Date: March 28, 2012
Day: Wednesday
Time finished: 7:54:10 PM
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
Reminder: Please pardon my grammar errors since I'm so excited to post, I posted it immediately after writing. I've checked halfway though.
—You Are My Love—
A Bleach AU Fanfic
Written By: Mari Kia Aishiteru
Chapter 10
Love Triangles?
:: December 9, 2009; Saturday; 9AM ::
The four had been busy that morning with Rukia and Ichigo making coffees and Momo and Toushirou serving them to the customers. It was near 11AM when the coffee shop had finally deserted by people. The four were at the counter resting from the tired work. It was quiet but then was interrupted with the chimes chiming signaling that the glass door of the coffee shop had just opened.
The four looked at the newcomer and Rukia stood up seeing as nobody of her companions wanted to stand up to entertain the customer. She greeted with a wide smile as he near the counter. "Hello sir, welcome to our coffee shop. What do you like to order?" she asked politely.
The boy smiled at her and turned his gaze to a certain white-haired boy. "Hey, you are Hitsugaya Toushirou right?" he asked Toushirou making Rukia raised an eyebrow at him.
With the inquiry, Toushirou stood up and stepped next to Rukia and gazed at the guy with furrowed eyebrows. "Yeah, what do you want from me?"
"Toushirou-kun, haven't you remembered me?" he inquired again as he stared at him expectantly.
"Wait, I really do think that I've seen you somewhere…" Toushirou said as he put a finger on his chin as if in deep thought.
"Me too…" Ichigo added causing Rukia and Momo to look at him. "Then Shirou-chan must have known him." Momo said.
And then, Toushirou suddenly blasted. "Oh yeah! You're Kira!"
The yellow raven haired boy named Kira smiled widely at him. "Yeah, it's me."
"I thought you're in Africa with your family. When did you come back in Japan?"
"I just came back yesterday. And since I missed my best friend, I thought I'd come and say hi, only to know that he haven't even remember me…" he said with a sigh. Toushirou put his hands on his hips. "No way would I have forgotten you. You're like my brother to me when we were in preschool."
Kira laughed. "That's true too."
"So Shirou-chan, you're saying that he is your friend before we met?" Momo asked from her seat. Toushirou nodded at her.
Kira seemed to widen his eyes when he caught a glimpse of Momo. "Hey, Toushirou-kun, aren't you going to introduce me to your… friends?"
"Oh yeah, that's right. Sorry, this is Rukia nee-chan, Ran nee-chan's best friend and Ichigo nii-chan, you know him already right?"
"Oh yes, your cousin. Hello, nice to meet the two of you."
"Nice to see you again Kira." Ichigo nodded at him. "Nice to meet you too." Rukia said with a slight bow.
"And this is my childhood best friend. I met her when you moved out of Japan." Toushirou introduced as Momo bowed slightly with a smile. "Hello, nice to meet you Kira-kun, I'm Shiba Momo."
Kira was love struck. "Uh, Kira Izuru is my name but you can call me Izuru." He said softly as he stared at Momo in awe which Toushirou noticed. He glared at him but his friend failed to see it but Rukia did.
Soon, instead of Kira catching up with Toushirou, he was catching up with his childhood friend, Momo. They were at the table next to the glass wall while Toushirou with Ichigo and Rukia were at the counter. Rukia was wiping the wet glass cups behind the counter as Ichigo sat on the chair in front of the counter reading a hard bounded covered book while Toushirou was glaring at the poor table counter itself.
"I guess Momo likes the guy…" Rukia said causing the white haired boy to turn to her. Ichigo looked at her and then to the two who were chatting animatedly then back to Rukia. "Yeah, I think so too." He then gazed at his cousin who was refusing to look at them. "So Toushirou, I think you should confess to Momo soon."
"Eh?" Toushirou blushed slightly. "What are you—"
"Ichigo," Rukia's voice cut Toushirou's sentence. "I doubt Toushirou would have the courage to do that. He's so shy when it comes to my sister." She then gazed at Toushirou who was refusing to look at the two of them. Ichigo nodded at Rukia and gazed at his cousin. He sighed, leaning on the counter with both elbows on the table.
"You know Toushirou, you need to discard that bad attitude of yours. You're going to be the one who will suffer from it and you know it."
"True." Rukia agreed. "You know, I'll give you an advice but you probably know this since your childhood friends." Toushirou looked expectantly at her.
