Disclaimer: Bleach is rightfully owned by Kubo.
A/N: Ahem…so yeah, you all probably hate (or will mug) me for the interruption though I think that it was the right thing to do ( or probably the best thing). But that isn't the last of it…there's still a lot to come…so ya better watch out for em'. Don't go hating Orihime now…I didn't do that for you to hate her. Well, that's just how the story goes so yeah…hahahahaha
Anyways, I've been reading other fanfics for a while and then it just comes to me of how awesome their plots are. You know, more with sense and direction while mine is a little tad uhmmm I have no idea of what kind of story this is though I really am enjoying writing this haha. Well, I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do!
There's really nothing much to say really aside from my gratefulness for you guys who keeps on supporting the story and leaves reviews! Thank you so much! It makes my day to read them as much as how I want my story to make your day as well. Thank you again.
This chapter is probably the longest that I've written. I don't wanna write anything this long anymore but let's call this fanservice. I hope you'll like it. Please read and review!
Chapter 29: Of Fun and Fact
My eyes were glistening with awe, mouth gaping wide—fondness completely unreserved. I was beaming childishly as I wandered my gaze all around, amazed with the spinning, turning, and swaying, shiny, colorful, huge contraptions that I haven't seen for a while. I would have wanted to find fifty words synonymous to overwhelming if I could. The loud, blaring yet melodious tunes filled the air. Colorful confetti rained down, balloons floating and people in adoringly cute and fluffy costumes roamed around the gates. The festive aura radiates throughout—only sense of joy and merriment can be palpated. This was my Utopia, a wondrous place made in heaven and…CHAPPY!
Despite the coldness of the weather brought about by the recent first fall of snow, the place was still packed. I was glad that I wore a thick white jacket and the pink Chappy scarf that my dad had given me. I let myself sigh contently as my heart surged with excitement almost forgetting about everything else…which luckily didn't happened. I looked past my shoulder and glanced at my companions who were a few feet away from me, standing in a less crowded part of the area distancing from the mob. My father, yes the very same Kuchiki Byakuya, stood tall and proud clad in something a little more causal than a business suit namely a plain long sleeved polo with a black trench coat over it, black slacks and shiny leather loafers. And don't forget the scarf that looked so fancy and elegant on him. His face was stern and indifferent, eyes shut close in deep contemplation and an air of superiority surrounding him. Beside him, Abarai Renji was eyeing things curiously with genuine interest and managing to look a little insouciant about the whole ordeal. Yet he still stays on full alert. Somehow, he even enjoys a little the catchy Chappy theme song playing through the huge speakers attached at the gates.
The two of them stood out from the rest, having a few watching them with admiration or amazement of seeing nobility actually standing near the gates of Chappy World. However, the rest are still blissfully unaware of their presence as they chatted away with their companions.
" Abarai." I heard my father speak, finally opening his eyes and giving Renji and icy stare.
The assistant flinched, probably surprised hearing my father's commanding voice after a whole five minutes of silence and turned to his boss without delay. " Yes, Kuchiki-sama?"
" Call the one responsible for the operation of these place." He simply stated with stoicism.
" S-sir?" Came out Renji's perplexed reply.
Hearing this exchange, I immediately went near them and asked my dad. " Is something wrong?" My brows knitted together in wonder as to what reason did he have to talk to the operations manager. So far, in the whole five minutes that we've stood here waiting, nothing eventful had occurred to aggravate him at any degree so the reason is a big mystery to me.
Kuchiki Byakuya shifted his slate eyes towards me. " They have made us wait here too long." Then he simply stated, " I will speak about it with the manager and demand an explanation for this grave error in the part of his staff, failing to meet the expectation of their consumers." It was in the most businesslike tone…purely business but with a subtle hint of brewing irritation of some sort. But still in the exterior, my father was very, very composed—of course.
I blinked repetitively at my dad, letting his words sink in and make sense…any sense. It didn't. " But we only waited here for five minutes. And it's not even opening time yet." I informed him.
He only stared at me for another moment, not uttering anything for a response, then shifted his cold steely gaze at Renji. " Do not make me repeat myself Abarai." It was a clear warning despite the lack of a dangerous tone.
