YEAY! For reviews! And lots of them! Thanks chickadees!
POLL RESULT!
Question: Who will win in the battle of Kuchiki vs. Kurosaki?
Kurosaki: Twenty-seven
Kuchiki: Eleven
Not choices given, but answers anyway…
Rukia: Two
Yachiru: One
Kaien (What the hell?): One
Unimportant Authors Note Nobody Will Read Anyway: Karma's still a bitch, and I'm still updating late… is there a link between the two? I hope not.
GAMES
Coach Part II
-Rukia—
The death glare her brother is sending towards her date is sending shivers down her spine, let alone what it's doing to Ichigo whose…
…Smirking?
Yes, checking again, Ichigo's smirk is now turning into a downright, devilish smile as he pulls her closer to him and wraps an arm around her waist.
Rukia's doesn't fight off her date and merely wraps her arm around him as well, but now earning a glance from her brother.
'What is this?' his pointed gaze asks her, cold and unforgiving as always.
The hall is silent enough that Rukia can hear her brother's soft footsteps as he slowly makes his way towards her… even Yachiru stays quiet as the elder Kuchiki makes his way towards the younger one.
"Rukia, who is your date this evening?" His voice calmly flows from him, leaving Rukia with a slight chill as she responds just as icily.
"Kurosaki Ichigo, brother."
Her brother turns his attention from her to Ichigo, and what he says makes Rukia wish she could hit him over the head right now.
"Yo, Byakuya."
-Ichigo—
He knows he's being downright rude, but seriously, who was this guy to deem who was worthy and who wasn't?
Because the cold stare that he's been receiving lets Ichigo know that Byakuya is deeming him unworthy.
"Kurosaki Ichigo." Rukia's brother says; his eyes black and unforgiving. "Would you mind if I start the dancing with my little sister."
It's not a question, but Ichigo treats it as one all the same.
"Sure." Ichigo says off handedly, using his arm still wrapped around Rukia to lightly push her towards her brother.
Ichigo now notices that the usual quartet is back into place, the few musicians finishing setting up their instruments as Byakuya leads his date to the dance floor.
Everyone in the room can hear the soft footfall Byakuya makes and the light click of Rukia's heels.
Ichigo watches as the elder Kuchiki nods to the now set up quartet as they start into a number, sending Rukia and her brother into a dance that Ichigo knows must have been danced many times before.
He can only watch as Byakuya mumbles to his sister as their dance continues.
-Rukia—
"Why is your date so impeccably rude?"
Her brother's voice is dull, but full of coldness as he spins her out to pull her back in for an answer, sliding them as a pair on step to the left.
"He's not one for rules and formality, brother. I will try to remind him to mind his manners and-"
"He should not have to be reminded. Only children need to be reminded of such things and you do not date children. If he is going to act like one, I will forbid you to continue romantic pursuit with him."
Rukia doesn't know why her checks flush slightly and a surge of anger and embaressment courses through her as she takes two steps back to only advance those same steps.
"Yes, brother."
Rukia keeps her mind on the dance steps as others join the floor to dance on with their dates as her thoughts mull over what Byakuya had said.
Yes, Ichigo was being rude to her brother, ruder than he's ever experienced most likely, but why would Ichigo be acting so rude in the first place?
Mulling over the possibilities, Rukia decides to start with the women she knows Ichigo's around the most.
It didn't take half a thought to see that Ichigo was protective of his little sisters. Rukia remembers how he squirmed in his seat every time Yuzu announced she was out for a date and heard him mumble once about how Karin was going to kill herself with all of her soccer training… but why would he be rude to Byakuya when she told him to be nice to her brother-in-law?
"Your brother sucks if he causes you ulcers… you know that, right? Brother's don't give their little sisters internal damage."
Was Ichigo being protective of her as well? And from what, exactly? Certainly not Byakuya… he had caused some of the only happiness in her life…
Rukia pushes the topic away from her mind as the dance slows
-Ichigo—
It had been twenty minutes since the dancing had started.