"Momo hates guys who failed to express their true feelings outright. So if I were you, I will already tell her what I feel before she 'fall in love' with that Kira." Rukia explained as she put back a glass on a tray that she was wiping with a clean towel.
Finally, Toushirou sighed heavily. "But Rukia nee-san, she only sees me as a friend…" he trailed off completely lost. Ichigo and Rukia looked at each other. That was as good as a confession: I love Momo.
Rukia suddenly offered to him a cup of cold chocolate coffee. Toushirou looked confused. "Drink it." Rukia said with a smile. "That might wake you up and make you realize that you're being a coward."
"Eh? I'm not a cowa—"
"Toushirou," Rukia cut him off. "Maybe she's just waiting for you to tell her what you feel about her... don't be pessimistic and be a man."
Ichigo chuckled at what she said. Rukia turned to him with a slight glare. "What is it?"
He shook his head. "Nothing."
Toushirou drank from the cup and gazed at it a while longer. He smiled lightly. "Thank you for your advices, Ichigo nii-san, Rukia nee-san." He said. "I'll think about it."
The two sighed and thought the same thing. This guy is hopeless.
He sighed. He was having a phone call with his best friend. He almost thought that something had happened to him because he won't answer his calls. And then, now, he suddenly called and told him what happened to him this past few days.
"I'm sorry Kaien, for not telling you that I went to U.S. It's an emergency…" his best friend said, his voice apologetic.
Kaien shook his head and smirked lightly. "It's okay. The most important thing is your sister is in good condition now."
"Thanks for understanding." He could hear the sincerity of his friend in the other line. Kaien chuckled.
"Daijoubu da yo baka. I have two younger sisters remember? That is why I understand you."
He could hear his grin. "So, you're going back in two weeks?" he asked.
"Yup! Can you please fetch me up in the airport?"
"Sure."
There was a silence. "Hey Kaien."
"What?"
"Can you tell Rukia to come too, when you fetch me up?"
Kaien could tell. His best friend likes, no love his sister. He smiled. Why not? He was his best friend and he was a great person. He was sure Rukia would be safe with him. But, the problem was… did Rukia feel the same with him?
"Alright, I'll tell her."
"Thanks Kaien!"
"You're welcome. Now, I need to go. See you?"
"Yeah, see you!" and the line went dead.
Kaien sighed. He didn't know how to tell Renji. Rukia seemed to be fond of her classmate, co worker and friend, Kurosaki Ichigo. He had helped him regarding their father. And he was a good guy too. If Kaien was to guess, there was something between those two. Maybe they haven't notice and realize it yet but… their bond seemed deep enough to overcome any bad things to come their way. He liked this Kurosaki Ichigo and was okay for him if Rukia ever choose him. But he knew his best friend would likely be hurt. And he didn't want that. He sighed heavily once again. Well, he guessed he just needed to see what would happen. And he would support both his sister and his best friend's decision. But of course, it had to be a decision that would be better for them and would make them happy.
"Performance will start in 5 minutes! Get ready, you guys!" Isshin's voice reminded them. They were still in the living room, practicing. They readied their instruments a little while ago so while waiting, they decided to practice the song they were singing while waiting for the time.
"Haiiiii!" the girls replied enthusiastically. They seemed happy. Toushirou was not in a good mood though. He was depressed. The girls stood up and walked out of the room to the coffee shop. Ichigo patted his head and followed. The white haired boy sighed and stood up to follow them.
Thus, the performance began.
Rukia: Change!
I won't be bent and I won't be dragged along
I want to stay honest to how I feel now
Change!
No matter how many times I'm reborn
I will embrace my sadness as I run…
Momo: I was sad when you betrayed me
But you couldn't catch me, I'm right here
It's not enough and there's no end to it
Try to distort me even more
Toushirou&Momo: (Infest) This is such a crazy world,
Sometimes it makes me lose sight of who I am
Do you want to leave the traditional ways?
Just don't make that decision for me
Ichigo&Rukia: I'm going down my own path
Just standing around here, waiting
Never try to start anything
Rukia: Change!
All: I won't be bent and I won't be dragged along
I want to stay honest to how I feel now
I won't let you have your way
Rukia: Change!
All: No matter how many times I'm reborn
I will embrace my sadness as I run
Never again will I return to your side
I'm going to do things the way I want to
I WANNA CHANGE!
After the performance, they all went to the counter to meet Kira who watched their performance. They all sat down.
"Wow Momo-san, you're great. I like your voice." Kira complimented.
