Sorry this came out soo late. I planned to write this earlier but I just kept starting and stopping.
Anyways here you go, enjoy the chapter :)
/
''You look really beautiful today Rukia.''
Rukia tucked a strand of her raven hair behind her ear, replying with a 'thank you' not really knowing how to respond to Shuhei's complement. The two were sat in a fancy upscale restaurant which only famous people or those with upper-class status could enter from famous actors and athletes to singers and reality stars. Rukia really felt out of place because she had yet to make a name for herself as an actress since she was still up and coming, but Shuhei just reminded her that she will soon be apart of this world once Elation premiers.
The restaurant's decor was black and red which gave off a romantic vibe, the rich sound of violins catered around the whole restaurant bring in a calm eerie kind of feeling, while the young women sang like a siren bringing in intensity and tension in the room which would bring any two people on a date in awe of each other. Rukia admired the talents of the band and really did feel the atmosphere they brought in, but she couldn't enjoy that due to the nerves the arose out of nowhere.
Rukia looked down at the food she ordered ( a medium-rare steak with crispy caesar salad) in nervousness, she didn't know what to say or do on this date and felt her anxiety eating up at her. She knew dates were for people to get to know each other but there also had to be chemistry for it to work, right now Rukia just felt awkward and she didn't have a clue how Shuhei perceived her right now. In romantic movies, dates looked so fun, intimate and interesting to Rukia, everything flowed so well for the characters but in reality, Rukia felt none of that right now.
Was she doing anything wrong?
It had to be her because how could any intimate conversation happen if she kept acting so weird and nervous?
If she had more dating experience would she have been fine right now?
''Is everything ok? You seem super tense Rukia. Am I troubling you?'' Shuhei leaned forward with a troubled voice as he swiftly held onto Rukia's left hand that was laid on the red velvet table.
A concerned look appeared on Shuhei's face which highlighted the handsome features of his face, his greyish blue eyes scanned Rukia's face as his sharp jaw tightened, his large ruff hands held onto Rukia's left hand softly which made Rukia feel even more nervous. He looked really good in his black Fendi shirt, pants and black Italian leather shoes, and the fact that his Fendi black shirt had a V neck meant Rukia had a clear view of his chest. This made things 100 times nerve-wracking but Shuhei just was trying his best for the date to go well.
''I am ok. Really.'' Rukia forced out with a shakey smile looking down towards her foot but Shuhei didn't buy it.
''Rukia you're barely looking at me. You seem rather nervous for some reason. Is there anything I can do to help? If it's me you don't gotta be nervous, remember I don't bite.'' he laughed slowly and Rukia cracked a little smile, Shuhei hand still held hers and Rukia tried her best to ignore that.
''I know. I am nervous but it's not because of you...I am...let's just say I am kinda new to this.'' Rukia mumbled and Shuhei's eyes opened up as he realised what she meant. He then made a serious face before a smile formed on his lips.
''What's your favourite ice cream Rukia and why?'' Shuhei asked out of nowhere, now removing his hand from Rukia's.
Rukia's eye twitched a little in confusion, what brought this on she asked herself before she had a little flashback of how she asked Ichigo of his favourite colour many weeks ago.
Her heart fluttered at the thought of that conversation she had with Ichigo.
Rukia felt her heartbeat go down, she felt less anxious than before. Just thinking about it made her feel something but she brushed it off to focus on her date.
''I'd have to say either Mint Chocolate or Strawberry. It's a tie between those two flavours but whenever I eat them together it tastes soo good.'' Rukia became a little animated as she talked
''Really? Mint chocolate is my favourite too, it's on the dessert menu you know? I can order it for you if you'd like?'' Shuhei asked and Rukia nodded uttering out thank you and Shuhei winked at her.
/
After eating their meals, the two shared a Mint chocolate sundae together whilst talking about acting on the Elation project.
''So how did you find out about this movie? I have to say it's really insane you got on this project as a newbie, and I am glad you did because you act so well.'' Shuhei slowly took a bite of the mint chocolate ice cream letting the spoon swirl slowly over his mouth, his eyes never left Rukia's face as he waited for her to speak.
