[A/N: okay, this was actually an idea from my story about another couple, but decided to put Ichigo and Rukia instead. This is my second fic here in the Bleach section, and there would be a lot of angst, and character death (spoiler alert) lol. The title Maten no Hoshi, translates to Sky Full of Stars and it is sung by Rikki.anyway, please enjoy!
Other Notes:
Italicized - flashback
Bold - conscience
Maten no Hoshi
by:
wishHeart
It was a crisp and refreshing night in the serene city of Karakura. Comfortable winds blew through the town, causing shop signs to swing back and forth swiftly with a small squeak as the water within the well rippled as though a giant was approaching the area. The stars in the sky glimmered like thousands of tiny, scattered diamonds, a rarity which brought flocks of tourists here to experience. Karukura, in all actuality, was rumored to be they city closest to the heavens.
"You, Renji, Hantaro, hell even your brother could stay here!" He said gleefully, taking his hands into hers.
"What about Seireitei?" She asked, reluctant to look him in the eyes.
"Forget Seireitei! It's not like anything will change if you stay here. Besides, it would save you the time to come and go from here to there just to battle hollows"
This time, she looked up at him, and stared into his eyes.
"Do you wish for me to stay here?"
"Of course!"
"Star light, Star bright, the first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight..."
On the compounds of the well, sat a young woman of no more than twenty-three, but in all actuality she was more than that, staring up at the sky with a child's curiosity. Her large amethyst eyes had a certain glitter, which matched the intensity of the stars above perfectly, and enough spark to light the way of a lost traveler. But in a way, that statement proved ironic. Her eyes described a hopeful feeling deep inside. A hope to illuminate a path for a certain wanderer. Illuminate a path which would lead the wanderer back here...to her.
"If I stay here, you'd never leave me right?"
"Of course I won't. Unless, Aizen found a way to resurrect himself and improve his skills, then I'm pretty much dead"
They both giggled, and she punched his shoulder playfully.
"How about my duties?"
"You could do your duties here…with me" He replied, his voice lowering when he said the last two words.
"Bring him back to me. I wished every night for the past two years, but I need to see him again, to see that he is okay. He promised me that he would come when I needed him. I need him now."
Gathering thin legs against her chest protectively, she closed her eyes and allowed the floral fragrance of the night air to intoxicate her. Deep within her pure heart, she yearned for just one glance into the beauty of those eyes, those brown, power infested eyes which held all the answers to her troubles. For the past two years, without its comfort, she was lost. No solace. No answers. Just haunting darkness that seemed to ask her why.
"I need you, Ichigo. I need you next to me, telling me everything is going to be okay. I need to know that you are still breathing and living the life you so desperately wanted to find."
"Well then, you could tell that to Yamamoto-sotaichou and of course, nii-sama"
"You know they'd grant the request of the shinigami who saved Seireitei and Karakura"
"You're pretty sure about that, huh?" She said with a smile.
"Corz, if they won't, I'd take over Seireitei myself"
And they both laugh.
She still remembered the day he swept out of her life, like a hurricane into the night, destroying the lives of everyone he had ever known, just for his personal gain. It was a big surprise actually, nobody had expected it, for the brown eyed man, everyone had grown so fond of, just packed his bags one night and left. No hints of his departure. No good-byes. No have a nice life. No nothing. Just a small courtesy note, which sat on one of the many tables in the small bar in Karakura, expressing his deep gratitude in having them in his life. Tears were shed. Anger rose to the surface. Hearts, definitely broken, to the disturbing realization that Ichigo Kurosaki was responsible in destroying the spirits he had so carefully built in their hearts.
"I love you Rukia" He said seriously. She looked up at Ichigo and saw the genuineness in his eyes. She smiled up at him, tiptoed and softly planted a kiss on his lips.
"I love you, too"
"Promise me you won't leave me?"
"Of course silly. I promise"
"Come back to me. Come back to us."
