Okay, I know my chapters are short, but they ARE intended to be that way. First, I cut them short because, me personally, find that long chapters are daunting, and I'm less likely to read them. Second, I have pauses in the story itself, and I don't want to put all those dashed lines and all that junk...etc...
But really, I thank you all for the kind reviews, I think about them as I write. You guys are REALLY awesome!
Hollows Haunt Us
Chapter 5
Upon finally making it to school, Rukia found Orihime and Tatsuki playing cards on the desks.
"Good morning, Kuchiki-san!" Orihime smiled and waved as Rukia walked in. Tatsuki just looked up, smiled, waved, and then looked back down to concentrate on her cards.
Rukia set her stuff at her desk and went over to where the girl's were sitting and pulled up a chair. Smiling her school girl smile, she asked, "Who's winning?"
"Orihime, apparently." Tatsuki grunted as she finally chose a card to lie down. Orihime giggled and laid down a card which made Tatsuki groan. "I fold."
Rukia giggled. More to herself than to the girls, she whispered, "What an interesting game…"
A sound could be heard down the hallway, and Rukia's sharp ears picked up Ichigo's voice. Before Rukia could say anything, Orihime shouted, "Kurosaki-kun!"
The door was pushed open and Ichigo stood with Keigo, staring straight at Orihime. He smiled a rare smile.
That smile set off something inside Rukia. A warm feeling, yet sharp, right over her heart. The honey-coated voice whispered again, this time with a feeling of malice.
Why is he looking at that girl with eyes only reserved for you?
Rukia shook her head. Not now, not while there were people around. Although, now it seemed the voice seemed to bring up a good point. She looked at Ichigo again, then at Orihime. Did that friendly conversation mean something more? Rukia stared at Ichigo again. Those eyes…they made her heart jump, yet, they weren't directed at her, which hurt.
You can't let that girl win him over like this…You have to fight back, you are stronger than she'll ever be…
Something in Rukia clicked hard inside. A feeling, almost…anger…no, jealousy seemed to be bubbling up. Rukia looked away quickly in attempts to close off the feelings, but to no avail. They felt even stronger as she listened to them talk.
"How was your evening, Kurosaki-kun?" Orihime asked innocently. Ichigo sat down next to her, close, almost too close.
"Ah, it was alright, I had to beat up some punks, but other than that, it was normal." Ichigo paused a moment, as if thinking hard. "Weren't you supposed to call me about that project?"
Orihime blushed. "Yeah, but I figured you were with Kuchiki-san and I didn't want to bother you two…"
Ichigo glanced at Rukia before continuing. "It's not like I live with her."
At this, Rukia felt her heart boil.
What an ass.
Rukia felt herself agree.
I can take care of that girl, if you'll let me.
Slowly placing her hand over her heart, she finally gave in. Very quietly she whispered, "Just don't hurt her."
Ooh, I'm so excited! R&R and I'll love you guys forever and ever!