"Well it wasn't so easy to do...to leave my brother behind was hard but I guess it was fate, I honestly just applied to the agency owned by Yoruichi. I auditioned and passed then she recommended me for the role. I am glad that I got it I've met so many good people from it, and I am actually getting to do me dream." Rukia eyes started to sparkle in delight
"I truly hope things get better between you and your brother, it sucks that he isn't supporting you its unfair. I wish there was something I could do."
"It's okay this isn't your fault. You've done more than enough Shuhei. Thank you for caring." Rukia smiled and went forward to take a spoon or mint ice cream before she noticed there was only room for one scoop left so she hesitated to take the last bite. Shuhei noticed Rukia hesitated as he saw her body twitch a little whilst she stared at the mint ice cream.
"How'd you liking the ice cream? You look like you were enjoying it so much" Rukia could hear a change in Shuhei's voice, it sounded deeper than his regular tone.
"I love it! It tastes soo good, I never would have thought you would like mint chocolate too?" Rukia chuckled a little with her eyes closed before her eyes sprung open in shock. Rukia felt a crisp sensation of ice on the tip of her nose as her eyes followed Shuhei who leaned back into his seat with a huge cheeky grin on his face, now her brain registered what was going on: Shuhei put ice cream on her nose.
A hue of red appeared on Rukia's cheeks as she stared at Shuhei who's smile had gotten bigger than before.
Now she felt embarrassed.
''Finally, you've blushed. I've been trying to get you to do so for the whole night.'' Shuhei then winked at Rukia which caused her to feel even more flustered.
Who knew Shuhei could be this smooth Rukia thought.
/
Ichigo cut through the roads in his black Mercedes Bens rushing to the hospital to see Chad, he had seen what had happened via the news and right after he did he got a call from Uryu explaining the situation. The news reporters explained that someone had died in the fire but their identity was kept a secret, the news reporters explained that the reason for this was because there was a hunch that there was gang activity linked to the fire.
Fear crept up in Ichigo's heart as he drove his mind never leaving Chad, he felt guilty about this because he wasn't on good terms with Chad and then this happens. Besides fear, anxiety rose up in Ichigo's body at the speculation that a gang was behind the fire. Aizen didn't come for Ichigo ever since he left the Arrancars but he did vow to get him back one day, therefore Ichigo believed maybe Aizen could be behind it. Ichigo prayed that his intuition was wrong as his mind drifted off to Riruka, she had begged him for money to leave Tokyo Grand so Aizen would get her and now a huge fire happens that is allegedly done by a gang? How would he know if Riruka was fine? It's not that he cared for her in any way but he did feel sorry for her and she did deserve to live a life without Aizen being down her throat.
Another thought that rose in Ichigo's mind was who died? And if Aizen was behind it who did he decide to kill? This was all so confusing.
Ichigo hoped he was wrong.
/
Uryu spoke to the doctor and nurse regarding Chad's condition whilst Orihime sat by Chad's bed worrying over him as he slept, Chad was still in a very bad state and had been sleeping pretty much the whole time to recover, at this point in time the doctor informed Uryu that it would take at least 2 months for Chad's body to fully recover and that's if he doesn't use his overexert himself. Uryu thanks the doctor and nurse before his eyes see a mop of orange spiky hair and a pair of amber eyes filled with worry, Ichigo looked like a huge ball of anxiety, he forcefully rushed passed the doctor and nurse in a huge commotion to join Orihime at Chad's side.
''Excuse me sir but if you are here to visit Mr Sado you need to act in an orderly fashion, if not you will have to leave.'' the doctor gave Ichigo a stern look but Ichigo just returned the favour by slowly nodding his head with a small glare. The doctor then nodded to the nurse as a cue for them to leave the room.