"Thank you, Izuru-kun." Momo blushed slightly. They talked random things while Toushirou couldn't take it anymore and walked out of the coffee shop to the living room of the Kurosaki house. Ichigo saw him and made a move to follow him but Rukia held him back. He threw her a confused look but Rukia shook her head. "Leave him alone for now Ichigo."
"Why?" he asked. Rukia sighed.
"Look at those two." She nodded towards the two who was still laughing and talking and oblivious to Toushirou's disappearance. Ichigo felt bad and nodded. "You're right."
The coffee shop finally closed and the sisters were going home. They were all outside of the coffee shop.
"I'll be going Toushirou." Kira said to his friend. Toushirou nodded grimly. "Yeah, take care." He replied.
"I forgot something inside," Rukia said suddenly. "Momo, wait a minute."
"Hai!" Momo replied.
Rukia went inside and Ichigo followed her.
"Hey Momo, you're going home now too? Why don't we go home together?" Kira asked with a gentle smile.
Momo unexpectedly shook her head. "No thanks because I," she wrapped her arms around Toushirou's, literally hugging his arm making the white haired boy blushed. Good thing it was dark or they would see his bright red face. "…have already my bodyguard taking me home." She giggled. "Ne, Shirou-chan?"
"Y-Yeah…" Toushirou whispered. He wasn't sure if any of them heard him. Heck, he didn't even hear himself.
"Okay, I'll go ahead. Bye! See you!"
"Yeah! Take care Izuru-kun!"
And he was gone. Momo turned to her childhood friend with a smile. "Let's go?" Toushirou found himself nod. "Y-Yeah…"
Using their motorcycle, together with Ichigo and Rukia behind them, the two gentlemen took the ladies in their home.
:: December 16, 2009; Saturday; 2PM ::
Kira came in to the coffee shop while the workers were on their break. Rukia was wiping off the glasses clean. Ichigo was wiping off the tables. Toushirou and Momo were fixing the chairs in their right place.
When he came in, they greeted him and he sat down next to Momo and Toushirou at the counter who had just finished what they were doing.
"Momo?" Kira asked.
The girl turned to him with a smile. "Hmm?"
Toushirou's mood dropped back to 0. Rukia and Ichigo seemed to feel the cold atmosphere all of a sudden.
"Please go out with me! On a date!" Kira said hurriedly, but they all caught it. Rukia and Ichigo's eyes went wide as plates. Momo had her jaw dropped on the ground. And Toushirou…
Well, his mood dropped to a negative number. Ichigo and Rukia exchanged glances and shivered. The place just became so cold all of a sudden.
After Momo regained herself, she grinned as she replied. "Sure! Why not?" she shrugged. "It's only a date."
"Really?" He looked hopeful.
She nodded.
"Yes!" he cheered while Toushirou stared on the counter table. Well, more like glaring at the poor counter table.
"Come on!" he said.
"Right now?" Momo asked surprised.
"Yup!" she nodded.
"Nee-chan, Nii-chan," Rukia nodded with a slight smile as well as Ichigo. "Go Momo. We're going to be alright here."
"Thanks!" she turned to Toushirou and smiled. "Later, Shirou-chan." He didn't reply, instead he hopped down from his seat and walked out without another word. Momo looked clueless and confused. "What happened to him?"
"Don't think about him Momo, just enjoy your date with Kira-kun."
"Hai, ja ne!" and the two went out of the shop.
The two employees sighed heavily. "Poor Toushirou." Rukia said.
"Hmm…" Ichigo nodded.
After a few minutes, another people entered the coffee shop. "Hey guys!" he greeted with a cheerful voice.
Ichigo's eyes widened as the two walked towards the counter.
"Hey, Tatsuya, Orihime." Rukia greeted. "It's been a long time since you two visited here."
Orihime nodded. "You're right. Where are Rangiku and the others?"
"Oh, Momo went out on a date just now, Toushirou went outside for a walk, and Rangiku—" at this point, Ichigo left the counter quietly and went inside of their house in the living room. "—is in Korea."
The red orange haired girl gave her a confused look. "Why?"
"Her mother came here a few days ago… and said that she went back here to bring the siblings back with her in Korea but Toushirou was able to persuade her to not bring him so Rangiku was the only one who went back there."
"I see." She nodded. "It's such a waste I wasn't able to see her before she went away."
Rukia nodded too. "Yeah, true."
"Hey Ichigo." Tatsuya approached him. Looked like he noticed him went inside.
"I can't face her yet Tatsuya. It is still painful."
