Mmm…Okay so there was an Early Release at school today, so I have a little head start. (Plus, I have Death Note going on my television so…I'm distracted. XD)…okay I just stared at the screen for like six minutes now! .…okay add like two more minutes to that. Alright, the episode ended (add four minutes o.o) now I'll start. xD Also, if I seem to have Ichigo ask himself a lot of questions, it's because after I watch Death Note, I continuously look things over more deeply and suspiciously. xD

Also I mention church in this. I have never once been to church nor am I Christian. However I've heard in some cases that they dislike evil or something like that. Anyway if I am incorrect please feel free to buzz me in a PM. It may help for when I need to mention it at other times in stories. ^^

Chapter Five: Irritating, but Loving

The building smelt a lot like fabric. Fabric that's been constantly used and, in some cases, worn out. I was in a dark, dimly lit hallway that seemed to stretch on forever, the sound of music was muffled, but I could hear it bouncing off the walls. I kept a slow pace. This was weird. I had expected something along the lines of a party or get-together with some girlfriends of hers. Instead, I see this place.

On my way down the never-ending line, I see an opening about half way down. I quicken my pace, but my brain comes to a halt when I hear some voices coming from the opening.

"Now then Rukia, the spectators will be coming in. I'll go get them, rehearse once more beforehand." I had no idea who that person was, but it was the voice of a man. Sounded short and stubby, but that's just me.

I peered around the corner to see a man in a black coat exit through another door. My attention then rose to a familiar face. Rukia. She was softly singing to herself, lightly shifting where she had parts that involved dancing.

Then it hit me. This is what Rukia had been hiding…so the whole time it was just her embarrassment holding her back? She didn't want to tell me she was in a musical? What kind of idiotic…

I stopped myself. I decided not to dog on her for being a little embarrassed over performance talent. But still…was she really that disturbed by the thought of telling me something as simple as this? She had talent. And it seemed so perfect. Why in the world would it be troubling her?

Also…why so late at night? Wouldn't it be easier to perform during the day?

Again, I was stumped. What's wrong with this Soul Reaper? Her problems are becoming my problems! That's not working well with me at all.

I raised my hand to my face. I couldn't believe how stupid this actually was. On that note, I couldn't tell whether or not to be relieved or upset. Rukia was being so childish about this, yet I was so tense earlier. It's like my emotions of relief and stress were juggling, constantly. And over something so damn stupid!

I had let out a soft groan, just enough to where I knew I could only hear it. I decided to approach her. However, once my body shifted, Rukia went silent, and the second door opened beside the stage. A small crowd of spectators entered the room, eventually seating themselves along the rows of empty seats in front of the stage. I smirked a little, however I had no specific reason for it.

"Alright Ms. Kuchiki, you may begin when you're ready."

I can't say I wasn't starting to become a little interested. Sure, I was still a little irritated with the midget, but this was quite the secret.

The lights dimmed around the stage, and from what I could see, Rukia began moving.

Everything started perfectly. At least from my perspective, having no idea or information about this little play. Her movements were graceful, light, almost as if she was floating in air. She had obviously been doing this for a while.

But there was where it didn't make sense. She seemed professional. Like she'd been doing it for years, yet I had no idea or clue about this, and I've known her for almost a year and a half now and I've seen no evidence of this. Sure, there have been countless times where we haven't been together, I mean, I'm a guy and she's a girl, we both fully agree with personal space. Perhaps she's been practicing dance when I'm not around?

No…that doesn't make sense either. The fact that this is a performance on a stage means she'd need practice or something to go off of for at least a week. This has only been going on for three days.

Then again, somehow I kept running into loopholes…If Rukia had something that contained information on this act, she could have easily been practicing for it when my back was turned. It sounded reasonable. But now I have to know what evidence of that I have. What exactly has she been using to go off of?

I stopped thinking, because something in the air changed. I turned my attention back to Rukia, whom was…was…was she hesitating? Had she spotted me? I watched a little longer, then it became clear.

My tiny reaper had stage fright. What a surpr-…did I just say "my?"

…No, let's just say I didn't for now. Anyway, she became quieter, her eyes locked on the eyes looking up at her. In fact, eventually she became completely silent, and her expression was easily readable.

"…Ms. Kuchiki, is there a problem?" The guy that spoke earlier stood up, a look of concern on his face.

