A/N: A hundred, and more, reviews! I'm flattered. Thank you all! Sorry for not being able to update sooner.
I'll reward my patient readers and especially the reviewers with ice-cream. Read on and you'll see!
Chapter 13: Music
It was a sunny morning at Karakura High School. The grounds were full of students, buzzing with energy and excitement on the second day of the School Festival. Ichigo had been really sleepy when he got out of bed, because he found it difficult to sleep that night with the pocky incident of the game show coming back to haunt him, and the extra awkwardness between him and Byakuya leaving the atmosphere dripping with icy coldness. But his sleepiness was wearing off now as he started looking forward to the day ahead. The music competition was scheduled for later that day, Ichigo was slightly nervous but very enthusiastic about participating.
He was also looking forward to Byakuya and Renji's performance, it was surely going to make his day. Yes, Kurosaki Ichigo could not imagine what could be better than watching Kuchiki Byakuya make a fool of himself on stage. Even if it meant having to watch his friend Renji go down with him, Ichigo was willing to accept that for enjoying Byakuya's debacle especially if it was on the same stage where he would do so much better himself. Arrogant, stuck-up ice-prince who thinks he's the best at everything! He'll see today. I'll show him what it's like to have his ass kicked again. Maybe he'll finally stop being so smug! Ichigo could barely hold back an evil chuckle as he anticipated the laughs to come later that day. For the last few days, Byakuya and Renji had been going off to practice their song, and the rest of the time they had their headphones plugged in as they listened to the song. Ichigo had to admit he was curious, but he was waiting up eagerly for the actual failure live on stage!
"Ichigo! Over there! Are they selling ice-cream?" Abarai Renji's excited voice snapped Ichigo out of his thoughts.
"Aren't you too old to be so excited about a school festival?" Ichigo asked wryly.
"Shut up! I haven't had ice-cream for so long. They don't make ice-cream in Soul Society. Come on, let's go to that stall," replied Renji, tugging Ichigo's elbow. Then he turned to his captain, Kuchiki Byakuya who was standing serenely nearby, but with a face devoid of expression except slight boredom. "Taichou, would you like to have some ice-cream too?"
Byakuya looked in their direction at being addressed by his vice-captain. "Ice cream?"
Renji noticed the barest hint of confusion on his captain's face. "Taichou, have you never had ice-cream before?" He asked, shocked.
"No."
Renji now turned to the orange-haired teenager on his other side. "Ichigo! Kuckhi Taichou has been here quite a while, why didn't you ever make him taste ice-cream?"
"I could not be bothered showing your ice-prince captain icy desserts! His attitude should be enough coldness for everyone around." Ichigo replied gruffly, rolling his eyes. Treating Byakuya to ice-cream, as if I have nothing better to do with my life.
Byakuya did not even spare a glare at the jibe from Ichigo. His impertinence is not worth my time. Uncouth brat!
"Taichou, anyone who visits the World of The Living should try ice-cream! It's amazing! Let's go, you can try some now."
"Renji, I do not like sweets." Came the cold reply.
"You should really try ice-cream Taichou! They make it in different flavours. Come on, I'm sure you'll find a flavour you like," urged Renji as he started walking towards the ice-cream stall.
Byakuya gave an unnoticeable sigh and started walking with his vice-captain, giving in to his childish insistence to get him to try this ice-cream. It was better to do that than stand here putting up with the orange-haired brat's bad attitude.
Ichigo gave a very noticeable exasperated sigh as he walked along with the Shinigami heading for the strange desserts from the human world. He once again found himself wondering why he was babysitting two captain-class Shinigami when he was supposed to be enjoying himself at his high school festival!
As they walked to the ice-cream stall, a group of students standing nearby burst into giggles, most of them girls. They pointed their cellphone screens to one another and giggled again. Ichigo eyed them suspiciously. A slight frown appeared on Byakuya's face.
Renji cleared his throat.
"It appears you know the reason those teenagers are laughing, Renji." Byakuya said, not hiding the annoyance in his voice.
