Hey guys...ahm, listen or read carefully rather coz I have apologizing and explaining to do with this chap.
First of... I would like to apologize to Kurosaki Anne for not making it before Monday.. Gomenasai! I told you, you should blame my work...(not me)*hehe*...that...and this energy absorbing cough and cold that don't want to leave me alone...as in! I feel like my throat's gonna come out from my mouth everytime I cough. X(
Secondly, there is a part in this chapter that might seem a little confusing...though I'm sure you will understand it, ;p I'll explain it now so...yeah...hehe.
( * ) I used the asterisk to a sentence or word that had been said already which are just flashing back on one's mind. And there is a part here, where Rukia is speaking but it's Ichigo on the scene..that is when the song Flightless bird starts.
Hay... I know you would understand it...I'm just a little not sure whether I write it good and understable or just plain confusing..
That, and as usual I've inserted a song lyric here. (yeah I know, music is in my soul...and also in this fic) it means that the song starts playing there, okay..
IMPORTANT NOTE: READ THE AUTHOR'S END NOTE COZ IF YOU DON'T YOU WIL MISS SOMETHING! ;p
Anywaaaaayz, here's the next chapter...hope you
READ, ENJOY AND REVIEW PLEASE! Keep your reviews coming so I stay motivated okay?
I don't own Bleach or any of the songs used in this fic.
Chapter 11 Icebreaker Soundtracks: Don't hold me down by Colbie Callait
Flightless bird, American mouth by Iron & Wine
Ukitake took in a deep breath as he opens the door to one of the study rooms in the Kuchiki mansion where he saw the maroon haired guy sitting patiently on the couch. The guy smiled the moment he enters the room. "Good evening Ukitake-san. It's nice to see you again."
Ashido slightly bowed, "I'm sorry to have bother you at this hour, Ukitake-san."
"No, no it's okay. You're not bothering me at all. I'm just surprised to see you here cause I know you're still in London with Byakuya."
Ashido nodded, "Yes, but I've got a three days off so I've decided to fly back here to...see Rukia."
Ukitake's back slightly stiffened but remained calm as he look at the young man with a very serious expression, "About her..." he clears his throat. "Ashido-kun, I have to tell you something."
…..
"You're fired!"
Rukia's shoulder dropped defeated as she heard those words for the third time
that week. She sighed then walked out of the restaurant, exhausted and defeated. 'What am I doing wrong?'
I'm so tired of this troubles that I tried to hide
Makes me wanna wash away my whole word inside...
She sat down on a bench on the sidewalk of Karakura street. 'Why do they hired me so easily then they'll just fire me as if I've done something horrible?'
Well, looking on those three job interviews, she always says...
"Yes, I believe I'm very qualified for the job."
"Of course Sir. I can do it. No sweat."
"I know how to cook. In fact, I'm a brilliant cook!"
So with all those words (which are mostly lies) plus the fact that she's a darn good actress and 'very charming', she was easily hired. But when she started working, her employers were all dumbfounded at her naivety when she goes...
"What on earth is this for?"
"Oops! I'm sorry... Is that a hot sauce, I thought it's a ketchup."
Boom!
"Oh my God! What just happened? Did I... Oh shit! *coughs-coughs* No sir...there isn't a fire. It's just *coughs* Hey! You're not paid yet! Come back here! *coughs-coughs* Geez, did someone called the fire department already?"
Yes...she almost burned down a small restaurant, luckily for her the owner didn't sue her or charged her anything. He just wanted Rukia out of his restaurant IMMEDIATELY.
Letting out another deep sigh, her thoughts were cut off by the beeping of her phone. She lazily took the phone then she was a bit surprised to see the name on the screen. She took in a deep breath as she tries to regain herself before answering the phone. "Ukitake-san! Hello." she cheerfully said, hiding any hint of stress and exhaustion in her voice.
"Hello Rukia...well it's been a week since your last call so I've decided to call you today. How are you doing?" the silver haired man asked over the phone.
"I'm fine. I've been starting on my school now and...yeah everything's fine. Sorry if I wasn't able to call you for a week now, I've been busy catching up with my school so..." she paused as she think of anything more to say. "Ahm...how's everyone there?"
"Don't worry about us Rukia...we're fine." Ukitake answered then there was a long paused, but it was him to break the silence first. "Rukia...have you called Ashido-kun yet?"
Rukia bit her lower lip as she remembers what Ukitake told her the last time he called. Ashido visited the mansion last week and wanted to see her but Ukitake made a lie and told him that she wasn't feeling well that's why she can't talk to him at that moment. Ukitake told her that Ashido was so worried about her when he left the mansion. But she was too focused on her job hunting and adopting to her school that's why she totally forgot about it.
"Oh...I'm-...I was planning to call him tomorrow. I'm just thinking about what I'm going to say to him."
"Rukia, do what you believe is right." Rukia clamped her lips together as she started to feel like crying with all the stress, the unsuccessful attempts to have a job, the failures and troubles she had and the situation she was in right now. "...if you believe that lying to Ashido-kun will keep your secrets fromByakuya then do it..." Ukitake paused, knowing that Rukia's mind and conscience are arguing right now on what decision to make, he knows that she's having a hard time in the city though she won't admit it to him. "Don't worry...we'll never leave you. We'll support your decisions...though you make mistakes along the way, don't give up. You understand, Rukia?"
A small smile crept on her face as a tear roll down her cheek. She's alright now, hearing words of comfort and encouragement from the man she considered as a father. She sniffled softly as she wipes the tear on her cheek. "I understand. I'm not giving up cause this is what I wanted to do. Thanks, Ukitake-san... I think I know exactly what to tell Ashido." Rukia said, feeling her fighting spirit build up again. "Well, I'll be going now...say hi to Unohana-san for me and to everyone there. I love you guys."
Ukitake smiled, "We love you too, Rukia. Always take care."
