It was with warmth Byakuya watched, leaning against the piano's upturn fallboard, as the curtains closed, and Momo's friends, sans Rukia, surrounded the girl. Heaping well deserved praises that had the young woman bashfully blushing.
"Kuchiki-Sama" he turned towards the spectacled teacher; he liked her, she seemed practical, and very to the point. Two things he could respect in a person.
"Ise-Sensei, how can I help you?"
"I just wanted to say thank you for what you just did."
"She's my daughter's friend; it's the least I could do."
"Momo's had a rough year, I'm sure this meant a lot to her." Something about the sadness in her voice had him curious, it would be rude to pry, but ultimately, he was too intrigued.
"Is she alright?"
"Physically yes, but whatever made her want to jump…" she let her thought peter out, clearly not wanting to dwell on it "if Kurosaki hadn't been there…" another thought she just let end; perhaps he'd ask Rukia what happened.
"I-I'm sorry I shouldn't be talking about this, the festival is supposed to be fun, and I'm just bringing down the mood."
"No no, I shouldn't have pried" he responded trying to calm her; the poor woman looked quite distraught.
"I should get back to work" it sounded like she was holding back tears "you're welcome to stay back here if you'd like."
"Um… yes, thank you" he awkwardly replied as she seemed to grow sadder and sadder by the second. He was given a quick nod before she took her leave; Byakuya felt quite confused by the whole situation, the whole encounter leaving him in quite the daze.
Leaving the stage he looked for the small side entrance Momo had brought him through; she had thought to mention this would be the way Rukia would get backstage and he was hoping to wish her luck.
…
"Guess it's my time to shine, you going to be alright here all by your lonesome strawberry?"
Ichigo rolled his eyes "please, maybe this pounding headache will finally go away." That deserved at the very least a playful smack, one that will be delivered as soon as they got home, for now "oh real mature" he got a peak at her bright red tongue before she darted off.
Sneaking through the side stage entrance Rukia clambered up the rickety steps.
…
"Kuchiuki-San" an old partner in crime called to him; he had wished to avoid confrontation with Renji, their partnership had only resulted in pain for someone they were both supposed to care about.
"Renji" he shortly addressed his old accomplice.
"If you're here does that mean-"
"No" a quick check to see if anyone was around and he continued "well I still recognize there are problems with their relationship, I have decided to support them."
"But, but.-"
"This is not something you may change my mind on; besides, neither I or my family would approve of you courting my daughter."
"You were fine with it three years ago, you were fine with paying me, and hell you were fine telling me things about her she didn't even know!" Renji was red in the face and they were surely going to attract attention if he kept at this volume.
"It was a test, one in which you failed Renji, do you really believe I would leave someone so gutless to look after look after Rukia. Now, I know she's able to look after herself; but as I see it, she should have someone she can rely on. That does not include someone who accepts bribes."
"But you-"
"Again, it was a test" Byakuya stressed "one in which you failed, and one in which he didn't. He didn't take my money and he didn't betray my daughter; he cared enough, you didn't."
"But I was just a kid."
"It doesn't take a genius to know spying on someone for money is wrong" Byakuya pointed out.
"Then you were wrong too!"
"That I was; and at least I can see that. Now, Renji, if I find that you have done something to endanger them, then I will bring the world down on you, I will not allow anyone to jeopardize Rukia's future. Do I make myself clear?"
"B-But-"
"Do I make myself clear?" Byakuya asked again more forcefully.
"Yes… Kuchiki-Sama."
"Good, then perhaps you should get back to work before questions with uncomfortable answers are asked." Renji grumbled, but did slowly drag his feet across the scarred hardwood and back to the other side of the stage.
"Father" inwardly he smiled; there wasn't a chance of him growing tired of hearing Rukia call him that. "You're still back here?" She sounded surprised, and that was his own fault.
"Yes, I wanted to wish you luck. I know you're capable but-" he was trying to not offend her skills but she seemed to understand his intentions, interrupting him with the sake of her head.
"Thank you" she whispered.
He tried his best at giving her a warm, small smile "you're welcome."
…
She moved from her father to her best friend; Momo was glowing, blushing, and bashfully basking in the attention of their friends "you were amazing!" Rukia cried, running up and wrapping her arms around Momo.
"Thanks, but it was your father that saved the show."
"Don't sell yourself short" came her father's monotone voice "I was but a tool for you to use; and it was my pleasure to be of service."
It was just Momo that didn't looked shocked by his sudden appearance; her friends eyed him skeptically, not that she could blame them. This was like them finding out about Ichigo all over again.