Oh shit, what gave it away? Renji wondered whether or not to tell them. But a chilling glare from his captain hastened his decision. "Erm, well ...at the game show yesterday a lot of the students videoed the, er, pocky game," Renji froze a little as the mention of those two words brought out killer glares from both his companions followed by a chill in the air, "You know, on their cellphones. It seems those videos and pictures have become a favourite topic of the students here."
"What the hell?" Ichigo's loud exclamation and angry red face only brought more stares in their direction.
Byakuya looked like he would gladly release Senbonzakura Kageyoshi on the entire school.
Renji stood frozen for a while, wondering what to do. Since last night, pocky had almost become a taboo word for those two and mentioning the incidents of the previous day made them both angry – which was obvious in Ichigo because he nearly threw a fit each time, but in Kuchiki Taichou it was just his scary silent anger. "Hey, we're here." Renji flashed his grin, hoping the ice-cream would provide a welcome distraction. "Let's see what flavours they have."
The three of them looked at the ten ice cream flavours on display. Renji was ecstatic. Ichigo now looked quite interested. Byakuya appeared to be calculating – intrigued yet worried.
"I'll have chocolate, please," Ichigo said to the girl selling the ice-cream. "Two scoops."
"Kuchiki taichou, which one would you like to try?" Renji asked warily.
After a few seconds of silence, Byakuya replied. "They have banana flavour."
It was a strange reply, but then Renji remembered hearing from Rukia that bananas were Kuchiki taichou's favourite fruit. "Yes, yes they do. You should try it," he said happily and turned to the girl. "Two scoops of banana please."
"What about you, Renji?" asked Ichigo.
Renji excitedly looked at the ice-creams and finally decided. "Ichigo!" (1) Renji had just chosen a strawberry flavoured ice-cream.
In the joy of his reunion with ice-cream, he did not notice that both Ichigo and Byakuya were glaring daggers at him now. For different reasons.
The trio were soon handed their ice-cream cones, which Byakuya insisted on paying for. Now, it was time to indulge in some cold creamy goodness!
Ichigo took a lick of his chocolate ice-cream and felt a new good mood washing all over him. This is delicious! But before he could continue enjoying his ice-cream, a strange noise from Renji drew his attention.
"Mmm, Ichigo! So good!" Renji was in utter bliss as he eagerly licked his ice-cream, unaware of anything around him. That is, until Ichigo landed a kick on his backside. "Ow! What the hell was that for? I'm trying to enjoy my ice-cream here you moron!"
"Stop saying my name in that creepy way, pineapple-head!" Ichigo said angrily.
"Shut up, I wasn't talking about you. It's not my fault you were named strawberry!"
"I am not named strawberry! Ichigo means the one who protects!"
"Well if you're not strawberry then stop getting between me and my strawberry ice-cream!" Renji went back to relishing his treat.
Byakuya was standing watching, wide-eyed. He had first cringed at the inappropriate noise Renji was making while saying "Ichigo." And then he was struck with disgust and horror at the way his two companions were eating their ice-cream - Renji was eagerly running his tongue over the pink ice-cream. Apparently the way to consume this food is to lick it. How unsightly and indecorous! Am I supposed to forsake my etiquette and pride for eating ice-cream?
"Byakuya, why aren't you eating your ice-cream, it's going to melt!" Ichigo asked the noble.
Byakuya looked at his ice-cream cone. Sure enough, the banana flavoured ice cream was starting to melt, threatening to start dripping. "I'm...I'm supposed to lick this?" He asked. "That's bad manners."
Ichigo and Renji stared at him for a while, and then the former burst out laughing and Renji was visibly holding back chuckles. "Taichou, it's not bad manners to lick ice-cream. It's the only way to have it. It's how everyone eats ice-cream. Don't worry about it."
Renji was doing his best to sound reassuring. Between his words and the ice-cream about to start dripping from the rim of the cone, Byakuya decided to go for it.
Ichigo watched as Byakuya tentatively brought his ice-cream cone to his lips, and then a pink tongue peeked out only enough to lick cautiously at the pale yellowish banana ice-cream. The lips then drew back a little, as Byakuya judged his first taste, not aware of the fact that he had just licked some more of the ice-cream off his bottom lip.
Ichigo gulped. Why does he look so...sinfully good?
