Stay By My Side – II
Silent Love ~Open Your Heart~
Shizuka no Ai ~Kokoro Wo Hiraite~
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:: July 11, 2006; 5AM ::
That morning, Rukia woke up first. She saw Ichigo still sleeping on the futon. Rukia looked at his face for a few minutes. She sat near him and touched his orange hair with her left hand. Ichigo was sleeping peacefully; he didn't even dare to move as Rukia continued to brush his hair.
"Thanks for last night, Ichigo." she smiled. She stood up and looked at the clock on Ichigo's desk.
It's only 5 in the morning? It looks like I woke up earlier than expected. But, I'm not sleepy anymore...
Rukia walked out of the room after grabbing her uniform from the closet. She's on her way to the bathroom when she saw Karin walking towards her.
"Mornin' Kia nee..."
"Ohayou Karin..."
"You're up early. Your class is 8am right?"
"Yeah, but I woke up early and I can't return to sleep so I guess I'll just get ready for school..." Rukia replied.
"Oh, okay. I supposed Ichi nii is still in bed."
"Yeah, he's tired so I don't want to wake him up."
"Okay. When you're done, you can come downstairs and eat breakfast. I'll tell mom you're up already."
"Alright, thanks."
"No problem." Karin smirked and with that, she went downstairs.
After taking a fresh shower, Rukia was finally wearing her uniform as she went to Ichigo's room. Ichigo was still sleeping. She smiled at him and sat on the edge of the bed to fix her hair. That's when Ichigo woke up...
"Rukia?" he murmured as he rubbed his eyes and sat up slowly.
Rukia turned to him and smiled. "Yeah, ohayou sleepy head."
"What time is it?" Ichigo asked.
Rukia looked at the clock and said, "It's 5:36am."
Ichigo looked shocked. "5:36? What time did you woke up?"
Rukia was looking in front of the mirror while fixing her hair. "Well... 5am..."
"Why so early?" Ichigo asked. "Don't tell me you've had a nightmare again?" Ichigo is standing now.
Rukia suddenly thought of an idea to tease him a bit. She smirked evilly at him. "Oh? So you are worried about me?"
Ichigo's face is getting red. "Eh?" He turned away from her. "No way."
Rukia laughed and giggled. "You're blushing again strawberry!"
Ichigo get flustered and yelled. "I'm not blushing and quit with the nickname!"
Rukia suddenly became serious. "Don't worry... I didn't have another nightmare. I just woke up early that's all. Don't take it seriously."
Ichigo stared at her and knew that she's serious. He sighed. "Okay, if you say so..."
Ichigo then folded the futon he used and proceeded to the bathroom. When he's ready, they went downstairs together to eat their breakfast. When they reach the dining room, Ichigo saw his mother preparing their breakfast. His mom saw them too.
"Good morning Ichigo... Kia-chan." Masaki smiled at the two as they both sat down.
"Mornin' Mom." Ichigo greeted back.
"Ohayou Auntie!" Rukia chirped.
"Mom did Yuzu and Karin already left for school?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes." Masaki replied.
"Where's Uncle?"
"Now that you mention it, he didn't jump on me this morning..." Ichigo said absentmindedly.
"That's because I'm with you..." Rukia commented as she held her chopsticks.
Ichigo turned to her. "What do you mean?"
"Kia-chan means that your father didn't want to disturb you two in your room. He's been babbling about having grandchildren and..."
"MOM! Stop it! You're becoming like him as days goes by." Ichigo said as he ate his breakfast.
"Really? Well Ichigo I think he's right..."
"MOM!~"
"Alright easy! Here are your obentou." She said as she handed the box lunch for the two.
They accepted it and stood up; they put the obentou in their bags and prepared to go.
"Thanks so much Auntie, for always taking care of me..." Rukia said as she smiled at Masaki.
"Don't go all emo, midget." Ichigo said.
"What was that?"
"That's enough... you'll be late if you don't hurry..." Masaki interfere the two bickering teenagers. It would take them a day or week or month or even a year if they didn't stop.
"Hai, Gomen nasai." The two said.
Masaki giggled as she saw the two walked off to school. "Those two are so cute when they were apologizing together..."
She went to the kitchen to clean.
:: July 11, 2006; 7:50AM ; Tokyo University in front of Room 1-B::
"Mornin' Kia-chan! Ichi-kun!"
"Mornin' 'Zumi!"
"I said don't call me like that again..." Ichigo tried to contain his annoyance with Yazumi but he's sure that he failed.
Yazumi giggled instead because of Ichigo's reaction. She always does that because she loves to tease him.
"'Zumi, what is the first subject?" Rukia changed the subject. "I didn't memorize the schedule..."
Yazumi seemed to be thinking because of her fingertip placed on her chin. "Um... let's see... I think it's music..."
Rukia lightened up. "Music? You sure?" she asked her friend.
"Well... yeah..."
"What we will do today in there?"
"Well... I think we will play piano..."
"Really? Come on, let's go there now!" Rukia said as she dragged Yazumi towards the music room literally.
"W-Wait!" Yazumi tried to stop her but to no avail.
She was dragged by Rukia away. Ichigo was alone at the hallway when Toushirou appeared behind him.
"Where are they going?" he asked.
"Music room." He replied as he looked at his white haired friend. "Rukia's excited like always."
"Can't blame her. She really loves music... like you do..." Toushirou told him.
