Disclaimer: Hi, Taka here, in his first bleach fanfic. Haven't written for a very long time, so my writing skills are a little rusty.

This story was roughly based and inspired by Japanese dramas, and anime influences. Songs from popular bands like Asian Kung Fu, HaMC, and Yui will take a major role. This is not a songfic, however, there will be lyrics involved, and to get the best enjoyment, please keep an open mind when it comes to the scenes with them. At the end I will reveal the names of songs sung, for those who don't know where it's from.

Since this is a Bleach fic, I made the big assumption that people will know how characters look. Some details has been taken out of the introduction for characters as so. I have proof read this to the best of my ability, but please review or email me with any problems.

My main goal is to nudge more people into the world of Japanese music, and music in general. I love music, and I want to share that. I hope to full fill that goal with this story.

This fanfic is best viewed at 1024x768 resolution. All characters belong to it's creator, all songs belong to their creators. This is a creation of the imagination, the only credit I take is writing it. Please enjoy!

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Here at Karakura Music Academy of Music and Arts, we are the elite, the cream of the crop, the best- well, you get the picture. I'm Kurosaki Ichigo, 17 years old. Today is the first day of the new semester, and as I'm walking 'oh so joyfully' to my homeroom, hoping the day passes by uneventfully. Unfortunately, those days are rare, especially when one's got orange hair like mine.

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"Here he comes!" A young girl screamed as she ran towards the window. Tatsuki could only grimace as she tried to duck out of the way, her black hair getting messy as the horde of fan girls pushed past her. She sighed as she watched them, a girl with bright brown hair catching her attention.

"Oi! Orihime!" She yelled at a girl who was staring excitedly out the window. "You just fawn at him everyday! Just ask him out!" She finished, trying to yell over the squealing. Every girl turned towards her, causing her to sweat drop. Just as fast as it had turned silent, all the girls exploded into an uproar. Tatsuki pulled her hands over her ears.

"I won't loose to those!"

"To what now?"

"Don't talk to Hime like that!"

"No, he's mine!"

"Tatsuki-chan, come on join us!"

"No way!"

"He's such a hottie!"

"Oh oh! He's going to look this way!"

All the girls stared back out the window, staring down at the unsuspecting orange-haired young man. He glanced at them, a scowl on his face.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Tatsuki braced herself as she felt the explosion of loud fan girl squeals. She only sighed.

"I thought Ichigo was going out with Senna." She said, her eyebrow raised.

All the girls went silent. Falling to the floor, they clutched their knees to their bodies. Tatsuki sweat dropped.

"…Was it something I said?"

Must be a dance class up there. Ichigo thought as he headed towards his homeroom class. His homeroom teacher, Ukitake-sensei, was good natured and rather easy, so he took his time. Walking through the front courtyard though, his attention was ultimately focused on the loving couples who didn't seem to feel any shame. It only added to his surprise, as it seemed to have compiled out of everyone but himself. Not that he minded... It just brought back memories...

"I don't date losers."

His grip tightened on his guitar case. Not now, he thought. His head turned though, as he came closer to the school. A beautiful sound soon caught his attention, the sound of singing. It was all too familiar, and he knew who it was.

"Sayonara, Ichigo."

Lost in thought, he never noticed the small girl that was running straight towards him. She was clearly not paying attention either, as with a slight "Oof" as both of them tumbled onto the grass. The papers that the girl was holding flew everywhere. Said girl got up, and instantly started to yell at him.

"Watch where you're walking idiot!" The raven haired girl screamed at him, trying to pick up the papers at the same time. Ichigo scowled.

"You should listen to your own words there idiot!" Ichigo replied, helping her out reluctantly. Blowing a strand of hair from her face she gave him a look of disgust before taking the papers forcefully from his hands. She glanced at her watch, her expression changing instantaneously.

"Ah! I'm going to be late for the homeroom period!"