His friend sighed as he took the spot next to him and sat down. Just more time. More time to heal the wounded heart of his. He thought as he and Ichigo sat down in comfortable silence.
"Rukia, did Ichigo tell you something?" Orihime asked with a hopeful look in her eyes.
Rukia shrugged. "About what?"
"About me, perhaps?" she said as she stared at Rukia. The raven haired girl remembered her promise to Ichigo the night he told her that he was rejected by the girl he loves. She smiled at Orihime and shook her head. "He didn't tell me anything."
Orihime smiled sadly. "Oh, I see."
"Can I ask you one thing?" Rukia asked as she uncomfortably looked at her. Orihime urged her though. "Sure, what is it?"
"Why… why did you rejected him?"
"How did you know?"
"Well, he told everyone."
"Hmm…" she took a deep breath. "You know, ever since we were kids I knew. I knew his feelings about me, that he loves me. And I tried to love him as much as he does to me. But I just can't. I just love him as a friend, and I told him that when he told me his feelings. But it looks like I really hurt him… but I still don't want him to have false hope…"
Rukia smiled at her. "I see. I understand." Orihime returned the gesture kindly. "Thank you."
Tatsuya appeared in the coffee shop. Rukia saw him and approached. "Where is Ichigo?"
The guy pointed towards the door. "Inside."
She sighed and nodded as she turned to Orihime. "Go to him."
"Eh?" Orihime gave her a confused look. Rukia smiled gently. "This is your chance to talk to him. You need to fix everything. You guys are still friends." She pushed her back towards the door. "You need to gain your friendship back."
Orihime nodded with a grin. "Hm… you're right. Thank you, Rukia." And she went inside the living room.
"Hey, Kuchiki-san," Tatsuya called out when he noticed that Rukia was a little paler than usual. "Are you okay?"
"Oh yes. I am."
"Are you sure? You look pale."
"I-I'm alright. Really."
Tatsuya shrugged. "If you say so." He sat on one of the seats and busied himself with a magazine he found on top of the table.
Meanwhile, Rukia sat on the counter table chair and gripped her hands against her chest. She bit her lip as she tried to control her breathing.
I can't believe it will be this painful…
Orihime saw her childhood friend on the couch, with a serious expression on his face. She didn't know what to say to him at first but because of Rukia she knew. She realized Rukia was right. She needed to at least save their friendship. "Ichigo." She called out.
The orange haired guy didn't look at her but acknowledge her presence. "Orihime." a low voice said.
"I-I want to know… why are you avoiding me?" she asked, afraid of the answer.
"Everytime I see you… it hurts too much." He whispered. "So please let me by myself for now."
Orihime didn't have any choice but to let his wish be granted. She would do things later on. "I understand. I'm sorry, Ichigo." And with that she left.
Ichigo gripped his hands tightly until his knuckles became white. It's too much.
:: December 9, 2009; Saturday; 5:30PM ::
Kira brought Momo to the Clock Tower, the same place where Toushirou brought Momo before the departure of his sister.
"This place is really beautiful."
Kira smiled proudly. "I'm glad you like it."
Momo nodded. "Yup. The first time I've been here was when Shirou-chan brought me here."
The boy's smile faded and he sighed. "If only in knew you already came here before, I should've bring you to another place." Momo obliviously shook her head with a smile while looking at the view before her. "It's okay. I love it here anyway."
"Momo, I want to tell you something." He sounded serious so Momo turned to him. "What is it?"
"I… I love you." He said determinedly before the girl he fell in love with. Momo, on the other hand, looked shocked.
"Izuru-kun… I…"
"Shh…" he put a finger on her lips to prevent her from talking. "Whatever your reply is… don't tell me just yet. Think thoroughly first. I'll go back in the coffee shop on Wednesday. Tell me your answer to my confession then."
Momo sighed with a nod. "Come on, let's go back to the shop." He said with a smile. Momo couldn't help but return the gesture. "Okay."
Toushirou finally came back to the shop a few minutes before the performance. He was sweating. "Toushirou! You're finally back!" Rukia said with a relieved smile. "You okay?"
Toushirou nodded. "Hai."
Ichigo came from behind Rukia and smiled at Toushirou. "That's good."
Momo and Kira came to the shop after Toushirou but Kira didn't go inside and left. Momo greeted her coworkers. "Momo, where's your date?" Rukia asked with a curious look.
"Oh, he left already."
