I apologize for not responding to any reviews and not updating anything! Sorry… second semester has started with much more work than I'd anticipated. And I've sort of had wandering thoughts and creative burst for everything but my main stories ^.^"
Chapter 8
Pulling her knees in closer to her chest, she looked out her window and saw the light form the sunset and the shadows it created on the pavement. Silhouettes of bicycles passed through her room and deep purple eyes closed. There was a knock on her door, and for a moment, she thought about pretending like she'd fallen asleep early. But as the knock came again, she found her feet sliding down across the bed sheets and onto the floor.
"Ah, so you are awake Kuchiki-san," Urahara chuckled.
He stood just outside of her room, holding a stack of papers to his lips. But she didn't doubt that he was grinning like a madman.
"Yes," She responded, her face trying to hide the turmoil of emotions she was feeling. Putting a hand to her forehead, she leaned against the frame of the door.
"Are you still not feeling well Kuchiki-san?" he showed his concern, tilting his head. "Are you still getting those headaches?"
She didn't say anything and sighed. As six low bells rang through the island, there was a throb between her ears and her eyes shut. Urahara looked down the hall. Senna had left an hour ago. Reaching into his breast pocket, he pulled out a small square pack and tossed it to her.
At first startled, she let it drop to the floor. He picked it up and once again, tossed it to her. This time she caught it.
"What is it?" she asked. She turned it over in her hands…Rosmarinus officinalis was written on a flap.
"He says to take one every night before you go to bed."
"Who says?"
Urahara lowered the papers and smirked.
"Kurosaki Isshin of course."
She wasn't sure how to respond. She wasn't surprised by the answer; a part of her already knew it was him. But still, she felt like he should have at least shown some sign that it was new information. With sluggishness, she nodded her head.
"Tell him I said thank you," she said giving a wary smile.
Urahara laughed. His head was thrown back and he looked at her amused with his soft grey eyes.
"You can tell him yourself." He said. Reaching again into his pocket he pulled out a small capsule. "Take this for now. It should help the headache. And when you feel a little better, dress in something nicer, okay?"
Rukia stared at the little pill suspiciously.
"Why would I need to get ready?"
He smirked.
"It's New Year's eve, Kuchiki-san." He placed the small capsule into her palm, making sure she gripped it firmly. "Now hurry up, I'll be waiting in the kitchen."
And as he left, Rukia was left with the halls still spinning around her. She rubbed the capsule around between her fingers, wondering if it would just dissolve in her mouth. Her other hand gripped tighter to the little pouch labeled Rosmarinus officinalis, and with a sort of pseudo-courage, she put the capsule into her mouth. She slid herself to the floor and waited for the medicine to settle.
"Ah, not bad Kuchiki-san," Urahara chortled.
"I'd hope so considering you were the one who bought it."
Rukia entered into the kitchen with a grace that she hadn't been able to focus on the past two weeks. The light cotton dress she wore clung loosely to her waist, making her seem much thinner than she actually was. But it wasn't a bad look for her. In fact, Urahara noticed that with just a little assertion and a pretty colored candy, Rukia seemed a little livelier than she'd ever been since coming to Karakura.
"Well, it's good that you're feeling better Kuchiki-san," Urahara said standing. He put his hat back on, and let his hair drape over his eyes. "We should be on our way now."
Following along his stride, Rukia crossed her arms over her midriff.
"Where are we going?" She asked.
"To the East beach," he said.
He slid open the front door, there was an immediate breeze that wafted in. The humidity from outside felt weighing and Rukia had to catch herself. To be so sober now, she had to readjust her level of emotion.
"What's there?" She asked.
"Nothing much really," Urahara said. "There's sand. And there's water."
He chuckled and pulled his bucket hat down over his eyes. Holding his head low, a gust of lukewarm air blew and pushed Rukia's dress behind her. She didn't find his humor all that funny. She didn't laugh.
"Have you forgotten Kuchiki-san?" Urahara asked. "Tonight is the last night of the year. It's a tradition here in Karakura, you see, to go to the East beach and wait for the first sunrise of the New Year."
"Sounds hopeful," Rukia commented.
"Ningen are hopeful people."
"Does that make us bitter?"
Urahara didn't answer right away. His pace slowed as they came up to the canal that stretched from the West side of the island to the East. The boats that would have usually been docked along the edge of the sidewalk held lit lanterns in the mouth of carved dragon and phoenix heads. Several of the boats were already in use, heading east for the East beach. As a few of the riders waved, Urahara tipped his hat politely and smiled.
