"He said what?" The wide-eyed man asked in utter disbelief while fidgeting with his long crimson mane out of sheer anxiety. It was as plain as day that he wasn't happy with the news I delivered to him. And yet, there was a tiny voice in the back of my head that keeps on nagging that I should've just let John handled it, but I got too cocky once I heard the news from my brother.
"Clean out those nasty ears so I don't have to repeat myself! Byakuya said he 'approves' of John so you can chill out! I don't see why you're flipping out, it's not like we're dating," I huffed, blowing a stray strand out of my face and crossed my arms, turning my back away from the stupid baboon.
"Nothing to flip out about? There's plenty to flip out about, Rukia! You just met the guy two-"
"Three," I corrected, knowing exactly how this was gonna go down.
"Three days ago and you already spent the night at his house? If I didn't know you, I'd think you were a complete whore."
OOH, that did it. He set fire to a ticking time bomb and it was about to explode with a bang that would scar him for life.
Not saying a word, I simply got up from the couch and made my way for the door, then turning around to look that bastard in the eye.
"You know what Renji? Fuck you. And to think you'd actually care, or at least be happy for me, but no. You're just too selfish to give a fuck about anyone anymore. And you have the nerve to act as if you're my own father, like, for real? Are you seriously going to act so immature like that? You're…unbelievable. You are a heartless, stubborn, arrogant dick who thinks that he's the man that rallies all of the troops and act like he's the leader. But it's whatever. You can go on with your shit—it's not like I care anymore. But bear this in mind," I growled, holding up a finger. "I will never ever talk to you again, until you grow some balls and man up. Then, when you have them ready to apologize to both me and John, I'll listen."
"Rukia-"
"But 'til then, you can just go fuck yourself."
Slam.
Now, you may be wondering: 'Rukia, why did you just straight out go bitch-mode on his ass? Is it your time of the month?'
Well, long story short—he's an ass. Nuff said. If he refuses to accept John as my friend, well then so be it; I won't accept him.
I've been thinking about some things (probably too much)—about what has happened these past couple of days and it made me realize—I've been changing. But was I changing so much that I would snap at my own best friend? I have so many questions, but I'm still stuck here, waiting for the answers that I fear may never come.
It was then that I had an epiphany. Waiting around would do no good, except to bring me bad news. I remembered the first day I stepped into this 'new world' in which I was now stuck in. I remembered how Renji was telling me diddly squat about my 'job' and in the end, I realized that one less question was off the list of queries because I had actually dug for them. But the only question that was dancing around in my head at the time was how far did I have to dig before I realized I was digging my own grave?
But at the moment, I just wanted to go somewhere, anywhere away from that baboon. I had had enough of his crap. It was pathetic—nearly made me feel sorry for him, but I already went through that maze and it led back to where I had started. I had given up on him, because his ignorance and arrogance were as disgusting as body odor, and I wasn't going anywhere near him until he got himself some AXE to mask that shit up.
I was so frustrated; I headed straight for home, where nobody or nothing could bother me. And boy, was I happy to swing that dusty old door and smell the plug-in Febreeze that made the whole room smell like fall's breeze and cinnamon. It was here, in my own sanctuary, where I could finally relax. You have no idea how relieved I was to be back home.
I immediately popped in a DVD of TRUEBLOOD and heated up half a box of quesadillas before gorging myself of the excitement, and dare I say, 'rush', of watching two drop-dead (ironic, considering they've been dead for decades), smokin' vampires fight to the death on my TV-screen, shirtless. I was watching the entire episode with an eager grin on my face, letting out hoots and squeals whenever an epic one-liner was said, or something along those lines. I actually kicked back and enjoyed myself, which is something I haven't done in a long time. And even thought it had only been for a couple of days, I missed my 'me' time and my humble abode. But consequently, I felt a bit alone too. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it was as if something was…missing. But what that was, I hadn't the slightest clue.
In the midst of my train of thoughts, they had somehow crawled back to Renji, and it got immediately rejected. I knew that was the last thing I needed.
Then, I heard my phone ring and I paused the action on the screen as I check who's calling, seeing that it was Nel, which I didn't expect.
"Hell-o?" I chimed.