Rukia nodded. "Hmm…"
Momo sat next to Toushirou who was drinking a cold coffee and she noticed how tired he looked. "Shirou-chan, you okay?"
Toushirou nodded at her with a small smile as to not worry his childhood friend any longer. "I'm okay."
"Hey, Momo, tell me what happened on your date with Kira-kun!" Rukia told her sister. They were in Momo's room.
"Nothing happened, nee-chan." Momo said in a whisper. Rukia raised an eyebrow. "You're lying."
Momo sighed. "Momo…" Rukia's voice was threatening. "If you don't tell me I'll…"
"Mou~ nee-chan~" Momo whined. Rukia glared at her. "Just tell me."
"Fine." Momo gave up. "Well, he told me… he loves me."
Rukia's eyes widened. "Eh? What did you say in return?"
"I wasn't able to. He stopped me. He said I should tell him on Wednesday when he visited the coffee shop and that I must think about it."
"Why Wednesday?" Rukia asked. She found it weird. Her younger sister shook her head. "I don't know."
Rukia checked the calendar in her phone and gasped. Momo noticed and she gave her a confused look. "What's wrong nee-chan?"
"On Wednesday, it's December 20, Momo."
"December 20?" Momo suddenly grinned. "Oh yes! It's—"
"Toushirou's Birthday!" Rukia finished and Momo nodded excitedly. "I need to think of a gift."
"I have an idea Momo!"
"Hmm?"
"Let's have a surprise party!" Rukia proposed.
"Wow! That's a great idea!" Momo pouted as she thought of something. "Where will be doing it?"
"In our house! I'll tell Mom and Dad about it!"
"Okay! I'm sure they'll accept!" Momo said. Rukia nodded with a grin.
Rukia told their parents and they happily accepted the idea. They even volunteered for the food and all expenses. So the next day, when Rukia reached the shop, he decided to tell Ichigo about it.
"Ohayou Ichigo." She greeted him as he was sweeping the floor. He smiled at her. "Oh, Ohayou, Rukia."
"Where's Toushirou?" Rukia asked as she looked around. "He's still asleep."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah… why?"
"That's good, come on, I'll tell you something."
The two of them sat at one of the tables a few meters away from the counter table. "Momo told me something about what happened yesterday."
"Really?" Ichigo asked curiously. "What did she say?"
"Kira-kun seemed to propose to her. Momo said he told her 'I love you'."
Ichigo's eyes widened. "Eh? So fast?" Rukia nodded. "What did she reply?"
"Well, she said she was stopped by him and tell him what she really feels on Wednesday."
"Huh? Wednesday is Toushirou's birthday."
"We know. And speaking of it, we planned a surprise birthday party. Toushirou can't know about this. Will you help?"
Ichigo grinned. "Of course! So what's the plan." Rukia explained to him in low voice as Ichigo listened. After the explanation, Ichigo nodded. "Leave everything to me. I'll make sure he doesn't find out."
"Thanks."
Suddenly, the subject of their conversation appeared behind them. "What are you two doing?"
The two friends jumped in surprise. "Eh? Toushirou!" they both exclaimed.
"You scared us!" Ichigo stated. "How long have you been there?" Rukia asked.
"Just now. Why are you so surprised?" Toushirou asked. "Don't tell me you two are already together?"
"E-EH?"
"What are you talking about? We're just friends!"
"You're just cold. I'll prepare some hot coffee for you." Rukia said as she stood up.
"That's right! Me too please!" Ichigo added.
"Alright. Wait a minute."
Toushirou sat down next to Ichigo as he stretched his arms upward. "Ne, Ichi nii-chan, do you like Rukia nee-chan?"
Ichigo turned to him with wide eyes. "HUH? What are you implying? I just see her as a friend."
The youngster pouted. "Ahhh~ such a waste. I find you two great for each other…" Ichigo crossed his arms against his chest. "You're speaking like your sister."
"But it's true!" he said. "Are you sure you don't feel anything for her as more than friends?"
"I told you, nothing!"
Rukia accidentally heard their conversation and felt a pointed thing struck her heart. But she smiled as she made her way to them. "Here are your orders." She said playfully, offering them their coffees.
"Thanks Rukia."
"Arigatou nee-chan!"
"You're welcome…"
Rukia sighed as she watched them, particularly the man she thought she was falling in love with.
In two days, everything was prepared for Toushirou's surprise birthday party. They informed Rangiku about it and she cheerfully agreed. All of those things were executed behind Toushirou's back and he didn't even notice something different because all he could thought of was the day Momo would gave her answer to Kira. It seemed that Ichigo told him about it.
