Yay for the second chapter! I really appreciate the warm response Summer Girl has already gotten; thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far!

She's the girl that no one ever knows
And I say hi, but she's too shy to say hello.
She's just waiting for that one to take her hand
And shake her up.

I bet I could.

Say You Like Me - We the Kings

Chapter 2: The Proposal

-Rukia-

Her stomach fluttered and she checked her watch again. He was 5 minutes late.

What kind of an idiot doesn't know how to tell time? Maybe he decided not to come…

Rukia took a few calming breaths and turned to lean on the railing lining the roof, looking out over the cityscape. Even if he didn't show, it wasn't the end of the world. She had plenty of other friends she could go on vacation with.

This was a stupid idea…

She should've known he wouldn't come.

"What kind of freak offers her house to random strangers so she can go on a vacation?" She let her chin rest in her hand, happy, at least, that she had not yet told Byakuya of her foolish fantasy.

"Such a loser…"

"Who's a loser?" A deep male voice asked from the doorway. Rukia turned quickly, a bright blush forming on her face as she watched the tall boy close the door behind him.

He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door, studying her, confusion mixed with his usual egotistical scowl.

He must think he's so bad ass. What a jerk.

-Ichigo-

So it wasn't Ryo. It was that Riku-girl. Ichigo smirked; he had never expected that the mute genius herself would have the guts to ask him out.

According to Uryuu, she was the only person who had ever challenged him for his spot at the top of the class. According to Orihime, she had almost taken it, too, but Uryuu had always avoided that conversation.

He sighed. The girl was pretty enough with those bright eyes and slim figure but there was no way anything would ever happen.

"Look, I don't really think this is going to work out." Ichigo spoke slowly, trying to avoid the heartbroken tears that would inevitably start any second.

The girl's eyes narrowed, her left eyebrow rising slightly in skepticism. "You know what I wanted to discuss?"

She's not going to cry?

Ichigo smirked. Maybe this wouldn't go as terribly as he had expected.

"I'm sure you're nice and all but I'm really not looking for relationship right now… Or like, ever." He added that last part as an afterthought, ensuring that she wouldn't call him again in a week to see if he had changed his mind.

Riku-whatever's face froze for a moment, a cold mask completely hiding her thoughts.

And here come the tears…

-Rukia-

What. The. Hell.

"There must be a misunderstanding here." Rukia's tone turned sharp and she took a second to compose herself.

"You think I wanted to go out… with you!"

The carrot-top looked surprised, losing his expression of perfected arrogance. He stammered, "Wh-why else would you want me to meet you on the roof?"

For a moment, their eyes locked and they looked at each other in exasperation.

How… on earth… How could he think for a second-

"How on earth could you think that, for a second, I'd even consider going out with you!" Rukia waved her hands for emphasis. "I don't even know you!"

Ichigo looked flustered. "Well then, why did you want to talk to me?"

Rukia's proposition caught in her throat. This didn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

-Ichigo-

The short girl's demeanor had changed completely. When she spoke, it was quiet and unsure.

"I overheard you… and your friends… You need somewhere to stay on Emerald Beach?"

This girl had just reached crazy-psycho creepy…

"Maybe. Why?" He crossed his arms again, unsure where this conversation would lead.

"Well… I have a cabin there. We… I mean, your friends and you, could come with me when summer starts." Those huge purple eyes looked up at him again. "There's plenty of room and you wouldn't have to worry about gas money or food or anything."

Ichigo's heart leapt in his chest; the summer trip wouldn't be ruined after all!

But, wait… what?

"Why are you doing this?" A suspicious look crossed his face.

She carefully avoided his stare as she spoke. "It's… personal. I'd rather not discuss it." Her eyes became cold, as if it were a business deal. "I still hope you'll consider my offer."

Ichigo set his jaw, carefully considering the situation. She did seem sincere.

Still… This is crazy. There's no way the guys'll go for it and really, how do I know this girl isn't a total wackjob? She might kill us the first night.

"I'll have to think about it. I need to ask everyone before I agree to anything."

The girl nodded, her face remaining completely expressionless and professional.

-Rukia-

"I'll have to think about it. I need to ask everyone before I agree to anything."

Of course. He can't be expected to make such huge decision on the spot. This is not a refusal, just an extension.

Rukia forced a smile. "Can I expect an answer tomorrow? There are some… maintenance issues that will need to be resolved before the cabin is suitable."

Issues like actually being allowed to use the cabin…

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, that should be enough time…" He trailed off to think before starting again. "There's no catch, right?"

"None. Just an invitation to hang out at the beach for a week." Rukia smiled at the end, trying her best to seem genuine but not over-enthusiastic.

"And you're sure you can fit six people in this place?"

He almost sounds like I'm convincing him…

Rukia blinked in surprise but recovered quickly. "Of course! It's got plenty of rooms. It's right on the beach and everything."

The lanky boy gave a barely-there smile. "Well, all right, then. I'll let you know after I talk to everyone." Turning to head back down the stairs that connected every level of the school, Ichigo flashed his most charming grin. "See ya 'round, midget."

Rukia's mouth fell open in shock and annoyance at the new nickname, pausing just enough to let Ichigo escape, closing the door behind him and leaving her alone on the roof.

She fumed, cursing under breath. It was only after the bell rang to announce the end of lunch that Rukia placed a hand on her face and realized she was blushing.

Aw :) So, who do you think will be the first to develop feelings for the other? Ichigo or Rukia? I'd love to hear your thoughts!