It just wasn't right being at work this early, it wasn't even seven in the morning yet! His shirt was wrinkled, tie crooked, and somehow his unruly mop of hair looked even worse than usual; he wasn't a morning person and it was showing.

What was worse was the jealous stares of his co-workers. Many students were choosing to ask him for help instead of their homeroom teachers, some of them weren't even students he taught; sometimes it was some senior girl with flirty eyes, other times it was boys wondering about the rumors about his time at the school.

He always shuffled them back as nicely as he could to their teachers, still, sometimes he was greeted with an unpleasant stare.

Already he'd had enough; and though he could've headed for the quiet of his office, instead he went for his classroom. With his back to the heavy green door, Ichigo reached behind himself, twisting the knob, and quickly ducking into the room.

A hand went to his head, fingers massaging his temples "fuck" he groaned under his breath.

"Kurosaki-Sensei, you can't be using that kind of language around us." He was lucky to recognize the voice.

"It's far too early for this Rangiku." The younger woman, who had been absent-mindedly brushing another student's hair, turned her attention to him. She pursed her lips before sticking her tongue out "loosen up, I'm just trying to have some fun."

"Please feel free to exclude me from your fun."

"You're such a buzz kill" Ichigo just sighed and shook his head.

"Someone has to be responsible around here" he replied. Rangiku sarcastically turned her nose up to him, and let her attention drift back to the student in front of her. "Whatever" he mumbled under his breath.

Beyond standing awkwardly in the centre of the room, like an idiot, there wasn't much for Ichigo to do, still, he didn't want to leave and be coerced into helping some other class with their setup.

"Kurosaki-Sensei" Rukia, the one person in the room doing their makeup by themself, although, amongst the students she was probably the one with the most experience, so it made sense.

"Is there something I can do for you Miss Kuchiki?"

She held a small mirror out to him "could you hold this for me, I need both my hands for a second." Grateful for something to do he took the mirror and help it up for her "a little to the left, up a little" she instructed.

"Is this good?" Rukia nodded and set to work applying mascara. "How is everything?" He quietly asked after some brief silence; his eyes darting down to her stomach before looking her in the eyes again.

A small smile graced her lips as she registered the scope of his question. "It's taken a while for my stomach to settle" she admitted.

"Nervous?"

"Something like that" she answered. What're you doing here anyway?"

"Just trying to get out of my responsibilities." Hindsight is always twenty-twenty, that was probably not the best wording he could've used, and, judging by the confused, worried look he was getting, she was thinking the same. "T-they're unimportant. Some classes just want me to help out with their a-attractions and I-I just need a break is all" though he stumbled through his explanation the words seemed to soothe her.

"I'd never skip out on anything important" he added; gently bumping their shoulders, reassuring her with touch.

"Ichi-Nii?" He held in a sigh; Karin was about to kick him out of here he just knew it.

"Hey" he drew out the word "Karin, what're you doing here?" It was a pretty dumb question, and he deserved the perplexed look she gave him.

"I'm getting ready… god you're getting as stupid as dad aren't you?" It was incredibly obvious, her makeup looked half done and clothes stuck between two different styles, her normal punk stylize uniform, and the indie-rock inspired ripped jeans and brown leather boots.

"Hey, don't start comparing me to the old goat!"

"Please, you're starting to look more and more like him by the day, I can already see the goatee coming in; pretty soon you'll be a clone of the old man." His hand went to his face, feeling around at the scruff that dotted it.

"It's not that bad" he mumbled; sure, it had been a couple days since his last shave, but it felt barely there."

"Maybe you should go home and shave before everyone starts showing up for the festival Sensei" though Rukia managed a straight face there was a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

"Oi I don't need the both of you ganging up on me, that's just not fair."

"Well then get out of here Ichi-nii, there are better things you could be doing then bugging us, we still need to get ready; now scram."

"Why are you so mean to me sometimes?" He jokingly asked as Karin pushed him through the classroom door.