"I will." with that she closed her phone, got up from the bench and make her way to the nearest phonebooth in the place.
All this time...I've been getting in my own way
I had to tell myself
'Only I can be the one to make a change'.
Dialing the numbers, she took in a deep breath as she heard a low manly voice on the other line. "Hello, Ashido. It's Rukia!"
"Rukia? What...h-how are you doing? Do you feel alright now?" the man on the other line asked, excitement and a bit worry on his tone.
"Yeah. I'm feeling better...never been better."
"Thank God. I'm glad you're okay now, Rukia." hearing and the concern on his tone, Rukia once again felt guilty for lying to him and it was not just about lying to him, she remembers her clock necklace. The one that Ashido gave her...the one she stupidly gave away. Ashido is a good man; he's nice, patient, caring and honest both to her and her brother. Though she's sure on whether Ashido will choose to support her or stay honest with her brother, Rukia already made a decision.
"Ashido... I have to tell you something." there was seriousness in her tone now.
"Yes, what is it Rukia?"
"I'm..." taking in a deep breath she said, "I'm not in the mansion right now."
"..."
There was a long and uncomfortable pause. Ashido is an intelligent person, she knows that he knew what she's talking about. And she knew and still hoping that he will understand her, but his silence is making her nervous right now. Ashido is a loyal colleague of her brother and being a loyal and honest friend to Byakuya, the man have two options to choose from. It's either he will understand and support her or tur his back on her and stay loyal to her brother.
"Ashido?" she finally asked after what seems to be forever of silence.
"How long have you been..." he didn't finish his question for he was still shock and Rukia knows that Ashido might be thinking about what to do right now.
"For almost a month now."
"I see."
Another long pause.
"Ashido, I'm-"
"Don't worry Rukia." the man interrupted her and Rukia heard him chuckle softly.
"You don't have to worry. I promise I won't tell Byakuya-san if that's what you want to ask of me." Rukia was relieved to what he said...she knew she could count on him. But still she felt sad hearing the man sigh from the other line.
"Ahm...wouldn't you want to know why?"
"If you don't mind, then yes." That's another good thing about Ashido...he's very gentle with her feelings.
"Well, I'm here to find the Shiba family...I know that you already knew why."
"And have you had any success yet?"
She shook her head before answering, "No...I can't start yet, not until I've got my own money. But I know that they are in the same city as I am right now, so I think I'll start with that."
"That's...good."
If she counted it correctly that was the third long pause they had and she's been inside the booth for almost twenty minutes now.
"Rukia..." this time it was Ashido to break the silence first.
"Yes?"
"If you find them, then..." he paused, hesitating with his question. "If you find them, then you'll be going back home, right?"
"I guess." she answered after another pause. She don't want to make conclusions right now since she's starting to enjoy her life outside the mansion...since she's studying in college and started to have friends and since...
She's starting to like the company of the orange haired idiot who had been sharing his house with her...making breakfast, lunch and dinner for her-er- it was for the both of them. The idiot who she noticed had been acting stupid and weird lately. Well, actually she just noticed it when she woke up that one morning, where she found herself lying comfortably on a couch with a pillow and quilt which she didn't remember bringing with her when she had fallen asleep there. He was so weird, acting sweet one moment then when she thanked him that morning, the idiot bark at him and started his rants about eating on the living room and leaving a cup of ice cream on the floor, saying something about ants building up a house in his house.
'That idiot.'
A soft manly voice from the other line snaps her from her thoughts. She bit her lower lip when she found herself smiling and totally forgetting about her situation right now. "Yes? Ashido, did you say something?" she was a bit shy for dozing off on him.
"Nothing. I just want you to take care and...be safe...and..."
"Don't worry Ashido. I'm taking care of myself and I've got someone who's taking care of me." Rukia suddenly blush as she's mentally beating her head for that stupid slip of the tongue. "No...I mean I've been living with an old married couple here. And they are accepting me in their house since they don't have any child. Yeah...that's right." she mentally sighed and scolded herself for lying again to Ashido.
"Okay...but if you needed help or if something happened please...call me."
Rukia was about to say something but a familiar man passed by the booth and caught her attention from the guy on the other line.
"Rukia?"
"Ahm...oh, yeah. I-I'll call you again, okay? I just...need to go now. I'm happy to hear you again..." she was speaking in a hurried voice, eyes following a particular guy on the street. "...take care of yourself Ashido..."
"Rukia, I'm-"
"...and please don't tell my brother."
"Okay... Rukia, I just want to tell you that-"
"Thanks. Bye Ashido!" with that she hangs the phone back then hurried outside the booth as she raced towards the man wearing a bucket hat, green robes and a wooden sandals. Ashido sighed heavily as he put down the phone and gazed outside his office glass window. His head rested at the back of his swivel chair and closed his eyes before he murmured, "I'll be waiting for you...Rukia."
…..
Ichigo finished setting up their dinner on the table and glanced up at the wall clock on the living room. It reads 6:30 in the evening. 'I bet she's walking like a lame dog right now.' Ichigo thought as he headed towards the living, switch on the TV and sat down on the couch, waiting for his housemate to arrive from her 'third job that week.' Yeah, she had started her job hunting that week and everytime Rukia arrives from her work, she's always exhausted from her day, though she won't admit it to him. Cause a small girl like her have a huge ego the size of a skyscraper. Yes, she's so stubborn, annoying and tiny but her fists, her legs and her feet are so strong for each time it connected with his face, his shin, his foot or any parts of his body, he found himself hissing and cursing in pain.
'How troublesome.' he chuckled lightly as he imagined Rukia working on a restaurant and burning down it's kitchen. And it's not impossible to happen...cause she had been terminated on the first two jobs because of her naivety on any working area. But Ichigo knows that Rukia is intelligent and smart that's why he wonders why she seemed to be clueless with household chores especially in the cooking and washing department.