The first song, which started with Byakuya and Rukia, had finished long ago as nearly everyone was dancing.
Hell, even that scary ass monster Kenpachi was dancing!
And Ichigo realized the few people that weren't dancing either looked too nerdy to actually find a date or those who looked a bit sad because they were alone on the side lines.
And suddenly, Ichigo feels a twinge of annoyance and a hint of anger.
Who the hell was Byakuya to steal his date?
Because now as the songs continued, Ichigo realized the bastard had no thought of returning Rukia to him.
A quick sigh of frustration and Ichigo makes his way to the dance floor, dodging couples and terrible dancers alike as he roughly taps on the shoulder of the man who's still leading his date into a dance step.
The couple stops dancing immediately (and so do a few surrounding couples, but Ichigo chooses to ignore them) and grits his teeth as he addresses the man in front of him.
"Byakuya, may I cut in to dance with my date?"
The pale man simply looks him in the eye for a moment before giving an answer.
"Of course, how rude of me to keep her from you for so long."
And with a glance at his sister, the man walks away from the dance floor as couples part for him and a buzz of whispers run through the surrounded crowd.
Ichigo looks at Rukia to see that even though an icy expression is in place; her eyes give away a sense of surprise at her brother's easy surrender.
Not willing to admit it himself, but Ichigo is surprised too, but wordlessly takes Rukia's hand in his as he places his free hand on her waist and hers on his shoulder.
They make eye contact finally since the ordeal and Ichigo throws Rukia a small smile.
He won't admit that he's actually please when she smiles back lightly before he leads them into a simple waltz.
-Rukia—
This was a first.
Every ball, ever since Rukia was asked to bring an escort, Byakuya would steal her for the "first dance" and keep her until the last one.
Ichigo had been the first of all her dates to break this tradition that had happened for more than six years now.
Yes, he was clumsy when he tried to lead her into a shaky waltz, but she can't help but smile back at his grin of victory.
He continues their dance, both not saying a word, yet trying to drown out the must-be-gossip spreading throughout them.
She only keeps her head high and her feet light as the rest of the dance goes by without a hitch.
-Ichigo—
Each time a musical piece finished, the dancing crowd would respond with light applause between song changes.
A half hour later of dancing, however, and the musicians play in a much softer tone.
At this, the dance floor begins to clear as Rukia laces her fingers between his and leads him to the tables.
Following her surprisingly fast stride, Ichigo finds himself looking at the place settings and tables. A few circular tables were being watched over by a slightly higher, long rectangular table.
Ichigo can only grimace slightly at whose making his way to the large, rectangular table.
He grimaces because he and Rukia are on their way to the same table, even towards the same guy who's making his evening less than pleasurable.
"Rukia."
"Brother."
The two nod as they sit each other and Ichigo can feel Byakuya boring holes into him with Ichigo avoiding his gaze altogether.
"Kurosaki Ichigo."
"Yo."
Ichigo see's from his peripheral vision that Rukia has obviously cringed in his disrespect as he can only smirk at Byakuya's increasing frown.
However, soon enough, they're all seated as waiters serve the appetizer.
Escargots.
…
Great.
-Rukia—
Snail tongs in hand and her first snail out of its shell, Rukia chews her appetizer slowly as very light chatter is swirled around the room.
Swallowing her first bite, Rukia looks over to see Ichigo struggling to remove his delicacy.
Rukia resists the urge to roll her eyes.
"You're holding it wrong, you're going to splatter it on someone, idiot." She whispers quietly to her date.
"You mean splatter it again. I'm going to splatter it again on someone." Ichigo mumbles, still trying to get his meal.
This leads to Rukia giving him a glare as Ichigo only raises a corner of his mouth before trying again to conquer the dish.
Rukia tries to gently explain how to use the silverware to properly remove the snail from its shell before offering to remove them herself.
"Nah, it's okay. Don't really want to bother with shitty snails anyway."
Rukia tries to cough in order to cover up Ichigo's slip of words, but the damage has been done.
