AUTUMN HUES

~Tensai - Teki Kuroneko~

Its Anna here, and its my first time writing a multiple-chapter story. Do review. People may find it similar to "Winter Song" by StrawberriBunnehz; since its inspired by that one... so I wish to dedicate this fiction to "Winter Song"(Got the writer's permission! She's awesome!). This is a totally different story, though.

Summary: A zephyr assists a sheet of paper to unite those connected by destiny. AU IchiRuki.

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. This account is written only for the purpose of entertainment. The author claims no right of the characters or certain qualities they may possess. The characters and their personalities belong to Tite Kubo. The author only owns the setting, the ideas and the plot. Under no circumstances, may the work, in parts or as whole, be copied or reproduced prior to approval by the author. In all cases, credit must be give to the author. Any violation of the above will not be tolerated.

Pairing: Ichigo and Rukia.

Autumn had already begun to show its colors. Having the warmth of the summer gone, the nature was steadily preparing for the approaching winter. Light colored chrysanthemum flowers were beautifully blooming in the shade, braving the chilling winds.

The Tsubakidai Park, situated near the Karasu River was enveloped by red maple trees. The tree tops were profusely covered with a variety of shades of hazel, much similar to the disillusioned eyes of a certain someone walking along a cemented pathway, which was strewn with dried up leaves of the nearby maple trees. It was a secluded place even in the weekends, owning to the fact of being located in an unknown part of the town. In mornings, it only housed squirrels, birds, insects and a few elderly people who sat on the park benches, lost in the reminiscence of the past.

The young man didn't walk around aimlessly... and he promptly settled on one of the park benches beneath the oldest tree around. He was wearing an old cotton chestnut scarf swung protectively over his shoulders, isabelline colored jacket, a plain maroon T-shirt, and dark blue jeans. His hair was the brightest color in the picture. He was staring at the clouds, his field of vision being blocked by the branches. Surprisingly, the strong wind didn't deter his gaze.

Some distance away, there was a young girl sitting on a bench beside an elderly gentleman. She was holding a pencil and was busily scribbling in her sketchbook. The girl was wearing a long cashmere cherry blossom pink overcoat. There was a noticeable fringe on her face. She had deep raven black hair which was softly blowing in the wind, and pale skin. One of her uncommon features included her large violet eyes, so deep and so innocent that one could be lost in them for ages. She was seemingly not disturbed by the breeze. The person beside her was looking at the girl's sketchbook with kind eyes.

"There. Its done. I hope you like it, Ojii-chan!" The girl said as she gently tore off the page after signing her name beneath the drawing.

"Thank you, dear. You draw really well... she would love this."

"You are welcome!" The girl happily said, and an amiable smile spread across her face. She stood up, or rather, sprang up, and as she was handing the paper...

A strong gust of wind blew it away from her hands. The paper flew around a bit, and landed itself on the face of the previously mentioned young man, much to his annoyance. "What the hell?" He removed it from his face, and looked at it. His irritation was replaced by a sense of admiration for the sketch... which only reminded him of someone who was very dear to him. Drawn upon the paper was a beautiful morning glory. It was shaded to compensate for the lack of colors. He removed his thumb from the corner just to see the sign of the great artist who drew it.

Before he was able to grasp the name, he heard a gentle voice, "Oh..excuse me?" Ichigo looked up to see huge eyes that were innocently apologizing for the disturbing him. He was awestruck by the simplicity and beauty of the said girl. Even in the simple attire, she reflected delicate exquisiteness. Before he replied, she spoke;

"Would you mind returning that drawing? Ojii chan is leaving now, and I need to give it to him..."

Returning to his senses, he replied... "Ohh... yes, sure." and handed the paper to her.

"Thank you!" She ran after the old uncle to give him the drawing.

Ichigo looked at his hands, still feeling the brush of her hands. He involuntarily tried to recollect the name he had just read. 'What was it? Something... Lu...'

He looked up ahead to see get a glimpse of the girl... as she was leaving with a sketchbook in her hand. As soon as he saw her, his memories became much more distinct. The drawing, the signature, the name... It was...

"Lucia."

First chapter done. Now for some warning... This fic is a simple romance, not dramatic at all... placed in AU and is slow moving. Thanks to some stupid exams, the updates would be like once every 2.53 weeks, and they can get irregular sometimes... but will be regular and weekly after May 2013. Its tough writing about a season you never experienced! :) I don't feel that Rukia can be rude to a total stranger, so I am not including that even for comic relief.

And, please review? That means a lot!

Till Next Update,

Nyaaa~ ne!

TTK