Alright, before I kick off this chapter, I wanted to give a big-ass shout-out to some dedicated readers as of current.

Everyone clap your hands for: KuroKuchiki, blackteaplease, Aizawa Ayumu, and Hinataellis!

Oh, and a good sized call out to my friend Eryn, who forced me to write this chapter. xD She slapped me on the hand for not writing yesterday. (I'm eating pizza o.o)

Thanks again you guys! And don't feel left out if you're not up there. They kinda got here first. xD

Anyway, let's get started! (Okay, lie, I wanted to say I'm sorry for the REALLY late update. My grades are very important to me this time of year)

Chapter Six: Practice, and Pancakes

I couldn't believe how hyped up I was. This definitely wasn't anything like me, and I sure as hell planned to not let Rukia go out and ruin my reputation by spreading this moment with our friends. Especially what I did back there, I mean, did I seriously embrace Rukia? Was that just a mental image? I understand I got ahead of myself trying to cool that teapot off but…really? I did, didn't I? What's that gonna turn into? Is she gonna look at me differently? ...Well, I kinda look at her differently…I think. I don't even know. Can there actually be this kind of feeling? I didn't feel like this until I thought about my earlier actions. It's like I'm confused, or indecisive. And it's about Rukia of all people? I haven't really thought about her this way before.

I brought my hand to my forehead and brought myself to a halt at the end of the staircase. I shook the rambling thoughts away; it would be a bother later if I could only think about my relationship with that Shinigami.

"What a pain." I huffed, trying to replace my firm look with a smile as to not worry Rukia when she came down.

Speak of the devil though.

I heard a stumble, a close by one, and a gasp-like squeak from behind me as said Rukia tripped, taking a larger step, and crashing into my back. Her small hands were clutching my shoulders, and I felt her body shaking once laughter got the best of her. I didn't move. It was entertaining, to say the least. Her laughing came to a slow halt, before her chin rested on my shoulder.

"Hi."

"Hey."

"You're uh…kinda in my tripping space."

"Oh, my bad. You want me to move?"

"Yes." She removed her neck and hands from my shoulders, however, I had no intension to move. I stood there like a wall, grinning to myself. Something was really putting me in a good mood.

"Move, you big thing!" After those words were said, I felt her jab her foot in my back, and carpet was all I could see and smell.

It took us a while to get serious. We were both in an abnormally good mood, but I knew that Rukia had been hiding that big deal for some time now, so it must've felt good to finally let it all go. Now, me on the other hand, I didn't know what it was. But ever since we finished talking up in my room, nothing but smiles has been present. I headed into the kitchen and told Rukia to sit at the table.

"So, tell me about this musical thing." I reached around for a pan and a few other utensils.

"What do you want to know?" Rukia seated herself, and then leaned on her elbow, her cheek pressing into her hand.

"Well, what made you wanna do it?"

She pondered for a moment, glancing at the ceiling, "I guess it just popped out to me."

"When did you decide you wanted to do it?"

"A while ago, actually. But I never really brought myself to publically announce it."

I felt her eyes on me as I poured a mixed, thick, liquid substance into the pan. Spatula in hand, I faced her.

"And is this something you're sure you want to continue to do?"

"Of course."

"Well then, why don't we start practicing now?" I smirked and returned to my work, sensing the Shinigami's eyes widening.

"What do you mean?"

"Why don't you sing me the song you're going to perform?"

I merely glanced at the brunette, and her face was already fading to crimson. I knew she would respond that way without a doubt, but if she was determined enough, I knew I could get it out of her. I flipped a pancake, which you may or may not have figured out that it was what I was making, and waited for Rukia's response.

"I-I dunno…I mean, now?" She glanced nervously to her left.

"Sure. Remember, I'm here to work with you." I placed two large pancakes on a white plate, walking towards the table and setting them before Rukia.

"What's this?" She studied the pancakes in front of her with narrow eyes.

"They're called pancakes. Try them, they're good." I turned around, only returning to the kitchen for a moment to grab a bottle of maple syrup before coming back, "Put this on one of them, it makes it taste so much better."

