*coughs* Um, hi guys. *dogdes flaming arrows and other random objects* Before you guys go 'well its about damn time', I will be honest with you guys. I was having a serious writer's block and not only that but my computer stopped working. Like, no joke. It's a gateway computer so, for those of you wondering about what kind of computer to buy.... DON'.GATEWAY. EVER!!!!! Now that that's done, let's get on with the chapter neh? Oh, and due to the fact that I am on spring break (thank all the holy gods of yaoi...) I will now be able to work on my stories. And I am currently working on Ch. 4 so stayed tuned! (and I'm workin on Love and Hate as well.)

Disclaimer: Don't own. I have bleach plushies. And I am content.

"text" - speech

'text' - thought

text - flashback

Chapter 3

Ichigo let out a huff as he walked out of the car and up the stone steps.

"Dad, why are we here so early? The ball doesn't even start for another hour." Ichigo whined.

"Now my son. You know that since we are members of the Healing council, we have to be there early." Isshin said.

"Yeah Ichi-nii! Don't be so upset! You're going to have fun!" Yuzu said, giving her brother a smile.

When Unohana came to visit Ichigo's little sisters, she was able to deduce what was wrong with them and heal them. And since that was yesterday, they were able to attend the ball. Which was tonight.

Even though Ichigo was glad that his sisters were doing well, he couldn't stop thinking about a certain someone. Hell, he had been thinking about him so much his father noticed and questioned him! He could still remember how the conversation went.

xxx-Flashback-xxx

"Ichigo."

Ichigo looked up when his father sat down next to him on the couch. Ichigo was staying at his dad's house so they wouldn't have to go through the hassle of picking him up for the ball.

"Yes?" Ichigo asked, wondering what his weird father wanted to talk about.

"Are you…are you meeting someone at the ball?" Isshin asked.

Ichigo looked at his father incredulously. Was he serious? "Um, no. I'm not meeting someone. Why?"

Isshin looked as if he didn't know what to say, which is a first in Ichigo's opinion. "It's just…" –he hesitated, then continued- "Last time we talked you sounded like your regular, emo-like self. But when you came over today, you seemed extremely happy. And that usually happens when one meets their other half." Isshin said.

Ichigo blinked. What? "I'm fine dad. I'm not seeing anyone if that's what you're asking. I was happy today 'cuz I got to see someone I hadn't seen in a while. That's all."

And just as his father was about to ask another question, a shout came from upstairs and Isshin ran up the stairs, screaming about how he would protect his lovely daughters from any harm, all traces of seriousness gone.

Ichigo just stared at where his father sat, deep in thought.

xxx-End Flashback-xxx

Ichigo was brought out of his musing when they reached the doors. When Ichigo and Isshin presented their badges they were admitted inside. Immediately and almost unconsciously, Ichigo started looking for a head of white. When he didn't see any he let a silent sigh of disappointment escape.

"What's wrong Ichi-nii? You looking for someone?" Yuzu asked.

Ichigo looked down at his 16 year-old sister and smiled. "Not really. Just seeing if I can find someone I know and can actually talk to."

At that Yuzu laughed. "Okay then. When you see Rukia-chan tell her I said hi please?"

"Will do. Tell dad I went to go find my friends okay?" When the brown-haired girl nodded, Ichigo walked off, trying to find someone he could talk to so he could get a certain white-haired Elder out of his mind.

X

Toshiro let out a small sigh. This was so boring! Yes he was an Elder and had certain duties and such, but c'mon!

He had to arrive much earlier than everybody else so he could greet those that arrived early. Which had been 2 hours ago…way to early if you asked him. Letting out another sigh, he watched family members or friends of council members arrive. Greeting them in an emotionless voice, Toshiro was about to seriously commit suicide when a gentle voice greeted him.

"Hello Hitsugaya-san. How are you?"

Toshiro turned to see Unohana smiling at him. She was wearing a simple, lavender-colored kimono with a dark purple obi around her waist. And for once her hair, instead of in the usual braid in front, had half of it pinned on top of her head. All in all she looked beautiful.