"See, you're even starting to sound like him" she pointed out before slamming the door in his face.

"What if she's right?" He questioned himself whilst staring at the olive drab door "fuck, that's a scary thought."

…

"Good riddance" Karin wiped a hand across her brow, clearing it of imaginary sweat.

"You shouldn't talk to him like that." Her intrest peaked; Karin turned towards one of the older girls assisting with makeup. She held herself with all the self-importance a fresh-faced adult still in high-school could. Senna even looked the part with bangs framing her face and hair pulled back into a ponytail tied up in red ribbon; it was a mixture of adult sensibilities and childhood innocence.

"He's my brother I'll talk to him however I want to" she had no time for this self-righteousness.

"It doesn't matter that he's your brother, he's also our Sensei and you should treat him with respect."

"I'll refer to Ichigo however I damn well please, now get off my fucking back."

"You know" there was a loud clack as a brush and palette were slammed onto a desk "maybe someone should teach you some manners."

"Threatening me didn't turn out to well for the last guy, and it's definitely not going to get you into my brother's pants if that's what you're after." Two sets of heels clicked along the linoleum floor heading towards her.

"YOU LITTLE-"

"Both of you calm down!" Rukia shouted stepping in between, a hand on each of their shoulders.

"This doesn't concern you Kuchiki" Senna sneered; aggressively grabbing Rukia's hand and removing it from her shoulder.

"Really?" Rukia asked, seeming unfazed by the other girl "because the way you're both shouting it seems like you're both looking for a fight and I think that concerns everyone in here."

Karin looked away, she'd let this small exchange get too far "I'm sorry Rukia-Nee."

"It's alright Karin" her words were soft and filled with understanding.

"That's just sad Kuchiki" Senna said, her words spraying vitriol "you're making the poor girl believe you care about her. She thinks I'm trying to get into Kurosaki-Sensei's pants, but everyone knows you spend time in their home; I bet you're just a little slut trying to fuck our teacher."

Rage filled Karin; but Rukia's hand was still firmly holding her back. "Enjoy your last couple of months here Senna, people like you don't do to well in the real world."

"What is that supposed to mean Kuchiki?"

"High school ends Senna, your popularity will fade, and you'll be fired from every good job you try to hold for creating a toxic environment, and at the end of it all you'll be working a minimum wage cashier job thinking back to how these were your glory days."

There was a tugging on Karin's shoulder as Rukia led her through the small crowd that had formed around them and away from the speechless Senna. "You're really fucking cool Rukia-Nee" she noticed just the barest hint of a smile creep it's way onto the older girl's lips.

…

Parents, locals, and middle schoolers; all of them were entering the building just as he was trying to get out. "Finally" Ichigo mumbled as the heard thinned and he was able to get to the parking lot. Pulling out the fab for his car it greeted him with the flashing of lights and annoying beep that always accompanied the unlocking of the doors.

Opening the trunk he reached inside for the handle to a heavy, black tweed case. "You drive my daughter around in this thing?"

"So you took my advice" Ichigo responded, pulling the case from the trunk and turning to meet the every judging eyes of Byakuya Kuchiki.

"I figured you would drive something… safer" Byakuya commented still eyeing up his red sports car.

"It's fast" Ichigo acknowledged "five-hundred and sixty-five horsepower. But it's all wheel drive, carbon ceramic brakes, a staggering amount of air-bags, and zero to sixty in two point five seconds."

"How is your last point supposed to make me less worried?"

Ichigo turned to slam the trunk closed "it means I can get out of the way quickly." Byakuya hummed an acknowledgement, the meaning behind his words obviously clear to the older man.

"And you can handle it?"

"I'm a pretty good driver if that's what you're wondering" Ichigo responded. Noticing a faded leather book in Byakuya's hands, despite it's used outward appearance a keen eye would see no wear to the spine, as if it hadn't even been opened; Ichigo used the case he was carrying to gesture to it "what's that?"

