So I realized that Chapter 2 was also pretty short and I decided I'd go ahead and post this one a little early. :) Chapter 4 will still be up this weekend; no worries. Reviews are the world to authors! Please make my day ;)

Some people live in a house on the hill
And wish they were some place else.
There's nobody there
When the evening is still.

Secrets with no one to tell

Home - Vanessa Carlton

Chapter 3: Persuasion

-Ichigo-

"So this chick is really going to invite a bunch of strangers into her home to live with her?" Tatsuki's voice was laced with sarcasm. "I don't think so, Ichigo. That sounds a little too freaky for me."

The group was currently spread around Orihime's apartment, lounging on the couch and various chairs, discussing Rukia's offer.

Rukia… That's a hell of a lot better than Riku.

Uryuu had been the one to correct him during his explanation. They were currently deciding whether or not to accept the invitation.

"It seems strange to me as well. Are you sure she doesn't have some ulterior motive?" Uryuu asked.

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Look, I already told you guys everything she told me. I didn't want to pry into her personal life."

Tatsuki sighed. "You realize we'll be living with this girl. Unless she stays in her room the entire time, we will have to get to know each other."

A subtle smirk crossed Chad's face and Orihime agreed with her friend. "I'm sure she's nice, Ichigo, but we should talk to her more. She's probably just lonely but we can't-"

Uryuu interrupted. "She chooses to be reserved. It's not our fault that she spends all her time studying in her mansion. I don't think we should have to be her friends now just because she's decided to try to buy us all off."

"I don't think she knows any other way to make friends." Chad's deep voice spoke up. "We should give her a chance at least."

Ichigo grinned. He knew he could count on Chad's support.

"So, it's settled then. I'll ask her to eat with us tomorrow and you guys can talk to her."

Uryuu scoffed and looked about to argue when Orihime exclaimed, smiling brightly, "That's a great plan, Ichigo!"

Her excitement seemed infectious. Uryuu remained quiet, not wanting to upset his friend.

"I guess I am glad we can still go." Tatsuki shrugged, unable to hide a small smile of her own before adopting a serious expression.

"This had better work, Ichigo. Otherwise, I'll tell Keigo you were planning to go without him." An evil smirk crossed her face and the group laughed.

Ichigo made a joke about how Keigo would whine himself to death and the conversation moved on to a discussion about their new summer plans.

-Rukia-

"Is… that acceptable, Brother?" Rukia asked hesitantly. She had finished explaining her request and now waited nervously, picking absently at the plate in front of her.

When Byakuya first spoke, it was to call for another glass of wine. The servant moved carefully, eager not to upset his master in his current state.

"Would you like anything, Miss Rukia?" Hanataro asked quietly when he was finished pouring.

Rukia gave the man a small smile and shook her head to say, "No, thank you."

Hanataro nodded and backed away from the long table, returning her smile with a warmer, encouraging smile of his own.

This made Rukia feel slightly better. She tried to meet her brother's eyes but he still refused to answer. He seemed thoughtful and ate quietly for a few more minutes before setting down his utensils and speaking.

"If you think that this excursion will be beneficial to you in your future profession, I will allow it. I understand that this vacation is for you to enjoy yourself but I still expect exemplary behavior from you and your acquaintances."

Rukia swore her heart skipped a beat.

"Is that understood?" His tone was sharp but Rukia nodded, trying to suppress her grin.

"I understand. You have nothing to worry about."

That seemed to be sufficient answer and they fell into silence once again.

-Ichigo-

"I cannot comprehend why you like this girl so much." Uryuu stated, partly to himself, partly to the boy in the passenger seat.

Ichigo groaned. Is he really going to start this again?

It had started to rain while they were at Orihime's apartment so Uryuu had offered Ichigo a ride home. I'm starting to think I should've just stuck it out in the rain…

"I don't understand why you're so against her." He retorted. Then, he added as an afterthought. "Besides, I don't like her. I told you I don't even know her that well."

"You know about her family, right?"

"Are you sure you're not just bitter because she got a better score in History than you did?"

