Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

A/N: Here's the chapter, as promised. I barely keep promises when it comes to updating, so I'm kinda proud! How you guys been? And I hope you review and enjoy this story. Don't forget to add this story to your story alert, and/or add me to your author alert list to keep up with this ish. You guys are great, have a nice day/evening!

Cupid Needs Better Aim: Open Stages

The cherry blossom petals were in full bloom again, with the exception of a few buds that had yet to open. They danced in unison with the breeze, creating a sound that could only be heard when times were halcyon enough. Streets were getting busier and busier while people rushed to go to work. The sun looked like it was hung between two trees, which looked like a blend of gold and carnation pink. The scenery was entirely picturesque and brilliant. This kind of sight doesn't occur in town very often. It was finally springtime in Karakura Town.

Yuzu was all prepped up in her new uniform and finished cooking breakfast, some miso soup and tamagoyaki. Isshin sat at the kitchen counter with a newspaper and and took a swig of coffee. It was kind of strange, for Isshin never kept up to date with current events. Karin was still upstairs getting ready. It was time for the first day of school yet again.

"Otou-san! I can't believe we're freshmen already! Look at my uniform!" Yuzu chimed and twirled, her pigtails swinging around. She looked like a typical high school girl now. Isshin was smiling brightly at first, but his eyes held a twinge of sadness. Pretty soon, they would release a while, Karin emerged from the living room. She looked beautiful. Her posture seemed to improve, and her face and figure looked more feminine. Her hair was even up in a short ponytail. A tomboy preteen turned into a pretty schoolgirl. The only thing that seemed to have stayed was her tough and in-your-face demeanor. What a relief.

"Yuzu, Karin! You've all grown! I can't believe it. I remember when I was still changing your diapers, and now you're even dating! Masaki! Look at our beautiful children!" Isshin sobbed and bolted to his poster of Masaki. Just then, Karin smacked Isshin right in the face. It was incredible, actually. That punch could have sent Isshin flying. Instead, he rubbed his lower jaw indignantly. Oh, family love.

"Shut up, old man. We're still just thirteen, remember? And I've only met up with Toshiro once, he's in my soccer team." Karin scoffed. That tidbit of information lifted Isshin's spirits just a little. He sighed.

"Otou-san, wake up Ichi-nii now. He'll be late for his senior year. Let's go, Yuzu." Karin called. After that, the two girls gave Isshin a more appropriate "see you later". With that, they exited the Kurosaki Clinic.

Isshin made his way to the stairs and to Room 15. Ichigo wasn't going to be getting a peaceful wake-up.

"ICHIGOOOOOO!"

"Class dismissed. Please wait for the bell to ring shortly... Hold on, wait! Before you all go home, I have an announcement," Ochi-sensei announced. Dissatisfied sighs and groans broke out and filled the room. Ochi-sensei rolled her eyes and pretended not to hear.

"Karakura High School will be holding open stages for junior and senior student performers. The school added this program to help create and expand creative freedom for students. This program will be spread to the lower grades depending on how successful this program will be. Open stage is open to bands, singer-songrwriters, poets, dancers, and much more. Any questions so far?" Ochi sensei asked. The room was silent.

"Good. This program will be every Friday starting next week. Sign ups are on my desk. Any current volunteers?" Ochi-sensei asked. Ichigo raised his hand, marking The Ryoka's participation in open stages. Excited whispers echoed.

Great. The Ryoka's participating in open stages. Rukia thought. Now ninety-five percent of the female student population is going to flood the auditoriums every Friday. What was so special about the Ryoka? Honestly, Ishida-kun, Renji, and Chad weren't half bad. It was just their douchey leader, Ichigo.

Rukia didn't mind Renji because he was one of her best friends, Chad was very nice, and Ishida was a gentleman who happened to be dating her other best friend, Orihime. Rukia has never heard them live, but how could a small band entice so many girls? How shallow. Good looks weren't everything, anyway. Rukia pondered some more and tapped her Chappy pen on her textbook. She looked at the clock and realized that there were four minutes until the day was over. Thank goodness.

"All right! For the rest, you have until next Monday to sign up. Have a nice day and don't forget about the World History test on Wednesday!" Ochi-sensei called. The bell then rang and a sonorous chorus of chatter, shuffling papers, and footsteps broke out. Rukia then exited the room and went to look for her long-time friends, Tatsuki and Orihime. When she finally found them, she gave them warm smiles and started walking home with them. Ishida was with them, of course. Rukia never minded.

"So are you girls coming to our open stage performances? I heard Kurosaki signed us up. I'm pretty excited." Ishida asked. Before Rukia and Tatsuki could say no politely, Orihime interjected.

"Oh, of course we'll be there, Uryu! We'll be at the front row every Friday. I promise! Right, Rukia-chan?" Orihime said sweetly. Uryu smiled and placed a short peck on her lips. Tatsuki and Rukia would have vomited, but instead they were furious. Inoue Orihime knew for a fact that Tatsuki and Rukia weren't Ryoka fans. Rukia shot Inoue a look that could have killed, and Orihime replied with a sweet, apologetic look. She wins, and now Rukia and Tatsuki had to attend.

The friends soon split ways and went into the direction of their respective homes. Rukia and Tatsuki didn't live far from each other, so they continued walking together.

"I can't believe Orihime made us promise to attend for her stupid boyfriend's sake. I'm so pissed." Tatsuki spat. Rukia rolled her eyes and agreed.

"I don't think it's Uryu's fault as much as it's Orihime's fault. I'm really pissed too. And I really have no interest in going." Rukia sighed impatiently. Tatsuki turned her scowl into a sly look.

"At least you'll get to see your boyfriend Ichigo on stage!"Tatsuki lauged mischievously. Rukia turned red and hit Tatsuki on the arm, which wasn't a smart thing to do since she was a multiple-degree black belt.

"Shut up, you know I hate him." Rukia replied bluntly. Tatsuki scratched the back of her head. They were soon at their destination.

"Do you hate him, or do you hate what he does?" Tatsuki asked seriously. She hated it when people insulted Ichigo. They were best friends since they attended the same dojo. That left Rukia thinking for a while.

"I'll see you later, Tatsuki. Take care." Rukia said, ignoring the previous comment. She made her way into her own house.

Do I really hate him? We'll see.

Thanks for reading! My deadline for the next chapter is going to be on October 22 or next Saturday. Please don't forget to Review and add me to your lists and leave me constructive criticism in the comments. Arigatou gozaimasu!