Love no Refrain - Chapter 13: Festivities
Ichigo rubbed his hair that was still jet black and groaned before glancing over to Rukia who sat in his closet and stared. It was then the Kurosaki kid raised a brow and folded his arms.
"Ey...You sure you don't wanna go? It might be fun."
"No I have too much work to do." She answered. "You just go with your friends and have fun alright?"
"Will do." He let out glancing around for his black wooden sandals.
Rukia stared watching how each facial expression, and awkward movement he made reminded her of Kaien- Even the Yukata he picked out was a little bit toward Kaien's style.. An all red one with black patterns focusing more at the bottom than the still bright red top, and a black sash to finish..however-
"Ichigo you're supposed to be wearing the sleeves." Rukia lectured. "The top part of the Yukata isn't supposed to be hanging off your body like that."
It was true, instead of wearing the robe normally Ichigo decided to leave the top part of the Yukata hanging around his waist, while instead he just sported a black tank top he usually wore under his clothes for gym and what not.
"Hey! Its hot alright! Besides I was going to put the sleeves on when I felt cold..but seeing as I don't- then I wont."
Rukia could only stare dully. Looks similar to Kaien he did have, but the voice and attitude were slightly off. The young woman glanced behind him noticing Renji leap into the window then hold up his hand in a salute kind of manner.
"Yo...!-!-!- Kurosaki what're you wearin? A bathrobe.."
"Its a Yukata dumbass."
"I know dumbass. I was just joking around." Renji rebutted. "So what? You gonna walk barefoot?"
"Shut up! I can't find the sandals.."
"You mean these~" Kon's annoying voice let out as the doll crawled from under the bed pulling out black wooden sandals.
He smiled. "Yeah thats it, thanks Kon."
Renji laughed fully leaping into Ichigo's room only to pat his head like a child. "Aww look at Kurosaki, walking around in his yukata..You feel like a big boy now Kurosaki? Huh? Do ya? Do ya?"
Ichigo glared slapping Renji's hand away only to point. "Don't baby talk me Renji!"
Rukia just stared at the arguing boys, with her head in her palms, just wondering when either of them would grow up. Renji and Ichigo shoved and screamed at each other until they heard Isshin's call. This made Ichigo glare toward his bedroom door then glance at Rukia.
"Alright, I'm off, change your mind whenever you feel Rukia." he let out walking out of his room.
He closed the door behind him then walked down the hall and stairs of his home only to be greeted by his clapping sisters and ecstatic father who wouldnt' stop taking pictures. He groaned turning red.
"What the hell are you guys doing? You look stupid!"
"We're just happy that you're actually going out to get a life Ichigo." Karin answered with a genuine smile.
"And- WATCH YOUR MOUTH AROUND YOUR INNOCENT LITTLE SISTERS!" Isshin demanded.
Ichigo glanced down at his sisters, noticing that they wore traditional Kimonos- Yuzu in a peach colore one with warm yellow flowers around, and Karin in a black one with green dragonflies. It was only then the older Kurosaki child looked to his father and raised a brow. "...Just where are they going dressed like that?"
"To the festival of course!" Isshin assured making Ichigo falter.
"Please tell me your not coming.."
"Of course I'm not, they'll be escorted by one of your friends.."
Ichigo twitched hearing the doorbell ring at that moment leaving his father to squeal and fly towards the door. As soon as it opened, Ichigo turned red and hurriedly put on the sleeves to his robe.
"ICHIGO!~ I'm sure you've met...Orihime." Isshin introduced revealing her near the door.
"Hi Ichigo!"
"O-Orihime what're you doing here!-?" Ichigo asked nervously messing with his robe.
"Your father asked me to walk Yuzu and Karin around at the Festival. I told him I didn't mind, after all I think playing games with them would be a bit fun." she explained walking over to his sisters. "Don't worry, I wont get in your hair!"
"OH NONSENSE!" Isshin laughed walking over to Orihime. "You can get all in his hair if you feel like it Orihime, no need to be so nice to him." he spoke grabbing her shoulders. "Now..mind if I call you daughter..or maybe daughter-in-la-"
Orihime blinked making Ichigo dash over to his father and strike him in the face.
"Dad! Why? Why! Why- Do you have to do this now!" Ichigo seethed.
"Relax! I'm only joking around Ichigo!" the dad groaned quickly regaining his balance from the strike.
