DISCLAIMER: IF THAT WERE THE CASE THEN I WOULD MAKE A WHOLE LOT OF ICHIRUKI AND ZERO ICHIHIME AND RENJIRUKI~

Chapter 6: Preheating the Oven

Rukia Kuchiki had walked briskly along the halls of a traditional rich Japanese estate in a prim and proper fashion. Her heels made a sharp classy thud with every step and her semi formal attire flowed with the soft wind blowing through the formal structure.

She walked through the huge maze of a mansion with familiarity, she memorized every corner, wall and every tiny crack on every wall.

The breeze displaced her hair but she absentmindedly fixed them back in place as she went pass a corner and arrived in front of a big and fancy traditional sliding door. She slid it open and immediately went on her knees.

"Brother. You called for me?"

A proud man sat in the middle of the elegant room. He wore a white Kimono probably worth a few apartments. His black hair had been let down for his summoning was not entirely a formal affair. It was a family meeting after all. He looked as neutral but handsome as ever. A picture of his late wife stood on a shrine behind him.

He looked up and stared directly at her. "Rukia." he called out in a resolute tone with a proud deep voice. "I am in need of a favor. I am confident that you are willing to oblige?"

Rukia gulped and maintained her posture. "Yes brother. What will you have me do?" she asked politely.

"I believe you are aware that I am funding Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto's film." he stated.

Rukia nodded. "Yes I am well aware of that."

He looked at her while still remaining as neutral as ever. "I will be attending a meeting in China tomorrow." she stated.

"So what are you asking of me brother?" she asked as politely as possible as well as wondering what was his point.

"I am to attend a party in commemoration for the shooting of the last scene of Yamamoto's movie. I cannot be there to attend so I will make you as my representative because I will be unable to attend due to my business trip." he stated though it was an order.

Rukia nodded in agreement until a certain realization hit her.

Ichigo...

"B-brother... Am I required to come in your stead? Must it be me?" she asked shakingly.

"Do not stutter!" he snapped at her. "Now, you will be my representative. Do the Kuchiki clan well Rukia..." he stated once more neutrally.

Rukia couldn't help but look worried but she had managed to work out an absolute poker face. "Yes... Brother..."

He sighed. "Grow up Rukia. You will head the Kuchiki clan someday, I cannot have you waste your days on nothing more than a coffee shop. When the time comes, you will end this little charade.." he stated as coldly as possible.

She nodded despite the heavy feeling in her chest. "Yes... Brother."

"Very well... You are dismissed." he stated motioning her to leave.

She nodded and stood up promptly. She left the suffocating room as soon as possible. Her brother's presence was enough to suffocate her let alone corrode her stable mind to pieces.

Byakuya Kuchiki carried that aura around him hence, he was a man to be feared. Though it's more of respect,the fear still lingers.

His bitterness had stemmed from his late wife. His happiness had slipped away along with her life. All that's left is an empty shell of a man who does nothing but live. That's what's so intimidating about the man. It's like speaking to the dead and the dead was frightening.

Rukia walked for the exit as fast as he legs could take her. She wanted to escape from this suffocating estate. Back to the freedom her cafe offered. Somewhere she could breath and not be a Kuchiki. Be herself and not some doll.

After all, she was Rukia. Just Rukia.

After a short while, the exit had become visible. As she walked through the gates, the maids had bowed before her.

"Please take care of yourself mistress Rukia."

Rukia gave them an acknowledging nod as she finally exited the estate and walked back to her cafe. She had to get there in time for opening time.

Another cold breeze hit her blowing both her hair and her dress. She quickly put one down to keep her dress in control while her other fixed her hair.

"It really is almost Christmas... It's just two weeks away..." she mumbled to herself.

The chilling air felt fantastic against her ivory skin as she walked briskly towards the nearest train station. She entered the crowded area, slipped her card out and went though turnstile. Eventually, she finally entered a train and luckily found an unoccupied seat amongst the numerous passengers.

She sat on the cold steel seat feeling tired and relieved at the fact she didn't have to stand in the cramped train filled with unknown people. Especially since this carries the constant threat of perverts and she didn't want to hurt anyone. Well, of course being stared upon by lecherous old men didn't mean she was helpless, it just gave her an excuse to whip someone's ass.