Renji froze for a moment before he began fumbling for a reply. He knew better than to delay and face the silent wrath of his employer. " Y-yes sir. Right away." With that, he began making a bee-line towards the office at the entrance.
I shook my head, contemplating on what to do to avoid this impending conflict when the music suddenly stopped and everything went still. Even Renji halted on his tracks and observed around him. Everyone was quiet but their faces were filled with anticipation especially the children who wore wide toothy grins. All eyes were suddenly fixated on Chappy World's entrance gate. Well, there were two huge gates actually…one painted with pink while the other was painted with gold. All eyes focused on the pink one…even mine.
" Rukia." It was my father calling out beside me.
It took some effort for me to tear away my gaze from the pink entrance to look at my father, my eyes remained glowing with luculent anticipation dancing in them. " Yes?" My voice was laced with this childish glee. I was momentarily under a spell casted by the amusement park, catching me off-guard…not like I'll put a fight anyway.
Kuchiki Byakuya didn't immediately speak as his eyes watched me with a hint of surprise and pleasure behind the cold steely façade. " What is going on?" He asked innocently, completely oblivious of the situation.
The question was answered when the speakers became alive once more with an announcement to make. From there, a familiar squeaky voice spoke unceremoniously…
" WELCOME TO CHAPPY WORLD!"
With that, the pink gate creaked open. I gasped in excitement as I watch people flock the gates and file in line like a practiced choreography. The line grew longer and longer by the second.
I whipped my head to my father. " Let's go?" He simply nodded as a response. Taking that as an affirmation, I began moving my feet towards the queue, craning my head to find the end of the line.
" Rukia!" I heard Renji call out.
I spun around to find him already beside my father who didn't move an inch from his original spot. Beside them, was a staff member if the bunny ears on his head were any dead give-away. I sighed and had no choice but to walk back to them. " The line's growing longer and longer. It will take forever to get inside if we don't get in line now." I whined at them impatiently. My father didn't say anything while Renji let out an amused laugh. Of course I glared at him. " What's so funny?" I asked gruffly…Chappy was at stake after all.
With a smug look on his face, Renji pulled out something from his breast pocket and waved it in the air. I focused my eyes on it and finally came out with the fact that it was a thin platinum card. I raised a brow at him and gave a quizzical look indicating that I didn't understand where he's getting at.
" Uhmm…" The staff with bunny ears finally makes a sound and we all turned to her. " Kuchiki-sama, this way please." She said politely battling with her inner nervousness, slightly trembling hands held out towards the direction of the golden gate… VIP gate.
I stared at it for a moment then to my father. I completely forgot who I was with.
-000-
The smell of popcorn and cotton-candy invaded my nostrils as we made another trip towards the Chappy and Friends Museum. My father hadn't uttered a single word ever since we've entered the park but he had his eyes look around inquisitively, almost with curiosity. Sometimes, I find him eyeing intently some Ambassador Seaweed action figures along the way. If I didn't know better, I would have thought that he's actually enjoying himself but of course I dare not go into that kind of thought. But then again, something that had happened earlier makes me think otherwise for some reason.
We had just barely entered the fun park and I had managed to stumble to one of the most exciting games Chappy World could offer—'Decode the Message' machine! Without a word, I sped my way to it and began playing. The game had a limited collector's edition of Chappy pen as a grand prize and mind you, I have always WANTED one of those. I was so focused with the game that I zoned out and completely forgot about leaving them.
When I was on the final puzzle, Renji—freaking RENJI!—just had to tap my shoulder and made me loose all focus, causing me to press the wrong button and bam! I could have practically seen the machine laughing at me evilly for losing at the last stage with siege of mockery.
I glared at Renji, who looked at me with a clueless expression imprinted on his face. I swore that I wanted to strangle him that very moment if it wasn't for the sound of the consolation prize hitting the tin surface of the retrieval box of the machine. Instead, I sighed chanting something that would make me feel better before bending my knees and retrieving my consolation prize. After that, I straightened up and dangled the said item up in the air for all to see—an Ambassador Seaweed keychain.