"What the hell ever!" the boy hissed stepping closer to his father. "Just what the heck do you have up your sleeve?"
"Hm? Nothing, I just wanted you and Orihime to clean the slate, after all from what I heard yesterday in the principals office- You really need this chance to apoligize or make things better son." Isshin whispered.
"Thanks but no thanks. I didn't need your help with this dad."
Isshin blinked but only flashed pictures of his son and Orihime then the group all together as a rebuttle, this made Ichigo groan and push everybody out of the house.
"Be back by 7!"
"The festival doesn't end till 10!"
"10 is the new 7 son!" Isshin called throwing Ichigo a thumbs up.
Ichigo only growled slamming the front door shut. Orihime chuckled watching Ichigo aggrivatedly rub his head then walk off with his sisters running off after him- It was only seconds later did she run after Ichigo herself stopping by his side and walking the backalleys of Karakura. She glanced at Ichigo from the corner of her eye, still seeing the angry teen look a little agitated which made her smile to herself.. She could only remmeber the first time she had met him..she always thought his face was so scary after all back then he never smiled.
'Oh Yeah..I remember those days..' the girl uttered in her head. 'Everyone was either avoiding Ichigo or pushing him around because of his hair..I'm so glad those days are over..'
Without really noticing the woman had a happy smile on her face as she continued to pace down the backroads, Ichigo caught this then smiled himself. "And just what exactly has you so happy Orihime?"
"!-!-! Huh? What do you mean Ichigo?"
"You're smiling."
"I AM? Oh well uh, thats cause..I was thinking." She answered looking to the ground bashfully.
"Thinking? About what?" he asked.
The princess glanced from the ground up to Ichigo and in a split second, back at the gravel she walked on. "C-Can I be honest with you Ichigo?"
"Hn? Sure, I don't see why you can't be.."
"Before, when we didnt even know each other..I used to..think you were scary..."
Ichigo jerked as his face soured, That wasn't the first time he's heard that. He could only think back to when he first entered the building of Karakura Highschool...Hearing the utterings and whispers about him. It led to many fights and often led the boy to distance himself from others, that is..till Tatsuki decided to hang out with him, then Keigo up and appeared and then Chad and Mizuiro and ultimately Orihime herself.. Ichigo could only think back to his somewhat lonely preteen years while rubbing his head..
"Heh..thank God those days are over.." he let out.
Orihime laughed, "I thought the same thing!"
"Hey Ichigo!"
Both teens stopped to look in back of them and glance at Yuzu and Karin, both girls refused to walk seeing as they were holding something- Yuzu holding sticks and Karin a lighter. Ichigo let out a low sigh before walking over to them and grabbing the lighter from Karin, then lighting the sticks. Orihime blinked wondering what the Kurosaki family was doing, but she smiled realizing that they were lighting sticks, little fireworks that kids often played with during certain holidays. Yuzu ran around holding her lit stick whilst Karin decided to make smoky circles in the air- It was then Ichigo turned from his sisters and handed Orihime an unlit one making the princess blink confusingly.
"Its a tradition me and my sisters do everytime we're together.." Ichigo spoke glancing away. "We can't do it in front of our dad because he's too afraid they'd burn themselves.. but here..take it."
Orihime did as told and held the stick whilst the Kurosaki boy lit it and waited till it let off a few sparks. Orihime jumped as soon as the sparks began to flare about but she smiled staring at the lit stick. She watched how ith each passing minute, the sparks would change colors which in turn made her jump in place.
"Ichigo Ichigo look! Do you see it changing!"
"Yes, Orihime- be careful though, the sparks could fly anywhere and it could burn you."
"Right.. " she said as she calmed. "Thank you Ichigo.."
"Huh? For what? Its just a firework Orihime-"
"Sora and I...we used to light these.." she began. "I almost forgot how fun this simple thing can be."
Ichigo only glanced to his sisters and watched how they still laughed and giggled at their firework, however stopped and smiled once it dimmed and ultimately faded. He then glanced back at Orihime who smiled a little forlornly making the teen step to her.
"If you don't mind.. We can light these together.."
The princess glanced up at him letting out a "Hm?" while focusing on the serious and yet slightly sheepish face, the Kurosaki boy made.
"Me, You, Yuzu and Karin..You could light fireworks with us when we're all alone and have nothing to do." he explained. "You could...be apart of our tradition Orihime..that is..if you want to.."
