"Alright I'm finished." I nodded in acknowledgement to the maid and stood up, looking in the mirror. I felt my lips move into a frown, and I let out a sigh. There was no way I was leaving my room with my hair looking like this, it wasn't me in the least. I looked at her and said
"Arigato, I don't really like it though." She grimaced and said quickly
"Choyo-sama, gomen. Allow me to fix your hair differently." I shook my head, taking the hair pieces out. I set them on the dresser and grabbed a hair-bow.
"It's fine." I said sweetly "I'll fix it myself. Don't worry about it."
"Demo Choyo-sama-" she started
"It's fine." I repeated softly. I smiled at her and looked back at my reflection. I pushed my hair over my shoulders infront of my chest and took some of the hair on both sides before pulling it back in a small ponytail, with the rest of it hanging down. I looked at my hair for a second and smiled. "There see, all better." She grimaced again and said
"Gomen."
"It's not a big deal at all. Why don't you go help Miyo get ready, I'm sure she needs help with that dress of hers. And she absolutely loves how you do her hair, I'm pretty sure she wants that flip out at the ends style again." I said smiling. The maid smiled slightly, happy that Miyo thought so much of her, and I quickly moved a few pieces of my hair around. "I'm going to go ahead down in a minute." She nodded, bowed slightly, and exited my room. I sighed to myself and looked at my reflection. I was wearing a very fancy red kimono. I had to admit, it was rather pretty; even though I was never the type of the girl that liked dressing up. Today was the day of my sister's wedding rehearsal, and to be honest I was already bored. These noble things really were just a waste of time, and they were more boring than those pointless classes at the Academy that were mandatory for all students to take. I didn't understand why my parents had to make a big fuss about this thing, why did I even have to dress up in the first place? It wasn't like I was the one getting married.
You do have a boyfriend though.
I gasped to myself, hearing her voice. Was she really back?
Kurisutaru?
Who else?
I smiled, I never thought I'd miss talking to her.
Where have you been the past couple days?
Around, listening. I didn't really feel like talking.
Nande? So much has been going on.
Ha ha, sounds like someone missed me.
I rolled my eyes, why wasn't I surprised at her saying that.
Big deal, so what if I missed you? I haven't had anyone to talk to.
Aw, poor dear. Gomen.
Sure sure. Just don't leave me here all alone again, these nobles are going to attack me.
Of course they are, you look gorgeous.
I don't want them attacking me though. I'm with Shinji.
They don't know that, have you told anyone?
You.
Miss. Secrets.
Mhm, I don't want anyone to know. I want it kept a secret until after Miyo's wedding since it'll probably cause drama.
Smart thinking, but you should most likely head downstairs. Hasn't the party started?
Yeah.
Then get goin'.
I let out a sigh, happy that she'd finally come back, and glided out of my bedroom. I walked down the hallway, somehow managing not to trip over my own feet. Once I reached the staircase, I sighed seeing the entire room filled with people; this was just fantastic. I slowly walked down the stairs, holding up my kimono a bit so I wouldn't trip over it, and held onto the railing so if I did trip I wouldn't tumble headfirst down the stairs. I finally made it to the bottom of the stairs in one piece, but that didn't necessarily mean that I would stay that way. Before I had even taken a step, I was surrounded by a group of nobles. And by nobles I meant boys, tons of boys.
"You look beautiful Choyo."
"That color looks great on you."
"It matches with your eyes."
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"No I will."
"Can I have a dance Choyo-chan?"
"Why the hell would she dance with you?"
I cringed slightly seeing them all yelling at each other, I didn't understand when they'd all become interested in me. Normally all the noble boys ignored me.
Because you're gorgeous, that's why.
No, it's because…of course. Miyo's engaged, so she's unavailable to all of them.
Not true, it's because you're pretty.
I never thought I'd miss hearing you.
How rude, that wasn't very nice Cho.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyesand quickly made my escape. I walked through the sea of nobles, saying hi to those that spoke to me, and looked around for a Shinigami. I needed someone from the Gotei 13 to talk to right about now, these nobles were so boring. I didn't think I could stand talking to them anymore. I smiled seeing Hina with Taiga and Emori and walked over to them, avoiding the nobles as best I could.