They finally announced her stop and she got off and moved with the crowd. There happened to be one grubby hand who had attempted to molest her ass. Though she had managed to accidentally bump onto some other woman and that woman nearly lost her balance and ended up shielding Rukia. What that woman did to the old lecherous man is something that could not be described with mere words.

Though there were some police officers to alleviate the incident so the matter was settled quickly with the grubby old man in handcuffs.

Rukia couldn't help but snort at the scene. Though she just carried on her merry way and went out of the station and back on the cemented pavement of the sidewalk. Her place was only a few blocks away from the station so it didn't take her too long to get home. She loved the weather so she didn't mind the walk. She finally came across her beloved cafe and brought out her keys. Her hand grabbed a familiar key and placed it in the lock. A click emanated from the door and she opened it to enter.

She went straight upstairs to change back into uniform and get rid of the semi formal attire she had been dying to get rid off the moment she wore it. She didn't like wearing anything formal just to see her oh so lovely brother. She quickly entered her room and went straight for her closet while zipping down her intolerable dress. She took a familiar set of clothes from the closet and changed into it quickly while throwing the dress into a laundry basket amidst all the changing.

She rushed downstairs to make a quick preparation for the day and made sure to at least lower down the air conditioning. Those customers would prefer to go someplace warm.

Though I can always leave my door open and just let the air in. Though who knows what might come in with the air. Orange pests perhaps?

Nah, if he ever went it she'd have to call for a restraining order. Naturally, she'd put the restraining order through herself. It's not like she had totally quit her previous profession, she was simply not active. Though she still does take the time to visit the current head of the district attorney's office. He was her subordinate after all even though they tend to piss each other off to hell as well as the fact that he happens to be the love of her best friends life.

She was still a legal attorney technically speaking. She just wanted to do other things that didn't involve the dangers of prosecuting criminals. Especially the hardcore ones.

Rukia simply approached the door and flipped the welcoming sign before assuming her usual position behind the counter on the stool. She went back to her usual bored position. One of her hands found her cellphone and she dialed a very familiar number. She placed it against her ear and waited for the person she was calling to pick up. Eventually the person she was calling picked up.

"Hello?" a high pitched voice greeted.

Rukia smiled. "Momo. I have a favor. A big one."

"Sure. What is it? Don't tell me it's another Kuchiki affair?" she replied with a sullen voice now.

"Not really, though I am representing my brother at the party and I need to dress for the occasion. Besides, I can't pick any sort of clothing without you." Rukia told her friend.

"In other words, I'm gonna have to find you a dress today?" she asked excitedly.

"Yes, meet me up here at the cafe. I'll call Renji." she stated.

"Mmhm No problemo!" she chirped happily. "At three perhaps? Maybe we could have dinner as well."

Rukia smiled warmly at the voice of her friend. "Sure why not..."

"Though about that... Shiro would have to come as well..." she warned Rukia.

Rukia's face had converted to a frown. "Why?" she snapped.

"Because, I can't just leave him here in my apartment!" she attempted to reason.

"I guess he can carry our stuff... W-wait! What is he doing there! Don't tell me... Ugh..."

Momo giggled. "Sorry Rukia... We were both feeling a little... Er... Sexually frustrated."

"Please keep your experiences to yourself..." Rukia moaned.

"But Rukia, yesterday was so special!" she whined.

"How so? the act is still the same! Just keep them to yourself..." Rukia said trying to stop her friend from talking about her sex life.

"Rukia... He actually let me be on top yesterday..." she whined once more.

"That's it... I'm hanging up." she seethed as she closed her phone uniformly hence, ending the conversation.

She nearly slammed her phone on the countertop. "Momo..." she growled. "I did not need to know what you do in bed..." she seethed.

Then she sighed a long sigh that made her sound old. "Oh well... Today's going to be a very long day."

"Ichigo!" a familiar voice shouted to him.

Ichigo opened his eyes slowly an found that he was standing in his old neighborhood at around sunset. The sky was drenched in orange as the sun was setting. Although, even through all the bright lights coming in his direction, he could make out a feminine figure out in the sunset's shadow.