Orihime's eyes widened whilst the children ran over to them and smiled.
"That will be fun, You could always join us Orihime." Yuzu let out.
"I wouldn't mind." Karin added.
Ichigo only tucked his arms into the sleeves of his Yukata and smiled, "I know we can never replace the memories you have with Sora, but..I figure, why sulk on the old memories when you could just make new ones to look back on.."
"Ichigo..!-!-!"
The young woman jumped feeling the burn of a single spark, making her drop her light and wince- to which made the Kurosaki family huddle around her.
"You hurt Orihime?" Yuzu cried.
"Relax Yuzu its just a small burn." Karin eased.
"Still.. I told you to be careful with these Orihime." Ichigo said almost as if scolding.
She stared a the family who looked awfully concerned over her hand, which only made her smile softly and hide her arms behind her back. "Sorry.."
"Nevermind. Lets get going, a lot of time has passed.." Ichigo spoke walking off with his sisters following.
Orihime nodded to herself before giggling and following the boy herself once again.
The Festival...
It didn't take the small group that long to make it to the festival in the center of Karakura- eh who am I kidding, It took them a minute or two. Because Ichigos home was located on the west side of Karakura, and he Orihime and his sisters were walking with no other mode of faster transportation, it took them awhile. More or less tired than the usual, the group did arrive at the Festival. It was like any other around Karakura, the usual flying balloons, children running around with dangos, yakitoris, ikayaki's and other snacks, and individual booths that either housed games, sold toys, or sold food.
"I can't believe I'm here." Ichigo let out a little glum.
"Believe it Ichigo!" Orihime let out with a laugh as she watched the other people enjoy themselves. "This is amazing! We should play some games!"
"That's a good idea." Yuzu spoke with a nod.
"Whatever." Karin said with a small smirk.
Orihime smiled then glanced up at the only Kurosaki who refused to speak, by doing this, she made the boy jerk and slightly glance away. "Ichigo?"
"...I'm only here to get into that stupid contest, not to play games."
"Don't be like that." the girl giggled as she grabbed his right arm. "We just got here, and the contest doesn't start until later! Till then lets play!"
"Orihime.." he let out with a slight groan.
"Ah Kurosaki.."
The whole group jerked before glancing over thier shoulder and noticing Uryuu and a girl.. Ichigo couldn't help but widen his eyes as he examined the new face- She wore a lavender kimono with white lilys and black vines all over and a pure white obi and sandals that pretty muched topped it off, her hair was long and straight, and there was make up present..but it looked so natural you couldn't really tell unless you got a good look. Something about the girl was familiar and yet..so different. The Kurosaki boy blinked before glancing over at Uryuu, who wore a dark blue yukata, with what seemed like light blue clouds that spaces around the bottom mostly, his hair was kinda brushed back, which was different from his usual part on the top of his head- and his glasses..they were gone..
"Uryuu..you look like-"
"Like we're going to win that 2k? Yes, I know. However Tatsuki refuses to take off that wig." He said with a certain glance.
"I told you, if we're going to win then we gotta look good- and unfortunately long hair is in Uryuu."
The boy only attempted to align some glasses however flinched realizing he didn't have his on. Orihime laughed at this which brought Uryuu to smile and keep a close eye on the fact that she was on Ichigo's arm.
"Hello, and whats going on here?" he asked smirking at the two. "Orihime, I thought you denied Ichigo's request to taking you to the festival."
"Oh well he's not exactly my date or anything." Orihime answered pulling away from Ichigo that instant. "I'm just here to watch Yuzu and Karin while he wins the competition."
"Wait a minute- you can't seriously think Ichigo and Kunieda are going to win?" Tatsuki let out with a scoff.
Orihime jerked waving her hands about easingly while Ichigo glared. "And what do you mean by that?"
"You know exactly what I mean Kurosaki, dont play dumb." she glared.
"Tatsuki-" Uryuu eased.
"Actually I don't. It'd be best if you just enlightened me instead of acting the way you are." Ichigo let out.
Orihime stared wide eyed at the sudden tension Ichigo and Tatsuki shared, and wondered exactly why they were giving each other such a vibe. Was it their competitive nature? Or was it something else? She didn't know, but something deep down told her to stay silent and let the convorsation go on.
"And just how am I acting Kurosaki? Please tell me." Tatsuki said with a smug laugh.
"I'm saying you're acting different towards-"
"I'm acting different! You've got a lot of nerve!"