I knew she was thankful for the opportunity to not have to sing at the moment, but I knew I'd have many more chances later. I left for the kitchen once more to make my own fluffy pancakes. Rukia reached for a fork, poking at the food before trying to cut a small piece off. Once she took a bite, her expression was priceless. She was in love with the taste and practically inhaled them, not minding her very well taught manors.

"Good?"

"Mhm."

I chuckled a little. I guess I was a little pleased with her emotions lately. Most of the time, she's just stubborn and monotone. Once my pancakes were finished, I seated myself in the chair across from hers.

"Anyway, sing me that song now, I'd like to hear it."

From what I could see, she was too nervous and bottled up at the moment. I picked at my pancakes, thinking of what to do. I glanced at Rukia, who was trying to ignore me and also seemed to be longing for my pancakes. An idea popped in my brain a moment later.

"I know, how about this." I got up, abandoning my pancakes, and headed over to Rukia, gently pulling her out of the chair.

I didn't honestly have a very good idea, but I decided she might like this idea better than just singing in a quiet home. Grabbing her wrist, I lead her to the front door, letting go as I opened it. I made the gesture for her to follow, and she obeyed without hesitation. Once we were about thirty feet from the house, she looked up at me.

"Where are we going?"

"To the park. I always feel better outside, so I figured someone like you would too." I returned her look with a grin.

She didn't argue with me, meaning I was right. The rest of the walk was pretty much silence.

I led Rukia to the large clearing in the park. There were some people around, but I made sure to go far enough into the field so that Rukia wouldn't feel like they would hear her. Not that it would be a bad thing, I honestly kinda like her singing voice. Wish I could get her to let me hear it more often.

"Now then. Think you could get a little singing in now?"

Rukia tapped her heel into the grass, sighing a little.

"Yeah, I guess."

She paced for a moment, taking a few deep breaths before I finally heard what I wanted to hear. Her eyes stayed closed, but her eyebrows represented every emotion her words symbolized. And like I'd heard before, it was beautiful. Soft and gentle. You almost would even forget she's a girl that stabs huge monsters with a zanpakuto. Her arms were behind her and her hands folded together, a little rocking back and forth went with it. Eventually, she was getting used to hearing herself and got louder, making it easier to hear. I couldn't help but grin to myself. This girl really was something.

When the song was over, I mentally became a little sad, but I got over it. Her eyes fluttered open, having to get used to the light again. She made eye contact with me, and I took a step closer to her.

"That was amazing…wow." A chuckled at my own enthusiasm, watching as Rukia nervously giggled.

"You really like it?" She sounded so normal after her singing, I was almost taken aback by how different it was. The space between us was small now, less than a foot.

"I love it."

For some reason, right at that moment, I was drawn to her. Inside, I felt my emotions bounce everywhere. My only thoughts were about her eyes, her hair, her face. Her in general. I didn't know why I was suddenly feeling so attracted to her. As if I was automatic, my arms wrapped around her neck and I pressed my forehead against hers. I felt her body get warmer under my touch, and my grin grew a little wider. Rukia hesitated for a second, as if she was enjoying it, before speaking out.

"Ichigo, are you alright?" Her small hands came to my arms as she waited for my response.

"I'm fine. For some reason I just wanted to be close to you is all." I rubbed my forehead slowly back and forth, not wanting to break the contact between us.

We sat there for a few more seconds before I forced the break.

"Sorry about that. Anyway, you gonna show me some dance moves or what?"

Rukia only smiled and closed her eyes before responding, "You really are unique, Ichigo."

Wow. I really fluffed that last part didn't I? Well, we all know Ichigo can't hold in forever, right? :3

I mostly dedicate this to Eryn, for being awesome and getting me back into the writing spirit. Thanks chick! :D

Next chapter will definitely be up soon. O.o I won't make you guys wait like that again.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter; tell me if it sounds too boring or if you no longer like the plotline or something. xD See you in the next chappy!