A/N: Sooo... I got this idea while I was art collabing with one of my friends. I'll show you guys the picture at the end. :3 (As I figure this'll be at least a few chapters long) So obviously it's not done yet. But anyway, enjoy? This probably won't be more than a few chapters long, unless I get requests to continue it further.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the characters.

Summary: Karakura High School's Prom is coming up. Ichigo's friends pressure him into going this year since he's a senior, because apparenty he shouldn't miss it for the world. After the Winter War. Plz R&R.

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A Prom to Remember

Chapter 1

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Ichigo was already 18 at this time in his life, and just passed being half way done with his senior year in highschool. Like most seniors, he felt bittersweet when he thought about leaving high school and moving on with his life. It was one normality he could always go back to after something happened in Soul Society. He could see his real world friends and be reminded that he, too, is human. But moving onto college means friends splitting up most of the time, which means slowly cutting ties with them involuntarily. He knew what a few of his friends were doing with their lives, at least. Tatsuki was going into Law Enforcement, she had decided she wanted to protect people to the best of her abilities. They accepted her with open arms into the academy, estatic to have the 2nd most powerful person in the world on their side. Inoue was going into Culinary school, a place where even her cooking would be appreciated. He could definitely see her own cookbook being published one day, though it would take a very special taste to enjoy it.

Keigo wanted to be comedian, but Ichigo wasn't sure how far he would get in that field. Mizuiro started getting into business, he figured it'd get him into a plentyful of jobs until he settled on what he really wanted. Chad was at a loss of what to do when someone suggested being a Fireman. He ended up really liking the idea, knowing that his body would be a good asset to them. Uryuu was planning on starting up his own line of clothes. He already had the expertise, and decided it would be beneficial to have some solid money coming in while he went to college to be a doctor. He was sure his designs were going to be an instant hit.

As for our shinigami in question, he honestly didn't know yet. He needed something flexible enough for him to go inbetween the real world and Soul Society, that he knew was true. He had even considered not doing anything in particular, but he quickly dismissed that idea. He wanted to get the most out of his life before he had to be in Soul Society 24/7. He sighed to himself at the thought, and snapped back into reality.

He was sitting at his desk in his usual seat, propped up on his elbow and looking out the window. He figured he picked up that habit from Inoue, he had been thinking to himself and daydreaming a lot lately. He just wasn't sure why. He turned his head and finally tuned in to the teacher's lecture, having ignored it all this time. What class was this again? Right, Pre-Calc. His frown deepened. He honestly didn't see how he'd be using Calculas at any point in his lifetime. Not only that, he hated it was right before lunch. He always got hungry which made him even more distracted. His leg shook impatiently waiting for the bell to ring.

Rukia looked up and over to Ichigo, hearing the desk rattle slightly. She sighed and looked back down to her sketchpad. What was it now? He seemed to be zoning out a ton lately. Usually it wasn't like Ichigo to think so much. She figured his head would've at least started smoking right about now. She snickered lightly at the thought, turning to a new piece of paper and drawing a bunny. She took out an orange marker she had and drew in his spiky hair, then used her grey one to draw smoke rising out of his ears. She smirked and returned to her back marker, making his eyes X's and a squiggle line for his mouth. Then she wrote and word bubble to the side, "I thunk too much". She giggled and looked it over. Something was missing. "Oh, I know!" She looked as if she had an epiphany and quickly drew in his slanted eyebrows.

"Kuchiki!" Her head snapped upward.

"Y-yes sensei?"

"Are you paying attention?"

"Of course, sensei!"

"Then stop talking to yourself!" He half growled, returning to the board to finish his lecture. The class snickered lightly.

Rukia sighed and looked down. She didn't need this class anyway, but Ichigo did. She wondered how he kept up his grades when he was off in la-la-land so much. Well, maybe her drawing would cheer him up. She practically knew what his reaction would be, but it'd be amusing none the less.

