Disclaimer: I'm way too young to own Bleach.
Chapter 1
Many people are walking outside for there will be a musical this evening. A big musical.
Byakuya isn't that impressed with music. Not that he hates it or does he find it horrible. It's just it never captured his interest. But just for this once, he agrees to go to a musical with Rukia and their distant relatives to the musical.
In the musical, several divas will join for one big show. Not to compete. Just sing a few songs until it's another singer's turn and in the end, all will unite to sing one long symphony.
It won't be a waste of time even if he is sure he won't be clapping or feeling overwhelmed by joy and excitement by the time it ends. For a man like him, feeling joy seemed almost impossible.
When he slumped on a seat among the row that is second to the front, he patiently waits. Then the curtains part, and the first singer, a man in his thirties dressed in a fine suit, begins to sang in his tenor voice.
Byakuya observed the singer. He does sing from his stomach, and didn't overdo any note. So he is alright, but he didn't feel any amazement. It would be expected of himself.
The second is a woman in her late forties, kind of chubby in weight but still looking youthful, sings in a powerful and echoic voice. She isn't bad either, but he doesn't feel anything either. But he clapped along with the audience when her part ended.
The third and fourth and so on... they all may have been splendid enough to draw a loud uproar of cheers and applauds from the audience, but not from him. He just clapped to not insult them, as they are doing their best.
When the thirteenth diva appeared after the temporary closing of the velvet drapes, he is surprised that this one is different from the previous twelve. While the others are of very mature age, she is merely a teenager.
Orange hair, hazel eyes, a flowing bluish-gray gown and midnight blue sandals. Those are the best details he could get from the girl. Silence took over the audience for one moment, until she began singing alto, low but audible enough for everybody even in the back seat to hear. A clear voice, as gentle as the morning air. Her posture, still but perfect and graceful.
Now why is he paying attention to such detail? It isn't like with the others. But he just let his ears drown in the angelic melody of Amazing Grace, a simple but beautiful piece. From alto to soprano without making a single mistake, hitting every note flawlessly. For her age, she has such a talent.
He was in disbelief. Just in this one night, he let one girl's performance make him feel different towards music. Nonetheless, he wholeheartedly listened to her next four songs with the same magnificent work that everyone bolted from their seats and yelled and whooped. Rukia jumped from her seats and clapped so fast that it sounded like several lightnings striking at once.
He joined in, but clapped quietly and normally. She bowed humbly, and flashed everyone a sweet smile before the curtains closed, letting the audience settle down for a few minutes before it opened up again, revealing all thirteen divas gathered like a choir, with the exception of the music sheets.
Thirteen different voices join together, perfectly in sync, to sing one long but not boring song. It was rather pleasant to the ears, Byakuya has to admit. But through the whole seven minutes, his eyes couldn't help but stay glued towards the girl.
He tried to recall her name that was announced which served as her cue before the curtains revealed her to the audience. Then he remembered. Ichigo Kurosaki.
But he shoved all his thoughts about her to the back of his head. It would be gone anytime soon. He might not even see her again. The audience left when they all bowed and the curtains once more, closed with the sound that occasionally signals a finale.
He was about to take his leave, but Rukia and the others insist they remain seated just a little longer. He doesn't know why, but he doesn't resist and continued relaxing on the soft chair.
The whole place emptied and he becomes suspicious of his family. Why are they making him stay? There's no one left but them themselves. He is about to ask that question, but new people appeared from the side door and a middle-aged man brightened up when they saw his uncle.
Except him, they approached the family and exchanged handshakes. But in a while he stood up and approached them, wondering who they are talking to. For sure, he knows that they might be friends with whoever it is they are talking with right now.
He is surprised yet again, when he caught sight of Ichigo at the back, dressed in a white summer dress with matching shoes. Why would she be here? Slowly, the pieces joined together. Maybe his family is friends with the girl's family.
"And these here are my cousins." He and Rukia stepped forward when their uncle gestured to them. Rukia went first, bowing and giving an honest compliment to Ichigo who slightly blushes and thanks her. Then he comes next, bowing his head and stating his name.
She presented her right hand to him for a kiss of greeting, and though he doesn't like that kind of greeting he just went on with the flow and gave a quick peck on the back of her hand.
TBC . . .
A/N: Reviews and constructive criticism are welcome, but no flames please.