Happy New Year to you all (and a belated Christmas)! I pray that 2020 is a year of growth, good change, happiness and prosperity for you all. Know that God has a good plan for your life.
Anyway, enjoy the chapter :)
/
Rukia rushed in panic, it felt like if her heart was about to combust into little pieces inside her chest, each step she took her breathing became harsher, ruff and louder. Where was all the Oxygen going? The only thing replaying in Rukia's mind was the events that just took place, she kept envisioning how close Ichigo was to her, his sweet husky scent, his low sultry voice, the way the skin of his hand felt against hers. The feeling Ichigo gave her of safety & love was in the depths of Rukia's heart even in the midst of chaos she was feeling. A sudden hit of realisation hit Rukia in her frantic state, there was no way for her to deny it now and she felt silly she hadn't realised it sooner. All this time she had been oblivious to him, the way she acted around him and how close they got to each other.
Slowly over time, Rukia developed feelings for Ichigo and the funny thing about it is it happened so naturally. None of it was forced or intentional, it just happened. Who knew that it would?
And the funny thing about it all is that Rukia subconsciously felt that Ichigo felt something for her too, it wasn't like this was all in her head. That whole moment happened because of him, he was the one who called her to speak privately, he was the one who cut the scene for no darn reason at all, he was the one who avoided all her questions and got extremely close to her face as if he wanted to kiss her. The deep tense stare he gave her was enough to know how Ichigo felt.
But was it just in the spur of the moment?
How could he even think about her in that way, he's her boss and she is supposed to be an actress working on his project. There was no room for her to be feeling any type of way about Ichigo besides being his friend and work colleague. Also with all Ichigo has been through the last thing he would want is to be with her Rukia thought. She was supposed to be having feelings for Shuhei, not Ichigo.
Rukia's vision became blurry and shaken with anxiety however she could manage to see the sign of the women's bathroom, she quickly rushed into it, went into the first stall she could find and locked the doors. The bathroom was empty to Rukia's luck so she could be alone in peace, she couldn't manage to go back out there to reshoot the scene after the moment she had with Ichigo. She didn't care if she was wasting time all she wanted to do was go home lay under her comfy blanket and scream her lungs out.
She couldn't go out to film after this, not even Ichigo's around watching her doing a kissing scene with Shuhei when he almost kissed her. After 3 minutes Rukia decided she would just go home and call Kisuke to say she wasn't feeling well.
This was all too much for Rukia, she had never felt this way about any boy before (not even Shuhei who she went on a date with) all these feelings were new for her.
How would she even face Ichigo the next time she sees him?
/
Ichigo sat on the ground of Studio B in deep thought his face looked sullen over the fact that he scared Rukia off, he tried to make a move on her but it ended up backfiring (he wasn't exactly clear) he felt like Rukia felt something for him but now he was confused. Sweat slid down Ichigo's neck and forehead, his peach tanned skin now looked glossy and his hands were clammy with sweat. Whenever Ichigo became nervous he would sweat bullets, it was some sort of tick he couldn't control and sometimes he would have to change clothes if the sweat got too much. However, he also would sweat if it came to girls.
As a pre-teen and teenager, Ichigo would often sweat uncontrollably when a beautiful girl crossed his eye, or if he had a crush on a girl. He never had a real girlfriend though and got out of this sweaty phase once he turned 18 years old, as that was the time puberty struck him which meant he got good attention for the girls leaving him to date around and enjoy himself. But right now he felt like an awkward teenager again but with an intense feeling inside him. This wasn't normal as he hadn't sweated like this in 7 years, the way Rukia had him feelings was overbearing him. The feelings ran deep in him and the blood that ran through his veins was hot.
He already knew how he felt about her but he didn't know he would be affected this much. And nothing hadn't even happened between them, Ichigo hadn't acted like this with other girls since he was 18.
Ichigo wiped the sweat off his head and neck furiously for it to magically appear again like it hadn't left, he really needed to get it together. His black dark clothing now stuck onto his skin making him sticky and wet at the same time, Ichigo didn't know what to do because he couldn't change his outfit with no spare clothes to wear and he didn't want anyone else to see him like this.
Especially Rukia.
The door opened up in a rush causing Ichigo to turn around in a panic, his eyes were greeted with Kiskue's face which looked absolutely vexed. It took a lot to make Kisuke angry, normally he's a very mellow guy who likes to joke around. It was rare for him to be angry unless he got pushed to his limit.
