-1A/N: Augh, sorry I took like... over a month to update again! I don't mean to. D: But I think this chapter came out easier than the others when I made myself sit down and write. So, enjoy! This covers maybe half the dance. Next chapter should be the conclusion of the dance, maybe an Afterprom, and a sort of epilogue. :3 Ah, and, sorry this one is a bit short, but I thought the last line was a good cut-off point.
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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"But I... I don't think I like Ichigo! I probably just got a little upset because of the sudden change." She wasn't aware of the slight blush across her cheeks.
Uryuu only smirked slightly. The waiter came just in time and delivered their food. Rukia considered it a welcome distraction.
'Denial sure is interesting. I wonder if she'll come to terms with it tonight.'
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A Prom to Remember
Chapter 6
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Ichigo pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, turning off the car. He flashed Orihime a grin before they both got out.
'He's tense...' She couldn't help but notice. The grin she had gotten from him was just for show, she was sure of it. But why? Maybe he wasn't happy coming with her after all.
"Inoue? You okay?" She snapped out of her thoughts and looked at him surprised. This time she saw a bit of genuine concern on his face.
Nodding her head a little, she said, "Yes, of course! I'm great!" Her voice was full of cheer. "Does it look like I'm not?"
"Ah, no, you were just trailing behind a little."
"Oh." Once she caught up to him, they walked inside together. It was a fairly nice restaurant, nicer that she thought it would be. She smiled and looked over to him, "Thank you for taking me here, Kurosaki-kun."
"No problem, Inoue." Once they were seated, they ordered and waited patiently for the food. Unfortunately, both of them were having a hard time striking up a conversation. Inoue fiddled with her dress for a second before thinking of a topic that would grab his attention.
"I wonder where Ishida-kun took Kuchiki-san."
Like she thought he would, Ichigo perked up at Rukia's name. A pang ran through her heart seeing this, but she shoved the feeling away.
Ichigo huffed, "Probably somewhere extremely high class, just to smite me." He grumbled, crossing his arms.
Inoue giggled a little at this, "Ishida-kun is a little competitive, isn't he?"
"A little? You're underestimating his quincy pride by a lot, Inoue..."
She only smiled back at him. This is how she wanted him to act; how he usually did. But how come she could never get the real Ichigo out of him when he was talking with just her? She didn't really understand.
He noticed she looked a little saddened again. "Inoue... are you sure your alright?" Was he doing something wrong? Sure he was nervous, but that's to be expected. He didn't know what to think.
She put her arms up in defense, "Yes yes, I'm fine!" But after a second, her smile faded. Ichigo's brow furrowed as he watched her. She diverted her gaze.
"Actually, I... I don't know if I'm okay."
"What's wrong?"
"I..." She debated in her head whether or not she should tell him. But, maybe she should... she was tired of hiding her feelings.
"You just don't seem like yourself tonight, Kurosaki-kun." She looked him straight in the eyes.
He was a little taken aback, but he knew instantly exactly why he hadn't been himself. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, resting his palm on the back of his neck. Should he tell her truthfully? Would it hurt her? He was never into lying, so he guessed honesty would be his best bet.
"You see, Inoue..." Ichigo started to try to explain. His pause earned him the feeling of tension rising in the room, so he pushed himself to continue. "You're just... too nice."
Inoue's expression instantly turned to confusion. She thought it was a good thing to be nice.
Seeing her questioning gaze, he gulped and went on, "I can't... be my usual, rude and yelling self because I'd feel bad acting that way around you. You wouldn't reciprocate it, you may even take me seriously..." He looked away and grinned a little, trying not to sound so serious, "Hell, I feel pretty stupid for mouthing off like that if I don't get a reaction."
Orihime was silent. His words soaked in as if she were a sponge. She finally got it. He's always had to hold back himself when around her because she didn't get the same joy out of it he did. The same joy... that Kuchiki-san got out of it.
"...I understand" She smiled a little at him. He turned back to her, and now it was his turn to be confused. He expected her to sound sad. Seeing him, she elaborated.
"Everything just suddenly made sense to me, is all." She looked down at the table, still smiling a bit. "Thank you for being honest with me, Kurosaki-kun."
Ichigo smiled a little back at her, and this time it wasn't fake. "I don't like lying, Inoue. But listen. Don't try and change yourself or anything like that because of what I said. You're just fine the way you are."
She looked up to him and nodded her head. At the back of her mind, she knew that practically sealed the deal of her never being with him, but she didn't let it hit her hard yet. She wouldn't ruin his or her own night with tears.
"I suppose... you'll want to dance with Kuchiki-san tonight then instead." She said in all seriousness.
