's."

He frowned, "In what way."

"It's underdeveloped."

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Ichigo

Ichigo suppressed a grin, watching Rukia become more and more disgruntled as their petty fight continued. So, she really wasn't the perfect, tranquil lady she always displayed herself to be and strangely, this made him like her all the more. "Well stupid," Rukia began to belt out another insult, "I bet every time you walk out onto the street, people stop you to tell you that Halloween was months ago and that you should stop going out into public with a pumpkin on your head!"

"And people tell you that you shouldn't dress as a oompa loompa from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, every year, even though you aren't wearing a costume."

She scrunched her nose in anger and shot off another smart aleck remark. Ichigo couldn't help but smile at this, Why am I enjoying this so much?

I feel as if I do this all the time, this quibbling that may be pointless but still never fails to amuse me. I always want more.

More …

But I've never argued with Kuchiki Rukia like this before.

"Well," Ichigo leaned down, closer to her face. "If I'm really such an idiot then-"

"Just stop right there," she cut him off, "There's no 'if' to it, you're just an idiot."

"Takes one to know one …"

She grinned at his joke, causing Ichigo's heart to skip a beat. "So, we are both idiots then," she ran her fingertips gently along his jaw line. "But, you're the biggest idiot," she grabbed his mask, pulling it out and allowing it to snap back on his face.

"Aah!" Ichigo pulled off his mask, rubbing the smarting skin of his face. "Damn, my eyes."

"Fool."

"Violent midget."

The name-calling continued and the sense of familiarity began to grow in Ichigo's mind. I feel as if I do a lot, but this is only the third time I've ever spoken to Rukia.

But it feels almost like habit. She reminds me of someone … of Tamako, but where is Tamako?

"Excuse me," a male's voice said and Ichigo felt a hand tap him on his shoulder. A tall man, with dark spiky hair stood beside him, part of his face covered by a tall white mask. "I was hoping to cut in on your, er dance."

"See Ichigo, now you have a new dance partner," Rukia said.

"Actually," the stranger held out his hand towards Rukia.

"Rukia, shouldn't you feel the least bit of shame that a guy would rather ask me to dance than you?" Ichigo said not giving the other man a chance to finish whatever he had been trying to say.

"Feh, no," Rukia smirked. "Not if he's gay, that seems to be your department."

"Well, it's because of girls like you that he probably turned gay."

"Which means you are also gay because it takes one to know one."

"Um," the man tried to get a word in but both Ichigo and Rukia continued to ignore the third party of their conversation.

"Then, why don't you two go off and be gay together somewhere else."

"Are you sure you don't want to take him shopping with you. After all, you must be used to shopping with gay guys because those are the only type of guys you can attract."

"I am not gay!" the dark haired man said loudly, causing a few other people standing around to turn and gawk his way.

Ichigo and Rukia stared at him before Rukia snorted, "Yeah, you and Uryu."

"Hahaha good one," Ichigo laughed. Wait, how did she know about that?

"I think I've had just about enough of this," the stranger sighed. He lightly gripped Rukia's wrist, pulling her with him. "I would very much like to have a dance."

Not waiting for an answer, he whisked her from Ichigo, onto the dance floor. "Rukia-" his cell phone buzzed in his pocket, halting him in his tracks. "What?" he said darkly into his phone after whipping it out of his pocket.

"Uh, boss, the preparation are done, shall we begin?" a voice on the other line asked him.

"Fine, yes," he hung up without waiting for a reply. He stood there, pondering just what he was about to do. He pressed a hand to his forehead, closing his eyes in thought, Tamako, wherever you are, just what should I do?

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Rukia

Rukia's hand was clasped in the larger hand of her newest dance partner as he led her about the floor. "Rukia," he said smiling, "Good to see you dressed as a woman tonight."

"Do I know you?" she peered into his eyes that so resembled the color of the sea. "Wait," her steps stuttered but her comrade held her upright. "Shiba Kaien?"