"I think it simply makes us jaded."
Karakura's east side was much more crowded in terms of housing and infrastructure than the west side of the island. Although, there were also tents, lanterns, and rafts floating just off the shore. There were bonfires lit on the beach and a collection of different folk songs being sung.
"Kisuke!" a few of the men in the nearby food stalls called familiarly.
"You've made it, who's the pretty lady at your side?"
"Come have some roasted fish, fresh caught this morning."
Urahara continuously tipped his hat in greeting. A couple of times, he had responded with a thank you or good New Year's Eve. There wasn't a single person that didn't seem to now know him on sight, even if Urahara himself couldn't remember who some of them were.
"If you feel like eating anything, just say so." Urahara smiled and tipped his hat again. "The food is good and the fishermen are friendly. Don't hesitate to ask."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Kisuke!" a voice called.
"Isshin," Urahara greeted, "you haven't joined the fishing trade have you?"
"So full of jokes are you?" Isshin laughed. "Kuchiki-san, how are you?"
"I'm doing alright," she responded, "and you?"
"I'm well, I'm well!" he boomed.
"Isshin, take Kuchiki-san to where you've set up camp." Urahara suggested. "I'll catch up once I've gotten a few things to eat."
"Right, right," Isshin said. He placed a hand on Rukia's shoulder and turned her around, starting to lead her away. "Ah, get me some of the lemon and salted cod!"
Urahara waved them off, already deep into the crowd of faces. Leading her away, Isshin gave one of his booming laughs, waving to another man serving food behind a stand. If it was possible, more people seemed to know Isshin than they did Urahara. Rukia found herself staring about herself, at all the decorations lining the stands and stalls. The different colors of lanterns, knick knacks, and cuisines were overwhelming enough that Rukia wondered how she'd missed any of the preparations.
"So did you get your medications?" Isshin asked her.
It took a moment for her to process what he was talking about. Medications? She remembered the package that Urahara had handed her an hour ago.
"Yes, I thank you a lot for that." Rukia said.
"It really wasn't a problem." Isshin laughed. "But it really did take me by surprise when Urahara asked me to make an order of that medicine. At first I'd thought it was for him! I would have had a great joke about him getting old if it was."
Rukia giggled.
"Yes, well when I found out it was actually you who needed it…" He laughed again. "Aren't you a little young to need to take rosemary pills?"
He spared her a downwards glance.
"Well, I'm assuming you'll want me to keep it a secret?" Isshin grinned.
Rukia let out an uneasy breath. "That would be best."
Isshin sighed. Ichigo was waiting at the end of the line of stalls. He hopped off from a ledge, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Well, then in exchange," Isshin began, "I hope that you'll at least ask me personally for your refill."
"What are the two of you talking about?" Ichigo asked.
"Oh nothing," his father waved off. "Kuchiki-san and I were just discussing about how childish of a son you are, isn't that right Kuchiki-san?"
Rukia was scared into silence. She didn't say anything and instead looked down at her hands that were clutching the fabric of her dress. Isshin watched her and her silence, and then let out a booming laugh.
"She's turned shy!" He said in disbelief. "See what you've done Ichigo!"
"Hey old man," Ichigo said. "If anything, you probably said something strange to her and now she's too embarrassed to say anything."
Isshin only laughed harder.
"Whatever you say Ichigo," Isshin said. With a gentle thrust, he pushed Rukia to Ichigo. "Take her to the bonfire would you Ichigo? I need to go back and help Kisuke with whatever food he's getting us. Do you want anything in particular?"
Rukia hadn't expected to be forced into Ichigo that way and awkwardly tried to push off him. She pushed her hands on his chest and stumbled a little over her feet, causing him to try and catch her with only one arm. She apologized to him softly and straightened herself. Ichigo – as much as she seemed to avoid him – had to thank his father for a moment.
"Nothing," He answered. "Although, I think the girls want some roasted tamarind candy."
"Okay then," Isshin smiled. "Anything else?"
Ichigo scratched the side of his head. "I don't think so. How about you Rukia-san?"
She shot a stare at him, as though she were to know what to get at a festival like this. It only took a moment for Ichigo to read her expression that was more or less expressionless.
"Oh, that's right! Hey old man," Ichigo called. "Rukia's never tried any of the local Karakura food before."
"Is that so," Isshin said sarcastically.