Ichigo just stared blankly as she continued running away without another word. He watched as people unskillfully dodged the small black bullet, some nearly going off balance as she ran past them, or rather into them. He turned and faced the sign which said 'To the Homeroom Building', which unfortunately, was the opposite direction of where she was running.

"Who was the idiot now?"

---

Entering the classroom, he was greeted by his old friends. Renji, drum division, was a childhood friend. His entire fashion stated he was a punk and a trouble maker. Chad, bass division, was quiet but intimidating. Ishida, piano division, was smart, popular, and often called a prodigy for his amazing piano playing.

"Osu!" Renji called out to him. He was laid back at his desk, his chair tilted to support his weight. Ichigo nodded to him, and to Chad, who nodded back solemnly.

"So how's the guitar division, Kurosaki?" Ishida asked, pushing his forever slipping glasses back onto his nose. Ichigo only sighed as he took his seat.

"Don't even ask." He responded, quite tired.

The classroom was never quiet, with all the girls forming their little groups and talking among themselves. Ichigo watched lazily as the class clown, Keigo, and class playboy Mizuiro tried to start up a conversation within a group of girls. Renji and Ichigo snickered as the group neatly dispersed and reformed elsewhere. Orihime smiled brightly and waved at him, causing Ichigo to look up in surprise. Just as he was about to wave back, Renji gave him a slight nudge. Ichigo scowled lightly as he turned towards the red head.

"Never asked you, but why did you choose to take those classes in the first places?" Renji asked curiously.

Before Ichigo could have answered, Ukitake entered the room with a rather red faced follower. Everyone instantly stood up and greeted the teacher. Ichigo widened his eyes as he recognized that person. She stared back at him with the same expression. They

"AH! YOU!" They yelled in unison, pointing a finger at each other. Both of them looked at the blank faces of their classmates and instantly acted like nothing happened. Surprisingly, Ukitake gave a smile. It gave him the perfect idea.

"There is a new student I'd like you all to meet." He nodded at her. "Please introduce yourself."

The girl wrote her name on the board and bowed.

"My name is Kuchiki Rukia, nice to meet you all! I'm currently taking classes in general arts. I want to become a great artist one day."

"Please, welcome our new addition to the homeroom!" Ukitake said, as he bowed. The class bowed, following his lead. They soon broke into applause, welcoming her with delight. Ukitake soon turned towards Ichigo.

"Now… Ichigo?"

"Ha?"

"Please show Rukia around the school."

"…Ha?" Both Ichigo and Rukia responded this time.

"You two already seem acquainted-"

"Ukitake-sensei, you are slightly mistaken-"

"Now, now, Rukia. It's alri-"

"Sensei, she's right-"

"Enough." He said with finality in his voice. "I'll speak to your teachers. You have the rest of the day off to explore the campus."

"Hai…"

---

He glowered at her. She glowered at him. With both looking away and giving a slight 'hmph', there was one way to describe the vibe around them- thick as gravy. They walked around in silence, with Rukia looking inside the various classes that they passed by. After a while, Rukia tapped Ichigo on the shoulder, causing him to turn to her with an annoyed look

"Ichigo?"

His annoyed look turned into a scowl.

"Since when were we on first name basis?"

"Since I just said it." She replied, smugly.

"Gotcha, Rukia-chan." He replied, rather mockingly. She flushed as she stamped on his foot, causing him to grimace. She smiled victoriously as he clutched his foot in pain.

"Why you little-"

"As I was about to say!" She interrupted. "Tell me more about yourself."

Ichigo looked surprised at her relatively normal question... or was that a command? ...Anyways... she had a curious look on her face, her violet eyes piercing his brown ones. It was rather unnerving.

"Well, I have a Dad and twin sisters, they live in a small music shop a couple of streets down." He started off.

"Parents divorced?"

"My mother passed away."

"Oh!" She looked guiltily at him. "I didn't know…"

"What's with that face?" Ichigo replied loudly. He didn't like the subject of his mother, nor the look she was giving him. "You actually care about my feelings?"