"You're not going to try and take her away again, are you?" There was a level of hostility in Ikkaku's voice that Rukia found surprising; he even tried to put himself between her and her father.
"Madarame-San, I appreciate what you're trying to do but it is unnecessary. I do not intend on separating Rukia from her friends, or anyone else in which she deems worthy. I have learnt from my mistake."
"Well… I… ugh… that's, that's good I guess" it was a struggle to contain her laughter at Ikkaku's inability to come up with an intimidating response.
"Such a masterful wordsmith" she joked.
"Hey I'm just trying to look out for you!" He looked away from her, arms crossed over his chest as if insulted.
"Thank you Ikkaku, but you don't have to; things seem to be going my way for once."
"Fine" though he tried to hide it there was an upturn on the corner of his lips; her other friends didn't bother with a tough guy routine. There was warmth all around her, enough to bring a tear to her eye, something that was quickly wiped away with a sniffle.
"I ugh, I need to get ready" Rukia fanned her eyes and quickly excused herself with shaky words, feeling just a little embarrassed by how red she was becoming. Her friends cheered her on as she slipped off into the darkness.
At the edge of the stage Rukia carefully pulled back the curtains; it was shocking how much the crowd had grown since the show had started, but, even as the crowd grew more and more dense Ichigo's bright orange hair stood out like a sore thumb. And though surrounded now by his own friends his eyes were trained on the stage, right where she was, like he knew she was there.
But, that had to be impossible, surely he couldn't see her from that far away. Then again it was a nice thought.
"Looking for anyone in particular?" Karin's sudden appearance had her jumping back in shock.
"Don't do that, you almost gave me a heart attack" she half heartedly scolded the younger Kurosaki.
"Sorry Rukia-Nee" Karin replied through laughter.
"Are you ready?" Rukia was met with a nod "good, don't need you freaking out on me again" a little light teasing to get back at her.
"That's a low blow Rukia-Nee" opposed to the words was the laughter that came after.
"Come on we should get in place."
"I'm supposed to be telling you that" Karin said with a grin "it's the whole reason I came over here."
"Guess you need to get better at doing your job then."
"Stop Rukia please, you're starting to sound like Ichi-Nii."
Rukia stopped, sort of taken aback "oh, that doesn't sound too good" she said taking the centre stage.
"Eh, just don't talk like him all the time and it'll be fine" Karin replied with a shrug of her shoulders; taking the spot to Rukia's right, and quickly repositioning her guitar strap.
"You look good by the way" Karin looked away, a little flustered. She knew Karin wasn't much of a fan of dresses, or even the skirt of their uniform; it touched her that Karin would go along with her request, though the dress was still more her style. Black velvet, with spaghetti straps and lace dangling around mid thigh.
There was a bit of a wait as the other talent slowly took their spots, Renji more than all of them dragging his feet as he took his spot to her left. They hadn't spoken since he and her father had interrupted dinner with Ichigo's family; there wasn't much to say between them anyway. Still, he was her oldest friend and she wished their friendship hadn't come to an end.
For a moment Renji met her gaze, there was sadness and regret that transitioned to annoyance as his eyes moved to look over her shoulder. Turning around she found Karin, giving him the finger. Should she laugh, or, tell Karin to stop. All in all there wasn't much time for her to think it over as the curtains opened and she stepped out into the spotlight.
She felt intimidated stepping up to the mic, more so than any recital, or even when she and Ichigo were in America. "G-good afternoon. I hope you've all enjoyed the show as much as we've enjoyed bringing it to you." A minute of hoots and hollers before it quieted down to an uncomfortable silence; she was unsure where to go from there, these nerves were like nothing she'd felt before.
"GIVE THEM HELL KUCHIKI!" There from the back of the room, he knew. And as she looked towards Ichigo, her lover, the father of her child; there he was, confidently smirking, confidence he had in her.
Laughter bubbled out as she tried to clear her throat, and interesting, and funny sound. Brushing some loose hair back behind her ear; with renewed faith Rukia pulled the mic free of its stand and walked closer to the edge of the stage.
"I don't really have anything to say so how about I just jump right into this?" Taking this as their cue, behind her the band started. A tense few seconds followed before she finally came in.
Saw a little dreamer, yellow rubber boots You can't fake a smile like that She hasn't learned how to Looking at the world like a big old canvas Spinning full of magic Little more color, a little less damage I miss my imagination I wonder how it faded
As the drums came in for the chorus, she took a deep breath before sending her flats soaring through the air and into the back of the stage somewhere; hopefully not into someone.