"Cho-chan!" she exclaimed hugging me "God, you look gorgeous."
"Arigato Hina-chan. You look so much more elegant though." She smiled, of course she'd gotten a black kimono but it had some silver in it which surprised me. Black was usually the only thing she thought went well with her hair.
"Don't sell yourself short Cho-chan." Taiga said annoyed "Alot of the nobles are checking you out, it's pissing me off." I rolled my eyes, giving him a quick hug.
"Don't get angry, they're not even worth your time." I said smiling. He nodded, watching all the nobles. He was acting like an older brother again. Emori smiled at me and I smiled back, hoping that things with us were getting a little better.
"There she is!" I smiled seeing Okito walk over, and he whistled. "Damn Cho-chan, you look drop dead gorgeous." Hina glared slightly, and he rolled his eyes. "Gomen babe." I smiled seeing him put his arm around her waist and giggled to myself. I was so happy they'd finally gotten together after liking each other for so long, they were just a perfect couple.
"Arigato Okito-kun." I looked around, wondering if Shinji was here yet.
"No problem Cho-chan. You really do look beautiful, and no Hina-chan. I don't mean it in that way." Okito said kissing Hina's cheek. I smiled at the both of them and continued scanning the room for Shinji.
"Have you all seen Hirako-taicho yet?" I asked "He said he'd be here."
"Not yet." Emori said with a shrug. I looked around a little longer, wondering if there were just too many nobles in the room to find him.
"Oh, I see him." Taiga said, pointing. I smiled seeing Shinji talking with a bunch of taichos and fukutaichos.
"I'm going to go say hi to the taicho. I'll see you guys later. Arigato for coming." I said smiling
"Avoid the nobles at all costs." Emori advised. I nodded in agreement, before walking towards Shinji. He was with the same group of people he normally talked to, I wasn't all that surprised. He was with Hiyori, Love, Kuna Mashiro (who was fukutaicho of the ninth squad), Kensei, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō (aka Rose taicho of the third squad) and Lisa. They were all talking about something or another, and I saw Hiyori yell at Shinji for who knew what. They were always fighting, but I hoped they realized they couldn't get too physical in my home. Father wouldn't be pleased about that at all, and knowing him they'd be kicked out if they started anything. I really didn't want them getting kicked out. They were all standing in a circle, Shinji's back was to me as I approached. Oh well, I could sneak up on him and attack him with a hug.
"You fucking dickhead." Hiyori snapped, Shinji rolled his eyes (I guessed).
"Shut up dumbass." he groaned. Lisa sighed, shaking her head. She looked up to see me come over.
"Cho-chan, you look stunning." she said smiling. Everyone stopped talking and turned their heads in my direction. Jaws dropped, did I really look that different or something?
Yes, you look so grownup…like a little princess.
No, I don't wanna look like a princess.
Eh get over it, Shinji likes it.
"Ano…arigato Lisa-chan." I mumbled, twirling a strand of my hair around a finger.
"Damn I'm jealous." Hiyori said eyeing me "She's perfect. Got an awesome figure, great boobs…" I felt my cheeks heating up and looked down even more embarrassed. "Her hair's not bad either-"
"Hiyori." Shinji said, interrupting her "Leave the girl alone." I smiled slightly, and he hugged me tightly. "You look beautiful Cho-chan." I blushed darker and buried my face in his haori.
"Arigato Shinji-kun."
"Nani?" Hiyori snapped "What's goin' on here? You…and her? Please, she's too upper-class fer ya." Shinji glared at her, and I giggled amused. I didn't really care if he told his friends, as long as they kept it a secret I was alright with them knowing.
"Awww how cute!" Mashiro cooed "Cho-chan's just so adorable." I felt my blush heating up even more and made myself pull away from Shinji even though I didn't want to. I'd rather enjoyed him holding me, but if any of the nobles saw it before I told my parents about Shinji…let's just say things would get very bad.
"Ano…arigato for coming." I said, still feeling embarrassed. He grinned and said
"I toldja I would, didn't I ?" I nodded, smiling slightly.
"You have quite the nice house." Love said, looking around
"Eh, whatever you say." I said, rubbing my arm
"You don't like it?" Rose inquired, I shook my head.