"Not really, idiot." She replied softly.

"So, tell me about yourself." Ichigo said, trying to break the tension.

"I just came into town today, and I still have to move in later on. I got this great rent deal from this one guy I met while trying to find a dorm, I'm sure he's a pervert though…" She replied while in thought. "I have one older brother but I never knew my parents."

"Ah, I'm sorry to-"

"Cut the crap Ichigo."

"Oi! I was trying to be nice!"

Rukia stuck her tongue out at him, causing him to growl. He couldn't stand this girl! She seemed sincere one second and just a freaking pain in the butt another second! He scowled.

"So you're living alone?"

"Yep! How about you Ichigo? You aren't living with your family?"

"I was living with someone for a while… but I'm going back home today." He replied.

Rukia decided not to pursue that subject, noticing a distant look in Ichigo's eyes as he spoke. Ichigo stopped suddenly, as the singing voice echoed in the hallway. Rukia stopped as well, closing her eyes as she took in the sounds. She smiled and sighed.

"I wish I could sing like that, that girl must be amazing!" She said, with a 'know it all' look on her face. Ichigo could only scowl in response. He knew who the voice belonged to, and it was the same one from before.

"Yeah…"

"Ichigo… I can't stay like this anymore…"

Ichigo turned around, heading back down the hallway. Surprised, Rukia quickly turned her head and called out to him.

"Where are you going?"

"I want to break up."

"Getting my guitar. Then I'm heading home."

"What about exploring the campus?"

"You can do it yourself."

Rukia narrowed her eyes slightly, wondering what the heck was wrong with that boy. Blowing a strand of hair from her face, she dismissed it. She had more important things to do.

---

"I'm home"

"Welcome home Ichi-ni!" Yuzu said, as she came to greet him. Karin nodded from the kitchen.

"Long time no see. Senna brought your stuff back in that box. Heard that you got kick-"

"ICCHHHIIIIIIIGOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Ichigo was promptly kicked by his father, sending him flying into a wall.

"YOU HAVE WEAKENED GREATLY! YOU REQUIRE MORE TRAINING!"

Getting up angrily, they proceeded to fight another in a rather hilarious fashion. Yuzu watched helplessly as Ichigo held his dad in a head lock, while said father was trying his best to breathe. Karin continued to eat her dinner, feeling rather nostalgic. "Ah, seems like life never changed…" She said apathetically, though a small grin appeared on her face.

They both stopped as they heard a hardy laugh from behind them. A man entered the store, tilting his hat slightly.

"Urahara-san!"

"Kisuke!"

"Kurosaki-san, Isshin-dono! Been a long time hasn't it?" Kisuke said, walking into the kitchen. Karin and Yuzu bowed as he took a seat. He laughed as he stared at the fighting men. "My, my, you two haven't changed at all!"

Everyone but Ichigo laughed, much to his annoyance. He tapped his father's shoulder, and signaled him to come talk privately. Isshin nodded and they both headed off behind the counter of the store.

"Um dad, is it possible for me to move back in?" Ichigo asked, rather uncomfortably.

"Nope!"

"…Ha?"

"Sorry Ichigo! Your room was converted into a storage room when you left last time." Isshin said with a little too much enthusiasm. He clasped a hand on his shoulder. "You're not little anymore, I'm sure you'll find someplace. It's just too small here for you to move back in."

"Thanks anyways then dad."

"However, you can always spend the night here for today… this is always your home."

Ichigo smiled slightly. "Thanks a lot-"

Isshin head locked him, causing that one nice moment to be shattered. Isshin spoke into ear, while Ichigo struggled to breathe. "You are still my little boy after all."

"Why I oughta-"

"Kurosaki-san! Are you looking for a place to stay?" Urahara had popped out from behind the counter, causing the other two to yelp in surprise. Taking the initiative, Ichigo punched Isshin the face. Isshin fell flat on the floor silent.

