Hey guys! I know it's been awhile but I've had so many problems with this chapter. I'll have Ichigo's POV up as soon as I can. It will be apart of this chapter. Just have to finish writing it.

Anyways, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not, in any shape or form own Bleach.

Chapter 2: In Which Eyes Meet

Rukia's POV

10:15pm

Rippongi District, Tokyo

I wanna be your illusion.

Be your illusion

To make you happy tonight.

Enjoy this trip with me.

I wanna be your emotion.

Be your emotion.

Why don't you turn off the lights?

Imagine how we could be leaving.

The sound of Benny Bennasi's "Illusion" assaulted my eardrums as we made our way through the club. It was only opening night and already Pantera seemed to be a hit with the party going types here in Tokyo. No space was left open. Not to mention the dance floor was packed tighter than a bag of cotton balls.

"Rukia, I want to introduce you to some people," Orihime shouted over the bass. I nodded my head in reply as she continued to pull me and Uliquiorra through the dance floor.

When we finally made it to the edge of the dance floor, Orihime directed us to one of the V.I.P. sections in the club. One of which was guarded by two large and scary dudes. Apparently, they knew her because they let us pass right on through.

The first person my attention was directed to was a man with blue hair. I shit you not. His hair was bluer than the sky on a cloudless day. Whereas on some people, this color would look flat out ridiculous, it fit him perfectly. This model turned Grecian god had Caribbean blue eyes, deliciously tanned skin, teeth whiter than white, a face that looked like it deserves to be on the cover of every issue of GQ magazine, and a body that is every personal trainers wet dream all covered in a very expensive Armani white-suit with a black silk shirt underneath.

And if that isn't enough, he was surrounded by 5 of the most gorgeous men and women I have ever seen, aside from Orihime and Uliquiorra. The one sitting to his immediate right, had jet black hair, cut in a chin length bob with a braid on each side that reached just above her waist, piercing black eyes, pale-golden colored skin, and an extremely curvy yet small figure covered in a slinky-black halter dress.

Next to her was a woman with long, wavy teal hair and gun metal gray eyes. She had a birthmark over the bridge of her nose, but it only added to her exotic features. She looked to be around 5'10", with the same colored skin as the blue haired man. Her hourglass figure was covered in white-tunic dress that looks like it would be scandously short if she stood up. She was wearing gold gladiator sandals where the straps, crisscrossed over her mile long legs and stopped just below her knees.

Sitting on her left was a freakishly, tall man with an eye-patch. He had long jet-black hair that reached just below his shoulder blades, sharp facial features, deep purple eyes that almost looked black in the lighting of the club, and a piano key smile that seemed to fit him perfectly. He was wearing dark blue jeans, a white Jimi Hendrix t-shirt and slightly worn white Chuck Taylors. He had his arm around the teal-haired girl, so I assumed they were together.

On the blue-haired man's left, sat a breathtakingly beautiful blond haired woman, with cerulean eyes and darkly tanned skin. She looked to be the same height as the teal-haired woman, with aristocratic features and messily layered medium length bob. She was wearing a one-shouldered dark blue dress that reached the middle of her thighs and accentuated her hour-glass figure.

To her right, was a gorgeous brunette, who appeared to be a few seconds away from falling asleep. He had wolf gray eyes, slightly pale skin, sharply defined facial features, and some stubble across his jaw bones. He had shoulder length messy brown hair and was wearing a black motorcycle jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, and black jeans tucked into black motorcycle boots which were propped up on top of the low table holding the drinks.

In short, all of these people were absolutely gorgeous.

"Rukia, I would like for you to meet the owner of this fine establishment and long-time family friend Grimmjow Jaegerjaques and his wife, Soi-fong," she said pointing to the blue-haired man and the black-haired woman. "Next to Soi-fong, is his sister baby sister, Neliel and her husband Gilga Nnoitra, and on the other side, his twin sister Halibel and her husband, Starrk Coyote. Guys, this is my friend and new neighbor, Kuchiki Rukia."

"It's very nice to meet you all," I replied after the introductions are done, bowing as I do so.

"So, this is the girl you won't shut up about," asks Grimmjow rhetorically, with a mocking smile slowly growing across his face. "I must say, I pictured her to be a lot taller and much prettier than the way you described her. Instead what I get is a runt who looks to be barely out of middle school."