--

10 minutes later, the lecture finally came to a close and the bell rung. Many of the kids already had their bags packed, anticipating lunch. Ichigo was one of them, just about bolting out the door after it was over with. Rukia's head snapped up from packing her supplies. "Oi, Ichigo!! Wait up!" She finished stuffing her bag with her things and rushed out after him. Inoue blinked, looking at what happened. 'I wonder what that was all about... is Kurosaki-kun sick?' she thought idly to herself. She was also a little surprised at Rukia's reaction, but decided it better not to think about it.

"Hey Strawberry! Slow down!" Rukia ran after him. He stopped abruptly and turned to face her.

"Stop callin' me that, midget! What do you want now?!" He said a bit more harshly than intended.

Rukia was a little taken aback by his tone of voice, her excitement dropped after hearing it. First she was hurt by it, but it turned to anger quickly. "What the hell, Ichigo! What's gotten into you lately? Sheesh!" she huffed and walked passed him to the stairs.

He stood there for a second dumbly, her words processing in his head, "Rukia! Wait! I didn't mean--" SLAM. The door closed behind her. He sighed, agitated. Great day this was turning out to be. He kicked the door open and proceeded up the steps, his scowl deeper than usual. But he didn't expect to hear what he did when he got up there. He heard Rukia talking faintly, then a burst of laughter. He raised a brow and opened the door to the roof.

"Alright, what's everyone laughing at?"
Everyone looked at him and then went into another fit of laughter. Even Ishida and Chad were snickering. "What a stunning resemblance!" He heard Tatsuki say. This couldn't be good. His eyebrows knit tightly together as he walked over to Rukia, noticing she was holding something. She suddenly jumped up and put the object of laughter in his face.

"See Ichigo! I think I got you pretty right this time!" She smiled widely, in a better mood already. Well, she was still worried about Ichigo, and would talk to him about it later, but this was too fun to pass up.

He had no choice but to look at the image. His eye started to twitch and a vein became visible on his forehead. "The hell is this!?" He snatched it from her. "I don't look like this!!" He pointed to the picture dramatically. That earned another round of laughs from the group. He shut his mouth and frowned, turning to glare at them. Rukia used this oppurtunity to steal it back from him and smirked. He turned back around, having felt the paper torn from his grasp.

"Come on Ichigo, You know it's true! Just look at the hair!" She wiggled the paper in front of him. When he tried to swipe it, she drew her hand back.

"I don't have bunny ears, nor am I that badly drawn!" He shouted at her. He soon found a seering pain his foot, she had stomped on it with her heel. "OW!! What was that for?!" He raised his foot up to his hands to cradle it, balancing surprisingly well.

"For not realizing my superb drawing ability!" She plopped down on the pavement in her spot, with a 'hmph'.

He grumbled and took his seat next to her. He was just glad that little fiasco was over. He silently opened his lunch and began to eat. Soon after, he was prodded by Rukia's straw. He took it and poked it into her juice box without looking. It had become second nature to him at this point. It was beyond him how she hadn't learned to do it yet. Or maybe she did, and it just became like a tradition for them without either really noticing.

Inoue was sitting across from them, watching them silently. They did that everyday. She wished she had some sort of little thing she'd do with Kurosaki-kun everyday... but despite getting closer to everyone in these past 3 years, she still wasn't close enough to him to have something like that with him. She sighed a little and looked down for a moment, soon grabbing for more food. 'I shouldn't be gloomy about something silly as that.' She decided, and instantly became cheery again. But that little lapse in her demeanor didn't escape her best friend's eyes.

"What is it, Orihime?" Tatsuki inquired, almost whispering.

"Oh, it's nothing, Tatsuki-chan! Don't worry about me." She turned to her and smiled. It seemed to work, as Tatsuki didn't press it further. She wasn't convinced it was nothing, but thought it better to let it go for the time being. If she could bounce back so quickly, after all, it must not be too serious.

And then, something horrible happened. Keigo stood up and made an announcement.

