I just wanna die in your arms…here tonight…
Nightmare and warmth…
The first week had just become past; I almost lost the track of time… My schedule had become more complicated since I wanted to visit Rukia every day. She didn't seem to have made any huge progress but at least she was starting to get better.
Of course, she didn't accept easily my deal with her brother, but there was nothing that she could have done about it. And the main reason for suggesting doing something like that was obviously, because I was feeling responsible for her situation. Nothing else…
When I finally finished my lessons at the university, I hurried and got back in the hospital. I had became quite familiar with the nurses and doctors there, actually that happened because of Rukia's kindness towards them. She would have always thanked them for taking care of her, and she would have always calling me an idiot for staying with her for many hours…
I didn't care….I didn't mind…And I would have done that again and again…without regretting.
I knocked the door two times and when I heard her permission, I entered. She was relaxing in her bed, her face still pale, but the scratches have started to fade away… The vase with blue anemones which I have brought to her ( and I have a really hard time to found them but something in these flowers, made me think that resemble her) were right next to her.
Her emotional amethyst eyes were looking at me. She smiled and waved me to come closer without saying a single word…and when I was close enough…
"Ouch… WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU WOMAN?" I yelled in pain as she slapped me in the back of my head
"I am really positive that I warned you not to come again today, didn't I?" She was dead glaring me
"You should be thankful that I brought you some croissant the morning, and I am coming again to visit you…you midget-size woman" I was so much enjoying to tease her
"Get your worthless butt out of here," She yelled
"So you won't get horny?" She became as red as a tomato. Her eyes were shining with fury… I laughed, and tried to hide the fact that I find her cute in that way…
"Just shake off that cocky smile from your stupid face…And how dare you talk this way in front of a lady? You fruit-head" That settled it…She was starting a fight…
"How did you call me Shorty, high school girl?"
"At least I am looking like a young person in contrast with you…Old perverted man" She smiled with satisfaction
"In contrast with you, my appearance shows a mature man…"
"I am sorry for interrupting, but I have to help Rukia-san with her bath" Hanatarou barely walked inside of the room
"Yes of course" I said and sat across the other side of the room
"Kurosaki-san, could you please wait outside?" Hanatarou asked me as other nurses were walking into the room.
"I'll be waiting outside" I stood outside of the room. I knew from previous experiences that they would be late. However, I didn't have anything else to do. An idea popped out from my head.
"I am sorry but do you happen to know where is a patient named Abarai Renji?" I asked a female nurse who was passing
"Uh, yes…" She blushed but continue "He is transferred to 456 room in this floor sir" She barely looked at me
"Thank you very much" I started looking for his room but it didn't take too much time for me to find it. I knocked and walked in.
"Who the hell is…Oh, who else would just barge in without waiting for permission…" He yelled.
I had guessed that Renji would have been mad, because it was my fault that his friend almost died.
"You know that is your fault that Rukia almost died…"
"Yes, I do"
"And do you have any idea what would have happened if Rukia was hit by the car?"
"…"
He didn't add something else, he just continue to glare me
"But I know one thing. That I would have rather been in her place instead of her been hurt and…"
"Stop it, that's enough. I trust Rukia and I am sure she had her reason for saving your butt" He almost smiled
"Ha?" I thought that he was furious but he was smiling.
"I told you, I trust Rukia. Although, that doesn't change the fact that she is in a lot of pain because of you…"
"I know…" I didn't have a chance to finish my sentence
"And I am not happy for her staying with you…not at all"
I waited for him to continue
"But at least, she will stay here for at least one month…At her request"
"WHAT?" I almost yelled
"You didn't know?"
"NO, I didn't have an idea" And without a word I left his room.
I stood outside from Rukia's room and waited patiently for them to finish. I wanted some answers…
After a short waiting, Hanatarou finally exited from her room with the others following him… I didn't wait any longer and entered furious her room, but… When I saw her, I think I skip a beat…
Her black shining her was falling perfectly to her shoulders, her lips had a faded pink color, her still pale face had a natural blush, which made her even cuter… And her eyes…oh those eyes were shining and blinding anyone who even dared to look at them, in the same way that sun blinds anyone who is looking at it…
I tried to breath but I hadn't any success. Instead of that, I was still admiring her like a statue you see in the museums and its beauty has carried you away and you still want to touch it but you know it forbidden. That was how I felt that very moment. I forgot everything…
"Ichigo, come in…I won't bite you" She kindly smiled and her face brighten up… I swallowed, at least I tried.