"Hola!" She practically sang over the line. "Whatcha doin'?"
"I'm being a lazy couch potato," I yawned.
"Ha, aren't we all? Listen, I got somethin' to ask ya."
"Si?" I ask with a raised eyebrow, although she couldn't see it.
"You wanna go shopping with moi? I don't think I've taken you out.
"Uhm, sure! When?"
"Say, in a couple of hours?"
"Alrighty then, I'll pick ya up then."
Putting my phone back into my pocket, I laid back in the huge sofa, but for some reason, I couldn't relax anymore. I didn't know whether it was because I was a bit excited or still agitated, but no matter how hard I tried to settle down, I always felt a bit uncomfortable, as if somewhere deep inside, I was just really…sad.
The only logical cure I could think of were my cigarettes, but when I went to go look in my purse, they were gone, which made my day even better.
Groaning, I got out of the couch as I slowly slouched to the doorway as I grabbed my purse and headed out the door, quickly running the stairs, and opened the door to the small Shoppe on the ground floor, hearing the chimes of the entrance jingle as soon as it closed shut. I looked around to see if there was anybody in the store, but it was as lifeless and as abandoned as a cemetery.
"Hell-o? Anybody here?" I hollered over the counter, but I saw no one. Exasperated, I closed my eyes while letting out a sigh, tired from all of the nonsense that was swirling around me.
"Awh? Are they not open?"
I jumped in my skin at the sound of the voice, hearing it giggle behind me, making my cheeks flush a deep cherry.
I turned around and saw a somewhat tall-ish ginger look at me with big, grey eyes that made me unusually nervous. I took a look-ver of the woman, seeing that she was nicely dressed in a plain, bit a bit racy ivory V-neck, showing off her bosoms while a rosy cardigan hung on its sides, complimenting the simple pearl necklace that was laid perfectly on her collarbones. And if I was looking at her, I'd think she was wearing no pants, because her shorts were so short, they should have a limit to how much leg you can show.
"Well, someone's a bit jumpy today," The female laughed as she made her way over to me. She just stood there and analyzed me for a second before extending out her hand with a huge smile. "Name's Orihime. And you?"
"Why are you introducing yourself?" I queried with a raised eyebrow, since this woman literally just popped out of nowhere.
"It'd thought it'd be polite to at least introduce myself to my new neighbor."
"Huh?" I gawked.
"Yup; I moved in right across from you, and I tried to stop and say hey, but you were off in such a hurry, I couldn't catch up, 'til now."
I was in a hurry? I pondered to myself, but quickly shook it off. "Uh, I apologize for being so brusque earlier, I really do. And I'm Rukia," I smiled as I shook her hand. "Tell ya what, lemme take ya out to coffee—it's the least I can do."
"Oh, no, no, no, no, I can't let you do that-"
"I insist."
"One strawberry frappe and a caramel mocchiatto."
"Thanks," I nodded as I took the drinks from the clerk and brought them over to the table where Orihime was and I sat down in the seat across from her as she let out an 'Ooh' as she slurped her drink immediately.
"You don't drink coffee?" I asked curiously with a sip.
"Nope. I think it's bitter and gross and ew. That, plus, I don't drink caffeine.
"Uh," I cleared my throat, "You said you were how old again?"
"24, but since I act like a complete ditz, at least that's what I get told, I get asked that a lot. I find it kinda funny, now that I think about it."
"So, you don't drink or smoke?"
"Nope."
"Then why were you in a convenience store with 95% of their products being tobacco or alcohol?"
"…I wanted to get a pack of Sour Patch Kids," She admitted sheepishly, making me feel completely stupid and rash and "Oh" was all I could manage to say.
"But never mind that," Orihime waved her hand. "Why did you need to get there in such a hurry, hmm?"
"…I needed to get some cigarettes…"
"Why the glum face?"
"Huh?" I raised my head.
"It's not like I have anything against people who do do that stuff, it's just that I don't do it."
"Just out of curiosity," I rambled as I slurped down the last of my drink. "What exactly is your reason for not smoking or whatever? I mean, I don't mean to-"
"No, no, it's fine," The woman patted my hand before exhaling a deep sigh while staring into the creamy cloud that floated on the top of her strawberry drink. "Actually, I think it's more than one reason. I mean, I kinda had a rough childhood, but I don't want to bore you or whatever."