"Okay guys, everyone's going to Prom, right?!" He met a silent crowd. "Whhaaaaatt?! What's wrong with you guys?! It's your senior year! You have to go!"

"I'll be going, but I don't know if my date will want to hang out with you." Mizuiro gave his best smile. Keigo's face deadpanned. He turned to face the others. "Come on guys!"

Rukia blinked, "What's... what's this 'Prom'? A school sporting event?" She was honestly confused.

"No no no, Kuchiki-san! It's a junior/senior dance where everyone dresses up and dances the night away!" He spun around in a circle to emphasize his point.

"Oh! That sounds like fun!" She piped up, smiling.

"No, no it's not really." Ichigo said in monotone.

Keigo turned to Ichigo with one of his classic expressions of horror. "Ichigo! That's blasphemy! What's so bad about Prom?!"

"It's just not that interesting. Just a hyped up school dance."

Tatsuki had a plan forming in her head. "Oh come on Ichigo, it won't be that bad if we all go. Among friends is a lot more fun than without."

Ichigo scowled at her. "Don't fuel the fire..."

"Besides! It's our last school event together! Pleeeaaaase Ichigo, Please?! You'll regret it if you don't! You'll say to yourself, 'Oh, how I wish I went to Prom, I could've had a great night with my friends and not be missing them so much now that I'm in college!'" Keigo said, doing a poor imitation of Ichigo's voice.

Ichigo was silent for a moment. As much as he hated to admit it, part of what he said was true. If he doesn't take any chance he can get to spend time with his friends, when will he get another? He sighed.

"Fine, I'll go. When is it again?" He crossed his arms, not looking very happy about it all.

"Ooooh, Ichigo! I'm so proud of you, coming out of that rock you live under!"

"Don't push it, Keigo! I can just as easily change my mind!" Ichigo threatened.

"Okay okay!" Keigo waved his hands in front of him defensively. "It's May 12th at 8pm and it lasts until 11pm." He smiled broadly. Ichigo only rolled his eyes and finished his lunch.

--

The walk home was mainly silent for the shinigami. it wasn't an awkward silence, that they were both thankful for. Then Rukia spoke up.

"You know, I've been thinking of going to an art college after this."

Ichigo looked over to her for a split second before looking back ahead. He huffed a little. "You sure need it. You think they'll even accept you?" A kick to the shin. He winced and knew he'd have a slight limp the rest of the way home.

"For your information, I am very skilled. It runs in the Kuchiki family! Despite not being blood related, Nii-sama and I have similar skills. Though, he is far advanced, for he has practiced immensely when he has nothing better to do! I hope I can get good like him!" A sparkle was in her eyes now. Her mind was centered on a painting he recently did, it inspired her so. It was the most exquisite thing she had ever seen. A cartoonish bunny wearing a tophat and a monocle, standing upright like he was important. He had a cane he held onto with both hands and a dignified mustache. Truly a masterpiece, it was worthy of Byakuya's nobility!

Ichigo didn't look too convinced in his drawing abilities, even seeing Rukia's face beam with life and inspiration. '...it must have been some sort of bunny.' He concluded. He couldn't help a smirk tugging at his lips at the thought of Byakuya painting bunnies.

Once they got home, the usual greeting occured. After deflecting his Dad, he simply headed upstairs like he always did. He laid his bag on his desk and sat on his bed, unbuttoning his school shirt and throwing it haphazardly to the side of his closet. He had gotten used to not using it, and though it had no Rukia in it anymore, her stuff was still in there. He was almost scared to open it. All those soapy mangas in there, he couldn't take the sight. He was about to take off his black undershirt as well, but decided against it, hearing the floor squeek outside his door.

Soon enough, Rukia emerged through the door. If it wasn't for that old floor, he'd have no warning. He was secretly thankful for it.

"Ichigo, I need to talk to you about something..." That didn't sound good. He looked over to her, not responding, just waiting for her to continue. She walked up to him, then sat on his bed with him. He raised a brow. Was it that serious that she needed to sit down?