"Yeah, but I don't get that over-excited."
Toushirou offered him a small smile. "That's true too. Come on, let's catch up."
"Okay."
And they walked off towards the music room.
Ichigo and Toushirou sat near Rukia and Yazumi.
[A/N: Ichigo is sitting on the left edge, Rukia near him, then Yazumi, then Toushirou, the girls in the middle of the two boys...]
Soon, the teacher checked their attendance and the class started after that.
"Well today, we'll be learning how to play piano. Don't worry, only the basics. For that, I need a volunteer to play a certain piece. Is anybody here knew how to play?" their teacher asked the whole class.
Nobody seemed to raise their hands for they don't know how to. But, without thinking, Rukia raised her hand.
"Alright, Kuchiki-san, come here." The teacher called.
"Good luck Kia-chan." Yazumi said as she grinned.
"Thanks." Rukia replied as she stood up.
"Don't destroy the keys of the piano with your big fingers, midget..." Ichigo teased which was awarded by a painful stomped on his foot.
Ichigo winced in pain. "OW!~"
"Kurosaki-kun, what's wrong?" the teacher asked.
The whole class was looking at him.
"N-Nothing sensei. Everything's fine." he replied.
"Well, good." and with that, the teacher called Rukia.
Rukia smirked evilly as she went towards their teacher.
Ichigo saw her smirk and whispered, "You bitch..."
Their teacher showed Rukia the piece. Rukia knew the song very well so the teacher decided to make Rukia sing the song while she was playing it. At first, she didn't want to, but soon persuaded by her friends and classmates. She sat on the chair in front of the piano and play...
"A white sigh that the light colors the town called the season
Brings two people together..."
Ichigo was stunned upon hearing her voice again. He always hears her sing but every time she did, he was stunned always. It seems like her voice was magical.
"... Had been forgotten. Your warmth... it is good for me that you are by my side. However, only it is...
It was good only when I was with you..."
Ichigo don't want to avert his gaze from her. She's very beautiful, singing and playing with her eyes closed. Looks like she really knew the lyrics and the keys of the song by heart. Suddenly, Ichigo wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell her that he loves her so much. But, he is afraid that she might not feel the same way towards him. He is afraid of getting hurt and ruining their friendship that they've developed all these years.
"Desire of silent love that doesn't reach you...
It is you now, the awareness of all my love, though my mind is closed with a lock in it..."
Yazumi and Toushirou are looking at Ichigo. They are thinking the same thing that time: that Ichigo really loves Rukia but is afraid to confess to her. These two are really complicated!
"It is the angel winter love of yours who open my heart in winter, in shaking candle that was danced and gotten off..."
At the end of the line of the song, Rukia opened her eyes and saw Ichigo staring at her. She unconsciously smiled at him and saw him blushing. She laughed inwardly, and finished the first part of the song. Everyone clapped their hands as she stood up from the piano and bowed to them. Of course, she was praised by her sensei. Then, her sensei decided that they must play one by one. And, soon, the lunch finally came...
"I really love playing piano!" Yazumi chirped happily as they eat their lunch at their usual spot: the rooftop. "That was way too easy."
"That's because you're always playing piano in your house with Toushirou teaching you." Ichigo said.
"Yeah, my 'Shirou-sensei' is a child prodigy when it comes in playing piano." She nodded at Toushirou as she smiled.
Toushirou looked at his cousin weirdly. "What's with 'Shirou-sensei'? I don't like the sound of that." he frowned.
"What? It's so cute!" Yazumi grinned.
"No, it isn't cute." Toushirou argued. "Stop pestering me cous."
"You're so mean, Shirou-chan!" Yazumi pouted.
"This is my usual self you know." He said, ignoring his cousin's pout. He then turned to Ichigo. "Well, I didn't expect Ichigo to be so good in playing too."
"Well, because I've been teaching him. Though it's very hard teaching a slow-learner strawberry idiot like him." Rukia said.
"What?" Ichigo retorted. "I'm not a slow-learner! You are just one hell of a teacher! You're teaching really sucks! I can't understand anything at all!"
Rukia flushed red in anger. "BAKAMONO! YOU UNGRATEFUL IDIOT! JUST BE THANKFUL THAT I'M BEING PATIENT WITH A STUPID LIKE YOU!"
"Nandato?"
"SHUT IT YOU TWO!"
The two bickering teenagers stopped at Toushirou's threatening voice. They looked at Toushirou who is exceeding a dark aura.
"Can we just have a peaceful lunch just once? You can bicker all you want when you're going home. Just not here." Yazumi explained for her cousin.
Ichigo and Rukia turned away from each other with a 'hmpf'. Toushirou sighed and turned to his cousin. "Thanks for explaining."
Yazumi smiled. "Don't worry about it."
The bell soon rang and they went back for their next class. After a few hours, finally the school ends. The four of them went downstairs together, out of the school. They were near the gate when someone walked towards them. They were shocked when they saw the person.
"R-Renji?" Rukia managed to say. It's been so long since she saw her childhood best friend.
Renji smirked. "The one and only."
Yazumi smiled warmly at him. "When did you come back from Europe?" she asked.
"Last night." Renji replied as he returned her smile with his own.
"Why didn't you call?" Rukia asked again.
"I want to surprise you guys."
"You've done it successfully Renji." Ichigo commented.
