My first fan fiction was about Ryou and Lettuce, I've decided to do one about Ichigo and Ryou this time; don't be angry with me and please R&R

R is for Rejection

Lettuce sighed as she wound her way through the tables. So far she had not dropped a single dish and although she was pleased with herself she knew it wasn't going to last. She had other things on her mind. Her eyes glanced back to Ryou again as he stood watching the beautiful red-haired mew, Ichigo. She felt tears well in her eyes as she thought about her never-returned love for him. She slid the plates onto a nearby table and rushed towards the kitchen, the tears rolling down her face.

"Lettuce?" it was Ryou, she would know his voice anywhere. She tried to hide her tears but Ryou turned her gently around.

"You're crying!" he said in shock as he saw the tears glistening on her reddening cheeks. "What's wrong?" she shook her head and looked down, this was it, now or never.

"I-I love y-y-you Ryou," she whispered, her eyes staring sightlessly down at his shoes. She felt his soft fingers against the skin of her neck as he lifted her chin so that her eyes were staring deep into his. For a moment Ryou could see himself loving her, and as he stared at his own reflection in her bottomless eyes he knew that he looked sad and guilty. But all that Lettuce could see was the kindness in his eyes and the softness of his lips.

"Lettuce…" he started. Lettuce allowed herself to feel a little hopeful, and as he drew in a deep breath she smiled at him. "Lettuce - get back to work." He didn't say it to be mean; he said it softly as if afraid she would break if he were any harsher. And deep inside something did break. Tears began to flow fast down her cheeks as she realized she had been rejected. She dropped her head and managed to choke out, "Do you mind if I go to the bathroom first?" Ryou was ashamed of himself, he had hurt her and he could see it in the tears that now flooded down her face that was already bright red with humiliation. But he loved Ichigo, and although this fragile girl was beautiful, nothing could tear his affections away from the fiery, red headed mew. Lettuce stumbled away from him and leapt for the door. He reached out for her but she squeaked and slapped his hand away; she never wanted to see him again. Ryou watched her run away from him and although he wanted to love her he knew that he couldn't and as he returned to is original position, staring at Ichigo as she worked, he realized why. Ichigo loved Masaya but that didn't mean she couldn't change her mind; everyone could. Maybe, just maybe, he would change his mind about Lettuce.