He winked, "Bingo."

"What are you doing here?"

"I was invited."

"Gate crashing isn't the same thing as being invited."

"As much as I enjoy a good party crash, I actually was requested to attend this particular event, by your brother in fact."

"My brother," Rukia made a face of skepticism. Her steps slowed, and she came to a stop on the side of the floor, "Why would Byakuya invite you?"

"Yes why indeed Byakuya?" Kaien asked, peering at something over Rukia's shoulder.

"You," the elder Kuchiki had appeared, staring with a prominent frown in Kaien's direction, "it would not be wise to call your new employer by his first name."

"Sir," Kaien released Rukia. "You look nice tonight."

Rukia snorted and Byakuya's frown deepened. "Shiba Kaien," he said in his apathetic voice. "I thought I asked that you wait until I introduced you before you spoke to Rukia."

"Couldn't resist. After all, it's not every day you get to dance with such a talented lady."

"Brother," Rukia looked between the two men. "How do you know Kaien?"

Byakuya answered after a considerable pause, "He is your new piano teacher."

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Hitsugaya

I can't do this.

The young heir made his way towards the balcony, a heavy matter weighing on his mind. Momo had found out about his wedding, but her cheerful words of congratulations only worked to increase the weighted feeling in his chest. Rukia had disappeared from his sights. She had been talking to her brother, her her eyebrows cinched and mouth in a frown as she nodded her head in an understanding of sorts. Afterwards, without much ado, she had vanished in the direction of the second floor staircase. He had waited for her return, but to no avail.

As the time for engagement announcement crept closer, he had set off, to find her, as the pressure of the rather large life decision grew in his thoughts. Rukia didn't love him and he … well, he did not love her either. He could live with her for the rest of his life, yes that was possible, but was it fair to just go with possible, when there was someone else that could offer Rukia extraordinary?

Was there someone who would take care of her in his stead?

He didn't need to dwell on this, he already knew the answer.

Ichigo

Kurosaki Ichigo

The sound of humming drifted to his ears and he turned his head in the direction of the voice, "Rukia?"

The slender gal sat the banister lining the edge of the balcony. Her legs dangled out into the air, and the skirt of her dress fanned out behind her. It looked like she was about to jump.

"Rukia," he practically ran across the cement expanse of the balcony, wrapping his arms around Rukia's waist and pulling her back and onto the safety of the stable ground. "What were you thinking?"

"Hitsugaya, I was just-"

"Were you going to jump? Try and, and," he couldn't bring himself to voice the dreaded ideas that had crossed his mind. "Out here by yourself, the ground is more than thirty feet away-"

"Toshiro!"

It was the first time she had ever used his first name. She placed her soft palm against his cheek, "Toshiro," she repeated his name once more. "What are you talking about?"

He dropped his eyes, afraid to ask her the question that had been plaguing his mind all night. "Do you really find this marriage that dreadful?"

She raised her eyebrows in surprise and Hitsugaya continued, "You would rather kill yourself than marry me? You hate me so much?" He hung his head, and her hand slid from his cheek. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

Rukia, with a bewildered expression stared at Hitsugaya, trying to comprehend what he had just said. A small smile appeared on her face, and laughter escaped from her lips. "Hitsugaya," she clapped her hands rather roughly on either side of his face. "Did you think I was going to jump off the balcony?"

Hitsugaya was shocked that she was laughing, laughing at him in fact. "Yes," he said quietly.

Her grin didn't fade and she reached out suddenly, embracing him in a hug. "No, nothing like that. I was merely resting my legs. These heels are killing me in ways torture experts of the olden days would find praise worthy."

"So, you weren't trying to kill yourself?" he spoke slowly and she nodded.

"No, I wasn't even close to thinking along those lines," she leaned down, propping her elbows onto the smooth concrete of the banister. "Besides, our arranged marriage isn't that horrible is it? I find you rather amiable," a furrow of worry appeared on her face. "Are you wishing you didn't have to marry me?"