Renji smiled at Ichigo. "Thanks Ichigo."
"How are you now?" Toushirou asked.
"I am fine. I feel good now." he replied. "Anyways, do you have time guys?"
"We're on our way home." Yazumi answered. "Why do you ask?"
"I want to treat you for dinner tonight."
Rukia grinned. "I'm in! Ichigo too!"
Ichigo turned to her. "You... why are you deciding without my permission?"
"Come on, I know you want to." She slightly pouted. Ichigo find that cute.
"Well, I kinda missed Renji so I really want to go. But, you don't have to say it ahead of me, you midget."
Rukia scoffed. "Be thankful that you don't need to waste your energy to speak you strawberry."
Renji laughed at them. "Looks like nothing has change between the two of you. I'm glad." He then turned to Toushirou and Yazumi. "You guys coming?"
"Of course I will!" Yazumi beamed.
"Me too." Toushirou simply replied.
Renji nodded. "Well then, let's meet up at the park near the station. I'll pick you up at 6pm. Is that fine?"
"We're fine with it." the cousins replied in unison.
"Sounds good." Ichigo and Rukia answered.
"Well then, see you guys later!" Renji said as he smiled and walked off.
Ichigo and Rukia are finally ready to go when his mother told him some news. [A/C: Newsflash? Maybe... hmmm...]
"Ichigo, I forgot to tell you that your cousin is coming over for summer vacation."
Ichigo stopped for a second to face his mother. "Really? Momo's coming?"
"Yeah, your father already knew."
Ichigo nodded. "When?"
"I don't know maybe tomorrow or the day after that."
"Hmmm... okay, we're going now Mom." Ichigo said as he followed Rukia outside.
"Bye Auntie!" Rukia called out.
"Bye, Kia-chan, Ichigo, Take care."
"Hai!"
And they walked off.
On their way to the park, they were having a conversation...
"Your cousin will come over?" Rukia asked as she walked with him side by side. She's wearing a white blouse with ruffled clothing at the v-shaped collar edges. It is paired up with black cut off jeans up to her lower knee and inch heel black sandals.
"Yeah." Ichigo simply replied. He's wearing a plain black shirt and black jeans. Simple clothing.
"How did you know that she's the one coming? Don't you have any other cousins?"
"I have, but she's the only cousin I knew so I immediately thought of her. We grew up together after all."
"Eh? But I never get to know her..."
"That's because she's living in a town near Karakura. I think she will be having a hard time getting here in Tokyo..."
Rukia looked at him wonderingly. "Why is that?"
"She lacks sense of direction."
Rukia frowned at him. "You're being mean to your cousin."
"It's true you know." Ichigo argued. "When she went here 8 years ago, alone, she came up to our house 3 days after she arrived here by train."
Rukia was shocked. "Really?"
"Yeah, she said she'd been searching for our house for 3 days straight. Thank God she had enough water and food with her."
"That's pretty lame." Rukia commented.
Ichigo nodded. "You're right."
When they arrived in the park, Renji, Yazumi and Toushirou were already there. Renji took them to a restaurant. It's a fancy, and I'd say, very fancy, restaurant. They sat down and get their orders. While they were eating, they were to talking each other that leads always to Ichigo and Rukia's bickering for it seems like eternity. Renji's happy though, seeing his friends this lively again. Especially his best friend, Rukia. Well, they're childhood friends after all.
"Ne Renji, how was Europe?" Yazumi asked.
"It's fun actually. After the 4 months of my therapy, finally, I've had my time to explore Europe. It's big but I had a lot of fun."
"I think that you should rest instead of stalling around Europe." Yazumi said with a tinge of worry in her voice.
"'Zumi-chan, don't worry about me, I'm fine. That's why I'm here."
"But..."
"Renji, you have to be thankful that she's worried you know." Rukia piped in.
Renji smiled. "Yeah, I'm already thankful."
Yazumi blushed unconsciously.
"By the way, how's your therapy Renji?" Toushirou asked.
"Well, nothing's wrong so far. Doctors said that I still had a lot of time to spend with you guys so don't worry, I'm not yet to die."
Rukia and Yazumi's ear perked up and they yelled, "RENJI!" in unison. Their eyes are sparkling in anger.
Renji was dumbfounded. "Girls! I'm just joking! Easy!"
The two ignored him. They stood up and stormed off towards the ladies' room.
"Oi! Matte!" Renji called out but they're long gone. He sighed instead.
"That's what you get for scaring them like that. They were always worried about you after all." Ichigo said in a matter-of-factly.
Renji gazed at Ichigo. "They were?"
"Yeah. Always. Your childhood friend and your childhood loved one always do even though they hide it; it was still obvious to us." Toushirou explained.
"Toushirou correction, not loved one but love one." Ichigo then turned to Renji and stared at him seriously. "You still love her right, Renji?"
For Renji, Ichigo and Toushirou's eyes were pressuring him to tell them the truth or else they'll kill him. He sighed.
"I can't hide anything from you guys huh..."
"Of course, we're your friends. We knew it. And looks like she's still love you too."
Renji looked at him wonderingly. "How can you be so sure about that?"
Toushirou smirked. "After all, she's my cousin."
Renji replied with a nervous smile.
"Renji, why did you have to do that? Why did you break up with her? It's so obvious that you love her so much, so why?" Ichigo asked him seriously.