«Here I am, standing like a fool, speechless for first time in my life…What's wrong with you Ichigo? Wake up she is just an ordinary girl, isn't she? Even if she is so beautiful…»
"YOU BAKA, QUIT DAYDREAMING" The annoying midget spoke and destroyed the moment.
"Shut up you little" Then I remembered again the reason that I was furious back then "Oh Rukia, do you have anything to tell me?"
"Like what?"
"Let's see, maybe that you will stay for a month here?" I tried to keep it low
"Oh, that…" She looked down, avoiding my glare…
"That's the only thing you'll say?" I yelled
"What would you like me to say?" She answered back
"Just telling me sooner that you won't come anytime soon?"
"Okay, I am really sorry…But I would have told you anytime now" She remained silent.
I was so pissed off…I really was…
"Why you are still pissed off? I said I was sorry, but I had my reasons… And if you could relax and let me explain to you, would be really nice" She looked at me…
«Why am I even mad? It's not as if I wanted her to stay with me, and took care of her…Like hell I'd wanted that day to come. I don't care…Better for me»
"Yeah, I am sorry for the err…outburst…I just don't like the s-sudden changes" Intelligent answer…
"Sorry about that too… You know the first month will be really difficult and by that I mean…I won't even be able to go to bathroom alone…you know to do my needs…And I don't want you to do this kind of job…So the best choice is to stay here for a little longer… But if you don't mind, I'll need your help after that month"
"I understand…Of course and I'll help you…So for now you stay here, right?"
"Yes…"
"Your brother knows about it?" I asked her
"He convinced them to let me stay here for a little longer" She half-smiled…
"Yeah, right…So, how are you feeling?"
"I am doing ok; actually I am not even in pain"
"Stop the lies midget…Even a man would have been in pain, not to mention you…"
"What the hell was that supposed to mean?"
"A little fragile thing like you….would be in a lot of pain…But you're acting all of brave"
"I am not acting…You stupid strawber…" My finger stopped her mouth from saying anything more
"Thank you Rukia" I looked at her amethyst eyes, trying to make her understand that I really appreciate what she was doing for me…
"Nothing at all…" she smiled again…And only God knows how much I love her smile…
My phone started to vibrate. I looked at my phone's screen and saw Inoue calling me.
"Hello Inoue"
"Hi Kurosaki-kun, Am I interrupting?"
"No, tell me what you needed me"
"Well, we are all gathering in my place today for dinner and I was wandering if you would like to join us?"
I thought for a moment…It has been a week since I last spoke to them and I haven't even told them about the almost Rukia's accident…
"I would like that…"
"Oh really? Uh…what about coming here at 3pm? Is it okay for you?" She almost screamed
"Yeah, it is fine…So see you there"
"Yes, good-bye Kurosaki-kun"
"You will hang out with your friends?" Rukia asked
"Yes…if you don't mind…aaaahh…why did you punch me?" I yelled in pain…I was sure that my jaw had broke
"You are taking my permission? You are not my fucking slave… Am I the one who tells you to get your ugly butt out of here?" She told me and dead glare me
"Okay, don't shout"
"I didn't…So see you then" She smiled and pushed me out of her bed
"Hey…Oh okay, okay I got it…So what will you do?"
"I think I'll go later for clubbing…"
"Yeah, whatever… I am serious here" I demanded
"Probably read a book or watch in tv…"
"The chappy-freak show…I know don't worry" I avoided a book which was send flying towards me by Rukia
"Have a nice day midget-sized queen"
"At least I am not an oversized-UFO slave"
"Yeah whatever…" I opened the door but before I exited, I heard Rukia saying
"Have a nice day too, Ichigo" She whispered but I heard her…
"Thanks" I answered
...
When I finally exited from the hospital, the heat outside made me sweat in an instant… The temperature was high and there was no denying in that. The summer came and I didn't even notice it…
I looked at my watch; it was 2:30 pm. I had to hurry if I wanted to be there on time… I put my ray ban sunglasses on, and started to look for my car. Some girls were sitting outside and when I passed they started giggling in a really annoying way…Jeez they were so immature…
When I finally found my lovely Rook, I didn't waste time and I started the car… I opened up the windows and turned on the radio. The air was refreshing as it was touching my face, and the heat was now bearable…The radio was playing a Keith Urban's song…
I've loved you since the very first day Its nice to have someone, so honestly devoted,
When I caught you looking my way
A smile and just knew it.
