Mari: Staring at the moments of Ichigo and Rukia in Bleach Manga Chapter 460, I finally found my motivation to continue and finish this chapter and update tonight. I'm really sorry for the long wait. And thank you for your everlasting patience with me. :)
Bleach Manga Chapter 460: I love Ichigo's smile towards Rukia. And I was giggling so hard when Rukia kick Ichigo on his face. I was shocked and so happy at the same time to see Toushirou, Renji and Byakuya too. I love Toushirou's new look. He looks so handsome. Byakuya looks cool too without his scarf and the kenseikan. And I didn't expect I'd say this but I really love Renji's hairstyle. He looks handsome now. And the changes Kubo-sama made make me and all of the Bleach fans (especially IchiRuki fans) so happy to the point that we had to organize a festival. *laughs*
And now that's done, (sorry for my ranting, I'm just so happy I need to let this all out. :D) let's go on to the twelfth tale of this story.
Mari's Disclaimer: I don't own BLEACH.
~IchiRuki: The Destined Tale~
Tale 12 – The Destined Truce
She wandered down at the street from their mansion. She was new in the place so she wanted to explore. It had always been lonely and painful to live in a big mansion especially when your father was out doing business and your mother always beat you up. You had all the material things but you couldn't have the best thing that a ten-year-old little girl should and must feel.
The feeling of being cared, accepted and loved.
And because of that, Kuchiki Rukia was able to escape the unfair reality, even if for just a second. She wanted to seek those three feelings from others. An individual who would care for her, who would accept her, and who would love her, for the way she was.
Walking, she turned at the corner to find herself in front of a playground park. There were many children playing around, with their parents to guide them and catch them if they ever fall.
She sighed. I wonder… will I ever be caught by someone? Because I'm always falling without someone to catch me…
Cutting through her thoughts was a loud shrieked came from just near her. She followed the voice and she found herself next to a swing. She came closer and saw what was happening.
She saw a young beautiful girl. She had a flower clip on her short hair and she had gray eyes. She was crying. She was surrounded by three big boys. Maybe ten or eleven year olds. Rukia wondered why but then soon, her question was answered.
"It's true! Your parents will never going back! They left you for good!" the fat boy said.
"Yeah! Poor you! Your mother is a prostitute and your father is a criminal? Hah! I won't be surprise in the future when you became an evil villain when you grow up."
He and his friends laughed. The little girl shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No… that's not true… they'll come back for me… that is what my grandma told me…" she cried with a sniff.
"Oh, your grandma pity you so she told you those lies…"
"That's right!"
The little girl didn't say anything more; instead, she continued to cry as the boys who were bullying her laughed mockingly.
"What are you doing?" Rukia asked in a low tone with crossed arms against her chest.
"Oh? And who are you, short stuff?"
A vein popped in Rukia's forehead. Short stuff?
"You'll pay for that." She muttered angrily.
"Brave brat!"
Rukia didn't waste any time and kicked the boy's stomach. The one who called her 'short stuff'. She hated being called by that name. He slumped on the floor unmoving, clearly hurt by the attack from a short black raven haired girl.
"What the—" the other didn't even finish and he was on the floor lying next to the first victim of Rukia's foot.
"You don't have the right to say those words to her!" Rukia declared as she pointed at the crying girl. "She didn't deserve it! If I were you, just mind your own business!" she finished with a deadly glare towards the last boy of the group who scampered away from the place as his friends limply ran away from them.
When they were out of sight, Rukia turned to the girl. She gave her a comforting smile. "Hey, you okay?" she asked in a soothing voice.
The girl nodded and tried to smile. "Y-Yes. T-Thank you."
Rukia smirked. "You are welcome. Anyways, I'm Kuchiki Rukia. Just call me Rukia. Nice to meet you!" she said rather enthusiastically as she grabbed the girl's hands and shook it.
"O-Oh, nice to meet you Rukia-chan… I-I'm Inoue Orihime."
"I'll call you Orihime then, if it's okay with you."
Orihime grinned despite her tears from earlier. "Sure!"
"Okay! We're friends now!" Rukia grinned.
"Yup!"
And they both laughed happily as they skipped towards the slide to play.
That was the first day Kuchiki Rukia met Inoue Orihime and the first day they became the best of friends.