Byakuya found that the banana ice-cream tasted surprisingly good Much like the fruit, but sweeter. However, the coldness makes the sweet taste tolerable. Interesting concept indeed.
Byakuya was now getting the hang of eating ice-cream. He did not hesitate to bring out his tongue to lick at it again, even stopping the drop which was about to spill down the side of the cone.
Ichigo held his breath and watched Byakuya's actions in detail, not even missing the subtle way the noble licked his lips clean after each time he licked his ice-cream. For one thing, he had never seen someone look so classy while eating ice-cream. For another, the sight of Byakuya licking the ice-cream was dangerously sexy. Ichigo felt his body heating up again. He did not want to be attracted to the arrogant noble but it was impossible not to be attracted to him when he looked like that. It was impossible not to think very dirty thoughts.
After another lick at the ice-cream, Byakuya looked up at him. Ichigo found himself mesmerized by the beautiful grey eyes once again. He also found a smug look of realization creeping onto Byakuya's otherwise expressionless face. Keeping their eyes locked, Byakuya brought the ice-cream to his mouth again, first letting his lips touch the top of the ice-cream gently and then bringing his tongue out a little and licking it. A bit of stray ice-cream had remained at the corner of his mouth, where Ichigo was staring now. Byakuya calmly brought out his handkerchief and wiped it off, and then he said, "Kurosaki Ichigo, your ice-cream is melting."
Byakuya's deep voice snapped Ichigo out of his trance and he found that his ice-cream was indeed melting. The chocolate ice-cream was dripping along the cone and was even on his fingers, and he simply had been too distracted to notice. "Damn it!" He exclaimed, and hurriedly salvaged his ice-cream with a few quick licks.
Byakuya found he couldn't quite help staring too, as the orange haired strawberry ran his tongue along the side of the cone to lap up the dripping ice-cream. He looks disturbingly inviting. No, what am I thinking! I must stop!
"Oh no, it even dripped to my hand!" Ichigo said in frustration, looking at his now chocolate ice-cream coated hand.
"I thought you said it is not good to waste chocolate, Kurosaki Ichigo." Byakuya said.
Ichigo glared at him. "Shut up, Byakuya. This is all...," he stopped himself before saying the words your fault. "Err..this is alright. It can happen with ice-cream." He hurriedly picked up a couple of paper napkins from the ice-cream stall and wiped his hand.
As they continued to finish off their ice-cream, Ichigo and Byakuya continued keeping their eyes on each other, in a cold challenge that was for some reason, still making them feel very hot.
Renji was too absorbed in his strawberry ice-cream to take notice. He also did not notice his captain's disapproving glances at his ecstasy over the strawberry flavoured treat. Once he was done, he noticed that his captain had just finished his ice-cream too. It's interesting being around Kuchiki Taichou while he's on this mission. He acts so differently from his usual self at Soul Society, thought Renji. He wondered what he would tell Rukia when she asked him how her brother was doing, once he returned to the Seretei. "Rukia, your brother is having ice-cream, singing on stage at the school festival, and almost making out with Ichigo in front of the entire school." Renji was quite sure Rukia would only respond with a few punches and kicks to admonish him for lying.
More giggles from a few more girls nearby drew Renji from his thoughts. Annoyed, Ichigo looked at them with a scowl and the girls decided to walk away before he looked angrier. "What is wrong with these people!" Ichigo exclaimed.
"These human teenagers are rather exasperating." Kuchiki taichou spoke up next to Renji, voicing same thoughts as his vice-captain.
"Yeah, kids these days have their heads in the gutter." Renji said, shaking his head. He noticed that Ichigo was a little distant from them as they walked past the stalls, and on an impulse Renji decided to do something that could have scary consequences. "Er...Taichou I was wondering if I could ask you something?"
Renji did not get a reply to his question. His captain's face was cold and expressionless as he silently walked on. Renji deduced that this silence was his permission to continue.
"There was something these schoolkids were asking me about," Renji could only hope he would not be engulfed in a thousand deadly blades after going on to ask his question and he completed the sentence in one breath "Taichou, was there an incident involving you and Ichigo and a storage closet?"