"Tatsuki-" Uryuu interceded again.
"You're the one changing your look and acting different towards your real friend Kurosaki- treating us like nobodys while you kiss Kunieda's feet like she's a friggen princess."
"Hey watch it!" Karin let out.
It was then Ichigo turned to his sisters then gave Orihime a glance. The young woman quickly nodded then walked off with the Kurosaki twins and left Ichigo to finish his convo with Tatsuki. The princess couldn't help but wonder just what exactly was bothering Tatsuki though.
Uryuu sighed, "Ichigo, just forget-"
"Hang on Uryuu- I'm not finished!" Tatsuki shouted holding out her left hand before the boy. "Explain yourself to me Ichigo-"
"I have nothing to explain Tatsuki- All I know, is that ever since you and Ryo were in the bathroom of that bakery way back when you've had this attitude with me." he glared. "I think instead of me, you need to start explaining yourself. What exactly did she say that has you so ticked off, and why are you so concerned about her in the first place?"
Tatsuki took a step back from the supposed-to-be strawberry blonde and faltered to speak- she had almost completely forgot what ridiculous things Ryo said that day such as Tatsuki having a crush on Ichigo- of which wasn't true at all!...
Uryuu took a good look at Tatsuki and the look on her face, something told him that this event of which he missed, played a big part in her sudden dislike of Ichigo- Either way the Quincy kept quiet and waited for someone to say something. He quickly glanced over at Ichigo from the corner of his eyes of whom only glared down at the young woman in the wig then back at Kurosaki who finally spoke, "Out with it Tatsuki."
"What she said to me..." she began straining. "What she said to me.. is none of your buisness Ichigo.. but just know this.. Kunieda isn't right for you..and you shouldn't be with her."
"Why does everyone think that we have a serious thing going on?-!" Kurosaki wondered holding his head. "Kunieda and I aren't dating!"
"What?" Tatsuki blinked.
"Is THAT why you've been attacking me Tatsuki? Because you thought Kunieda and I were seriously dating?-!"
Before the woman could even nod, Ichigo shook his head and growled. "I can't stand what's been said about me and her and I can't even imagine why everyone is making a big deal out of us being together for this short while!- but our goal was just to make it to this competition together thats it. No more no less." Ichigo explained.
Deep down Tatsuki ached- to think that Ichigo and Kuniedas being together was planned for only a certain while, it completely went against what Kunieda said long ago. Tatsuki indeed facepalmed herself that instant as she thought of the words said that day in the bakery's bathroom. Kunieda said that she liked Ichigo but...she never said it was vice versa... Tatsuki could only groan at how she never really noticed that before- how she never really caught the girls words carefully because she was soley focused on the fact that the two were together.
"They just didn't look right.." she mumbled.
Ichigo rose a brow then exchanged a look with Uryuu before Tatsuki straightened up and folded her arms. "...I just don't trust Kunieda." The girl let out staring sincerely.
Ichigo jerked to the look on Tatsuki's face, usually when she had something to say..she didnt sad.. Something she didn't bother to say was bothering her..and it was making Ichigo all the more curious to know what happened between her and Kunieda that led to this different Tatsuki, but instead of speaking- and pressing onto something that he felt he shouldn't press just yet, he stayed silent and waited.
"Something happened with Kunieda that made her change, and because of that I couldn't trust her anymore..I couldn't trust her around Orihime and I couldnt' trust her around you.. I didn't...I didn't want you to get hurt by her in the end Ichigo."
The Kurosaki boy blinked before folding his hands in his yukata- from what he was getting from Tatsuki..it sounded like the girl was saying that she was trying to protect him..but from what? Ryo? What about Ryo was so dangerous that made Tatsuki get so upset? He still didn't know. And if it was something as simple as not trusting her..then why did she just say that in the beginning? Ichigo had many questions, and the only person he could ask now was Arisawa.
"..Why..?"
"Hm?"
"You trying to keep me from getting hurt is fine and all, but why?"
"What do you mean 'why?' I'm your friend Ichigo! This is what friends do! They tell each other how they feel about certain situations, and I don't feel comfortable with you being with Ryo!"
"If that was the case-" Ichigo began. "...Then why didn't you just tell me that before? Are you..hiding something from me Tatsuki?"
Tatsuki jumped before glancing away, she had to come up with something quick. "No..I just..didn't want to get in the way.."