When Rukia hadn't answered he frowned a little, and then clapped his hands twice. The spectators left soon after through the door they originally entered.

"Well now Rukia. What's the problem?" The guy faced Rukia, his arms crossed.

"I'm sorry…I don't know what came over me." Rukia turned her body to the side opposite of my direction.

"You know, you don't have to perform Dancing in the Wind if you're bare to stage fright."

"I know, I know. Please, I really do want to perform here but…even under small crowds I can't get my act together."

"How do you think I can help?"

Wait…haven't I heard that name before? Where have I heard that title…

"I don't know. I can't even tell anyone because I know if they ask to watch…I'll mess up." Rukia's voice shook a little, but her body stayed strong.

"Hm. Well, the main performance is next weekend. We do have someone who can substitute your part, so if you think you can pull it off, don't hesitate to call me." He exited the room after that, leaving the small girl alone.

Well, not exactly but you get the point.

I couldn't stay anymore, yet I didn't want to leave. Although if Rukia did catch me, I had no story that would be even a smidge effective. I turned around, waited a little, looked at Rukia once more, then took a step forward on my way out.

I felt so bad. Damn woman. See? Her problems are my problems now.

I didn't plan on keeping this to myself though. I noticed her reactions. This is something she obviously has a passion for. When I saw her in the kitchen, she seemed so in love with it, like she was in her own little world and nothing could bug her. ('Cept for me of course…then again that must be one of my natural talents.) I wanted to help. And, I think I know just the way.

"Wake up you loud beast!"

I woke up to the feeling of defeat as a thick, girl-scented pillow slammed against my face. I ripped it off and hurled it at the one responsible, whom was now giggling and stumbling over trying to dodge the pillow attack.

"Rukia, what's the meaning of this?" I groaned and put my hand to my face, hearing her giggles soften.

"I can't sleep anymore because you're snoring too loud."

I felt that pillow again. However, her accuracy wasn't as precise and it now rested against my stomach.

"I like sleep. Let me sleep. Who cares if you can't." I pushed my head into my own pillow, noticing Rukia's silence. Then, I heard footsteps. The pillow gently moved away from my stomach, but I made no action to respond.

Well, until she wacked me across the back of my head with it. I ignored this. I knew she wanted attention, and I knew she didn't come in here because she was awakened by me. That's just the kind of girl she is. She basically feeds off my attention on Sundays because Dad and my sisters are at church. I don't go because…well…I'm pretty much a bad-ass death god now so…I guess I feel more awkward about it.

Actually, speaking of Rukia feeding off me, well, I do it too with her so I guess we're even on that one. The house gets boring when my family isn't around, so we usually get most of our entertainment from each other.

Once the little midget noticed I wasn't going to give in, she continued beating me with it, and I knew she was having too much fun for her own good. In the end though, I won. She eventually heaved out a breath and gently set the pillow on my head before leaving the room.

I didn't shift. I instead wondered why she seemed so care-free even after last night's incident. Was it to keep me from questioning her like yesterday?

I wanted to talk to her about it either way. I didn't care if she knew I spied on her now. I wanted to get her into that musical with flying colors. I immediately got out of bed.

"I'm gonna wing it I guess." I mumbled as I struggled into some new clothes quickly and headed for the hallway.

On my way out, Rukia was just about to go in, so she bumped into my chest with a startled gasp.

"Hey, roadblock, watch yourself, you fool!" She instantly switched into dominate mode, a common attitude from the brunette.

"Look, I'd love to start a competition with you right now, but I really think we should talk." Without waiting for an answer I gripped her wrist (which was smaller than hell, so I was almost afraid I'd break it if I nudged it wrong) and pulled her into my room.

"What's this about all of a sudden?" Rukia eased out of my grip, crossing her arms afterward.

"Please don't take this badly, I know you're not gonna like it but I need to talk to you now. I followed you last night and watched you, and-."

"You what?!" She cut me off without delay, now I was a little afraid I'd pissed off the wrong bitch.

"No, no let me finish, just listen for a second." I tried to keep a low voice so that I didn't agitate her more, but it didn't seem to make much of a difference.

"You followed me?! Even though I told you I wanted this to myself?! Ichigo! Why would you?!" Her voice was loud and intimidating to say the least. It made me back up a little, but she only stepped forward in response.

"If you'd listen for a second I'd tell you!"