Byakuya turned to face Renji, who went white in fear. He remained silent for some time. Then he replied expressionlessly. "Yes. The teachers found us in a storage closet when I was teaching Ichigo about safe sex."
Renji's jaw dropped at his captain's words. Kuchiki taichou just talked about sex! And he just said...he was teaching Ichigo in the storage closet...Renji's mind completely blanked out from shock after that, unable to think any further. He stood gaping, and going red and gulping like fish out of water.
Byakuya stood watching his vice-captain's pathetic state. Inwardly, he felt deeply amused. People did not know this about him, and strangely even Renji had not figured it out, but it was a source of great entertainment to Kuchiki Byakuya to mess with Renji. The shocked expressions on the red-head's face as he reacted comically to unexpected words from his captain were simply priceless, every single time.
Byakuya had picked his words carefully so as to throw his vice-captain into utter shock and disbelief. If there weren't people around, Byakuya would have spared a smile now. He turned around and started walking again.
"Renji, aren't you coming?" He asked calmly.
It took Renji a long time to collect himself from his astonishment, horror and confusion.
Ice-cream and storage closets were long forgotten by all three of them, however, in the buzzing school auditorium as the main attraction of the day, the music competition was starting. Ichigo and Renji were getting butterflies in their stomachs, as traces of stage fright settled in. Byakuya seemed unperturbed as usual.
Ichigo was going to be the third performer on stage, while Byakuya and Renji were scheduled for the end of the show, according to the order in which participants had signed up for the event. It was with what seemed like surprising speed that the first two performances were over, and Kurosaki Ichigo was announced onto the stage.
Byakuya had to admit to himself that he had been rather intrigued to watch the boy perform. He was curious to see if Ichigo had musical talent, a skill in a field other than being a Shinigami. Byakuya watched as Ichigo came on the stage, wearing a purple shirt that Byakuya would have expected to clash terribly with the orange hair but he actually looked breathtaking.
Breathtaking? What is wrong with me? Byakuya felt annoyed with himself.
Ichigo took the seat behind the microphone with his guitar. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves, though his nerves acted up again as he noticed Byakuya observing him from one of the front rows. Next to the noble, Renji flashed him a huge grin and a thumbs up.
With everything in place, and the audience waiting eagerly, Ichigo started his performance.
Byakuya felt his breath halt momentarily as Kurosaki Ichigo's voice played over the microphone.
"Soredemo
Subete ni hi ga noboridaseba mata aruki hajimete
Kasanaru mainichi omoide ni naru
Kokoro ni tsumoru
Asu ga kuru tabi mae no hou ga miete..."
"But even so
When the sun is climbing over everything, I will start walking again.
My everyday is piling up, becoming memories
Piling up in my heart
Every time morning comes, I look at what's right in front of me..."
The gentle smooth tone in Kurosaki Ichigo's usually gruff voice surprised Byakuya. He had never expected the orange haired teenager to sound so good while singing. He hadn't expected the boy to sing a slow paced melodious song.
"Irodori hajimeteku
usureru sasai na nani ka ni kizuki..."
"The coloring begins
It's fading, slightly I sense something..."
The emotion evident in Ichigo's voice was enchanting. Was he singing this song from his heart? Was he channeling his feelings through his voice?
"Omoidasenai koto ga hitotsu furueru tabi tachidomatteitemo
namida no ato no namae oboeteiru nara sore ga subete darou
hajime kara kawaranai 'kotoba' ..."
"Every time things that you couldn't remember increase, even if you've stopped and even if you're standing there
That 'name' behind the tears, if I could remember it then nothing else would matter
It's the unchangeable 'word' since the beginning."
Byakuya found himself absorbed in the song now. It seemed like something Kurosaki Ichigo would sing for Rukia. For the first time, Byakuya realized he was envious of the bond his sister had with Ichigo. These feelings surprised him. Envious? Why? Because of the strong bond of friendship between those two, which is something I don't have? They owe each other so much, and have done so much for each other. Was the boy really singing this with Rukia in mind?
"Ima made ijou ni kokoro no koe made kikoeteshimaisou de
kakushite kakushite tsuyogaru koto ga fushizen ni naru..."