Balancing on the balls of her feet Rukia did a quick twirl; her dress and hair flaring wildly around her, for a moment they were free from gravity, it felt like nothing tied them, or her to the earth.
I wanna worry a little less, love a little more Barefoot in a dress, dancing on the floor Like I did, back when, when I was younger Making up the songs, playing in my head Didn't matter what anybody said Didn't need to be like all the others Giant dreams and wild hair Yeah, I know she's still in there somewhere The girl who didn't care
When the song came to a close she didn't give herself or the band any time to breath, eagerly moving onto the next piece. She worked the stage like never before dancing freely and for her own enjoyment this time; it was a high like never before, one lasting for song after song after song.
As the last of her setlist came within view everyone but her and an uncomfortable Karin were left on the stage. "T-this might be a bad idea Rukia-Nee." She wasn't going to let a silly thing like nerves get in the way.
Turning the mic off, she turned to her now co-star "come on Karin you said you wanted to do this, specifically you told me not to let you back out."
"I know but-"
"No buts Karin" she said taking the younger girl's hand and leading her to centre stage; the mic was affixed to the stand and positioned between the two of them. "Just like we rehearsed, okay."
It took a couple tries for Karin's fingers to settle into a steady rhythm, but as she finally found her footing they both took a step closer to the mic, leaning in and singing together.
I hear the drizzle of the rain Like a memory it falls Soft and warm continuing Tapping on my roof and walls
She could see Karin's eyes were not on her anymore. No, now they were staring off into the deep recesses of the stage, lingering on the young man in charge of the lighting. It was fine, hers were on Ichigo, that was the purpose of this. In front of a crowd they preformed, but it was exclusively for the men they cared for.
And so you see I have come to doubt All that I once held as true I stand alone without beliefs The only truth I know is you
As the last few notes rang out students emerged from the darkness, bringing with them more stands and microphones; one cautiously laying her violin case at her feet, while another relieved Karin of her electric guitar, replacing it with a small bodied acoustic. Spots were taken as Momo and Rangiku joined them on stage.
This last song she'd happily discovered whilst perusing Ichigo's extensive music collection, the harmonies were hauntingly beautiful and the lyrics carried with them a heaviness that she felt fit the weight that had been following her and her friends for this school year.
"Ready?" She asked the other girls; a quick nod was shared and they quickly began; the stage darkened except for a single spotlight on Karin as she started playing, stepping forward to her mic.
I was a Highwoman And a mother from my youth For my children I did what I had to do My family left Honduras when they killed the Sandinistas We followed a coyote through the dust of Mexico Every one of them except for me survived And I am still alive
One by one they took turns with the verses, each of them getting what she believed the time necessary to show off their incredible vocal talent before finally coming together for the four-way harmony that had beaten them to death in rehearsals.
We are The Highwomen Singing stories still untold We carry the sons you can only hold We are the daughters of the silent generations You sent our hearts to die alone in foreign nations It may return to us as tiny drops of rain But we will still remain
As the crowd went wild the curtains were abruptly pulled closed, they were there, and then they were gone in a flash.
…
Much of the crowd started wandering out of the gym as the final bow was taken. "Your students put on a pretty good show, might've even been better than ours, eh Ichigo?"
"Why do I feel like I'm being insulted?" He asked, turning to Tatsuki.
"Cause it's more fun that way."
"Why are you so mean to me sometimes?"
Tatsuki didn't have a chance to answer "and here I thought you'd be used to her behaviour by now Kruosaki?"
"Nanao" there came an audible gasp from his male friends at the casual way he addressed her; "there's no getting used to her rudeness, shouldn't you know that by know?"
"You're right, it shouldn't be so surprising by now."
"What!" Keigo blurted out "you're not going to like hit him or something?"
"Now why would I do that?" Nanao affixed Keigo with a cold glare that sent him scrambling to hide behind Tatsuki.
"N-No reason Ise-San."
"That's what I thought; it was a very good show" the ice had been turned off as she turned to him "the students did very well don't you think?"
"Of course, don't think I could've done a better job."
There was a sly look as she asked "want to try?"
"Ugh" Ichigo let it drone on "no?"
"Sorry, but I don't think I can let you back out of this, you wouldn't want to disappoint them, would you?"
"This isn't going to end well for me is it."
"No" Nanao confirmed "but it's your own fault really; you gave them such a good performance that they wanted more; think if it as a little reward for all the hard work they've done. I've even managed to rope in a few others to help you out."
"Ichigo" Chad's gentle baritone called from behind him, he carried with him the case for one of the school's saxophones; and had Orihime and Uryu in tow behind him.