He was guessing that Rukia came from a wealthy family. A bratty daughter in rebellion whose parents are always busy at work that's why making her lonesome and not being taken care of. Maybe she wants attention from her parents that's why she ran away thinking that her parents might change and find her and give her the attention she wants.
But it seems like her family doesn't know that she's missing yet, cause if they do they'll most definitely found her by now. 'Wait! What if her parents don't care about her anymore and aren't looking for her?'
He sighed. 'Nah...looking for a relative in a big city requires time so it's possible that they're still looking for her right now.' he thought as he flipped through another channel. And there's one more possibility why Rukia ran away from her home. Maybe she's been battered and beaten up by a member of her family...maybe she's been abused and... 'No! She's as strong as a 500 pound sumo wrestler so it's not possible.' Ichigo told himself then glanced up at the clock. Fifteen minutes have passed and Rukia has yet to arrive.
He's starting to tap his foot on the floor as he was getting impatient by the minute. Flipping through another channel, a cartoon rabbit appeared on the screen, then it started jumping around while singing something he can't figure out. "Uurgh..." he groaned annoyed then flip through other channels again. After flipping several times, Ichigo found himself flipping back through previous channels then stopped when he saw the familiar cartoon rabbit on his TV screen again.
He's insane...first he lets himself wait for Rukia before eating dinner and now he's watching Rukia's favorite show which to him is the worst and most annoying show that had been telecast on TV history ever. He put his elbow on the armrest of the couch, prompting his chin on his palm as he read the letters on the screen. "The adventures of Chappy, our friendly rabbit." He scowled and smirk lazily, "Chappy the stupid bunny is more fitting." he mumbled as he absentmindedly watch the rabbit show that the petite girl is dying to watch every night.
Over the couple of weeks that the petite girl lives in his house, he had learned how Rukia adores, loves and worse worship that stupid freaking rabbit on TV. He remembered almost getting killed by her when he accidentally stepped on that stupid rabbit plushie. Sometimes he doesn't know what to think of her...an oversized 4-year-old or a midget 19-year-old. She had almost all kinds of stuffs and memorabilia and even a plushie on the form of a rabbit...starting from her PJs, her slippers, a towel, a mug, a rabbit style toothbrush, her bag, a hair accessory, a cellphone charm, her notebook, a pen and every piece of her school and personal stuffs. And that's not all...Ichigo caught sight of her...ahem...her chappy the rabbit undies.
No! Not through peeking on her of course, he would never do that...at least not intentionally. And Ichigo wouldn't dare peek through her underwear cause he knows that if Rukia caught him she will not hesitate to poke his eyeballs out. But since they're living on the same house, of course he will see those stuffs when she hang dries it on the backyard.
Ichigo felt his elbow slide a bit so he shifted on the couch glancing up again on the clock which now reads 7:05. He sighed as he looked at the front door, hoping that it will open any moment now and reveal a tired but still smiling Rukia. After a full minute of staring, he sighed and leaned back on the couch again, flipping through every channels every five seconds, sitting lazily on the couch. He yawned as he started to feel a little dozed off and tired because of another Saturday basketball practice earlier.
…..
"Hey, you! Stop right there!" Rukia yelled as she hurriedly race towards the guy who (though she don't want to admit) had decieved her. She struggled her way through the crowded street, not minding if she bumps into a couple of people on the place. "Hey! Mr. Hat-n-clogs!" she called again as she tries to remember the man's name. But the said man seemed not hearing her call...or he's pretending not hearing her at all. "Uurgh...hey you! I'm telling you to STOP RIGHT THEEERRE!"
Raised eyebrows, startled, confused and a bit frightened faces look back at her as she stands on the middle of the sidewalk. People backs away from her after that psycho-like scream she had earlier but she don't care about other people as long as she got the attention of the man with a bucket hat.
Urahara looked back and saw a familiar short raven haired girl glaring at him. But inspite of her furious glare, Urahara smiled back at her and waved, "Why, hello! Long time no s—" he didn't have the chance to finish his sentence because Rukia angrily grabs him by his collar.
"You bastard! Give me back my money!"
"I-I'm sorry but it seems that you got the wrong person miss." surprised, Urahara answered...smiling nervously at her.
"No! I'm a million percent sure it was you. I'm not stupid so stop fooling around." she growled, not caring if people on the streets are looking at her as if she was going psycho. "I'll say it again and listen carefully...Give me back my—"
Rukia was cut off when a slim but firm hand grabs her arm. "Let's talk about this in a civil manner." Rukia looked on her side and saw a tan-skinned woman with long purple hair. "You can yell at this stupid old guy here all you want but let's go somewhere private first." the woman continued and Rukia blush, a bit embarrased by her rude behaviour. She nodded then released Urahara's collar.
After several minutes, Rukia found herself sitting inside a small shoten house located in a not so crowded part of the downtown. Her eyes shifted between the man with a hat and the purple haired woman beside him."So..." the woman started. "You said that this man got your money, right?" she asked glancing up at Urahara while the said man smiles sheepishly.
"N-not exactly money...I mean he deceived me." the woman nodded at her telling her to go on. Rukia clears her throat, "You see, I bought a house from him a month ago, giving my clock necklace as a payment...but when I went into the house it wasn't for sale and someone is living on it until this moment." she finished, totally calm and was postering her well-knowed etiquette.
The purple haired woman sighed as she crossed her arms over her chest and turned to the messy haired man beside her. "Is that true?" she asked calmly but before Urahara could even answer she grabs the man's collar and yell at him. "YOU'RE SUCH AN OLD PERVERTED ASSHOLE WHO CAN'T DO ANYTHING..."
Rukia sweatdropped at the scene. Maybe that's the reason why the woman wanted to talk privately but not in a civil manner at all as the woman looks likes a growling tiger when she gets angry.
"Please calm down... Yoruichi-san. Let me explain first."
The woman grabs him tightly, "You better have a bloody good explanation to this cause if you fuck up I'm going to shove that stupid hat of yours into your mouth, you understand me!"