''How could this have happened?'' Ichigo whimpered lowly, his eyes laid on Chad as he strained them in pain. Uryu eyed Ichigo up and down taking in his appearance, it looked like Ichigo had jumped right out of bed as he still had on a loose velvet black shirt and pants. Uryu could see that his best friend was anxious and when that happened things weren't good. Orihime tried to calm Ichigo down by reassuring him with a supporting smile but nothing was working.
''I don't know Ichigo. Don't worry Chad will be okay he just needs to rest for a long while.'' Uryu now sat on the edge on the left side of Chad's hospital bed, while his wife and Ichigo were sat in front of Chad on the right side of the hospital bed. From what Ichigo could see Chad looked so beaten down, his face was bruised and red and his leg was wrapped in bandages. This was terrible.
Ichigo stood up and began to pace around in circles not knowing what to do with himself, Uryu started to feel anxious as he knew he would have to break the news to him about Riruka. At this moment of time Uryu didn't know how Ichigo was coping with his alcoholism, grief and depression since he hadn't talked to him, Chad or Orihime for a while ever since his co-star Rukia almost got kidnapped.
If Uryu were to tell Ichigo would it just make things worse?
But if not and he finds out later would that be better?
Ichigo stopped moving around and slumped onto the ground in a helpless state.
''Ichigo you can't beat yourself over this it's not your fault that Chad is in this condition, stop putting the weight on your shoulders you can't blame yourself for everything bad that happens.'' Orihime nudged looking quite annoyed and sad at Ichigo's reaction, him being worried wasn't going to help the situation just like the doctor said.
''I can't help but think that when it's been reported the fire was started by gangsters, there's a slim chance Aizen could be behind this the Arrancars move very secretly. It's in their style to do this and cover their tracks, I would know since I used to be one of them. What doesn't make sense is how he would target Chad? But then he could be doing that to get to me somehow...I.I need to know...''
''Ichigo calm down!'' Uryu cut off Ichigo in a rushed manner sighing in defeat about the news he would have to tell Ichigo.
Ichigo stood up slowly breathing in before he began to speak ''Uryu, Orihime...I am sorry for how I've acted. I know I haven't been a good friend and this apology is way overdue, but I am sorry. I want you to know that I am trying to fix myself, I may not be at the best per cent but I will try.'' Ichigo's voice was sincere and warm as he spoke, to Uryu he sounded a little bit like his old self before his mother passed. Inside Uryu could feel Ichigo was being honest, and after almost losing Chad all Uryu could do was hug his friend. They both held each other in a warm embrace before Orihime joined in the hug.
Ichigo finally felt a little lighter, now he just needed to work on being better towards his friends and fix things with his family.
''Honey I think it's best if you tell Ichigo the truth.'' Orihime started after the 3 came out of their embrace, Uryu could hear the sadness in her voice as he could tell she was worried about how Ichigo would react about hearing Riruka's death.
Ichigo looked startled and confused, he desperately asked the two what they were talking about. Had they knew something he didn't, and why were they hiding it from him. Was Aizen really behind this?
''I'm right ain't I? Aizen is behind this. Shit, shit, shit.'' Ichigo's voice cracked as if all the air got knocked out of him, he was about to let himself fall into a deeper state of despair, Uryu who grabbed him by the shoulders now looking Ichigo dead in the face. Uryu's cool icy dark blue eyes locked onto Ichigo's hot amber gems, it was like a battle between the two before Ichigo gave in and finally allowed himself to calm down a little, not that this changed anything much.
''Look. We don't know if Aizen is 100 per cent behind this fire but Chad has a hunch he is. Something later after being admitted into the hospital Chad called me and told me that he believed Aizen was behind it.'' Uryu then hesitated to speak as he saw the anxiety unravelling on Ichigo's face.
''You see...Riruka...Aizen...he set the place she was staying in on fire. Chad and the other firemen tried to save her...but, unfortunately, they couldn't...'' Uryu looked down and Ichigo now had his hands over Uryu's shoulders with a stone-cold face and open piercing eyes. Ichigo's mouth thinned into a straight line, his face now looked pale and green as if he was about to throw up, Uryu regretted doing this but if Ichigo didn't find out he would have to keep it a secret from him.
