A/N : guys! thanks a lot for your support!
the problem is okay, only to become a bigger problem.
it's already end now, really end.. not a very sad or happy ending.. but I's okay..
I really appreciate your support.. thanks a lot! :)
so, as my thanks for you, this is the final chapter of melted on ice!
I love this chapter! I really do!
and like I said before, this chapter is long.. about two chapters but I put them in one.
thanks to you all, the readers, the reviewers!
special thanks to my friends who help me with grammar! thanks a lot, guys!
so, this is it, melted on ice chapter 10! enjoy~
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. Bleach is Tite Kubo's
Chapter X –First Dance
The next day, Rukia woke up with a smile on her lips. She knew what day it was.
"Happy birthday to me," she said to herself. With full energy, she got up from her bed. After she changed her clothes, she ran downstairs and rushed to the dining room, waiting for breakfast to be served.
"Happy birthday, dear," Hisana said, kissing the top of her head.
"Thanks, Mom!" she replied.
Her mom's kiss reminded her about Ichigo's kiss on her cheek the previous day. She clearly remembered how it felt. He kissed me… on my cheek… she thought, bringing her fingers to the spot where Ichigo had kissed her.
"Something wrong with your cheek, dear?" her mom interrupted her train of thought.
"N-no, Mom…" she grinned widely.
"Happy birthday, Rukia," came the voice of her dad.
"Thanks, Dad!"
"What do you want for your birthday present?" her mom asked. Rukia stopped to think for a while then answered,
"I want to have a family dinner tonight," she answered it with a smile.
"Sure, dear."
Time passed by, it was afternoon already. She spent half of the day staying at home, watching some movies. She decided to take a walk until dusk came. She wore her dark violet coat, soft pink gloves and scarf, and covered her head with her dark violet knit cap. She wore her simple black boots to complete her look. It was snowing, and now she could walk light-heartedly since the burden on her heart had been lifted. So she walked alone, enjoying the snow.
She received birthday messages from her friends, including Renji and Hinamori, wishing her all the best. None of them were from Ichigo, though. Maybe he doesn't know that today is my birthday… she smiled sadly. So what if he doesn't know? She asked herself.
"Oi! Midget!"
"Why are you calling me 'midget', Idiot?" she shouted back, turning around to face him.
"Ah, so I was right. If I tapped your shoulder and the person wasn't you, it'll be awkward. I call you 'midget' instead, just to make sure," he shrugged.
"Idiot."
"What did you say, Midget?"
"I said idiot, Strawberry," she grinned.
"Che, whatever, Midget," he smirked. "Anyway, what are you doing here?"
"Just taking a walk. Problem?" she asked.
"Nope. Hey, wanna join me for a little game?"
"Little game…?"
"Gotcha, Strawberry!" Rukia shouted as she threw the snow ball to him. It hit him square on the face. Nice shot.
"You're gonna pay for that, Midget!" He threw back a snow ball towards her, but missed. She laughed loudly.
They played snow ball war for about an hour and stopped when they felt tired. More because they laughed a lot; not the war, actually.
"In the end, I win!" she cheered.
"Yeah, whatever! Next time I'll win!" he shouted back even though they were walking side by side.
"Next time?" He didn't answer.
"Anyway, I'm hungry. Why don't we get something to eat?" he offered.
"Uh sure…"
Rukia thought he would take her to some diner or some fast food restaurant. But instead, he took her to a mid-class restaurant. Some couples chatted romantically there. She gulped. Is this… a… date…? She asked herself.
They ate and chatted with a low voice. Sure, they still called each other 'midget' and 'strawberry', but the atmosphere was just different.
"Ichigo, may I ask something?" she asked when she had finished her dinner.
"Before you ask, can I say something?"
"Um… sure…" she answered. Hearing her reply, he took something from his pocket.
"Happy birthday, Rukia," he said with a smile and handed her the present, a square dark blue box.