Aint open to you came along, no one ever my song,
Now its climbing with a bullet.
That when it's said and done, girl I hope you know that
In that part, I started to sing along too,
The travelling, the singing, it don't mean nothing without you Oh ho, without you, hey...
The fast cars, the guitars, they are all just second to,
This life, this love that you and I have been dreaming of, for so long
It'd all be as good as gone, without you.
Somehow, I could understand exactly the feeling and the meaning of this song…
Along comes a baby girl, and a suddenly my little world,
Just got a whole lot bigger, yes it did.
And people that I barely knew, love me 'cos I'm part of you
Man I start to figure
How two souls can be, miles from one another
But still you and me, have somehow found each other.
Oh, that was bad…because when I was singing only the picture of a certain raven-haired girl… No that was certainly bad…
«Oh yeah, I know why is that happening, it is because I spend too much time with her and the nightmare always appears in order to scare me…Yeah that's it, I have to fought the memory of the nightmare…Oh screw that…Anyways, what I am supposed to tell the guys…I am sorry but I forgot to tell you that I almost had an accident and Rukia had it instead of me…»
The truth was that I was ashamed for what I did…or actually for what I let to happen in a woman… I didn't know how to face myself, because guilty was always there waiting for me… I was trying really hard to avoid such thoughts, because I knew that it was my own fault that Rukia was injured and almost died in order to save me…
When I finally reached my destination, I parked the car and took a few deep breaths… Rukia would not be pleased if she knew what I am thinking…What's done, is done… «And there is nothing I can do to change this» I thought in a bittersweet voice…
I rang the bell and waited for Inoue to open the door…
"Hello Kurosaki-kun, welcome" She smiled
"Hi, uh…would you let me come in?" The girl let me come in, telling me at the same time "sorry" for kept me waiting outside.
Her apartment wasn't really big but still it was cozy and you could say that it was almost brand new. As I was following Inoue, I had the chance to notice that even her house had a sweet –almost romantic- and a crazy feeling in its decoration, just like her personality. Actually, it was the first time that I was visiting her new apartment.
"Err…it's really nice" We were finally in the dining room, where a large wooden table with matched chairs were there and a few plants were giving a relaxing feeling in the atmosphere.
"Wow, Kurosaki is trying to do a compliment. That is a great achievement, so who will give a cookie to this good boy" Ishida looked at me with a stupid-really annoying actually- grin on his face.
"Shut up…Jeez, even when someone is polite you will find a way to make him look like an idiot"
"Especially you Ichigo don't have to try in order to look like an idiot" Tatsuki offered her hand for a high five to Ishida
"Very clever, you are so great friends," I said sarcastically
"…"Chad smiled…
"Even you Chad?" Those guys just loved to torture me and they have always great success…
"Come on everyone get you lazy butts over the table, the dinner is ready" Tatsuki spoke before Inoue had even the chance to tell us
"I hope you will enjoy the meal…And I have to announce that…" «Oh shit, she has prepared some of her own recipes for the dessert» "I've prepared a special dessert today, which contains a chocolate cake with ketchup covering and crumbled almonds…it is yummy" She said with a bright smile and sparkling eyes…
"…"No one said everything, just tried to smile…
"What else have you prepared Orihime?" Tatsuki dared to ask
"Oh, I have made spaghetti Carbonara and Caesar's salad…Actually, I didn't have much time to prepare something better" She said in an apologetic tone
"No need to say that Inoue-san, everything is absolutely great" Ishida spoke
"Thank you so much Ishida-kun…I hope you will enjoy the meal" She looked at him with a sweet smile, and Ishida blushed a little and looked outside of the window, whispering
"You're welcome, Orihime-san"
"So, Ichigo where have you been the last week?" Tatsuki straightly asked me and at the same time Ishida, Chad, Inoue looked at me waiting for an answer…
"You know guys something happened the previous week and I haven't told you anything about it yet…" I paused and the others were waiting for me to continue… Again, I felt uneasy and a tightening in my stomach, as I started to talk about Rukia's almost death experience….