"Nonsense," I shook my head. "Don't worry; mine wasn't exactly a walk down the yellow brick road either. But I'm not going to force you to open up about something you're insecure about. That choice is completely up to you."
"Thank you Rukia, for being so understanding—I really appreciate it. Anyways, when I was a kid," The ginger paused to swallow. "My parents…didn't really do a good job of raising me and my brother. My dad was a drunkard and my mom was a pot head. Perfect couple, don't you think? And soon, they started getting more and more obsessed with money and it came to the point that we started sneaking and moving out of apartments so we wouldn't have to pay the rent. Eventually, it got so bad, that it took a toll of the two of them, and while my brother was off finishing college, my parents started to abuse me and then, one night, when they had passed out from partying, my brother took me away and from then on, I never looked back. I started living with him in his apartment and oh my Gosh, it was a blast," She laughed as the corners of her mouth curved upwards into a small grin.
"I remember," Orihime caught her breath as she started talking again. "us having so much fun and we did the stupidest stuff ever. My old brother, Sora, nearly choked on the very air he was breathing on once I told him I was boiling milk in a pan instead of using the microwave. Or the time when I got my period and he got me a diaper from the grocery store because he felt awkward to walk through the feminine aisle. Back in those days…I truly knew how to smile and laugh, ya know? It's like, as soon as you realize you're all alone in the world, everything seems so grim and you're like a grain of sand in the Mojave Desert. But the thing is, I don't want the wind to blow me in whatever way it wants. I want to be the one who's in control of my life, but nowadays, it honestly feels like my thoughts or what I have to say have no, like, effect on people, because they're too busy scowling and frowning down on people only to better their high-and-mighty selves. It's as if they don't even have the time to laugh anymore and…it makes me sad, to tell you the truth," She let out a deep sigh.
"But there are people who still smile, even in these times," I smiled as I placed a hand on her shoulder. "You just have to find them."
"But that's the thing! Sora was the only one who could make me smile but," She choked up as a stray tear ran down the side of her face, only to be wiped away by a hand. "But he's dead! He's dead, dead, dead, dead, dead! And how do you think I felt once I saw the bloody, shredded remains of his body in the street? How do you think that makes me feel, knowing that I'm all by myself? It's just not fair!" Orihime sobbed as the flood of despair started running from the corners of her eyes and streaked across her skin, ruining the makeup that had coated her face.
I felt a huge butcher knife of guilt stab me in the gut as she broke down like a choo-choo train. I couldn't just sit there and watch her cry, so I went over to her and offered the woman comfort and support while helping her out of her chair as she cried onto my shoulders. I didn't want to draw any more attention than we already did, so I took the quickest route out of the coffee shop and somewhere else.
After ten minutes of crying, falling, and walking, we got to a nearby park where we took a seat on the closest bench and the second Orihime let go of me, I let out a small gasp of relief at the weight taken off my shoulders (literally).
Once my ass sat down, I sighed as I closed my eyes for a moment to relax, hearing that the woman next to me was starting to calm down as well. It was then that it hit me that I have been here before; due to the all too familiar scent of the earthy foliage and trees. but I had forgot I left it on mute. I can't believe that I didn't recognize it when I had taken my first step in here—it was the exact same park that me and John had went to, making the sensation of nostalgia crash into me like a hurricane. I found it funny, considering that both of them had recuperated at the exact same park, while sitting in the exact same bench, and I had known them for less than 24 hours. Funny indeed.
My lips slowly parted in disbelief, and I was at a loss for words. I couldn't believe that I didn't recognize this place 'til now. It felt as if something had been blocking my senses, but I knew it was nothing to make a commotion about, so I quickly regained myself.
Orihime's sobbing had slowly ceased and I had noticed that her emotional stability had strengthened quite a bit.
"You feeling any better?" I asked with a small smile, but instead of replying with simple words, the ginger pulled me in for a brusque hug, which took me by surprise; but I returned it and patted her on the back, letting her know that she had a shoulder to cry on, even if the shoulder was small and tiny compared to said person.