''What are you doing Ichigo? We've been waiting for you to finish talking to Rukia for over 30 minutes. What were you two even doing because now Rukia says she isn't feeling good and went home. What is going on with you both? We have a tight schedule and we can't afford to be wasting time.'' Kisuke walked over to Ichigo analysing the view in front of him, his eyes squinted as he saw Ichigo drenched in sweat sitting on the ground.
''Rukia left?'' Before Ichigo could continue on Kisuke cut him off hastily.
''Why are you sweating so badly? Did you take a dip in Niagara falls and not bother to dry yourself off?''
Kisuke's eyes opened up in thought as his mouth did the same, Ichigo could tell what he was about to say and his neck began to turn a deep shade of red.
''No! Nothing like that happened here, I would never do that especially when I am working, that's disrespectful to the crew and you. Rukia and I's relationship are professional that's all there is to it. Since Rukia isn't well let's just focus on doing the scenes with the other actors. '' Ichigo stood whilst airing out his soggy blacktop in a failed attempt to dry himself off, Kisuke was still sceptical as to why Ichigo cut the scene and believed there was more to it. He and Shuhei were tensed around each other regarding the kiss scene and Rukia, this made Kisuke believe that they may both have feelings for Rukia, therefore, he now knew he had to do his best to prevent anymore incidence like this from happening.
'' Also I will cut out the kiss scene, I think I can add something more authentic,'' Ichigo mumbled but that didn't explain why Ichigo was sweating so badly.
''Ok...but that doesn't explain the sweat Ichigo it's not even hot this time of year are you okay? Do you need any help?'' Kisuke chuckled and Ichigo just awkwardly barged past Kisuke muttering something under his breath as Kisuke burst out laughing.
''Make sure to hurry up we have a lot to do.'' Kisuke laughed out as Ichigo rushed with an embarrassed look on his face.
/
Darkness surrounded the room with no light in sight, it was cosy, warm and there was no noise but only the sound of rattling the could only be made by a duvet cover. Rukia had stayed in bed for 4 hours after she got home with the lights off, she had received calls from her girl pals and him...he had called her 3 times and each time he did her whole body became frozen in ice. Rukia had already given them an explanation that she was sick but they cared enough to call for her which made her feel happy, but because of the whole incident with Ichigo she just couldn't face anyone right now.
Inside she decided to text the girls back and just stare clear away from Ichigo.
These feelings for Ichigo had to be pushed back into the back burner in order for things to turn back to normal, Rukia came to act and live her passion and having moments with Ichigo wasn't going to help her achieve that.
Starting from tomorrow she will be strictly professional.
/
''Hey, Chad...how are you feeling?''
Ichigo sat at Chad's bedside attentively as he helped Chad to sit up comfortably by positioning a white hospital pillow behind his back, Chad had just woken up and seemed to be in better shape than before but he was still injured. Chad smiled at Ichigo warmly
''A little better but I still have a lot of pain in my leg. My whole body feels weak too.'' Chad replied meekly taking in a deep breath as he tiredly rubbed his left eye. Chad skin looked a little pale than usual, his tanned complexion now looked washed out and had lost a little weight. This injury really took a toll on Chad Ichigo thought.
''I am glad you are awake. I felt really bad about how I've treated you, Uryu and Orihime. When I heard what happened I thought you were gone...I am glad you're ok. I know this is overdue but I am truly sorry for everything I've put you through regarding my alcoholism.'' Chad cut Ichigo off by raising a hand, Ichigo looked stunned but kept quiet to hear what Chad had to say.
''Ichigo it's okay. You don't have to apologise, no matter what happens between us we are brothers. I always remember the day you had my back after those bullies stole my Abuelo's necklace, I wasn't in a good place then but you helped me out and never left my side. I want to return the favour now. I know you are going through a lot but I will always have your back.''
Feeling overwhelmed by how touch he felt at Chad's word Ichigo was at a loss for words, he thought that Chad would be mad at him but like Uryu and Orihime they were quick to forgive him. He didn't deserve friends like the ones he had or even his family, they always gave him another chance to change no matter how bad things got. The words Chad had said really impacted Ichigo to the point that he leaned forward and gave Chad a hug, that was the only way he could show his appreciation to Chad at the moment and Chad was more than happy to return the hug.