When I was describing them what happened back then, only one image was dominating my mind…Rukia fallen in the dry road, with blood streaming down her pale face…a face which has became a mask of pain… Describing what I saw back then was the hardest task in my life…along with describing my mother's death…And for both tragedies; I was the only responsible… My head felt dizzy and my muscles started to get numb… I felt so numb…
"Okay, I've had enough from your depressing face… You should be happy that she is alive…" Tatsuki smiled
"You know, she is right Kurosaki… For God sakes stop being so dramatic…Rukia will be fine in a few months… I am not saying that this is easy but she saved your worthless…" Ishida was talking but Chad spoke in a serious voice
"But she saved our dear friend and that matters" Chad half smiled
"Kuchiki-san seems to be a strong woman… I am sure she will be fine in no time Kurosaki-san…don't be so worried but instead of that try to be happy in order to cheer her up in these difficult hours…" Inoue said with a smile…
"I'll try…" I tried to smile back…
After that, we continue our dinner, talking about silly stuffs… Even if I was having a good time with them, my thoughts were always finding a way to escape from our conversation and got stuck in Rukia's image…
«Why is this happening? Why I cannot get her out of my freaking mind? Why is that? » The same questions were still in my mind, even when I got home…
…
One month passed by so quickly that I haven't even time to get bored… My daily schedule was still the same, university-hospital-home, and was always repeating… Actually, I wasn't always staying home because the most of time I was being with Rukia. To be honest, I was practically leaving in the hospital… I was studying, eating, bathing and sometimes even sleeping there … She repeatedly saying to me that she was getting bored of my stupid face, but I knew that she wasn't bored because every time I was showing up, her face would light up in an instant… She was so bored in there so any company would have made her happy… Renji had not showed up not even once… Rangiku was visiting her a lot… Even Hinamori was keeping her company times to times… No need to mention her brother… Oh also, Mr. Hat and Clogs had visited her once or twice…
I was friend with Toshiro, Rukia's doctor. He was really kind and supportive when he wanted, but he could also be a teaser and badass. He was easily getting pissed off-and I was so enjoying it… Also, he knew how to play piano and at his college years, he had a small band. Toshiro was somehow Rangiku's friend, something that I found quite surprising… So, I wasn't really alone at times when Rukia wanted to have some time with her friends…
However, what I found really surprising wasn't Toshiro's friendships neither Renji's absence… But me. All this time, I was always feeling the need to be there with Rukia… To help her in any possible way, to keep her company, to watch her peacefully sleeping… This attitude was a result of me feeling guilty and responsible for Rukia's accident or because I liked her (in a friendly always way)… Everything seemed so confusing, frustrating or even complicated…
Anyway, the day that her brother came, we talked about some details… Our most important argument had to do with the place that Rukia would stay when I was taking care of her… He insisted that the best for her was to stay in her house and I had to go there. However, I patiently explained to him, that it would have been easier for both of us if Rukia stayed in my house… Firstly, because my house wasn't big, didn't have any staircases and if she needed something she could gave got it without any danger…Also, I told him that she will sleep of course in my bedroom and I'll sleep in my couch… So, in the end –and after many threads- he agreed with me.
So, the moment that Rukia would have moved out from hospital and came in my place, had finally came… For unknown reason, I was feeling nervous. The last night I cleaned and tidied my apartment, and because of that I was feeling really tired. I had already carried Rukia's suitcase in my car so I could have help her in the way to my car.
"So, are you ready to leave this place?" I asked her
"What a stupid question, of course. Although, I will miss Hinamori and Hanatarou"
"You can still see them; remember you are not leaving the country, not even the city. So, relax and stop being so sad, midget" I teased her
"Shut up, you stupid strawberry nerd" A nickname that she learned from my dear friends…And I hated
"…How can a small midget like you, shout like a man?"
"You carrot-head, shut it will ya?" She tried to get up from her bed but I stopped her
"Are you going somewhere?" She looked at me pissed
"What? I am trying to go home" Even if I was angry with her actions, when she said that she will go home, something made me feel warm inside…
"If you stop moving, you will go. Just wait for two minutes"
"Okay…" After that, she waited till Toshiro came and gave us his permission to leave. Even if she was in pain, she tried not to show it as we were walking towards to my car-doctors told us that we could do that for one time.
"Do you need any help?" I asked her worried
"No, I am absolutely fine and stop worrying so much" SHE tried to calm ME down…Always thinking about the other and then herself
"Wait here for one minute" I told her and started to move a little faster
"Where are you going?" She tried to keep up with my speed
"Stay there, you baka…Jeez, I will bring the car here" «How genius of you Ichigo, not thinking about bringing the car here earlier…» In less than five minutes, I was at the place where I parked my car. As I was driving back to the place where I left Rukia, in my disappointment I found out that she was gone…
«As if she was waiting patiently for me there… Baka, baka, baka midget» I was driving for –I couldn't have known how much, maybe it was minutes, more/less…I had lost the track of time- I found her waiting probably for me, in a bench…
"What the hell are you doing here?" I yelled and some people who were passing by looked at me – probably wondering if they should interfere….