"I'm sick of noble life. I never really have liked it, and it just always seems to get worse." I explained, playing with my sleeve. "I hate being waded on."
"I understand what you mean. I didn't come from a noble family, but my parents were the same as yours." Kensei said, I smiled thankful that someone finally understood.
"It's just really hard." I said, shrugging. Shinji smiled and went to put his arms around me.
"Miyo-chan!" I heard a girl yell. I turned around to find my sister making her entrance, she looked beautiful as always. She was wearing a white kimono with some gold in it to compliment her eyes. The maid had down her hair in the flip out style that Miyo just loved, and she was wearing a rather expensive looking necklace her fiancé had bought her. All in all she looked stunning, everyone rushed to her. Congratulating her on her engagement and such.
"So that's yer sis?" Shinji asked, I nodded.
"She's so beautiful." I said sighing "I've always been jealous."
"She's nothin' special." Hiyori said with a snort "If I was her then I'd be wantin' ta look like you Cho. Yer way prettier." I looked at Hiyori shocked.
"You're joking." I said, slightly surprised
"Nope." Hiyori said bluntly. She didn't say anything else, and I looked back at Shinji. He smiled at me, and I felt my cheeks going hot.
"There's no mizu-yokan." Mashiro whined. I tore my eyes away from Shinji's and looked back at Mashiro with a grimace.
"Gomen Mashiro-chan. Ano…hold on." I said looking around. "HEY, CHO NEEDS SOMETHING!" All sorts of servants came rushing at me.
"You called Choyo-sama." they all said in unison. I rolled my eyes slightly annoyed.
"My friend here's hungry, get her whatever she wants please." I said sweetly. Two went to Mashiro, listening to her list off all the sweets she wanted set out. "Can someone get me some sake though?"
"I'll get it right away Choyo-sama." one said, whisking off. I let out a sigh and looked back at Shinji. He chuckled and took my hands in his.
"Having servants definitely sucks huh?" he asked sarcastically. I rolled my eyes, entwining my fingers with his, he was so mean at times.
"Shinji-kun." I cooed, sounding incredibly seductive. His eyes widened when I leaned in close to him. I was so close to his face, he looked rather surprised I was so close to him in public. He definitely thought I was going to kiss him, I stopped a few inches short of his lips. "You're a meany-face." He smirked, putting his arm around my waist.
"Ya know Cho-chan, people could see this." he stated, I let out a sigh.
"True, so let's go out to the garden." I said smiling, he nodded in agreement. "It's quite beautiful around this time of year, there's so many flowers blooming." He grinned but moved his arm from around my waist. A second later…
"Choyo-sama. Your sake." I let out a sigh and took the glass.
"Arigato, now shoo." I said, waving him away. Shinji rolled his eyes at me, and I giggled. I raised the glass, chugging half the drink, and felt everyone's eyes on me.
"Nani?" I asked, slightly confused
"They've never seen ya drink before Cho-chan." Shinji reminded me, I nodded laughing.
"Right, they don't know I drink hardcore." I said still laughing. "We're going out to the garden, see you all later." They all said goodbye, and Shinji and I walked through the crowd of nobles to the door that led to the gardens. I chugged the rest of my sake and set the glass down somewhere random before opening the door. I looked back at Shinji, smiling at him, and we walked into the gardens.
Author's Note: Miyo's wedding rehearsal, nice huh? Some pretty interesting thing's are gonna be happening next chapter. You're gonna be finding out about Aizen's interest in Cho so pay attention to everything written next chapter. Thanks for reading, and EIGHT REVIEWS=NEW CHAPTER.
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"Shinji…I really care about you. So much." I whispered. He smiled down at me, I felt him running his fingers through my hair.
"Cho-chan, I feel the same way."
I smiled, feeling happy knowing he felt the same way about me. It was just an amazing feeling. He leaned in closer to me, brushing his lips against mine. My eyes slipped shut, and he fully pressed his lips against my own. I smiled into the kiss and he held me close to him, still running his fingers through my hair. He quickly pulled back from my lips but didn't move away from my face. I opened my eyes to find him staring at me, he was looking at me with such a loving and caring look.
That's when I knew just how much he cared about me...