Ichigo rose his brow again- something about that didn't sound right. Tatsuki was always a protective character..so why did Kunieda stop her from being that way- Ryo made Tatsuki more violent than protective.. either way, Ichigo figured Tatsuki wasn't going to tell him so he had to go to the next person that he knew would give him a straightforward answer that sounded better, but..until that time he only sighed before the girl in the wig making her stare at him stupidly.
"Whats with the look Ichigo?"
"I realize that you're still willing to protect me even after all this time.. but we're not children anymore Tatsuki- I don't need protection anymore." Kurosaki let out.
"Ichigo.." the girl groaned resting her left palm on her forehead. "You still dont get it."
"And until you want to make me get it, I'll be close to you waiting, Tatsuki."
The let out an almost inaudible gasp before Uryuu rested both hands on her shoulders and nudged her a little forward. "Sorry Ichigo, but Arisawa and I have a competition to get to."
"Oh! Is it around that time?" Ichigo wondered glancing about.
"Of course it isn't Kurosaki- We have 30 minutes left, however Arisawa and I have to reherse." Uryuu explained as he still pushed the woman off. " We'll catch you later at the competition Ichigo."
"Right, later."
As Uryuu and Tatsuki walked away, Ichigo glanced about at the festival he still couldn't believe he was at. He couldn't believe he was going into a 'cutest couple contest' and he couldn't believe his partner wasn't here! Imean he was near the entrance of the whole area- if she was here he would've saw her..
"She must've came early...I better find her." he mumbled before walking off.
|G A M E - S T A N D S|
Yuzu, Orihime and Karin stood in line for a certain game- Y'know that one game where you hold a wand with rice paper in the center and use it to pick up a fish- if the fish falls through the paper then you lose however if it doesn't you win a fish? Well yes- the girls stood in line behind a certain couple- Yuzu and Orihime already eyeing the fish they wanted while Karin was glancing away with a glare on her face. Orihime could sense tension coming from the child so she quickly glanced down at her then smiled hoping an upcoming convorsation would make the girl feel better.
"Karin- just what are you thinking about?"
"Tatsuki...she used to be so cool.. I wonder why she was messing with my brother Ichigo."
"Oh Karin...Tatsuki wouldn't pick on Ichigo unless there was a good reason.." Orihime let out.
"And just how do you know?" Karin asked giving the young woman a glare.
The princess jerked as the finger of her right hand suddenly rested below her bottom lip. "Um..well I've known Tatsuki for a long time and she just isn't the person to do that.." she began while glancing in the air. "After all Tatsuki is very protective of people..she's probably just mad because Ichigo hasn't noticed or thank'd her y'know."
All Karin did was huff while Yuzu laughed softly waving her hand, "Thats just like Ichigo, no matter how tough he thinks he is- he's always got someone looking out for him."
Orihime smiled, knowing how true this fact was- it was unfortunate however that Ichigo's family didn't know that he was out protecting others as well..he wasn't always the one being protected..
The princess let out a sigh- Ichigo was always protecting..unlike her.. She would try, with all her might she would..but it always turned out dangerous and someone would always have to save her...this never went unnoticed by the princess. She softly lifted her left hand and rested it over her heart ans she stared at the fish-game stand eagerly. While on the outside it looked like she was ready to win, on the inside she was thinking only of what has happened so far.. Even though Karakura has been awfully silent..it seemed that no matter what occassion happened at school it always left Ichigo to be the victim..well of some sorts.. Orihime was often hurt but she knew something was wrong..
'Thats right..What Ichigo said back at school..when he was so close to me... He made it seem like his life wasn't as perfect as it was before..he made it seem like something was worse..' the girl thought- her hand lifting from her chest only to cup her chin. 'He said he didn't know how to act like a teen...which is kinda funny seeing how he is one- how can he not know how to act like a teen? I guess thats just one of his many funny traits..' she thought with a giggle. 'but no seriously!- he said he didn't know how to act like a teen so... that means he must be having trouble..and when you're in trouble you need help !*gasp* Thats probably why Tatsuki's been looking so angry when she's around Ichigo..something happening and she knows! Thats why she's protecting him... I...I have to do my best... -I have to protect Ichigo too! I owe him that!'