"I am waiting for you of course!"
"Damn it Rukia, if you are not listening to a word I am saying then how are we going to help each other?"
"Help each other?" She raised one eyebrow as she was looking at me
"Help me in order to help you…in other word; we have to co-operate… But if you are doing things on your own…"
"Okay, I promise this is the last time I will make you worry… I am sorry…" Her eyes were honest and confirmed what she has just said, "I am sorry Strawberry" She smiled and her big emotional eyes were shining
"Enough pocket size school girl… Let's go home" She started insulting me again and of course, she didn't want to me to help her getting in the car, but I didn't hear a word from what she said…
"So, how is your house?" She asked me excited
"Well, not much… It's an old apartment with one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living room… Makes it perfect for one person," I said in a half bored and half-serious tone about my apartment
"Your friends are visiting you many times there?"
"No… Actually, you are the first girl who I've invited in my apartment, besides my two little sisters"
"Should I feel honored or scared?" She laughed
"I don't know… But I guess a midget like you should feel…"
"Disgusted…yeah I got it…And what about your sisters? Your family?" She asked me with interest
"They are twins…Names Yuzu and Karin… Sixteen years old both of them"
"Of course and they would have the same age, they are twins!"
"Do you want to know or not?"
"You can continue…"
"And I have a crazy-goat father…I hope you will never meet him" As I said those words her face got darker
"No, not that I don't want you to meet him… But he is really crazy and pervert" «Am I explaining myself? For what reason? »
"What about your mother?"
"My mother had an accident and she died in front of my eyes when I was still young…" I tried to focus on the road…Rukia said nothing… she just kept staring at me…
"Ichigo…" She started to say
"What?"
"It will never be the same as before but I can say only one thing …" She touched my hand and her eyes were full of compassion. She took a deep breath "I really, don't have a method of stepping into the depths of your heart without getting it dirty but when you think it's okay to talk" She breathed with some difficulty, probably because of the pain "Talk to me…Until that time, I'll wait…" She smiled and for first time in my life, I felt hope…
"Thank you Rukia…" I poked her in the head "Now baka get some rest…"
My heart has never forgotten her words… Her gentle voice was always echoing in my head…
…
"I know, it's not much…but eh…my apartment is on the fifth floor" I looked at her worried because I have never ever brought a girl in my house and I knew that ordinary girls, like the fancy houses or at least new apartments…But I had forgotten that she was not an ordinary girl…
"I really like the old houses; they kind of remind me of the old times…"
"Hey is not from ancient times…show some respect midget," I teased her
"Stupid, orange baka…I was admiring not humiliating! But you are not smart enough to understand the difference" She yelled
"Hahaha…" She was really funny when she was pissed of…maybe she was just a little cute…just a little
"Wow, even though you're laughing, your scowl never leaves…" She noticed
"You can say that I am unique"
"Here we go again…And Strawberry's ego is higher than ever," She giggled
"Yeah whatever…now…" I lifted her up and carried her in my arms…
"What the heck are you doing? I can walk by myself" She insisted
"No, you cannot…Rukia there are thousands of stairs… In your condition, you can't…"
"Yeah I got…" She pouted like a small child
"Hey, don't be like that…" I looked at her but no change "It is not like I want to carry a midget around"
"Go bald Fruit-head" At least she was pissed…
After a half an hour, we were finally outside from my apartment…
"I saw downstairs an elevator"
"It isn't working…"
"Can you put me down now?"
"No" «Wait, WHAT? Where that came from?»
"I beg your pardon?" She looked at me curious…«Come on genius…what the hell are you supposed to answer…THE TRUTH…and the truth is?»