Feeling like a jerk, he frantically shook his head, "No, never, I was worrying about how you were feeling and that this marriage was something you hated and, and … why are you laughing?"

"It's just that I've never seen you of all people so flustered. You are just like a kid, or rather," she looked him in the eye, smiling so kindly. "You are finally acting your own age."

This girl did indeed throw him off balance. Amazing didn't even begin to describe her. She was the piano prodigy known worldwide, who left home to live out her freshman year as a boy, all the while feeling that she should bear the guilt of causing the death of her teacher and the eventual passing of her sister. The most stunning part about her was, that despite all this, she still managed to smile so brightly.

His own hardships faded in the shadows of hers and yet, he couldn't even bring himself to focus on how life passed him by. His gaze was stuck on the future, the uncertainty of it all.

He didn't deserve Rukia and she already loved someone else.

"Hitsugaya," Rukia said in an absent minded voice. "I heard your parents weren't going to be here tonight and I still haven't met them you know."

Hitsugaya felt his shoulder tense up once more. "You don't need to worry, in fact, there truly is no reason for you to meet with them, ever."

"Really?" she focused her violet eyes upon him. "I really would like to meet my future in-laws ..."

"They don't deserve to meet you!" he said more harshly than intended. He quieted his speech once more, "They would only harm you."

"Harm me? Why would they do that?"

Hitsugaya ran a hand haphazardly through his hair, trying to calm the guilt that threatened to burst forth at any minute. "Rukia," he decided to throw all caution to hell. "My family is using you, I'm using you!"

She appeared startled by his words, but there remained a dubious streak in her eyes. "I told you earlier," Hitsugaya began his explanation. "That my family had run into financial difficulties. We are an old, proud family, who has stopped at nothing to remain on top. The lumber industry has been failing and as a result, my family has begun to feel the strain caused by the troubled economy."

He rested his hand upon the banister, tapping his fingers in a jittery motion. "It has become the job of the next family head to solve the problem so the choosing of the next in line has become a rather stressed event. Originally, I was the heir to the Hitsugaya name, but I did not want to enter the lumber world. That wasn't for me."

He felt a hand on his, "You wanted to play music didn't you?" Rukia asked calmly.

He nodded his head, "Yes, but that wasn't becoming of the future heir of the Hitsugaya family. My parents merely humored my interest, until they decided that it was time for me to focus on the future, the family's future. When I began to show signs of protest, they sought out a new heir."

Hitsugaya struggled to reign in the anger and disbelief that still resided in his body from the past. "About a year and half ago, my younger brother surpassed me in eligibility as the next head of the family." His breathing was shaky and his nails had begun to bite into the palm of his hands as he balled them into tight fists. "Because I chose music, my parents disowned me."

Rukia uttered some semblance of a curse and insult under her breath, but decided it best to let Hitsugaya continue. Grateful that she was willing to listen, he carried on, "But the family was still suffering and the money was disappearing far faster than we thought it would. It was around this time that my parents decided to approach your brother."

"Byakuya?"

"Yes, apparently my grandfather and your father were old business partners of some sort that had gone their separate ways years ago. My parent came to your brother to beg for assistance and in exchange," Hitsugaya tried to swallow the bitter taste in his mouth. "In exchange for this help, they offered me."

Rukia did curse aloud this time, giving Hitsugaya an apologetic look that she had just insulted his parents. "Sorry," she whispered, holding her hand before her mouth.

"It's fine, I don't really think of them as my parents anymore."

"But Hitsugaya," Rukia ventured to say after a long pause of silence. "How are we in an arranged marriage now?"

"That was your brother's idea. He told my parents that he was willing to merge the Hitsugaya Company into the Kuchiki Corporation by way of an arranged marriage. His conditions were that it be me that married you and I would only be able to marry you if I was the head of the family."

"Wha …" Rukia seemed in a stupor. "What did your parents say?"