"Don't you two have classes of your own to look over?"
"Ichigo, you weren't the only one partnered up" Uryu pointed out "besides, do you really think we're in a position to turn Ise-San down."
"You've got a point there" Nanao could be a truly terrifying woman when she wanted to be.
"You should all go set up, I need to borrow Kurosaki for a second" Ichigo didn't exactly know why she needed him so it was with trepidation that he watched his friends leave. "There's ugh… something I wanted to ask you… privately" Nanao was not one to pause or stumble over words so this had to be hard for her to ask, and she looked unsure of herself, or, maybe ashamed. Hunched over and not looking directly at him, there was only one thing he could think of.
"You want me to…"
"Yeah… Orihime said if you would-"
"Then she would, I don't know Nanao."
"It's alright, I shouldn't have asked."
"It's fine, really; if I think I can do it… I will, okay."
"Thank you, Kurosaki-Kun" the unbridled confidence she always carried herself with returned as more students entered the gym.
"Wait, I thought this was only going to be our students?"
"Is that nervousness I'm hearing; word spreads fast Kurosaki I hope you're prepared for a much bigger crowd."
Ichigo wouldn't deny the little bit of giddiness that fluttered within his chest as he headed for the stage; a small spring in his step. Backstage he found many of his students waiting for him, all looking quite excited.
"So, I hear I have all of you to thank for this" he addressed the students as he rolled up his sleeves; eyes scanned the crowd for his friend, or a pair of welcoming violets.
"You made me feel things!" Someone shouted from the back; he along with a few others laughed.
"If any of you are, or were worried I'd be mad, don't be. Though, do make sure to be extra nice to Ishida after this; I'm sure he's going to be cranky after being dragged into this." With the students sufficiently warned about their science teacher he headed for the stage where Karin wordlessly offered him the guitar he'd given her.
"So how long has this been planned?"
"Bout a week after that little showing of yours."
"Huh, guess I'll going to refrain from any future shows if this is what it gets me."
"Stop complaining Ichi-Nii and get out there."
"Yeah yeah yeah" he mumbled walking out onto the stage.
Damn, there was a lot more students than he was accounting for, and more were still streaming in. It seemed as though as things closed and the people left students were forgoing cleaning up and coming here instead. Honestly he felt a little flattered but this would only be a headache he'd hear about at a later meeting.
"So… do you all still remember what we played for out festival." A chorus of maybes and a couple yes' was the response. So, he shrugged his shoulders "good enough, let's start with tenth avenue then."
He turned to the crowd of expecting students, raising a fist in the air and yelling "one, two, three, four!" As he finished Uryu's hands smashed down on the piano keys and Chad ripped into a truly great opening sax riff.
Tear drops on the city, Bad Scooter searching for his groove Seem like the whole world walking pretty and you can't find the room to move Well, everybody better move over, that's all' Cause I'm running on the bad side and I got my back to the wall Tenth Avenue freeze-out Tenth Avenue freeze-out
It was a funk and soul inspired rock number which had a beat that he just couldn't not jive to; it was a good opener. Something that had him moving around the stage, jumping, shouting, and loosening up.
It was hot underneath the bright lights and he was already wiping sweat drenched hair from his brow. But as it ended, they jumped right into another, and, just a little out of breath he moved to the mic; picking out a twanging guitar riff.
Eyes once again scanned the crowd finding his tiny lover just two rows in; they locked eyes and for a brief moment shared a knowing look, he loved this, and so did she. Ichigo could only imagine they shared the same rapture being on stage like this, even at the back of the gym he'd seen it on her face; like him she was meant for this.
In the day, we sweat it out on the streets Of a runaway American dream At night, we ride through mansions of glory In suicide machines Sprung from cages out on Highway 9 Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin' out over the line Oh, baby this town rips the bones from your back It's a death trap, it's a suicide rap We gotta get out while we're young `Cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run Yes, girl, we were
If things were different, if he'd met her instead of Orihime. Rukia was wild in a way that she wasn't; would he have ever returned here looking for a normal life, or would they have lived the essence of this song? Were they, was she meant to run, to be free?
They were in this together though, she was reminding him of that, like she could sense his inner thoughts; they were easily dismissed as she gently patted her belly.