Ichigo grinned at his friend's obvious annoyance.

"That's not the point. She's not a friendly person, Ichigo. She's expected to take over Kuchiki Inc. and-"

Ichigo cut him off. "What's that?"

Uryuu shot his friend a look of disbelief. "You really don't know? Kuchiki Inc. has made a fortune in the technology industry. Everything you own that has an "On" switch, Kuchiki Inc. probably had a hand in producing."

He paused to push his glasses up. "And your friend is supposed to take over the entire company. My father said that her brother has already started making new connections and setting up a smaller branch for her in Tokyo."

And this is the same girl that wants to party at the beach…

"What would make her want to spend time with us, then?" Ichigo looked over at the lithe boy in the driver's seat.

Uryuu slowed the sleek Impala to a stop in front of Ichigo's house.

"I don't know. Unless this is some weird business project for her, I'd imagine that she's decided she wants to try being a normal teenager. Maybe this is her way of rebelling?"

Ichigo nodded. Uryuu's suggestion made sense.

So that's what she didn't want to talk about. That is pretty heavy stuff to try to explain to a stranger. Still…

"You think I made a mistake?" Ichigo let his hand rest on the door handle, waiting to hear Uryuu's response before getting out of the car.

"I don't know. I suppose we'll find out tomorrow though."

Well, that's encouraging.

"Thanks for the ride. I'm sure Orihime will love the teddy bear." Ichigo said quickly as he exited the car, referencing the stuffed animal lying in the back seat. Uryuu had asked his opinion about it earlier during the drive, after receiving Ichigo's word that he wouldn't tell anyone else about it.

Uryuu blushed furiously. "It's a lion! And I told you not to talk about it!" He yelled at the orange-haired boy.

Ichigo laughed and waved off the outburst as he walked the few steps to his front door. He watched the silver car speed off, mirroring Uryuu's agitation, before entering his house and closing the door behind him.

-Rukia-

After Hanataro had taken her plate, Rukia asked to be excused.

Her brother had kept his unusually pensive mood throughout dinner and, as she walked by him towards the stairs to her room, he stopped her.

"Rukia?"

"Yes, Brother?" Rukia asked, concerned with the older man's odd tone.

"Please don't concern yourself with the details of this outing. I'll have someone clean and furnish the residence before you arrive. Any commodities you might need will be provided and any... unnecessary items will be sent back here." Byakuya spoke briskly.

Rukia's eyes widened in surprise and, for a moment, she was glad he had refused to look at her while he was speaking. This would be the first time anyone had used the cabin since their parents had passed away.

I guess Byakuya never got around to moving their things…

"That's very kind of you. Thank you." Rukia stepped back uncertainly as her brother stood. He placed a large hand on her head, ruffling her hair slightly.

"I'm leaving for France on Wednesday. I hope you enjoy your trip. …Be safe." He pulled his hand away awkwardly.

"I will, Brother. Please send my greetings to the members of the French branch." Rukia replied formally, as her brother had always instructed her.

He nodded, an unfamiliar look in his eyes, and they parted ways, Byakuya to his office and Rukia to her room.

In her room, Rukia sat on her luxurious bed and replayed the conversation through her head. She was ecstatic that he was allowing her to go and pleasantly surprised that he was handling the arrangements.

Rukia smoothed her hair again absently. Dad used to mess with my hair like that…

Turning off her bedside lamp, Rukia yawned. Byakuya's schedule often required odd mealtimes but she didn't really mind.

Rukia closed her eyes and changed her response to her brother's last statement.

"I'm leaving for France Wednesday at noon. I hope you enjoy your trip. Be safe."

Please be safe too, Brother. I'm sorry I'm not coming with you. I don't know if you're disappointed or not but… I'll miss you.

I wanted to give a little more background information before we got too far into the story. I am curious though, as the ending isn't written out yet, would you guys rather see Rukia give up her share of the business to be with Ichigo in the end or would you rather they end up working together?

Don't forget to review if you're enjoying Summer Girl so far!