Ichigo's eyes widened. He racked his brain to see if he ever mentioned Rukia in this line of conversation. Feeling his face flush, he looked away and scowled. "Who said I'd want to dance with that midget?" he mumbled.
Inoue giggled at his reaction. "I guess no one, but I figured that's what you'd want."
He knew the blush hadn't completely left his face, but he turned back to her anyway. He carefully considered her words now, but came to a conclusion quickly.
"No, Inoue. You're my date tonight. You deserve at least that much."
She smiled more than she thought she would. But she wasn't smiling at the fact he'd still dance with her--she was smiling because she was reminded why she loved this man. He cares about his friends, and keeps his promises, even when he has the chance to steer away from it.
Kuchiki-san was a lucky woman.
--
Students started to file into the large gymnasium of the school at 8:30 sharp, the time the dance started. Ishida, being quite punctual, was one of the first in line with Rukia at his side. Like Ichigo predicted, they were getting a lot of attention, just standing there. Ishida's white suit and her matching dress wasn't helping things. Both of them kind of tensed up at the stares, as neither were very used to the attention. He almost regretted choosing attire that stood out so much.
...Almost. As long as he showed Kurosaki up, he was good.
After presenting their tickets, they walked in and looked around the room. Music was blaring, lights were flashing all around the dark room. Balloons and other decorations were around the walls according to the theme for that year. Round tables were set away from the dance floor with chairs encircling them for the people who didn't want to dance to the current song.
"What do you think?" Uryuu inquired, scanning over the space once again.
"It looks alright, if that's what you're asking... the song choice could be better though." Rukia said, frowning. They were playing rap right now, and while it was all the rage to a lot of the teenagers in the real world... she didn't care for it at all. Same for most of her group, which she was glad of. She personally liked classical music better.
"Agreed. Well, I suppose we should take a seat and wait for the others or a good song. Whichever comes first." She nodded, following him over to a table and sitting down. Well, even if the songs weren't good right now, she could at least find amusement in how the other students were dancing. Her mind wandered a bit and she started to wonder how Ichigo danced, or if he was any good, for that matter. She smirked lightly, imagining him dancing like one of the kids in the crowd.
"Thinking about Kurosaki?" Ishida smirked, not even looking over to her.
She blushed and her eyes snapped up to him. She could've sworn she'd been blushing more and more ever since Ishida said she might like him. "Why... why would you think that?" She asked cautiously. Suddenly, she was glad for the darkness in the room.
"Because... you've zoned out at least 3 times tonight, and each time you have the same look on your face. You look happy and comfortable. I've only seen you like that with Kurosaki, so it only makes sense you'd look the same when thinking about him." His smirk only got wider as he spoke.
"What about me?" Ichigo had practically appeared behind Ishida. Uryuu tensed and turned around slowly, pushing up his glasses as he greeted his fellow classmate "Hello there, Kurosaki."
Rukia became increasingly grateful that no one could see the color on her face. She must be the shade of Renji's hair by now. Absently, she wondered if he had heard any of what Ishida said. She got up and headed over to them. Ishida was now standing and she saw him turn to Inoue.
"Inoue-san, you look amazing tonight." He said politely, smiling lightly. Rukia's eyes softened at this. It really was too bad Inoue didn't see the great man standing right in front of her.
"Thank you, Ishida-kun." Orihime said sweetly. As Rukia made her way over, she purposefully avoided Ichigo's eyes and looked at Orihime as well.
"You do look great, Inoue. That dress looks even better on you now."
"Thanks, Kuchiki-san! Same to you! ...Ohh, I see Ishida-kun added some things! That's great." The brunette smiled brightly at her friend.
Rukia nodded in agreement and smiled back, "Yeah." She turned her head and her eyes traveled up from a familiar magenta tie to even more familiar chocolate brown eyes. He was looking away from her now, but when his eyes came to meet hers, she could've sworn her heart skipped a beat. His scowl softened a bit, and she could tell his eyes warmed when he saw her.
"Yo." Ichigo said simply. That's all he could ever say in situations like this, it seemed.
Rukia smiled lightly. "Oi, fool."
Ichigo smirked at her a bit. Then the song suddenly changed to something they could actually dance to. "Well, come on guys. Might as well enjoy ourselves." Kurosaki led the four of them to the dance floor where they formed a sort of circle. They let their bodies move to the fast beat around them. They made room when Chad and Tatsuki joined them, making it a group of 6.
The Kuchiki often made a passing glance to Ichigo, she couldn't help herself. He wasn't a bad dancer at all, not to mention nice to look at... Stopping that train of thought in its tracks, she looked around amongst her other friends, finding the way they danced really fit their personality.