Amethyst opened with a start. She sat up from the bed and breathed heavily. She turned to the glass window towards her room's balcony and noticed that it was dark. She turned to desk next to her bed and saw the time.
It's already 10PM? I guess they're all asleep then…
She swung her legs on the edge of the bed and stood up. She went to her bathroom.
She stared at herself in the mirror. That dream… She shook her head to forget it and took a shower.
After a few minutes, she emerged with only her red robe. She sat on her bed and suddenly, her phone went off. She reached for her phone and saw that there was a new message.
"Who could this be?" she whispered as she opened it. She gasped in surprised. She read the message twice to make sure what it said was what she thought it was.
After making sure, she sighed and closed her eyes.
To go or not to go?
She opened her eyes and stood up. She changed into a simple jogging pants and white shirt with a blanket on around her shoulder. She slowly opened her door and peeked at the hallway. It was dark which meant that her family was all asleep.
She went outside and closed her door carefully. She walked at the hallway slowly, very careful to not make any sounds that would wake up the members of the house.
She sighed deeply when she finally was able to escape their house. She made her way to the street and walked until she reached the first corner. There was a park a few walks from there. Soon, she reached it and saw him sitting on the bench. At first, she stared at him wait for her. She could tell by his uneasiness and face that he was nervous. She knew very well what this so-called 'talk' would be about. She took a deep breath and walked towards him.
She saw him looked up at her and he stood up from his sitting position on the bench. When they were in front of each other, she heard him whisper…
"Rukia… I almost thought you're not coming…"
She didn't say anything. She just walked past him and sat down on the bench behind him. He did the same. He sat next to her.
Silence engulfed them and the only sound that could be heard was the crickets flying through the night. Unable to take the tense silence anymore, he spoke, breaking the silence.
"Rukia, I'm sorry." He said with his head bowed low. "I'm really sorry. I really loved you. I did. But now, I don't know. Maybe the love I felt for you is not really as a relationship between a man and a woman. Maybe it's just a brother's love for his sister, or a friend's love for his best friend. You knew, Rukia, that you're the closest person who I called my friend. So please, I hope you'll really be able to forgive me…"
Rukia leaned on the backrest of the bench. She stared at him but he was not looking at her. She knew in his actions that he really was sorry for what he did to her. He hurt her and he knew it. Somehow, she was happy that it was Renji who did that because at least, he was her friend and they knew each other's feelings and how they think at times.
"Renji." Her voice made him stared up at her. He saw that she was not mad at him. She was at peace, her face was serene.
"Rukia, you're…"
She shook her head. "I know you are so sorry about what happened. But, before I accept your apology, I want to know something."
Renji nodded. "Then ask away."
"Do you… love Orihime?"
Renji turned away from her curious gaze and stared at his feet. "Yes." He replied softly but Rukia was able to hear it and she let a ghost of a smile played on her lips. "But…"
"But she'll go to America tomorrow… Isn't it what you're sad about?" she asked.
Renji snapped up at her. "You knew?" he asked in shock.
"Yeah, she told me last night…"
He sighed. "Oh, so you two talked to each other…"
"Hm."
Silence.
"Rukia, do you forgive me now? And not only me… do you… forgive us now?"
Rukia gazed at him with a light smile. She nodded. "Yeah, I forgive the both of you."
Renji smiled and sighed in relief. "Thanks Rukia. I know you'll be able to forgive us…"
"I never plan to." She said with a shrug.
Renji raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What made you change your mind?"
"My family."
The way Rukia spoke it softly and the expression on her face made Renji think that everything had been alright now.
"You finally accepted them?" he asked.
Rukia nodded. "They're such good people. I've been so blind."
"Like we told you."
Rukia rolled her eyes. "Shut up."
They stared at each other and laughed softly.
"Well, it's late now. I think we should go home before they realize that I'm gone." Rukia said as she stood up. Renji did the same. "I'll walk you home."
"Sure."
They walked quietly with now the tense silence no longer existed.
The next morning, Rukia yawned as she made her way towards the dining room in her school uniform. Masaki turned to her and smiled. "Ohayou Rukia."
Rukia grinned and greeted back. She sat on the chair and slumped on the table. Ichigo looked at her curiously from across her.
"Why are you so sleepy?" he said. "You slept early before the rest of us did."