She seemed to have been calling for him.

Ichigo pulled out a warm smile and ran off to see her. Though it was just a back view he was certain.

Senna...

As he was about to hold her she had begun to run away from him teasingly. "Catch me if you can!"

Ichigo smirked as he began to run after her. After little effort he had caught her. His arms had been wrapped around her as both of them were out of breath. Her dress flowed with the late afternoon wind as he still held her.

"Ichigo." she called out.

"Yeah?"

"You should let go."

"What? Why?"

"I don't mean that. I'm not saying I didn't miss your hugs. I meant me in general."

"Is something wrong Senna?"

"There's someone who can make you happier Ichigo. Make the rain stop."

"No... There isn't."

"Don't be so stubborn. I'm gone. That someone still lives. She'll make all the rain I made worse stop."

"There's no one like that Senna."

"But Ichigo. You've already met her." she stated to him sweetly.

She broke out Ichigo's protective arms making him feel scared. Was she leaving him again?

She slowly turned around.

Instead of her bright gold eyes. He was met with deep amethyst.

Ichigo Kurosaki woke up in a start. His eyes were in shock as he was sweating an awful lot. He desperately scanned the room to find that he was in his bedroom. He let out a big sigh of relief and dropped back flat on his bed and placed his hand over his forehead.

"Shit. What the hell was that?"

Great, I'm dreaming of her now. I must be going mental.

Ichigo stared at the dead ceiling for precisely five minutes before actually deciding to get up and take a bath. He kicked of the blanket and stood up tall stretching all the stiffness and little kinks away. He walked towards his bathroom while he was taking his shirt off.

That was such a bizarre dream, he thought as he leaned his toned form against the cold tiles of his bathroom. The cold seemed to have no effect on him at the moment as his thought ran wild. He knew it was all his imagination but the last bit was the most baffling to him.

Rukia...

Just what exactly did Senna mean by that? Then again, this was probably a figment of his imagination.

He shook his head wildly and began to undress the rest of himself to take a bath. He stepped in the shower and drenched himself in hot water in hopes of calming himself but to no avail so he decided to go take a cold shower.

The cold shower didn't do it's job either.

He stepped out feeling even more frustrated as he grabbed a towel hanging on the towel rack. He dried majority if himself but didn't feel like changing yet so he draped his towel over his lower region and went back to his bedroom to lie down once more.

As he began to settle in the comfort the bed offered the sound of his doorbell sounded all over his apartment. He groaned as he stood up lazily and opened the door. "Who is it?" he asked lazily.

A wide eyed Tatsuki was found outside the door. "Uhh... Ichigo. Explain why you only have a towel on..."

Ichigo looked at her weirdly. "Something wrong?"

She shook her head hesitantly. "Ah no. I was just coming by to recheck tomorrow's schedule with you. Speaking of which, you wouldn't have a girl in there do you?" she asked.

Ichigo stared at her as his brain was attempting register her statement. "Huh? You think I got laid?" he said amusingly.

Then he felt a sharp staggering pain on the top of his head.

"Never mind!" she said snobbishly as her fist was still raised in the air from hitting.

"What the heck was that for Tatsuki?" he mumbled angrily though he really didn't seem all that mad.

"Who cares." she said as she barged in his apartment, rushed straight to his room and grabbed a blanket just so she could throw it at him. "Get dressed."

Ichigo groaned. "Yeah yeah..." he replied absentmindedly as he went to find something to wear. He eventually settled on some comfy jeans and a form fitting shirt.

Ichigo followed Tatsuki to the living room lazily as he literally crashed on the couch. Something Tatsuki just sighed at.

"Okay. First thing's first is the party tomorrow. Did you remember to get a tux?" she asked in a businesslike manner.

"Yeah, I got it from the tailor's late last night..." he mumbled.

"What! You went out to get it without a disguise?" she burst.

Ichigo simply looked at her. "Nah, they delivered it so it's in my closet now..."

Tatsuki let out a sigh of relief.