Renji sighed heavily and avert his gaze from Ichigo's piercing ones, "You said it. I broke up with her because I love her so much that I don't want her to get hurt."
"Renji..."
"So, you are saying that just because of your illness, she'd be hurt?" Toushirou asked.
"I don't know if I'll survive. If something happens to me, she'd be hurt so much and I don't want that. That's why I end up my tie with her."
"Renji," Ichigo started. "Even if you broke up with her, it doesn't change the fact that she will still be hurt when something happens to you..."
In the ladies room...
Rukia looked at Yazumi in concern as she saw her friend in front of the mirror; her face was hidden by her hair.
"'Zumi, you okay?"
Yazumi nodded.
"Renji no baka! What the hell is he thinking? He's such an idiot!" she complained angrily.
Yazumi raised her head to look at Rukia. "Kia-chan, you think he really... you know... the two of us... we... we're over... with each other..." she stuttered sadly.
"No, that's not true. I can feel it." Rukia tried to cheer up her friend. "Renji is still in love with you. I know it."
"How can you be so sure about that?"
"Well, he's my childhood friend. I know him much. And he can't hide anything from me. I'm sure that Ichigo and Shirou-chan noticed it also. Maybe Renji was scolded by those two now..."
"Maybe you're right." Yazumi offered a small smile. "But, I don't want to expect something from him. I just want to be there for him and make sure that something bad won't happen to him." She said truthfully.
"'Zumi..." Rukia smiled. "Don't worry; I'm sure he will be able to survive leukemia. He's strong after all. For now, he needs us to trust in him, ne?"
Yazumi smiled warmly. "You're right, Kia-chan."
Rukia grinned. "Let's go back."
Yazumi nodded and the two girls headed back to the boys.
When they've come back, they spoke with each other some more, forgetting the earlier argument and enjoying the night. Then they go home. Yazumi and Toushirou went home ahead of them and they were drove by Renji. Ichigo and Rukia rode a bus. Rukia sat near the window and Ichigo next to her.
"Ichigo..."
Ichigo turned to her and he saw her still looking out of the window. "Hm?"
"Do you think... Renji still loves Yazumi?"
Ichigo sighed and looked at his lap. "Yeah, I think so. And you?"
"Yeah, he really does. And so is she... but why don't they give each other a second chance?"
"Rukia, their situation is... complicated."
Rukia turned to Ichigo. "How?"
"They are... afraid of hurting each other when they continue their relationship."
Rukia turned to the window again. "Is... that so?"
Ichigo closed his eyes. "Yeah."
I... kind of understand Renji... he opened his eyes and stared at Rukia lovingly.
I couldn't tell you how I feel... because I'm afraid that I might hurt you.
:: July 12, 2006 (the last day of class); 3 PM; In front of Tokyo University (after class) ::
"Kia-chan, Ichi-kun," Yazumi called out.
Rukia smiled at her. "Nani?"
"I will fix an appointment for the vacation. You want to join?"
"Eh?" Ichigo said surprisingly.
"Don't worry; it's just for a week. But, I'll prepare for it first."
"That sounds good! We're joining! Ne, Ichigo?"
Ichigo looked at Rukia. She was smiling at him innocently and it makes his heart beat faster against his chest.
"O...kay..." he managed to say despite his heart beat.
Yazumi grinned. "Great! I'll call you when it's ready. Shirou-chan and Renji already accepted it."
"That's good!" Rukia commented.
Upon reaching the Kurosaki Household, they were greeted by sweet Yuzu again.
"Okaeri Onii-chan, Rukia nee-chan."
"Tadaima Yuzu." The two greeted in unison.
"Onii-chan, Momo-chan is in the living room. She's waiting for you."
"Really?" Ichigo seemed surprise. "She really made it? She didn't get lost?"
Yuzu pouted. "Onii-chan's so mean."
"He really is." Rukia seconded as she giggled.
"Stop pestering me already." He said as he went inside their house, Rukia close behind him.
In the living room, they saw a girl, almost reach Rukia's height, and by her appearance, she also was the same age as them. She wore a fit pants or jeans and a white blouse with a velvet black jacket that covers it. Her black hair hanged in a ponytail. She smiled as she saw Ichigo and Rukia walked towards her.
She walked towards Ichigo and embraced him. "Hisashi Buri, Ichi-chan!"
Ichigo raised an eyebrow but returned the hug. "Oh, boy... the nickname again." He mumbled.
Rukia heard him and giggled. The girl pulled away from Ichigo and turned to Rukia. She gave Ichigo a teasing smile.
"And who might this girl be? Your girlfriend?"
Ichigo and Rukia shared the same expression. They're both red.
"W-W-W... What a-are you... talking about? W-We... are not like that!" Ichigo stuttered as he turned away from Momo's inspecting eyes.
"H-He's right. I'm just... his best friend, I guess..." Rukia said. She didn't saw Ichigo's sad eyes but Momo caught it.
She giggled. "Oh, my bad. I'm Hinamori Momo. You can call me Momo-chan. Yoroshiku ne! Um... your name please?"
Rukia smiled. "It's Kuchiki Rukia. Nice to meet you too, Momo-chan."
"I'll call you Kia-chan then! Is it alright?"
"Sure."
"Hey," Ichigo interrupted. "Save the conversations for later. Rukia and I need to get change now. It's near dinner."
"Oh, okay. See you at dinner, Kia-chan."