It was so frustrating that I wanted to huff so badly if the corner of my eyes didn't caught my father staring at the key chain. Thus I turned to my father fully. " Do you want it?" I asked, holding it out near him…practically in front of his face.
" Oi, Rukia! I don't think Kuchiki-sama wou—"
Renji had to stop midway when my father removed his eyes from the item then turned to me before slightly nodding his head.
" Okay." I told him and watched him hold out his hand where I dropped the keychain. Then he placed the item inside his pants' pocket and tapped it twice as if checking if it was really there before giving me a not-so-stoic yet not-so-expressive look. That was probably the nearest thing he could ever do to show his thanks.
Of course, I grinned at him widely. At least he doesn't seem so forced into coming in here anymore.
We've only been roaming around for more or less two hours and I just couldn't get enough yet. We were freshly out from Chappy Mirror Mansion which took about half an hour of our time. There were still a whole lot of attractions that I haven't been into. So far, we've only been to three places and the list was still long. There was still the Giant Chappy Slides, the Great Chappy Adventures Theater, the Chappy Café, and a whole lot more! But where I wanted to go to for last will be the Chappy Ferris wheel. When mom was still alive, that would always be our last destination whenever we came here. It would be already night time by then and there will be—
" Rukia." Renji pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned my head to him and gave a quizzical look. " I think we should eat first. It's already lunch time of you hadn't notice." He grinned, holding up his wrist and tapping the watch attached to it, showing me the time.
Perhaps, I've been enjoying myself too much to even forget about the time. It was already half an hour past noon and the growling of my stomach reminded me of the long-forgotten hunger I had repressed in favor of the Chappy Festivities.
" You should slow down, Rukia." My father noted calmly. " We have the whole day thus there is no need to make haste."
I nodded bashfully. " Okay. Sorry, I get a little carried away." I had to admit. " So, where would you like to have lunch?"
The two of them completely looked clueless, staring at me intently.
It was Abarai who made the first move, pulling a leaflet from his pocket. " We have no idea. I thought you'll be the resident of this place already." He chattered before opening the leaflet into the map section and studying it.
I thought for a moment, closing my eyes and recalling the mapping of the place I've imprinted within my head from the last time I came here which was a few years ago…specifically two years ago, the last time Kaien brought us here on my birthday. Yes, I'm a downright Chappy fan but with none to accompany me here anymore, it wouldn't be that enticing. Nozomi wasn't exactly a Chappy fun nor is she a fan of Theme-parks and Shiba had been busy so yeah, you probably get my picture by now. And that is one of the reasons why I'm so hyper right now. It's just been so long!
The moment I opened my eyes, I saw a black blur, prancing about and approaching my father for an attack from behind. My eyes widened and I was about to scream when another blur, an orange one this time, made contact with the black blur before it hit my father, followed by a crashing impact at the bush nearby—breaking of twigs, rustling of leaves and some cracking of bones. Then it ended with a strangled 'Ooommmphf.'
" YOU IDIOTIC GOAT-CHIN!" Came a familiar angry growl. " ARE YOU REALLY GONNA ATTACK SOME RANDOM STRANGER?! I TOLD YOU IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO BE HIM!"
Of course, the three of us shifted our gaze to where it came from and saw Kurosaki Ichigo standing on the spot, heaving a breath and glaring at the now malformed bush as if trying to dig a hole with his eyes burning with passion. Then from the bush emerged a disheveled Kurosaki Ishiin with leaves and twigs on his hair.
The older Kurosaki managed to be back on his feet in a millisecond and pose at his son, a thumb's up in place. " You've done well detracting my attack son! I'm so proud of you!" He declared with a sense of pride swelling in his voice as he grinned wide.
Ichigo simply sighed, grabbing fistful of his orange hair with two hands and attempting to pull them, if ever to relieve some pent up stress he was experiencing before groaning. " Why can't you act normal for once!"
The people who were around seemed to be taken a little aback from the bizarre display between the father and son but preferred to resume to their own businesses like nothing happened.