"You spied on me Ichigo! Out of all the things you'd do you chose to stoop this low and invade my privacy?"

"Well you weren't going to tell me before, and would you please just listen to me?"

"No. I'm not going to listen to you! You heartless, irritating…" She growled at me. I could tell she wasn't going to take this like I'd hoped.

Instead, I took physical action.

I knew it'd be difficult to calm her at first, but I went for it anyway, and tugged her arm roughly until I embraced her tightly.

"Let go of me Ichigo! Now!" I felt her squirm, but her strength no where near matched mine.

I bent my neck down so my head could meet with the side of hers, and my arms wrapped around her small body as far as they could. I whispered to her, feeling her body tense a little more.

"Calm down, Rukia. I have no intention of doing anything to insult or embarrass you. Just listen to me. Will you do that for me?"

"Why would I want to now just because of this?" Her voice was a little harsh and muffled, but I could tell she had at least relaxed a little bit.

"Because. You're taking this very hard. I want you to listen to what I have to say before you jump to your conclusions." I used my thumb to gently rub her side, feeling the nerves there melt under it.

"At least tell me why you followed me." Her hands hesitantly gripped my waist, like an attempt to keep control over her subsiding rage.

"Remember what I told you yesterday? I have no idea why, but I'm protective of you. In my mind, Rukia, for some reason you're…just important to me. My curiosity gets the best of me, I understand that. But deep inside, I just wanted to know you were safe out there." I surprised myself with my own little short speech, but I think it affected the girl in my arms more than me.

"…Okay."

We stayed in our position a little longer before I managed to pull away. I kept my hands at her sides, as did she to mine, and looked into her eyes.

"Will you listen to what I was going to say now?" I smiled a little, proud of myself for being such bad-ass.

"I guess."

I let go of her and took one step backwards, then I sat on my bed, gesturing her to sit beside me. Once she sat down, I began.

"Rukia, you have a passion for this, don't you?"

"Yeah, you could say that." Her voice was so soft now. It was actually her regular voice with a hint of shakiness, but it sounded so relaxing after her shout fest.

"You perform so professionally. I loved watching you practice on stage, and I know you love what you're doing. I heard how you sounded after those people left and that guy talked to you. And I want you to know straight up that it affected me greatly. Usually I don't ever feel this passionate about other people, but I want to help you overcome your fear. It's not even an obligation, this is something that I feel I'm desperate for now…"

Rukia studied me for a second, cocking her head a little as I went on.

"I want you to do what you want to do, and I have no intention of ripping something precious from you. I want to help you. Will you be willing to let me?" I looked at her now, her mind was obviously flying and bouncing off the walls.

"Of course, but…Ichigo if I can't perform in front of you, how in the world can you work with me?"

"Just trust me. I'll break your stage fright even if I break myself trying to." My expression became more serious as she grinned.

"Ichigo, this isn't like you at all. What happened to my stubborn, 'screw life' Ichigo?"

My subconscious smiled at the fact that I wasn't the only one who referred to the other as "mine."

"Let's just say a stubborn, 'screw life' Rukia came and cancelled me out a moment ago."

She giggled at that last one. I sprang up and jumped to the door, a smile flashed on my face.

"Through the door Soul Reaper Lady! You're gonna eat breakfast and then we're gonna turn you into the best damn performer alive!...Or…dead. Oh I don't care, just come on!"

My body filled with energy as I ran out the door, and I heard Rukia laugh a little.

Well, can't exactly say it worked out as I planned. Because it worked out a lot better than I could've imagined.

Well then! No this is NOT the end. There are a LOT more to go so sit tight. ^^ I enjoyed this, finally some IchiRuki fluff! I know you've all been waiting for it and congrats to those who've been waiting since chapter one on!

And also, no I didn't forget about the "Dancing in the Wind" comment Ichigo made. Just ignore it, it will appear later.

Anyways, those two are getting closer! So hopefully the next chapters won't bore you so much, they won't just be informative chapters. ^^; (I'm sadly only good at sorting information and decisive plans, I sometimes forget that the public will read this. xD)

Thanks again! See you in chapter six!

Oh, before I forget, tell me if you like this chapter length or if you want me to try and make them longer. ^^; Depending on the situation the chapter represents, I may make it shorter, but for chapters like this should they be longer? Shorter? This length? Tell me! :D