"Okay, see you Momo-chan."
When Ichigo and Rukia returned downstairs, everyone in the house were in the dining room already, talking something about Momo. They join them and sat down.
"So, Momo-chan," Isshin spoke up. "How is your mother?"
"She's the same Uncle, so workaholic. All she ever think of is her work." She sighed.
"Don't worry about her my dear. She's always been that way right? And nothing happens to her. I know she'd be fine." Masaki said as she smiled at her niece reassuringly.
"You're right Auntie," Momo smiled. "Thanks."
"Oh, I remember," Masaki suddenly said. "Ichigo, Kia-chan, today is your last day of school right?"
"Yeah, Auntie. Tomorrow is the start of our vacation." Rukia replied.
"Would you stay here again for vacation this year, Kia-chan?"
"Um, Auntie I don't know. My friend had been planning for a vacation for a week and she asked Ichigo and I if we can..." Rukia drifted off.
Masaki grinned slightly but knowingly. "You may go. Ichigo too."
"And I was planning if Momo-chan can come with us too." Rukia added.
Momo was surprised. "Eh? Me? But, I think I will just be a burden to—"
"You won't be." Rukia cut her off. "Our friends are very nice. They will welcome you. Ne Ichigo?"
"Trust her, she's right. Don't worry." He replied without looking at them.
"If the two boys will be rude to you, They'll get what they want." Rukia said.
Momo giggled. "Thanks Kia-chan."
"It's nothing."
After dinner, the three went upstairs to Ichigo's room to play cards...
"Here..." Rukia lay down two cards.
"Wow, what good cards Kia-chan!" Momo turned to Ichigo. "It's your turn, Ichi-chan."
Ichigo flushed in anger. "Quit the nickname!"
Momo ignored him. "Mou! Just do your turn already!"
Ichigo sighed. "Fine! Fine! Here!" he lay down 2 cards. "Yay! I won!"
Momo laughed. "Not so fast! Here!" She lay down 2 cards which were more powerful than Ichigo's.
"EH?~" Ichigo sighed in frustration.
Rukia laughed. "Nice one Momo-chan!" she raised her right hand for high five.
"Thanks Kia-chan!" and they gave each other high five.
"What now Ichigo?" Rukia asked him. "You give up?"
Ichigo groaned. "Oh great, as long as I can remember there is only one who belittles me, but now there's two! I've bad luck today."
The two girls laughed at his whining. Suddenly, there's a phone ringing.
"Excuse me guys." Rukia said as she looked at her phone. Momo and Ichigo nodded. She answered her phone without rising from her seat.
"Hello? 'Zumi?"
From the other side, Yazumi replied. "Kia-chan, we'll be going to Okinawa. We had a villa there. Some kind of summer house. We can stay there for a week. I've already got the permission from my dad. Is that okay?"
"Yeah, it is. Such a good idea."
"Very well then, let's meet up at the station. The next day after tomorrow. We must left before the sunrise. And... Renji and Shirou-chan also agreed. Now, there are five of us."
"Um... 'Zumi about that, can Ichigo's cousin come too?" she asked.
Momo looked at Rukia upon hearing her name. She made weird signs telling her that 'don't bother'.
"His cousin is there?" Surprise was present in Yazumi's voice.
"Yeah, can she come with us?" Rukia repeated.
"Of course! Now, it's a six person vacation trip! Yay! Banzai!~" Yazumi cheered.
Rukia giggled at her friend's antics. She always does that every time she's so excited. "Don't be so excited. See yah!"
Yazumi hung up and so is she.
"So? Where do we go for the vacation?" Ichigo asked. He is truly intrigued by the idea but he would never ever admit it.
"Okinawa. In their summer house. We must leave before sunrise the day after tomorrow. We'll meet up at the station. Renji and Shirou-chan's coming too and as well as Momo-chan. That's all."
Momo laughed. "You're like a robot reporting to your master."
Rukia giggled. "Well I'm just like that when I don't want to speak much."
"You're just too much lazy to explain you know." Ichigo smirked.
"Shut up strawberry!" Rukia spat.
"You're starting again midget!" Ichigo shot back.
"You're the one who started it! Ichigo no baka!"
"What did you say? Idiot Rukia!"
Rukia stood up from her place on the floor. "You don't have the right to call me that! Strawberry-kun!"
Ichigo did the same as Rukia. "So you don't have the right to call me 'stupid Ichigo' and 'Strawberry' too!"
"Hey!" Momo interfered. "Easy you guys! I can't believe you fight like this! Or are you not?"
The two bickering teenagers turned away from each other with a 'Hmpf!'. Momo sighed.
"I can't believe the two of you were like this. It's late, I'm outta here. See you two tomorrow." She walked towards the door and stopped when she's in front of it. She looked back towards them. "I hope you don't strangle each other when I left you alone. Good night." And with that, she left and closed the door.
Rukia pointed at the closed door. "Look at what you've done! You pissed her off!"
"Why blame me?" Ichigo retorted. "It's clearly your fault."
Rukia sighed. "Tsch." She walked towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Ichigo asked as he saw her walked towards the door.
Rukia faced him. "I need to use the bath. Sleep now." with that, she left.
Ichigo sighed. "What's with her?" he turned towards his bed and tried to ignore her.
After a few minutes, Rukia came back and Ichigo was sleeping on the futon placed on the floor near Ichigo's bed. She smiled at the scene.
