A/N: Hey everyone, sorry for the wait! I struggled a little bit on exactly what I wanted to write, or how I wanted things to go. But, it's done. Like a week later than expected.
And just a fun tidbit... next chapter will be the last. Be on the lookout for it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the characters.
Summary: Karakura High School's Prom is coming up. Ichigo's friends pressure him into going this year since he's a senior, because apparenty he shouldn't miss it for the world. After the Winter War. Plz R&R.
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A certain noble stepped into the Kurosaki home at 10PM, still elated from the time spent with her friends.
And for the first time in a long time, Rukia felt like she truly belonged.
--
A Prom to Remember
Chapter 4
--
Rukia entered the household and was about to pass the living room when something caught her eye. The glow and faint noise of the tv drew her in. That's when she saw a spectacular sight.
There was Ichigo on the couch, wrapped up snuggly in a blanket with a bowl of chicken noodle soup. He slurped loudly as he watched a zombie movie. 'How... precious!' Rukia giggled to herself and tiptoed up the steps, dropping off her bags and searching around for a camera. She smirked as she found it and silently went back downstairs. Luckily for her, he was still in the same position. Another lucky break was that the tv wasn't against the wall. She snuck around him in the darkness and seated herself right beside it and a little behind it, careful to hide the light of the camera.
Ichigo didn't even notice. Despite the scowl and look of, 'I don't want to be here' on his face, he was actually engrossed in the movie. With his eyes glued to the screen, he never saw the little shinigami taking pictures of him, nor did he see her scurry away with the camera in hand, safe and sound.
Rukia bounded over to the family computer and quickly found the camera cord. She was delighted when a window popped up that guided her through all the steps. Thanks to school, she even knew a little bit about Photoshop and was able to make adjustments to the picture so it wasn't so dark anymore from the absense of flash. While she was working on it, she thought of the perfect thing to do with it. She printed out a wallet sized copy and put it in her school bag. After hiding the files in a folder deeper within the computer, she deleted the picture from the camera and shut down the computer, making her way back to Yuzu and Karin's room to get some sleep.
--
Rukia later found out Ichigo had gotten a little sick and couldn't sleep that night. And the best thing about it was, he wasn't even suspicious that Rukia saw him in that state, let alone took pictures. The rest of the weekend went by without a hitch, and they were soon back at school. Prom was this next weekend and everyone was hyped up about it.
"Guess who I've heard most about today, Ichigo!" Rukia smiled broadly as they both entered the hallway to the classroom.
Ichigo scowl reached further down his face. "Who?"
"You and Orihime! You guys seem to be the most talked about couple going to prom!"
"Surprise, surprise... I don't see the big deal! I mean... it's just prom." He looked away a little, turning a very light shade of pink. He had been reminded of when Inoue had asked him to go with her.
Rukia smirked, just seeing his ears turn was good enough for her.
Walking inside, Rukia immediately spotted Orihime and went over, making sure Ichigo was preoccupied. "Good morning, Inoue!"
"Ohayo, Kuchiki-san! How are you today?" Orihime smiled at her friend.
"Good, good..." She dug through her bag. "I got something for you, Inoue. I think you'll like it."
Inoue blinked, curious, "What is it, Kuchiki-san?"
Rukia pulled out the wallet-sized photo and presented it to her with a grin. "I know you like him a lot." She had cropped it closer so it showed just his bust, his face in focus. It was quite the adorable picture.
Orihime gasped in delight, taking it in her hands and staring at it, "Oh, Kuchiki-san! He's so cute! How did you..."
"When I came home friday night, I saw him like that and took a few snapshots without him even noticing! Don't tell him though."
"I won't, promise!" She smiled wide and took out her wallet, slipping it into the clear holder. "Thank you so much, it's wonderful!" She hugged the shinigami, excited beyond belief. She had never had a photo of just him... not to mention one where he was taken off guard.
"No problem!" Rukia hugged back and smiled too, joyed to make a friend happy.
--
The day had gone by quickly and school was over. Ichigo opened the door to his house, deep in thought for what seemed like the millionth time this past week. He mechanically dodged his father and went up the stairs to his room.
"Ichigo!! Where's Rukia-chan!?"
Ichigo paused and looked back down the steps, "She's still at school, at a club."
"Oh." Isshin scratched his beard. He didn't remember Rukia belonging to any clubs before. He just shrugged it off and went back to what he was doing.