" Ichigo?!" It was Renji who spoke. I was clearly too flabbergasted to even make a reaction and if my father had been anywhere near the word surprised or disturbed, there was no indication in his face to prove it. Instead, he simply eyed the two scene-makers with ice cold stares.
The two Kurosakis turned their heads toward our direction.
" Renji...Rukia…" Ichigo eyed us with pleasant surprise then to my father with a much even greater surprise which he didn't hide at all. " B-Byakuya?!" He almost yelled, pointing an accusing finger at my father as if he had seen a ghost.
Ishiin then decided to join in. " I told you it was Kuchiki!" He told his son indignantly then announced. " But you just have to kick me instead of letting me pounce at him."
" W-what are you doing here?!" The orange head decided to ignore his father and looked at us with utter curiosity and confusion. " Rukia?"
So he decided to throw the question at me specifically. But given that I haven't yet recovered from initial shock, an uneducated reply came out which sounded like, " Huh?...I…uh…we…" Then I decided to close my mouth and blush instead. How stupid is that?
" RUKIA-CHAN?!" Came Ishiin's blaring voice as he caught sight of me, about to jump at me if Ichigo hadn't slammed a foot against his back, making him drop down on the ground.
" Of course, we're here for the rides Ichigo." Renji informed cooly, coming to my aid.
Kurosaki Ichigo simply tilted his head a bit as if trying to figure out something, looking at us with scrutinizing gaze, especially my father. Then a mocking smile slowly morphed on his lips. " I didn't know Byakuya would ever be interested in such a place."
I narrowed my eyes at Ichigo, ready blow him a strike in the gut if my father hadn't spoken. The aura surrounding the noble considerably thickened and was heavy as he gave the offending berry-head a lethal glare, metaphorically speaking. " That speaks a lot coming from you, Kurosaki Ichigo." There was a pause before he decided to continue which was totally unexpected. "…seeing that you are here as well though it does not please me one bit."
Renji didn't stop his snicker as I watch Ichigo gape like a fish out of the water.
Then to a newer level, Ichigo's usual frown came back to his face in a deeper degree and diverted his attention to the red-head instead. " I don't see your position being so different from us Renji."
That made my father's assistant stop and glare back at Ichigo who smirked victoriously. Talk about childish. I simply sighed and shook my head.
" Onii-chan! Dad!" A girlish voice dawdled from behind Ichigo.
It was the Ichigo's sister that I had met when I came by their house,Yuzu if I'm not mistaken, who was approaching us, a few meters behind her were Masaki-san and another girl with ebony hair about Yuzu's age. " You guys just left us there!" The girl said with a pout once she was a hearing shot from her brother.
Ichigo removed his foot off his father and turned to the hazel-haired girl. " Sorry, Yuzu. Dad just has to make an idiot out of himself again."
Yuzu was still looking at her brother with a sulking expression before her face lit up once her eyes sat upon me. " Rukia-san!" She said with a smile as she went towards me. " It's so nice to see you again!"
I smiled back to her. " I feel the same Yuzu-chan."
" Rukia-chan! I didn't expect to see you here!" It was Masaki-san who had finally arrived. She pulled me into a hug. I simply offered her a small smile. Then she turned to my father. " Kuchiki-sama." She greeted with a bow.
" Kurosaki Masaki." My father curtly acknowledged.
" So it's true?" It was Kurosaki Ishiin, who finally joined the conversation. " About Rukia-chan being your daughter?" For the first time, he was serious.
My father remained silent but his eyes met Ishiin's as if they were communicating through that. A minute passed before a grin came from the latter. " At last! Byakuya-boy! I thought you'll never ever be able to surprise me. But you did!" With that, he slapped my father's back good-naturedly. " At least, it makes it easier for Ichigo to marry Rukia, neh?" He chided then laughed.
My father did not look pleased at all but didn't say anything.
" Dad!" It was Ichigo, who had a tint of pink on his cheeks.
" What?" Ishiin glanced at his son with amusement. " I really wouldn't mind you making grandbabies right now Ichigo…especially with Rukia-chan."
It was my turn to have my face a color that would make Renji's hair shy away. " I-Ishiin-san!"