"What was that word that came from your mouth, Kurosaki Ichigo?"
Rukia groans lightly as her brother and her boyfriend exchange looks across from her...
…Byakuya's death glare paired up against Ichigo's eyes lit up; excited with trouble.
Reaching for her wine glass, Rukia drinks a few sips in order to cope with what she knows must be coming next.
-Ichigo—
Ready for a verbal row, Ichigo repeats himself.
"I said that snails taste shitty anyway, so why would I work so hard to get them out just to eat something that tastes like shit?"
The iciness of Byakuya's voice washes over him when he responds.
"Then I'm sorry that you firstly cannot manage simple silverware correctly. Secondly, that you cannot enjoy the meal for what it's worth and thirdly you must voice your dislikes with such foul and rude language."
Even Ichigo can feel his own smirk.
"Then I must apologize to you as well. I'm sorry you eat food that taste like shit and expect me to do the same. After all, it's not my fault I still have taste buds."
Seeing Byakuya open his mouth in argument, the words never come because suddenly, the large doors that had been closed earlier open with a loud BANG! Ringing throughout the hall.
"Sorry we're late! Working on a project and Naneo and I just got… caught up in it."
-Rukia—
Realizes Shusshi was making his late appearance as normal, Rukia breathes a sigh of relief as the already half drunken man makes his way with his assistant to their spot on the long table.
"Please, you doing work? More like distorying Naneo's work… at least, after you rip it off her."
Rukia's eyes widen at the familiar tone as Naneo voices her complaints against the words just used against her.
"Our relationship is strictly business only! We in no way test our own lingerie products and-!"
"Please, Naneo. You can't deny anything when I myself saw with my own eyes what you and Mr. Shusshi were doing in that broom closet last Christmas Banquet."
Rukia turns her head slowly down the table to see who was talking.
"Kiskue Urahara, I thought we agreed you wouldn't attend any more banquets." Her brother says lowly, merely watching as the said man tilts his hat upwards and sits in a chair next to a blushing red Naneo.
"Please, Mr. Kuchiki. Everyone knows this seat is always left empty because you find me too entertaining to hope I never do come back." The blonde haired man shades his eyes again into the shadows of his hat as he now makes eye contact with Rukia.
"Miss Kuchiki, I see you brought Mr. Kurosaki with you. He took my class last winter semester. You got an -A, didn't you?"
Rukia now looks at Ichigo, allowing herself a small questioning gaze in which he only shrugs.
"Yeah, I did." Ichigo replies, settling back into his chair as Rukia watches how the empty shells on her plate are whisked away for the salad course.
"Thought so."
And with Urahara's last comment, the conversation between Ichigo and her brother seems to be forgotten…
…For now.
THANKS TO:
Vreni: Yachiru? How would she win? Oh well, I'd be game to see her get in the middle. :D
ImALikkleGoblin: Thanks for reading and voting!
LittleRuu: Fanfiction made you hate Byakuya, or Bleach did? Please explain if fanfiction made ya a Byakuya hater. :) Yeah, I needed to include Rukia's tattoo for more explanation in a later chapter and I think this was kinda filler as well, but needed. :)
Eelgirl13: Haha! Yeah, I couldn't see myself liking a character if someone had some weird… uh… obsession with him… that seems unhealthy. :) But thanks for your review!
Amehoshi141: Haha! Byakuya lover, neh? Haha! Thanks for voting and reviewing anyway!
Ricejames: Awh, thanks! When my ex-sister writes, she describes freakin' everything, so I kinda feel incompetent to her. :/ But thanks anyway! :) And wow… I think Rukia in love? You are seriously still thinkin' they'll fall in love? –sigh- ;)
Lemonorangevanilladrops: Wow, redeemable cookies? I might take ya up on that offer if I'm ever starving and half dead from… uh… something. :) And yes, Rukia's tattoo had been in my brain long before chapter three, so I finally got it in here. :D
Metafury: Haha! Maybe not that obvious or dramatic, but more fighting is going to be in the makings! :D
Roll model: Haha, Ichigo draws the first weapon, I love it! :D Haha, ginger wins, neh? I'll tally it up! :D
Ashi Altair: Byakuya? Why him? Isn't he one of the bad guys in this story? (although, technically, Ichigo and Rukia are bad guys to each other so…-shrug-) Thanks for reviewing!