Well fuck you too, then.

"I'm sorry if my appearance offends you. But I should say the glare coming from your hair is going to make me have an epileptic seizure. Maybe you should tone down the hair dye. I could use your hair to replace the headlights on my car. It's bright enough," I retorted.

I hear a snort come from Nnoitra's direction. In my peripheral, I see Soi-fong and Halibel try to keep a straight face, Neliel and Orihime are chuckling silently, Ulquiorra's lip slightly twitches, and Starrk…well, it seems as if he went to sleep.

I don't take my eyes off of Grimmjow, though. I want him to know that I'm not some weakling he can just talk down to.

I'm Rukia fucking Kuchiki. No one talks down to me and gets away unscathed.

"I don't dye my hair, midget. This is my natural color," he snarls.

"Whatever you say, Papa Smurf," I responded smugly.

Nnoitra burst out laughing at that and the women follow along. Grimmjow, to my utter surprise, laughs too.

"You've got guts kid, I'll give you that. Not many people are able to call me that without having their asses kicked by yours truly," Grimmjow said admiringly. "Welcome to the family," he says holding out a hand for me to shake.

"Thanks," I said smiling good naturedly. "This is a really beautiful club, by the way."

"She's a beauty isn't she," he asks rhetorically. "I spent the past year and a half working on every single detail. I must say, I did one hell of a job."

"You did one hell of a job?" Soi-fong says while raising a perfectly arched eyebrow.

"I mean we did one hell of a job," he says smiling sheepishly.

"Speaking of which," Nnoitra says, changing the subject. "Were the hell is the berry at? His ass is supposed to be here by now. I already saw Shiro and Shuuhei."

"Got that right," Grimmjow replied rolling his eyes. Orihime giggled.

"I know you're not talking, Blueberry. When we were teens, you spent more time in the mirror than me, Hal, and mom put together. And you still do," Nel said rolling her eyes.

"Tch. It takes time and effort to look this sexy everyday," he replied arrogantly.

"Time and effort that you obviously don't spend on thinking," Uliquiorra replied blandly.

"Fuck you!"

"Such vulgar language, Grimmjow. It amazes me that you've made it this far in life. Tell me Grimmjow, does it hurt to think due to the lack of brain cells you have," Uliquiorra asked mockingly.

Everyone, except for Grimmjow and Starrk, for obvious reasons, laughed. Who would've thought the vampire would have a sense of humor?

"Ha fucking ha. Seriously, Hime, why the hell are you with him? What in God's name do you see in this emo bastard," Grimmjow asked.

"I can ask Soi-fong the same question about you, Grimmy-kun," Orihime cheekily responds.

"Touché."

For having just met them, I can already say that I really like these guys. They are a relief compared to stuffy, self-absorbed, snobby assholes me and brother have to deal with on a day to day basis. It's refreshing.

"Hey Grimm, can you tell me where Shuuhei and Shiro are? I want to introduce them to Rukia," Orihime suddenly asked.

"Umm….I believe they're working at the bar."

"Come on Rukia. I want to introduce you to my brothers. We'll be right back, Ulqui," she said dragging my hand and pulling me across the dance floor towards the bar.

"I think she's perfect for him don't you think," Nel asked the others watching Orihime drag Rukia through the dance floor.

"Yeah," Grimmjow said nodding his head. "Let's just hope this works. I'm tired of seeing him as the only one of us without a mate."

"You're not the only one, brother. He tries to hide it but we can all see he's lonely. And living as long as he has without ever finding his mate is starting to take a toll on him," Halibel said solemnly.

"Hopefully, that'll all change tonight."

After a short journey that involved a lot of pushing and stepping on toes, we finally made it to the bar. As soon as we sat down, Orihime called out to a spiky, black haired man who was whipping down the bar on the other side.

"Shuuhei!"

He quickly looked up and I couldn't help but notice that he was absolutely sexy. Standing at about 6'0, he had lightly tanned skin, gun metal gray eyes like Orihime, high aristocratic cheekbones emphasized by a tattoo of the number 69 with two lines going straight down to his chiseled jaw, lean chest and arms muscles that were greatly defined by the tight black t-shirt he was wearing, and a smile that could melt the panties off of any woman, gay or straight. Myself included. As he made his way towards us, I noticed that he had a wedding band on his ring finger. Oh well. He still makes great eye candy.