"More than ever I feel like I could even hear my heart's voice
I keep on hiding and hiding it but then it makes me unnatural to pretend to be tough..."
Then again, it sounded more like Ichigo was singing about himself, and the inner battles he goes through. Byakuya felt the envious feelings get replaced by a pang of sadness.
"Umaku ienai koto ga umaku unazukenai koto ga tsuzuitara
hitomi wo mitsumeta toki kokoro no doko ka de hibikasereba ii
hajime kara kawaranai 'kotoba'
kokoro ni kyori ga aru to shitara
ishikishisugita omoi no sei darou
'itsumo doori' ga kaettekitara
mata hitotsu ni naru..."
"I couldn't say things well, I couldn't nod in approval properly, if this continues,
the moment I gaze at your eyes it echoes somewhere inside my heart
That unchangeable "word" since the beginning
If there is space between our hearts
it must be the fault of this over conscious feeling
If we're back to "our usual selves"
again we'll become one..."
Byakuya's pang of sadness was now replaced in by a sudden impression that these words were about him. The moment I gaze at your eyes, it echoes somewhere inside my heart... it sounded like a familiar feeling he did not know he was experiencing on this mission. If there is space between our hearts it must be the fault of this over conscious feeling. Flashes of incidents since he arrived in Karakura town came to his mind. If we're back to our usual selves again we'll become one. Indeed, as long as he was on this mission, Byakuya and Ichigo had not quite been their usual selves. Become one?
Then, he realized where his thoughts had strayed, and Byakuya chided himself for giving in to emotions. What is wrong with me? Why am I acting in such an unbecoming, immature way? Certainly, Ichigo's singing voice is wonderful. But it should not make Kuchiki Byakuya lapse into useless emotions, surely.
He tried to block off his mind as Ichigo's voice sang the last words of the song.
"Egao no naka no 'namae' oboeteiru nara sore ga subete darou
hajime kara kawaranai 'kotoba'
kawaranai 'kotoba' "
"That 'name' inside that smile, if I could remember it then nothing else would matter.
It's the unchangeable 'word' since the beginning
Unchangeable word "
Indeed, this song reflected Kurosaki Ichigo's admirable unfaltering resolve, which was his strength that made him rise above his own pain and sadness. His unchangeable word, his promise to protect. Unchangeable word, that was Kurosaki Ichigo.
The song had ended, the audience was cheering in eager appreciation. Byakuya was brought out of his strange trance as Renji spoke up while clapping excitedly.
"Wow, didn't know the strawberry was this good at singing! Ichigo did really well, didn't he captain?"
Byakuya was glad Renji had not noticed his lapse into his thoughts. He gave a slight nod in agreement.
After finishing his song, Ichigo bowed to the audience, and it did not escape his attention that the only person not applauding was Byakuya. He felt something strange, but was not sure whether it was indignation or disappointment. Like I care what the stuck up arrogant ice prince thinks!
Several enjoyable performances later, it was finally time for the last song. Ichigo almost rubbed his hands in glee as he sat up attentively in his front row seat. What could be more entertaining than watching two Shinigami mess up on stage?
Kuchiki Byakuya and Abarai Renji were announced on stage. The lights dimmed. After a few moments of silence, melodious piano music filled the hall.
That tune, it sounds familiar, thought Ichigo. But before he could complete his thought, the spotlight focused on stage and his jaw dropped.
The skillful piano player was none other than Kuchiki Byakuya!
Dressed in a black shirt and white formal pants, simple yet elegant, Byakuya's face was calm as his graceful fingers played the piano – as though he's been doing this all his life! Ichigo had not even gotten over the first shock yet, but already, Byakuya was about to sing into his microphone.
"Aisaretai demo aisou to shinai
Sono kurikaeshi no naka wo samayotte
Boku ga mitsuketa kotae wa hitotsu kowakutatte kizutsuitatte
Suki na hito ni wa suki tte tsutaerunda..."
"I want to be loved, but you don't seem to love me
I'm wandering aimlessly within this repetition
And the answer I found is only one; that even if I'm scared, even if I'm hurt
I'll say 'I love you' to the person I love..."