"What's been up with you, Ichigo? You seem very distracted lately, and more snappy than usual." he frowned. That was it?

Rukia looked at him, waiting for an answer. He seemed let down by her question. "What?"

"I thought it was something important." He pulled up his legs over the bed, laying down in the process, thinking that was the end of it.

It was Rukia's turn to twitch. "Hey! I'm serious, Ichigo! What's on your mind all the time? I'm sure your grades are proving that your zoning out more often!"

Ichigo took offense to that, sitting back up abruptly. "They are not! My grades are just fine, Rukia! I still do all my homework the same as before."

"But what about those pop quizes we had a week ago? You did horrid on those! Studying is fine, but you're not listening in school anymore."

"And when did I ever?" He retorted, crossing his arms.

"I know you used to more than you do now! And you know..." She pulled out her drawing again in an attempt to lighten the mood, grinning a little. "...this'll really happen if you keep it up!"

"Will not! You make it sound as if I'm too simple minded to be able to think deeply!"

"...That's exactly what I'm insinuating." She smiled smugly.

Ichigo narrowed her eyes at her, another of his funny faces gracing his features. "Don't even, Rukia, I'm warning you! I'll rip up that picture if you don't shut it!"

"Will you really? I'd like to see you try!" She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Then I will!" He lunged for it. In that second, a crash was heard through the house. Isshin dropped everything and ran up to Ichigo's room.

"Ichigo!! What happened my son, did you--" He paused dead in his tracks, seeing the sight on the floor.

Rukia was on the ground, holding her drawing above her head, while Ichigo was on top of her.

"Oh-Oh my!! What a comprising position!!" Isshin shouted, clasping his hands together in excitement. "My son is on the road to becoming a man!"

Both of their faces lit up bright red, realizing what he was implying. Ichigo bolted up and kicked him out the door. "In your dreams, old man! It was an accident!"

"An accident of passion!!" Rukia heard Isshin reply, the sound of Ichigo's fist connecting with his jaw soon following. She got up slowly, brushing herself off. She tucked her drawing safely back into her bag and sat on his bed again. Passion. She chuckled to herself. He was right, but it wasn't the passion he was thinking of. More like the passion to get that drawing away from her. Something she absolutely could not let happen! It had all happened so fast when he practically tackled her, but, she could've sworn her heart skipped a bit when she realized he was on top of her. 'Oh come on Rukia, who are you kidding? You'd probably have the same reaction with any guy... right?" She realized that probably wasn't the truth, but she pushed it in the back of her mind.

"Rukia!" A slap came down on her head. "Come on, I called your name like 5 times!"

Rukia's eyes widened at the familar feeling, looking up at Ichigo. Kaien had done almost exactly the same thing to her a long time ago. It took her by surprise when she found she was staring at orange hair instead of the deep, purplish black.

Ichigo blinked at her expression, "H-hey, what's that look for? You look like your surprised to see me!"

Rukia shook her head free of any past thoughts, "Sorry. Had a moment of deja vu."

He raised his brow at her, but let it go. "Anyway, as I was going to say earlier... get off my bed! I'd like to relax, you know!"

"...Well, maybe I'd like to relax too." She casually lay down on his bed.

"Hey! Don't do that! My family is gonna get suspicious if you spend too much time in here anyway!"

"Oh, so you don't care if I lay on it, and that it's your bed, you just care what your family thinks?" She smirked to herself.

"What?! No! Of course I care it's my bed!" red lightly tinted his cheeks. "Fine, if you won't move, I'll move you!" He hoisted her up and slung her over his shoulder, proceeding to walk out.

"Ichigo! Just what do you think you're doing! ...Hey, you listening to me?!" She pounded on his back.

"No, not really. But thanks for the massage." He smirked as he heard a 'hmph!' behind him. He walked into his sister's room and put her on her own bed. "Oh look, it's your bed! use it!" He crossed his arms and walked out.

Rukia sat there and pouted, watching him as he exited. 'The nerve!'