"Hello Unohana-san. I'm fine." He answered, though he inwardly wished he could leave.

"That's good. All though in my opinion you look a little bored. Not that I blame you." She said with a smile when he looked as if to protest that statement.

Toshiro couldn't help but blush a little at what she said. "It's hard not to. Yes it's good to see people but…"

Unohana laughed. "I know what you mean. But you haven't been here the last few times though so some people actually are happy to see you."

"I suppose." He said.

Giving another laugh, she said, "Well I'll leave you now Hitsugaya-san. I'm meeting someone so I'll speak with you later."

Toshiro nodded and said, "Of course. It was nice seeing you Unohana-san."

Giving him a smile, she nodded and walked away. Toshiro watched her leave and was about to greet someone else when something caught his eye. He watched as Unohana stopped in front a silver-haired girl and gave her a- Toshiro's eyes slightly widened. A kiss! Even though he knew he was no doubt intruding on her privacy he couldn't help but look on. He knew Unohana had a Mate but didn't know who it was. And that he looked closer, the silver-haired woman looked awfully familiar….

Toshiro felt his eyes widen even more when he realized who the mystery woman was. She was Isane! Unohana's second in command. He watched as they exchanged a few more words and slowly walked away. He couldn't help but feel happy for the Fourth Elder. Yes she was always smiling but it seemed as if her smiles were always a little sad.

Turning from where the two women had been standing, Toshiro suddenly thought of someone. Excusing himself from greeting newcomers, Toshiro walked around the huge ballroom. It was already packed with people, relatives or friends of either the Elders or the various council members.

Looking around and searching for someone with orange-hair, Toshiro made his way around the throngs of people, desperately trying to find someone to talk to. When he saw a glimpse of bright orange, Toshiro made his way towards the color, unconsciously hoping it was Ichigo.

X

Ichigo was listening to Rukia explaining how the mess at the Academy was solved when he felt a presence behind him. It was one for some reason he had become accustomed to and had probably felt only three times tops. He decided not to turn around and continued listening to Rukia when he felt the presence right behind him.

"Neh, Ichigo. You have someone standing behind you." Rukia whispered.

Ichigo, startled turned around to ask what the person wanted when he stopped in his tracks. There, standing right behind him was Toshiro looking absolutely breathtaking. He was wearing a simple black tuxedo with a black tie but that wasn't what made him gorgeous. The black suit made Toshiro's eyes stand out more against his pale face. All in all, he looked amazing.

"Hi To- I mean Hitsugaya-san." Ichigo said, quickly correcting himself in front of his friends.

Toshiro, feeling a slight pang in his chest when he heard Ichigo call him by his title, said, "Hello Kurosaki."

"What are you doing here?" Ichigo asked, even though he already knew the answer.

Toshiro raised one eyebrow at him, and suddenly wondered if Ichigo was stupid. "I'm an Elder Kurosaki. I have to be here."

"Oh. Right." Ichigo gave a nervous chuckle. He was really acting like an idiot now.

Before Toshiro could cay anything else, Rukia tapped Ichigo on his shoulder to get his attention since she had no idea who he was talking to. [A/N: She's short. XP] She waited patiently when Ichigo turned around and looked at her.

"Who are you talking to Ichigo?" Rukia asked, curiosity alight in her eyes.

"Um, I-I-I'm talking to ah…somebody?" Ichigo said, nervously. For some reason, he had no desire to introduce Toshiro to Rukia. At least, not yet anyway.

Toshiro, meanwhile, was watching this with amusement. He couldn't help but smirk at Ichigo's nervousness. Stepping from behind Ichigo, Toshiro gave a small bow and said, "I'm Hitsugaya Toshiro."

Rukia's eyes widened to where it seemed they would fall out of their sockets. Composing herself quickly, she bowed and said, "It's an honor to meet you Hitsugaya-sama. I'm sorry if I interrupted your conversation."