She stood straight as the couple before her lost their game and moved on, with that she pushed Yuzu and Karin in front of her and pulled up the sleeves of her kimono to begin to help with the fish catching, however a certain laugh made her freeze, stand, and then turn around. The one who was laughing was Ryo. She was covering her mouth coyly with the right sleeve of her black kimono with purple white and gray lilies- It made Orihime jerk and she watched the other young woman remove said sleeve to reveal some flawless make up.
The girl could only stare wide-eyed and get this gut feeling that she and Ichigo were going to win.
"Sup Orihime, it looks like you've seen a ghost."
"!-O-Oh sorry Ryo...Its just.. Your makeup..its"
"Wonderful? I know, My mother helped me with it." the girl smiled. "Anyway- I thought you'd be here with Chad and Keigo? Where are they?"
"Um..Change of plans." Inoue laughed. "I'm babysitting now! I have to be the watchdog for these girls." she said as she moved to the side and revealed Karin and Yuzu.
Both girls weren't paying attention however, Karin was getting frustrated at the fact that she couldn't catch a fish while Yuzu was in her ear- telling her when to lift the paper and yet at the same time tell her to calm down when the paper ripped. It made Ryo laugh, but she stopped when she looked back to the strawberry blonde teen in front of her.
"So.. Are you going to watch me win the competition in a few minutes?"
"Um- Yes! I just want the kids to play before I have them pay attention to something like that.. Y'know kids- they get bored with stuff like that." the girl laughed.
"Mhm Yeah... Anyway Orihime I have something really important to tell you- care to give a listen?"
"Um..sure Ryo..what is it?"
"Now Ichigo told you, he and I are only doing this contest to win the money right?" she asked with a smirk and folded arms.
"Uh..yes, I uh think so.."
"Alright..well you know that I'm you're best friend, and I'd never do anything to hurt your feelings right?"
Orihime blinked. "um..right."
"So listen to me carefully when I say- Don't let Ichigo fool you." Kunieda let out with a glare.
"!-W-What do you mean?"
"I mean exactly what I say. Ichigo has been running around the school looking like an idiot all because he wants to prove a point to his friends and to you Orihime, but don't let him fool you. Ichigo is more conniving than you'll ever know. You remember back on the roof when he asked me out on a date right?"
"R..Right."
"Yeah well guess what he said to me? Go on Guess?" the girl let out. "-Nevermind I'll tell you.. he told me that he was using me and that he was going to ask you out Orihime."
The princess blushed before letting out a 'what' leaving Ryo to frown and sigh glancing away, "Yeah, he said that he was only using me to win the competition- and that he didn't feel anything for me just you but... I dunno don't you think thats kind of mean Orihime."
The princess blinked some more before nodding, it was indeed a rude thing to say but...would Ichigo really say it? It just seemed sorta out of character..but nevertheless the boy was blunt..who knows.. she'd have to ask.
"I mean if Ichigo felt okay in telling me something so mean.. imagine what hes going to do to you when he gets bored of you.." the girl said sadly.
"What do you mean?" Inoue let out.
"Ichigo buttered me up with some sweet words on the roof that day, then he just smacked me down as soon as we went on our first date... I just.. I don't want him to ask you out and then hurt your feelings too Orihime..he's kind of a jerk." she spoke. "But do whatever you want.. I'm behind you all the way.. I've got your back Inoue." she finished giving the girl a certain 'girl power' look.
"!-And I've got yours.." she responded.
"Good. I'll remember that. You should hurry to the contest though. Its about to start."
"O-Oh! Right! Yuzu, Karin!"
Both girls jumped before glancing over their shoulders, Yuzu fearful at the fact that Orihime shrieked so suddenly and Karin just glancing at the older girl with a flopping fish in her wand.
"What, What do you want Orihime?"
"Its Ichigo, we have to watch his contest." Orihime said with her hands slightly risen. "We should go now."
Yuzu glanced at her sister then looked back to Orihime before running to her side- Karin on the other hand stared at her close to dying fish then dumped it into its tank of water before standing with a groan, "Ichigo always ruins everything..." she let out before standing next to the now giggling Orihime and Yuzu. The princess glanced over at Ryo who stood with a smile and in turn smiled back eagerly.
"Ryo... I trust you..after all you're my friend- so I'll do anything in my power to help you."
"I'll keep those words in mind." she smiled.
"All right! Lets go girls!" Orihime smiled looking down at Yuzu and Karin before marching off with them.