"Hime," he said leaning over the bar to kiss her cheek. "How have you been?"

"I've been great! How's Isane?"

"She's fine. She wanted to be here tonight but I don't think that the club would be a good place for her to go since she's pregnant," he said. As Orihime nodded her head in response to his statement, he noticed me watching their interaction. "And who is this?"

"Ah! Where are my manners? Shuuhei, this is Rukia, the girl I've told you guys about-" Just how many people has she told me about? "-Rukia, this is my second eldest brother, Shuuhei."

"Ah, so this is Rukia. It's great to finally meet you," he says holding out a hand.

"It's nice to meet you too," I say while shaking his hand.

"I must tell you though; Hime did not do you justice when she was describing you to us. You are absolutely gorgeous."

"You're too kind," I say blushing bashfully, while shaking my head in denial.

"Well, it's true. I'm actually quite happy to know that soon you'll be part of the family," he said smiling mysteriously. What the hell is that supposed to mean? Before I can ask the question, Orihime interrupts with another question.

"Have you seen Shiro? Grimmjow said he was working tonight?" The look in Orihime's eyes seemed to tell Shuuhei not to say anything more on the subject. Just what the hell was that about?

"He's probably outback, with Kukaku sucking her face off," he said rolling his eyes. Whether in response to the silent command or question, I don't know. "I swear they're worse than teenagers."

"Well, you can't blame them. They just got married three weeks ago."

"Yare, yare. I'm just tired of walking in on Shiro with his hands up her shirt all the fucking time! It's disturbing," he complained while throwing the towel down on the bar. This Shiro character sounds interesting.

"Aww, poor baby," Orihime said mockingly. He stuck his tongue out at her.

"Anyway, do you guys want something to drink?"

"I'll take an Apple Martini," she said.

"And I'll have a White Russian," I said giving my order.

"Alright. Give me a minute."

We nod in reply as he goes off to make our drinks leaving me and Orihime alone.

"So….are you enjoying yourself," she asked smiling.

"I am. You're friends are wonderful," I said honestly.

"They are, aren't they," she said smiling fondly. "I can't wait to introduce you to the rest of the gang!"

"Orihime."

"Hmm?"

"Why are you being so nice to me? You really didn't have to do this tonight," I asked her. Usually when people are this nice to me, they want something. So forgive me for being on my guard.

She tilted her head as if she was in deep thought concerning my question. Finally, after a few minutes of silence, she responded.

"Well….during all the times that we talked, I couldn't help but notice the loneliness in your eyes, especially tonight. So I thought it would be good if I invited you to hang out with me tonight. I hope you don't mind," she said worriedly.

Although, I couldn't help but get the feeling that there was another reason for her inviting me out tonight, as I looked into her eyes, I could see that she was telling the truth.

"I don't mind. I just thought it strange is all," I say smiling reassuringly. "I never had a friend who was actually concerned about my well-being."

"Well, I'm glad to be the first," she says smiling brightly.

"Here you go, ladies. Enjoy," he said while placing our drinks down in front of us.

"Thanks," we both responded.

"Holler if you need anything else," he said smiling at both of us.

We both waved goodbye to him and turned our attention towards the dance floor. As we sipped on our drinks, I spotted Uliquiorra making his way towards us.

"Ooh! I feel like dancing," Orihime said putting down her half drunken martini. "Come on, Ulqui! Rukia, come join us!"

"Nah, I'm good. You go ahead without me."

"Are you sure," she says, pouting slightly.

"I'm sure," I say smiling. "Go have fun!"

"Okay," she said, pulling Uliquiorra towards the middle of the dance floor, leaving me alone at the bar.

I watched the bodies on the dance floor grind and gyrate against each other. The deep bass of the music traveled through my body, making me sway. I felt so tempted to join Orihime on the dance floor, but I hate being surrounded by crowds of people. It makes me claustrophobic.