She sleepily opened one closed eye to give him a 'shut up' look for Ichigo's point of view.
"Shut up…" she muttered but loud enough for Ichigo to hear.
See? I knew it. He thought.
"Now now… eat before you get late for school." Masaki said as she put a plate on near Rukia. "Rukia, here."
She raised her head up and leaned on the headboard of her chair. She gripped her head. "I can sense a headache coming…" she muttered as her eyes closed.
"Are you okay?" Masaki asked in concern. Rukia opened her eyes and saw her stepmother's amber eyes looked at her. She smiled reassuringly. "Hai, I'm okay."
"If you're not feeling well, you shouldn't go to school today." Ichigo's voice rang from across her. He said it nonchalantly while eating but she could tell that he was worried.
Rukia sighed deeply and smiled. "Don't worry, I'm really okay! I'm going to school today." She said as she stared at Masaki, who in turn, put a hand on her head.
"Are you sure?"
"Yup I'm sure."
Masaki smiled lightly and caressed her stepdaughter's hair. "Okay then. Now eat your breakfast and I'll get you some medicine for your headache." She declared as she walked off to the kitchen for the medicine kit.
"Okay." Rukia reached for the plate and eat her breakfast. From time to time she paused and shut her eyes. Ichigo could tell that she was in pain and it made him worried for some reason.
"Are you sure you're alright, Rukia?" he asked, staring straight at her amethyst orbs.
She looked up at him and smiled painfully. "Yeah, I'm fine."
He glared at her because of her stubbornness. "Don't lie to me, I can see that you're in pain. Does it really hurt?"
Rukia sighed. There's nothing to hide from him now, is there? She thought.
"It hurts but it will pass away later so don't worry."
Ichigo nodded. "Okay, if you say so." He wasn't still convinced but she was stubborn and he couldn't do anything about it so he decided to let her be. I'll just make sure to keep an eye on her at school…
After eating their breakfast and taking up the medicine Masaki had given Rukia, the two teens made their way to school.
As they walked, silence filled the air. Rukia was filled with thoughts about what happened with Orihime. She was confused as to what to do. Sure, she forgave Renji and even told him that she forgave him too but she wasn't so sure about that. Did she really forgive her best friend?
She sighed. Even if she forgave her, it will never change the fact that she will go to America that day and they won't see each other again.
Her eyebrows furrowed.
What should I do about it then?
Ichigo noticed that Rukia was in deep thought. He was curious as to what she was thinking so he asked, "Rukia?"
She didn't seem to hear him because she just continued to walk. Ichigo stopped walking and watched her with worried amber eyes.
She didn't stop. It means that she didn't even notice that I stopped walking. What was occupying her mind that much?
"Rukia!" he called out loudly to her without moving from his spot. She stopped walking to his relief. She turned to him in wonder. "Ichigo?"
He stared at her with unreadable expression on his face. Rukia was even more wondering. "What? Why did you stop?" she asked.
Ichigo sighed and ran towards her. He stopped before her and put a hand on her head. "What's with you?"
"Hm?"
"I've been calling you for some time now but you're not answering me. What's wrong? Is your head still hurting?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Oh, no no. It's not it. I'm okay! I just thought of something." She whispered the last sentence but Ichigo heard it.
"Something? Like what?"
"It's nothing! Come on! We're going to be late!" she said as she ran ahead of him.
Ichigo sighed heavily and followed her in a normal pace.
I wonder what happened…
"Good morning Rukia-chan!" Momo greeted enthusiastically as soon as Rukia entered the classroom. Ichigo had been called by their teacher halfway asking for his help.
Rukia smiled at her. "Good morning too, Momo-chan." She said as she walked towards them. She saw Senna and Hisagi talking to each other and stopped when they both saw her approaching.
Senna stood up from the chair across Hisagi's and smiled at her. "Hello Rukia-chan!"
"Hello Senna. Hello, Hisagi."
"Yo, Rukia."
"Where's Ichigo?" Toushirou asked as he sat on his seat next to Hisagi. Rukia's gaze went to the door and the four followed her gaze. On cue, Ichigo appeared and saw them. He was holding books that looked like they were going to use for the day and he moved to the front desk to put the books on the desk. He then walked towards his friends.
"Morning Ichigo!" Hisagi greeted. Rukia noticed that they became the best of friends because they were always together with Toushirou but the white haired boy was just quiet and replying once in a while when asked.