Masaki-san chuckled and gave a me gentle look. " He's just kidding Rukia-chan."
Yeah, sure but it makes my heart make somersaults…especially when I'm imagining the possibilities!
" Are you done now?" The raven-haired girl beside Yuzu finally decided to speak in a gruff manner, looking half-bored and half-annoyed. I surmised that she was Ichigo's other sister.
Yuzu gasped. " Karin-chan!"
Karin, as how Yuzu called her, looked at her sister. " What? I'm starving." She reminded them indignantly.
" Oh right! I'm sorry Karin-chan." Masaki-san told her daughter apologetically. " How about you join us, Kuchiki-sama?" She offered my father.
" Such a good idea, my love!" Ishiin boomed as if it was the most brilliant idea ever. " It's been a while since we've talked with Byakuya-boy." Then he mischievously added, collecting me into a side hug. " Besides, in-laws needs to bond from time to time after all."
If looks could kill…Ishiin had already dropped dead on the floor…a painful death promised by my father's eyes.
-000-
Surprisingly, the lunch went well and uneventful…for most parts. Ishiin had done most of the talking throughout, Masaki-san listening to him and would agree. Renji and Ichigo would argue sometimes. My father remained quiet and would glance at me from time to time. I'll just offer him a smile then continue talking with Yuzu who had introduced her twin, Karin to me.
" You were the girl Ichi-nii was with during the festival some time ago, right?" Karin asked which reminded me that it wasn't the first time I saw her. I smiled and nodded. " So you're his girlfriend?" She asked humorlessly with a dead-panned expression before poking at the meatball on her plate, eyes still trained to me.
I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze before I gave her the answer. " No." Then I turned my eyes towards my plate.
" Hmmm." She was thoughtful, almost intrigued for a moment but her eyes never left me. " Then it's Orihime-chan huh? I'm not surprised." With that, she brought the whole meatball into her mouth and ate it.
The rest of the meal had been rather bland for me as Yuzu chatted away. I still manage to give a reply to her.
We were already outside the restaurant, Renji received a call regarding a meeting my father is needed to attend immediately.
" It seems inevitable, Rukia." My father stated the moment we stepped out of the restaurant. " We should leave."
So my day ends here.
I gave him a small smile despite the disappointment I am feeling. " It's fine dad. We could always come back here to finish all the rides." I said with little optimism. He nodded in affirmation. Thus, I turned to the Kurosaki family. " We'll take our leave now." I looked at Ichigo who was rather feeling sorry for me.
" Nonsense!" It was Ishiin. " Rukia-chan can go with us. It's still early. Besides, she has nothing to do with that meeting." He reasoned.
I didn't speak as I waited for my father's decision, holding my breath in hope that he'll allow…not that I'm expecting much really.
Kuchiki Byakuya glanced at me for a moment before speaking. " I see. If she wants to." The sudden brightening of my face gave my answer. He understood immediately. " Then, I'll see you at home. Take care, Rukia."
I grinned at my father. " Okay dad!"
" Just call me if you need anything Rukes." Renji bade then glanced at Ichigo. " Take care of her, Ichigo." With that, the two of them left.
" This is great! We'll have all the fun in the world Rukia-chan!" Yuzu enthusiastically clutched my arm and pulled me.
I glanced at Ichigo who smiled at me, his scowl lessening into a calmer state.
We went into different rides. It was actually fun being around the Kurosaki family. Even Karin wasn't half-bad at all. And Yuzu is the best of all. We were like sisters bonded with our love for Chappy!
" This is fun!" I said happily as I sat beside Ichigo on a bench. It was already five in the afternoon but there were still a lot of rides and places we hadn't gone into.
My companion grunted in response. " This place wouldn't be bad at all if it weren't for that stupid rabbi being all around."
My eyes narrowed at him and I huffed. " Well, Ichigo. I don't know but if you haven't noticed…this is Chappy World so it only makes sense that Chappy will be everywhere." I berated.
" Yeah, yeah." He dismissed and glanced at his watched. " What's taking them so long?"
The other members of the Kurosaki family said they'll go into the washroom so we waited for them here.