"Were you eaves dropping?"

"Oh no, no, no! I was just collecting information!" Urahara replied hiding his face behind his fan. Ichigo sweat dropped. That's exactly the same thing... "I have a nice house that I don't use anymore, and if you would come work at the shop after school sometimes, the rent is free!"

"At the Urahara Shoten?"

"Hai!"

"With you?"

"Hai!"

"No way!"

Urahara smiled mischievously. Ichigo stared back with a scowl. "I'll see you tomorrow at store!"

"Hey! I never-"

"Here are the keys!"

"Look! I never-"

"Ciao!"

Ichigo, knowing that he was defeated, grabbed the keys and grabbed his box. He felt something hit his head, and noticed it was a little piece of balled paper. Opening it, he saw the address of the place, with Urahara's drawn face on it. Slightly disturbed, he turned around to retaliate, but saw the two old men in a deep conversation and decided best not to try. He knew he'd get the chance later on, right now- he's got some moving in to do.

Isshin sighed as he watched Ichigo wave good bye to the twins, then turning to leave. "You do realize you're doing right? What you are planning?"

Urahara nodded.

"I realize it may seem weird, but your son needs a trigger to make him realize his potential. I think the best way for that… is for him to meet someone else who needs to do the same."

"I don't want him to go through what we did. All the pain that we had went though."

"Then instead of misleading him, let's lead him straight through it. It's what she would have wanted, isn't that right?"

"Heh, you knew her almost better then I did."

"We were a band, a family at one point… He has yours and Masaki's blood, he belongs in the music world."

Both men looked at one another, a smirk forming on their faces as they understood one another. Both of them looked at a picture of four young people on the wall, and their smiling faces.

---

Ichigo was pleasantly surprised to see that the new house was relatively clean, impressed by how well it was kept. Looking around satisfied, he headed towards what seemed like the nearest bedroom and decided to play some music before he slept. It was late, and he could explore the house later on. Plugging it into his AMP, he started playing.

Rukia opened the door to the house, her eyes widening as she noticed a pair of shoes that obviously wasn't there before. Must be Ero-Hara. He better not have messed up anything! I spent forever cleaning this place up! Taking off her shoes, and running into the living room, she stopped suddenly as she heard sounds of a guitar being played. Like a cat stalking its prey, she walked over to the room, and peeked inside of it. She stared wide eyed at the back of the orange-haired boy she has just met today. Mesmerized by his playing, she listened attentively as he sang.

Kishinda omoi wo hakidashitai no wa
Sonzai no shoumei ga hoka ni nai kara
Tsukanda hazu no boku no mirai wa
"songen" to "jiyuu" de mujun shiteru yo

Yuganda zanzou wo keshi saritai no wa
Jibun no genkai wo soko ni miru kara
Jiishiki kajouna boku no modo ni wa
Kyonen no KARENDAA, hizuke ga nai yo

Keshite RIRAITO shite
Kudara nai chou gensou
Wasurarenu sonzai kan wo

Kishikaisei RIRAITO shite
Imi no nai mousou mo
Kimi wo nasu gendouryoku zenshin zenrei wo
Kure yo

Mebaeteta kanjou kitte naite
Shosen tada bonyou shitte naite

Kusatta kokoro wo, usugita nai uso wo

Keshite RIRAITO shite
Kudara nai chou genzou
Wasurarenu sonzai kan wo

Kishikaisei RIRAITO shite
Imi no nai souzou mo
Kimi wo nasu gendouryoku zenshin zenrei wo
Kure yo…

Rukia felt her bag slip out of her hands, as Ichigo finished off his song. She never would have thought that he was that good with a guitar. She was more amazed that he could sing so well! Ichigo had, unfortunately, noticed the noise and turned towards her. They stared at each other for what seemed like forever… before-

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

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Song(s): Rewrite by Asian Kung-Fu Generation