Author's note: This chapter literally blindsided me, I wasn't even planning on working on it and then it just finally came together. Thank you so much to the wonderful reviewers, your words have motivated me immensely! And of course the phantom readers who've followed/faved this story. I truly appreciate the feedback and support!

Just to clear up any confusion, this takes places right after the Aizen battle, when Ichigo is slowly losing his powers.

Errors are all mine- I'm overworked, sleep deprived etc, so I apologize in advance.

Warnings: Language I guess?

IIII

Rukia couldn't pinpoint the exact moment things between her and Ichigo changed. Maybe changed was too drastic a word, but they were no longer the same. They still acted the same, fought all the time and all the while she was keeping an eye out for him because his spiritual powers were weakening by the day. Soon he wouldn't be able to fight Hollows let alone see or sense them.

Soon he wouldn't be able to see her. But she didn't dwell on that thought too much; it was enough that her recent contemplations were about her interactions with Ichigo. Since that night, when she teased him about almost kissing him, her thoughts had gone haywire. She was noticing all sorts of things about their interactions she'd never noticed before.

For instance, how he always leant over when he talked to her, his breath inches from her face and his eyes always held hers. The feeling of his warm callused hand, as she dragged him off somewhere. The accidental pumping of their knees while they sat at the dinner table. It was stupid things really and that's what annoyed her so much. Why was she suddenly so attuned to everything Ichigo? It was madness, she was going mad.

And that wasn't even the worst of it. Her stomach was now in a constant state of unease, she couldn't decide whether it was dread, excitement or both. She was confused and she had no idea who she could talk to. Renji wouldn't understand, if anything he'd probably laugh at her then tell her nii-sama. That thought scared her more than her turbulent thoughts.

Even now as they walked down the school hallway together, she could feel how tense her shoulders were. It wasn't uncommon for them to walk in silence. They never had that need to fill it up with meaningless conversations. But now the silence was eating at her, gnawing her insides and just as she thought she was about to blurt something inconsequential their path was blocked by the huddled students before the notice board.

Rukia couldn't see above all the heads, so she tugged at Ichigo's arm. His skin was warm, pulsing with life and she momentarily forgot herself. "What's going on?' she asked, hoping he didn't notice how out of breath she sounded.

Maybe it was her imagination but for a brief second the skin under her hand flexed momentarily before relaxing again. Ichigo heaved a sigh, "It's some stupid dance that's coming up," he said and she continued to blink at him expectantly he further elaborated. "Every term there's some dance or other where students dress up, eat food and dance... it's really stupid and a waste of time."

Rukia's interests perked at the thought of attending such a function. Having died a baby she'd never had these experiences that were so mundane and redundant to Ichigo. She opened her mouth to suggest they go but then his words set in. He thought the dance was stupid. And even though Rukia didn't always agree with his conclusions, she could tell he had no interest to go.

He was already walking towards class and with one last lingering stare at the poster, she followed behind him.

/

School had been miserable. Not that it was much fun to begin with, but he usually had more tolerance for it, but today he just couldn't muster the energy to apply himself. His mood was not hidden from his friends and he'd been unnecessarily short with Keigo. He apologized of course, but much like a kid, Keigo had already forgiven him and was gushing about who he'd ask to the dance.

He'd thrown a hopeful look at Rukia, caught Ichigo's expression and turned his attention elsewhere. His sour mood must have been stifling, because his friends made certain to not directly include him in any conversations. Secretly he was glad for this; it gave him time to think about why he was so agitated.

And all thoughts led to that stupid dance. He wasn't an idiot, he'd seen the hopeful look in Rukia's eyes, but honestly he couldn't dance to save his life and those functions had always been a bore for him. But Rukia wanted to go and maybe if they went... it would help him clear up all the confusion he felt around her lately.

The harmless touches weren't helping his thought process much. He'd be minding his own business- obsessing over his thoughts on Rukia- and out of the blue he'd feel her hand lightly on his skin. Or her shoulder would bump his arm and then his progress would just go downhill. More obsessing would ensue.

He needed sound advice. Someone who was older, matured and would be understanding. When he weighed his options he was surprised to find his list was pitiful at the very least. The person who he deemed most viable was Ukitake-taicho and he was in Seireitei. It would certainly ring alarms if he dropped in unannounced for something so trivial. Plus the captain probably had a lot to deal with, what with his squad and constant illness.

So that eliminated his most legitimate option.

His father was definitely off limits. The guy was nuts and he couldn't keep his mouth shut even under water. So no... he had to find someone else.

In the end he found himself standing before the familiar quaint shop owned by one Urahara Kisuke. For once the ex-captain was actually surprised at his arrival. Ushering him in with a smile and calculating eyes.

Okay so Urahara wasn't exactly the most upstanding guy, but he was intelligent- maybe unethical and deceptive but he was very shrewd.

Ichigo asked if they could converse in private, to this, the shopkeeper arched an eyebrow and led him to their old training ground, the vast basement underneath the shop.

Sitting crossed leg across from him, Urahara, tipped his hat slightly back and spoke, "So what's this private matter you needed to discuss, Kurosaki?" he asked with a his usual easy cadence.