"Speaking of which, our main producer will be present tomorrow or so I've heard." Tatsuki informed him.

As soon as she told him the news, his breathing had become a little constricted. "Y-you mean Byakuya Kuchiki?" he croaked.

"Yeah why?"

"Well, I've been watching the news and I've heard the Kuchiki corporation has a meeting with some big influential Chinese company tomorrow." Ichigo told her, his voice was now more alive.

"Really? Then I guess he has another Kuchiki to represent him. So what?" Tatsuki said obliviously.

"What Kuchiki would it be?" he asked discreetly.

Tatsuki still looked confused. "It used to be his wife but after she passed away his sister was the one in charge of business whenever he's gone. I know for a fact that Rukia Kuchiki is the clan's heiress despite her blood relations."

"I- I see."

Tatsuki gave him a smirk. "It's fine, she rejects a lot of his requests nowadays."

It was only then that Ichigo eased his breathing. "Alright then."

"Was I right about the fact that you have a crush on her?" she teases.

"No!" he retorted.

"Miss her? I'm pretty sure you haven't seen her for around a week?"

"You've been my friend long enough not to ask." he told her.

"I've been your friend long enough to know what probably happened." she told him.

The two friends shared a knowing silence before Tatsuki went on about tomorrow's schedule.

Rukia left the cafe quickly. She had been walking briskly so that she was in front. She didn't enjoy looking at her best friend being so lovey dovey right in front of her and so to remedy the problem, stay at the front.

She had been a bit irritated but that didn't stop men from checking her out as she walked. After all, Rukia Kuchiki was pretty when she's mad. She had been wearing a classy trench coat with a white silk scarf for the weather as well as some leather boots which would've cost at least ten customer bills.

All in all, Rukia Kuchiki was a symbol of sheer elegance and pure natural beauty.

She simply walked in the cold weather followed by Momo and Toshiro.

The couple on the other hand was a subject of envy among most passing couples and single women and occasionally, the single men. Momo had clung onto Toshiro's arm as Toshiro on the other hand remained silent due to a little embarrassment. Though it was quite evident that he enjoyed having Momo hang around him. He even managed a small blush and a smile in complete contrast to his usual grumpiness. Perhaps Momo just had that kind of effect on the man.

After going through much envious stares, they had finally arrived at the mall Momo and Rukia frequented.

Momo began to pick up the pace just so that she could catch up to Rukia while dragging Toshiro with her in the process.

"So where shall we start Rukia?" she asked excitedly.

Rukia smiled at her hyperactive friend. "Well... This is a formal party so I'm guessing the usual expensive dress shop."

Momo beamed. "Exactly!" then she looked at Toshiro. "Come on Shiro."

Toshiro groaned but then he just sighed at Momo's smiling face. How could he say no to that? In the end he just allowed himself to be dragged willingly.

The two women plus guy went their merry way to the usual place where Rukia would buy her dresses for formal events. They casually walked to the store chatting along the way while Toshiro followed Momo like the responsible boyfriend he was.

They finally arrive at a classy looking boutique where one could easily spot all the rich women in the area. There were CEO's, prominent women in society as well actresses. Though in Rukia's case it was more of a prominent woman plus her friend and her friend's boyfriend who happens to be prominent on the news due to the fact that he was the head prosecutor at the district attorney's office.

Guess they were exclusive enough.

Rukia stepped in the store in a businesslike fashion easily outdoing all the customers in the store. They all had implants and tons of makeup plastered all over their faces. She didn't do any implants or drench her face in make up.

She began to look at one row while Momo had been searching at the opposite side. Toshiro had taken the liberty to be the male opinion. After much searching they had come across a stunning deep violet halter dress that didn't have an over the top plunging neckline but would probably show a sophisticated amount of cleavage but with draped cummerbund effect and a flowing skirt that had a small slit on the side. The back was nearly nonexistent.

Rukia gave Momo a knowing look and Momo nodded back. Toshiro just watched the silent agreement unfold as his girlfriend ran off to find a matching pair of shoes and a matching purse. Rukia entered the nearest fitting room.