Rukia gulps the same time as Urahara did but she stayed calm on her seat as the woman across her returned back to calm mode...in a split second?
"Ah... What's your name again, miss?"
"Rukia Kouzuki."
"Rukia... Kouzuki?" the man narrowed his eyes on her as if trying to remember her. "What?" Rukia asked feeling creeped out by the way Urahara stared at her.
"Nothing...it's nothing." the man answered giving her a meaningful stare before going back to their problem. "About your concern...are you sure you've got the right address?"
"Yes. It's in Sunnyville subdivision right?" Urahara nodded. "Lot 7 phase 15." she finished but confused by the man's look of shock. "What?"
"I see..." the man replied. "Kouzuki-san I'm sorry but you've entered the wrong house."
Now it was Rukia who was shock, "What do you mean-"
"It's Lot one and not seven. You've probably misread the number on the—"
"Wait! You mean..."
"You're house is in Lot 1 phase 15 Kouzuki-san."
Rukia stared at the man, shock and embarrassed. 'How can I make such a stupid mistake?' she asks herself then glance up at the purple haired woman accross her on the table.
"Have you check your house title again? It's written in there."
Rukia shook her head as bowed a bit."It was stolen from me... I thought I read lot 7 and that's what I said to the guard and he lets me in and when I came into the house there was someone living there already."
"I'm sorry Kouzuki-san but-" Urahara stops whatever he was about to say when Yoruichi glared at him and then Rukia remembers something.
"If my house is in lot 1 then it means that I still have a house for myself?" she asked, a hint of excitement on her tone.
Urahara glanced at Yoruichi then gulped before saying... "Of course...not." he murmured the last word but the two ladies still heard him as both of them turned at the nervous man. "I-I'm sorry but you can't move to that house now."
"And why is that?" it's Yoruichi who asked him.
"Be-because..." his eyes shifted from Rukia to Yoruichi and smiled nervously. "I've sold it to another person."
…..
Ichigo paced back and forth in the front lawn, glancing every now and then at the direction where Rukia was supposed to be walking at this time. It was already 9 o' clock in the evening...the food he prepared had gone cold already and he hasn't eaten yet for he was...well, he was too annoyed and worried right now. 'What if she bumped into a freaking guy again?" he asked himself remembering the last incident where Rukia was almost harrassed by a pervert on the street. 'No...she's probably doing overtime, yeah...maybe they had many customers today, that's why.' He sat down on the tiled floor outside the front door.
Putting an arm on top of one knee, he runs his fingers on his orange locks then glance on the road again. 'Why is she so late...she's supposed to be here an hour ago.' Ichigo groaned, taking a mental note to ask for her phone number so he can call her...at a time like this, that is.
'But what if she don't want to give her number?' with that thought, Ichigo got up from the floor, "That stupid midget." he mumbled then head back inside the house.
…..
"Oow!Aaah! Yoruichi-san, let me explain!"
"What did I told you about fucking up...you stupid old man!" the tan skinned woman growled, twisting Urahara's arm on his back.
"I've sold it to another person cause I thought Kouzuki-san don't want to take it...and she's not interested at it anymore since it's been a month!"
"Ahm...I-It's alright Yoruichi-san. I understand him now." Rukia said smiling nervously at the woman who sighed then let go of Urahara's arm.
The man sighed in relief flexing his wrist. "I'm really sorry, Kouzuki-san but-"
"It's alright. I'm also to blame for this."
"So where are you staying right now."
Rukia turned at Yoruichi, "The owner of the house that I've entered help me and let me stay with him until I find this man here." she smiled down at the thought of the carrot top guy who shared his house to her.
"Hmm...you mean, you're living with him alone?"
"U-uhm. It's not as bad as it sounds, but yes...I'm living alone...with him." a pink blush plustered on her cheeks.
"It's alright...me and this man are also living together."
"Oh Yoruichi-san...you're saying it like we-"
"Shut up! I'm not talking to you."
Urahara pouts playfully and turned at Rukia. "We're husband and wife but we're not married." Rukia frowned at what he said. "We're living together for almost 20 years now...I was working on a bank then when I met her. She was so young and beautiful then and even now that's why—"
"Will you shut up! You perverted asshole!" Rukia chuckled seeing the older woman blushing...shy and embarrassed to talk about their love story. The 'couple' turned their heads at the petite girl as she laughs softly. Yoruichi sat back on her seat. "So..." Rukia looked up at her. "...the owner of the house you're staying at...is he nice or is he-"
"Yes!" she quickly and proudly answered with a large genuine smile on her face. "He's nice...thoughtful...and he really cooks well, though he's also an asshole most of the time."
….
"Aachoo!"
Ichigo rubs his nose as he continued his walk around the downtown. Scanning every corner and every street, hoping he could catch a glimpse of Rukia somewhere. He decided to look after her for he was really and freaking worried about her. Yes, he admits it...he's worried about her, he was worried about the petite girl who, for some unexplainable phenomenon in his life, has been plaguing his mind this past couple of days. Knowing how clumsy she is sometimes, how accident prone and trouble magnet the raven haired girl is...he's really worried right now.
'9:45'
Groaning aloud, he shove his hands inside the front pocket of his hooded jacket as he crossed the street and continue scanning the place. 'Where the hell is she?'
...
Rukia looked up at the odd couple in front of her. "I've been living with him for almost a month now. We're sharing the same house and the same school. He's a very short tempered and I'm guessing because of me, he's going to lose his sanity anytime soon..."she chuckled then her smile slowly fades from her face.
"He's so nice...that's why I don't want to be a burden to him anymore..."
I was a quick wet boy..diving too deep for coins...
Ichigo sighed when a certain restaurant crew shook his head telling him they didn't have a short raven haired girl working in that resto. Thanking the crew, he hurriedly steps outside; looking to his left...he headed towards another restaurant in the place. But getting the same negative answers, his heart started to race faster with each passing moment. Worry was now visible on his face. "Rukia."
