MORE THAN JUST ACQUAINTANCES
'We are more than just acquaintances... it's as if we are cut from the same fabric. Even though we appear to be sewn in a different pattern, we have a common thread that won't be broken-by people or years or distance. 1
When I count my blessings... I count you twice. 2
When I'm with you... I can be me.
I wish I could keep all the good feelings you've ever given me safe inside a bottle. Every time I needed a smile, a joke, a hug, all I'd have to do is take the lid off that bottle and experience again all the caring you've shared with me. It would be my very own treasure of sweetness. It would be like holding our friendship in my hand.3
The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. 4
In you my friend, I find a second self. 5'
AUTHOR'S NOTE: As these words above come together, they form sayings that express thoughts and feelings from deep within me. They are not my own words, but those that I have found and complied together so that they would express what is at the heart of my story.
CREDIT NOTES: Author 1 and 2 are Unknown. Author 3 is Tracy Donovan. Author 4 is Elisabeth Foley. Author 5 is Isabelle Norton.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters of Bleach, just as I don't own the quotes above. But I do share the feelings they express, and the story does comes from some of my own personal experiences.
CHAPTER 1: DON'T SPEAK!
On a warm mid-spring day, as the leaves of the cherry blossom rustle gently above her, a girl sits shaded from the late afternoon sun. A cool breeze caresses her skin and gently plays with her hair. To her this was one of her favorite places to be; her tranquil escape from the eventful lifestyle of a college student. The dormitory grounds were quite busy with students constantly on the move, coming and going, running to catch classes. But this one place, it was her little secret. Most people were too busy to notice as they were caught up with the mundane tasks that come along with a student's life.
With her text book and notes on her lap, and a soft throw-spread beneath her Inoue, Orihime takes a break from her studying. Her gaze is off into the horizon as she watches the sun begin its decent. She can't help but think about where she is at in this point of her life… where she has come from… and where she is headed.
At 21 years of age she is a shy and insecure girl whose warm hearted and a loyal friend. She's been on her own every since losing both her parents and brother to a fatal accident. While growing up the only family she has left has been her best friend Tatsuki. About three years ago, after graduating and getting her high school diploma, she decided to accept a scholarship to attend Kyoto University (Kyodai). This meant she would be leaving behind her hometown of Karakura and most importantly her best friend. It was one of the hardest decisions she had to make, but with Tatsuki's support she accepted the opportunity. Since living in Kyoto, she has made two close friends Kurosaki, Ichigo and Kuchiki, Rukia. Over the last year and a half since meeting, these three have become inseparable.
Rukia, 22 years old, has always been the type of girl that draws people to herself. She's smart, beautiful and has a magnetic personality. For the past 5 years she's been in a committed relationship with her boyfriend Abarai Renji. But recently they've been going through a lot of rough patches. They share a passionate love but they both have strong personalities and come from different backgrounds. With their relationship on the rocks Rukia has turned to the two people that have become her close friends.
Ichigo on the other hand is 25. He's lived a difficult life and has gone true many hardships. After losing his mother in a traumatizing ordeal he has never been the same. However, he tries to hide this fact for the sake of his family. He currently lives with his dad and two younger sisters. His relationship with his father has always been a strange one, to say the least. His close-knit group of friends have known each other what seem their entire life, but he's always kept a distance. That was until he met Inoue and Rukia.
"INOUE-SAN, KONNICHIWA!" came the startled greeting.
Turning to see who it was, "Konnichiwa, Kuchiki-san" Orihime warmly replied as a surprised smile came across her face.
"I thought I'd fine you here" Rukia smiled in return while greeting her friend with a hug. Orihime noticed however that something didn't look right with her friend. Her eyes looked slightly puffy and she looked like something was bothering her.
"What's the matter Kuchiki-san, you don't look like yourself today" she asked with a look of concern? Her mind then went to what's been going on with Rukia and Renji.
'They must have had another fight; and just when things were looking up for them too' she thought.
"I need to clear my head, can we go somewhere to hang out for a bit?" came Rukia's humble request.