"A gift for Rukia, you may be optimistic, but I doubt she will be happy to see me. Before Hisana passed she and I wrote this for her. It should answer questions she may have."

"You'll be able to answer those questions for her."

"I admire your optimism Kurosaki, but I do not share it."

"Whatever" Ichigo casually responded, locking his car and heading for the doors inside; Byakuya falling into step beside him.

"You know this is a sort of casual event."

"I figured, this is a casual suit" Byakuya responded; it was well pressed, dark blue, and looked like it cost what he made in a year teaching.

"Oh joy, you'll just be so much fun to have as a father-in-law won't you."

Byakuya's pace faltered for a moment, and Ichigo could hear him bewilderedly repeating "father-in-law" to himself.

…

The gym hummed softly with the buzz of a waiting, but thin crowd. Peering through a small gap in the heavy black curtains was both thrilling and disheartening; she had envisioned more people.

Rukia sighed and returned to Karin's side. "Are you nervous?" She could plainly see Karin's hands shaking in the dim light "I-I'm not, but if you are… I-I could help you w-with something to calm your nerves." It was so poorly hidden, but kind of cute.

"Sure, I'd like that Karin."

"Good… good… what ugh, what do we do."

"When I get nervous I do breathing exercises."

"Breathing exercises?" Karin asked.

"Yes, slow, deep breaths in through the nose and out the mouth."

"Okay… okay" Karin was trying, and that was the important part, but it seemed she was letting her nerves get the best of her. She was struggling with even this little exercise, so, Rukia just pulled her into a hug "you'll be great" she whispered into Karin's ear. That was the trick.

She could feel Karin's hands creep up her back before they firmly wrapped around her. "Thank you Rukia-Nee."

"Anytime Karin, this is what sisters are for after all."

"Look at that, you two get any closer and I'm going to need a crowbar." She could've fixed Ichigo with a hard glare for his words, but as she turned to look at him all control she had over her body disappeared.

Fear, anger, hurt, and humiliation all came together to form a nauseous pit in the bottom of her stomach. "Rukia-Nee are you okay?" Karin must've noticed how still she'd become, unconsciously her fingers gripped dug into Karin, holding her too tightly, she couldn't let go, not of this; but Ichigo, Ichigo was with him.

"Hello Rukia." Her brother's voice cool, monotone voice wasn't something that was easily forgotten, Karin, now understanding struggled free from her grip and looked to the men. Rukia could only see just a little as she held Karin back from lunging, just a bit of the snarl she wore, but for the little it did, it meant the world.

"Karin I really need you to knock this off right now."

Ichigo was worryingly calm as he talked, did her brother have some sort of dirt on him; her mind raced with possibilities as to how Ichigo could betray her like this, till "it's quite alright, it makes me happy to see Rukia has friends that care so much for her." She was completely blindsided, what was with this complete reversal.

"Fiends is putting it lightly, unless you're hard of hearing I know you heard Karin; they're more like sisters at this point."

"You do have a point Kurosaki."

Was she hearing this right, her brother and Ichigo… were they just polite, well as polite as Ichigo could be, to each other? "W-what's going on?" She didn't mean to stutter, she was trying to calm down but god it was hard.

"Rukia" here it came, he was going to chastise her; she pre-emptively winced. "I am sorry to surprise you like… especially after the last time we saw each other." Did… did she just hear him right, did he really just apologise to her!?

"I… ugh… it's alright, I just wasn't expecting to see you so soon" or ever again for that matter.

"Yes, well, I've decided to take some advice that was offered to me."

Ichigo let out a quiet snort; he wore that signature cocky smirk of his as he muttered just loud enough for her to hear "shouldn't have needed my fucking help." That nauseous pit was starting to fade into oblivion; but it begged the question why was he helping her brother?

"Perhaps it would be better if we talked in private" her brother suggested giving Ichigo a glare that was clearly meant to shut him up, but just had him rolling his eyes.

"No!" Karin angrily objected.