She walked towards him and sat down near him. "I went out just to give you the chance to sleep on your bed but you choose to sleep here... you are thinking like an idiot you know..." she whispered as she stroke his orange hair.
"Thank you, Ichigo..." she giggled softly and went to bed to sleep as well.
:: Midnight; 2 AM ::
Rukia is talking while she's in sleep. "M-Mom... D-Dad... don't... don't do it... l-l...leave... t-them a-alone... p-please..."
Ichigo woke up and looked up at Rukia. "Rukia?" he stood up and sat on the edge of his bed.
She's sweating and trembling and crying and she's speaking in her sleep.
"Another nightmare huh..." he whispered to himself. He hated to see Rukia in this state. It's very different from her strong and straightforward attitude.
"P-Please... d-don't... hurt them... M-Mom... D-Dad... don't..."
He couldn't take it anymore. He shook Rukia to wake her up. "Oi, Rukia! Wake up! It's just a dream! Snap out of it!"
Rukia slowly opened her eyes and as she saw Ichigo, she sat up and hugged him. She didn't hesitate to cry on his shoulder like she always does whenever she's afraid.
"I-Ichigo... it's... that dream... again... I saw it again..."
Ichigo hugged her and rubbed her back to make her calm. "I'm here... it's alright." And he hummed the melody he used to hum to her.
Rukia suddenly released the hug and her breathing evened, telling Ichigo that she's asleep again. Ichigo laid her down on his bed and pulled up the blanket on her body. He stroked her bang out of her beautiful and peaceful face.
Rukia... don't be afraid... I'm always here for you. I'll never leave you. I promise I'll always protect you and I'll never let you go through the pain of losing an important person again. I don't want to see you this hurt and in pain, because...
He smiled.
I love you so much.
He laughed inwardly but came out of his mouth softly.
Tsch. I'm pathetic, confessing my feelings to the girl I love while she's asleep...
And he went back to claim the darkness soon after.
:: July 16, 2006; 5 AM; On their way to the station ::
"I guess they should've picked us up using their car instead of walking like this towards the station. That way, you won't make me your slave... just like now!" Ichigo said as they walked towards the station. He was carrying the girls' baggage, on Rukia's case; all of her things were in Ichigo's grasp, well, not all, except the small handbag that she was around her body.
"Why are you complaining? We have some things that we're holding right now." Momo reasoned.
"But I am the one whose having the hardest time here!" he pushed.
"Ichigo! Stop complaining! So early in the morning..." she held her head with her right hand.
Ichigo noticed her gesture and he started to worry. "Rukia?" Momo began to worry about her as well. "Kia-chan, you okay?"
She smiled at the cousins. "I'm fine, don't worry, just a little dizzy. It'll go away for some time later." She walked ahead. "Come on, we can't be late."
"Something's not right." Ichigo murmured. Momo turned to him. "What is?"
"Momo, what's the date today?" Ichigo asked seriously.
She looked at her phone. "Well... it's July 16th. Why?"
Ichigo's eyes widened slightly but returned the same as fast as it widened. "So that's it..."
"Oi, Ichigo! What do you mean?" Momo insisted.
"Sorry Momo, can't tell you now. It's a personal matter for Rukia. She's the one you should ask." He replied while looking at Rukia's back.
Momo sighed. "Okay. I can wait." She smiled and Ichigo smiled slightly.
"Thanks."
"GUYS! HURRY UP WILL YOU?" Rukia called out to the two.
"We're coming!" Ichigo answered back as he started to walk (when did he and Momo stopped walking?) again.
He turned to Momo and whispered, "Momo, don't act differently. She'll worry."
Momo nodded. "Okay."
Soon, they saw Renji waiting for them...
"Morning... you're late." Renji greeted.
"Sorry, they're slow. Where's Shirou-chan and 'Zumi?" Rukia asked.
"They're in the van already. Hand me over your things Ichigo, let's get that to the van."
Ichigo handed him his, Rukia's and Momo's things. "Thanks Renji." He smiled.
Renji grinned at him.
When the two girls went inside the van, Ichigo and Renji get to serious conversation.
"Is she acting weird? Today's the day." Renji asked Ichigo.
"Yeah, but she's dizzy. I don't think she's feeling well." Ichigo replied. "She said she's fine but I don't think so."
"Well, she's always been like that." Renji said. "But, I'm sure she'll be fine." he smirked at Ichigo. "You're with her after all."
"What are you implying Renji?"
"Ichigo, when do you plan to tell her?"
"Tell her what?"
"You're acting like an idiot! When do you plan to tell her that you love her?"
"Aahh... I don't know..."
"What 'I don't know'? What the hell?"
"Renji, it's hard you know. I don't want our friendship to destroy because of that. And the right time has not yet to come."
"Well, that's true too. I just wish you will tell her."
"I will, but not now."
"If you say so, I trust you after all."
"Thanks."
Meanwhile, inside the van...
"Morning Kia-chan! Um... eto..." Yazumi trailed off blinking at Momo.
"I'm Hinamori Momo, nice to meet you." She slightly bowed and smiled.
"She's Ichigo's cousin." Rukia added.
Yazumi smiled at Momo. "Nice to meet you Momo-chan! I'm Hitsugaya Yazumi! And..." she pointed to the driver's seat. "...the guy with the silver hair is my cousin. Shirou-chan! Introduce yourself!" she called out.