Time had stopped for Ichigo. It felt like the world had stopped revolving. His heart had stopped beating. He forgot all about breathing. Oh my God.
Byakuya's voice was so beautiful as he sang those words! Ichigo's mind registered somewhere that this was one of his favorite songs, followed by another shock of realization that the noble's voice made it sound even better than the original. But how is he singing so well? No, not just well, he sounds so perfect. His rich deep voice had captivated the entire audience, smooth and melodious and flawless. Like he's been singing love songs like this all his life!
Ichigo was not the only one taken by surprise at Byakuya's talented voice, everyone in the hall was stunned at the best voice they had heard all evening. The surprises were far from over though, as the spotlight now fell on Renji.
"Anata ga boku wo aishite iru ka aishite inai ka
Nante koto wa mou docchi demo iin da
Donna ni negai nozomou ga
Kono sekai ni wa kaerarenu mono ga takusan aru darou
Sou soshite boku ga anata wo aishiteru to iu jijitsu dake wa
Dare ni mo kaerarenu shinjitsu dakara..."
"Do you love me? Do you not love me?
As for things like that, it's fine either way
No matter how much I wish
There are many unchangeable things in this world, right?
That's right, and simply the reality which says that I love you
Is the truth because it can't be changed by anybody..."
Another shocking blow to Ichigo. Renji sounded good – not as heavenly as Byakuya, but really good! The red pineapple can actually sing! He sounds nothing like an idiot! He could hear a second collective gasp from the audience as Renji's manly voice confidently sang those lines. Renji was wearing a white shirt and black pants, and the same black and white striped tie as Byakuya's. There was no doubt that their choice of wardrobe had been picked by the captain, elegantly coordinated and tastefully simple. Wait a minute, is that – Ichigo could not believe Renji was even playing a guitar! How the hell...
Ichigo was trying to recover his train of thought from all his shock, finding a little strangeness in the fact that Byakuya and Renji, two of the most formidable Shinigami of the Gotei 13, were actually singing a love song on stage. Their voices smoothly tuned to the romance of the song too! It was something he could never imagine to be possible.
"Sen no yoru wo koete anata ni tsutaetai
Tsutaenakya naranai koto ga aru
Aisaretai demo aisou to shinai
Sono kurikaeshi no naka wo samayotte..."
"I want to overcome thousands of nights and tell you
For it's something that I must tell you
I want to be loved, but you don't seem to love me
I'm wandering aimlessly within this repetition..."
Byakuya was singing again. Ichigo stared at the noble. His face was as impassive as usual, almost cold and devoid of emotion – but the song he was singing in effortless perfection held just the right amount of feeling. His voice had the beauty of a thousand cherry blossoms dancing in the spring breeze. Of a powerful waterfall gracefully pouring down.
"Boku ga mitsuketa kotae wa hitotsu kowakutatte kizutsuitatte
Suki na hito ni wa suki tte tsutaeru n da
Kimochi wo kotoba ni suru no wa kowai yo demo
Suki na hito ni wa suki tte tsutaeru n da..."
"And the answer I found is only one; that even if I'm scared, even if I'm hurt
I'll say 'I love you' to the person I love
Putting these feelings into words is such a scary thing
But I'll say 'I love you'to the person I love..."
Ichigo's initial shock had leveled down a little, and he could pay more attention to detail now. To how serene Byakuya looked, how coordinated he was with his fingers on the piano and his captivating deep voice. To the words he was singing – Ichigo felt goose bumps hearing Byakuya say "I love you" like that. What is wrong with me? Ichigo tried to get his racing heart under control.
He was slightly relieved that Renji's voice was on the microphone now.
"Kono hiroi sekai de meguri au yorokobi wo kotoba jya ii arawasenai ne
Dakara bokutachi wa hohoemi
Iro azayaka ni sugiru aki wo doremi de utatte
Fuyu wo se ni haru no komorebi wo machi
Atarashiku umare kawaru dareka wo mamoreru youni to..."
"In this wide world, I can't express the joy of being with you with words very well
That's why we smile,
And sing do-re-mi in the autumn filled with vivid colors
With winter at our backs, waiting for the sunlight shining through the leaves in spring
To become born anew, in a way that we're able to protect someone..."