Reopening her eyes to regain sight of the stars above, crystal tears of nostalgia began to form underneath her eyelids as a small vision of memories began to play incessantly in the compact movie theater of her mind. When he left, he took along with him a piece of her heart that allowed her to love unconditionally. Now without that missing piece, she could no longer love a man completely, the way someone deserved to be loved. That was another reason why she yearned for his return, to demand he give back that piece of importance. So, finally, she could live again.
And he kissed her passionately, Rukia deepened the kiss. Placing her hands around his neck while he placed his on her waist, drawing her closer. Until, they were both out of breathe.
"You won't make me promise to never leave you?" He asked.
"No…because I already know you won't" She replied and he kissed her again.
"Rukia?"
The contemptuous woman cast her eyes away from the sky and onto the source of the sound. A man of equal age stood a couple of feet away from the well, rebellious yet trustful brown eyes looking curiously at her as a small smile of bliss overtook his features.
"Hi, Ryo. Can't sleep either?"
"Hey! That guy's really great!" Rukia eyed the bartender in the television with much fascination as he threw the bottles of liquor around.
"Hmpf. I could do that with my eyes closed…" Said a pouting Ichigo.
"Look, Ichigo!" She said excitedly, completely ignoring his statement. "I want to learn how to do that"
"You really want to know how to throw around bottles, coz Orihime could definitely teach you" Ichigo said playfully recalling how many times Ishida would come to their flat with bruises, telling them that he and Orihime had another fight, which resulted in many vases, and containers being thrown.
"You are so mean" Rukia replied, as she rested her head on Ichigo's chest. "And yes, I want to learn bartending."
"For what?" He asked, exasperated.
"Because, Kurosaki-san, it could help us with our financial…issues" she replied, standing up from their bed.
"So the money I earn isn't enough?" He said, slightly hurt and annoyed.
"Obviously…" She replied from the bathroom. She couldn't bare looking at his hurt face.
"Do as you wish!" Rukia then came running back to their room, jumped on the bed and showered Ichigo with her kisses.
"Thank you so much! You don't know, how much this—"
"Yeah, yeah, go get nude already!" He said with much seriousness, Rukia had to laugh.
The man, known as Ryo, unfolded his muscular arms across his chest and answered patiently, "Well, I was sleeping until I didn't see the beautiful woman who's usually besides me. I got a little scared. I was going to call the police, but then I realized, they wouldn't come quick enough. Then I decided to sell my soul to the devil, so I can find you, but then I realized, if I sell my soul than I wouldn't be able to love you and feel the relief I usually do when I did find you. So then, I just decided to get my lazy ass up and look for you myself, I mean, it would be quicker than the police and less risky than selling my soul, don't you think?"
Rukia chuckled at his quaint sense of humor, unwrapping her legs from the close hold so they would hang over the side of the old well limply. Ryo could always make her laugh, no matter what kind of mood she was in. It was the gift he possessed that made her feel a momentous amount of affection for him.
"Well, you know, nothing says I love you more than selling your soul to the devil. Quite a worthy gesture of affection if you ask me," Rukia retorted in an equal amount of sarcasm, quirking an eyebrow up playfully.
"Well, I'll keep that in mind for an anniversary present," he explained, the smile he placed on display still located distinctly on his face as he stealthily made his way towards the amused woman and swept her up into his arms.
"The stars are really pretty, you should see the one's in Seireitei" Rukia said, as her eyes lingered across the starry sky.
"So, you still miss that place?" Ichigo asked, wrapping Rukia with one arm, as they both lay under the glistening heaven.
"I think about it, but I like it better here…with you" She replied, turning her head to the side so she could see his face. Ichigo faced her too, and couldn't help but smile.
"It's almost time" Ichigo whispered lovingly.
"Time for what?" Rukia asked. Glancing at her clock, it was five minutes before midnight and what could they possibly been waiting for.
Ichigo stood up and Rukia pouted indignantly.
"Come on, we need to go"
"Fine, but this better be good, or the next time you're going to ask me to go stargazing at the middle of the night I'd show you what I learned in bartending school" She replied huffily, feeling the cold wind gush through her.