Ichigo pulled a set of keys from his pocket and handed them to her brother "there's a small office behind that curtain" he pointed to one maybe ten feet away from them "there's one way in and one way out, so I'm going to know if you don't keep your promise, and then I'm going to run you down with my fucking car you got that Kuchiki?" There was the overprotective Ichigo she knew.

"Yes Kurosaki, I understand" it came through gritted teeth, she guessed they still weren't on good terms.

"Ichigo" Karin tried to protest but he held up his hand.

"Karin I get it, but this is important."

Part of her just wanted to scream! Why was Ichigo helping her brother, what was so damn important, why was Ichigo giving him advice? Up until now she was under the impression that Ichigo would rather bathe in boiling acid then spend time with him.

"Rukia, I know I done nothing to gain your trust, can we speak in private?"

She thought for a moment then decided "no, I don't know what's going on here but I'm not comfortable with that."

"I told you so" her brother said while looking at Ichigo "then… can I leave this with you?" His hand extended, in its grip a faded leather book.

She looked at it skeptically "I don't want it."

He reacted swiftly at her denial in a way she never would have expected, he got down on one knee and looked her in the eyes "please Rukia, I need you to take this" it was like… he was begging.

"What is it?"

"Many things, some of it is a memoir, other parts are just musings; I helped Hisana write it before she passed."

"This is from Nee-Chan?" She asked slowly taking the book from him.

"Yes, it was one of her final wishes for me to give you this when I thought you were ready, truth be told everything that's in there, it never should have been kept from you."

"W-what's in here?"

"A lot really, advice, thoughts, the things she wanted to say to you the day you get married, the story of your parents."

"My… my parents."

"Yes, you have a right to know, and it shouldn't have been hidden from you; I'm sorry, I'll leave you be."

He stood and shared a glance with Ichigo, her beau looking just a little apologetic; her brother went to leave but she couldn't help herself from asking "what was it?"

"What was what?"

"Nee-Chan's final wish, you said this was one of them, what was her last wish?" Something happened, something stranger than him coming here, something rarer than him on his knee, he smiled, it was warm and full of affection, like he had wanted her to ask that.

"She asked me to look after and protect our daughter."

Daughter? That made no sense "you and Nee-Chan never had a…" then it dawned on her; tears, hot and wet slowly streamed down her face, and she barely managed to croak out the question "me?"

"Yes Rukia, you."

She couldn't stop herself from running to her father and launching herself at him. As expected, he caught her and wrapped her up tight in his arms "I'm so sorry, I'm sorry for everything" he whispered; it just made her cry harder.

…

"Come on Karin" Ichigo grabbed his dazed sister by her shoulder and slowly dragged her away from the scene.

"You knew?" She finally asked.

"Yup."

"Why didn't you-"

"It wouldn't be the same Karin, she needed to hear it from him, and he needed to tell her, a good father needs to own their actions and set things right."

"So what's our father then?" He understood the anger and annoyance she felt at their dad, he was still very much in the come home camp, seemingly unwilling to admit she had a point.

"Look Karin I know we both have our problems with dad, and I'm not saying your feelings aren't valid, but dad's done a lot for us, and it must have been hard for him without mom. Just give him a little more time okay, there's a good chance he'll come around; now, if you have a minute I have something in my office for you."

…

Karin wondered, was it bad that she figured Ichigo was buttering her up for something. They were close sure, but giving her a guitar that she could only imagine cost a boat-load of cash was not something she'd even dared imagine.

And his reasoning! Who just has one of these laying around taking up space, why waste the money in the first place? Still, it was one giant leap from the starter guitar she'd been playing; speaking of playing.

Outside the back entrance to the stage, with cable laden hands, she found Toshiro doing his best to fed off a small mob of girls who just weren't having it. So, taking a page out of Rukia's book she shouted "Toshiro!" He went rigid and she attracted the eyes of the gaggle surrounding him.

"What do you want Kurosaki?"