''Riruka's dead Ichigo..''
/
Rukia and Shuhei stood on a set inside a replica of a white padded cell with green underlighting on them, they both wore blue hospital gowns and stood in front of each other as they listened to Kisuke's directions while the other co-stars stood off the set to watch the scene. The crew had been shotting for 2 hours and Ichigo still hadn't shown up which by now wasn't surprising since he always came late so Kisuke decided to proceed without him. At this moment in time filming was a quarter done and the team were on a tight schedule to get the film done as soon and as well as possible and this was due to Ichigo's antics.
Besides this, some of the castmates were not in a good mood especially Rangiku who normally was a huge ray of sunshine. Momo and Senna could sense this and tried to understand what was bothering her but she would open up about it. Ikkaku and Toshiro were quite grumpy at Ichigo's absence because they had strict schedules for other projects, and the fact that Ichigo sometimes didn't show up or come in early meant their schedules would be affected.
''Ran are you sure everything is okay? You can speak to us you know.'' Momo budged but Rangiku just gave her a fake smile replying that she was okay. Momo then moved closer to Rangiku causing her to feel startled before she whispered in a rush ''Are you jealous about Rukia and Shuhei shooting together? You know you don't have to watch the scene it would be awkward to watch them kiss if you still have feelings for him.''
''Would you hush and leave that alone? I am okay with Shuhei and Rukia, I am not thinking about them at all. Now stop.'' Rangiku brushed momo away from her and held a finger to her lips to tell Momo to shut up. Deep down Rangiku did feel jealous a little but her mind was purely focused on Gin. Again she forgives and overlooks him staying in the Arrancars because her heart keeps getting in the way, and deep down she knows Gin has something to do with the huge fire that occurred a day ago. Rangiku had found matches in Gin's pocket in the morning after they spent the night together,
''Would you two stop whispering we are supposed to be observing or running over our lines for when we shoot'' Toshiro yelled before Kisuke hushed them to quiet down turning to Rukia and Shuhei to continue his directing.
''Okay. Now when you act this scene out I want you two to look vulnerable. Try to connect with each other too. Really try and think about something that will bring that emotion out, then the kiss will look authentic. Alright?'' Kisuke commanded and the two nodded in reply.
Rukia's heart started to beat faster, she knew she would have to kiss Shuhei for the film and tried to not think about it but now the time had come. It was just a stage kiss but Rukia had never kissed anyone before so she didn't know how it would go. Rukia did try to practice kissing on her pillow in preparation for the scene and even watched YouTube videos to help her learn how to kiss.
Yes, it was awkward and embarrassing but Rukia had to do what she could and she was too embarrassed to say she hadn't kissed anyone.
But on the bright side, Rukia and Shuhei did have chemistry. Their date went so well and Shuhei treated Rukia like such a sweet gentleman but was able to have fun and be a silly tease. Therefore maybe kissing him would be awkward Rukia thought to herself, plus Shuhei is extremely handsome, charm and cute. Who wouldn't want to kiss him?
However, for a split second, the colour orange flashed in Rukia's mind. At a time like this Ichigo was on her mind.
Why was she even thinking about him when she had to do a kiss scene with Shuhei?
Rukia muttered to herself as she tried to deny what she was feeling and Shuhei saw.
''Hey, are you okay you look a bit nervous?'' Shuhei asked but Rukia declined quickly for Kisuke to countdown from 5 before yelling ''ACTION!''
Now the time had come for her to put what she learned into action.
Scene
Sadness and Elation stood together with their hands intertwined, they both stared into the eyes of each other in a soft gaze. Elation tried to pull away but Sadness pulled Elation towards desperately.
Sadness: You can't leave me Elation, I need you to help me not feel these emotions. Without you I will lose control, I can't lose control. No! I won't lose control.
Elation: I can help you but if I stay I will only be hurting you Sadness. You will begin to use me as a crutch to get over your emotions. That's not healthy.