Rukia was unaware that she was being gazed at too, by none other than Ichigo. He tried to keep his glances as discreet as possible, but he wasn't too sure he was succeeding. She simply... looked so elegant, even though she was dancing to a song like this. He suddenly huffed at himself, looking away and putting his bottom lip out a little like a pout. What was he doing? He had to keep his promise to Inoue, he knew his staring probably hurt her. He then felt a hand lightly touch his elbow. Looking over, he saw the girl he had brought here.
"It's okay, Kurosaki-kun." She said just above a whisper during the transition to a new song.
He nodded gratefully and her arm retreated back to her side. Actually, Inoue had noticed both of them glancing at each other. And seeing this, not only did her heart sting because she wasn't the one in Kurosaki-kun's gaze--it stung because she was the one who was keeping them apart selfishly. If she hadn't asked Ichigo, he could enjoy himself more freely... and maybe by now they could be dancing together.
Now Rukia was confused. She had seen what had just went on. Ichigo was looking the other way... Inoue touched his elbow briefly, he turned to her. She said something and he nodded. And then she looked especially sad. The first part she felt a pang of jealousy for some odd reason, but it dissipated when she saw the sad expression on Inoue.
'That idiot had better be taking care of her...' she thought, scowling a little. She stopped dancing and suddenly took Orihime's arm, hauling her off away from the group.
"Ku-Kuchiki-san?!" Orihime exclaimed, surprised. The rest of the group was turned to them now, every single one of them gaping.
"Ru... Rukia! What are you doing?!" Ichigo shouted over the crowd, not caring who heard him call her by her first name. While she had abandoned her school girl act, he just knew his gossiping classmates would take their informality the wrong way.
"Just go on about your business!" He heard her shout. He growled lightly and crossed his arms. "Whatever." He muttered.
--
"Kuchiki-san, what's the matter?" Orihime had been dragged over to a table and was now sitting next to Rukia.
"That's what I should be asking you... why did you look so sad all of the sudden?"
Inoue's eyes widened. She hadn't thought anyone would notice something like that. "Oh, it's nothing, Kuchiki-san! Don't you worry about me!" She waved her hands frantically in front of her.
Rukia's face hardened. She knew she was lying... but should she call her on it? She sighed and decided to not do that directly.
"I'm just... making sure that idiot isn't screwing up. If Ichigo does anything--"
"No!" Orihime had to interrupt. "It's not that at all... he's being great, and... doing all he can to make me happy."
"Then what is it?" Kuchiki pushed. Usually she wasn't one to pry, but... if it was something she could fix, she wanted to fix it.
"Ah... um..." Inoue visibly struggled with her answer, fidgeting in her seat. "I guess, the realization of something I've been denying for a long time... is kinda taking its toll." She said, almost whispering.
Rukia looked concerned and confused, Orihime knew she was trying to figure it out. But she stopped her.
"Kuchiki-san, please, I know you have good intent, but... I'm not comfortable telling you about it."
"I... I'm sorry, Inoue." Was it that deep of a wound? If she had known that, she wouldn't have... "Let's get back to the others. Try to cheer up though, okay?" She tried to smile for her friend--that's the least she could do now. After getting a smile and nod in return, they started to walk back to the dance floor.
--
When they got there, they found their group had retreated to a table. They walked over and sat down next to their respective dates.
"What was that all about?" Tatsuki questioned, looking from Rukia to Orihime.
"Oh, it's nothing, don't worry about it! Kuchiki-san was just worried about me, but I'm fine." Inoue explained to the group, smiling at them all.
"Alright." With Tatsuki's acceptance, the rest of them dropped it too.
Just a few minutes later, a certain brown haired person came stampeding towards them.
"HEY GUYS!!! Asano Keigo is HERE!!" He posed dramatically, like he was someone important.
Most everyone stared at him with a blank and unamused expression. Orihime giggled lightly.
"So cruel!! Only Orihime-chan acknowledged my existence!!" He cried waterfalls of tears and stumbled over to the busty girl, attempting to hug her. Both Ichigo and Tatsuki, who were at each side of her, punched him on a side of his face at the same time before he got the chance to complete his hug.
"Auugh! So mean!!!" Keigo dropped to the floor.
"Is he causing trouble again?" Mizuiro wondered, having just come over. He had his arm wrapped around the waist of a woman that was at least twenty.
"You could say that." Ichigo commented, trying not to cringe at Mizuiro's date. Yes, he believed age was only a number, but... she looked too womanly standing next to him and his boyish looks.