"They said they would agree, of course and I became head once more."

"And that's it?"

"Well, your brother also gave them another condition," Hitsugaya was finally able to manage some resemblance of a smile. "Your brother told my parents that they had to allow to practice music and let me go to Euterpe."

Rukia clapped her hands together, raising her index finger to point at him, "No wonder I hadn't ever heard of you before a year ago, well at least not in the musical world."

"You had heard of me before?" Hitsugaya tried not to sound too pleased with this.

"Yes, in fact I have one of your songs you taped. Now that I think about it, my brother gave it to me while I was trying to decide what instrument I should learn to play in America. He told me something like, wouldn't this sound great with piano accompaniment?"

"And he never told you of the engagement?"

"Nope, I found out from you that one day I accidentally shouted 'ME' in the dining hall."

"Ah, I remember that."

"Please don't, just erase it from your mind forever."

They both shared a moment of laughter.

"Hitsugaya," Rukia said, her face serious once more. She placed both of her hands over his, "I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry? I should be telling you sorry," he reached up his hand, placing it on her head. "I'm sorry, sorry that I couldn't stand up to my parents and sorry that I caused you worry because of this."

"No, I should be sorry," Rukia looked stuck between whether she should feel sorrow for Hitsugaya's situation or anger that his parents had treated him so wrongfully. "I'll make sure to beat up Byakuya later for you."

"If anything I should thank him," Hitsugaya leaned down to get a better look at Rukia. "Are you crying?"

"N-no, something in my eye."

"Besides your finger?" Hitsugaya sighed, reaching up and stopping her from rubbing her eyes. "None of this is your fault."

Rukia bit her lower lip and decided to hell with it all and forcefully hugged Hitsugaya. "But your parents."

Hitsugaya seemed a bit taken aback by Rukia. "That is my lot in life," he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I am thankful to them though for raising me."

"But it was my brother who proposed the marriage."

Hitsugaya finally raised one of his hands, using it to pat Rukia awkwardly on her back, "Your brother did it to help me so you have no reasons to feel guilty and besides, my parents didn't really care about the marriage, in fact, they were overly-joyed by the idea," he scoffed. "Apparently they didn't approve of the girl I had been in love with."

"Momo?"

His cheeks colored, "What did you say?" He placed his hands on Rukia's shoulders and pulled her away from his chest to look up at him.

"Well, it's just that you are very good at hiding your emotions around everyone but Hinamori Momo," Rukia sniffled. "She was the one that you loved wasn't she?"

"N-no."

Rukia's tears had come to a stop and she fixed Hitsugaya with a look of accusation.

"Fine," he rolled his eyes but smirked. "Yeah, it was Momo."

"You loved her, yet you hurt her?"

He shoved his hands back into the pockets of his slacks, stalking away from Rukia, "I didn't want her to be hurt by my parents disapproval of her, so, I decided to hurt her myself, let her blame me instead of my parents," he rubbed a hand roughly down his face. "Even after all they do to me, I still worry about what others will think of my parents. I never want anyone to think ill of them."

"But you still care for Momo don't you?"

"And what if I do, I had already made it clear that we can't be together."

Rukia clicked her tongue, "Well, seeing as how I am a girl, I can reassure you that I can tell from the way Momo acts that she still has feelings for you."

"Feelings?"

"You know, like those things called emotions, your sentiments."

Hitsugaya lightly chuckled, holding up a hand to catch Rukia's attention. "I know what feelings are. What I meant is, what kind of feelings does she have for me?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

"No."

"In simple terms that you can understand, she still likes you."

"Momo likes me, are you sure?" he had never felt such a driving need to know an answer as he did now. "Momo still likes me?"

Rukia nodded once with a grin, "And what about you? You like Momo huh? Don't ya? I know you do!"

Hitsugaya forced a cough, "I don't feel that now is quite the right time to answer that."