The two held each other in a strong embrace, Chad rubbed Ichigo's back to calm him down as he could feel his friend breathing heavy, deep down Chad probably knew Ichigo was feeling a ray of emotions possibly about Riruka as he guessed Uryu & Orihime would have told Ichigo the horrible news by now. Chad was the first to release himself from the hug giving Ichigo a smile before he went on to talk about the gruesome death of Riruka.
Chad just hoped Ichigo could take it.
''I guess you know what happened...with Riruka?''
Ichigo's eyes twitched quickly in response to Chad's question before he looked down at the pale-coloured hospital floor, Ichigo's reaction was enough of an answer so Chad continued on.
''I'm sorry...I did my best to save her but everywhere was on fire by the time I and the other firefighters got there, plus it was hard to save her because she was tied down to a chair so the smoke and flames got to her easily.''
Ichigo didn't respond he just listened to what Chad was saying, deep down he felt guilty for what happened but it wasn't even his fault. He had given Riruka the money to leave Tokyo Grand but somehow she ends up dead? At the whole thing was set up by Aizen no doubt about it, it's just that Ichigo now felt like he could be next. It became clear to Ichigo that Aizen had killed Riruka because of the dirt on him that she sold to the tabloids, but what scared him was what Aizen would do next?
''It's not your fault Chad. Anyway, you should be focusing on getting better.''
The sound of a door creaking was heard gaining Ichigo and Chad attention they both looked and saw Chad's doctor, he had come to check Chad's condition and after he did he urged Ichigo to leave Chad alone so he could get some rest. Ichigo told Chad he would come to visit him tomorrow before he bid him goodbye, and was now driving in his black slick Mercedes car in deep thought. Ichigo's mind wondered to his family, he thought about how he had gotten onto good terms again with his friends and longed to do the same with his old man and sisters, but the thing was that it was harder to do so with them vs his friends. The reason for this is because with his family it hits 10 times harder if he messes up again, which made him wrestle with the notion of whether he is in the best place to reach out to his family.
At the back of his mind the fear that Aizen lingered but he tried his best to not to give it room to grow. Aizen had promised to get him someday for defiling him and leaving the Arrancars but he hadn't done anything for years. Fear, anxiety, grief and guilt began to swell up in Ichigo, his mind went to his mom instead of giving way to these feelings he took Rukia's advice to not blame himself and after a few minutes these negative feelings evaporated.
For a while, Ichigo had been drinking less and less and had been less problematic/episodic so it would be good if he reached out to his family, but that was all because of Rukia and not by his own merits. Without Rukia giving him courage and hope he would still be a drunken alcoholic mess, his feelings for her made him what to do better. Ichigo knew it was selfish but a part of him wanted to get better for Rukia even though his family and friends had supported him for so long, but it wasn't as if he didn't want to get better for them too, it's just that Rukia inspires him to do better.
He hadn't meant or wished for it to happen, she just came along and did.
Just like she did 4 years ago on the balcony when she saved him from committing suicide.
Ichigo's hands turned the driving wheel to the left as he gave way to allow another car to pass, he then continued to drive before he halted at the traffic light which was red.
Why didn't she pick up my calls?
Did I upset her?
Does she not feel the same way?
These words blew around Ichigo's mind like a leaf in the wind, his entire thoughts had drifted from his family unto her. It felt like he was in limbo, he had no clue if Rukia felt the same way or if she saw him as a friend who needed help with his problems. The moment he shared with her in Studio B felt like magic though which made him confused. It's like something was there but it could be easily misconstrued.
As the lights on the traffic lights turned from red to yellow then green Ichigo's mind was struck with an idea.
He now knew what he had to do.
/
Filming was dreadful for Rukia for the past month for a couple of reasons, firstly she kept avoiding Ichigo at all costs. Yes, she spoke to him on set and in the sessions to go over Elation, but whenever he tried to speak to her about anything outside of her work Rukia would make an excuse that she needed to go somewhere, or if not that she would change the subject back to filming or just talk to another cast member if they were around. Most of the time her cast could see something was up with Rukia, especially Rangiku, Momo and Senna, the 3 even tried to ask her what was up but she would always lie she's fine.