"Thank you Rukia, for being there for me," She giggled as she relaxed and exhaled a deep breath, and I could somewhat sense that feeling of 'trust' established between us, despite knowing each other for only a couple of hours. A laugh came out of her mouth to shake off the uneasiness, but something overcame her the second she saw my necklace, and in her eyes, was greed.
"OOH, so pretty!"
"Don't touch it!" I hissed as I slapped her hand away from the pendant, staring at the fear-stricken look on her face, staring at me as if I was some kind of animal; but the funny thing was, I thought so I was one too. How in the world my rage flared up like that, I had no idea. But what really shocked me was how I didn't have the slightest ounce of remorse stinging through my veins, like I normally would. Of all of the things to be guiltless about, and this just had to be one of them. My heart and my mind were complete inverses of each other, and yet, I still had the balls to give a cold, icy glare at the woman.
"I didn't mean to snap at you," I apologized.
Lie.
"That necklace is just really important to me," I continued.
"I'll say," The ginger sighed with disbelief. "You were like a Rottweiler guarding its turf—nearly made me pee my pants."
Rottweiler indeed.
"But why?"
"Huh?" I asked stupidly, getting caught off-guard.
"Like, why is it so important to you? Was it like your great-granny's treasured necklace or did you just pick it up somewhere?"
"More like…somebody gave it me."
"Awh, that's too cute! Who's the guy? Wait, it is a guy, right?"
"I'm straight as a line, Orihime," I mumbled in a matter-of-factly tone.
"…Lines cans be curvy."
"Then I'm a friggin' ruler.
"Rulers can be bent, so-"
"I'm strictly dickly! Is that clear enough for you?"
"Yup!" She grinned, but what for, I had no clue. Kind of creepy, to be honest.
"So, who's the fellow?"
"Uhm," I stalled as my fingers toyed with the jewel, thinking of a delicate, simple way to explain, but I couldn't risk giving anything away that would make her suspicious. "My friend gave it to me."
"Ohoho, this isn't just any friend, judging by your reactions."
"It's…complicated."
"Rukia," Orihime groaned as she placed her hand on mine. Why are you being so timid about the fact that you like this guy? It isn't that hard, so I don't see why you're making such a big deal out of it," She shrugged.
Instead of slapping whatever makeup she had left off of her face, I smiled like the Cheshire cat and let a small, devious chuckle slip out and act as if that didn't just downright insult me.
"I think I'll decide on what to decisions I'll make that concern me and my friend, but thanks you for your output, even if it wasn't needed.
"Crap, I did it again," She whined as she put her hand through her hair, and I couldn't tell if this was an act or not, but she was starting to give me the creeps. "My emotions got the better of me again and now I feel like a complete bitch. I shouldn't have stuck my nose where it didn't belong."
It sure enough didn't belong there.
"So, I guess what I'm trying to say," Orihime continued as she bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Rukia, please forgive me."
After pausing for a moment to see if I should forgive the woman or not (because I had had it with people that day), I nodded my head. "You know, I appreciate you having the balls to actually apologize. It proves to me that you're real and that you're actually down-to-earth. So, I forgive you."
"Ah, yay!" She clapped her hands together with glee. "And I know the perfect way to make it up to you!"
"Oh?" I asked with interest.
"My friend's having this kinda party thing and they said I could bring a guest, and you're gonna go with me!"
"Uh, as nice as that sounds," I protest with my hands up. "I'm not really one for parties and-"
"Oh, come on! It'll be fun, I promise! Plus, I'll fell really guilty and bad and stuff if you don't go."
I let out a sigh of exasperation as I gave a shrug. "Fine."
"Yay yay yay yay yay!" The ginger squealed, giving me a hug so tight, I could barely breathe.
"Now, ifyoucouldjustletgo," I squeaked, getting an immediate release from the Hulk grip.
"Oh, haha, sorry," Orihime muttered sheepishly, with a slight blush spreading on her cheeks.
And what happened the second she uttered those words was something so surreal, so unbelievable, I'm not even sure for myself if it actually happened. I felt something move under my neck, and it wasn't until I saw my own pendant FLOATING in front of my very own eyes that I thought I was losing it.
