The 'Date' Crasher

It's not that his nervous, seriously Uryu just wants to make sure everything is perfect. Crap! Is that cushion askew? Quickly he picks it up, puffs it out before placing it strategically back on the couch. That's much better. He decides as he admires his handiwork. As usual his apartment is immaculately clean, but today it's almost shiny. He woke two hours early than usual to make sure every surface gleamed and that his engagement would go without a hitch.

Inoue-san had offered to cook lunch, but he'd politely declined. It wouldn't do if he accidently poisoned Kuchiki-san. No- Rukia. He automatically reminds himself. He needs to start being less informal. Not only would he have to deal with her surprisingly protective- 'kill them first than don't even bother asking questions'- brother, but there was also Kurosaki to consider.

After all, he was willing to declare war against an entire organisation, half cocked with only Urahara's dubious training, to prevent her execution. Either he was really stupid (Which he actually wasn't- much to Uryu's surprise) or had already been falling in love with her. The latter was proving to be an obstacle Uryu didn't need. It seemed some divine entity had thought it some big joke, to make Kurosaki aware of girls – a girl in his case, the same time as himself.

To be honest, Uryu had always believed that when he developed feelings for a girl, actual feelings that went deeper than just her personality and appearance, it would be Inoue-san. And for a time he'd entertained the notion, but her not so secret love for Kurosaki was like a huge warning wall. She saw nothing unless it was Kurosaki. But the real nail had been in Hueco Mundo when he, Uryu, was practically bleeding to his death curtsey of Hollow Kurosaki and where was Inoue-san/healer? Blinking tears and crying over a relatively unscathed Kurosaki.

But even then it had never, not even in his wildest moment, occurred to him that he might actually find himself suddenly infatuated with Kuch-Rukia. But the more he covertly studied her, trying to use the excuse of her being a Shinigami and he a Quincy, he found himself coming to the sad realisation that this was probably another instance that would surely end badly for him. Rukia was difficult to read, she held people at arm's length- unless you were Kurosaki and you just shoved your face in her space on a constant basis. As rash and ill mannered as it was, Uryu couldn't help think it probably worked in getting the ever elusive Kuchiki's attention.

But he wasn't about to start yelling at her like some kindergartener, he would find other ways. And as luck would have it, who does he bump into in the corridor, practically salivating over the dance poster but Kuchiki Rukia herself? It seemed like a godsend and as casually and politely as he could, he'd ask if she'd already gotten a dress. And would you believe it? Not only didn't she have a dress but she wasn't going because Kurosaki didn't want to go. Off course he'd nearly broken his glasses and nose in the process as he'd shoved them up the slope of his nose, stunned by his own good fortune.

Uryu wasn't going to let this chance go to waste. Just then his buzzer went off. He walked up to the com-link. "Yes?" he asked.

"Mr Ishida, there is a young woman here to see you. Her name is Rukia Kuchiki. Should I let her pass?" the man (whose name he couldn't be bothered to remember) working at the front desk asked.

"Yes," he said before taking a calming breath. He fidgeted with his hair as he waited for Rukia. When the knock came he was already opening the door.

"If I'd known how many stairs I'd have to climb, I would have just come through your window," Rukia said as she entered, walking pass him.

Uryu furrowed his brows slightly. He knew of her little habit, but he thought she did that just at the Kurosaki residence. "Why didn't you take the lift?" he asked, closing the door and following her into his modest lounge.

Rukia blinked, gave a slight smile before answering. "It actually occurred to me, but I'm never sure which button to push... and Ichigo usually does but he's not here."

The obstacle that was technology. Ishida mused. "Would you like something to drink?" he offered.

"Juice would be fine," Rukia said as she looked around her. "Wow Ishida, you really have a nice place. You leave alone?" she asked.

His father may be absent and lax in his parental duties when it came to the emotional aspect of their relationship, but he made certain his son was well taken care off. Because Uryu was a spendthrift, sometimes he even forgot that compared to most he was pretty well off. "Yeah, it's closer to school," he answered, entering the small kitchen area and retrieving two juice boxes from his refrigerator.