Toushirou looked behind and towards them, his body in the direction of the girls. "I'm Hitsugaya Toushirou. Nice to meet you, Hinamori-san."
Momo blushed a bit and the girls noticed it, except Toushirou. "Please... c-call me by my given name."
Toushirou wondered but obliged nonetheless. "Okay, Momo-san."
"Nice to meet you too, Toushirou-kun." Momo said as she turned away from him.
Rukia and Yazumi noticed Momo's reaction and actions towards Toushirou and they're thinking the same thing that time.
These two... Rukia began.
... Need a little matchmaking process... Yazumi continued.
... From the experts! They're both grinned to each other.
Soon, Ichigo and Renji joined them and Renji was introduced to Momo. They had been speaking with each other while on their trip. The boys sat on the front seat and the girls sat on the back. After a few minutes, some of them fall asleep (except the driver of course, which is Renji.). After several hours, they finally reach Okinawa!
The boys carried out the things from the van, the two girls, Rukia and Momo, helped out too while Yazumi went inside to speak with the caretaker. After a few minutes, they had finished everything and they were all sitting on the couch at the living room and resting while sipping tea that Yazumi made.
"'Zumi, is there any other people here besides us?" Rukia asked.
"Well, practically, we're the only ones here for a whole week of our stay here." Yazumi giggled.
Rukia smiled. "As I expected."
"Well, setting that aside..." Yazumi started as she looked at every teenagers in the room. All of them were serious and one of them was confused.
After a silence, finally one person spoke. "Kia-chan, you okay?" Toushirou asked.
"Why wouldn't I?" Rukia asked.
"Don't lie to us. We're your friends, we know you." Renji spoke up.
Rukia sighed and turned away from her. "I'm fine. Don't worry." She said softly.
All of them sighed in unison except Momo of course, who was oblivious. But she can tell that Rukia's lying. And all of them, was thinking the same thing.
Stubborn as ever...
Yazumi suddenly thought of something and she stood up. "Let's go somewhere guys!"
"Where?" That's Renji.
"You'll see. Come on! I'll drive and let's use our car!"
Rukia ran towards the beach as the others followed. "Wow! It's beautiful!"
"I'm happy you like it, Kia-chan!" Yazumi grinned at her friend.
Rukia smiled at her. "Thanks 'Zumi, but I'm fine, please don't worry."
"I know. But please don't bear it on your own. You can always lean on us. You can cry on us. That's why we are here. That's why we're your friends." Yazumi stated thoughtfully.
Rukia looked at the others who were smiling at her warmly, even Ichigo was smiling. "I... really appreciate it. Thank you all so much for being here. I'm lucky to have you all."
"It's nothing." Renji replied and winked at her.
"Come on, let's go swim!" Yazumi cheered excitedly.
Momo looked at her. "How do we do that if we don't have spare clothes? Our things were in your house."
Yazumi smiled mischievously. "Don't worry about that. There's a cottage near here. I'm sure there are lots of spare clothes in there."
"You really prepared huh?" Toushirou shrugged.
"Well yes, cous."
Rukia then ran off first and Ichigo followed. Yazumi called Toushirou, Momo and Renji's attention while they were walking farther and farther.
"I have an idea, guys."
When Ichigo and Rukia got inside the cottage, they noticed that it has no windows, the door is the only way out. But then, they were shocked when the door suddenly closed and cannot be open. They called out to their friends who were still outside.
"Oi guys! Open the door!" Rukia called out.
"Sorry Kia-chan, can't do that! You two need time by yourselves." She replied.
"Hey!" Ichigo retorted. "What kind of joke is this? You're playing dirty tricks again, Yazumi?"
"You can say that Ichi-kun!" Yazumi said cheerily. "Well, you take care of Kia-chan for us ne? Ja!"
And they heard footsteps walked away.
"WAIT!~" the two yelled.
Ichigo sighed and decided to turn on the lights as Rukia sat down on the floor, her knees bended and placed on her chest and her chin on top of her bended knees.
"'Zumi-chan, you sure everything's gonna be alright?" Momo asked her worriedly.
"Yeah, so sure." Yazumi nodded and smirked. "Don't worry, Kia-chan always open up her feelings to Ichigo."
Momo looked surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah, they were really close friends that you thought they were."
Momo nodded.
Yazumi looked at her and Toushirou and another idea popped in her mind.
"Renji," she approached. "Will you come with me? I need to get something from the car. It's very important."
Renji hesitated for a sec but nodded nonetheless. "Okay."
The two of them walked off, leaving Toushirou and Momo standing there.
Toushirou walked near the ocean and sat on the sand, his knees were pulled up onto his chest. He's looking straight at the ocean. Momo sat near him, her position was like his.
"Toushirou-kun, do you like the ocean?" Momo asked as she looked at him.
"Well, you could say that." he replied without glancing at her.
"So you like summer season?"
"Nope, actually I really hate summer."
It is you, who was glad and...
That sunrise was asking casually the word 'why?'...
Ichigo sat across her and looked at her straightly. "Rukia, I know what today is. And you know why our friends were worried about you. So, I'm going to ask this again..." he paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "Are... you really feeling alright?"
Rukia's face was hidden in between her knees. "Ichigo..." she murmured. "Please don't say it anymore. I... I don't want... to remember it again... I don't want to remember that night again... but... but..." she was trembling as she looked up at him. "There is no way I can do that!" she cried literally.
