Thanks so much for your time everyone! ^^ I love hearing how you are enjoying the story. It makes me smile. In fact, just seeing the line, "please continue" makes me feel good because I know that person took to the time to tell me they want me to keep going. :D

Also, just FYI, I wanted to add that there haven't been any Hollows because I decided they'd interfere too much. Besides, you all don't seem to mind having any Hollow interruptions. ^^;

Anyways, here you go! Chappy fours! (And you may all realize why I gave chapter four its name. xD)

Chapter Four: The Unexpected, and a Wake-Up Call

You know, my expression could almost be described as a disappointed one. Out of everything my mind gave me to work with, this pretty much cancelled it all out.

"'Dancing in the Wind'? The hell..?"

Honestly, why couldn't this have been something more revealing? It was just another one of her boring books that she felt she needed to keep a secret. I didn't bother opening the book. I instead tossed it onto my desk on my way towards the bed, a place where I had been at most recently. Once I reached it, I sat on the edge and put my hand to my chin.

I took the time to juggle my thoughts around. This game that Rukia was playing wasn't something I wanted to participate in any more. But I didn't have too much to go on.

One, she has been recently leaving before I wake up. Two, she was paranoid over some weird-ass book. And three, she was extremely defensive after I caught her dancing in the kitchen.

Nothing was coming to me. For once I didn't have a good solution.

"This is so not making sense anymore. I figured at least if that was a perverted book, at least I could run it by her and make sure she isn't…" I stopped myself and subconsciously finished the sentence so that I didn't have to hear myself say it. I didn't want to think about Rukia getting fancy over at some guy's house. But I was able to shake it off and tell myself to stop jumping to conclusions.

I looked around my room, also deciding that Kon would return when he got hungry, and eyed my book bag. Getting up, I made my way over to it and rested on my knees while I opened it. I pulled out my Mp3 player, along with a Manga that I've read more than three times. Although along with the book, a paper slipped out.

My essay. Yeah, that wonderful piece of fail I mentioned before this Rukia Mystery even began. I set my book and music down, picking up the weak effort attempt. Something was written on it though. In red ink.

"I know you can do better. I want you to try and write a better paper. You have a week…" After reading it aloud, I rolled my eyes. The essay was supposed to be based on how to become strong, and I was supposed to make up a story on how someone did it. Well, I failed. Surprisingly enough, I had no interest in the topic.

"…Ichigo?"

The small Shinigami startled me a little, but once looking up my nerves calmed. I only looked at her though. I didn't respond. Instead, she walked all the way into the room and she closed the door behind her. She let out a small sigh before starting up again.

"I wanted to apologize to you. I didn't mean to be so…" She paused and looked at the ground, as if she was trying to find a word that would sum up her obnoxious actions earlier.

"Bitchy?" I smirked a little, returning to my actions and putting away the fail-paper.

"Yeah, you could say that…but really though. I am sorry." She wasn't making any eye contact with me. Did my walking away without saying anything upset her that much? Wow. She's pretty sensitive.

"It's alright." I stood up, leaving my book and Mp3 on the ground. I took a step back to lean against the wall.

She didn't make any movement or sound, like she was lost in thought. After a few moments, I broke the silence.

"Why, though?" I crossed my arms, cocking my head a little.

"Why what?" Her eyes finally made contact with mine, which was a little relaxing after receiving no glances before.

"You've been acting so weird. I just want to know why. At least, why have you been leaving?"

Her eyes widened. It was like the look a small child gives you when they're trying to pull off a lie, and you ask them something they aren't prepared for.

"It's nothing…"

That response almost irritated me.

"Is it really that bad?" I raised my voice a little, a little kick to show her I was dead serious.

"No! No it's not, I just…" She returned her gaze to the floor, then back up to my own, "I just don't want you to know."

I could'a swore I heard mental car brakes when she said that. She didn't want me to know? Know what? Why would she hide something from me?

"Rukia, you shouldn't have to keep anything from me." My voice softened. It was the least I could do to try and negotiate at the moment.

"I know…but…" Her eyes became lightly coated with water, but she turned her head and blinked it away before she continued, "Maybe sometimes I want to keep things to myself."