Newbiew0100: Yeah, they kinda relied on each other for support, 'cause they're cool like that. :) I'm glad ya noticed it! One of the few who did!
Teshichan: Yeah, I was supposed to update sooner, but I like responding to your guys' reviews, so I had to hold off a while so I could do just that. :) Thanks for reviewing!
Novicestar: Awh, wow! Thanks for likin' the story, it's really fun to write! And thanks for reviewing, voting, and reading!
Shadow Trinity: Change of pen name is always good! Haha, siding with Kurosaki when you like Mr. Kuchiki? What would Byakuya say? O.o'
Black Sun Upon An Ice Sky: Dude, I totally gave you a reviewer response! You're too loyal of a reader/reviewer to forget! … Which is why I accidently hyphenated you're entire name… -.-' Haha! You're review response from last chapter is under Black-Sun-Upon-An-Ice-Sky! Sorry!
xXBleachluverXx: Haha, I LOVE Breaking Benjamin as well, I love most of their songs. :) Thanks for reviewing!
SmOrOnPwNs: Kaien? What the heck? He's not even in here! Geez… But okay, fine, I'll tally your vote anyway… -mumbles something about people choosing random ass people for a 'one or the other' question.-
Komilia F. Jenius: Yeah, the game is now more complicated than before and has yet to end… which means it can only gain more rules and restrictions and limitations before… well... :) Yeah, I had to add Kenpachi in there and Yachiru, because they're awesome people, like you for reviewing! Oh, and why the hate to Byakuya? I think everyone either loves him or hates him… Mm…
Azraelean: OOOO SNAP! You kinda did some future telling there! Yes, the "battle" between Ichigo and Byakuya right now does hold a greater significance later than it does now, so hold on for that part! (it's a few chapters away, so just keep it in mind!)
CharmedNightSkye: Haha! Yes, Rukia's tattoo is of greater significance than just a pretty skeletal butterfly, and Ichigo picking up on Rukia's coldness just means he knows her well, neh? Haha! And too true that Rukia does have some influence over the two men! Haha!
Usuilove21: Haha! I feel so loved! …Or at least my fic does… which is okay with me. :) Yes, Kurosaki does have an amazing personality! Thanks for reviewing!
SmilexForxBleach: Yeay for Ichigo! I'm sure he'll need all the support he can get for the next chapter! :D
Chappy-Is-Mine: Haha! Kiss her? Tell Byakuya, "I WIN, BITCH!" Wow… dude, I need to write a crack fic of that or something! 8D Haha! Thanks for voting and such!
X Senbonzakura X: Haha! Byakuya never wins? I think he gets a lot of fan girls anyway… they'll certainly "cheer him up", neh? ;)
Shnizlefritz: Haha! Wow, you are correct about neither man winning the way they'll want to. :) Very nice prediction!
Miss Bunnie Chan: Haha! Epic voice for the battle! :D Thanks for reviewing!
Hoshinairi: Awh, cute! Where is this tattoo of yours? Any special meaning or just for kicks and pretties? Of course, you don't have to answer those if they're too personal or if you just simply don't want to! :D
Yumichan808: Haha! Wow, Ichigo doesn't stand a chance? Wow…
Ichirukiftw: Awh, Ichigo should win for the stories sake? But… what if I want to ruin the story? Bwahahaha! :D
Nivek01: Haha! Yeah, I realized that too! Ichigo's always like, "I gotta keep fighting!" And he's half head and can't move… maybe that's why we all love him. :D
Kira Michi: Like all the others? Does that mean all the other chapters are great… or filler-y? … Danggit. ;)
Jenaca: Haha, sorry to fail your order of updating ASPA, but here ya go anyway!