Ichigo had long since gotten into his room. He lay in his bed listening to his mp3 player, the big old style headphones covering his ears. One of today's events stuck out in his mind...
"Kurosaki-kun!" Inoue called, running up to him. They started to walk up the stairs again to lunch like they had last week.
"Oi, Inoue." He smiled lightly as they climbed the concrete.
After a short pause, he noticed she was looking a little sad. "What's up?" He said, sounding a bit concerned.
She stopped and turned to him. He stopped too, awaiting her answer. "I... I wanted to ask something, but... but I don't think I can."
Ichigo blinked. "Uh... anything, Inoue, shoot."
She fidgeted for a second before speaking up. "It'll sound weird..."
He simply shrugged and looked back her as a silent reassurance it'd be fine.
Gaining her confidence, she sucked in a breath before speaking, "Can I... can I hug you, Kurosaki-kun?"
That's when he deadpanned. He wasn't expecting that at all. But what was he supposed to say? No? He gulped a little and looked away, scratching the back of his head. "Er... sure..."
Orihime beamed and she went closer to him, hugging him tightly and burrowing her head into his chest. She felt him instantly stiffen at the touch, but then relax a little. Toned arms wrapped around her loosely to complete the embrace. In fact, he was red as a tomato. And he felt quite awkward--He couldn't completely relax. He was a little relieved when she let him go.
She gave him a grateful smile, "Thanks, I'm... sorry for that." She turned and rushed up the stairs.
Ichigo stood there a second and let out a sigh. Just what was he getting himself into?
"What indeed..." Ichigo mumbled, closing his eyes. It wasn't like he disliked her or anything, but at this point in time, he didn't have feelings for her, either. He ran a hand through his hair. 'I don't want to lead her on or anything like that... that wouldn't be fair. But it also wouldn't be fair if I shot her down.' His eyebrows seemed to furrow further.
And so, he decided that he'd give it a shot, and see if anything would develop. If not, he'd have to break it to her, but if he did gain feelings for her... that's fine too.
But as soon as the idea of Orihime and him together crossed his mind, another question was raised. And while it was easily pushed to the back of his mind for now, he had a feeling it'd get harder to do so.
What about Rukia?
"What about her?" He grumbled, turning to his side and letting the music he was listening to encompass his thoughts.
And then unconciously, his mind drifted back to the person he was trying so hard not to think about.
--
Rukia gasped in delight and held the plush high in the air, gazing at its visage. It was Kon's size except Chappi the Bunny. Now she could put her own gikongan in it!
"Oh, Ishida! It's perfect!"
Uryuu pushed up his glasses, his ego boosted. While it was a simple task, he was delighted to have one of his works cause joy in someone.
"I'm glad you like it." He said simply, seeing her hug it. "Perhaps Kon won't be so lonely."
"Just what I was thinking." She smiled. "Thanks again. It was really nice of you to make this for me."
"No problem." He grinned back at her, "Oh, Kuchiki-san... have you purchased your prom dress yet?"
"Ah, yes I have... should I have waited?"
He shook his head. "No, it's alright, but I would've been able to make you one for free."
Rukia frowned a little, kind of disappointed. Then she got an idea, "Well, there are a couple things on it that could change... would editting it suffice?"
He thought a moment, "Of course, if you want me too. Just bring it tomorrow to school and I'll take it home to get it done."
She nodded, "I better get going then... Yuzu is probably almost done with dinner."
"Alright. Good day, Kuchiki-san."
Rukia waved, walking out of school and back home.
Ishida had waved back, though she had been turned away. He suddenly realized again that they weren't alone in the room. He sometimes forgot he wasn't the only one in the handy-craft club. Looking to the back of the room, his eyes met with a group of curious girls.
He sighed and then spoke up, "Ask anything you want."
The girls gasped and gathered around each other, discussing the current situation amongst themselves. After a minute, the commotion came to a halt and one of them turned to him, looking determined but nervous. He patiently waited.
"You're taking Kuchiki-san to prom?"
"Yes."
"Then... you like Kuchiki-san?"
"As a friend." He earned more than a few confused stares for that one.
"...Why are you taking her if you don't like her in that way...?"
"Well. For a few reasons." He pushed his glasses up further on the bridge of his nose. "To show Keigo up, to make sure she's treated well for her only prom, and... to make Kurosaki jealous." He thought that last tidbit would get them riled up.
He was right.
"Kurosaki?!" One of them suddenly blurted out. "But he's going with Orihime! Aren't they like... an item now??"