Ichigo's peripheral vision caught Keigo crawling over to Rukia. His eyes promptly narrowed, slamming his heel into the back of the brown haired teen.
"OW! Ichigo!!" Keigo turned his waist to face him, "Why must you deny me from both of these lovely women?!"
"Because I don't trust you." Ichigo said simply. It was the truth.
"Hmph!" Suddenly a slow song came on, the first one of the night. Couples came close together and began to sway on the dance floor.
Both Ichigo and Rukia glanced at each other for a brief second, looking away promptly when they realized they were staring into a pair of eyes instead of the back of each other's head. Ishida promptly went over to Rukia and extended his hand.
"Care to dance?"
"S-sure..." Rukia stammered out, taking his hand. He lead her to the floor and they both automatically went into position. Ishida had learned a long time ago, and Rukia was used to variations of this from being a noble in Soul Society. They kept space between each other and a formal air around them, though neither was uncomfortable.
"I'm a bit surprised." Rukia said to him, so only he could hear.
"Why is that? We're putting on a show after all, and... Maybe Kurosaki will get jealous." Uryuu smirked despite himself.
Rukia turned a light shade of pink and diverted her eyes. "That idiot won't care."
"I beg to differ." They continued to turn to the music, their steps in harmony with each other through practice.
Ichigo almost huffed. Almost. Turning to Orihime, he extended his hand and looked away. "We should get out there too."
Inoue smiled at him and took his hand, letting him lead her out into the dance floor like Ishida had done with Rukia some seconds ago. Ichigo stiffened at her proximity when she put her arms up around his neck, but he put his hands lightly on the top of her hips in return as they also started to sway. Noticing she was staring up at him, he tilted his head down to look into her eyes. He didn't know what expression he wore, but he hoped it didn't affect her negatively.
This was probably the first time Orihime got to really look into his eyes deeply. They really were beautiful eyes--in this light they even looked almost burgundy. She wished she could stare into the depths of his soul forever, but she knew that could never happen now. So she tried to savor the moment as best she could. It probably wouldn't last for long, but she was just happy he allowed her at least this eye contact and this dance. She knew he was tense, even more so now. The stiffness in his body was apparent and his expression cried anxious. She bit her bottom lip lightly. She would thank him a million times for being so generous, but she couldn't help the ache she felt knowing what he really wanted.
Ichigo gulped a little. He could see the conflicting feelings inside her and knew it hurt her that he wasn't relaxed at all with her this close. He closed his eyes briefly, thinking. He could almost see the confused look on her face. Bringing a hand up, he placed it on the back of her head and brought her down to his shoulder.
"It's alright." He mustered all the resolve he could. "I have a promise to keep, and it's okay if you want to do something like this." His voice cracked a bit, which he mentally kicked himself for. But he thought if nothing else, he could make up for his stiff stature with this.
Tears brimmed at the edge of Orihime's eyes out of happiness. She gladly rested her head on his shoulder completely now, her cheek up against the fabric of his suit. Inhaling his scent, she felt as if she was in heaven, being this close. She was glad to feel him relax a little bit as well, she knew it was hard on him. Her eyes drifted closed and she let her mind only focus on this sensation of being with him.
Ishida scowled, seeing the scene play out. His brow furrowed and he sighed lightly, continuing to eye them. 'He couldn't be serious, could he? From all of I saw, he liked Kuchiki-san... did something change?' his brain was flooded with questions that he didn't voice. But all of them were answered in just one instance.
Ichigo looked up and to Rukia, though she wasn't facing him. His mouth became a tight, straight line. He could feel his chest tighten at the realization he probably wouldn't get the chance to be with her tonight. Ishida was right... he wanted to be the one to lead her into her one and only prom. He'd gladly take the embarrassing moments with his family or the accusing looks from students now. Shaking his head at his own selfish thoughts, he looked back down, not even acknowledging Uryuu.
While Ichigo didn't dare meet the piercing blue eyes of his fellow nakama, Ishida saw it all the same. 'I saw that pain in your face, Kurosaki. That longing.' He glanced down at Rukia, who seemed lost in thought and without much expression. Looking back up, his eyes hardened.
'I thank you for keeping Orihime in your heart, but I promise you... I'll make sure that you get to dance with Kuchiki-san. I don't need to see the same pathetic face on you again. That same face... I have probably worn on occasion.'
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A/N: I know Ichigo may seem OOC because of how considerate he's being, but think of it this way. He's 18 now, that means he's had 2 more years to develop. I think by this time, while his usual manner is still very much a part of him, he's matured to the point where he can sacrifice a bit of his comfort for the well-being of his friends. Well-being meaning on a more personal level rather than just in a life-or-death situation.