_: Haha, if he doesn't win there won't be much of a story? … I can see it going either way really. :) Thanks for reviewing! … But where's your name? o.O
Ruriri: WOW! That was a lot of questions… so I answered them through a soon-to-be-sent-PM… because I answer questions pretty thoroughly. :) And yes, I like Hanatarō, and I too think he should be in more fics… I think he could be used as a really sweet friend for Rukia. :)
Applestoapples: Yeah, Ichigo wins all the time… but if SOMEONE has to win ALL THE TIME… It might as well be him… or me. I think I should win some of the time in my life. ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Onlyluna: Haha! Which Kuchiki? Hopefully Rukia wins, because than that would mean neither of them would! Bwahaha!
Goku's Daughter: Haha, thanks for your review and vote and reading!
Falconrukichi: Haha! Byakuya is apparently powerful for a room to fall silent, neh? Let alone make Yachiru stop talking! :D
Athenaphoenix17: Wow, thanks for reviewing! It's okay if you've been gone, I appreciate you all the same. :) And haha! Byakuya not harsh? Dude, Kenpachi was probably soft on him compared to the tension Byakuya's about to through out! :D
DeeDubb: To win and than fight Kenny? … Wow… that's ridiculous, but I love it! Bwahaha! Awesome! :D
1290r5: Haha! I love reviews! And I love responding to them! Interaction with readers is really fun I think, and it also makes me want to keep reading if an author points me out and thanks me personally, so I try to do the same for all you chickadees! :D And yeay for the Ichigo side! 8)
1blackcat: Haha! Rants are just fine, and thanks for reviewing! Everyone seems really strong for either Kurosaki or Kuchiki… yet… wow. :D
Mikazuki Mitsukai: Haha! If only, neh? Ichigo vs. Byakuya's about to run wild… take cover, okay, but keep reviewing because like ya. :D
XxKasumi AmuxX: Yachiru USED to be a blond, but then pink drink made her hair pretty. :D Haha! Ichigo IS an awesome punk… especially to Byakuya! BWAHAHA! Who Hitsugaya ends up with? Haha, actually, I don't think I'm going to give him a love life in this story, so yeah, don't hate me. :)
Xwhitemoonx: Rukia's tattoo will be explained later on, but thanks for reviewing!
The Ever-Blue Alchemist: Mm… I think Rukia would let Byakuya make Ichigo's body splatter… after all, killing him counts as winning, right? ;) Yeay for battles!
LovetheWords: Haha! Which Kuchiki is he up against? Technically, both!
Ichirukinezzlover12: Yeay for non boring fillers! Thanks for that, and I was actually scared about what everyone would think of Rukia's tattoo… mainly, that they'd hate it! However, everyone's like, "HELLZ YEAH! RUKIA'S INKED!" … I don't know what to say… ;)
Merisela: Haha! Already a couple? Yeah, a couple that hates each other. ;) Thanks for reviewing!
Bubbles171: Haha! Yeay for family members questioning your sanity! I love when a story makes me laugh that much! So, I'll take that as a compliment! :D
Luminous Snow: Ginger? I dunno why Ichigo's ginger, he just is… mainly, because Kenpachi wanted to give him crap to see how he'd take it. :)
Cridle: Haha! Unohana will only interfere in their argument if there's blood… ;)
Amulet Misty: Of course Kenpachi and Yachiru made an appearance! I love those two characters… even though this was my first time writing with them… o.O
Review and subscribe please! Thanks for ALL the subscriptions, reviews and favs so far!
NEXT CHAPTER duein the next 3-5 Business days! (Maybe some shipping and handling in there too…)
Review to prepare for the battle part two!
POLL QUESTION:
Fill in the blank!
I would rather kill myself twice and a half than be locked in a room with (blank) from Bleach for a day.
-If you want, you may also answer who you WOULD want to be locked in a room with from Bleach for a day. ;) -
Review if you can and are so compelled!