"You know what you should try? You should have some of the grilled squid and chilies." Ichigo said. "Or maybe you should try the raw carrots dipped in pomegranate juice – though I like the savory kind better. And the breadfruit stew is really great from this one guy who owns a shop by the canal docks. Not to mention the fried chicken-,"
"Honestly Ichigo!" Isshin boomed, his laughter louder than thunder. "Really, how about you take Rukia around the stands and she can try everything."
While she'd been a bit on edge a moment earlier, the suggestion had put her on full alert. Rukia was fully prepared to argue a rebuttal if it weren't for the terrible growling in her stomach. Her headaches and dizzy spells had caused a drop in her apatite. But with her head finally being cleared of spinning rooms and tilting floors, she was now feeling the consequence of eating barely one serving of soup a day for two weeks. She was starving.
"I can navigate myself," Rukia argued weakly.
"Nonsense," Isshin said. "It's your first New Year's eve on Karakura. Trust me; the food here is much different than anything you'd find in all of Seishin. Now, I guess I'll go keep an eye on the girls."
"Senna's there," Ichigo mentioned casually.
"Even more reason to go and watch over them," Isshin joked. "Senna-chan is as much of a kid as the twins are."
Ichigo shrugged. "I guess you're right."
"Go on now," Isshin said. "I think they've made some fresh batches of the sweet yellow fish."
"Alright." Ichigo waved. "C'mon Rukia-san."
He gentle took hold of her hand, as casually as he could – though she was shocked to feel how cold and clammy it was. Despite what her head was telling her (to pull her hand away), her instincts followed along the path he was making for the two of them. Rukia nervously bit her lip and tried to avoid the glances and stares they received. Ichigo, as tense as he was, didn't miss her squeamish attitude. He found it odd; he'd never known her to be so… delicate. Even in her weakest moments in the thunderstorm. Ten low bells rang throughout the island.
"Kurosaki… Kuchiki-san."
"Uryuu," Ichigo called with a smile. "Is that dango good?"
"What kind of question is that?" Uryuu said. "Anyway, what have I told you about addressing me so casually?"
"Oh c'mon, it's break," Ichigo laughed, "there's a festival around us."
Uryuu sighed, "honestly Kurosaki."
Uryuu and his father usually came to the New Year's Eve festival. Uryuu usually came out of obligation for representing the school to the rest of island – because what president of the only senior high school on a tiny island doesn't go to the New Year's Eve festival. His father on the other hand, came out of pure interest to promote new health services they offered in the main hospital or successful surgeries done – and what heartless man wouldn't come out to congratulate his patients. They both really were tactful business men under their superficial veneers. But of course, it didn't mean that the former couldn't enjoy the festivities like everyone else.
Struggling to make her way through the crowd of people, Orihime was holding a stick of her own dango along with a notebook and pen in the other hand. She squeezed herself through the few openings and cracks between the bodies of people. Finally coming out beside Uryuu, she giggled and straightened her matted hair.
"Quite crowded this year isn't it," Orihime commented with a smile. She took a bite of her dango that was dripping some kind of brown sugary sauce. "Mmm, this is good."
She started to scribble something down in her notebook. From what could be seen, she had written many other things down in the few hours of the night.
"What are you writing down there Orihime-senpai?" Ichigo inquired.
"Hmm?" Orihime looked up from her writing. It seemed that till then, she hadn't known that he was standing there. She fumbled with the things she was holding, obviously startled, and her dango went falling to the floor. "O-oh, Ku-Kurosaki-kun. Clumsy me, oh… umm…here!"
Fish catching – games and fun for families
Grilled squid and chocolate
Noodles and Tripe – Experiment with soups (salty or spicy?)
There was a list of many other things on there: more games, more foods, more random ideas jotted down in neat loops that fell off the lines in diagonals.
"What is all of this for?" Ichigo asked casually.
"For the March fair," Orihime said.
"March fair?"
Up till that moment, Rukia had been alright with being completely forgotten during their conversation. Even if she felt more or less lost in the commotion of things, it wasn't in her teachings to be nosy or pushy for information. So she'd stayed silent. But when her curiosity had gotten the better of her, she couldn't help but ask.
Unlike the fluster she had been when first noticing Ichigo, Orihime smiled and directed her attention to Rukia with a sort of calm. Orihime cocked her head, placing the pen and notebook in the same hand; she extended a hand towards Rukia. She invited a welcome shake.
"I'm sorry, I'm being rude." Orihime giggled. "I'm Inoue Orihime, student council vice president of Karakura Secondary School."