Toshiro just stood in the middle of the boutique waiting for the two girls while being oblivious to the stares he was receiving. He absentmindedly tousled his white hair before placing his hands back in his pocket, he could've sworn he heard a few girls squealing over something. He had been wearing a black jacket and his favorite red scarf as well as an ice blue shirt on the inside with dark blue butter soft jeans. Without trying, Toshiro looked like a model.

Then he heard familiar giggling near the fitting room.

"Finally." he mumbled.

Then he strode towards the two women.

"What took you guys so long?" he whined.

Momo noticed Toshiro as smiled. "Oh Shiro! Look, isn't Rukia gorgeous?" she squealed at him nearly busting an eardrum.

Eventually, Toshiro looked at Rukia. His eyes widened in shock but then he smirked. "You actually look good short stuff." he stated as though it was a fact.

"I believe that that was the first compliment Toshiro Hitsugaya has ever given me." Rukia replied sarcastically.

Rukia had looked absolutely stunning, perfect, gorgeous, beautiful in that dress. The back wasn't totally nonexistent, it just stopped a few ways from the end of her spine. The big picture was that her milky white skin was exposed at the back and the length of the dress was perfect. The dress fitted her like a glove. A sexy glove if you will.

"My God Rukia... You're so gorgeous..." Momo had concluded in a breath.

"I know! I'm just gonna watch those celebrity jaws drop in awe." she smirked.

"Why don't you go and be fashionably late." Momo suggested.

Rukia looked at her weirdly but then smiled. "Kuchikis are supposed to be punctual but I guess this could slide."

"Excellent!" Momo squealed. "Tell me all about it on Sunday okay!" she demanded.

Rukia gave her an approving nod.

Things were happy but then Momo noticed that a few women in the store were gawking at her man and she seemed to get a little pissed. So the moment Rukia was busy paying for the dress she absolutely fell in love with Momo and Toshiro were waiting in the middle of the store.

"Momo, how can you be best friends with her?" Toshiro asked teasingly as he placed an arm over her shoulder.

"Who knows? Though you have to be grateful to your former boss Shiro." Momo whined pretentiously.

He groaned. "Why?"

Then Toshiro was jerked down. Momo's hand pulled him by the nape of his neck and placed her full lips on his causing many jealous gasps in the room. Toshiro was shocked at first because it was such a sudden thing but he momentarily closed his eyes and had begun to respond shortly. The couple had managed some self control so the kiss couldn't reach it's full potential.

"If she didn't hook us up I don't who I'd be in love with."

He leaned down to whisper. "Shall we pick up where we left off Momo?" he whispered in her ear huskily.

Momo blushed but managed to keep her blush in check. "If you'd let me be on top again." she replied in an equal manner.

Rukia came walking casually back. "So guys, wanna grab some dinner?" she asked nonchalantly.

Momo put her hands together. "Of course!"

"I'll pay for it Rukia." Toshiro offered.

Rukia grinned. "If you're offering then why not? I assume your current job is filling your wallet well?"

He smiled back. "No thanks to you."

Rukia faked punched him on the arm. "It's all thanks to me. If I hadn't left you'd still be stuck as just the high prosecutor."

A vein popped up on Toshiro's forehead. "Don't push it." he seethed.

Rukia squeezed his arm jokingly. "I'm sure you have a form of ventilation." she said while gesturing to Momo.

"Shut up!" he retorted to Rukia's statement with a complexion that rivaled that of Renji's hair.

The prominent figure and her best friend and her best friends boyfriend went to hit some Chinese restaurant.

"Come on Tatsuki! Is a dress that hard to find?" Ichigo whined like a child to his boyish but still attractive manager who had dragged him along to search for a dress for tomorrows party.

Tatsuki shot him a cold glare. "There's no way I'm showing up underdressed. I'm your frigging manager! There are certain expectations of me too!" she retorted back to him as she ransacked a rack full of clothing in the most expensive dress shop in the area.

"Whatever." he stated as he looked around.

The good thing about having Tatsuki around was that he could walk around in broad daylight with his natural hair. She was a bodyguard enough.