"Of course, sweetie! Just let me pack up my things here and we can go" the girl replied as she stood and started to gather her things.
Just then a familiar tone chimed alarming Rukia that she had a call. She retrieved her cell phone from her bag and checked the caller id. "Oh it's Ichy" she informed Inoue as she looked up curiously.
"Hey clown, what you up to?" Rukia teased when she answered her phone.
"…."
"Haha" she laughed "oh yah I did call you earlier. I wanted to know if you wanna come hang out with me and Inoue-san? I'm thinking we can head over to the pool hall or something."
"…."
"Yah, maybe we can all catch a movie and some dinner after. I just feel like I need to get out right now."
"…."
"No, no I'm fine. We can drive by and pick you up. I'll tell you guys what happened then."
"…."
"K, be there in about 15 minutes" she said before hanging up the call.
"Looks like we have a full evening planned" Inoue smiled. "I'm finished up here so let's get going."
"Yah we know how that baka can get anxious if he's made to wait too long." Rukia joked as the two set off to retrieve their friend.
On the drive over to pick up Ichigo the girls sat quietly listening to some music. They both enjoyed each other's company and were very comfortable with one another. They would often go on drives around the city without even saying a word. It was just them, the open road, some good tunes, and with their windows down their hair dancing wildly in the wind.
It was a sort of ease being around someone knowing that there was no pressure to keep a conversation just for the sake of talking. But that's not to say that they didn't talk. And when you include the third member of their trio, they would hold a conversation for hours, and have spent many late nights just chatting and enjoying each other's company.
Suddenly a familiar song began playing over the radio.
"OMG I love this song!" Inoue said as she turned from staring out her window. She leaned over and raised the volume on the radio. The song playing was Nelly Furtado's 'Say It Right'.
"It's so seductive, I can't resist it." She smiled as she closed her eyes and began to mouth the words to the song.
"Say It Right"
In the day
In the night
Say it right
Say it all
You either got it
Or you don't
You either stand or you fall
When your will is broken
When it slips from your hand
When there's no time for joking
There's a hole in the plan
Oh you don't mean nothing at all to me
No you don't mean nothing at all to me
But you got what it takes to set me free
Oh you could mean everything to me
I can't say that I'm not lost and at fault
I can't say that I don't love the light and the dark
I can't say that I don't know that I am alive
And all of what I feel I could show
You tonight you tonight
Oh you don't mean nothing at all to me
No you don't mean nothing at all to me
But you got what it takes to set me free
Oh you could mean everything to me
From my hands I could give you
Something that I made
From my mouth I could sing you another brick that I laid
From my body I could show you a place God knows
You should know the space is holy
Do you really want to go?'
The girls sat singing along to the words of a song that felt like it was telling a story that was their own. The tune was hypnotic, the words expressive.
"Hime-san, why is it whenever we are driving around like this you always manage to find a song on the radio that feels like it's speaking the words that are in my heart?" Rukia turned to look at her friend. There were tears in her eyes but a smile on her face.
Orihime shrugged and returned her friends smile. "I dunno, but that's why I love music, you can always find a song that feels like it's touching your soul."
"Oh we are almost at Ichy's. You know he would be shaking his head at us right now. Saying we are such girly girls" she giggled.
"Yeah boys are so afraid of emotions. If they see a girl crying they don't know what the hell to do." Rukia replied. "But us girls know sometimes you just have to let it out. Anyways let's put these teary eyes away for later. I want to just relax and clear my head."
With that said the girls shortly after pulled up at their friend's house. Before Rukia even got out her cell to give him a call and let him know they were there, Ichigo quickly came out his door and locked it behind him.
As he approached the car Inoue smiled and slightly waved at him from her seat at the front passenger side.
"Hey chicken heads," he joked as he took his seat in the back.
"Look who's talking rooster boy" Rukia retorted with a laugh.
"Konichiwah Kurosaki-kun" Orihime greeted her friend as Ichigo smiled in return.
"So driver, what you waiting for, directions?" Ichigo chuckled.