"It's bigger than Ichigo's closet," Rukia remarked as she sat down on the couch.

Uryu had a feeling a lot of places were bigger than Ichigo's closet. He offered her the juice box. "So did you get to the design for your dress?" he asked. It was mostly to be polite. Uryu had already designed the dress that would be perfect for Rukia, but he wanted her to feel involved so he humoured her.

Rukia beamed, grabbing her backpack and after rummaging through it produced a piece of paper. "It's a bit rough, but I had to write it in a rush," she explained.

Ishida was glad his bangs hid his eyebrows, because he was sure they were somewhere in his hairline by now. He knew Rukia was no artist but what the hell was this? He wondered looking at the sketch. Not only was the model a rabbit- yes he was certain that's what the disfigured creature on the sketch was. But it was also wearing something out of the 18th century and not the good part of that era.

By rough, Rukia was really stretching it- this was hurting his eyes. But what else did he expect from a girl who lived with a boy with as much bad taste as Kurosaki? He was obviously rubbing off of her. But fear not, Rukia. I'm going to save you from bad fashion. Uryu concluded in his mind. He liked to consider himself a fashion expert of sorts. Zipped shirts? If that was not setting a trend, than he did not know what was.

He realised that Rukia was waiting on him for his opinion. "It could work," he began, trying not to blatantly lie. And it could, if he took away the ruffles, the elbow length gloves, changed the colour... actually just did everything but what was on the sketch. "Yes, definitely." He added, as he took a sip from his juice.

Rukia beamed, pleased with his assessment. "So should we get to the measurements?" she asked. "Last time we didn't finish."

Uryu snorted the drink up his nose, but he was so well mannered that the biggest reaction, the near drowning got out of him, was a burning nose and slightly watering eyes. He'd almost forgotten that this was the reason for Rukia's house call. To be honest he had an idea of Rukia's measurements just by looking at her. And when he'd asked her to remove her shirt it had been to spite nosey Kurosaki with his glaring reiastu and chatty accomplice.

Only the plan had backfired, because now he found himself wondering if Rukia was as unblemished and pale all over. I'm no better than Keigo at this point. He thought shamefully, but before he could respond he caught something orange through his window. But then it was gone, he almost thought he'd imagined it but then the orange fuzz was accompanied by Kurosaki's unwanted face.

He could see that the other boy was trying to get his attention. Waving his arms and making nonsensical gestures with his face on the other side of the window. What did Kurosaki think he was? An expert in lip reading? He thought even as he regretted not having closed the blinds.

Rukia noticed his attention was elsewhere and turned her head. "That's Ichigo." She stated unnecessarily.

"Indeed," Ishida agreed.

"Why is he jumping up and down like that?" Rukia asked.

Because he is an idiot. Uryu thought as he watched Rukia walk up to the window and slide it open. Not a moment too soon, because Ichigo fell in, crashing awkwardly onto his carpet.

"Ichigo what are you doing here?" Rukia asked him, perplexed.

That's the same question on Uryu's mind. He didn't remember extending the invitation to the substitute Shinigami or giving him his address for that matter. Obviously the other boy had come with the intention of thwarting his plans. Uryu silently vowed that if it's war Kurosaki wanted, then a war he'd get.

/

Ichigo stood up, checking if he hadn't broken anything when he'd fallen onto Ishida's floor. It would just be his luck if he actually hurt himself. Then he remembered Rukia had asked him a question. "Would you believe it, I was on my way to the grocery shop and remembered you mentioned coming here... so I thought I'd check on you," he replied with a fake cheer. "Just in case a Hollow showed up of course." He added, so his lie actually sounded more thought out.

By the glare Ishida was directing at him, he knew the Quincy didn't buy it. Neither did Rukia but she seemed more interested in thrusting a juice box in his face with an expectant look, than exposing his lie. "Now you're just being lazy," he said but he still took it and stuck the straw in for her.

"I didn't know you'd be gracing us with your presence," Ishida said. He had his uptight look on- the one where his mouth is curved into a condescending smirk-like thing, only his eyes hold no amusement at all.