"Can't you see he's busy."

"Why don't you go find someone else to bother."

They were easy to ignore; marching up to Toshiro she got a little too close for the girls comfort, and his, making him take steps back till he was against the cream brick wall. "Do you have a spare shirt?"

"W-what?" He asked in pure disbelief

"A shirt, you got one?"

"Y-yeah" he sputtered

"Good" she grabbed his tie and dragged him free from the girls "I want it" she told him, leading the way to his locker.

"Why?"

"You'll see" she'd seen Rukia do it a few times, and with Ichigo it was an almost common occurrence, now it seemed as a smirk pulled across her lips, she'd picked up the habit too.

…

If the dust coating the small corner desk, the stuff floating in the air, illuminated by the dim, uncovered ceiling light was anything to go by this office clearly hadn't been used for a while. It wasn't the best spot to have a heart to heart, but it would have to do.

"W-we can talk about this another time if you'd like, I know you're busy and will probably have to leave soon won't you."

Her father's brow furrowed and he looked quite confused "no, I took the day off. I know you and the others worked hard on this, and I haven't seen a good show since the summer. However, if you would like me to give you some space I understand."

"NO!" Rukia threw her hands up, adding emphasis; really she hadn't meant to shout, it just sort of came out; but her father looked pleased, perhaps just happy she wanted him there. "You don't have to stay for the whole thing if you don't want to though really… there's a lot to do you should really see everything."

"I don't want to see everything Rukia" a reassuring hand was placed on her shoulder, and there were crinkles beside his eyes "I came to see you and your group, no one else."

"That's very kind of you Nii- um… sorry father, old habits."

"It's quite alright Rukia, it may take a while for you to become accustomed to this new dynamic."

"Not you?" She asked

"To me, you've always been my daughter; I just get to tell everyone now." Her cheeks flushed and Rukia bet her blush could light up a dark room.

"I-if you're going to hang around here then, I'm sure Ichigo will be around. You two could talk or something if he has the time" she almost slapped herself at how dumb of a suggestion that was, she'd seen how they acted, clearly they still didn't care too much for each other.

Her father must've picked up on just how awkward she felt. "I'm sure I'll find something to talk about with him."

…

Back in a corner of the gym, far enough away from parents and potential students who may bother him, was where Ichigo stood as the lights began to dim; it was followed by a chorus of oooos from the audience. "Kruosaki-Sensei" he turned his attention to the student besided him and away from the one announcing the show.

"Toshiro, shouldn't you be backstage or something?" Even though he'd addressed the white-haired boy Ichigo wasn't gifted his attention, that, Ichigo found was fixated on the stage.

Though he was starting to see Toshiro more and more out of class it was still weird to see the boy out of uniform. Even though he was just in black jeans and matching turtleneck, Toshiro was perhaps the type of person who looked more natural in a suit, or something akin; much like Rukia's father. The thought of Byakuya in jeans and a T-shirt, it was unnatural and made him shudder.

"It's not my turn yet" Toshiro finally responded.

"So why are you over here with me in some dark corner and not backstage, speaking from experience, it can be a pretty good show."

"Well ugh" Toshiro looked to struggle for an answer.

"Karin?" Speak of the devil, just as Ichigo's question was met with a nod, the curtains pulled back and there she was centre stage, in an overly baggy shirt with a large, faux leather belt wrapped around her waist.

"There's too many girls backstage" he finally answered.

Ichigo whistled lowly "boy, she's got you whipped already." Toshiro looked up at him, there was a hint of worry across his features, poor kid, if he could read him this easily so could Karin. "Don't worry" he said placing a hand on Toshiro's shoulder "I like you."

Want you to give me something that'll keep me off the floor Want you to give me something that'll keep me wanting more Want you to give me something that you cannot take back Want you to give me something covered in your sweat

You left your t-shirt at my apartment I'm not giving it back, I'm not giving it back

"Huh, so that's why she wanted my shirt." It took a couple seconds for Toshiro to realize he'd been thinking out loud "I-I-I mean."