--

The next day of school came soon enough. It was bright and early. Tatsuki joined her friend at the entrance of the school. "Orihime!" She shouted and waved.

"Ohayo, Tatsuki-chan!" Orihime said with a smile, waiting for her to catch up.

"Ohayo. How are you today, Orihime?"

"Just as good as ever! How about you?"

"I'm pretty good, but... say, Orihime, I got an idea that could hook you and Ichigo up!"

"Wh-what? Me and... Kurosaki-kun?" She blushed, looking down a little.

"Of course! It's obvious you like him, and it's about time you make some sort of move, right?"

"I don't know, Tatsuki-chan, maybe..."

"No, not maybe! You've got to. You don't have much of high school left... it'll be better to start it now!"

"Y-you think so?..."

"Yes! Just ask him out to Prom. Make him your date. Then it won't be odd if you ask him to dance with you or something." Tatsuki smiled, eager to be helping her friend.

Inoue looked down again slightly, seriously contemplating the idea. She had a blank face as she thought about it. It kind of worried Tatsuki.

"Okay, what's up with you? Shouldn't you be happy at the prospect?" She questioned.

"I am, but..." She paused a moment. "What if... what if he likes Kuchiki-san? Or... would rather not have a date at all?" She looked a little saddened now.

Tatsuki blinked. She knew there were rumors going around about Ichigo and Rukia, but that was always the case. Had that caused her to doubt herself? "Orihime... you know, those rumors you hear about them are all fake."

"I know that, Tatsuki-chan... it's not the rumors I see." She looked up at the clouds in the sky. "I see how close they are and how they interact with each other... how he always puts the straw in her juicebox... how they bicker and argue... how behind it, that's actually when they're feeling best... and how Kuchiki-san always manages to make him... happy." Her voice cracked a little at that last statement.

"Ori...Orihime..." Tatsuki had no idea she had doubts like this. She hid them so well. She started to wonder how many nights she had gone home and by herself, cried her eyes out. Lost in thought, she didn't notice a certain someone coming up to them.

"Inoue?!" Rukia rushed over, seeing her looking saddened and whimpering. "What happened, Inoue? Are you alright?" She looked at her with genuine concern in her eyes, placing her hands on her shoulders. She then gasped, "Did Ichigo do something stupid again?!"

Orihime chuckled at that, "No no, Kuchiki-san... I was just talking about something and it got me upset..." She forced a smile, but cried more inside. It made it all the harder to fight for Ichigo when Rukia was already a good friend of hers, second only to Tatsuki. They had become close during the Winter War. Rukia had always given her courage when she felt like giving up. That was why she had stayed an observer for these past years.

Rukia frowned and pulled her into a short hug. "Well I hope you feel better then." She smiled at her and continued, "Whatever the problem it is, be sure to look out for yourself, too, okay? I know you tend to do things selflessly."

Her words echoed through Orihime's head for a second. She then gave her a true smile. "Thank you, Kuchiki-san. I'll keep myself in mind too."

--

The school day progressed as normal. Ichigo and Rukia excused themselves to fight hollows, as usual. Everyone became suspicious, as usual. The day ended pretty usual as well, but today, Inoue Orihime would have the courage. After hearing the words of Rukia, she swore to herself she would.

Everyone packed their things, and Orihime noticed Ichigo starting to head out. Rukia was a little ahead of him and already walking out.

She quickly came up behind him. "Eh, Kurosaki-kun...?"

Ichigo turned around to face her. "What is it, Inoue?"

Her cheeks lightly pink, she braced herself. "Would... would you... would you be my date to Prom, Kurosaki-kun?"

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A/N: Man, I'm so not used to writing full chapters anymore. Forgive me. It's been so long. I hope you guys like it though! Don't forget to tell me what you think. :3 And, go ahead and come up with possible answers for Ichigo. XD I'm not quite sure what route I'll be going yet. Oh and, sorry if it's a little short. I thought it was good to stop here. ;)