"Just answer me, you know you like her. Are you too embarrassed to admit it? I didn't know that Hitsugaya Toshiro was so childlike!"

"Alright," he felt his cheeks burn with the long been absent feeling of a blush. "Yes, I still like Momo, a lot in fact."

Rukia nodded her head in a thought so manner. "In that case, I think we should call this engagement off."

This perked Hitsugaya attention, "What?" She made it sound so simple, canceling an arranged marriage like theirs. It sounded as if she was merely calling off a dinner-date they had had planned, not a multimillion dollar wedding between two rather powerful families.

"You heard me," Rukia grinned. "I don't think we should have to listen to your parents and snooty old man Byakuya and let them decide who we should marry. Besides, you love Momo and I can't get in the way of that."

Hitsugaya was at a loss. Normally, his normally rational thinking mind was able to get him out of any tough conundrum but now, he was stuck. Nullifying the engagement was something both he and Rukia wanted, but the problem was Byakuya. Whereas Rukia would most likely come out of the ordeal unscathed, Hitsugaya had a feeling he would find himself at the bottom of a lake after telling Kuchiki Byakuya he didn't want to marry his sister anymore. He voiced his worry to Rukia, "But will Byakuya allow this?"

Rukia shrugged, "Who cares, he's old."

"Uh, that doesn't mean he can't still force us to get married."

"Don't worry, I will be able to change his mind with my sister's help," she sounded so confident, sure she could change the mind of her brother. "And I will make sure your parents don't disown you again by asking Byakuya to tell them to keep you as the head."

It seemed that Kuchiki Rukia really didn't need a man in her life to help her sort out the difficult issues. She exuded and air of competence all her own, and Hitsugaya couldn't help but feel reassured by her words. "As of now," he said, "my music career is going so well, I don't need to depend on my family anymore but Rukia I can't ask you to do that, cancel the engagement, not after all my family and I have put you through. I will make sure to make it up to you and never fail you as a husband."

She shook her head, "Actually, it really didn't cause me trouble. I know you tried to make our engagement work, but I bet that you would be happier with Momo. Plus, I am definitely not ready to be married anytime soon. There isn't even anyone I would consider marrying, well besides you of course because we were in an arranged marriage and I had to think that way and blah, blah, blah but other than that, there is no one even close."

Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Oh really?"

"Yes really."

"What about carrot top? I can tell you have some special feelings for him. Feelings of marriage even," Hitsugaya said slyly.

"Ichigo? Pbbft, whatev- I mean come on," Rukia tried to cover her flushed face by waving her hands about, "Pffft, Ichigo? Really, me like him? Me and Ichigo, for Pete's sakes he thinks I'm a guy! Ichigo is so not gay and I can't, I mean don't like him. Not one bit, not one ounce, not at all, in anyway. Nuh uhuhuh"

"You done yet?"

"If you have gotten my point then yes."

They stared each other down, "So," Hitsugaya said, "you do like him."

"No, I don't!"

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Isshin

A pair of older men watched from an open window as Rukia and Hitsugaya continued to exchange banter back and forth. "Looks like they both want out of this engagement now," Kurosaki Isshin observed. "What are you doing to do now Byakuya?"

The said man turned about, heading back towards the stairs leading to the ballroom floor. "I have to go and make my announcement."

"About what?"

His serious tone remained unchanged, "One of the orchestras owned by my company is holding auditions and Euterpe students are invited to try out."

Isshin cracked a smile, "What about the engagement announcement?"

"What engagement?"

Isshin hung back, allowing Byakuya to disappear from his sight. "That man, I wonder if there was ever going to be a wedding in the first place." He shook his head in amusement before glancing down at his wristwatch. "I guess that means Ichigo won't have to kidnap Rukia now."

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And cuuuuut!

Lovely little end for that chapter right :)

Hope no one wants to kill me for breaking up the Rukia and Hitsugaya couple

As always, all questions, comments, thoughts and rants are welcome :D