And finally, the day came. December 20.
Toushirou woke up that morning with one thing in his mind. Today's the day. The day Momo will tell him her answer to his confession.
He couldn't help but worry on what her answer would be. What if she loves him back? What if they elope? That last thought made him frown. That was the worst development. But Momo would never elope with someone she just met a few days ago, right?
He groaned and shook his head. "No point in dwelling with them now. I just need to wait." He muttered to himself.
"What are you muttering so early in the morning?"
"Eh?" He looked up to see his older cousin looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What's wrong Toushirou?"
"N-Nothing. I'm okay Ichi nii-chan."
Ichigo shrugged and nodded. "Okay. Just get up and get ready. We'll be late."
The white haired boy nodded. "Hai."
After the class that day, Kira was leaning on the school's gate, obviously waiting for Momo. The said girl took a deep breath and smiled at her companions. "See you later." she said as she ran towards Kira and they both walked out of their sight.
The two older teens glanced at Toushirou who had a faraway look on his face.
"Toushirou?" Rukia asked, gaining his attention.
"Eh?"
"You okay?" she gazed at him and put a hand on his shoulder. Toushirou smiled lightly, although Ichigo and Rukia could tell that he was forcing it.
"I'm okay."
"You sure?" Ichigo asked this time.
He nodded.
"Well then—"
"Ichi nii-chan, Rukia nee-chan, I'm going to do something so I'll just see you at home later."
"What do you—" Ichigo was cut off when the youngster ran off.
Ichigo and Rukia sighed.
"What do you think he will do?" Rukia asked as they walked home.
"Maybe he plans to be a spy and follow your sister and his friend?" Ichigo replied.
Rukia nodded slightly. "Hmm… that's a possibility."
"What should we do then?" Ichigo asked.
"Let's just call Momo and have her bring Toushirou to my house. He would have to go there since he always takes Momo home."
"Sou da na."
Silence ensued. Something was bothering Rukia so she broke the silence.
"Ne…"
"What?"
"Are you… okay?"
Ichigo turned to her slightly without stopping his steps. "What do you mean?"
"I mean… about Orihime."
He stopped walking for a moment. Rukia almost panicked. Why the hell did I ask him that? Of course he's not okay! I'm such an idiot!
"Gomen. If you don't want to answer, it's oka—"
"I'm okay."
"Eh?"
Ichigo walked again. Rukia followed beside him. "I said I'm okay. When I see her, I remember that night when she said those words but…"
She waited.
"But I've thought about it… that I must not dwell on the past. She might not love me as I love her but we're still friends and I don't want that to disappear. She's important to me." He said, with a small smile on his face. His amber orbs were shining with resolve. Rukia felt a painful clench of her heart but force a smile on her face.
"That's good. I'm glad you finally thought of that."
At least, he is doing well. That's enough for me.
Ichigo nodded. "Thank you Rukia, for being here for me."
Rukia shook her head. "No. We're… friends so it's only natural." She had to force that word out of her mouth. She didn't feel too good. Ichigo didn't notice it though.
"If something's bothering you, you can talk to me too. I'll do my best to help you." He said sincerely. Rukia let out a gentle smile.
"Thank you Ichigo."
Ichigo chuckled. "We'll go to your house now right?" Rukia nodded.
"Yeah, I'm sure Toushirou would search for Momo for now so let's get to do the plan…"
"Sou da na."
And they both went to Rukia's house.
It was near sunset. Toushirou ran around town, searching for his two childhood friends. He couldn't help but feel anxious, as if something was happening. Or was it just him?
"I'm going crazy if I don't find them soon…" he muttered under his shaky breath.
He turned around the block and continued to ran, head looking left and right.
In the park near the coffee shop, the two of them sat on the swing. Silence engulfed them and it was suffocating that Momo thought she had to break it off before she die.
"N-Ne…"
"Have you finally decided?" he asked, without looking at her. He had a passive look on his face and Momo couldn't read his expression.
"K-Kira-kun, I'm really glad to know your feelings for me. I appreciated them so much, believe me…" she glanced at him but he was just quiet so she just continued. She took a deep breath. Well, it's now or never.
"…I… am in love with someone else!" she said in one breath. Not too fast, just enough for Kira to hear.
Silence lifted in the air and Momo became uneasy as moment passed by. She couldn't say anything though. She knew she hurt him and she felt guilty about it. But what could she do? She needed to tell him the truth so he won't be hurt more. If she lie, the ones who would be hurt most was him and of course, her. And she never would want that to happen. Because he became her friend.