Neither did Ichigo to be honest. The last thing he'd planned on doing on a Saturday when Hollow activity was relatively low was hang out at Ishida's. But then Rukia had mentioned her 'date' over breakfast and he had to make sure she actually got the right address. Rukia had a tendency of getting lost and landing herself in all sorts of trouble.

EG running in the rain only, to get caught by Renji and Byakuya and getting herself arrested. Losing her way in a Baunto house and getting into a fight. Getting derailed in Hueco Mundo and nearly getting herself killed. Seriously that girl would be dead- or in her case, even more so- if it weren't for him always saving her ungrateful ass.

"Like I said I was in the neighbourhood, for groceries," he said with a shrug.

Ishida pushed up his glasses, probably to better look down on him. "Surprising," he said dryly. "Considering there are at least seven groceries stores on your way here. Anyone of which, well supplied with provisions."

Trust Mr Genius to state the obvious. "But the one on the next block has the best produce." Ichigo said. Which he had no way of knowing since he'd never even entered it.

"I'm sure," Ishida drawled. "Well, it was nice of you to drop by but as you can see-"

"Is this supposed to be your dress?" Ichigo asked Rukia and effectively interrupting Ishida's request to leave. He'd snatched the paper out of the unsuspecting Quincy's hand and was now eyeing it. He really hoped it wasn't'. But if the dress Ishida sewed onto Kon was any indication, than it probably would be.

Rukia nodded. "Isn't it just pretty?"

It's awful, someone should burn this paper. "It's definitely going to get everyone's attention," he muttered.

"You're just jealous," Rukia harrumphed, snatching the sheet of paper out of his hand so she could give it the 'proper' appreciation it deserved.

"So you're making Rukia's dress?" he asked Ishida.

Ishida turned to him, having been watching Rukia. That unsettled Ichigo. He knew the Quincy thought he was being discreet, but since finding out he'd asked Rukia to the dance. Ichigo had began observing him and eventually it became an observing Ishida, observe Rukia situation. Things were so much easier when Ishida hated Shinigamis.

"Yes, this way there's no mistake of us of being mismatched," Ishida answered, emphasising the 'us'.

Pompous git. Ichigo thought darkly. He didn't need the unpleasant reminder.

"I imagine it will be difficult and I can already see obstacles in the way," Ishida said, pausing to give Ichigo a meaningful look. "But I'm always up for a challenge," he finished.

Ichigo scowled. "Are we still talking about the dress?" he asked.

Ishida smirked. "Of course."

And they both knew it for the lie that statement was.

/

"You know that was very rude."

Ichigo glanced at her. "What was?" he asked. They were walking back to his house, after what had turned into an awkward visit at Ishida's. Rukia had felt like she was missing something, when all Ichigo and Ishida did was exchange thinly veiled insults at each other.

But then again it could be something boys at their age did. Although she'd grown up around rowdy boys she'd never gotten the opportunity to spend time with teenage boys much until meeting Ichigo. After all, Renji had abandoned her shortly after they entered the Academy and she got adopted into the Kuchiki family.

Rukia rolled her eyes at his question. "Inviting yourself like that," she explained. She honestly couldn't understand Ichigo. First he acts completely disinterested in her appointment with Ishida and the next moment his climbing up five storeys and crashing through people's windows. Sometimes he could be so strange.

"That's the last time I go out of my way to make sure you don't get lost," he huffed, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"Because I'm always getting lost in Karakura?" she said sarcastically. There may have been things about the living world that confused her, but she could navigate around quite easily. As she'd been doing long before she even met Ichigo.

He snorted, scowling all the more. "Why do you always have to throw anything nice I do for you in my face?" he asked.

"Because you always go about it in a stupid manner," she retorted.

Ichigo stopped walking, glaring down at her. "Are you calling me stupid?" he demanded.

"You know I'm standing right next to you," Rukia said as she shoved pass him. "There's no need to shout."

"That's never stopped you before," Ichigo accused and she stopped dead in her tracks.

Rukia had tried being patient with Ichigo. Honestly, she felt that she was doing a splendid job of keeping her cool, considering her inner turmoil. Not only did she have to deal with dreams about Ichigo, be around Ichigo, and have him call her a bad kisser – she had not forgotten about that- but she also had to deal with his grouchiness.