And when the cops closed the fair...
Ichigo extends his arm in front of an approaching car mouthing the word 'sorry' as he carelessly crossed the street while the angry driver yelled at him saying how crazy he is and asking if he wants to die already. Totally ignoring the angry driver, he continued running here and there bumping from person to person on the street, not loosing hope of finding her.
"He's a strong guy..."
Ichigo looked at his left and continue running. 'Rukia..'
"...he had his way to support himself..."
Starting to catch out of breath, Ichigo turned on his right. 'Rukia...'
"...he's making it on his own..." Rukia's expression softens, concern was on her eyes. "...he's on his own...without any support..."
Panting heavily, Ichigo bends over and put both hands on his knees, his eyes were shut tightly as he tries to catch his breath, his heart is beating frantically on his chest.'"Rukia...'
"That's why I wanted to help him..."
"Rukia..."
"...I wanted to support him..."
"Rukia..."
"...and I want to be there for him...for as long as I can."
Stole me a dog earned map...
Ichigo straightened his back as he took in a deep breath.
...and called for you everywhere.
"RUU—"
"Oooiii! ICHIIIGOOO!"
Have I found you…
Ichigo looked across the street and his eyes slowly widened.
Flightless bird
She was there...she was really there, waving her arms up at him, with a large smile on her face.
"Ooi! ICHIGOO! I'LL CROSS THERE...WAIT FOR ME, OKAY?" she yelled cheerfully...happy and confused to see him but very excited to tell him the good news.
Or lost you...
...
"Isn't it exciting?"
Yoruichi turned, confused at what her live-in partner said. "What do you mean?"
"To have an elite girl working in our old cafe..."
"You mean Kouzuki-san?
Urahara pulled his hat lower, shadowing his eyes "She's not Kouzuki-san. I know who she really is..." Yoruichi furrowed her eyebrows more seeing Urahara's expression became serious... "Her real name is..." a fan covered his face before saying,
"She is Rukia...Kuchiki."
…..
Ichigo is frozen on his feet, he's not moving, eyes wide and mouth slightly hung open staring at the petite girl cheerfully crossing the street...running towards...she is running to him.
"Ichigo...what are you doing here?" Rukia asked as she reached him, suprised to see him there...her smile not leaving her face while Ichigo stared down at her. He is relieved, surprised, angry, annoyed and...very glad to see her okay and up smiling at him. "Hey, what are you staring at? Do you know how stupid you look right now?" she said jokingly as she lightly punches him on the shoulder.
'Stupid?'
"Hey! I've got good news to..."
'Stupid?' the word repeated on his head totally ignoring any other words that she's saying right now.
"...got my clock necklace back and..."
"Stupid?" he said aloud.
"Hmn?" Rukia frowned. "Ichigo are you-"
"YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S STUPID!" he growled out of the blue making every heads on the street turned at the both of them.
Rukia was dumbfounded by his sudden outburst. "What are you-"
"WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GO!" he growled again grabing both of her shoulders and not caring even if he's making a scene on the street.
"Calm the hell down, and don't shout at me...YOU FOOL!" she said, getting annoyed at his violent reaction. Forcefully pushing his hands off of her and stomped angrily away from him.
"Where are you going? I'm not finish with-"
"Shut up, Ichigo! Shut the fuck up!" she yelled irritated, sticking out a finger at him. "You don't have to humiliate me on public!" she was really pissed at her rudeness. Ichigo didn't mean it to be like that...he's just horrible when it comes to expressing what he really feels and what he really wants to say that's why he hates himself for always ending up saying the wrong words and doing the wrong move.
"Hey! I'm..." he tried stopping her but Rukia was already calling out for a bus.
"Leave me alone!" she said as she got inside the bus, Ichigo groaned under his breath as he followed her inside. If he was worried earlier, he is pretty pissed right now...hearing those three words again. The leave-me-alone thing of hers is really getting on his nerves. He hated those words ever since she said it to him that night they met. And it's like a deja vu of the scene, where he was freaking worried about her and then she'll tell him to...leave her alone?
God, it pisses him so much!
Rukia sat down at the last seat on the back of the bus, scooting beside the window while Ichigo take the seat opposite to her also adjusting next to the window, both leaving the seat beside them unseated...wanting to be as far away from each other as they want to have their own spaces for themselves.
She is pissed.
He is angry.
Both of them are tired, staring at the glass window, sitting in silence and trying to calm themselves down and sort things out. Why are they fighting in the first place?
Rukia sighed as she quickly glanced at Ichigo. 'The idiot...I was so excited to tell him about my new job but what did he do...he ruined the moment! calling me stupid in front of many people..." she continued talking to herself while Ichigo was looking at her image through the glass window of the bus. 'She don't know how worried I am...then she'll say I'm stupid? If there's someone here who should get angry, it was me and not her...freaking midget.'
And on with their thoughts, as their bus got stucked on a traffic due to a minor motorcycle accident. When they're bus finally passed through the traffic, Ichigo heard a thump then glance at the right side of the bus where Rukia is sitting. He turned his head fully on the side noticing that she had fallen asleep, the way she had fallen sleep on his couch...tired and exhausted.
Her lips were slightly opened as her head leaned on the back of the seat slowly sliding on the side. Another thump and Rukia slightly stirred from her seat but quickly got back to sleep. Ichigo shook his head, the thumping sound he's hearing comes from Rukia's head hitting the glass window each time that stubborn head of hers fell on the side.
Blowing out a deep breath, Ichigo got up from his place to take the seat beside her. But he stopped from getting next to her when a loud voice was heard inside the bus.