Toshiro, knowing how much his presence was no doubt making her nervous, said, "It's no problem. I didn't realize he was speaking to someone. Excuse me."

Turning around and walking away, Toshiro silently hoped Ichigo would join him but he knew that wasn't going to happen. So imagine his surprise when he felt a hand curled around his wrist. Turning back around Toshiro was shocked to see Ichigo holding his hand. His surprise was increased when Ichigo turned his head to look at Rukia.

"I'm going to have to leave you for a moment Rukia. I'll see you later." Ichigo said, before gently tugging Toshiro along behind him.

Rukia blinked, and said, "Okay. See you later Ichigo." By this time though they had already walked away. Giving a small smile, Rukia said softly, "Well Ichigo. This is a surprise. Don't screw this up."

X

Ichigo weaved his way through the crowd on his way to the balcony. He wanted to be alone with Toshiro for some reason. Finally making his way to the door Ichigo breathed a sigh of relief. Letting go of Toshiro's hand he made his way to the edge and just stared at the sky in the distance.

Toshiro, shocked at what Ichigo had just done, stared at Ichigo in silence. He walked to Ichigo's side in silence and just stood there, trying to figure out his feelings. When Ichigo had grabbed his hand, his skin had felt…tingly. And he didn't now how to explain it, but he had felt happy when Ichigo had grabbed his hand. Which is just strange considering they didn't know each other that well. But yet, when he was with the orange-haired man, he felt…at peace, something he hadn't felt in a while.

"So, why did you want to talk to me?" Ichigo asked breaking Toshiro's thoughts.

"I…" Toshiro paused. Why did he want to talk to Ichigo? "I just wanted to talk to someone and I picked you." Toshiro said with a blush. Then, as an afterthought, said, "Did you not want to talk to me?"

Ichigo looked at the small elder in surprise. "Of course I do! Why wouldn't I?" Ichigo said.

Toshiro shrugged and said quietly, "Not a lot of people like to talk to me."

Ichigo looked at him in surprise. Was he serious? "Well, I like talking to you." Ichigo said with a slight blush.

Toshiro looked at him in shock, a small blush gracing his face. "Are you serious?" he asked.

Ichigo nodded. "Of course I am. I mean, why wouldn't I like talking to you?" Ichigo said.

Toshiro looked at him for a few moments, then looked down and said, "Thanks."

They grew silent, giving a sense of companionable silence. Ichigo took this time to look at Toshiro. And when he did his breath got caught in his throat. He was, absolutely… beautiful. The way the moonlight highlighted his hair, making it seem as if it was glowing, and his eyes. His eyes were the most gorgeous eyes he had ever seen. They were a light turquoise in the moonlight, but Ichigo knew that they were a darker shade.

Toshiro was doing the same thing with Ichigo. He couldn't help but look at Ichigo in the moonlight as well. While in Ichigo's mind Toshiro looked beautiful, in Toshiro's mind Ichigo was extremely handsome. His orange colored hair was a shade lighter in the moonlight, and his skin had a certain glow to it. From the side, Toshiro couldn't see much of Ichigo's eyes but he knew they were a chocolate colored brown. Realizing he was staring, Toshiro quickly turned away with a light blush staining his cheeks.

Taking this as an opportunity, Ichigo moved closer as he said, "I'm guessing that you don't like these balls very much."

Startled, Toshiro looks up at Ichigo in surprise. "What?"

Scooting closer, Ichigo says, "Your expression from earlier. You looked bored so I figured you don't like these things."

Toshiro gave a small frown. Part of what Ichigo said was true but… "In a way you are right. I do get bored at these things. But it's only because I don't have anybody to keep me company."

"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked, confused.

"I mean, usually people who are invited bring their family, friends, or companions. Considering my reputation and personality, no one would want to go with me." Toshiro said in a deadpan voice.

Ichigo looked at Toshiro in surprise. "What about Rangiku-san?"

Toshiro shook his head. "She goes with her friends. I'm fine with just going by myself."