As they talked amongst themselves, Rukia's gaze wondered around the room. She stopped at a certain seat, and her mind was filled with her smiling and radiant face.
"Rukia-chan!"
She closed her eyes and sat down her seat. She looked outside of the window and to the blue sky.
What am I supposed to do? She thought.
Ichigo noticed Rukia facing the window with a dazed expression. He turned away from a fighting Senna and Hisagi and from a laughing Momo and shaking head Toushirou and walked towards her.
"Rukia?"
"…"
Ichigo's eyebrows furrowed. Why the hell she isn't responding? He shook her shoulder to bring her back to reality. "Rukia!"
"Eh?"
"What's wrong with you? You're spacing out again." Ichigo pointed out in a whisper.
Rukia sighed. "I'm fine."
"Unbelievable."
She glared at him and turned away.
"Rukia, if you have any problem, you can just tell me."
"Ichigo, I—"
Suddenly, the bell rang and their teacher appeared on the doorway. Students moved back to their own seats causing Ichigo to sigh and decide to just ask Rukia later.
As their teacher went on with that day's lesson, Rukia's mind was elsewhere. She felt uneasiness and she knew very well why she felt that way. She was looking on her desk in deep thought. Moments with her flashed in her mind.
"Rukia-chan, let's go to the bar tonight!"
"Not again, Orihime!" Rukia groaned as she slumped on the bed. They were currently in Orihime's apartment.
She met Orihime when they were ten years old. Ever since then, they always see each other in the park in the afternoon. Being friends with her was such a blessing for Rukia, because she became the friend she had wanted for so long.
She saw her best friend pouted. "Rukia-chan! How mean! Come on come on!" she said as she patted Rukia's shoulder in a repetitive manner and for Rukia, it was getting harder by the minute.
"Orihime, you're hurting me!" she complained but her auburn-haired best friend ignored her. "Please Rukia-chan! Come with me!"
"Why do I have to go with you? I don't have anything to do there."
"Oh please? Renji-kun's coming too!"
Rukia sent her a glare. "You won't dare." Orihime smiled mischievously. "Oh I dare."
"Orihime, you know that I don't like him in the bar."
"Yeah, because you're a jealous woman with jealous management problems." Orihime said as a matter-of-factly.
"So what? He's my boyfriend. It's only natural for me to feel this way." Rukia said as she crossed her arms against her chest. "And besides, he knew that I don't want him going in there."
"Rukia-chan, you're so possessive."
"Possessive or not, I love him and he shouldn't do anything, ANYTHING, now that he's mine."
Orihime sighed. "Okay fine. But please just come with me to the bar. I don't like to go there alone. It will be so boring."
"I am the one feeling bore because you're leaving me to my own devices whenever you see some random, cute guy." Rukia said with a sigh, earning a pout from Orihime.
"Oh I promise I won't do it again! Please come with me…"
"No way, you said that too the last time and I ended up your personal babysitter and driver because you're so drunk to drive."
"Ehhhhh…" Orihime whined. "Rukia-chaaaan…"
"Orihime…"
"I'll buy you a new Chappy bag. Just keep me company. Please?"
Rukia's head perked up at that. "Chappy bag?"
"Yup! A Chappy bag. The new one we saw in the mall last week. I still remembered that and I thought I saw it earlier this morning in the same store. I'm thinking of buying it if and only if you come with me tonight."
"When will I get it?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Deal!"
Orihime grinned widely.
Rukia blinked. Yes, I remember. She always want me to come with her in bars but I always refuse. But whenever she offers me anything about Chappy, I will immediately agree. She always knew my weakness, for she was my first and only best friend.
She looked outside the window and saw the clouds moving, others parting and others joining. A moment which just happened recently made its way onto her mind again, filling her thoughts.
"So…" Orihime stretched out her arms as she leaned on her seat. "What do you plan to do with them?"
Rukia smirked. "I will do everything in my power to get them out of the mansion."
Orihime looked at her with a worried expression. "Rukia… don't you think it's not right?"
"Hm? What is?"
"I think your father have them moved in with you guys because he wants you to know them fully."
"And your point is?"
"Why don't you give them a chance?"
"A chance? No way Orihime." Rukia laughed.
"Rukia… I'm serious."