"NOBODY MOVE!"cried out a certain passenger. Ichigo's eyes widened as he and the other passengers stared at the man standing in front, pointing a gun at the driver while glaring around the bus. "YOU! GET BACK TO YOUR SEAT!" the man ordered him and without a word, Ichigo obeyed. Though he looks cool and calm, his insides starts to panic and another feeling of worry rose up to his entire body as he glance at Rukia, who was still sleeping on her seat. "From now on, you'll do what I say...cause I'm taking all of you as hostages!" the man announced pointing the gun here and there while each passenger started to panic, others started crying while others sob nervously.
Ichigo gulped as he silently panic on his seat, gripping the armrest tightly as the one thing on his mind is...to be beside her and PROTECT HER...seeing how vulnerable she is right now. "Damn it!" he cursed silently as he saw the hostage taker started scanning each seat and each passenger looking for some threat that might ruin his plan.
"You got an item in there?" the man pointed his gun on one male passenger with large bag...asking if the guy have a knife, a gun or any harmful object in his bag. The guy frantically shook his head and yelped nervously when the hostage taker grabs his bag. After throwing the bag on the luggage compartment, the man turned to Ichigo...who was scowling at him. "What are you glaring at? You want some of this, huh?" the man grinned showing the orange haired teenager a hand grenade attached to his belt which makes Ichigo feels beyond worried and yes, he's now frightened realizing how serious and dangerous their situation are right now. One wrong move and they'll be all dead and to his horror, the man then turned to Rukia.
"Well, well, well...we have a sleeping beauty here." the man said leaning closer Rukia. "Are you really asleep or just pretending?" the man continued then to Ichigo's shock, the man pointed the gun on the sleeping petite girl and grinned maniacly. "Okay, why don't we let her sleep for the rest of her life...in heaven."
"Don't you dare!"
The man was startled by a menacing voice behind him. Turning his back, he saw that the orange haired teen was now standing on his feet and glaring dangerously at him.
Rukia stirred from her sleep and blinks as she tries to rid the blurriness of her eyes. Once her visions adjusted, the first scene she saw was a man hitting Ichigo on the face with a gun. "Ichigo!" she blurted out, worry and confusion all over her face as her eyes shifted from the man with a gun to Ichigo who was down on his seat, cupping his jaw. Ichigo glared at Rukia, eyes screaming at her, mentally telling her to stay out of it. But she already got the man's attention.
"NONE OF YOU WILL MOVE OR I'LL DROP THIS BOMB HERE TO KILL US ALL!" he shouted to the passengers then turned at Rukia. "So...you two know each other, huh?" he asked leaninh closer to her. "What are you...a couple...lovers..?" the man continued leaning closer and closer to her with each word.
Ichigo clenched his fist but stayed on his seat so as not to upset the crazy man. But his heart was racing frantically as he saw Rukia not moving on her seat, staring back at the man leaning over her. If he wasn't freaking worried right now, he can say that he's a little fascinated to see Rukia's tough expression. Other people tend to frantically panic and might be hysterically nervous when they're life are being threatened...but Rukia seems to be abnormally different.
She's glaring back at the hostage taker, her eyebrows are forming a scowl on her face, and her jaws were set tight while those large violet eyes of hers display a stubborn glare at the offending man in front of her. This is the first time, Ichigo hates those violet orbs of hers.
'Stupid...doesn't she know that it might pissed the man off.'
"Oh..." the man said and then bursted out laughing. "You know what...you give the same look as this boy gave me earlier! Isn't—" the man continued between laughs. "Isn't it...funny? What? Are you twins! Oh! Oh! I know, you two are police cops...a duo, partners in crime, or maybe you're partners in bed!" the man laughed again and saw Rukia form a confused stare. "Why little darling...you don't know I mean?" he grinned and leaned closer to her again. "It means you two are sex partners."
"YOU BASTARD! LEAVE HER ALONE!"
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO MOVE!" the man growled, whipping around and hitting Ichigo again on the face giving the orange haired teen a cut on the lips. Rukia gasps at the sight while sobs and cries from the frightened passenger became louder. "YOU'RE NOT TAKING MY WORDS SERIOUSLY, HUH? NOW LET ME SHOW YOU HOW SERIOUS I AM!" the man shouted pointing his gun on Ichigo. "Say you're prayers, boy." the man grinned at him and then...
Ichigo's eyes widened with horror and shock at the next scene. Rukia jumped at the man and bit hard on the man's arm which was holding the gun. The hostage taker yelped in pain then grabs Rukia by her hair. This snaps Ichigo from his shock...jumping from his seat, he grabs the man's wrist and twisted it making the gun dropped on the floor. The passengers were screaming in panic while the driver tends to drive slower and carefully not wanting the orange haired teen and his raven haired partner to lose their balance while restraining the crazy man.
Kicking the gun away on the floor, Ichigo pushed Rukia harshly on the seat as he pulled the man's arm, hoistering the man's body by his shoulder then dropped him flat on the floor. The man yelped in pain as his chest and front hit the floor while his arms are twisted on his back by the muscular and strong-built orange haired teenager.
Ichigo was more than glad to have remembered his Karate moves thus restraining the crazy man. "STOP THE BUS AND EVERYBODY OUT NOW!" Ichigo shouted still pinning the man down securing the grenade on the man's belt. The scared passenger's were still on panic as they hurried outside and they phoned the police.
A few minutes later, the police arrived and arrested the hostage taker who happens to be a psycho/mentally-illed patient who escapes from a mental rehabilitation center. It is also revealed that the gun and the hand grenade is a fake one, some kind of a toy that the crazy man stolen somewhere.
.
.
.
Though it ended up to be a bluff hostage crisis, Rukia found herself being dragged harshly by a very pissed and irritated carrot top guy as they walk inside the subdivision road. Yes, they finally made it inside the subdivision and are now heading to Ichigo's house.
"Hey! Will you stop dragging me and let go of my arm!" she yelled annoyed at the tall orange haired guy as she tried to break free from his deathly grip. The said guy didn't answer and just grips her wrist tighter as he walk on hurried steps, draggin her with him as if they're being chased by some crazy man. Rukia felt really annoyed at the way Ichigo grips her wrist plus the fact that she's having a hard time matching his bigger steps."Let go of me...Ichigo."