Ichigo raised one eyebrow. Judging by the look on his face, Toshiro meant the exact opposite of what he said.

"Well you don't have to go alone anymore." Ichigo said.

Toshiro furrowed his brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean you don't have to go to these events or anything else alone anymore." Ichigo said as he stepped closer to Toshiro. Looking down at his pale face, he continued. "I could go with you if you want. That way, you won't have to go alone anymore."

Toshiro looked at Ichigo in surprise. Was he serious? "A-A-Are you serious?" he stuttered, mentally slapping himself for his stuttering.

Ichigo nodded. "Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?"

Not realizing how close they had gotten, Toshiro leaned up and said, "Because I'm a jerk."

Giving a small chuckle, Ichigo said, "You are anything but a jerk Toshiro."

Toshiro gave a silent shiver when Ichigo said his name and looked down to hide the small blush on his face. He has never reacted to anyone like this before. Not even when- No! Don't think about it. That was in the past. Done and gone. When Toshiro next looked up, he was shocked to find how close they were.

They were standing at least an inch apart, and the space was growing smaller as the two leaned forward slowly. Toshiro gazed at Ichigo's face, entranced at how dark his eyes were. Ichigo was doing the same thing. Even though he valued his personal space, Toshiro was not bothered at all by the fact at how close him and Ichigo were. He should have been bothered by this fact, but he couldn't bring himself to care.

Ichigo was silently gazing at Toshiro's face, his eyes quickly tracing everything he could so he could commit it to memory. Toshiro's face, in his eyes, was flawless.

Ichigo was leaning forward more and more while Toshiro was doing the same. Toshiro lightly felt Ichigo's breath hit his face, and he realized how close they were getting to each other. When they were only a mere millimeter away [A/N: how little is that? XP] Toshiro closed his eyes just as Ichigo closed the small gap between. He was just about to press his lips-

"Ahhhh! It's SOOOOOO nice out here!" a female voice said.

Quickly jerking apart Ichigo was lightly blushing, trying to calm his rapidly beating heart and also trying to regulate his breathing. Toshiro was doing the same, trying to will the blush on his face away as well. What just happened? One moment they were talking about…something and the next Ichigo was about to kiss him! He couldn't believe how he was acting! He didn't even have anything to drink!

Ichigo, meanwhile, was silently cursing the person who interrupted them. He was so close to kissing Toshiro! And that stupid woman had to go and ruin it… Ichigo mentally blinked at the ferocity his thoughts had taken. He had never thought things in such a way. Even when boys would hit on his little sisters he never sounded so fierce. It shocked him. He looked over at Toshiro and noticed that the small Elder was slightly blushing.

Giving a quiet sigh, Ichigo said, "We should go inside yeah? It's getting a little cold out here." Ichigo knew that was a lie. Of all the Elders, he knew that Toshiro wasn't affected in the least by the cold.

Toshiro however, didn't seem to notice. Nodding, Toshiro turned to walk back inside. Ichigo followed after him, not before he gave the woman and her companion a very, VERY dirty look.

X

Ichigo wanted to bang his head against the table. He hated these stupid balls! They were really meetings in disguise. The Head-Elder, Yamamoto, would ask each leader of each species how they were doing, if there were any problems, etc….

Ichigo just wanted to groan out loud. 'This is why I leave early…' he thought. He gave a sly glance over to the Elder's table. He had to fight down a smile when he saw Toshiro's face. A face that simply said, 'Kill me!'

X

Ichigo let out a small, relieved sigh. 'Finally,' he thought, 'I'm free!' Ichigo was walking while carrying his little sister Yuzu. Sometime during the whole speaking thing (read: meeting) Ichigo noticed that she was lightly dozing. A few minutes after he noticed, the speaking had stopped, leaving those who were tired the permission to leave. Since Yuzu was among those who were tired, Ichigo suggested to his father they leave a little earlier. Immediately concerned, Isshin readily agreed.