On their way over to the pool hall the trio had some light conversation about school, the weekend, and their plans for the evening. It was their routine whenever any of them needed to just get away from something. They would hang out and try to just cheer up the person, making them laugh and to just forget their worries for the time.
After the 10 minute ride from Ichigo's house the group arrived.
"Gosh I need a drink!" Rukia stated as they made their way into the pool hall.
The place wasn't too crowded. It was a nice typical hang out spot to just kick back have a few drinks while relaxing with friends. Lounge areas with comfortable black couches were spaced strategically throughout the establishment. The bar located off to the right as you got into the establishment served drinks and appetizer snacks. A jukebox to the left corner of the bar had an endless selection of great songs. There were enough pool tables that you would usually not have to wait for a game. The décor was modern with clean lines, base colors of black and grey with chromed finishes, while the walls were lined with classic black and white pictures to fit the feel of the environment. The lights were at a dim setting just enough not to affect your game but set just right to have private setting for the individual groups.
"You girls grab the table. I'll reserve the game and order drinks, same as usual right?"
"Yah just a soda for me" Orihime informed as she started to head over to their usual table 9 in the back right corner.
"Get me a shot of tequila!" Rukia requested while turning to follow Orihime.
"So Kuchiki-san, what's bothering you?" Orihime questioned her friend as they got settled and began to choose their pool sticks.
Ichigo walks over, "Yah what's up?" He passes the drinks to the girls and turns his attention to Rukia.
With a sigh she slumps down into her seat and takes the shot of tequila before telling her friends what has happened.
"Same as what's been happening lately. Renji and I got into a big fight after he picked me up from school today."
She turns to look away from her friends. "Well you guys know how he's been questioning me a lot lately about school and what I've been up to. He's so paranoid and I don't understand why. He's got no reason. He knows I love him. But, well you know how my parents don't approve of him because of our different backgrounds. They don't think he's good enough for me. And I practically have to sneak out or make up some excuse to go see him."
Ichigo and Orihime give each other a knowing look of sympathy for their friend.
"Well anyways, I was waiting for him out back of the main building that was close to the student parking lot. Koji and Asano-san came out and saw me there as they were leaving from their class for the day. They came over and asked me if I wanted a ride since they were headed over in my direction. But I told them how Renji was picking me up. Right after that I saw him pulling the corner into the driveway so I said goodbye to the guys and started to head over to the car." She looked back towards her friends.
"Next thing I know he's honking the horn like crazy even though he sees me walking towards him. So I hurry up over and got into the passenger side, and said hello but asked him what the rush was. Suddenly he starts to yell at me and ask me who the hell those guys were and cursing me out saying how I was flirting with them and how he should get out of the car and go deal with them right there and then. Well I just blew up and asked him who the fuck was he yelling at. And how dear he accuse me of something like that. We had it out for about 10 minutes before I couldn't take it anymore. I mean I couldn't believe him and I was so embarrassed. I was going to get out the car and call my brother to pick me up but he locked the doors and started to pull out of the driveway when I was reaching for the handle. He started to apologize and say that it wasn't me but that he didn't trust Koji and Asano. Then something else about how he's so frustrated with work and what's been going on with my parents and us. I told him I didn't want to hear it and to just take me home. It's the same excuses over and over with him. I don't know guys I feel like I don't want to deal with it anymore." With tears in her eyes she looks away from her friends once more.
As Orihime walks over to give her friend a comforting hug, Ichigo starts to fume.
"That fucking asshole!" Ichigo cursed. "Why does he always do this to you?"
"Sweetie it's been going on like this for the past few months. It's eating away at you. Things can't go on like this." Orihime looks into the tear filled eyes of her friend as she gently holds up her chin.
With a quiver in her voice Rukia continues "I-I know th-that's why…" she takes a long pause as she wipes away a tear and takes a deep breath.
Ichigo and Orihime turn to each other with a questioning look before they turn their attention back to their friend.
"I broke things off with him." She continued as she broke down in tears once again.