At times things got awkward between Rukia and Shuhei and this was because of her feelings towards Ichigo. Now she knew how she felt about Ichigo it was very hard for her to see Shuhei in the same light as before, she felt bad about this because it seemed like she led him on by going on a date with him only to avoid going on another date with him. Her excuses were mostly that she never had time to go out because of their schedules, or that she was tired etc. And whenever he tried to spend some time with her alone on set she would use excuses as she did with Ichigo, but in reality, she would run to the bathroom to avoid him and Ichigo.
And speaking of Ichigo he was pissed as hell. He felt very confused and frustrated with Rukia and didn't know what to do or say. In his mind, he didn't know if he offended her, made her sad, or scared her away because of the moment they shared. This caused Ichigo to even drink sometimes if the stress of Rukia got to him, but then he would remember the advice she gave him, her support, his family/friends and he would stop.
This continued as a repetitive cycle for 1 whole month, and he had to deal with his past problems and the fact that Aizen maybe after him because of the whole Riruka incident.
He needed to speak with Rukia.
Doing this for a month was pure torcher, but at least it helped with speeding up filming. Elation was now 50 per cent complete because everyone was strickly working on the film. The fact that Rukia chose not to spend any time with Ichigo or Shuhei made it less tense around them because there was no competition if Rukia didn't entertain any of their advances. However, there was still some malice between the two by the cool glares and body language toward each other.
Rukia felt awful for avoiding everyone but it was the only solution she came up with. All she wanted to do was acting and leave it there.
/
It was 8.00 pm on the dot, filming had been done for the day and Rukia and Rangiku were in the makeup room removing the last of their stage makeup. Stage makeup was pretty much tough to dispose of, it took about 5 synthetic baby wipes, and 4 face washes for the makeup to be completely removed. Senna and Momo weren't on that day for filming because of their schedules, so it was only Rukia and Rangiku together in the girl's makeup room, whilst the boys were in their own makeup room preparing to go home.
The two sat in silence as Rangiku didn't know what to say or do because of Rukia's strange behaviour. It seemed like Rukia was in a rush to leave and Rangiku felt a little offended.
Rukia and Rangiku sat before a huge white crystal mirror before it was a makeup table with various famous brands, from Maybelline to Fenty and the list goes on. The two were still in costume wearing white patients gowns and flip flops in relation to the theme of the movie.
Rukia scrubbed her face quickly with a wipe one last time to get off any remaining fragments of makeup and Rangiku was finally done getting hers all off, she looked over to Rukia in a desperate need to talk to her.
''Rukia...Did I do anything to offend you?''
Rukia continued to scrub her face and gave a quick no, this, however, caused Rangiku to snap.
''Obviously, something is wrong. You've been so withdrawn. You've stopped being your self and now you just come and film then go home without talking to anyone. I have a feeling this has got to do with Shuhei and Ichigo right? Ever since that day a month ago with the whole commotion you haven't been the same? Did something happen between you and Shuhei?''
Rangiku looked like a mother terrorising her daughter for some information about what was going on in her life, and Rukia felt terrified that Rangiku was almost spot on about everything.
Rukia got ready to rebuttal Rangiku for the door to open, Rukia then lost the will to speak after seeing who it was.
Oh no not now!
''Oh, you're still here Ichigo? I thought you would be the first to go home like you always do. Anyway, I and Rukia were having a conversation so you can scram.'' Rangiku whined turning to Rukia who was looking anywhere else but at Ichigo.
Ichigo walked in with a calm aura around him (despite the turmoil inside him) and stopped after he got close enough to Rukia, he then turned to Rangiku.
''Excuse me but do you mind if I speak to Rukia for a minute? I won't take long and I also wanted to tell you that Ikkaku said if you want a ride home he's about to leave.'' Ichigo spoke with a calm icy tone, he almost sounded like a robot or something.
Rukia decided to make her exit so she began to mumble about needing to call a taxi home to leave soon and she looked so anxious doing so.
''Are you alright Rukia you look like you are going to explode?'' Rangiku asked
''I'm fine...good...dandy...I just need to call a taxi and start making my way...'' Rukia wheezed but Ichigo didn't let that go as an excuse.
He needed to talk to her now.
''Don't worry I will drive you. Anyway, Rangiku Ikkaku's waiting for you.'' Ichigo pressed on swiftly and soon after Rangiku left (after some time of whining at Ichigo and Rukia).
The door shut, it was now just the two of them.
Alone.
Him.
Her.
What would become of this?
Thanks for reading :)