"Don't" Ichigo stopped him "I don't need to know why she wanted it, or the circumstances surrounding it, just for my sake, leave it alone."

One Performance Later

"I need to get going" Toshiro stated as Karin walked off the stage. He didn't even wait for a reply, skittering off into the crowd.

"Please, don't let me keep you" Ichigo was just talking to the air at this point. He sighed and let his back hit the brick wall.

"Are you bored already Sensei" and there was that sickeningly saccharine, parody of a schoolgirl voice. Though it was annoying and often tried his patience, she'd slipped off to see him and that made up for the annoying voice; especially with her looking the way she did.

Who knew white suited her so well; the sleeves were sheer and went all the way to her wrists. There was a simple lace pattern starting at the neckline and ending at a small white leather belt with gold buckle securely seated just above her hips, from there on out was just plain white fabric, but it looked oh so good on her. And, just to add insult to injury, the cherry on top of it all, those plump, strawberry red lips.

"Ichigo" she said just loud enough to grab his attention "you're staring."

"S-sorry, you just look really good in white." She lit up with excitement, not exactly the reaction he was hoping for, but maybe she just didn't get what he was implying.

"I know, I can't believe the drama club just had this lying around" she did a little twirl, the dress flaring out around her.

"Fuck" was all he could muster.

She stopped, and fixed him with a stern look. "Now, you should be showing a little more enthusiasm, you're going to influence the crowd looking as sour as you do and we've worked hard on this."

"Oh shove off Kuchiki" he replied in jest; an argument would help to distract his mind and keep it from wandering too far.

"Well if that's how you're going to be I can leave" he knew her words were all in good fun, but still he responded to her idle threat a little quicker than he would have liked.

"No" he took a second to clear his throat "if you want to stay that's cool" here he was trying to sound cool, like he was back in high school again… well… as a teenager.

"Sounds like you don't want me to go" she teased.

"Well, some company would be nice"

"I don't know, me hanging out with my Sensei, that might come off as inappropriate" feigning innocence, she placed a delicate hand against her chest in a mock astonishment.

"Alright that's it, no more heartwarming familial reunions for you."

"My my Kurosaki-Sensei, perhaps you shouldn't be speaking to a student like that." Well, things were about to take a skittering, tire squealing sharp turn into worseville, population, one Mr. Ichigo Kurosaki.

"Aizen, what can I do for you?"

"Oh don't worry about me" his voice was warm and gentle; but Ichigo could see something hidden beneath; a twinkle in his eyes hidden to most by the pleasant demeanor, the spectacles, the laugh. Honestly, sometimes even Ichigo questioned his hate for the man.

"I just wanted to warn you that you and Miss Kuchiki sound awful close, she is your student after all, you wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea about the two of you." This was all said much louder than it needed to be, and had already attracted the attention of some adults around them.

"Aizen-Sensei" Rukia spoke up "if you have a problem with how friendly Kurosaki-Sensei and I have become, perhaps it's best if you take your concerns up with my father."

Aizen looked taken aback "father?"

"That would be me" Byakuya's monotone voice came out of the dark and had Ichigo nearly jumping out of his skin; the little witch could have warned him. "Is there something I should be aware of?"

"Well, it seems your daughter has a rather close, and perhaps unprofessional relationship with her Sensei."

"I am well aware of that" Byakuya spoke, choosing to match Aizen's volume. "If I am not mistaken you" he turned to look at Rukia "are quite close with his sister, are you not?"

"Yes father, it's like having a little sister of my own."

"If you like her so much take her" Ichigo joked "she's caused me too many headaches."

"Thanks, but I think you need someone there to keep you in line."

That was a risky joke, something he'd never expect her to make, and it was something Aizen tried to exploit. "See, this is beyond a typical student-teacher relationship."

"I will again agree with you however-' Byakuya didn't seem quite pleased at having been cut off, but he kept quiet.