Elation slowly removed her hand from Sadness as it began to walk away with a defeated expression on its face, but Sadness wouldn't give up. Sadness ran swiftly and got in front of Elation to plead with it. Elation looked away in pain hoping for this to end but Sadness wouldn't budge.
Sadness: Please Elation. I would never use you it's not like that, I need you.
Elation: But it's not healthy though and if I stay around you will never overcome these dark emotions you have. I am only here to guide you through this.
Sadness: Okay...I understand but please...let me show you what you mean to me Elation.
Sadness then reaches its left hand out bringing it to Elations face to slowly tilt Elation's face upwards towards it. Elation stares with open eyes with a soft tinder expression on its face.
Sadness: May I?
Elation then nods slowly in a daze as Sadness moves closer
(Inside Rukia is a big blubbering mess not knowing how to feel. She always thought her first kiss would be romantic just like how her first date went and prayed to God that it was just that. Now she would finally understand how it was to kiss somebody. Rukia breathed in and did her best to relax as she waited for the kiss to happen. A flash of his orange appeared in Rukia's mind again and her heartbeat rose. The visual of amber and chocolate swirled in Rukia's imagination as she remembered the colour of his eyes. His soft smile appeared as Rukia recalled the memory of him comforting her in his car.
That feeling of warmth and safety Ichigo gave her rushed into Rukia's veins
Why was she thinking about Ichigo in a kissing scene?)
Sadness moved closer and closer to Elation closing its eyes whilst Elation did the same. Their lips were seconds away from each other...
CUT!
/
Rukia gasped loudly in shock as she tried to stop her heartbeat from rising because if it rose anymore she would faint. Shuhei moved away from Rukia standing tall with a glare on his face, he became pissed that the scene was interrupted and it wasn't done by Kisuke. Everyone else looked at the person who stopped the scene: Ichigo. Ichigo walked in casually with no expression on his face, his orange mane was extremely messy and he looked like he had rolled out of bed with his outfit. Out of all the times to show up he does it now Rukia thought, and nevertheless, it had to happen when she was thinking about him in a kissing scene?
Rukia started to blush red and quickly turned around from everyone in embarrassment.
''Ichigo what do you think you're doing cutting the scene like that? I am the director here and that take was perfect you ruined it. Plus you are 2 hours late! You need to come earlier and do your job'' Kisuke mumbled looking exhausted, filming was already behind schedule and now they would have to do that take again.
''Sorry Kisuke, I just have a lot going on. I apologise to you and the rest of you.'' Ichigo said indifferently as he sat next to Kiskue who was in his director's chair
''You better be paying us for overtime Ichigo!'' Ikkaku yelled but Ichigo ignored him and began to speak with Kisuke about cutting out the kiss scene. Ichigo had thought about it for a couple of days and though he now knew he had feelings for Rukia, he wasn't comfortable seeing her kiss another guy in front of him. Especially since he knew Shuhei liked Rukia since they both went on a date together.
Ichigo didn't know whether his feelings were mutual with Rukia, but he felt like there was something between them.
It would just be too weird for him to see the kiss, so it wasn't like he was jealous (which is what Ichigo chose to believe). He had just heard bad news regarding Riruka and was trying his best to not let that affect him. He wanted to take Rukia's advice and not let everything negative affect him or his actions, but it was hard as hell because his mind was thinking a million things. How could Riruka be dead was the main thought rushing inside his mind, and right now he really wanted to drown himself in alcohol but the only reason he hadn't was for Rukia.
But he had to try and stop himself for her. He couldn't let his emotions get the best of him as she said.
And it felt like hell having to do so for Ichigo, he felt like a complete mess inside.
Shuhei was pissed as hell for Ichigo's rudeness and for the fact that he stopped his kiss with Rukia, so he decided to confront him so he walked over in front of Ichigo.
''What the heck was that? You show up late and just yell cut for no darn reason when there was nothing wrong with the scene?'' Shuhei yelled as he pointed into Ichigo's shoulder, Momo, Senna, Rangiku, Toshiro and Ikkaku looked alarmed and confused.
