Rukia's eyes widened in surprise as she was spun around. As her lips parted to let out a small cry, she was stopped as she slammed into a
hard object. "Ow…" she grumbled as she massaged her nose, "What the hell…"

"That's my line…" a voice from above her mumbled.

Rukia's violet eyes widened in surprise as her head shot upwards. Her eyes locked on to familiar amber ones as she felt herself breathe in
quickly.

Crap.

"Why-"she began to question him angrily.

Rukia felt herself freeze once again as Ichigo leant down so that his nose was touching hers. His amber eyes were no longer cold, but full of
warmth and humour. His forehead was cold as his face leant even further towards her…

Phwooo.

Rukia gasped as she felt a gust of warm air slam into her face.

"Waaaaaaaaaah?" She yelled as she broke out of his grasp and landed collapsed on the floor. "What the heck is your problem?" she screamed
as she scrambled to her feet.

"What? Did you seriously think I was going to kiss a student?"

Rukia felt her cheeks flame with indignation and embarrassment. "You think you can get away with your outrageous actions? I will take legal
action against you, my brother-"

"I know," the professor interrupted, "your brother is very influential. But what a low blow, Rukia. You would depend on your brother to do your
dirty work? Not that I'm an expert on your personality or anything, but I didn't think you were the type of girl to name drop…"

Rukia scrutinised her teacher, trying to recognise any trace of deviousness. However, Rukia was taken aback at his sincerity and genuine
disappointment. Instead of his usual grin plastered on his face, his eyebrows were furrowed as he stuck a hand into his pocket.

"I was-"

"Yeah yeah. Save it. Here you go; you waltzed off without this thing." Ichigo held out her bag.

Disbelief clouded Rukia's vision momentarily.

That was it? I forgot my bag? How-

"If you're wondering, you left it on the desk… I did try to call you back you know." Ichigo said indolently. "Now then, for you, it's time for
lessons…"

As Rukia closed her outstretched hand around her bag handle, Ichigo lifted a hand and slowly flapped it towards the open door.

"You don't need to tell me, I know where the exit is!" she barked.

As she spun around on her heel, Rukia felt her nails dig into the palms of her hands. They were noticeably clammy and cold.

During her hasty walk towards the exit, Ichigo called out to her once again.

"Oh yes, Rukia?"

Rukia stopped in her tracks, but did not bother to turn around. She was not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered face.
Instead, she turned her head slightly to indicate she was listening.

"I also happen to be very influential you know…"

"Is that so?" She replied crisply, before she strolled out of the exit.

Shit. Shit, shit, shit. Rukia rubbed her temples in quick circles with her fingertips.

I have done the very things I hate the most in the world.

Name dropping and blackmail. (Even though the latter wasn't exactly a success)

Rukia let her fist plummet to her desk as she slammed the desk quietly, ignoring the drone of her teacher's voice.

Damn it, how could I have done that? I have never in my life felt the need to mention my brother's influence and power. I have had no need
in the past. In fact, to get by in this world, I have learned that you can only rely on your own ability and wit. Even with family. You cannot fully
depend on kin. Someday, sooner or later, you will leave them or vice versa. Just because of the similarity in blood, it doesn't bring the assurance
that they will be by your side for the rest of your life.

Then why did I say that? Am I threatened by him? Did I, because of instinct, feel the need to show him that I have power at my fingertips?
That I can dominate?

Rukia flailed a hand violently, as if trying to batter the thought away.

Of course not, I am not threatened by him. Why would I be? I was probably just startled by his… movement.

That's it.

As Rukia recalled the memory, she felt her blood pulse.

That surprised me.

He was so close… close enough to feel his breath on her skin and count the number of eyelashes on each eye. His skin was clear and tanned, with a
masculine facial structure. His tangerine hair tickled her forehead, and she remembered being slightly startled by its softness.

Rukia wrapped a finger around her own jet black hair and grimaced.

What a confusing situation. Either I bring my brother into it, or not. If I bring my brother into it, could it be regarded as... "cheating?"

Rukia deliberated for a moment before she breathed out heavily and gritted her teeth.

I've decided! Kurosaki Ichigo. I shall show you how a Kuchiki plays…

The game is on!