"I know and I'm serious too." She narrowed her eyes at her.
"I don't want dad to marry again, especially not with her."
"Rukia, every woman your father dated, this is the only girl that he seriously love."
"Why do you say that? Maybe he's just bluffing…"
"Rukia, can't you see? He let them moved in with you! Meaning he's serious in her. Your father fell in love."
"That's crap. There's no way my father will fall in love."
"Why? Because of your mother?"
"Orihime…"
"Okay I won't talk about her again…" Orihime sighed. "But Rukia… please try to get to know them. Maybe she really loves your father."
"I don't want to. I don't want to trust anyone. You know that!"
"Rukia..."
She let out a heavy sigh.
"I did not expect that your stepbrother will be in our school Rukia." Orihime asked as she took a bite from her red bean paste.
"I knew that he would be in this school today but not in our class." Rukia hissed. "Dad really made sure that we will be classmates."
"Why I didn't know about this?" Renji asked.
"Renji, this all happened yesterday!"
"But Orihime knew about it!"
"Because I told her before the class started!"
"You're late so you didn't know Renji-kun." Orihime said nonchalantly.
Renji sighed. "Then, what are you planning to do now?"
Rukia shrugged. "Like what I have told Orihime a while ago, I will do everything to take them away from the mansion."
"Rukia, I think that's a bad idea." Renji commented. She glared at him. "How is that a bad idea? The bad idea is they are in my father's life!" she spat in irritation.
"Rukia… calm down, will you?" Renji said.
"If only you don't say things will make me explode!" Rukia gritted her teeth.
Renji and Orihime exchanged meaningful glances. "Okay." He sighed.
"Good." She mumbled as she ate the remnants in her bentou.
She closed her eyes as she remembered the painful betrayal she had done to her. Falling in love with her boyfriend.
"R-Rukia-chan…"
"Don't call me as if you're a trusted friend." Rukia said in a venom voice. She glared at the two of them.
She turned to Renji and punched him on the face, hard. He lay down on the floor at the impact. He coughed out blood.
Rukia then slapped Orihime on the face. She did it so hard that her hand was imprinted on her face. She leaned on the wall at the impact.
"How long are you doing this to me?"
"Rukia…"
"Answer me!"
"T-Two years…" Orihime whispered with a bowed head.
Rukia took a deep breath and stood on her cold façade. The two thought that she will attack them again but she just… laughed.
Renji and Orihime stared at her in complete shock.
"So for two years I've been a fool believing that you two have been good to me all this time?" Rukia said. "I bet you were talking behind my back about how stupid I am for believing you, right?"
"T-That's not true!" Orihime denied. "We never did that. You are important to us Rukia. We don't do things that would betray you!"
"And what do you think you did now? Isn't this what you call betrayal?" Rukia glared at her. "Don't talk so highly as if you didn't do anything wrong."
"Don't ever talk to me again. I don't want to have anything to do with you two. This is the last time will speak to each other." With that she turned and left, walking down the same way she took a while ago.
Rukia clenched her hand against her chest. She felt her heart getting heavier every second. She tried to calm her breathing.
Rukia's eyes opened and she blinked the upcoming tears to prevent them from falling. She didn't know why tears gathered in her eyes as she thought of that. And then, she remembered the most recent conversation she had with her.
"Rukia-chan."
She knew that voice too well.
"What do you want, Inoue?" She asked calmly without turning around to face her. She heard her sigh and sat down beside her.
Silence engulfed them before her former friend speak again.
"Rukia-chan, I'm so sorry for what I have done. I know you felt betrayed and I don't blame you for that. I… I don't want to force you to forgive me… but… I'm here to tell you that…" she took a deep breath.
"I'm going to America the day after tomorrow and continue my studies there."
Rukia's eyes widened for a moment before returning to normal.
"I will prepare things tomorrow when we arrived home."
"Why are you telling me this?" Rukia asked in a calm voice.
"No reason. I just thought you're still my friend and I want you to know it the most of all people." Orihime shrugged with a soft giggle.
"Anyways, I'm amazed at your performance tonight. I never thought you'd sing in front of us like that."
"Someone gave me confidence."
"It's Ichigo-kun isn't it?"
"Yes."
Orihime smiled as she gazed at the moon above. "I missed this. I missed talking to you like this."