(One, Two, Three, Four) The highways jammed with broken heroes On a last chance power drive Everybody's out on the run tonight But there's no place left to hide Together, Wendy, we can live with the sadness I'll love you with all the madness in my soul Oh, someday girl, I don't know when We're gonna get to that place Where we really want to go, and we'll walk in the sun But till then, tramps like us Baby, we were born to run
It was fun reliving these songs, this expierence with his friends, sharing it with the students of the school he now taught at, giving a little back to what they'd given him: focus, clarity, purpose. They along with the sometimes annoying, sometimes violent midget, had helped him heal.
With a few more songs under his belt, he looked towards Orihime then nodded towards the mic, she got the message. Leaving the stage briefly only to bring back an acoustic guitar; their friends left the stage as the two of them took the centre.
"You look just as beautiful as the first time we did this." His comment elicited a hint of pink and a shy smile
"And you're as handsome as ever."
Taking the guitar she offered he slung it over his shoulder and started playing, taking an extra long into as it seemed they both needed to compose themselves.
The world says you're ready when you're eighteen And I was no exception to the rule Eager to try my hand and provin' that I was a man Not an ounce of fear in anything I'd do
Eight Years Ago
"So, you're really sure?" He was leaning against her couch looking up at the popcorn roof.
"I… I took two tests" her voice was shaky and he didn't really know why; the half assembled rocking chair should've been proof enough. But, maybe she just needed to hear it from him, to hear his devotion. Truth was this scared the hell out of him, but he was a man, and men take care of their responsibilities, their families. So, in his signature fashion he let his eyes fall on his auburn haired love, and smirked.
"Good, It'd be hell trying to get my money back on the chair" he waited a few seconds before "here come the tears" he uttered as she threw herself on him, their wetness being felt as they soaked his shirt. They might not be ready, but they had each other and for now that was enough.
Present Time
Yeah, I thought I knew it all Turns out I didn't have a clue Before these walls were blue
Back in the furthest, darkest corner of the gym was the principal; Ichigo really only knew because of the man's signature pink tie. But he could see just enough; and as all the students were looking at him they were missing the real show, they weren't seeing Shunsui spinning his wife around in circles out of pure happiness.
I remember sitting there in that old rocker Three A-M, trying to get you back asleep Well I'd find myself laughing at you laughing Wishing the hands of time that I could cheat Yeah, I thought that I knew love Turns out I didn't have a clue Before these walls, before these walls were blue
This verse brought back so many memories, ones he could see clear as day in his mind's eye.
…
Transported back to their little home, in that familiar rocking chair, atop the awful flower print he always hated, that looked a little better than he remembered; going back and forth slowly, like a gentle breeze. But there was something different, instead Kazui wasn't wrapped in his favourite white blanket with trains; he took that thing everywhere, even when he wasn't supposed to.
It was just now, it had rabbits on it; and Kazui, didn't look like Kazui. His chin was a little sharper and cheeks a little shallower. Tiny, chubby arms raised above his head, mouth opening wide to yawn as he woke despite Ichigo's best efforts; Ichigo's own eyes widened as Kazui's opened, he had violet eyes!
"Ichigo" he looked up to find Rukia standing in the doorway, her hair longer and tied in a side ponytail, wearing a pair of tight blue jeans, beige wool shirt, and currently untying the white apron around her waist.
"Can I see Masaki, it's time for her feeding."
"Misaki?" He asked looking down at the child in his hands, their child.
"Are you going senile on me strawberry, it was your idea" Rukia stated taking the small bundle from his arms causing him to jump to his feet. "What's gotten into you?"
"Nothing" he responded taking her in his arms.
"Carrot top, you're crushing me. Ichigo… Ichigo…"
…
"Ichigo… Ichigo."
"Huh… what?"
"Are you alright?" Orihime asked him.
"Yeah, just sort of daydreamed" he answered, thankfully the students were cheering quite loudly, it seemed his foray into the world of dreams thankfully hadn't hampered his playing, that would've been embarrassing.
"Anything good?" She asked.
Once again he found Rukia in the crowd grinning up at him, something he couldn't help but reciprocate "yeah, very good."
Author's Note: So like I have three Christmas themed chapters prepared and I'm going to be lucky to get one out before Christmas, so ugh for the others just listen to Christmas music while you read them. Personally I recommend Brett Eldredge's Glow (the deluxe version) and Seth MacFarlane's Holiday for Swing for some big band goodness and Toby Keith's Christmas to Christmas for something a little country and an entire albums worth of original Christmas music (Honestly one of my favourite albums.)
I know there was a lot of music in this one but I just want to specifically highlight The Highwomens' The Highwomen (confusing right) and The Secret Sister's version of Kathy's song, it's the song Rukia and Karin do together. Also love that the band is called the Secret Sisters, it was just perfect for that scene.