Ishida made a face. "No. That's all just rumor and speculation... it could change, but as of right now, they are not."
They all huddled back together and gossipped. He could hear various phrases about who has secret feelings for whom, and the dramatic stories they were fabricating. He sighed and took his bag, leaving for good that night.
--
Ichigo was broken from his thoughts when he felt his pants vibrate. He blinked and turned off his music, reaching for his phone and pulling it out. "Hello?"
"Hello, Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime's voice chimed from the other side.
"Oh, Inoue. Hey. What's up?"
"Um... I was just wondering... if you had any plans tonight."
"No, I don't. What've you got in mind?"
"W-well, I thought maybe we could catch a movie or something..."
He grinned a little, that didn't sound so bad. "Sounds great, Inoue. When should I pick you up?" Times like these he was grateful he had gotten a car last year. His Dad had randomly given it to him, saying that his son was growing up and needed a car to impress the girls. Ichigo socked him in the jaw for that, but accepted the car anyway. While he saw it pointless to drive it to school, a mere couple blocks away, it was useful for things like this.
"Oh, I'm ready now! Just swing by whenever you can."
"Alright, I'll be there in about 10 minutes."
"See you then, Kurosaki-kun!"
"Bye." He hung up his phone and got up, changing into some fresh clothes. Grabbing his wallet and making sure he had enough cash, he headed downstairs.
"I'm going out for a bit. Cya later."
He was already out the door before Isshin had the chance to respond. In the midst of beginning to say something, his mouth hung agape for a few seconds before recovering. "...Ohh, he's getting good."
"Where are you out to?"
Ichigo turned, recognizing the voice instantly. Rukia. "Inoue called and wanted to hang out."
"Oh, Have fun then. Buy her lots of stuff and be nice, okay?" Rukia smiled as she saw him blush.
"Yeah yeah. Cya later." He got in his car and drove off. For some odd reason, he almost wanted to see her just a little disappointed he was hanging out with Inoue. It would show him she cared... Wait, cared? Cared how? Now he wasn't sure what exactly he meant when he thought that, but decided not to dwell on it too much.
Rukia watched him go down the street before she went inside. On her way in, she sighed at the stinging sensation building up in her chest. For the next couple seconds, she placed a hand on her chest where her heart was. Soon enough she shook her head free of any preposterous thoughts and let her arm go limp to her side again. The least she could do is act happy for them.
"Love pains?"
Rukia jumped and looked around frantically, her wide eyes settling on Isshin. Confusion replaced her initial shock as she stared at him, bewildered.
"Nevermind, nevermind." He smiled toothily and turned away.
--
Driving down the streets of Karakura Town, Ichigo pulled up in Inoue's apartment parking lot, trudged through the expanse and into the building. He went up the stairs and came to her door. Mentally preparing himself and sighing a bit, he knocked on the door and waited. He heard footsteps running over and the door flung open.
"Ah, Kurosaki-kun! I'm all ready. Let's go."
He grinned at her and nodded, leading her downstairs and to his car. "What movie did you want to see?"
She shrugged, "We'll just see when we get there."
He nodded to her. "Sounds good."
She smiled as he pulled out and drove in the direction of their destination.
Silence engulfed them for the next 10 minutes. Ichigo was too focused on the road to feel awkward, but that was a different story for Orihime. She chanced a look at him but quickly drew her eyes back, not wanting to be caught. She wanted to say something, anything, to start up a conversation--but she had no idea what to talk about.
"So are you... excited for prom?" Ichigo said suddenly. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see she was acting a little uncomfortable. The least he could do is try to make her feel better.
Inoue looked over at him, just a little bit speechless. Something as little as him bringing it up made her face light up. "Yes! I really am. I can't wait..." She paused for a second, looking away slightly. "And thanks for saying you'd come with me, Kurosaki-kun."
"Don't mention it." They came to a red light at that moment and he looked over to her. "I'm... looking forward to it too." Their eyes connected a brief second before he looked ahead again, driving off when the color changed to green. Orihime's stomach filled with butterflies and she looked ahead too, a warm smile cast on her features. The silence became comfortable and she didn't feel awkward the rest of the way down.
--
The movie they chose was a romantic comedy. Well, Orihime chose it. But Ichigo didn't really mind, he wanted to make sure she had fun tonight. He bought them both popcorn and drinks, handing her share over. She expressed her thanks and they headed to the assigned movie room, walking in and choosing seats in the middle. Ichigo plopped his drink into the holder on his right arm rest, the side Inoue was sitting on. He didn't think anything of it.