"Rukia..." Ichigo didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her shoulder from the side. Rukia hugged him in return.
"Ichigo... I can still see it... It's like... It only happened yesterday... and... Ichigo... It... It really hurts..." she continued to cry on his chest.
"Rukia let it all out. I'm here." He rubbed her arm gently.
Rukia cried harder this time. "Mom... Dad..." she whispered.
And Ichigo held her tightly against him.
...Ah, the snow that I've seen for the first time, I remember now
The needle of fear and loneliness, solitude is carved...
"Why is that?" Momo asked him.
"I get easily tired. Maybe because I was born during winter so I really didn't fit in summer seasons."
"Is that so? Well, I like the summer season but I like winter the most."
Toushirou finally gazed at her. "Why?"
Momo smiled at him. "Because... of the snow..."
Silent love, with you... because I want to believe all my love, even if everything where I walked on is lost, your winter love began to still shine...
"Ichigo, I have a favor to ask of you." Rukia said as her head is leaning on Ichigo's shoulder.
Ichigo looked at her. "What is it?"
"Please, hum the melody you used to hum to calm me down. I want to hear it." she whispered tiredly.
"Is that it?" Ichigo smiled as he turned away his gaze from her. "No problem."
She listened as he hummed it...
Silent tears missing you, I feel so alone, oh what can I do?
But I know we'll be together someday.
Now I know what I want... you're my true love...
"Snow?" Toushirou asked wonderingly.
"Yeah." She nodded as she continued to explain, "I used to play with it when I was a kid. And it always calmed me down when I had problems. I'd forget them just by looking at the snow."
"We're the same." Toushirou commented as he looked back at the ocean before them.
Momo looked at him. "Eh?"
"I like winter also, aside from being born in that season. I kinda like the snow too. And it's the same reason as you."
Momo smiled genuinely. "Very unusual that someone had the same perception as mine." She giggled softly.
"Really?"
"Yeah."
And I'm happy that it is you...
In silent love, way all my love in your mind...
Gentleness is believed and only I am to the sky can reach...
"Ichigo?"
"Hm?"
"Really, thank you so much... for everything you've done for me, for being there for me... for being a good and nice friend... you're the best, very best friend I've ever had. It makes me so happy and I'm grateful." Rukia said softly and sincerely without looking at him.
Ichigo smiled. "Don't mention it."
Yeah... you're right. I'm just a best friend... and... That will never change... I'll always be... a very nice best friend of yours... for eternity... Rukia...
... Your winter love began to leap,
The snow that falls in the blooming flower that wants to see the dream...
Yazumi brought Renji to a cave. Apparently, it is not just an ordinary cave.
"'Zumi-chan, why are we here? And what is it that you want to show me?"
Yazumi smiled at him. "Just follow me and you'll see." She then walked in the cave further.
"If you said so..." Renji followed.
When they've arrived, Renji was very stunned on what he saw. In the cave, there are tiny and beautiful stones embed all above the cave. It glows too since the cave was dark. It's blue in color.
"'Zumi-chan..."
"What?"
"Sorry." Renji apologized. "I've hurt you so much. I'm sorry that I am so weak. I..."
"Why are you apologizing?" Yazumi interfered. "You didn't do anything wrong. I understand. You did that, because you care for me." She looked at Renji. "And I really appreciate it. Thank you so much, Renji."
"'Zumi-chan..."
"Don't worry," She looked above them. "I'll be fine. As long as you're here with me, I'll always be fine. I promise."
"I'll try my best not to leave. I'll fight and I'll survive. I want to live." Renji declared confidently.
"You will live. I know that. I believe in you."
"Thanks, thanks for believing in me."
Yazumi smiled.
I'll always do. Because I love you so much... Renji...
-CHAPTER TWO ENDS-
A/N: Interview of the Author [Me!] with Yazumi... Part 1!
Me: (sighs) Whew! That's a very long chapter ne? My fingertips hurt! But it's worth it! I'm happy! Well, we are here again to interview, this time, our matchmaker, Yazumi-chan!
(A round of applause!)
Yazumi: (models) Hi guys! (She waved her right hand while walking towards me)
Me: Hi 'Zumi-chan, take a sit.
Yazumi: (sits down across me) Thanks for having me.
Me: (smiles) Well, that's alright. I want to ask some questions. May I?
Yazumi: Of course.
Me: Well um... why are you being a matchmaker but you can't do anything about your own love problem? May we know?
Yazumi: (takes a deep breath) Well, as you all know, he had leukemia. And, he broke up with me when he... when he learned about that. Well, we are 14 years old then.
Me: Meaning, you broke up just last year?
Yazumi: Yes, after we broke up, he went to Europe for his therapy.
Me: How many years have you been together?
Yazumi: Well, about 3 years...
Me: You started when the 2 of you were 11 years old? That's very young!
Yazumi: Yeah, But you want it right? You wrote it...
Me: Oh, right...
^Translations^
Hai, Gomen nasai – Yes, I'm sorry
Matte - Wait
nani? – What?
Yoroshiku – Nice to meet you
-I don't know what to say now... except that... PLEASE REVIEW? Thanks so much!~ Jya!~-
SONG: Silent Love ~Open Your Heart~ _ Kuraki Mai
Next Chapter: Hitori Janai
Yazumi-chan!