As I watched the couples move to the music, I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Someone was looking at me. Looking around to find the source of the staring, my eyes land on the most gorgeous creature I have ever seen in my lifetime.

He had to be an angel. There is no way a man can look that gorgeous. From the windswept golden-orange hair to the lean, muscular physique hidden beneath the semi-tightly clothing, he was absolutely perfect. And he was staring at me.

I repeat: He was staring at me.

Oh. My. God.

The way those sepia colored eyes were sweeping over my body made me feel like I was going to burst into flames. I couldn't breathe, much less think. I felt like I was a deer caught in wolf's gaze with no chance of escaping. Those hunter eyes held me captive as he made his way towards me.

I wanted to run, to scream, to burst into tears. I wanted to do something, anything, but I couldn't. My heart felt like it was trying to drill a hole through my chest. My palms were sweaty and my hands were shaking which made it difficult for me to hold my drink without spilling it. What is this man doing to me?

Just what the fuck is going on?

And on another note, why does he look so familiar?

"Hello," sin incarnate says to me when he finally reaches me. Shivers run up and down my spine at the sound of that deep baritone. His voice is like dark chocolate and silk together. I swear, just by saying that one word I was ready to let him have his way with me in front of all those people. Decency be damned.

"He-Hello."

'Dammit Rukia! Get it together! Don't let this man know his effect on you,' my inner self shouts at me. I quickly tried to pull myself together.

Key word is "tried" here people.

"And what is your name," he asks smirking slightly as if he knows the effect he's having on me.

Bastard.

"I'm not in the habit of giving out my name to virtual strangers, sir," I say. Ha! Take that!

He smiles. "Well, I'm not a stranger any more am I? We are having a conversation." The look in his eyes turns challenging. Good. I love a challenge.

"If you call the exchange of six sentences a conversation, then yes I suppose so. But that doesn't mean I'm going to give you my name."

"Why are you being so difficult," he asks raising an eyebrow, smirking.

"Well, I am a rather complicated person. Why? You can't keep up," I say smiling slightly.

"It's not that I can't keep up. I can go for hours." Somehow I had a feeling he wasn't just talking about arguing. "It's just that I've never met a girl who made it so difficult to learn her name."

"Well, then I'm proud to be the first," I shot back, smiling fully.

"That you are." He smiles softly. I look into his eyes and see the intensity from before along with some other emotion that I'm afraid to name. "Won't you tell me your name," his golden eyes smolder, making my heart stop. I guess it wouldn't hurt to give him my name. I swallow a sip of my drink before answering.

"Rukia. Kuchiki Rukia," I say glad my voice came out strong.

"Rukia," he says smiling again. Him saying my name does strange things to my body. "Well I am Kurosaki Ichigo," he says holding out a hand for me to shake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," I say taking his hand. Several sparks of electricity shoot up my arm. I look up to see if he had the same reaction, and if the fire in his eyes is any indication, I would say yes.

"Oh trust me," he says in that silk voice of his while bringing up my hand to his lips. "The pleasure is all mines." His lips touch my skin and I swear I melted off the stool. I force my gaze away from his heated stare. I don't know how much more I can take. This man is dangerous.

"So….Rukia," I shiver as he says my name. He could read the phone book and make it sound sexy. "Would you care to dance?"

Would I? I can't even begin to tell you how much I would give to have that sinful body pressed up against me. To have those large hands caressing my body as we dance the night away. I want to hear this man whisper sinful dark promises into my ear making me lose track of what's going on around me. I wanted – no, needed this man to claim me, to make me his, and I wanted to do the same to him. I wanted this man in the worst way and I only just met him less than 4 minutes ago.

And it's terrifying.

I'm afraid of this man, not because of what he could possibly do to me, but because of what will happen if I go with him. Looking up at him, part of me is saying that I should run from this man. He's dangerous and it'll be safer to just stay away from him. This man will rip the very foundations of the walls that I have spent years building, effortlessly. I know that for a fact. But I don't want safe.

And nor am I a coward.

So like the fool I am, I jumped off the edge of reason….

"Yes, I would love to dance with you."

….and fell into the fiery abyss of the unknown.

So...what'd you think? Review and let me know! Also, I didn't edit this chapter. So if you see any mistakes, ignore them.

PM me if you want to be my beta.