Okay, I guess I could cope with that. But why do I feel that something is still missing? Like I'm overlooking something? Well, for one, I still needed to make sure she wasn't doing anything she shouldn't.

"Rukia." I stepped closer to her until we were about a foot and a half apart, "I know you want this to be personal, and I fully understand that. But you're not…doing anything stupid, are you?"

It almost looked like she tried to take a step back, but she ended up pressing against the door instead.

"…Define stupid." She looked up at me with a nervous look, most likely because I leaned an inch closer to her.

"You know. Drugs, sex, clubs, along those lines."

"Hell no! Why would you think I was?!" Her face flushed a light crimson, but from the looks of it we both ignored it. I placed a hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing it.

"Because, I know how stubborn you can be. I just wanted to make sure you were still being smart."

"What, you don't trust me or something?" She gave me the "I'm a fool" look. A usual look I got from the girl.

"I trust you more than you know. That doesn't mean I still won't look out for you." I moved my hand to her face and brushed the hair that flowed down the middle so I could see her eyes easier. Giving her an assuring look, I backed away from her. Before I turned around completely, I heard her voice again.

"Ichigo. Why are you being so protective all of a sudden?"

I smirked, looking straight into her eyes, "Once I figure that out myself, maybe I'll answer."

She smiled, something I missed a little after this long string of frowns and other sad looks. She exited the room without another word, and I must say, I boosted my ego with my little answer and I was proud of it. What? I can't not think that I was cool for a second. I'm Strawberry Kurosaki!...Did I seriously just call myself that? Damn Rukia.

The rest of the night went smoothly. Rukia and I acted as if the whole thing hadn't happened, and Dad did something cool for once and set up Rock Band. I of course stole the guitar before Rukia could get it.

"Paws off woman. Mine." I grinned and headed for the middle of the room, square in front of the TV.

Eventually, Karin got the drums going and Yuzu hooked up a bass. Rukia took the microphone, and my ever-boring Dad stayed a spectator.

"Ooh, I want that one!" Yuzu pointed at the screen when the list of songs appeared.

"You crazy, Yuzu? No way we're playing that!" Karin fought, pointed a drumstick at the screen.

"What about that one?" Rukia mentioned another title, but a frown formed on my face.

"Nah, it's not good."

It took us about three minutes to decide on a song, but we got it in gear after a few games.

Alas, I was yet again stuck listening to the way Rukia sang. I wondered if she had been practicing.

Once we were exhausted of the game, we all decided to head to bed.

"Careful with that hammer!..." I found myself sitting straight up in bed, coated in a sticky sweat.

I groaned. Damn retarded dreams. Waking me up in the middle of the night like this. That hammer had no right. Flopping back onto the pillow, I sighed softly and closed my eyes. Everything was dead silent, so getting back to sleep wouldn't have been a problem.

That is, if I hadn't heard someone shifting in another room.

I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. It read about ten minutes past midnight, so I wondered why someone would be up and moving around. Slowly and stealthily, I got up out of bed and tip-toed towards the door. Peering around the corner just enough, I noticed a familiar hair style in the darkness of the hallway.

Rukia. And I guess I just caught her in action.

I decided against speaking out to her, and instead wanted to follow her. I didn't follow her down the stairs, I simply waited. And waited. And waited. Glass of water in the kitchen…and waited. Until I finally heard the door open, and softly shut.

I couldn't help but snicker a little. I walked over to my bed and sat on my knees, looking out the window. She wasn't walking anymore. She was running. Like she was late or something. I again waited until she was a far distance before I jumped out the window, trying my best to conceal my Spiritual Pressure. (Which is one of the reasons why I want to be far from her.)

We passed several buildings, my school, and crossed the bridge before she finally stopped in front of a large, round-ish building. She glanced around before entering, luckily she hadn't spotted me.

I waited a few seconds before following her. I was finally going to see what she was up to.

Aw. I only managed to make this a little longer than the last one. I plan on a long one, but I guess they'll stay in short little bursts. xD

How'd ya like? Good? Bad? Yay? Nay? Well, either way, new chapter most likely out tomorrow evening. (April 21st)

And thanks again! You guys are eating this story alive! Over ONE THOUZAND hits in three days! High fives all around! ^^