Renji was singing with a confident smile on his face that showed he knew the audience, especially the girls were thoroughly impressed with him. Ichigo started feeling angry at Renji now. That idiot, why didn't he ever tell me he can sing like that? I'm going to beat the crap out of him after this! And the duet by the captain and vice captain was absolutely in synch, the timing accurate and the delivery immaculate. Sure, there was a reason why those two run a squad of the Gotei 13 so well. But since when, and how, did they also perform together on stage so well?
As Renji's lines ended, Byakuya's voice came on again and Ichigo held his breath, subconsciously not wanting to miss a moment of it.
"Kita michi to yukisaki furikaereba itsudemo okubyou na me wo shite ita boku
Mukiaitai demo sunao ni narenai
Massugu ni aite wo aisenai hibi wo
Kurikaeshite wa hitoribocchi wo iyagatte
Ano hi no boku wa mukizu na mama de hito wo aisou to shite ita..."
"When I turn back at the road I came from and the way ahead, I always had the eyes of a coward
I want to face you, but I can't be honest
As for the days I repeated not being able to straightforwardly love the other,
I hated being alone
Back then I seemed to love in an unhurt way..."
Byakuya singing about being in love. Ichigo's brain hurt from the absurdity of it, but it was a good kind of absurd. No wait, it's Byakuya and Renji singing about being in love...Well, that was definitely a bad kind of absurd. "I hated being alone. Back then I seemed to love in an unhurt way" Was Byakuya singing with Hisana in mind? Ichigo felt a jolt of horror when he suddenly felt jealous of Hisana-san. Jealous of a lady in Soul Socitey who died over half a century ago? Jealous because Byakuya loved her? This was just way too much for Ichigo to process. Sure, Byakuya sounded like a dream when he sang. But surely Ichigo had retained enough sanity to not feel like this from just the man's voice!
He tried to deviate from those thoughts. Thinking instead of how the song was about unrequited love. He couldn't imagine someone like Byakuya ever having to face unrequited love. At least not from his end, I'm sure he's left a lot of girls swooning, but not returning their affection. But then he remembered it was Renji who had picked out the song. Could Renji have been in love with someone who did not return his feelings? RUKIA? ...No way! No way! Absolutely no way! Ichigo calmed himself down, the song was probably just a random pick from the few songs of the living world that Renji knew of. In fact, the songs Renji knew of were mostly introduced to him by Ichigo himself. A half amused voice spoke up in his head now. Well, as long as they aren't singing about each other. Now that would be truly disturbing!
The song was drawing to an end now, and Ichigo focused once again on Byakuya's voice.
"Sen no yoru wo koete ima anata ni ai ni yukou
Tsutaenakya naranai koto ga aru
Aisaretai demo aisou to shinai
Sono kurikaeshi no naka wo samayotte..."
"I'll overcome thousands of nights to reach you now
There is something that I must tell you
I want to be loved, but you don't seem to love me
I'm wandering aimlessly within this repetition..."
It was a beautiful thought, waiting for someone for a thousand nights. It had never sounded more beautiful than when Byakuya sang about it. "I want to be loved, but you don't seem to love me." Did Byakuya really want to be loved? Ichigo had often wondered before about Byakuya's loneliness. The cold nature that Byakuya kept himself locked inside surely must have its repercussions. Would someone like Byakuya ever reach out for love?
"Boku ga mitsuketa kotae wa hitotsu kowakutatte kizutsuitatte
Suki na hito ni wa suki tte tsutaeru n da
Sono omoi ga kanawanakutatte suki na hito ni suki tte tsutaeru
Sore wa kono sekai de ichiban suteki na koto sa."
"And the answer I found is only one; that even if I'm scared, even if I'm hurt
I'll say "I love you" to the person I love
Even if these feelings aren't returned, saying "I love you" to the person you love
That is the most beautiful thing in the world."
Indeed, it would be the most beautiful thing in the world if Byakuya said "I love you" to someone, in that breathtaking voice of his.
Enough! I need to get a grip on myself. What is wrong with me? Ichigo was panicking at the previously unknown inner romantic that had popped out of him thanks to just one song.