"Eh…you are tired and you ARE NOT ALLOWED TO WALK!...AND THAT'S FINAL" What the…? »
"What? You are not expecting me to just listen your stupid order…because if…"
"Rukia please, I am tired…so please…"She said nothing
"And you said that I am tired…" She whispered as I was unlocking the door
"Not in a physically way…" I opened the door and I looked at the familiar living room… "So here is my living room…TV, DVD player…"I walked towards to the kitchen while I was holding her in my arms… I tried to open the door that leads to the kitchen but Rukia opened it instead of me… "And here is the kitchen and also the dining room, not much but still…"
"You have a nice house…and it's surprisingly tidy…"She looked the kitchen
"So let's move to the bathroom…" In a couple of seconds, I was in my ours bathroom
"Everything you'll need is here…I got you a new toothbrush, in case you have forgotten yours…" I felt my cheeks getting hotter, but I didn't dare to look myself in the mirror…
"Thank you very much Ichigo…Quite thoughtful of you" She kindly smiled
As we approached my bedroom, I opened the door and I slowly let her in my bed… For one second, our faces were so close… I could smell her skin's aroma…I could even smell her breath…Sweet vanilla…
"Yeah…err and this is my bedroom and currently your bedroom…I mean you'll be sleeping here" I got away from her as far as I could…
"And you?" She asked my suspicious
"At the couch" I simply answered
"No way…"
"No problem"
"But I…"
"But I have to take care of you…and I want to do a good job…" I looked at her with a satisfied smile
"All right…Could you bring me, my suitcase please?"
"Yeah, sure… Just stay here and relax…" She nodded
Within some minutes, I had brought her suitcase…
"Thanks Ichigo…I would like to change…so"
"Do you need any help with changing your clothes…"We stood still, no one said a word… «That sounded like I was some kind of pervert»
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT…I AM SORRY," I almost scream because of the embarrassment «Why am I embarrassed for? Jeez, I am acting like some kind of virgin»
"It's okay…don't worry…I don't need your help…Actually, I think I'll rest for now"
"As you wish…I'll be outside"
"Yeah…" And with that, I closed the door… I sat on my couch…«Why my chest was feeling so cold? And why I missed her warmth? » I had no idea what was happening to me… I had never felt like this before…And to be honest, I was getting worried…
I looked at the screen of my phone… The next day would be 10 July…The day when my mother had died…
A small orange haired boy was walking besides his mother… The sky was so dark, the sun was invisible… The clouds were colored with black and grey… However, the boy was still happy…
His mother took his hand into hers and walked across the road…
"Mama, I am scared…I saw a monster…it was screaming" The boy talked
"Honey, I am here…No one will hurt you as long as I am standing by your side" She spoke in this gentle voice
"Thanks Momma"
They kept walking, happy in the silence… The boy saw a little raven-haired girl, sitting on the wet road…
"Oh no…she must be abandoned, mama! Look at her…" The boy without thinking, walked towards to the little girl…Then a couple of hands grabbed him…
"Ichigooo" The woman screamed and tried to get her son back…but the men were to strong and they…killed her…
Then, the men were coming closer to the boy, but the sound of police siren stopped…They ran away… The boy went near to the dead body of his mother…Blood was everywhere… His world was crushing down…He turned his head in order to face the girl…but she was nowhere to be found…
"Mama, mama" He shook his mother body…but nothing…she did not wake up…she never woke up again…
…
"Stop" I opened my eyes, I looked around wondering where I was, but, as I understood that I was in my place, my muscles relaxed. The same nightmare again. Sweat was streaming down my face… My chest felt heavy…I looked outside the window, it was still dark. The clock showed 2 am, I stood up and walked towards to my bedroom in order to check if Rukia was all right…
I opened the door carefully, trying not to make any sound… The room was dark but the moon rays were shipping though the window, lighting up the place where Rukia was sleeping… Her pale face looked so peaceful, her eyes were closed, and her lips were slightly parted… She looked so ethereal, so magical…
I came closer to her and I dared to stroke her hair… I was almost afraid to touch her, she looked so fragile… Slowly I touched her cheek, it was so soft and warm… For one moment, I wondered what her lips would feel like… With my fingertips, I caressed her lips… They were soft…
«Damn it Ichigo…! What the hell are you doing here? She could have woken up… I must leave…Like, NOW»
As I was leaving her room, I didn't dare to look at her again… «Is going to be a difficult day»
…
I blinked once, twice and finally I was able to half open my eyes. The sunrays blinded me, which wasn't any helpful… I tried to listen for any sound but dead silence and peace prevailed the place… Then it was when I started to worry… I got and dressed up in a matter of seconds and I ran towards to Rukia's bedroom
I slowly opened the door…I looked at Rukia's bed and…
"You pervert stop peeking from the door…" She yelled
"Good morning to you too…I wasn't peeking, I was just checking if you were all right…" I explained myself
"Every pervert says the same thing…Good morning to you too…" She smiled, and I was sure that even sun wasn't as bright as her smile
"So, I'll bring you the breakfast here, in ten minutes, if that's okay from you…"
"No problem, I can make my breakfast by myself…"
"No way… Just give a couple of minutes in order to go to the bathroom"
"Okay…"
I left her room and walked towards to the bathroom… I would have liked a refreshing bath but she hadn't eaten anything, so my bath could certainly wait. After, I was finished from the bathroom, I headed to the kitchen and started to make some toasts, I put a glass of milk for Rukia and a glass of black coffee for me.