Ichigo's phone rang. He picked up the call. " Hello?...Dad?...Wha—home?! Right now?! What do you mea—what?! Why didn't you tell me?! You could have at least told us before you did! We've been waiting here for you like some crazy idiots for nothing?! What the—shut up! How could you even think of me as tha—" He pulled his phone away from his ear, glared at it and muttered. " Great, he hung up."
" Ichigo?" I looked at his annoyed face. " What happened?"
Before looking at me, he sighed first, combing a hand on his hair and calmed himself. " They went home. Yuzu and Karin were dead tired so they decided to go home instead. And my idiotic dad just had to leave us here on our own."
" Ohhh…so I guess we should go home too." I suggested but deep inside, I really wanted to go up the ferris wheel. I've been reserving it last but it can't be helped.
Gazing at me, Ichigo studied my face for a moment. " Nah, there's still a lot of stuffs that we can do here anyway."
" But it's just the two of us…"
Kurosaki Ichigo raised a brow at me. " So? It's not like it's the first time the two of us went out alone."
Another blush crept up my face. " Y-yeah okay."
" So, where do you wanna go?" He asked with a dashing smile.
" Anywhere's fine." I smiled back.
-000-
It has been an hour past since we were left alone here in Chappy World. We've ridden the Chappy Coaster, Ambasaddor Seaweed's Voyage and a lot more. Ichigo and I had been strolling side by side as we left Chappy Merry Boat Ride, a new addition to the theme park's feature.
" Well, that was pleasant." I said, leisurely taking small steps, hands behind me as I enjoyed the night sky.
" Not half as bad as I thought it would be." Ichigo remarked as he matched my pace. " So, it's going to be the Ferris Wheel now? It's the only thing we haven't ridden on yet."
That will be the last stop. It somehow saddens me that we'll be going home soon but I can't drag it any longer. There was still the café that I wanted to go but I didn't tell him. " Yeah." I answered then glanced at my watch. It's a quarter past the hour of six. There's still forty-five minutes to wait if I wanted to see the—
The growling of my stomach disturbed the both of us as Ichigo shot his eyes to me before letting out a laugh. " I guess it's time we eat dinner. There's still a lot of time anyway. The Ferris Wheel can wait."
" Y-yeah." I didn't dare look at him. It was so embarrassing.
" I guess we'll head to that Chappy café first then." He suggested. I geared my face at him with wide eyes. " What?" He asked.
" How did you know about it?" There was surprise in my voice.
Ichigo cocked his head to the side. " You've been talking to Yuzu about it earlier nonstop so I figured how much you really wanted to go there." Then smirked with a smug look on his face as on he had figured me out.
" Yeah, yeah." I waved a dismissing hand at him.
He simply laughed and the two of us weaved our way towards the café. The meal was pleasant. We talked while we enjoyed the food served.
" I'm really surprised Byakuya ever sat foot in here." Ichigo said.
I frowned at him a bit. " Well, at least he accompanied me here which I am grateful for." Then, I smirked at him. " Besides, you're no different." I pointed out.
He scowled…not like he didn't but he scowled with displeasure when I said that. " Hey, can it. Yuzu wanted to come here since they don't have school as well then my idiotic father decided we should have a family day together in here. My mom agreed to it so we really have no say in it." Ichigo explain as if it was his lifeline. " If you wanna blame someone, blame my dad." He ended.
I laughed at him. " Well, it's not like you're not enjoying yourself."
It was meant to be an insult but instead, he smirked boyishly. " It's not half as bad." He said with his words weighing more than how it was meant to be. If girls were only eyeing him when we entered here, now they were ogling at him. I simply rolled my eyes. " Though, I was fairly certain you'd bring Kujo-san with you."
It triggered my Chappy-hazed memory. " Well, about that…"
-0-
" Hello? Nozomi-chan?" I spoke on my phone. Surprisingly, dad has told me that I can go to Chappy World tomorrow and he's gonna come with me!
" Rukia-chan?" It was Nozomi speaking on the other line. " I'm sorry I had to leave you alone earlier."
" No, it's fine really." I meant every word. " Ichigo walked me home." I told her.
