1 week before the big date
May 13th 2014
Ichigo could hear the classical music playing lightly in the house.
With his eyes closed. He knew he would wake up in Rukia's room.
Opening his eyes he glanced at her alarm, 7:15am it read.
And just as he expected , a sharp knock and a shout "Lady Rukia. It's time to get up."
07:20am.
Every morning he woke up in her body, it was the same routine.
Get up, have breakfast with Bya-brat , ride to school with Momo, endure the female classmates that Rukia was in class with, avoid Renji, get back home, take the stupid classes nobles had to take , eat dinner and go to bed.
Occasionally, Ichigo would sneak out and venture the town.
It was literally in the middle of nowhere.
Rukia had every right to want to get the hell out of here.
Sometimes he wondered why she hadn't yet. Allthough, Momo did mention her running away once.
"I wonder where she went" he thought.
He couldn't imagine her midget self in another town, far away from home.
But then again , he could. He could picture her smiling on a train, eating candy ,letting her hair fall loose on her shoulders and the city air breathing around her.
Yes , her beautiful eyes would be looking down at the city from the highest cliff she could find.
And he would be there. Showing her around the city, probably getting his ass kicked by her too.
But he wouldn't mind, cause all he wanted at this point was to be able to be in the same place, at the same time with her.
"I should quit being a wuss and just ask her out already. " he thought.
Sighing, he got dressed and tried not to stare at Rukia's body. He couldn't even think about what she did in his body.
"Ahh dame. " he flushed shaking the embarrassing thoughts away.
A sharp knock.
"Rukia ? It's me."
Ahh. Rukia's mentor. An elder Kuchiki by the name of Choi.
" You may enter" he said.
"No school today. I need to take you to the Temple." Choi stated.
Ichigo rose his eyebrows in surprise. Temple ?
Oh that's right. This big ceremony that Rukia's been taking classes for . A preparation for a offering.
Ichigo thought this town was nuts enough but now he thought so even more with their old traditions.
He would be lying if he didn't say it worried him. What if they slice her wrist too deep? He silently shuddered.
" Hai" he said respectfully bowing towards Choi.
...…
The walk to the Temple wasn't too far.
Walking uphills towards the mountains, Ichigo could see a man made pathway had been formed.
"Rukia. Do you know how important this ritual is ? " Choi suddenly said.
Ichigo wacked his head for information. Dammit. He should've paid more attention.
" It is said that the ritual of the Hell Butterfly every year brings a special hour called the "Magic Hour." Our ancestors for decades have been guardians of this Temple and we represent the village Rukia."
"It is very important that only virgin blood be collected and offered to the gods my dear. " Choi daringly said.
Ichigo blushed.
"Of course I know that Elder Choi. " he assured her.
"Good. Although I know you are not a blood Kuchiki, I can feel in my soul that the gods will accept your offering. And Many times being guardians of this Temple comes with great benefits and life changing experiences."
"Does it now? " he thought.
"You will see my dear. Now let's get going. We shouldn't disturb the gods too much. " Choi rushed her along.
...
Back at Rukia's House, Ichigo left her a note letting her know of what Choi had told him.
Just in case the person who they spent time with asked or brought up anything, they often left notes for each other about their day.
Although Rukia loved to draw that hideous Chappy bunny on his body often to piss him off.
And she threaten him lots of times through their notes because of his rude behavior at school.
Ichigo would've never imagined this happening in his life.
He was glad. Not that he would ever admit to it. He wished again he could spend time with Rukia at the same place and time.
Which reminded him.
Grabbing her cellphone, he dialed Momo's number.
" Hey Rukia, what's up?" she answered.
"Hey Momo , weird question but why did I run away that one time?" he asked. Might as well get it over with.
Plus he was very curious.
" Uhh okay? Why are you asking me for? "
"Just answer the question Momo" he was getting impatient.
"Ok ok geez. Don't bite my head off."
" Sorry , I'm sorry Momo."
"Well what time are you referring too exactly? Younger you or one week ago you?"
"One week ago? Rukia didn't mention that...
" One week ago me."
"Let's see, you ran away to Karukura Town to meet someone important. You said he meant alot to you. Then Byakuya found out and immediately went to fetch you. And hey when I asked what happened between you and him , you ignored me! What was that about?"
A guy?
She went to meet a guy?
Ichigo felt a sting in his chest.
"Rukia ? Helloo ~"
"Uh yeah Momo, thanks bye."
"What? Wai-"
He hung up.
Ichigo had never felt this feeling in his chest before.
17 years old. Was this heartbreak? Jealousy?
He didn't like it.
Dammit.
What are you hiding Rukia?