I knocked the door three times and when she accepted me, I entered to my old bedroom. She had changed her pyjamas to an old black pair of shorts and a white tank top.
"Won't you join me?" She asked me as she looked at the one toast and glass of milk
"Err, you don't mind?" «That sounded like I wanted to eat with her breakfast…and I certainly don't want to»
"No, not at all…I always like eating with friends"
"Yeah, I'll bring my breakfast here too" After three minutes I was there, with my cup of coffee and toast…
"Rukia, there is something that I wanted to inform you…" I waited for three seconds and I continued, "Today, I have to leave the house…Because, this day before eleven years, my mom died…so I have to…"
"You don't have to explain yourself to me Ichigo…it's okay…I understand" She took my hand into hers and looked at me in the eyes…I felt like she could have understood me, without even telling her anything…
"Thank you…Oh by the way, Hinamori is coming here today"
"ICHIGOOO, I am not a baby who needs someone to take care of him…I can stay alone for some hours" She yelled
"You midget relax, is not like I told her to come, she wanted to visit you either way…And Rangiku couldn't have came"
"I never said that YOU told her…Jeez, Do you think that I am a baka like you?"
"Will you stop shouting and welcome kindly your friend?" I pretended a bored tone
"…You stupid orange head…" She pouted, and she looked so cute
"I'll go now…" I announced
"What, so soon?"
"Yes, I'll be late…so don't wait for me"
"Okay…Bye then…see you later" She half smiled and for one moment I thought that she looked disappointed but probably she was so happy that she could have stayed with her friend with me, and she needed to pretend that she was sad. Before I closed the door, I heard her saying
"And please take care of yourself…"
"I will," I whispered but she heard me…
…
I heard bathroom's door closing and I felt more relaxed. I looked around the room and some sunrays were warming the place. I reached air conditioning's control, and turned it on. I close my eyes and tried to think of happy things
I wasn't so lucky. I was so much worrying about that orange haired baka; he looked so sad and depressed. I could only hope to be careful and not have any troubles. I took my newest manga in my hands and started reading it. In a matter of seconds, I was lost in a whole new world, where pirates were still scary for some people and where friendship could never die. I was so much enjoying reading this manga that I nearly heard the Ichigo welcoming Hinamori and leaving his apartment.
"Hello Rukia, how are you doing?" She smiled kindly to me as always
"I am fine Hinamori; I am trying to get used to of someone's ugly face"
"If you are talking about an orange haired man's face, I think it's very easy to get used to its perfection"
"Oh come on Hinamori, you are sounding like Rangiku."
"I am just teasing you Rukia san" She giggled, "I think his scowl is very hard to get use to it. Actually, it's the only thing that makes his face ugly" She admitted
"Well, I think this scowl looks good on him" She raised one eyebrow "I mean he is such a whiner…and you understand" I looked outside from the window…Oh what a good day, even if it was raining
"Okay, I won't push you any further…So, I brought some movies with me…Which one would you like to see…Titanic or a Walk to remember" She smiled confidently
"Great, only romance for today…Hmm, I guess I'll choose "A walk to remember," It has great songs in it," I suggested and she agreed.
The rest of the day was relaxed and somehow funny. Hinamori was a great company. We watched both movies (I certainly didn't want to) and we ate pizza. After that we talked about boys (She did actually, I was only listening and teasing her), and we had in general a great day. Only one thing was making me anxious…Was that orange-haired baka okay?
Unfortunately, sunset came and Hinamori had a long way to her home. So, she left early and I had nothing else to do but sleep… The room still had the smell of him; my mind was stuck to his image and his similarity with Kaien…Probably that was the reason, which caused me, having nightmares…again…
…
The clock was showing that it was nine pm. The rain was unstoppable and the thunders were only getting louder. My family was a mess but in a very different way from the usual meaning. Both of my sisters were unable to control their tears as my father was talking about our mother. This day, every year…I was feeling so sick, so helpless…
In addition, I was worried about Rukia. Only late at evening I was able to learn her whereabouts from Hinamori. They were doing good…They have seen movies and have eaten pizza. In an instant, a felt more relaxed when I heard that she was doing fine. I couldn't have helped it but smiled. And my dad could not have let the chance pass by without commenting about it.