Ichigo laughed, "I promise, this is way better than my 'We-need-fresh-air' excuse"
Her soft laughter of happiness twinkled like chimes in the cool night's air, encircling her arms around the man's neck in a restful manner. As the two made their way into the small, yet cozy household within Karakura's town square, a gold band, which sat snuggled on the thin ring finger of Rukia Kuchiki-Kiuchi, shimmered underneath the soft glow of the full moon.
Meanwhile...
The winds were harsh and heavy, slapping the young man's face with such harshness, it left a soft glow of red welts. But that didn't stop him from accomplishing his mission. Over all the pain he was experiencing, over all the conditions he was encountering, the journey was not stopped. It was indeed cold enough to put the traveling on halt, figuratively, colder than millions of ice cubes finding a resting spot on a once warm body, but he didn't stop. For there was one place he would go to find warmth, find the strength to walk forward with head held high, and that was to think of her.
He made her swear to keep her eyes shut, threatening to tickle her in an act of retaliation if she broke the sacred promise and peeked. And Kami, did she hate being tickled with an unmatched passion. So she dutifully followed, being led by her knight, her fingers forever intertwined with his.
"Keep your eyes closed, Rukia. I'm watching you."
"How can you watch me, and watch where you're going at the same time?"
"Because I'm just that damn good, and don't you ever forget it."
"Like you'd everlet me." She teased in reply. "Ichigo, seriously, where are you taking me? You know how much I hate surprises."
"No, you love them…you just hate the waiting."
"Fine, then don't make me wait."
"But what's the fun in that for me?"
"You are a meanie, aren't you Kurosaki?"
"You bet." He playfully answered.
The cold evening breeze danced on her face, sending an exhilarating shiver throughout her entire body. He carefully led her out onto the center of the park, maneuvering their way into the many playground equipments.
She knew exactly where they were now, but was taken aback as the rich aroma of flowers filled her senses. He made the symbolic, rather than practical, gesture of moving behind her and resting the tips of his fingers over her eyes.
"Okay." He announced softly, removing his hands.
The park was a sea of crimson roses. The park lamps flickered like brilliant fireflies, their glass domes protecting the small fires from the elements.
She couldn't speak, couldn't even breathe, and if she had articulated anything, it surely wouldn't have been anything more than an inaudible syllable. His arms draped around her waist, pulling her back to his chest, as he nuzzled his face into the curve of her neck.
"Happy Anniversary Rukia, five years ago tonight, I fell in love."
"I take back the meanie comment," she whispered as the breeze caressed her face, and his warm breath caressed her neck.
Crossing the terrain and following the path which lead into the infamous cave towards Karakura, the violent winds seemed to cease slightly, giving the young man some time, if not a lot, to recuperate from the frost bite which was dangerously forming on his already frail body.
"I gotta move faster...gotta see them again. Gotta see her again."
The determined man looked to be in close proximity to the age of 24, with hopeful and vulnerable brown eyes that looked like they seen both heaven and hell. Unusual orange-colored hair, which was usually spiked up in a spunky way, drooped down a bit from the wind pressure. He looked broken and ever so tired, dark circles and baggage underneath his eyes as though he hadn't slept for those 2 years that he's been away.
"Think of her and how good it'd be to see her again...Think of her and everything'll be okay."
He moved up slightly, placing his lips gently on hers. He could taste her, taste the flowers in the air, and the humidity within the air itself. She was the one to break the contact, letting her eyes focus on the ocean of beauty placed before her.
"So what day is it exactly the anniversary of?"
"The day I rescued you from the Sokyoku, the day we looked out into a flower field and I could see forever…with you."
She would have laughed at the corniness if it hadn't been the most romantic words she'd ever heard. And those times with him were a rarity onto themselves. "You know if you had warned me, I would have worn something more appropriate than a t-shirt and jeans."
"Don't worry," he seductively whispered in her ear. "You won't be wearing them for too long."
He had the ring in his pocket that evening, he knew they were too young but somehow it just felt right. There was a sense of security to be able to see Rukia, his Rukia, to be wearing the ring…their engagement ring, but somehow those words escaped him. It was fear that kept his true emotions at bay, and that would eventually be the catalyst to his downfall.