No response.
"Why are you still so tense?"
No response.
"You fool! Didn't you hear-"
"SHUT UP!" this time Ichigo responded with a growl, turning back at her with an intense glare. Rukia was taken aback to see Ichigo really angry...she can feel his hands tremble around her wrist, his deep scowl was set to the fullest and his eyes...those amber eyes of him seems to be burning with anger but she's not afraid or even frightened by him cause she's seeing something else in his eyes.
Is it...
Worry, angry and fright was making his body involuntary tremble right now as he glare down at her, remembering the stupid act she had earlier.
"Do you know how dangerous you did back there?"
Yes, it's worry that she's seeing in his eyes and Rukia can't find an answer to that. She's confused...ashamed and she felt...
"Stupid...you're a stupid stubborn wreckless—"
"Why Ichigo...were you worried about me?" Rukia cuts him off...curiosity in her tone.
Ichigo smirked as he answered in a disbelieving tone, "Me? You're asking me if I'm worried—"
"Yes Ichigo! I'm asking if you're worried about me."
"Of course!"
Rukia was surprised that Ichigo admitted it to him...she thought that he will come up with a stupid answers again like what he always did when she's asking him a serious question.
"But why?"
"Why...don't I have the right to be worried?"
"Don't answer me with a question, Ichigo!"
"Then don't ask me a stupid question, Rukia!" he yelled back at her...then there was silence.
The midnight breeze brushes through their bodies and swirl around them, making the grasses and leaves of the trees softly rustled as the full moon silently watches the two souls standing in the middle of the road. Ichigo's angry and worried amber eyes gaze at Rukia's confused and worried violet ones. But it was him to broke their gaze, sighing heavily he started walking again as he heard her called.
"Hey, I'm-"
"Please." he cuts her off. "I'm tired okay. I'm so tired." he continued walking, reaching the wooden gate of his house.
"You're tired of me, is that it?" she asked behind him.
Ichigo rolled his eyes, "I never said that."
"But that's what you're pointing at!" Ichigo turned back at her as she almost yell, hurt on her voice, "You never said it but I know that's what you're pointing at!"
"Geez, Rukia...you're a small thing but you're such a HUGE PAIN IN THE ASS!"
Rukia was taken aback at what he said. She was shock and hurt to hear those things from him. Her lips are slightly trembling but she's not crying...she will not cry in front of him.
Never!
She tilted her head down, "So you finally said it."
Ichigo run his hand on his spiky orange locks, "Forget it, okay. It's not...it's not what I mean."
"Yeah, I know." she looks back up at him. "You don't always mean what comes out of your mouth." she continued in a mocking tone and a hint of hurt was still on her voice. "But I know exactly what you want to say...I'm a huge pain in the ass, I'm a troublemaker..."
"Shut up." Ichigo mumbled under his breath but Rukia continued, totally ignoring him.
"...I'm stupid, I'm an idiot, and you're tired of me..."
"Shut up."
"...CAUSE I'M MESSING UP YOUR HAPPY AND PEACEFUL LIFE!"
"I SAID SHUT UP!"
Ichigo growled while Rukia was panting from her outbust. without a word, Ichigo roughly push the wooden gate open and walk towards the house but Rukia's words stopped him on his tracks.
"Don't worry, this won't happen again...cause I'll be leaving now." she said softly not even looking at him.
Ichigo stood silently in the front lawn, he clenched her fist tightly. "Fine." It was almost a whisper but Rukia heard it clearly. She turned at him and saw him entered the house, slamming the door behind him. She sighed heavily as she bit her lower lip and went inside the house.
12:05
When she entered the house, she heard him slam the door on his bedroom. Letting out another sigh, he put a hand on her forehead, massaging her temples then her eyes involuntarily glance at the dining table, noticing that bowls covered with plates are still on the table. Moving to the dining table, she lifted a plate over a bowl and saw that it isn't move yet...and that's when she realized.
'He hadn't eaten yet cause...he's been waiting for me...' her thoughts told her as images of Ichigo's worried face started to came flashing back on her mind.
*YOU'RE THE ONE WHO'S STUPID!*
'...he's been waiting and when I haven't arrived yet, he went to the city and go looking for me...'
*WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GO?*
'...he's worried about me...'
*Of course!*
*Why...don't I have the right to be worried?*
'...he cares about me...'
*YOU BASTARD! LEAVE HER ALONE!*
*Do you know how dangerous you did back there?*
'He...'
*He's a strong guy...* Rukia's eyes widened as another memories flashed in her head. the one she said to urahara and Yoruichi.
*...he had his own way to support himself...he's making it on his own...he's on his own...without any support...that's why...*
Rukia put back the plate on the table and hurried upstairs.
*That's why...I wanted to help him...*
BAM! BAM! BAM!
"Ichigo, open the door!"
*...I wanted to support him...*
Rustlings were heard then when the doorknob click, she take in a deep breath.
*...and I wanted to...*
The door flew open.
*...to be there for him as long as I can.*
"What do you w—"
"I'm sorry." Ichigo was taken aback at what she said as he felt her tiny hand grab the front of his shirt, clenching it tightly. "I'm so sorry." she repeated, sobbing very quietly as her head tilted down, hiding the tears that started falling down from her eyes.
Ichigo was surprised. Rukia came to him, apologizing and saying sorry...and she's crying. Though he can't see her face, he can still her silent whimpers as she tries to hide her tears from him. He wanted to pull her into his body and wrap his arms around her...and shush her sobs...stop her crying and wipe her tears from those beautiful eyes of hers.
But this is the only thing he can do for her...for now.
Rukia's eyes flew wide open as Ichigo took a step closer to her and lay a hand on top of her head, patting her gently as he murmured, "As long as you're alright...then it's okay." She was shocked at his gesture...but felt relieved and glad.
