Hey guys! Thanks so much for your comments! I decided to release this chapter early so I can get my mind set on something else. (I got lunch detention today. T-T)

Anyway, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I also do not own the title of the book Ichigo picked up…Wish I did. I'd be richer than whip cream. ^^ *giggles*

Chapter Three: Suspicion

I love Saturdays. Saturdays involve no stress, and I can just sit back and enjoy my Ichigo time. I sprawled out across my bed, reaching over to my desk and carefully sliding a book my way. I took some time to study the front cover.

"…Naruto…Shippuden? This must be one of Rukia's books." I flipped it open and glanced at a few pages, smirking with curiosity as to why Rukia reads Shonen Manga.

My mind was tossing itself back and forth. I was trying to stay relaxed so I could make the best of my Saturday, but that same mystery still clogged my thoughts. Not only did Rukia disappear on Thursday, but yesterday was the same deal. At school, she even gave me the same answer, like her vanishing wasn't really a big deal.

Well…come to think of it, why am I making a big deal over it again? Oh, right. This is Rukia we're talking about. You don't just let someone like Rukia go wandering off on her own without some kind of notification. Hell, right about now I wish she'd just give me one of those messages with the B's all over the place. At least then I could figure her out…or know she's safe or something.

Wait. Did I seriously just become protective? I mean, come on. She's a curious midget Shinigami who looks about sixteen (yet is the size of a ten year old…) and wants to do girl stuff or go explore. She couldn't be doing anything bad…could she?

My train of thought immediately slammed on its brakes as a whole new ball game of images flushed before me.

"Okay, slow down. I'm thinking about this a little too rashly." I combed my fingers through my hair and let out a sigh.

My attention darted to the door as the sound of footsteps began to appear. The same girl that wouldn't leave my mind poked her head into my room and flashed me a grin.

"Your family just left. They said they were going to a relative's birthday party, and they also said they figured you didn't want to go."

"Okay." I raised my eyebrow, letting her catch the message that I honestly didn't care.

"Anyway, they said they won't be back for a couple hours. Yuzu left you some lunch in the fridge, and I'm gonna go make mine." With that, she left without another word. I took note that she started humming a little on her way down the stairs.

The room was filled with its original silence. For some reason though, I kinda liked her little minute entry. Don't ask me why though, because nothing is really clear at the moment.

Now, I was bored. This Manga wasn't very entertaining, (then again, I didn't understand it) and the silence after Rukia's moment was starting to get nerve-racking. Although, when I thought about it…wasn't there usually something keeping the room noisy? I glanced around, once again having another staring episode with the book that lay in my hands. My eyes drifted to my desk, seeing the blob of failed coloring still there.

Then it hit me. Where'd Kon go?

I got up off my bed and searched around for the little plush. He wasn't anywhere in my room. I double-checked the closet and under the bed, but still no sign of the lion. After another 360 view, I decided to ask Rukia if she'd seen him anywhere.

Once I got to the top of the staircase, something halted my movement. Someone was singing. It was quiet, but it was still singing. I tip-toed my way down the stairs, mentally cursing the squeak one of the steps made. When I heard that the tune continued and didn't falter, I kept going. I peered around the corner, and an instant grin flashed onto my face.

The little Shinigami that had moments ago been troubling me was gently and silently dancing to her own singing. She had a ladle in her left hand, and was lightly swinging it with her smooth movements. Her eyes were relaxed and closed, and yet I was a little surprised she didn't sense my presence. I leaned against the wall a little, keeping my grin all the while. This was just something I never thought I'd see. Her tiny body boasted a gorgeous style of dance, and her voice didn't fade with any sudden movement. My eyes studied her expressions that changed with her words. Sometimes it seemed stressed, and other times she looked peaceful with an adoring smile.

I stayed like that for a few moments before I quickly snapped myself out of it, and though I didn't want to, I stepped forward.

"Yo."

Oh, how priceless. If only I had a video camera with me, this would so be going up on YouTube. The brunette's eyes flashed open and her movements halted, along with her singing. She stood frozen like that, one foot slightly elevated. Her dark eyes slowly locked with mine, and somehow, I felt every surge of her wrath flow along that link.

"Strawberry! How dare you!" With that remark, I couldn't help making a snicker-like giggle. My hand rose to my mouth, as if trying to hide my reaction.

"What'd I do?" My smile grew large and my teeth eventually became visible.

"You snuck up on me! What, being a stalker in class ain't enough?" Her hands rose to her hips. I could tell she had some kind of tough meaning behind those words, but the blush appearing on her face seemed to coat any strong threat.

"Actually, this is my house you know. I should be able to come into the kitchen whenever I please."

"Wrong! You can't just walk in on me even if this is your house!" She pointed a finger a me, and my eyes slightly narrowed.

"Why not?" My arms crossed, but my smirk stayed firm.

I think I might have stumped her on that one. She stayed silent for a moment, her eyes darting left and right every now and then. I cocked my head to the side a little.

"You aren't hiding something, are you?"

"Of course not!"

Her reaction was fast. She was definitely getting defensive.

"Are you sure? Because you know, I know it's embarrassing to get caught doing that, but dontcha think your reaction was a little overkill?"

"No! I think my reaction was perfectly normal!"

My smirk faded. I didn't want this to be a dragged out argument over a simple, playful joke. I didn't honestly like the way she was responding to me, and my suspicion of her hiding something from me only grew larger. I let out a sigh and lightly shook my head.

"Have you seen Kon?"

I didn't make eye contact with her, but I could tell her expression changed.

"No."

Without bothering to make a response, I returned to my room. Once I entered, I made sure to close my door.

"Man, this girl is such a pain in my ass." I stretched my arms out, and with a grunt, I let them fall to my side. On my way to the desk, I noticed something in the closet. Almost completely concealed under the mattress, was a large, yet thin, book. I gripped it gently, pulling it out almost like it would explode if I made one wrong movement. After a quick look over, I immediately recognized it.

This was the book Rukia wouldn't let me see.

Eh…short chappy again. But hey, I'm trying to get the chapters out daily. xD If not, I settle with the week release date. ^^

Anyway, how'd ya like it? Cliffhanger much? Yeah, I looooove those. (Well, if I make them anyway. I'm fully aware of what that book is and how this story will end.)

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