Karin, of course, denied that she was tired, though Ichigo could tell that she was lying. Karin had always taken care of herself. 'And she probably always will.' Ichigo thought with a smile.

Stepping outside Ichigo noticed that Yuzu started shivering. Since it was mid-December, he wasn't surprised. Looking at his father, he noticed that Karin was shivering as well. He was confused as to why they were shivering. Shouldn't they have coats? It was then that it hit them. They didn't have any. He knew they came with some, but after that…Ichigo knew where they were.

"Dad." Ichigo said.

Isshin turned around slowly since he was carrying Karin. "What is it Ichigo?" he asked.

"Karin and Yuzu are shivering. I think they forgot their coats." Ichigo said.

Isshin blinked then looked at his two daughters. They were indeed shivering.

Giving a sigh, he said, "I'll ask them to bring the car around. I can hold both of them if you go inside and get their coats."

Nodding, Ichigo gently nudged Yuzu awake. "Yuzu."

Blinking, the brown-headed girl looked up at Ichigo. "Ichi-nii."

"I need you to stay awake for a little bit so I can get Karin and your coats. Okay?" he said gently.

Giving a small nod, Yuzu let herself be put down. Walking over to her, Isshin gently nudged Karin awake and told her the same thing. Trying not to laugh at his sister's sour expression at having been woken up, Ichigo went back inside to locate their coats.

There were still a lot of people there so Ichigo had to push his way through to the table he and his family had been sitting at. Glad that his friends were still there he walked over to them.

"Ichigo." Rukia said, surprised. "I thought you had left."

Ichigo gave a small shrug. "We were just about to leave when I noticed that Yuzu and Karin forgot their coats. Did you see them?"

Giving a thoughtful expression, Rukia said, "I believe so. I think they're still in their chairs." With that said she pointed to where the two girls had sat.

Saying thanks Ichigo walked over and looked in their chairs. Sure enough, two coats were lying in the seats. Shaking his head while giving a fond sigh, Ichigo picked up the two coats and slung them over his arm.

"I'll see you guys later." Ichigo said as he walked away.

"Wait Ichigo!" Rukia exclaimed, quickly getting up from her chair and walking to Ichigo.

Raising a brow, Ichigo asked, "What's wrong?"

Shaking her head, she said, "Nothing. I was just wondering what you and Hitsugaya-sama were talking about."

Ichigo blinked and just merely looked at her. "Nothing really. Why?" he asked, feeling very weary all of a sudden.

Giving a small shrug, she just said, "No reason. I was just curious that's all."

Giving her a look, he said, "Okay. Well, I got to go. I'll see you later." Turning around he walked away.

Smiling, she turned and walked back to their table. 'I can't wait to see what's going to happen now.' She thought.

X

Toshiro wasn't even aware he was part of a conversation until someone said his name.

"Hitsugaya-taicho?"

Startled out of his thoughts, Toshiro looked to where he had heard his name being called. "Yes?"

Ukitake looked at the small Elder in surprise. "I asked you about the matter we were just discussing. Are you alright?" he asked in concern.

Toshiro looked at him in confusion. They were discussing something? "I'm sorry. I wasn't really paying attention." He said.

Ukitake wasn't really all that surprised. "I thought you were preoccupied with something. Why don't you leave early?" the sickly Elder suggested.

Toshiro was shocked. He couldn't leave early. He was an Elder, thus having a responsibility to see through the balls to the end. He was just about to voice his thoughts when Ukitake beat him to it.

"I know what your thinking. And don't worry. We've already the report the leaders gave us so you are free to go." He said, giving the small taicho a smile.

In a way, Toshiro wasn't really surprised at Ukitake's kindness. The sickly Elder was mostly known for his kindness and fairness to not only to his men, but also to his comrades. And was also known for his illness. After all, it is rare for a Vampire to get sick.

Looking at the room full of people, Toshiro found his gaze drawn to the door. He watched with disappointment as Ichigo left with is family. Trying to push the feeling he had down, he turned back to Ukitake and said, "You are right. I am feeling a little tired. I shall see you tomorrow Ukitake-san."