A gasped was heard. " Kurosaki-sama did?! Awwww, I should have come with you."
I chuckled. " Yeah, well maybe he could come with us next time." Then I was reminded of the reason why I called. " By the way, do you have plans tomorrow? I'm actually going to Chappy World with my dad and you said you wanted to meet him so I thought it would be the best time." I spoke in one breath.
There was silence for a moment. " Oh…that's great Rukia!" She began but there was disappointment in her voice. "But I can't go tomorrow."
" Ohh…" I said, not knowing what else to say.
" I'm really sorry." She said with regret.
" It's fine!" I told her. " We can always go next time! So I'll see you when school starts?"
" Actually, I was gonna call you tonight to if you hadn't called. I will be out of time for a few days." Nozomi informed me.
My eyes widened in surprise. " What? Why? Is something wrong?" I asked with worry evident in my voice.
" No. Nothing's wrong. It's just that there are things that I need to do somewhere…" She trailed off.
" But a few days? What about school?! Have you talked to Kaien about this?"
I can almost imagine her biting her lower lip. " No…but I'll tell him. I'll call him tonight. I promise."
With a sigh, I spoke. " Okay. I'll take your word for that. Take care okay?"
" I will. Though, it's you who really should."
It bothers me to hear such words from her.
-0-
" Well, that's weird." Ichigo said as soon as I've done telling him what happened.
I sighed once more. " Yeah, I know."
There was silence between the two of us for a full minute before Ichigo spoke once again. " Well, I'm sure she'll be okay." He tried to reassure me.
I looked at him, a gentle look gracing his face. It brought a smile to my lips. " Yeah, I guess you're right."
" Well, I guess we should get a ride on the Ferris Wheel now."
I agreed with a nod.
We left the café and went directly to the last ride for today. We got on one cart and sat across each other, as we gaze on the window to get a look at the view.
" Beautiful." I mumbled as we went higher and higher. Everything became smaller as we were brought up. The whole Karakura was becoming visible into our eyes. The lights glittered below like fireflies. It was breath-taking.
" Yeah. Beautiful indeed." Ichigo agreed as he too, gazed below us.
When we reached the peak, the machine suddenly stopped.
I turned to Ichigo who was already looking at me. " What's going on?" I asked.
" I dunno." His reply was nonchalant. " A technical problem perhaps?" He offered.
Then all lights of the whole Chappy World died. He was right!
" Ichigo?" I called out his name, my voice quivering a little.
I felt his hand grab me and pulled me closer to him, his warmth radiating. " It's fine Rukia. I'm here." He assured. His voice was calming and soft. I wasn't exactly afraid but I can't help but feel at ease beside him. My heart was pounding hard again yet it felt so peaceful.
I flinched when I heard an explosion. Ichigo tightened his hold on me. Then a colorful light devoured the darkness of the sky…followed by another.
The fireworks display!
I almost forgot about it. That was the reason every light went off!
I sighed with relief as I watched the magnificent display of lights dancing on the evening sky and smiled.
In the middle of the display, I looked up at Ichigo whose eyes were watching the display intently. It was mesmerizing, the view. Ichigo's handsome features sharpened beneath the colorful lights….almost majestic and surreal. I reveled at the sight before me. He looked down at me with his amber irises glowing with every firework... they were just so enthralling that I ended up telling opening my mouth…
" I like you."
As soon as the words came rolling out of my tongue, the fireworks ended and the light went back on.
My hands wormed their way towards my mouth and covered it in an attempt to hold down the gasp that was threatening to escape as realization hit me one the face. Panic devoured me in a split of a second.
Ichigo's face was unreadable. His face was shadowed, never moved a muscle or spoke a word.
-God bless you people!-
A/N: A piece of advice. Don't hold your breath…and don't hate me hahahaha… I've been debating with myself if I should end it like this or add the continuation for the conclusion so you won't end up hating me more but you know me… I just can't stay away from the temptation…it's such a tease….bwahahahahaha. Well heads up for the next chap okay?!
Anyway, how about you leave me a note in a form of a review? I'll be waiting ;)