Ichigo was no stranger to brooding, but lately it's all he seemed to be interested in. And it was really starting to annoy Rukia. A few times, she'd been this close to just kicking his head until he got over it. Honestly, he wasn't the one who had to deal with confusing feelings on a daily basis!

She spun around and stormed back to where he still stood. "It's not my fault your deaf on top of being stupid!" she snapped her tempering flaring. "You're so stupid I can't even find the words to describe it!"

"Maybe you should read a dictionary then instead of your lousy Manga collection!" he shot back.

At that point she was so angry she couldn't even think of a smart comeback. "You're just so... so... so stupid!" she finally exclaimed.

Stupid because you risk your life to save me when I specifically told you not.

Stupid because you didn't wait for me when you went to Hueco Mundo.

Stupid for saving me just when I was certain that mutant caterpillar was going to kill me.

Stupid because you're the last person I think of every time I think I'm about to die only to have you save me. Again.

"So stupid!" she repeated, slightly out of breath, fists clenched at her sides.

Because here I am falling in love with you when I shouldn't!

The sudden realisation made her cold all over. Because all the time she spent trying not to fall for him, she was already falling and now it was too late to start back tracking.

Rukia wasn't going to cry tears of frustration. That would be silly and completely embarrassing. She told herself as she glared at the ground. It's all Ichigo's fault anyways. She decided. It had to be, he was the one who just wouldn't let her go back to her lonely and unfulfilling life. He was so damn clinging and it was obviously contagious because look at the mess she was.

"If I'm stupid than we bother are," Ichigo said softly, bringing her out of her thoughts. She'd forgotten he was there or where they were. "Did you hear me Rukia?" he prodded until she was forced to look up. "Because we want things we shouldn't want." He finished.

Rukia understood too well what he meant, because when you removed all the irrelevant and petty stuff and got to the core of it. They understood each other, perhaps better than they understood themselves. Had she really not realised that he was struggling with the same? Even now, they were fighting the same battle only this time they were fighting it at opposite ends.

She wanted to feel relieve, happiness and a certain smugness that he obviously didn't find her as annoying and unattractive as he was always insinuating. Yet she couldn't. The implications of something more developing between them would be disastrous. One of them would have to give up their world. Neither was selfish enough to expect that from the other.

"Ichigo, I'm dead," Rukia pointed out, always the voice of reason because she has to be. If Ichigo had it his way, they'd be breaking rules left, right and centre. So much his father's son in that instance.

"Really? I had no idea," he said sarcastically.

Rukia scowled at him. "I'm being serious," she snapped.

"Then stop being so serious," Ichigo said exasperated. " You're always complicating things when they don't have to be."

"Because they always are."

"So are you, but I've found a way around it."

Rukia shook her head and resumed walking. It was pointless talking to Ichigo when he was like this.

"Oi, Rukia!' He called out, because he hadn't moved.

She turned back to him. She'd never seen Ichigo blush before and it would be amusing if it wasn't so cute. "Just so we're clear, I'm not going to give up." He stated.

She shook her head, fighting off the smile threatening to spread on her face. "To be honest, I wouldn't expect anything less," she admitted. "Let's go home, Ichigo." She added.

She began walking again and he easily fell into step with her.

"You're brother is actually going to kill me this time," he mused aloud.

"Probably just castrate you."

"Whaaaaat?!"

IIII

End note: Firstly thank you for the reviews! Been so busy, I neglected to reply to them but I really appreciate them. Also apologies for errors- I only went through this once before posting it. It's not laziness, I'm just really tired from RL.

To be honest I see Ishida more as the type who'd drink out of a glass. I know some people don't like him, but I actually do. He is the only living friend who is never angst-ing over Ichigo when he is in a fight of his own, unlike Orihime and sadly Chad. That gets him brownie points from me.

You would have noticed by now that there's a lot Ichigo and Rukia don't say to each other, but I feel that's one of the things that make their relationship special. They don't have to be love struck and overly mushy- they just are. So I'm trying to preserve that unwritten rule between them, but still bringing them together.