"H-how did you…" she couldn't keep her lips from curving to a smile.
"The student's data. I read yours and it clearly stated that today is your birthday," he grinned.
"Thank you, Ichigo," she whispered. "May I open the present?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips. He only nodded. And when she opened the box, her eyes sparkled with joy.
Inside the box laid a necklace with an amethyst pedant hanging from the silver chain. The pedant was teardrop-shaped, with loops of carved silver supporting the gemstone. It was a simple piece of jewelry =, but she loved it.
"Ichigo…" she lifted her face, looking straight to him.
"Do you like it? It matches perfectly with your eyes," he smiled gently. I didn't even know why I considered giving her a necklace on the first place, he thought.
"I love it! Thank you so much, Ichigo!" she shouted, which made some couples who sat near them turned to face them for a while, smiling. Some mumbled 'Ah… young love…' Both of them blushed.
"You're very welcome, Rukia," he said, standing up from his chair. He walked to Rukia's back, took the necklace and encircled it on her neck. "See? It matches perfectly with your eyes," he continued. His comment made her laughed. "What are you laughing at?"
"No, I just don't think that you're a romantic type of person."
"I'm trying, Midget."
"Sure, sure."
"So, what do you want to ask earlier?" he asked, taking his seat back.
"Ah right… well… I was wondering… is this a… date?" she asked carefully, afraid if there was hope implied on her sentence. He smirked, leaning on his palm.
"What do you think?" he asked back instead. She only answered with a smile. They knew that they had the same word on their mind, "yes".
Ding dong…
Ichigo pushed the doorbell, with Rukia beside him. It was nine o'clock.
The door opened, and Hisana stood there with Byakuya by her side.
"Oh hi, Ichigo!" Hisana greeted.
"Hi, Hisana-san, Kuchiki-sama." Wait, why am I calling him '-sama' again?
"Come in!" Hisana and Byakuya moved, Ichigo and Rukia came in.
"You go ahead," Byakuya said to Rukia. "And Kurosaki? Can I have a word with you?" he asked.
"S-sure…" Ichigo followed him to his office.
"I have no idea as to what you two were doing earlier, or how you feel about each other. I just wish to tell you one thing, Kurosaki," he paused. "If you ever hurt her, I will personally make sure you will hurt as well, tenfold."
"Y-yes, Kuchiki-sam—"
"And don't call me '-sama'. Kuchiki-san is fine."
"Yes, Kuchiki-san."
"Very well. Now off you go," Byakuya deadpanned. After bowing, Ichigo left the office. Geez… that sure was tense… he thought.
A week passed by in a blur for Rukia. The week was uneventful, except for her mother's teasing her about the necklace for a few days… well, everyday actually. Hisana just loved to tease her. Nothing changed. Well, there was one thing actually. I'm not missing him. I just feel lonely a little bit, she thought. She might be denying it, but she knew the truth. Well, maybe I miss him.
"How 'bout we hang out a while after school?" Renji suggested. They were on lunch break, Renji just got back from canteen.
"It's a good idea. I want to buy a new CD," Hinamori said.
"How about you?" Renji asked Rukia.
"Yeah, sure."
They continued eating.
Rukia was skimming through the pop-rock CD rack when Hinamori approached her.
"Hey Rukia, I know this is not a new song, but you should try lstening to it!" Hinamori handed her the earphones with a smile on her face. And so, Rukia put on the earphones.
The song started with a woman's voice.
Be still my heart
lately its mind is on its own
it would go far and wide
just to be near you
And came a man's voice.
Even the stars
shine a bit bright I've noticed
when you're close to me
And after one line being sung the woman,
Still it remains a mystery
Came the chorus.
Anyone who seen us
Knows what's going on between us
It doesn't take a genius
To read between the lines
And it's not just wishful thinking
Or only me who's dreaming
I know what these are symptoms of
We could be in love
After listening to the song, she realized something. Removing the earphones from her ears, she said,
"Momo, I need to tell you something."