Giving the other white-haired Elder a smile, he bowed. Bowing to the man in turn, Toshiro turned around and walked away. He was wondering on what to do for the rest of the evening when he saw Ichigo walk back in again. Blinking he was about to leave when he saw Ichigo walk back towards the entrance/exit with an armful of coats.

"Forget something Kurosaki?" he said with a smirk.

Startled out of his thoughts, Ichigo looked up and gave a smile. "Not me. My sisters." He said with a small shake of his head.

Giving a small chuckle he waited for Ichigo before he walked out of the building.

"Why are you leaving so early Toshiro?" Ichigo asked.

Toshiro gave a shrug. "Was starting to feel a little tired. Besides, I have some work to do."

At that Ichigo gave a small laugh. "Do you ever stop working?"

"No."

Laughing full out now, Ichigo said, "What about on your birthday or holidays?"

Giving a grunt, Toshiro said, "Especially not on my birthday or holidays. And since my birthday is tomorrow, there would be no point to take a day off."

Upon hearing that statement Ichigo stopped walking and stared at him. "Your birthday is tomorrow?"

Realizing he had stopped walking, Toshiro turned around to look at Ichigo. "Yes. Why?"

Ichigo blinked for a few seconds. "So your birthday is on the 20th on December?"

Toshiro rolled his eyes. "That's what I just said baka (idiot)."

Ichigo didn't seem to hear what he said for he just stared at him for a moment, and then a huge smile worked its way onto his face. "So what are you doing tomorrow then? After you're done working I mean."

Toshiro looked at him in confusion. "I'm not sure. Probably just go home or something." Why was he asking?

"So, if you are available after 5…would you like to go out with me?" Ichigo asked with a slight blush.

Toshiro looked at him in shock. Was he serious? "Are you serious?" Wow. That was the second time he said that.

Ichigo nodded. "Of course I am. If you're not busy I mean. Because if you are then we could just do this another time." He said, trying to keep the disappointment of the possibility of him not coming with him out of his voice.

Toshiro was shocked. Did someone really want to spend time with him? Most people didn't really want to spend time with him due to his personality and powers. The only people who could stand being near for a long period of time were Matsumoto, Ukitake, Unohana, and some other people.

"I…would have to see but I accept your invitation." Toshiro said.

Ichigo gave a mind-blowing smile that made Toshiro's heart stutter. "Cool. Then I'll come by some time around 5." Turning around he walked towards his family's car.

Toshiro blinked at the sudden departure. Trying not to feel a little disappointed, (though he had no idea why) he was about to walk towards his own vehicle when he saw out of his peripheral vision Ichigo walking towards him. Confused Toshiro turned back around.

Grinning, Ichigo said "Sorry I forgot something."

Before Toshiro could ask what he had forgot he felt his lips being silenced by Ichigo's. Shocked, Toshiro didn't do anything and when he found the energy to move, Ichigo had already pulled away.

"See you tomorrow Toshiro." And with that Ichigo walked back towards his family's car, throwing a small grin over his shoulder.

Stunned, Toshiro watched Ichigo get into the car and drive away. Realizing what had just happened, Toshiro brought a hand to his lips. The moment he felt Ichigo's lips touch his, he felt a jolt go through his entire body. He had never felt anything of the sort before. Despite some people's thoughts, he actually had a few relationships in the past. And none of them made him feel this way. Bringing his hand down Toshiro turned around to walk to his car, giving a small smile the whole way.

And there you have it folks. Progress! At last! Yes this chapter is about, 4 months late but we can all pretend hmm?

Ichigo: You are so weird.

Me: Shut up! I had trouble writing this chapter so cut me slack you jerk! (mumbles)

Ichigo: What was that?

Me: I said if you don't stop bein mean I'm going to kill you! (evil laughter) whispers: not really though.

Anywho review please! Your reviews let me know if I'm doin good or not!

Ja!