Ichigo fidgeted debating with himself whether this really was such a good idea. But there was no turning back.

"This is completely hypothetical," he began, voice slightly shaky.

Urahara might have arched an eyebrow, but he couldn't tell. "Oh?"

Ichigo nodded, his eyes glued to the sand beneath him. "Let's say hypothetically you had this friend, you know but she's a girl," he cringed already thinking it was indeed a bad idea. But Urahara motioned for him to continue. "And you two have been friends for a long time-"

"How long?" Urahara asked.

Ichigo frowned, "does it even matter?" he asked exasperatedly but the shopkeeper just gave him a pointed look. "Years, okay." He finally relented before he continued. "All of a sudden you're starting to realise that this friend is actually a girl...not that you didn't know she was a girl but well now you can clearly see she's a girl-" he was rambling now and his nerves were getting the best of him.

"A friend you've known for a long time, who you finally see as being more than a friend?" Urahara helped along.

"Yeah something like that, only well, only-" this was the part he was struggling most with. He was embarrassed and so out of his element right now. But he pushed onwards. "You're even starting to have well... inappropriate dreams about her and it's effecting how you treat her and... and you're so going to ruin your friendship," he concluded now hanging his head.

Saying it out loud was like finally admitting it was happening. And that scared him. More even than sword-happy-slashing Kenpachi.

A long silence followed his admission, eventually prompting him to lift his yes up to Urahara. He'd expected the man to laugh, but was surprised to see he was actually mulling over Ichigo's words.

Urahara removed his hat, ruffled his unruly hair before placing the hat back on. "Well... this is quite the problem Kurosaki-san, I can understand why you've been battling with it. Granted it's somewhat late but hormones kick in eventually and attractions bloom-"

"What?!" Ichigo shrieked. He was just talking about feelings here not-not-not, he couldn't even say it in his head! "That's not what I'm talking about!"

"So you don't find, Kuchiki attractive?"

Ichigo stammered. "Why does this have to do with Rukia?" he blurted, even though Urahara clearly saw through him. "It's a hypothetical situation!" and he was certain Urahara also noticed how he omitted to confirm or deny the question.

Was he attracted to Rukia? Was that it? He wondered wildly. He did want to kiss her. Her touch sort of made him unbearably hot and uncomfortable... was that all signs he was attracted to her? Because if it was, then this problem just got bigger.

"I can't speak for Kuchiki, but Kurosaki you do realise you'll have to face this head on?" Urahara asked him.

Did he? Did he even want to?

"Maybe it's a passing phase," Urahara added with a shrug. "You won't know unless you delve into it."

That sounded logical, but was it logical? In a matter of months maybe even weeks his powers would all be gone. Was it worth it to ruin their friendship near its end?

"From personal experience," Urahara went on, now he was grinning mischievously. "I have found relationships borne from friendships are those with the best sexual chemistry."

Ichigo drew a blank, as far as he knew Urahara didn't have many female friends except perhaps Yoruichi. And just as the thought crossed his mind, he came to a startling realisation. That was way too much information! He did not need to know about that!

"Did you have to mention that?" he asked, incredulous.

Urahara shrugged unapologetically. "What? It's the truth... and I thought an example might help you along."

"The part about sexual chemistry I could have done without," Ichigo bit out as he stood up.

It was fine when all he wanted to do was kiss Rukia now Urahara had gone and given it a definition he was not prepared to face. Attraction. Even going so far as to suggest it developing into sexual attraction.

He needed time to think this over, figure out what it meant. And asking Rukia to the dance might be the first step. Also hadn't he been contemplating taking her to the dance after seeing that flier?Of course he'd make it clear they were going as friends and he wouldn't be lying- much. They would be going as friends while he tried to sort this mess in his head as to what 'friends' they were to each other.

He thanked Urahara and said his goodbyes. When he crossed Yoruichi in the passage he couldn't even look her in the eye. This awkwardness would take a bit to die out.

/

Ichigo had already summoned up as much courage as he could muster. His talk with Urahara though awkward at times had been helpful. Though some of the revelations have probably scarred him for life.

Resolved, scowl in place he tracked Rukia to the most obvious place one could find her, unsurprising his bedroom. She was bent over in his desk, scribbling away. At first he assumed it was one of her hideous Chappy drawings but when he peered over her shoulder, he was mildly surprised to find she was actually copying his homework. On her own for a change.

"Oi, Rukia," he said unnecessarily because he knew she was aware of his presence already, but he needed to start the conversation on more familiar ground.

"Hmmm?" she wasn't really listening to him, so he plucked her pen out of her hand, ignoring her indignant cry. "Hey, what's wrong with you? I'm trying to be productive!" she exclaimed.

He bit back the retort that came naturally. It wouldn't do for them to banter and eventually derail the conversation so much that he'd end up losing his nerve. "About that stupid dance," he began, all casual, even trying to look bored about it, like it didn't matter him.

It mattered.

She'd given up trying to snatch back his pen and now sat regarding him. "What about it?" she asked, puffing at the stray lock of hair that fell between her eyes.