All Ryo did was laugh then look at the night's sky before walking her own path to the competition, "Orihime...you're so stupid.."
|B A C K S T A G E|
The competition was close to starting and Ichigo was getting nervous.. he figured after searching for Ryo for 15 minutes around the rather large festival, she'd at least be at the tent of where the competition was being hosted.. but..from all the couples Ichigo saw he could only think-
"DID SHE STAND ME UP!-?"
Because of his comment, everyone in the tent glanced at the teen who only glared and made them all look away. He folded his arms into the sleeves of his yukata, getting used to the comfortable feeling than glared at the ground..how could he be so stupid as to going to agreeing with Kunieda to go to this competition? He knew deep down the girl didn't want to go especially with him so why did he even bother to come here and waste his time? With such thoughts, the Kurosaki teen glared at the ground even harder still waiting for his partner while just a few feet behind him at a small table Tatsuki sat, with Uryuu pacing around her- tending to her clothes.
"Ichigo looks nervous." she let out.
"Who wouldn't be nervous? Theres two-thousand dollars on the line." Uryuu spoke sewing her left sleeve.
"So you're saying you're nervous Ishida?"
"...Somewhat.."
"Thats odd-" the girl began with a risen brow. "You don't look too nervous."
"Thats because, unlike Ichigo, I refuse to let anyone see me falter."
With that said, Uryuu ripped a certain thread then stood before Tatsuki and immediately got the woman on her feet as well. It was then he folded his arms glaring at the girl who only glared back at the look. "...What."
"Take off that stupid wig Arisawa."
"Does it look that horrible?"
"No..It doesn't." Uryuu said with a slight sigh. "But I agreed to come here with a short haired woman, not a wig wearing phoney."
Arisawa groaned before resting both hands on her head and looking down to the ground kinda sheepish, "I'd rip it off and all..but I put a whole bunch of pins in it so it wouldn't fall off in front of the judges.."
That comment made Uryuu flinch, but then chuckle and assist the girl by taking out all sorts of multi colored pins from under the nest. Tatsuki felt like a child but said nothing as Uryuu continued to assist with a smile on his face- with that she hit his chest making the boy buckle, then folded her arms.
"Dont' laugh at me."
"My apoligizies Arisawa." he let out before continuing again. "I just find it.. humorous that you'd think your short hair isn't as good as long hair."
She jumped before looking up to the Quincy, "Are you saying..you like my short hair?"
"I prefer it." he answered. "It makes you different, differences make you unique and people like things that stand out in my opinion."
She looked to her sandals, smiling to herself before her cheeks turned a light rosey color- that was the first time she's heard a boy say something nice about her hairstyle especially someone like Uryuu.. She laughed to herself before staring up at Uryuu of which made the boy stop his assistance and return the girls glance.
All this made Tatsuki feel a light fluttering in her stomach as she smiled, with that she began to speak. "Uryuu... I-"
"Hey guys!" Ichigo interrupted popping up before the two. "Have you seen Ryo anywhere around here? We're going to be the 3rd couple on stage and she's still not here."
Uryuu looked at Ichigo wide-eyed as well as Tatsuki, however before staring any longer the Quincy cleared his throat before speaking up, "..I can't say that we've seen Kunieda.." he began as his hands successfully removed the last hairpin and wig. "The only thing we've seen Kurosaki is you pace around like a nervous wreck." he snapped getting his nerve back while his hands ruffled Tatsuki's hair.
"Tch- Its not like I'm really worried.. I'm just growing impatient. I wanna get this over with." he grumbled looking away. "Oh and by the way.." he uttered looking back to the two. "Did I... interrupt something."
The two jumped before glaring- "Shut up Ichigo- we're preparing!"
"Alright-Alright don't bite my head off!" he eased. "But if you see Ryo let me know alright." he let out before walking off with a slight wave.
The two still glared at his backside until the boy disappeared in crowd of competing couples leaving them to huff in the end and continue preparing for the contest that was still only minutes away. Tatsuki groaned as Uryuu stood in silence messing with her hair- regardless of that curveball Ichigo threw at them, they had more important things to think about..
"We have to win.." the uttered simoultaneously to each other.
A/N: Now i know what you're saying.. "Wheres the dramaWTFH-" Don't worry! I GOOF'D THE DRAMA IS ACTUALLY IN THE NEXT CHAP. Just think of this chapter as the fuse to the bomb thats going to go off! I will be uploading another chapter today seeing as I have nothing else to do and this is just getting too good xD