Rukia didn't want to admit it but she did miss it too.
"Rukia-chan, I'm so happy for you that you finally learned how to be open to other people. I'm so glad that Ichigo-kun helped you and your new friends love you."
"Yes, they do."
Orihime stood up. "Well, it's getting late. Goodnight, Rukia-chan." Rukia didn't reply. She sighed as she turned back and walked inside the building. She was far enough to not hear Rukia's whisper of "Goodnight too, Orihime."
She smiled at that memory. And her eyes widened. Now, she realized something why she felt the way she feel that time. Why she shed tears every time she remembered the betrayal they had done. Now, she understood finally.
She looked up at the board where the teacher was still going on the lesson. She glanced up at the clock over the board and her eyes widened. She suddenly stood up, surprising all of her classmates and friends, especially the orange-haired stepbrother who sat next to her.
Silence ensued between the students. Nobody muttered anything. The teacher stared at Rukia curiously. "Kuchiki-san?"
Ichigo saw her bit her lip and to his shock, she ran out of the room, leaving her things behind. Murmurs were heard from students. Ichigo, because of his concerned nature, stood up in instinct and ran after her.
Their friends glanced at each other. Momo had a worried look on her face, Senna furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, Shuuhei shrugged and Toushirou just sighed.
They knew that there was something going on that Rukia wasn't telling them but they were going to get it later from her.
Rukia arrived at the front gate of the school and called on their family driver. He said that he would be there in a minute. She panted as she looked at her wrist watch with uneasiness.
She was biting her lip in frustration when she heard a familiar voice calling out to her from a distance.
"Rukia!"
She turned around to see Ichigo running over to her and stopped just before her. She looked at him confused.
"Ichigo? Why are you here?"
Ichigo glared at her. "That's my line! What the hell are you thinking running off like that, in the middle of the class no less?"
Rukia sighed and stared at Ichigo. "Ichigo, actually I…"
"Rukia-sama!" their family driver called out as he parked in front of them. Rukia immediately dragged Ichigo inside. "Hey where are we going?"
"I'll tell you on the way! Hazuno-san, please drive to the Tokyo Airport. Please hurry!" she said in haste. The old man nodded. "Yes maam!"
And they were off.
In the car ride, Ichigo crossed his arms against his chest as he glared at Rukia. "What's the reason behind this?"
"Ichigo, I need to catch up Orihime today. She's going to America and will stay there for good."
Ichigo's eyes widened but then he frowned in confusion. "Wait, how did you know about that?"
She sighed. "She told me… back in the beach. She said that she thinks that I'm still her best friend so I have the right to know…"
Ichigo glanced at Rukia in sympathy. "What are you going to do when you caught up with her?" he asked.
Rukia smiled slightly. "That would be my secret."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow but then shrugged. "Fine."
And silence engulfed them as they rode to the airport.
Orihime sat on the bench as she waited for her flight for America. She wore a pink dress with her black leather jacket that reached her knees and high heeled black sandals. She was staring into space and thinking of the things she had done in Japan. Out of all those things, she couldn't forget the most wonderful memories she had. She smiled sadly but then sighed.
"Rukia-chan…"
"Orihime."
She turned to the source of the voice. "Oh, hey Renji."
"Your flight is in five minutes." He said, sitting next to her.
"Hm… thanks."
Silence but after a few minutes, Renji broke it. "Orihime?"
"Hmm?"
"Are you sure about this?"
Orihime nodded grimly. "Hm… I'm sure about this. You know that the scholarship offer will help me a lot to reach my dream. I need this Renji." She said as she looked at him.
Renji sighed. Orihime dreamed of being a great fashion designer ever since she was little. And now, that in America, she was offered a scholarship in a prestigious school which was known with its great teachings and donations in the fashion industry, she couldn't take it for granted. She had to grab it.
"And I know that Rukia-chan would have told me to do this if she's here right now…" he heard her whisper.
"Orihime…"
"Renji, I told Rukia that I'm leaving today."
"Yeah I know. I talked to her last night."
Orihime's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
"Yeah, and I guess she wasn't mad with us anymore. She seems relax than before. She's different now."
Orihime smiled knowingly with a nod. "Yes. I can see that too. She seems happy with her family and new friends."
"Yeah."
"I'm happy for her Renji."