"You heard something good son?" He said with a stupid smile on his face
"Nothing…just shut it" I turned my face and stared at my mother's grave
"Masaki, our son is growing into a man." He said in a peaceful tone unlike his usual. It sounded like he meant it. And that made me very, very angry…
"SHUT UP" I yelled
"No reason to hide your emotions from your dad Ichigo. Don't worry, your sisters won't listen to us" He lit a cigarette
"Yeah, whatever…"
"If you ever feel the need to talk to me, please do it" He looked me straight in the eyes and I nodded…
From that moment, he continued being his usual stupid self. Times like these, I was wondering if he had two personalities…
Finally, I was home. I searched for the keys in my bag when I heard someone's scream coming from my apartment. It was Rukia's. I unlocked the door and ran towards to her room. I opened the door and got in.
I found her sleeping but her face wasn't at all relaxed. Sweat was streaming down her face, moans where escaping from her mouth and I was sure that she was crying. Her whole body actually was shaking violently. I came closer to her, trying desperately to wake her up.
"KAIEN, NOOOO…" She screamed and opened her eyes. She looked so scared and sad. She couldn't even have breathed normally. She was trying very hard to take some breaths and stop crying…
"Shhh Rukia…I am here" She stared at me and her face got even paler that before. Like she saw a ghost.
"Kaien?" She asked me scared
"Rukia, it's me…Ichigo" When I told her my name, she finally seemed to recognize me
"Ichi-chi-go" She was sobbing…I hugged her as tightly as I could. I was wiping out her tears and I was trying to comfort her. Nothing from what I've said seemed to make her feel better. She just kept crying…
Then, I remembered that my mother was always telling me that when someone is sad and you can't express your feelings, you should just sign a song and that will make him feel better. I really didn't have the slightest clue if that was going to work but the lyrics of this song where expressing my feelings… I lowered my head in order to whisper in her ear…
"Hey baby when we are together…Doing things that we love…
Every time you near I have a feeling like I'm in heaven…feeling high…
I don't want to let go girl…
I just need you to know girl" I took a deep breath and looked at her face. She had stopped crying and she was looking straight in my eyes
"I don't wanna run away…
Baby, you are the one I need tonight…No promises…
Baby, now I need to hold you tight…
I just wanna die in your arms…
Here tonight" I stood up slowly from her bed and cover her with the sheets. She grabbed my hand before I had the chance to leave and she whispered
"Stay a little more and…please sing to me," She pleaded with those eyes looking into mine… I sat on the floor.
"Hey baby when we are together, doing things that we love…
Every time you're near, I have a feeling like I am in heaven…
Feeling high…I don't want to let go girl…
I just need you to know girl…
"I don't wanna run away…
Baby, you are the one I need tonight…No promises…
Baby, now I need to hold you tight…
I just wanna die in your arms…" I got lost by the beauty of her amethyst eyes. I came closer to her and caressed her cheek
"I don't want run away…I want to stay forever through the time… and time…
No promises…" I was few inches away from her lips, her eyes were still not leaving mine…But I remembered when she called me "Kaien"…I kissed her forehead and stayed there as I was continuing the rest of the song
"I don't wanna run away…I don't wanna be alone…
No promises…
Baby, now I need you hold you tight…
Now and forever in my life…
No promises
I don't wanna run away…
Baby, you are the one I need tonight…No promises…
Baby, now I need to hold you tight…
I just wanna die in your arms…
Here…tonight" I slowly opened my eyes. She was sleeping but this time her face was relaxed and it had a peaceful smile.
Suddenly, I heard someone opening the door in the living room... I heard footsteps coming closer…I went in front of Rukia's bed in order to protect her from anyone who had came into the house… A shadow appeared and…
To be continued…
A/N Guys I hope you liked and enjoyed this chapter…I did… I am sorry for not updating but I didn't felt like writing anything… Please leave me your reviews, they are making me want to update faster and make me really happy :D Suggestions are always welcomed… And like the Gin is saying "Bye, Bye"
Ps. The song Is called "No Promises-Shanye Ward"