Rukia gave a diplomatic smile.
"No need to apologize," Rukia assured. "I'm-,"
"Rukia," Ichigo interrupted.
"Kuchiki Rukia…"
Rukia ignored the interjection and instead tried to discretely remove her hand from Ichigo's grip. For a while, he had forgotten that he had been holding her hand that entire time. Rukia shook Orihime's hand firmly, but did her best to not give an intimidating impression.
"Well, it is nice to finally meet you Kuchiki-san. I've heard much about you from pools through the student body and I think I've seen you a few times in the hall, but it's been busy lately so I didn't really get to talk to you personally." Orihime said. "I'm a third year so don't hesitate to ever ask help from your senpai.
"Although," Orihime paused. "I am on the fourth floor so it may be a little difficult."
Her voice trailed off toward the end and she began to look distraught. Her brows furrowed and the corners of her lips turned downwards. She acted as though what she said, was not supposed to be spoken. And Rukia knew that what Orihime said had some truth behind it. Fourth floor – it meant she was a Class A student, and therefore, practically untouchable on any given school day and intimidating given any other circumstances.
Uryuu cleared his throat. Ichigo let out an easy going laugh.
"Rukia is strong," Ichigo commented. "Really, she won't have any trouble."
"Please," Rukia hissed under her breath.
"What?"
Rukia looked away, a bit off ease. She had told him before; she didn't like his sudden casualness. But he had told her before; what he was outside was completely different than how he felt on the inside.
"Anyway," Uryuu cleared his throat again. "Because you're new to Karakura, Kuchiki-san, it is obvious that you wouldn't know our customs here – like the March fair. Well, I'll explain that it is a fair that is held by the Karakura Secondary School students on the last day of the academic year. It is held in March – as the name suggests."
"Better than this," Ichigo added, motioning around them.
Rukia nodded.
"Well, honestly Kurosaki," Uryuu continued, "of course it'd be better than this. The product of new and innovative ideas of the student council and Class A students would obviously impress. But It doesn't come without hard work, I'm sure you can understand Kuchiki-san."
"Of course." Rukia gave a diplomatic smile.
"Well…" Uryuu adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "I'll buy you another dango Inoue-san, and then let's go find some more games that families would enjoy."
"H-hai," Orihime stuttered. "It was nice meeting you Kuchiki-san."
She gave a small wave to Rukia, and smiled. But it took her second or two to prepare herself to look Ichigo in the eyes. She blushed.
"See you back at school Kurosaki-kun." She said meekly.
"Inoue-san," Uryuu called.
"H-hai!" she stuttered. Orihime gave one last quick wave before running back into the crowd to catch Uryuu.
Rukia watched her walk by and disappear when she squeezed between two people. She jumped when she felt someone take her hand again. Eleven low bells rang through the island.
"You'll get lost," Ichigo said slowly.
Rukia didn't fight him. And as he led her through the stands of people, she felt an unknown relief wash over her. Perhaps it was due to the lack of headaches and chest pains, but she oddly enough didn't feel like pulling away forcefully or even trying to put up a fight. Instead, she allowed him to take her to one stand that sold the carrots dipped in pomegranate. It was a very strange combination and she admitted that she didn't like it very much.
"Then I'll take you to get the grilled squid and chilies," He told her.
And so he did. This place, she liked a little more, though the chilies were much spicier than she had anticipated. Ichigo laughed, but she only frowned and turned to leave. Ichigo laughed. He turned and followed a few feet behind her. And when she would stop for a moment, he'd take the time to grab something else to eat and hand it to her.
It was always seasoned this and seasoned that. Many things had lemon or peppers in them, not to mention most centered around freshly caught fish. And while she wanted to enjoy the night, Rukia felt like her sober state made things much too vivid for her.
"Are you feeling alright?"
Ichigo had found her standing on the edge of the shore just a bit off from the rest of the stands and attractions. She had expected him to follow her. But again, for some reason she didn't mind too much.
"I'm sorry. I just…" She started, but decided she'd better not finish. "Nothing, no, I'm fine."
Between the folds of her dress, Rukia kept one hand into her pocket. She had a rosemary tablet hidden and was debating when to take it. She wasn't quite sure what time she'd be going to be, but certainly no time soon. At least, she didn't assume she would. She didn't know how to get back to the inn from where she was.
"You don't like this?" he asked, a little saddened.
She gave him a solemn smile.