"Good! That's enough for today, Inoue!" Ichigo shouted to Orihime. Tomorrow was the day of the competition. Ichigo and Orihime were on the training rink for the competition participants, with some other participants in there.
"Thanks, Kurosaki-kun," she took a deep breath.
"Now you can rest. Prepare for tomorrow. You should get a nice nap," he said, tapping her shoulder.
"Of course, Kurosaki-kun." He left the rink first. I wonder what she's doing right now… he thought.
The next day came faster than he thought. The competition began and he hoped for the best. They were in Hokkaido, far away from Karakura, so Rukia couldn't be there to support them. Of course there were some people who supported them. But somehow, Ichigo wanted Rukia to be there. For him.
Orihime got the second place. Not bad at all. She worked hard for the competition, so he was pleased. He was entering a music store when he heard the song. It was a duet.
Don't open my eyes
I'll wake from the spell I'm under
Makes me wonder how tell me how
I could live without you now
Came the chorus.
And what about the laughter
The happy ever after
Like voices of sweet angels
Calling out our names
And it's not just wishful thinking
Or only me who's dreaming
I know what these are symptoms of
We could be in love
Then came the man's voice only,
All my life
I have dreamed of this
But I could not see your face
And then, the woman's solo,
Don't ask why two such distant stars
Can fall right into place
The chorus repeated and then the song same to an end. Just then, he gulped. Soon, a smile appeared on his face. Finally, I know.
Rukia was skating. It was nearly 9 P.M. and the rink was already empty, but she still skates. Urahara said she could have the rink until 10, anyway, although she didn't know why he had let her. She didn't waste the opportunity time to skate alone on the rink. When the DJ played one last song—for her maybe, she started to dance. It was the first time having the rink to dance for her own. It made her think how would it feel if she danced in the competition, but for that day, she just wanted to dance freely.
She followed the beat of the song and let her body dance. She started with slow steps, and then slow swings, a few jumps, and the triple jump, of course. And when the bridge of the song came, she turned around…
She saw him standing not too far from her.
And if you were with me tonight,
He smiled gently at her.
I'd sing to you just one more time.
"Hey," he whispered, barely audible.
A song for a heart so big,
"Can I have this… dance?" he asked, offering his right hand. Seeing his gesture, she was over whelmed. She nearly shed tears, but she smiled.
"Sure," and she took his hand.
God wouldn't let it live.
They danced together on the Ice. He encircled her waist with one of his hands. But soon, he hugged her protectively. The chorus repeats twice, and the song came to an end, as did the dance.
When the song completely stopped, they still there for a while. Ichigo hugging her, and she hugging him back. He closed his eyes and buried his hose into her hair, inhaling her scent.
"I thought you're still in Hokkaido," she broke the silence.
"I just got back," he replied, resting his chin on the top of her head. She leaned her head to her chest and said,
"Why?"
"Huh?"
"Aren't you tired from your trip?"
"Yeah… but…" have to say about plan I made with Urahara, right? "Never mind. Anyway, I have something to say," he said, facing her. "Wait here," he pulled his arms from her and walked out of the rink,
Only to come back with a bucket of…
Are those… roses…? She asked herself in disbelief.
"I'm not good with words… so… well… I hope this is enough to express it…" he handed her the bucket, ruffling his hair. She couldn't stop smiling.
"What does this means?" she asked.
"Well, there are 14 roses in total—your birth date. You said that you love snow, so I thought you would also love white. Therefore, I added eleven white roses as a symbol of uniqueness. Or…" he stopped.
"Or…?"
"I also means… You're… the most beloved person of my life…" he said with a low voice. She could see the pink shade on his cheeks. She chuckled, holding back her tears.
"And what about the red roses?"