Momo was interrupted with her musings when she heard a chuckle next to her. She gazed at him and he was looking at her with a small smile. She furrowed her eyebrows which caused him to smile widely.
"Why… are you smiling at me like that?" Momo couldn't help but ask.
Kira looked forward, the smile still on his face. "I knew it."
"Eh?"
"I knew you'd say that."
"Why?" Momo asked. "I don't understand."
Kira took a deep breath and stared at Momo. "Momo-chan, you love Toushirou-kun don't you?"
Her eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"I could clearly see it in your eyes. You love him."
Momo bowed down her head and nodded. She couldn't hide it anymore.
"It's okay. Loving someone is not something to be ashamed of." Kira said and Momo turned to him again.
"Kira-kun…"
"Thank you for being honest with me. I appreciate you thinking about my own feelings." He continued. "I really like that about you, Momo-chan."
He stood up and the swing he was sitting on swayed. "Now I can go back home."
"Home?" Momo asked as she stood up from the swing too. "What do you mean?"
Kira turned around to face her. "I came here to see how Toushirou-kun is doing. Now I'm very relieved that he has a great friend like you by his side."
"Kira-kun… why are y—"
"I'm going back to Africa and stay there for good."
"Eh?"
"Momo-chan, please take care of him for me. He's a great friend and I owe him much when we were children."
"Really?"
He nodded. "I was being bullied when I was young. But, Toushirou-kun was always there to protect me and I was very happy."
"That's expected from Shirou-chan. He did that a lot for me too, when we were children."
"Right. He's just like that ever since."
He took a deep breath and patted her shoulder. That was when Toushirou arrived at the park. He was panting as he ran towards them.
"Momo!"
The two turned to look at the newcomer. "Shirou-chan!"
"Yo, Toushirou-kun."
"Kira—"
"I'm going back home to Africa and I don't know when I'll be back." Kira said looking straight at his friend.
Toushirou's eyes widened. "What?"
"I just came here to say goodbye."
"But—"
Kira walked towards him and in the process, patted Momo's shoulder with a small smile. Momo sighed and returned the gesture. Toushirou watched their exchanged curiously. But then, his friend continued towards him and playfully patted his arm. "Follow your heart my friend."
Toushirou tilted his head sideward, confusion clearly etched on his face. "Eh?"
Kira only grinned widely and walked away.
He looked at his retreating back confusedly. "What was that?" he muttered to himself. He felt a hand hooked around his arm. He gazed down in surprise. He saw his childhood friend smiled at her. "What are you doing here, Shirou-chan?"
"Um... well…" He didn't know what to say. There was no way he would tell her that he was curious of his answer to Kira. Momo could tell that he was arguing with himself so she just let him go.
"Thank you, Shirou-chan, for fetching me up in here."
"Eh? Um… y-you're welcome…"
Momo giggled. He's so cute when embarrassed.
"Let's go."
"Where to?"
"To my house where else?" Momo pouted at him. "Or you don't want to walk me home?"
"Uh no…" Toushirou rubbed his head. "Come on!"
And they walked home.
"Ne…" Toushirou couldn't help but ask about what she and Kira had talked about before he showed up.
"Hmm?" Momo asked as she turned around to face him. She continued to walk backwards. "Tell me if I'll bump on something okay?"
Toushirou nodded.
"So? What do you want to ask?"
"Can I?"
"Of course! What is it?"
"Um… what did you tell Kira?"
"How did you know about that?"
"Well, Rukia nee-chan told Ichi nii-chan and he told me…"
Momo smiled widely at him. "Are you jealous?" she asked teasingly.
Toushirou blushed. "W-Why do you think that!"
She giggled and he sighed.
"Actually, I told him I can't accept his feelings because I love someone else."
Toushirou's eyes widened as he stared at his best friend, shocked. He didn't know about that. And he felt as if his heart was sinking.
"W-Who?" he asked, afraid of the answer. Momo waved her index finger at him.
"Tsch. Tsch. Tsch. That's a secret." She said turning around.
"But—"
She stopped and he did too, to avoid bumping onto her back. She turned her head to him. "I'll tell you when I confess to him. I promise." She winked.
Toushirou glared at her. Momo stuck her tongue.
"Shirou-chan, let's just drop this topic and go home, ne?" she said as she walked forward.
He sighed and walked after her. "Yeah yeah."