The song had ended, and Byakuya and Renji were bowing for the audience which was now cheering so loudly the whole town could probably hear them! The last performance had been nothing short of incredible. The two transfer students had stolen the show with their unexpectedly perfect musical skills. The cheers and applause refused to die down.
Byakuya glanced at the audience. They seemed elated. But what he was really looking at was Kurosaki Ichigo's shocked and confused face – his brown eyes wide and his mouth slightly open as he clapped his hands in a daze. The sight made Byakuya feel incredibly smug, and he purposely made eye contact with the orange haired brat to show him that self-satisfied expression. Ichigo had surely noticed, for he snapped out of his daze with a forced scowl on his face and looked away pointedly.
"Taichou, looks like we surprised the strawberry!" Renji spoke up next to him, laughing.
Soon, however, they found out that the strawberry was probably not too fond of surprises. He seemed downright angry.
"What the hell was that?" Ichigo asked darkly as the two Shinigami walked out of the hall with him, as people all around them were giggling and talking about that last performance.
"Eh? What's with that face, Ichigo?" Renji asked teasingly, putting an arm over Ichigo's shoulder and getting way too close to his face. "Didn't you like our performance? The whole school seemed to love it."
"Get out of my face!" Ichigo pushed off his redhead friend "And how the hell did you guys pull that off? Byakuya sang like a pro! There's no way you can learn to play the piano and guitar so well in less than a week!"
Renji burst out into laughter and even Byakuya looked at him with a distinctly amused expression.
"Ichigo, you are as stupid as you look, aren't you?" Renji managed to say while bellowing with laughter. "What makes you think I learnt this in a week? I've been singing since way before you were born!"
"Okay, okay. Well I can at least understand that you could have a hobby. But what about your boring taichou? Are you telling me he mastered playing the freaking piano while training his bankai and memorizing kido spells and running his squad and being his clan leader and perfecting his snobbish attitude?" Ichigo asked, pointing to Byakuya.
Without turning to him, Byakuya replied. "Kurosaki Ichigo, I was raised as the heir to one of the four great noble families. I was meticulously trained in all forms of art. I do not see why it should surprise you that I excel in it."
Right, I should have seen that lecture coming, thought Ichigo. "Never mind, I shouldn't have asked! I don't need to hear how good you think you are at everything." He said as he scowled defiantly at the noble who was glaring at him coldly. Ichigo just could not stand this arrogant noble Shinigami. Why did he have to be so perfect? Strong, intelligent, calm, collected, wise, refined, talented...and stunning. And sexy. With an amazing voice too! And the worst attitude problem known to mankind and Shinigami. Why did he have to come here and mess with my head?
Anger. Ichigo convinced himself that what he was feeling was anger.
Byakuya glared down the insolent human teenager that was scowling at him. He held those chocolate brown eyes in his unfaltering grey gaze, focused on the source of his frustration over this mission. This human, if he could even call him that, had not only defeated him once but had also saved Soul Society. He had an unbelievable amount of power and skill, and an unparalleled spirit and will to protect. Through all of this, he had a personality that was so straightforward that it was clear as crystal. He could almost be called innocent – if you did not take his terrible manners and absolute lack of respect into account. His impertinence knows no bounds. And why does he have to be so attractive at the same time? And his voice was so mesmerizing when he sang. Why does he have the ability to break my patience and interfere with my emotions? Intolerable!
Annoyance. Byakuya told himself that was what he was feeling.
After what seemed like an eternity to Renji, his captain and Ichigo finally broke their eye contact as Kuchiki Taichou turned and walked away. Ichigo let out a frustrated growl and walked off too.
Scary, thought Renji. And awkward. I'm glad my job here is done. Better go collect my things and head back to Soul Society.
Next Chapter: Dance
(1): For anyone who didn't know, Ichigo means "strawberry" in Japanese. But it can also mean "the one who protects".
A/N: The songs in this chapter are character songs from Bleach. Ichigo's song is Kawaranai Kotoba from Bleach Beat Collection Fourth Session, Volume Four. Byakuya and Renji's song is Sen No Yoru Wo Koete from Bleach Concept Covers.
Do check them out if you haven't heard them! They really sound amazing.