Fuck. Ichigo thought as the words in his head began to muddle. He'd been doing fine until Rukia decided to torture him. Why didn't she just cut that errant strand off better yet get a clip? Instead of blowing it out of her eyes in that way that brought his attention to her pursed lips. She was still on that silly lip-gloss too. Double fuck.

"Ichigo?" she prompted now with a frown.

He cleared his throat trying to get a grip over his thoughts. "We're going," he stated. He found it was easier to just tell Rukia stuff then give her room for objections. "Since you like all this high school stuff you might enjoy it," he added, to soften his earlier words.

She rolled her eyes, turning back to the homework and choosing a different pen from his space case. "I'm already going with someone," she said offhandedly.

He bulked, "who?"

"Ishida."

Ichigo's heart stopped, blood rushing in his ears and for a moment he thought she was just trying to be difficult. "What?" he asked, not because he hadn't heard but because he needed her to confirm the statement and assure him he wasn't hearing things.

"I'm going with Ishida," she repeated calmly, already scribbling away.

"Ishida? Uryuu Ishida?" he asked like an idiot.

She glanced over her shoulder at him with a wary look. "Any other Ishida you know?" she asked sarcastically.

"You're going to the dance with Ishida?!" for some reason there was a mad man screaming in his room. It took him a moment to realise that mad man was himself.

Rukia looked startled. "Well yes, he asked me today after lunch," she explained

Ichigo couldn't even begin to grasp what she was saying. Ishida had asked Rukia to the dance. Rukia had been asked to the dance by Ishida. Ishida and Rukia would be going to the dance- together?! Why couldn't she see the wrongness in all this?

"I was actually surprised myself," Rukia was saying with a shrug.

Not surprised enough if you had time to say yes! He thought darkly.

"Did you know Orihime got asked by 10 guys even before first period? And she kindly declined all of them?!" she added with wide eyes.

Ichigo's mind was racing. Orihime's entourage of suitors was the last thing on his mind right now. All he could think about was what a sneaky and unreliable bastard Ishida was! Asking Rukia to the dance without even asking him, Ichigo, first?

Wait a second Kurosaki. That last thought sounded like you think guys need your permission to ask Rukia stuff, like you own her! He thought wildly. Where had that even come from?

Beaten by a dressmaker who's obsessed with white and zipped shirts. His Hollow mocked pityingly.

Ichigo shoved the voice back to his subconscious as he turned back to Rukia. She was watching him with concern, he's never been good at hiding his emotions from her.

"Is there something wrong, Ichigo?" she asked in a softer voice, it was kind even and that was the worse. Why did she have to act like she was all sorry about it or something? Obviously she wasn't since she'd agreed to go with I-am-the-last-Quincy-so-I-get-to-act-like-a-pompou s-know-it-all Ishida.

He was grinding his teeth now, fists clenched tightly. Honestly he shouldn't care who Rukia decided to go with, it's not like he'd wanted to go to the stupid dance anyway! And he voiced out as much, even adding that she should enjoy her stupid dance with her stupid date.

"Ishida isn't stupid!" Rukia defended, like her and Ishida were now close friends or something. "And why are you shouting at me? You didn't even want to go to the stupid dance!" she reminded him.

Because I did think it was stupid until I thought it might not be so stupid if I went with you! But he wasn't foolish enough to say it. "You're also yelling at me!" he snapped back instead.

"Only because you're being an idiot!" Rukia retaliated.

They were both on full blast now, it felt familiar -almost like how they used to argue in the beginning. But in the beginning he wasn't thinking about how kissable her lips looked, or how the fire in her eyes set his heart racing. And before he could fully comprehend what he was doing, he'd grabbed her by the shoulders with the intention to shake some sense into her.

Only he couldn't move and Rukia's eyes were as wide as saucers. I'm going to kiss her. He realised with shock. His first kiss and it was just going to happen. He didn't even think he was prepared. What if he screwed it up? What if Rukia punched him in the face? What if? What if? But before he could pounder his decision further, his father burst into the room.

His entrance was so unexpected, Ichigo immediately released Rukia and both leapt away from each other, faces red and looking anywhere but at the other.

"Er..." his father said, for once seeming out of words as he glanced slowly between them. Then his eyes widened. "Am I such a bad father? Have I taught you nothing?" he began in mock hurt.

But before Ichigo could interrupt the mad man, he went on. "If you're going to take advantage of my poor defenceless third daughter the least you could do, is do it when there's nobody in the house!" his father admonished.

Take advantage? Ichigo's face felt like it was on fire. "It's not what you think you insane psychopath!" he yelled, angry because his father was right and had interrupted something Ichigo was certain could have been a catalyst to many things.

But his father ignored him, leaping to Rukia's side and clutching her hand. "Rukia-san, if my brute of a son tries to force himself onto you, do not hesitate to-"

But he didn't get to finish his sentence because Ichigo had yanked him by the white lab coat and they both subsequently got into their usual physical fighting. It was actually a good distraction because he needed the outlet for all the stuff that was drowning his thoughts.

Rukia was his friend. He was taking advantage of her. What the hell was wrong with him?!