"If you're willing I can setup a meeting with the principal and we can address this matter."

"That will not be necessary-" Byakuya started only to get cut off again.

"But-"

"Had you let me finish I could have stopped you from making a fool of yourself" in that moment Ichigo didn't know if he'd ever like Byakuya more. "Our families are quite close; his cousin, Kukaku Shiba, is my personal lawyer; and Rukia was once tutored by one of her younger brothers."

"Kaien or Ganju?" Ichigo was genuinely curious, one was significantly better than the other.

"Kaien" Byakuya answered for her "only the best is good enough for Rukia." Said girl was blushing so hard it would make a tomato jealous.

"How is he?" She finally asked

"Good, he got married last year; his wife is a wonderful woman."

"Gentlemen" Aizen tried to regain their attention. "Can we please return to the matter at hand?"

"Very well" Byakuya took a step forward, standing straight as an arrow, hands folded neatly behind his back and cutting quite the imposing figure.

"I would expect that because Rukia choses to spend her free time with Kurosaki-San's younger sister that inevitably she and he would talk, and I am okay with them developing a friendship. He is someone I trust to care and look out for her, likewise it is nice to see her become so close with his sister."

"It's been good for Karin too" Ichigo added "she hasn't had many good female role models and Rukia is someone I can trust to set a good example for her."

"I… um… yes… well" it seemed as though Aizen's plan had backfired quite stupendously "I was only concerned for her wellbeing."

"And I thank you for that, but it is unnecessary. Now, if there isn't anything else I'm sure there's work more important that you need to attend to."

"You're quite right Kuchiki-San; I'll be seeing you all around hopefully."

As Aizen disappeared into the crowd Ichigo scowled "I didn't even get a goodbye."

"I thought you hated him?" Rukia asked.

"Oh I do."

"Then why do you care?" She asked.

He answered with a shrug of his shoulder "I just like complaining about him."

"If I may" Byakuya interrupted "but why do you dislike him?"

"My last year here I saw him exit the girls bathroom, a week later and one of the girls found cameras hidden."

"And he still has a job?" There was an unhidden rage in Byakuya's voice.

"I tried, but I didn't have any proof, so it was his word against mine; I almost got expelled because of it."

"Have you been keeping an eye on him?" Byakuya asked.

"As best I can."

"Good" he extended his hand, which Ichigo took "if you ever need anything let me know, I abhor men like that."

This gesture surprised Ichigo, but it was welcome to have someone so powerful in his corner "thank you."

"A favour for a favour" Byakuya said looking past him and focusing on Rukia.

So what will-"

"Kurosaki-Sensei, Rukia!" He was promptly cut off as Momo called out to them. Her outfit was garish, bright white overalls with a sparkly, stary shirt underneath, with comically large sunglasses. It was as if she were ripped straight out of the seventies; and she was barreling towards them, only stopping as Rukia caught her.

"Sorry, it's hard to stop in these" she raised a foot showing them ludicrously large, and wide blue heels.

"It's okay Momo" Rukia consoled her with a laugh "what do you need?"

"Do you or K-K-K-K-Kuckiki-Sama" Momo immediately pulled out of Rukia's grip and stared at her.

"it's okay Momo" Rukia tried to assure her.

"Yeah" Ichigo agreed "things have been worked out… more or less."

"So you and your brother get along now?" Momo asked so abruptly and without tact that Ichigo couldn't help the little snort that came out, though, judging by the cross look Rukia shot his way he'd be paying for it later.

"Momo he's not my brother… he's my father." The poor girl gaped like a fish out of water, trying to comprehend what she'd just heard.

"I-I don't know if I have time to process this."

"Yeah, sorry, what was it you needed?" Rukia asked her.

"Well ugh, do you or Kurosaki-Sensei know how to play the piano, the guy who was supposed to tripped and sprained his hand, and well, now I'm out a piano player and I really need one."