With looks of shock on their faces Ichigo and Orihime tried to comfort their friend as they took in the information she had just told them.
"After we arrived at my house, I told him my parents should not be home for a couple more hours and that I wanted to have a serious talk with him. We talked for about two hours. I was surprised that there wasn't any yelling. We both agreed that things were pretty bad over the last few months and that it couldn't continue that way. I told him I think it would be best if for now we just went our separate ways. That we both had a lot of things we had to work out and that if our relationship is meant to be, we will find our way back to each other. It was so hard guys. The look on his face… I've never seen him like that before. He dropped to his knees and broke down crying. He was shaking and trembling and all I could do to not completely break down myself was to hold him. After a while as he was getting ready to leave he told me that he's going to do whatever it takes to get me back. That he's going to change and prove it to me."
Hugging her friend tightly Orihime said "Oh sweetie, something had to happen. I'm just so sorry that you had to go through this."
Ichigo slumped down next to the girls, "It might be for the best Rukia-san. You just have to be strong and know that we are here for you, always."
As she wiped away here tear stained cheeks, Rukia looked up "I know. Thanks guys. I don't know what I'd do without you too monkeys" she tried to joke.
That was just the type of girl Rukia was. She maybe small but she was strong.
"Gosh I think I need another shot of tequila! I just want to clear my head of all of this and put my worries aside for a while. How about a round? Or two!"
"Yah I think I need a shot too!" Ichigo second the notion as he headed over to the bar.
"You two should join AA!" Orihime giggled. "So how about a quick round of pool then we go get some dinner and a movie! I want to catch the new horror flick!"
"Chick what is this thing you have with horror movies?' Rukia laughs "Well it sounds like a plan none the less. You rack up and I'll go put on some music."
"Don't Speak"
You and me
We used to be together
Everyday together always
I really feel
That I'm losing my best friend
I can't believe
This could be the end
It looks as though you're letting go
And if it's real
Well I don't want to know
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Our memories
Well, they can be inviting
But some are altogether
Mighty frightening
As we die, both you and I
With my head in my hands
I sit and cry
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts (no, no, no)
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
It's all ending
I gotta stop pretending who we are...
You and me I can see us dying...are we?
Don't speak
I know just what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't tell me cause it hurts (no, no, no)
Don't speak
I know what you're thinking
I don't need your reasons
Don't tell me cause it hurts
Don't tell me cause it hurts!
I know what you're saying
So please stop explaining
Don't speak,
don't speak,
don't speak,
oh I know what you're thinking
And I don't need your reasons
I know you're good,
I know you're good,
I know you're real good
Oh, la la la la la la La la la la la la
Don't, Don't, uh-huh Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush
don't tell me tell me cause it hurts
Hush, hush darlin' Hush, hush darlin'
Hush, hush don't tell me tell me cause it hurts
As the song played over the radio Ichigo, Rukia, and Orihime continued with their evening. With the help of a couple shots of tequila and the two people she could always depend on Rukia's worries slowly started to slip away for the time being.
"Oh gosh I think she's ah a bit tipsy" Orihime wondered about her friend.
"Yah I think your right" Ichigo chuckled as he tried to help his friend steady her walk.
After leaving the pool hall the three had decided to take the subway into the city where they were going to catch a movie and have some dinner.
Orihime with her friends hand in her own, leant her support to the obviously intoxicated Rukia. "Watch your step sweetie."
"Teeeehehehehehe" Rukia giggled, "you guys are silly!"
HICCUP
"I'm fine! FINE! Hehe Perfectly fine! Oh look the train! WOOHOO!"
"Kuchiki-sannnn, hold on a second!" Orihime cautioned her friend trying to hold her back from running to the edge of the platform. "There' s no need to rush."
"Yah you lil alchy" Ichigo said muffling a laugh.
SMACK
"SHUT UP MONKEY BOY!"
"You guys" Orihime laughed, "come on we should get some seats I don't think standing on the train would be a good idea."
Ichigo held the door while the girls got onto the train, "Definitely not with her like this."