''Listen Shuhei I am not in the mood right now. I am overlooking the movie so I took and stop a scene even if I am not the director.'' Ichigo teethed slowly now removing Shuhei's finger away from him, but Shuhei didn't buy that and pushed Ichigo's hand away.
''Look Shuhei just forget it you know Ichigo is going through stuff, anyways Ichigo wants to remove the scene and add something else in. I kind of like his idea I will share it with you and Rukia and you can both do it on the spot. It will be authentic that way, and it will save us time.'' Kisuke explained but Shuhei ignored him.
''What was so bad about the scene before Ichigo? I don't understand? And it makes no sense to remove the scene after you just barge in without even looking at it first?'' Shuhei crossed in arms glaring at Ichigo, he was not about to give up this up.
Ichigo felt vexed and stood up to Shuhei's level now towering over him a few feet.
''I decided to cut the scene out because Rukia is inexperienced in doing kissing scenes, she's a first-time actress and though she's extremely talented as an actress she's still inexperienced.''
''Fine! Kiskue would you mind if we still keep the scene but I just practice it with Rukia.'' Shuhei suggested smoothly but kept his eyes on Ichigo when he said it.
Ichigo's mouth twitched hardly and he now looked mad which made Shuhei feel as if this had got more to do with the scene but with Rukia.
''Kisuke are we going to film our scenes or not? I've got to be out of here by 5 pm to shoot a perfume ad.'' Ikkaku yelled in frustration
'' I need to leave soon too, I have an episode to film for a tv series. We are supposed to be filming what's the hold-up? Just do the scene originally I think it's okay.'' Toshiro argued and Ikkaku nodded in agreement as he grunted loudly but Rangiku disagreed.
''No, I think Ichigo is right. It's his move remember and Kisuke agrees with the change. Kisuke just film.'' Rangiku interjected and Shuhei turned over to her.
''So what if it's his move? We are the ones staring in it and making him look good. Without us doing this movie his career would be down the toilet.'' Shuhei replied in anger, Rukia now snapped out of her daze as she turned around to see the crew arguing with each other, Shuhei and Ichigo looked as if they were about to fight, Rangiku looked super annoyed, Ikkaku and Toshiro looked 100 per cent done, while Momo and Senna were eating snacks they got from on set as they watched the commotion go down.
''What is going on?'' Rukia yelled but no one was listening to her.
What was going on?
''Rukia, come with me now! I want to speak with you in private.'' Ichigo demanded his voice was stern, deep, husky in one go, but surprisingly calm and Rukia noticed this but was confused about why Ichigo was been so tough with everyone? He had yelled cut for no reason, wanted to change the scene, and was now causing this commotion for nothing at all.
Rukia could tell Ichigo was acting up but was trying his best to cover it up, and deep inside something just nudged at her to listen to him so she did.
Shuhei had now walked off set and Kisuke, Ikkaku and Toshiro went after him.
/
Ichigo opened the door to Studio B open for Rukia, she kindly thanked him before she walked in and he followed behind her before closing the door. The room was also a replica of a padded room but it was not finished yet so there were boxes and materials all over the place. Ichigo walked ahead of Rukia and then stopped with his back turned from her, Rukia felt confused but did her best to not do anything that would tick him off even further. All she wanted to do was understand what was going on with him, but first, she needed to understand why he wanted to speak with her.
'' Ichigo...what would you like to speak about?'' Rukia let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in, she held onto her hospital gown outfit which she wore for the scene and began to fiddle with it in nervousness.
What did want to say?
''The kiss scene. Are you comfortable with kissing Shuhei? I know you aren't experienced with kissing scenes so I thought I should ask you.'' Ichigo spoke clearly without a trace of emotion in his voice, Rukia still couldn't read him but she knew this was more about a kissing scene, there had to be something else that would make Ichigo act like this.
Truthfully Rukia wouldn't have wanted a kissing scene since she hadn't kissed anyone, but she didn't mind it also since she knew it came with acting and since she was so passionate about it she would do whatever it took to perform.