"It's fine." Rukia said. "Everyone here seems to enjoy it, what is it if I feel a little subjugated."
"Is that why you're not running away as much?" Ichigo asked.
There was a pause.
"I actually felt like I enjoyed your company today." She whispered.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Rukia began walking back along the shore side. Her hands curled around her arms as the wind blew and fluttered the ends of her dress behind her. Ichigo ran to catch up to her.
"Wait, I really want to know what you said," he insisted.
She shook her head.
"You don't want to tell me?"
She shook her head again, smiling.
"Can I guess?"
"I won't tell you if you're right or wrong," she said.
Ichigo sighed. Looking ahead, he could already see the mass of people still walking around, though more and more gathered around on the beach. He smiled and waved to a few classmates that walked past them.
"Then," he continued, "will you ever tell me?"
"Maybe," Rukia said.
"Maybe." Ichigo repeated.
"Maybe next year," she said to him.
And he said that he could accept it…
She didn't stay till the sunrise. She had disappeared the moment they'd reached the Kurosaki bonfire. Yuzu and Karin asked where she'd gone and Isshin showed his own concern. Senna seemed a little confused while Urahara simply kept to himself, hiding his eyes under his bucket hat. Ichigo wasn't sure when Rukia had slipped away and it saddened him that she hadn't said goodnight. But as his friends began to come around their fire, he had to force a smile. Looking back over his shoulder, he hoped that she hadn't completely detested the night.
When she'd gotten back to the inn, she felt her heart pounding rapidly. She had felt the headache come back just as they were walking back to the rest of the festival. Rukia had not wanted to say anything, in fear of worrying everyone more than they needed to. Especially Ichigo…
She had hoped to last the entirety of the night, had hoped to see that sun rising over the horizon. But she knew that it would be a miracle if she could last that long. Shoving her hands into the pockets of her dress, she felt that small little pill rolling at the bottom. A part of her didn't want to take it. A part of her wanted to continue the way she was then, the sheer bliss of maybe starting over. But the constant pain, the constant annoyances of every moment, every little incident giving the possibility of giving her a sensation she couldn't handle – it terrified her.
So she stared at that pill, for hours she stared at that little round pill. And as the third high bell rang through the air, she let it slide down her throat. There was a cough and a gag, followed with the feeling of wanting to wretch it out of her system. It tasted horrible. But she forced her body to keep it down.
With a slow and staggering step, she fell onto her bed. Then as blackness washed over her, she swore that in a distance, she could see the blurry reminisce of light shining through the leaves of a tall tree.
Upon their return to school a couple of weeks later, the festival was still the talk of the island. She felt ashamed that she hadn't stayed longer, but no one seemed to notice, nor did they seem to care. Urahara never brought up her sudden vanishing act and Senna simply didn't question the oddity around it. Running into Ichigo was the last thing Rukia wanted, and so she avoided areas that Class A students usually were seen.
As the day progressed, Rukia began to feel somewhat relieved that the main focus of every class discussion or every rumor was centered on the New Year's Eve festival and the upcoming finals. It kept the focus off her, something that was still a lingering topic when leaving for winter break. Nothing seemed out of place and very little of her day was disturbed by unnecessary questions. Even Tatsuki was too pre occupied with preparations for this March fair coming up in a few months.
She had headed down to the front area to exchange her shoes at the end of the day. The clock tower had rung three low bells, signaling the end of school. And while the majority of her day had been uneventful, she felt peaceful with it that way. Opening her shoe locker, she found a card placed neatly atop her shoes.
She looked around, trying to see if anyone was paying mind to her. Taking out the card, she looked it over once in her hands, seeing that there was her name written neatly on one side. Carefully, she opened it; pulling out a small note card (it couldn't have been any larger than the palm of her hand).
Happy Birthday Rukia! ^.^/ *chu*
The message written on it seemed so benign and simple, there was a sort of heartfelt nostalgia that went along with it. And for the first time in a long while, Rukia laughed. It was a small, whisper and breathy sort of laugh, but none the less, a laugh.
She didn't question who gave her the card, because she had a feeling of who it was already. She didn't really care that it was him either. Because slowly, she grew to care less, and in doing so, she began to care a little more.
"Baka," she laughed.
End Chapter 8
aldjflsdkjfasdkf O_O took forever! Happy 2013, happy birthday Rukia, Oh gosh this is taking forever to get started xD well, we'll get to exciting part soon, promise ;)
Please review if you can, and I'll update as soon as possible!
