Cheerfulsilenceshipping

Ichigo and Akako smiled at each other. Today was Christmas and they'd decided to spend it together. They were all bundled up for the cold weather and they'd decided to take a stroll in the park.

"Merry Christmas," said Ichigo cheerfully.

"Merry Christmas to you too," returned Akako.

Ichigo smiled and spun around, dancing in the snow. "There's something about Christmas that just lifts my spirits!"

"I can tell," he laughed, watching Ichigo dance around goofily.

"Don't laugh at me!" she called, blushing.

Akako couldn't stop though. He laughed hysterically. Ichigo's dancing skills weren't exactly professional. Ichigo sighed in anger.

"Stop!" she called louder.

Finally, Akako's laughing fit ended as he wiped away a few tears. Ichigo stood and watched him, cheeks puffing out in anger. Akako smiled a bit at her, but she kept her expression.

He sighed. "Sorry, Ichigo. You were actually pretty cute."

Ichigo blushed and turned away. "Thanks I guess..."

Akako walked over to her, taking her hand. "It's getting cold. Why don't we head inside for some hot cocoa."

"Sure," she answered, blushing even more now that he'd taken her hand.

Akako frowned. "Your face is all rosy. Looks like you ARE cold. Come on."

Ichigo smiled a bit. She had to admit, it was kind of nice to see Akako worry about her like this. Maybe she had a chance with him after all. Suddenly, she stopped walking. Akako turned to see what was up.

"What's wrong, Ichigo?"

Ichigo shook her head. "Nothing is wrong. It's just, Christmas is here and the mood feels right...um...there's something I want to tell you."

"Okay," he answered, turning his attention to her. "You can tell me anything."

His smile seemed honest, but Ichigo couldn't help but be nervous. The fear of rejection burned strong inside of her. She took a deep breath, clearing her mind and finding the words she desperately needed to say.

"Akako," she began. "I know your heart is still closed off, but...I have to say this anyway. I...I think I'm falling in love with you Akako! And..this Christmas...I want to be with you...as more than friends."

Akako's jaw dropped and Ichigo saw thousands of different emotions flashing in her eyes. She clenched her fists tight, trying to be brave, but his silence made her nervous. Finally, Akako looked like himself again, emotions balanced out and his true feelings uncovered. Ichigo braced for the worst, hoping that her heart wouldn't crumble.

"To be honest," Akako said, face serious. "I think...my heart is opening because of you. You're helping me...to love again. So, my answer would have to be...I think I love you too, Ichigo."

Ichigo wanted to speak, but the words caught in her throat. She was beginning to experience an emotion she wasn't completely familiar with. She was completely overjoyed. He felt the same way. Never in a million years would she have expected him to say that. Ichigo thought he'd still be closed off, but maybe he'd changed more than she realized. And he said...it was because of her. He loved her.

Ichigo acted without thinking, embracing Akako. He smiled more cheerful than ever, returning the embrace. They held each other tight before, slowly and cautiously, the both of them faced each other, leaning in carefully. Slowly but surely, their lips met, a new bond forming between them. Love sparked through the air as the kiss turned more passionate.

'So this is what it feels like,' thought Ichigo. 'To LOVE someone. I...I like it...'

'I can't believe it,' Akako thought to himself. 'I never thought she'd change me so much. And now...I know what love is...'

They kissed for a long time, until they needed air. And after they'd caught their breath, they kissed again. This was a feeling like no other. A feeling of belonging. A feeling they'd both cherish forever. They knew love could be painful, bitter, and heartbreaking, but they also knew it was beautiful, cheerful, and made you feel whole.

Their was no need for any words any more. Not a single word in the entire Earth could describe the way that they felt. No word that could ever be invented would be good enough to describe this. All this was, all they could describe it as, was...a CHEERFUL SILENCE.

THE END.

Sorry if this was short. It was sweet though, right? Well, I've still got to update A Journey of a lifetime. After that's updated, I'll be off to mess around with my Christmas presents. Merry Christmas everyone! I wish you happiness and love and I sincerely hope that all your Christmas wishes come true.

-IchigoHatake