"Three roses mean…" he paused, looking straight to her eyes. He cleared his throat. "I love you…" and then her tears started falling. "I read it from internet… so don't blame me if I made a little mistake for the meanings… hey, why are you crying?" he asked, wiping her tears.
"Ichigo…" that was all she could say.
He bent down a little, so her face was on the same level as his. He lifted her face, his fingers on her chin—making her face him.
"I said to you that I love you. And I was asking you to be my girlfriend. So…" they stared at each other for a while.
"Yes…" she whispered. He leaned forward, pressing his lips on hers.
"Aah… young love…" Urahara said, waving his fan.
"Yeah, it was about time he confessed his love to her," Ishida said. "Should we play another song, Urahara-san?"
"No, let them enjoy the moment."
"Does this means that I should switch coach?" Orihime asked.
"No, Inoue-san. It's okay," Urahara said.
They were on the DJ room, watching Ichigo pulling her to his arms as he deepened the kiss.
"Anyway, long times no see, Midget," he said after pulling his lips back from hers, and smirked. She chuckled.
"Is that your way to say 'I miss you, Rukia'?" she asked, mirroring his smirk.
"Kind of…" and then he leaned forward again, until—
"ICHIGO! I KNOW YOU TWO ARE DATING!" Isshin shouted.
Ichigo twitched.
"Shut up Dad! You just ruined our romantic moment!" he shouted back, ignoring his father. "And now we can't say that we aren't dating," he mumbled to her.
"Wait, did you just say… romantic moment…?" Rukia asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"I don't think you are a romantic type of person," she smirked.
"I was trying to be romantic, Rukia. Those roses for example."
"Really? I don't think so," she gave him a teasing smile. He encircled his arms around her waist again.
"Oh just shut up, Midget," and he continued leaned forward until his lips met hers, again.
"Oh dear… Rukia, you better tell me the whole story!" It was Hisana.
"Shit," they cursed together. When Ichigo turned around, they saw Isshin, Masaki, Yuzu, Karin, along with Hisana and Byakuya on the entrance to the rink.
"I'll kill you, Urahara," he groaned.
"Kill Urahara-san?" Rukia confused. "Why?"
"Huh? Oh no, it's nothing. Never mind!" he grinned sheepishly.
"Are you ready?" Ichigo asked.
"Yeah…" Rukia let out a long sigh.
"Relax," he gripped her hands.
"Yeah, I know," she said. He glanced at the clock and said,
"We still have ten minutes before your turn. I wanna ask something by the way. You're from Nagoya, Right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I lived there when I was a child, until I'm about nine years old. I just realized it a few days ago, but I think I saw you once. You were skating. Only once though. And after that day, I tried to find you again…" he explained. "But I failed. Until now…" she smiled softly.
"Wow, I'm touched, Strawberry," she chuckled.
"Feel touched? But I thought I had touched your heart enough to melt you on ice," he grinned.
"What's wrong with you? Trying to be romantic again?" she smirked.
"Just trying to make you relax a bit," he glanced at the clock. "It's about time. Do your best!" they stood up.
"Yeah, thanks!" he kissed her forehead, and then she walked to the rink. She could see her parents on the bleachers. Oh, and Ichigo's family too, and of course Renji and Hinamori. Ah, there were Ishida and Orihime too!
This is it, my dream, she told herself. And when the song started, she began her dance. The Ice Swan had spread her wings, ready to take the shimmering sky.
A/N : I love roses!
thanks to Mita, my friend because she gave me the inspiration for the roses part when I'm accompanying he to buy her mother's present.
thanks to you all!
I love their first dance and I can't stop imagining that scene.. I just love that! XD
so, how was it? good? bad?
please give me your opinion..
and I'll ask, should I make the sequel or not?
I'm thinking to make a story based on my experience though... because it's just full of drama ahahaha (that's what I mean by my problem anyway)
so please tell me your opinion about this chapter, and tell me if you want me to make a sequel!
I'm waiting! :D
again, thanks all!