Rukia's grip on his shirt loosened as she sniffled, "Idiot."
Ichigo smirked down at her, as her hand still grips his shirt while he continue patting her head gently...they stayed like that for a moment now until Rukia look up at him. She smiled at him as he smirked and his finger absentmindedly wipes a tear on the corner of her eye.
They know that a bond is forming between them...though they're not sure of it now, but they don't want to rush the feeling.
For now…
...
12:35 midnight
"Ouch!" Ichigo flinched and leaned back on the couch. "Could you be more gentle?"
Rukia glared at him as she sat on her knees on the couch, a cottonball on her hand. "You won't stop moving that's why." she said as she moved her knees, scooting closer to him and reached up again.
"Ouch!" Ichigo yelped again. "Geez, Rukia...that hurts!"
"Ichigo, you're such a baby!" Rukia sighed disbelieving, as she sat back on her folded legs.
He pouts as he crossed his arms over his chest. "You're hands are too heavy, I feel like my wound are gonna open up m—"
Ichigo didn't finish his whinings because Rukia roughly grab him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him closer.
His face in front of hers.
"Shut up and hold still okay!" she said annoyed at his whinings. "Don't move, don't talk and just sit down until I finished tending your wound, understand?"
Ichigo gulps as he absentmindedly nodded at her...a shiver run down his body as he stared wide eyed in her face. Their breathes brushes each others face. They were so close...the same closeness as that night when he attempted to steal a kiss from her.
Ichigo mentally shook his head as he turned his gaze away from her while she continues tending the cut on his lips. And he felt that Rukia's hands started to be more gentle as she pressed the white cotton on his lips. He turned his gaze on the glass window but quickly turned away for he's seeing their reflection through the glass. He let out a soft sigh as he tried to look somewhere else that is not her face, and his eyes fall down...no! Not on her thighs, but to his hand, right! His hand that (he noticed just now) was resting on top of her thigh.
Ichigo felt his cheeks heat up as he gazed down on his hand that was lying on her thigh...with the fabric of her pajama pants as the only thing separating the skin of his palm to the white and soft skin of her thigh.
Good thing, Rukia seems not to notice it, just yet. He gulped as he tries to figure out a way to remove his hand on her unnoticably. Then he noticed that Rukia seems to stop tending on his wound, but she's not moving away yet. She remained on her position though she seemed to be finished tending his wound right now.
Yes, Rukia inot moving away yet for she is lost with her own thoughts while her eyes rested on his lips. She gulped as her slightly trembling fingers timidly touched his lips.
Ichigo was surprised to feel her fingers touched his lips. With his heart beating fast, he slowly...ever so slowly move his gaze up on her while Rukia did the same, and when their eyes met...
Sparks fly!
Ichigo and Rukia jolted and quickly pulled their hands back...removing his hand from her thigh while she moved her fingers away from his lips. Both are blushing while their heads turned on opposite sides.
Since the night they met, this is the first time they felt awkward with each other...as in awkwardly blushing or awkward with a blush or whatever.
But there's one thing that Ichigo and Rukia can do right now to get out of their awkward situation.
The only thing that both of them can do best and the both of them can't live without. And that is...
"Thanks." Rukia mumbled still looking away.
"Nah, I should be the one saying that." he replied.
"No, Ichigo. I'm the one whou should be thanking you."
"You just tended my wound and now you're thanking me? You're weird."
"What did you say?" this time she turned at him.
"What?" he asked innocently, facing at her.
"I'm just thanking you and you think I'm weird?"
"Geez, what are you so pissed about. It's not a big d—"
Rukia cuts him off. "How dare you say I'm weird when you should be thanking me for saving your ass back there!"
"That's why I said earlier that I should be the one to thank you! And hey, you didn't save me there, you just did a stupid stunt!" he's getting irritated as her.
"Oh yeah? A stupid stunt that save your stupid ass!"
"What?"
Oops! They doing it again. Yes...they're now engage in another long and 'nonsense' verbal and a little bit of a physical war(at least for Ichigo, cause when this fight comes to a close maybe another bruise or wound will open up in a certain part of his body that Rukia's fist or foot carelessly connected).
That's right, bickering is the only thing they can do best...at least for now.
Oweeee! I'm glad I made another long chapter! Cheers for meeee*cough-cough-cough-mind numbing cough* urgh..stupid cough...
sorry about that...
Well hope you guys like it...and Let me know what you think...okay..
Please leave a tweet! In other words... REVIEW PLEASE! Coz I like reading(replying to) your reviews and point of views... It eases my mind out of my happiness-sucking job.
REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!
And hey! This is my advance gratitude for your lovely reviews...
Just scroll down some more and you'll see! ;p
Ichigo moaned softly as he slightly shifted his head on the back of the couch, forcing an eyelid to slightly peek on the wall clock...it reads 6:15 in the morning. He groaned quietly as he felt his neck gone numb from being turned on one side for a long time. He adjusted from his slouch on the couch as he heard a soft moan near him.
And he doesn't have to guess who it comes from. Lazily tilting his head down, he saw Rukia still lost in her dreamland as her head lies on his lap. One hand was also on top of his lap as she sleeps on her side with her body slightly curved into ball, the quilt was now on her waist as she shifted, adjusting her head on his lap.
How do they ended up like? Well...
WHO CARES?
Ichigo smiks lazily as Rukia moaned and mumbled something on her sleep. He pulled the quilt back up to her shoulder, brushing some strands of hair away from her face then place a hand on her shoulder as he leaned back on the couch and went back to sleep.
He don't want to wake her up yet...he don't want to leave his place on the couch right now...he don't want to do anything just yet...he just wants to stay in his couch with Rukia's head on his lap and savor the moment as long as it lasts.
He don't want to rush.
They don't have to rush.
Afterall… it's a Sunday.
A beautiful Sunday morning.