"I don't really know much" Ichigo admitted, and it looked like he and Rukia were in the same boat as she confessed to her own inability. He felt bad and it was plain that Rukia felt the same, but it wasn't like they could just magically learn the piano in five minutes.

Rukia tried to comfort her but there was little that could be done to improve Momo's mood.

"Elton John, right?" The question came from the most surprising of people "y-yes, how did you know Kuchiki-Sama?"

"Yeah what the hell" Ichigo added.

"I must admit that I am quite surprised as well father."

"Recently I have learnt there is much more to the music I had previously dismissed, and therefore I have been branching out musically; I found myself quite enjoying his pieces, it's also good fun for me to play along."

Byakuya was still as stoic as ever, but, he sounded quite pleased at surprising them the way he did. "Kurosaki, would it be alright if I stepped in and helped Hinamori-San?"

"Really!?" Momo was ecstatic.

"Truly, it would be my honour; that is if it's okay."

"It should be fine" Ichigo answered with a shrug "Momo, just make sure Ise-Sensei knows, I would however start with the fact that Byakuya is Rukia's father, it's a lot more acceptable and looks a lot less like you've grabbed someone from the crowd."

"Of course, thank you Sensei" quite readily Momo grabbed Byakuya's hand and started leading him through the crowd.

"Never would have expect that from her."

"Yeah, I guess therapy is going really well for her; I don't think my father was too thrilled being dragged off like that though."

"He can get over it" Ichigo said rather dismissively "anyway, when do you go on?"

"After Momo, so you're stuck with me for a little while longer strawberry."

"Midget, I'm going to be stuck with you for a while" he slyly gestured towards her belly, and she just smiled.

"Yeah, I guess you will be, can you imagine what it'll be like with two of me?"

"Literal hell" the joke didn't go over well, but for once his shins were safe from her wrath, after all it wouldn't look good too good on her, so for now he was free to laugh and enjoy the annoyed look on her face. He'd pay for it later, but that was fine, it was their routine and he wouldn't have it any other way.

A few soft piano chords made their way through the gym and to their back corner; soon, it was accompanied by an almost equally soft voice.

You could never know what it's like Your blood like winter freezes just like ice And there's a cold lonely light that shines from you You'll wind up like the wreck you hide behind that mask you use

As she finished the last line everything seemed to kick into high gear with aggressive overdriven guitars, pounding drums, thumping bass, and above all that, and just under Momo's singing the piano.

With it's bright and cherry, yet hard and pounding sound it sat perfectly among everything else, and Ichigo had to admit, Byakuya knew his stuff.

Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid I'm still standing after all this time Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind

Her song choice was poetic, and brought a smile to his face "you know she's pretty good" he said to Rukia. "Looks like you're going to have some competition."

"Are you trying to pit me against my friend?"

"Nah" he responded shoving his hands into his pockets "you're just a really good singer, never expected one of your friends to be able to rival you."

"I may have given her a few lessons here and there" Rukia said with a little smugness "but she was already pretty good."

"Oof, you must be one hell of a teacher, am I going to have to start worrying about my job?"

"Nope, not at all" she quickly answered "I've seen how many tests and assignments you mark and I want no part of that."

"Aw come on, if you get into teaching, we can help each other."

"Sorry carrot top, but that's all you."

"Eh, whatever" he replied; moving closer to her than he should.

"Ichigo" she hissed; but he shushed, placing a finger to his lips whilst his other hand slipped around her shoulder, pulling her to his side.

"You don't want to draw any attention."

"You're taking unnecessary risks."

"I know" he admitted "but just let me have this for a little bit."

"Fine, but if we get caught don't say I didn't warn you berry boy."

Author's Note: Hey so there's a lot of back and forth talking in this one, if anyone had any trouble let me know, I can read it fine but I also wrote it so there's some inherent bias. If anyone has some suggestions please feel free to shoot me a message or leave a review, and if you'd like to just leave a review of the chapter that would be appreciated, I like reading them and they help get me in the mood to write.