Orihime stared at the drink, a slight frown grazing her lips. It was almost like a barrier to her. It's not like she could sneakily pull off sliding the arm rest up or anything in the first place, but she still felt restricted. She shook her head lightly after a second, realizing how silly her thinking was. She should just be enjoying her little date with Ichigo, it was rare she got him to herself after all. She shifted a little in her seat before looking to the screen.
After a few minutes, the room's lights slowly faded until they were completely out. The movie had begun. As the scenes played one after another, Ichigo actually found himself pretty into it. The story struck him in some way. The female main character had briskly saved the man from being hit by a a car. She had pulled him back as he was about to walk across the street. He offered to buy her coffee, and that's where it began. They developed a close bond quickly and they would always be mistaken for a couple even when they weren't at that point in time. They'd bicker a lot, too. He supposed that was the comedy side of it.
Ichigo leaned on his right elbow, his half-fist pressed into his cheek. Just because he was actually watching and enjoying the movie didn't mean he couldn't look bored. He successfully hid his mouth too, at which a smile was slightly tugging his lips upwards.
That's when he felt a pressure on his shoulder. Looking over, he saw Inoue leaning against him with her eyes closed. He stared at her for a moment before turning back to the movie. What was happening now? His mind went blank as he let the voices of the actors fill his head.
"I... I have to go back." The woman said, looking down at the suitcase she held in front of her.
The man had a pained expression on his face. It was obvious he had feelings for her. Then he took her shoulders in his strong hands and pleaded with her, "But why? Why now?! Can't you stay...?"
She shook her head, on the brink of tears. "No... I wasn't meant to stay here even this long. My business here is over. My family is already mad at me..." She looked away from him again, not wanting to face him.
"Then I'll... I'll come with you!" He said suddenly.
Her shocked and saddened eyes met with his, and in a second hers softened considerably and a tear cascaded down her cheek. "You can't..." she said softly, then shouted, "You can't!"
"Well why not?!"
"Because... because... my brother would never allow me to be in contact with you!" She cried out.
A flurry of emotions shown on his face. Confusion, hurt, anger, sadness... he was about to speak when she cut him off.
"Don't ask questions! Don't argue!" She said hastily, "Try to follow me, and I'll... I'll never forgive you!" With those final words, she ran toward her plane's gate and disappeared in the mass of people. All he could do was stand and watch, feeling helpless.
Ichigo usually wasn't one for drama, romance, or anything of the sort. At all. And yet... he could empathize with this man perfectly.
Orihime looked up at him, feeling him shake lightly. Of course she had still be listening to the movie. Was that what made him tremble? His expression was distant and sad. She could only figure that... he was thinking about Rukia when she left.
But she'd never know just how close the two stories really paralleled.
"Kurosaki-kun?" She whispered.
He was snapped back to reality, "Yeah, Inoue?" He turned to face her, a carefully composed mask covering his face instantly. "Something wrong?"
"That's what I was gonna ask you..." She said, genuinely concerned. "You were... shaking."
Ichigo was a little surprised at that. Was he? "Ah, I'm fine. Don't worry about me. I guess I'm just a little cold is all." He hoped that would convince her.
While she didn't buy it, she didn't want to pry too much. Afterall, just because he was reminded of something concerning Rukia didn't mean they had feelings for each other like in the movie. Besides, she had to stay confident and hope that maybe he really would love her back in time.
After another hour, the movie had ended and the people piled out of the theater. Both Ichigo and Inoue had a smile on their face, though Ichigo's was a lot more subtle--as usual.
"That was a great movie!" Orihime beamed, looking up at him.
He nodded, "Yeah, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would." He tossed his trash away and they headed back out to the car.
The way back was filled with chit chat here and there. When they finally got back to her apartment and to her door, they stood in front of each other. Orihime's hands were clasped in front of her and Ichigo's were stuffed in his pockets.
"Thanks so much, Kurosaki-kun... I had fun tonight." Inoue smiled warmly at him.
"Me too." he leaned over and lightly kissed her cheek. He turned towards the exit quickly as not to let her see his blush. She heated up quite a lot herself, a tingle going through her body. She snapped out of her daze and looked over to him when he started walking away.
He gave a slight wave behind him, "Goodnight, Inoue..." And he disappeared down the hall and into the stairwell.