He looked at her to find her staring in the distance with a content smile on her face. "Orihime…"
"Renji," she spoke without turning to him. "Watch over Rukia-chan for me, please?"
Renji smirked. "I'd do that without you telling me."
"That's true too."
They let out a soft laugh in unison. Suddenly, a voice broke out of their little moment, telling them that the flight to America was then ready.
"Passengers, please go now to your designated depart place. Thank you."
Renji and Orihime stood up. "This is it now." Renji said.
"Yes."
And they both walked towards Orihime's plane for her flight.
Ichigo ran after Rukia to the airport. As soon as the car stopped in front of it, Rukia had run immediately out of the car and in the airport. The guard didn't do anything to stop her for it turned out that they knew them. But he didn't care for that right now. He focused on running after her. He saw her ran to the reception. He stopped right behind her just to hear…
"Did the flight to America leave yet?" she asked the lady in a breathless voice.
"No maam, but it will in three minutes."
Rukia didn't wait for the lady to continue. She ran away again.
"Rukia!" Ichigo called out as he ran after her.
Rukia ran towards the depart place. She knew… She could feel it. She was there. Orihime was there.
"Orihime…" she muttered under her breath.
She finally opened the door that led outside. And she saw her walking towards the plane with Renji stood right behind her, watching her leave.
She mustered her voice and called out in a loud voice, "Orihime!"
Said girl froze and turned around with eyes wide. "Rukia-chan!"
Renji was surprised too but then, he smiled softly as he realized something. Rukia… you can't resist seeing her, can you?
Rukia stopped in front of her and panted. "O-Orihime…"
Orihime smiled softly. "You called me by my name…"
Rukia smirked. "Yeah."
"What are you doing here?" Orihime asked.
"I'm here to see you off and tell you something."
Orihime stared at her with curious eyes. "What is it?"
"I… I know now why I was angry with you and Renji when you did that."
The auburn-haired girl knew what she meant but she was more curious about what she was about to say.
"I wasn't mad because you guys did that thing to me. I was mad because you were the ones who did that. The two persons who I trusted with everything and my best friends ever since I was young. I was disappointed to you guys."
Orihime and Renji hung their heads in shame. Ichigo watched from afar, panting as he leaned on the glass door.
"But you know," Rukia continued, looking from Renji to Orihime with a soft smile. "I guess I never regret being friends with you two even after what happened."
Renji grinned and Orihime's eyes widened. "Rukia…-chan…" Tears gathered in her eyes. She sniffled and couldn't help but enclosed her friend in her embrace. Rukia returned the gesture, rubbing her back.
"Rukia-chan, I'm so sorry. I'm really, really sorry…" she said between controlled sobs. Rukia shook her head. "No, Orihime. It's okay now. Don't cry."
"I'm sorry…" she repeated as she pulled away. Rukia brushed her long hair and patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry too, for slapping you."
Orihime shook her head. "No, I deserved it. You don't need to apologize for that."
Rukia smiled at her as Orihime dried up her tears. Suddenly, a boy called out to them saying that the plane would have to leave. Rukia clasped Orihime's hands in hers causing her to look at the raven haired girl.
"Orihime, take care okay? Call me when you arrive their safely."
"Okay. I will." Orihime embraced Rukia for the last time and grinned widely. "Thank you Rukia-chan. Take care."
Rukia nodded. "I will."
Orihime looked at Renji. "Renji."
He nodded. "Bye. Look after yourself."
"Okay."
Orihime ran towards Ichigo which made him surprise. They never speak to each other so he didn't really know her.
She smiled up at him and held his hands in hers. "Please watch over Rukia-chan for me. Make sure she's always happy."
Ichigo nodded. "I will do that without you telling me."
"That's what Renji said too and I know you'll do just that. Thank you for making her happy and serene. She seems different now and it made me and Renji happy for her."
"Uh… you're welcome?"
Orihime giggled. "You're a nice guy. I hope we could talk to each other for some time."
"It's okay I guess."
"Thanks again."
"It's nothing."
Orihime smiled. "Bye."
"Take care."
She nodded and ran towards Rukia again. "Bye Orihime."
"Bye Rukia-chan. See you."
"Yeah, later."
She walked in the plane and before the door close, she waved at them and smiled brightly. "Bye you guys!"
Rukia and Renji waved at her and Ichigo just smiled.