Rukia Kuchiki. The closest person he ever held in his heart, the only person who had ever been there for him in the pleasures and the pains of his life. This girl was the only reason he held his existence in the palm of his hand, why he continued to breathe, even when it proved to be useless. No one, even when he was child with a mother who loved him unconditionally, had made him feel worthy of living a life of meaning, a life of having the mentality where good things did happen to the outsiders of this world. She did. She showed him how unfrivolous he was by allowing him to hold her emotions in his heart, to hold onto something so precious and pure.
"Just give me one chance...Just one chance, that's all I ask you."
Stepping away from the grasps of the dark cave, he noticed the sunlight fighting to make itself known over the horizon. Daylight would soon emerge, a new day becoming the successor of night.
"Almost there, just a little further and I'll see her again..."
' That is, if she's still there. '
The mental revelation caused his heart to pound against his ribcage anxiously. It had been two years, what if Rukia and the others packed their things and left Karakura to pursue their own dreams? Or, what if she left the living world completely and went back to Soul Society? It wasn't a farfetched idea. Could it be true that this strenuous and difficult journey, which he poured his sweat, blood, and being into, was for nothing. He shook his head quickly, not even contemplating the situation at hand. He refused to even begin to believe fate could be so cruel in giving him such hope and then abruptly debasing it into just a memory.
"I won't believe that people who cared for me that much would just pick up and leave, forgetting I even existed and ruling out the possibility of me returning!"
' Was that your mentality when you just packed up and left everything you have ever known behind, without a single goodbye or recognition? '
A conscience had a funny way of being schizophrenic. One day, it's agreeing with you, comforting you to the extremity of wooing you into believing you were doing the right thing. And then the next day, it's completely tearing you inside out, having no mercy in the already guilty emotions within you. It was also funny how an unknown source had such power over you.
"It wasn't like that...I had to find..."
' Something about yourself that could determine where you stand along with the others. Blah, blah, blah. Still bullshit excuses of not wanting to experience attachment to anybody but yourself. Selfish bastard. '
Shaking his head suddenly, the tormented man continued the walk ahead of him, trying to tune out the sing song voice of his deepest thoughts. Unfortunately, a visualization was made that a conscience isn't a radio, you can't turn it on or off whenever you please.
' Rukia probably forgot about you too, I don't blame her, after what you did to her...'
"I didn't mean to hurt anybody, especially Rukia! But for once, I wanted to do something for myself, without worrying about others!"
' But don't you see! You can't just do things for yourself, that's your problem you stubborn asshole! With every decision comes a consequence, good or bad, learn that before you get all full of yourself and consider yourself a saint. '
The voice died out as quickly as it appeared. Maybe that was because a conclusion was made that finally made him realize that running away wasn't the way to solve anything. If he had denied his impulsiveness the satisfaction of resurfacing, things could have been better. But, unfortunately, he had been too afraid of facing the issue at hand head on, and decided on retreating like a coward. He took the easy way out, and now, he would have to accept the consequences of laziness.
His feet ached from running for such a distance without rest. His face, red and yearning for the comfort of cold water splashing on it's skin. His eyes, burning from the moisture that demandingly overtook them. His heart, growing more and more hopeful as he approached the small town that was now in the vision of the naked eye.
"It's right there. Just a little farther."
His pace quickened as did the constant beating of his heart. The dream was right in front of him, right at the grasp of his fingertips. All he had to do was stretch a little farther, just a little more and he would be able to touch it.
"Just a little more!"
And the dream, suddenly became a reality. He saw, with his very eyes, the slight hustle of the peaceful city, as citizens began on their daily routine. Ichigo Kurosaki collapsed onto his knees as the moisture that was held in the compounds of his eyes was finally released. The city which he had left behind so long ago was now a sight to behold again. Never did a thought of a possible nostalgia come across him during his departure. But now, seeing the city, and a possible encounter with Rukia or the others, made more tears of happiness spring into his eyes. He had finally made it.
Karakura.