The train ride downtown was rather quick. The shopping district was the ideal place to catch a movie and get some diner since the area was conveniently designed with several restaurants and a large 40 screen movie theater. As the trio exited from the subway station they headed over to get some dinner at their favorite ramen shop Shinpuku Saikan.
"OMG I WANT SOME SAKE AND A NICE BOWL OF MISO RAMEN!" Rukia told her friends excitedly.
"Sweetie maybe you should take it easy and opt for some water." Orihime tried to convince Rukia.
"No, no silly, it's ok! Tomorrow's Saturday so I can sleep it off!"
Orihime sighed.
"Ok where here. Lets hurry grab some food." Ichigo stated as he looked at his watch "It's going on 10 so we will probably have to catch the late show for the movie."
"OMG 10 already! Crap I forgot I have to go in to school tomorrow morning for that 8 o'clock meeting with Yamamoto-Dono."
"Oh that's tomorrow?" Ichigo questioned.
"Yah. Hmmm I don't think I'll be able to catch the movie. But you guys should go ahead! Especially with Kuchiki-san ahhh… you know. She needs to clear her head before she goes home or else her parents might freak."
"That's true. But how will you get back to campus? I don't think you should be walking around there alone at this hour." Ichigo stated with concern of his friend.
"No No it's ok I'm a big girl I'll be fine." Orihime insisted.
"No, how about we go get some food and then we can get you a cab back and I'll take this pint sized alchy to the movie. She'll probably sleep it off a bit and by the time it's over be clear headed enough to go home without her parents being suspicious."
Orihime hesitated worrying about her friend. "Ah…"
"You s-silly goose I'll be ok. Don't worry about this monkey boy I'll make sure he gets home okay. And I'll tell you all about the movie tomorrow! HEHEHEH" Rukia assured her.
The all laughed.
SIGH
"Hmph, I feel bad about leaving Kuchiki-san like this, I wish I didn't have to go in tomorrow… But ok…" she finally gave in.
"OK! LETS GET SOME FOOD! IM STARVING! AND I PROMISE INOUE-SAN ONLY ONE CUP OF SAKE FOR ME!" Rukia said as she rushed into the restaurant.
As the three enjoyed there diner the teased and joked about Rukia being intoxicated while she tried her best to assure them she was not. After dinner Ichigo flagged a cab down for Orihime.
"Ok guys you two behave now. Kurosaki-kun, take care of her and don't let her drive when you get back over by the pool hall. You remember where the car's parked right?"
He nodded and smiled "Yes mom".
Embracing Rukia with a big hug Orihime said, "You take care sweetie, and give me a call when you get home! If you're tired just text me okay and we can talk tomorrow."
Hugging her friend back and giving her a tight squeeze she replied "Thank you so much Hime-san! You know I love you! Get home safely, kay!"
"Okay Inoue I already paid the driver for the ride and told him the directions. Give me a little buzz when you get to the dorms just to make sure you got in safely" Ichigo told her.
"Arigatou gozaimasu, Kurosaki-kun" She smiled and thanked him.
With that the Orihime left her two best friends to finish the night as she headed home.
END CHAPTER!
BE SURE TO LOOK OUT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER WHERE WE WILL PICK UP AS WE LEFT OFF WITH ICHIGO AND RUKIA FINISHING UP THEIR NIGHT! LITTLE DOES THE TRIO KNOW, EVENTS THAT ARE SURE TO TEST THEIR FRIENDSHIPS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
YOU WILL HAVE TO STAY TUNED TO SEE HOW IT ALL UNFOLDS!
AN: Thanks for reading! SOOOOOOOO how was it?!?! I hope you enjoyed it, and please bear in mind this is my very first fic EVER! Be a little easy on me! Oh what did you guys think about me including the lyrics for the songs? I absolutely love music and I think songs can really set a mood and reflect on what's going on. So that's why I choose to include them. On a side note, forgive me for the grammatical and spelling errors! It's hard to revise your own work. /
PLEASE don't forget to leave a review!
THANKS BUNCHES!