She could only stand there for a second, flustered. Her heart leapt with joy as she finally turned to her door and fiddled with the key, unlocking it after a few tries and practically prancing inside. This had to be one of the best nights of her life!
--
Rukia sat at Ichigo's desk with her sketchpad. Except this time, she was actually drawing. Despite the reputation she had garnered with her squiggly bunnies, she had also decided to learn portraits as well to broaden her horizons. It wasn't often she'd draw like this, but she had the urge to. She wasn't the master or anything, but she was above average.
So at first, she drew the line for the face. It wasn't anyone in particular at this point. Then she looked at it and thought, 'Oh. It kind of looks like Ichigo...' She looked around the desk for some recent photos of him and sketched his hair and his face in. The amount of erasing she did left smudges, but she finally got it to where she was happy with it. Smiling, she looked down at her work. Then her expression turned to 'pondering' as she tilted her head and picked up the pencil again. She shaded in the hair as if it was black, added a few bottom eyelashes, put a few lines at the bridge of his nose and changed his scowl to a smirk. She broadened his chin a little too, and even added shoulders--Then she added the extra hair at the base of his neck. Now it had magically become Kaien-dono.
Her smile became gentle, and her eyes soft. And... wow, when had she become this sleepy? She wondered. Without thinking much of it, she wandered to Ichigo's bed and collapsed on it, smiling at the comfort of the soft blanket and pillow. She was pulled into unconciousness quickly and slept soundly.
It was nearly an hour later when Ichigo arrived home. He was basically interrogated at the entrance by his family, particularly his father. Surprise suprise.
After dealing with them, he made his way up the stairs and to his room. He paused when he saw a lump of Rukia on his bed. Sighing, he made his way over and put his hands on his hips, towering over her. He should wake her up.
'Che. I guess I can let her stay there until I have to go to bed...' Moving to his chair in order to do his homework, the sketch caught his gaze instantly. His brow furrowed more than usual and he pulled the sketchbook up closer to him to get a better look.
Since when could Rukia actually draw? Better yet, why did it look like him? Even more... why did it only resemble him? He was pretty sure she knew he didn't have black hair, or those weird under eyelashes like Ganju, or... longer hair? The more he looked at it the more he was confused. Was this someone else she knew?
-I understand, Rukia. He does bear a stunning resemblance to him.-
Byakuya's words, that night. The memories were fresh in his mind because of the movie. Now he became even more confused. His mind went off in a million different directions, going through a million different possibilities. Just who was this man?
A light groan disturbed his thoughts, and he looked over just in time to see a Kuchiki staring at him groggily.
She blinked, once. Twice. Three times. "...What are you doing with my sketchpad?" She said, a haze still apparent in her voice.
Suddenly he felt as if he was caught red handed for some crime. Recomposing himself, he spoke. "Nothing... but... just who is this guy?" He flipped it around to show her.
She snapped awake. "Ah! It's--It's--It's nobody!" She snatched it from him.
He eyed her with a slightly irrated look. "Yeah right. Come on, Rukia. Who is he? I'm not blind..."
"...What do you mean?" She said, almost in a whisper.
"I mean...!" He clenched his fists, "I mean, I can clearly see he looks like me! Now who is it?"
She gulped a little and looked down at the sketch. Should she really hide it anymore?
"Kaien-dono..." She said softly. "Shiba Kaien, Vice Captain of squad 13."
Ichigo's brow rose, "I don't remember him.."
"He's dead." She said simply.
His eyes widened. Dead. And she said it like it was nothing. He figured that... she had said it so many times it didn't matter anymore. Were they that close?
Seeing her look away, his suspicions were confirmed by the look in her eyes. Sadness, remorse. He had only seen her like this a couple times. It still amazed him. And so, he decided to do something that wasn't dictated by his tough guy facade, just by his heart. Sitting down on his bed next to her, he managed to tone down his voice and say...
"Why don't you tell me all about him?"
--
A/N: Ah, I have a picture for you guys! It's that picture of Ichigo Orihime got from Rukia. I think it came out pretty well. xxsharingankakashixx(dot)deviantart(dot)com/art/A-Sickly-Strawberry-97410049 Enjoy. Also, after rereading my last chapter, I realize it was probably too dramatic and a little OOC for Tatsuki to blow up to that extent. I put in a lot of feeling when writing it, and tried my best to put myself in her shoes when she thought about the pain Orihime had gone through. But it ended up not being very realistic, so I'm sorry for that. Hopefully this chapter makes up for it.