''Honestly, I not too keen on it but I actually don't mind it either. If I felt any type of way I would have expressed it Ichigo. I am honestly ok. But I am getting the impression you aren't. Did something happen?'' Rukia asked hoping Ichigo would turn around to face her.
''Well...yes something did...I wish to tell you about that later...'' Ichigo spoke slowly as if he was trying to pick out his words carefully, but Rukia was still confused as to why he would cut the scene right there and then. He never showed concerns about Rukia doing a kiss scene with Shuhei until now. Something was off with him and the fact that he wouldn't face her made Rukia's institution spring forth.
Deep down Rukia believed Ichigo didn't want her to kiss Shuhei for some reason and she wanted to know why. Nothing he was doing made sense.
Rukia decided to test her theory. Now was the time for Rukia to put on her best acting despite how nervous she felt inside.
''Ok...so I decide to kiss Shuhei. I think we are done here so I am going to go back and shoot the scene..'' Rukia turned and walked a little before she felt Ichigo hold onto her arm softly.
Rukia turned and saw Ichigo's hazel coloured eyes stare tenderly at her, his left hand held Rukia's right arm and his fingers rubbed slowly against Rukia's soft pale skin, the way he rubbed her skin in circles felt hypnotising in someway to Rukia. She almost felt like she was in a trance. Rukia couldn't find her voice to speak and kept her eyes on Ichigo's hand around her arm. His hands were huge and almost big enough to surround her whole arm. He pulled Rukia a little closer to him, and Rukia did not protest against it.
Rukia didn't dare to and she didn't really want to either, Ichigo didn't hold her by force but he was extremely gentle and swift.
''I know you're acting Rukia. Any normal person would be deceived by your talents. But, spending so much time with you has made it easier for me to see how you truly act, against how you come across while acting.''
Damn
Was she really that easy to read?
''When you're acting your voice changes from a higher pitch to a neutral one, and you tend to make more eye contact when you act while you don't do that regularly.'' Ichigo went on but Rukia couldn't think straight. He kept rubbing on her arm and the fact that her hospital gown didn't have sleeves made it easier for him to explore the smooth skin on Rukia's arm.
''Why would you pretend to say that Rukia, if you didn't want to do the scene?''
Ichigo whispered and Rukia did her best not to make herself feel flustered. She almost imagined kissing Ichigo in that scene and the fact that he was very close to her almost made her fantasy come true.
But just because she had that fantasy didn't mean anything.
''Why do you care so much about me doing a kissing scene now when you never minded before?'' Rukia responds with a questions to detect him but Ichigo doesn't answer.
Both Ichigo and Rukia continue to stare each other down without saying a word, his hand is still on her arm rubbing circles against her skin and Rukia says nothing about it as she enjoys it much more than she likes to admit. They both are breathing slowly as their eyes never come off each other, the tension was growing and growing and soon Rukia felt hot inside. Ichigo felt sweat form on his forehead and he continued to breathe deeply.
He thought about how much chemistry he and Rukia were having right now and deep down felt like she could possibly like him too.
Was there a glimpse of hope here?
Only one way to find out.
''Why did you let me come so close to you, rub your skin really softly, and stare at you intensely Rukia? If you wanted me to stop you would have told me, I know you, you stick up for yourself and don't take crap from anyone. But you easily let me get so close to you? Answer me.'' Ichigo whispered again and Rukia could feel his breath hit her face, it felt cool it greeted her face with ease that she almost closed her eyes at the sensation she got from it.
What the hell was she doing?
She had to get out of there before she ended up doing anything inappropriate, so she quickly removed her arm from Ichigo and ran away blushing so hard like a teenaged girl with her first crush.
Rukia left Ichigo breathing extremely hard, he looked dumbfounded at what just happened. A moment ago he was feeling grief over Riruka, and now he was ready to risk it all with Rukia?
He had never been left this breathless by any other girl, and that includes the girls he had relations with.
What the hell was Rukia doing to him?