"Orihime, don't move—there is a black widow on your neck," I fibbed so that she wouldn't catch the weird look on my face or my bizarre necklace dancing in the air.
"WHAT?" She shrieked, but remained still as a statue. "Get it off! Get if off! Get it off!"
"Be patient," I growled as I continued to stare at the jewel.
I was awestruck as a I was dumbfounded, but the only thing I could pay attention to was the glowing sphere, and inside of it, were two central swirls of light teal and a gentle baby blue, and they danced alongside each other, as if the two were in a tango of some sort, complimenting the other with each motion they made; and in between them, was a thin, barely noticeable current of silver dust that I could stare at all day. 'Blue topaz' my ass. This jewel, crystal—whatever—was not from this from Earth; I was damn sure of that.
"Uh, Rukia? Can you get if off me before I die by a spider bite?" Orihime asked nervously.
I had a mini panic-attack as the woman slightly raised her head, and instinctively, I plopped the pendant into my mouth with my cheeks blown out like a pufferfish. I then brushed off nothing off of her neck as she let out a scream of fright as she ran around in circles, wiping nothing but dust off of her shoulder and body. She then turned to look at me, and you can kinda imagine for what kind of reaction she gave me.
"Uh, you okay Rukia?" The ginger asked with a look on her face that literally read 'What the fuck are you doing?'. But instead of glaring daggers at her (since I knew I would be the exact same way if I saw me), I went with it and acted as if I wasn't making a complete fool of myself.
"Mhmm!" I hummed with my mouth closed.
"Oh…kay then. I'll pick you up later for the party."
I mumbled something unintelligible gibberish, all while still having the pendant in my mouth, and judging by the look on her face, I could tell she was having second thoughts about showing me to her friends.
"Alright, uh…I'll…just go then," She pointed away as she turned back one last time, seeing a stupid girl with inflated cheeks wave like an idiot back.
Once I was positive the coast was clear, I spat out the jewel, seeing a long, thin trail of saliva make a bridge between the edge of my lower lip and to the rim of the crystal, which made me let out an 'ew' instinctively. Then, gravity started to take effect on the necklace, making it return back to normal, leaving me more confused than ever.
After cleaning the gem with the hem of my shirt, I held it up between my thumb and index finger, bringing it up to the sun's light, and looked into the heart of the stone. It was then that I noticed that all of the weird and surreal energy and materia that had been swirling about had now frozen, and it was as still as, well, a stone.
It also hit me then that it wasn't the pendant's glossy that made the stone reflect the rainbow, but the dust inside of it instead, which now appeared like regular granite, but there was still one, small, speck of dust inside of it. I could've sworn I did not see this before. There was something off about this necklace, that much was for sure, but I was just as clueless as the next Joe.
However, there was one person who knew how or what this thing was—the exact same one who gave it to me.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg.
A/N: I betcha ya didn't expect a chapter so soon, now didja?
And before I continue, I'd like to thank my lovely watchers and reviewers for absolutely making my day. I love you all. You have no idea how much I love a review-even if it is short. I'd like to thank ~HeseSolistis, ~Rukes, and ~Falconrukichi for being so sweet on my reviews 3 Y'all are sweeter than a lump of sugar, I swear! But anyways, just letting y'all know I appreciate all feedback and the alerts and you all are so kind:D I would like to have more reviews, if possible(: Anyways, this one is kinda short, but I didn't want to cram all of the massive D-R-A-M-A that's about to happen in one chapter *cough cough like the first one* (OTL), so I'm breaking it down in parts. Just so y'all know, this comes BEFOREEEEEEE the previous chapter. It'll all explain itself soon. And on a side note, I am setting up a LIvestream account, and y'all can watch me type SP, LPF (Last Petal Falling-My Naruto Fanfic), and TNB (The Night's Bliss- Another Bleach fanfic) up live and I will be there personally, via chat, so you can talk to me one-on-one about what's going to happen and all that jazz. You can go to www. kanita-chan. deviantart. com and +devwatch me and I'll post whenever livestreams are on(: . AND NOBODY GUESSED WHAT ICHIGO IS! C'mon, people! Try! Reward is an insider! And remember:
READ AND REVIEW, PLEASE!
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