And the door finally closed.
Rukia turned to Renji and they both smiled to each other. He stepped forward at her and ruffled her hair. Ichigo frowned lightly. He couldn't help but feel something different because of what he was seeing. He felt as if he wanted to go there and rip Rukia apart from Renji. But he didn't know why. So, he just settled at his clenched fists.
"Rukia, I know you couldn't resist coming here."
She nodded. "Yeah, I hesitated though."
"But now, I'm glad that the three of us became friends again."
"Eh? Wait, I thought that the two of you are…"
Renji shook his head. "No, we split up because you were devastated. We were both so guilty that time so we ended everything and became good friends."
"That's good I guess." Rukia said. "But you still love her, like you told me last night."
Renji sighed. "Yeah, but even so… it wouldn't change the fact that I couldn't do anything to stop her from leaving. She is determined to reach her dream and so… we need to support her, right?" he finished.
"Yeah, you're right." Rukia smiled as she looked up at the sky where the plane had disappeared into. Renji stared at it too, with a smile.
Ichigo turned around and walked away. He couldn't bear to watch the exchange anymore. And he was very confused as to why he felt that way.
On the way home, the car ride was so quiet to the point that Rukia couldn't bear it anymore. She sighed and glanced at Ichigo who was staring outside the closed window. There was a space between them and she couldn't help but wonder why.
"Ichigo?" she called out but she was ignored. She frowned. What is his problem?
"Hey Ichigo!" she said as she shook him. He seemed to be brought out of his reverie. "W-What?"
"Hey! I'm talking to you and you're ignoring me! What the hell is your problem?" she asked, patience running out.
Ichigo looked back outside the window. "Nothing." He muttered.
Rukia scowled and pushed him hard. Ichigo glared at her but then said nothing and went back to his previous position. Rukia was seriously worried now.
"Ichigo, seriously, what's wrong with you?"
To Ichigo's luck, they were already in the mansion and he went out of the car and into the house without looking back at Rukia. She followed him, biting her lip.
What's his problem? He's okay a while ago! But now… he… he's ignoring me… I wonder why. Did I do something that he didn't like? Rukia thought. Her heart felt heavy and her heart was thumping wildly against her chest. She didn't like the feeling.
Ichigo greeted his mother and walked up straight to his room. Rukia appeared at the front door and was greeted by Masaki.
"Welcome home, Rukia."
"Okaeri, Okaasan."
Masaki noticed Rukia's uneasiness and couldn't help but ask. "Is there something wrong, Rukia?"
"N-Nothing. I'm okay. Just tired. I'll be in my room." She said as she went up the stairs.
Masaki furrowed her eyebrows in concern. "That's what Ichigo said too just now when I ask him."
She looked at the end of the stairs where Rukia had disappeared into.
What could have happen? They were both seemed troubled…
Ichigo lay down on his bed with his arms over his eyes. He didn't know why he did what he did. He sighed heavily. He still felt that strange feeling in his chest and it was the reason why he kept avoiding Rukia. He wanted to find out why he felt that way and so he needed to distant himself from her to know what it was. He could feel too that it was something important but he couldn't still tell what it was.
Whatever it is, I need to find out what it is and as soon as possible. I couldn't keep avoiding her after all. He thought.
He didn't notice that he fell into a restless sleep with the thoughts from earlier confrontation filling his dreams.
Rukia sat on her bed with a bothered expression. She didn't like Ichigo's behavior towards her just now. He was acting like he didn't know her, like she didn't exist. He just brushed her off with her question and she had to admit. She was hurt.
Says the guy who swear to always protect me… she thought, an unknown feeling building inside her. She clutched her head.
Argh. The headache is coming up again.
Focusing on the headache, Rukia just decided to rest and thought all of her troubles tomorrow when she finally settled her headache down.
A/N: …
I guess this is my longest chapter so far! :)
I can't tell you guys enough how happy I am for your wonderful reviews. Thank you so much for everything. For cheering me up and waiting. Thank you so much. I love you all guys. I had a headache too so I better rest up for the night. See you again!
Spoiler: Ichigo's keep avoiding Rukia. And Rukia was hurting. And it came to the wrong time that Ichigo's birthday is coming up. What would happen? :) Keep in touch to know!
Please Read and Review!
~Mari Kia Aishiteru~