Ichigo heard numerous jealous gasps erupt from the whole shop. It seemed to have been directed to a kissing couple in the middle of the room. One was some short white haired punk and the girl had brown hair and a familiar looking bun. He barely gave the couple any attention. Though as soon as they were finished, it seems Ichigo had been spotted by the fangirls and they had surrounded him as he watched Tatsuki look for a dress.

"Oh My God! It's Ichigo Kurosaki!"

"He's so hot!"

"Kyaa! Oh My Gawd!"

"He so hot in person!"

"Take off your shirt!"

"Sign my arm!"

That's what they were all squealing to him as he attempted to ignore them. He then brought out his skull headphones and cranked it up to the maximum volume. Though he then felt Tatsuki tug on his arm and so he took them off.

"How bout this one?" Tatsuki asked while blatantly ignoring the fans.

Ichigo shrugged. "It suits you for sure."

"Come on... Seriously!" she scolded at him while eyeing him coldly.

"In all honestly, it would make you a whore." he stated shamelessly.

Tatsuki double glanced the dress and chuckled. "You're right. It does looks like a hooker dress." she stated as she placed it back on the rack.

As he began to look around once more, he saw the kissing could exit the store but this time, there was a third person and unless he was going mental and blind he could've sworn he saw a short raven haired woman with ivory white skin. He leaned to see more but they had been too far already.

He shook his head violently. I'm not looking for her...

"Ichigo! How bout this one!" Tatsuki hollered.

Ichigo smiled and went to see what Tatsuki was up to now.

I won't see her anymore. That's done and over with. You're wrong Senna.

AN: Tadah! It's another chapter!
So let's make this clear they have honored their agreement for a week! Who knows what'll happen in the next chapter! Even I'm excited to get some IchiRuki on the road! School has been murdering me, if I could sue I would. For mental homicide that is. Then we'll all protest! But that's bad...

Anyways I'd just like to say thank you Reviewers! Keep reviewing! And to you readers Please review!

Anyways, I've been watching Secret Garden, it's a KDrama and I love it. The bickering reminds me of IchiRukiness it's great and you guys should watch it. I'm telling you it's great! Oh and watch Bleach Rock Musical Live Bankai Show Code 001

It's hilarious. I honestly think Aizen is the best singer there... Honestly... But Bya-kun worked hard! And so did Toshi-kun! And Rukia!

I'd just like to say that Ichigo and Rukia have two duets. AKA: Glow and Memories in the Rain.

I remembered that Echo is connected to Ichi's song of the same CD. I'm sure. He sings the response you see. There are no IchiHime duets and the RenjiRuki was not so outstanding. Can't non IchiRukis see how biased Kubo is on the IchiRukia matter!

I'd also just like to say that Ichigo became super strong just to rescue Rukia and he certainly went through a shit load on his own. For Orihime, he did nothing. He just went straight to Hueco Mundo... No special power ups at all.

Which is better?

I got my own Shinigami powers, stopped the unbeatable execution weapon, beat the shit out of your brother, best friend as well as Kenpachi and Ikkaku. Yeah... I learned Bankai for you. Rescue you again though from Grimmjow this time. I always imagine you last. Orihime's jealous of us. We have a movie. I'm the only one who remembers you. I rescued you when you were in Dark Rukia mode. When Rukia was about to get crushed by Yammy, I saved her flawlessly.

Or

You confessed to me in my sleep. I save you with no power up. I beat espada. AKA: Grimjow and Ulqui-chan for you. Both in resurrecion and the other in double resurrecion. I went hollow cause of you. You actually got scared of me. I took a Cero for you. Though it made me turn to my worst nightmares. Know for a fact that I never learned Vizard powers after you get kidnapped. I left you on the tower after I beat Ulquiorra. Even if seventeen months past and there was no Rukia to be In your way you don't make you move and I still don't feel anything for you.

Your pick? Ehehehehehhe...

Anyways guys keep the Reviews coming!

Songs: The Ballad of the Mona Lisa: Panic! At The Disco.( thank god! I love P!ATD)

Ten no Hoshi: Fumiko Orikasa.

Song For: Rookiez is Punk'd ( I know full version isnt exactly out yet but it's a great song!)

AkaBaka-chan Signing Off!