"See you tomorrow." Toushirou said as he attempted to go back the street. Momo grabbed his arm. "Wait!"
He looked at her confused. "What is it?"
She smiled sweetly. "Why don't you go inside for a bit? I could offer you some refreshments…"
"Ah, no, I'm okay. I just need to go home now."
"Ehh~ why? Please Shirou-chan!"
"Momo…"
"I won't call you 'Shirou-chan' if you accept! Please?"
He sighed. And then she knew she won.
"Come on! Come on!"
"Geez!" he whined.
When they went inside, Toushirou was confused as to why it was dark. Momo led him to a hallway that was lit by dim lantern. "Momo, what's going on?" he asked.
"I don't know… but interesting isn't it?" she said with a giggle.
He shook his head but followed her lead. Soon, they stopped in front of what it seemed like a sliding door.
"What's this door for?" he asked again.
"This leads to the garden…" Momo said and she pushed Toushirou forward. "Eh? What?" he inquired.
"You open it. That door is really heavy to slide."
"Why me?"
"You're the only one in here besides me! Who else I would ask to open it?" she said as if telling him he was an idiot.
He sighed deeply and nodded stiffly. "Yeah yeah." He slid the door with one swift movement and his eyes, for some reason, met a bright light. He unconsciously put his arm on his face. "What the heck?"
"Shirou-chan! Open your eyes!" He heard Momo said next to him.
"But the light hurts my eyes baka!" he retorted.
"It's okay!"
He put down his arm and opened his eyes. It immediately widened to see the people in there.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
He was shocked. "Eh?"
"It's not 'Eh?'" Momo said as she patted his back.
"Is it really my birthday?" he inquired with a blink.
"You forgot about it didn't you?" Ichigo asked with a smile.
"I couldn't believe you totally forgot your own birthday…" Momo said as she shook her head.
"Of course, because the only thing that he is so focus on today is Mo—" Rukia was cut off when Toushirou clumsily put a hand on her mouth. "Hmpp!"
"It doesn't matter anymore that I forgot because I have you guys who reminded me of it. Thank you." He said sincerely and a smile forming on his face.
"That's a noble thing to say Shirou-chan!" Momo said as she giggled.
"You just said that if I went inside with you, you won't call me that anymore."
Momo pouted. "Sorry, I lied!" she then laughed.
He playfully glared at her. And Momo stuck out her tongue again. Ichigo and Rukia just watched their exchange with smiles on their faces.
"Kids, that's enough!" Isshin said.
"We're here to celebrate you know!" That was Yoruichi.
"They're right." Momo said. She grabbed Toushirou's arm and dragged him towards her parents and Ichigo's father who were preparing food.
There weren't too many people in the celebration, just the few people who knew about the surprise party and of course, it was Rukia and Momo's parents, Ichigo's father, Tatsuya, Orihime, Ichigo, Rukia, Momo and of course, Toushirou.
They ate, sing, play games and all of the fun things they had thought of. Toushirou also spoke with his family in Korea using Rukia's laptop. They showed him that it was snowing in Korea that night. And it made him a little envious. He loved snow so much after all.
"I wonder why it isn't snowing yet in here. It should be snowing at this month." He said to Momo who was next to him on the bench. The adults were talking about something only they knew of. Rukia and Tatsuya were playing cards and Ichigo and Orihime were talking in low voices.
"I'm sure it will snow soon. Christmas is coming soon so don't think about it and wait." She smiled at him.
"You're right." He smiled and nudged her side. "Thank you so much Momo, for doing something like this…"
"It's not just my idea. Rukia nee-chan and Ichigo nii-chan participated in it so it's not just me you should be thanking."
"I see. I'll thank them too then."
Momo grinned.
"Ichigo, what… do you want to talk about?" Orihime asked. She was surprised when he approached her and asked her if they could talk. She knew he was still hurt about she had rejected him and she felt guilty about it. And to talk to her just like that she was really surprised.
"Orihime… I just decided to forget everything that happened and moved on. It's not your fault that you don't feel that way about me. But you know, I don't want to lose you. You're an important friend to me. I don't want to lose our friendship."
"Ichigo…"
"So, can we start again?" he asked, offering his hand. "Friends?"
She looked at it and then at him. She could tell he looked determined. His eyes said it all. She smiled softly and grabbed it. They shook it slowly. "Friends."
They chuckled at each other.
"I thought you won't talk to me again. I felt guilty about it." She said with a faraway look.
"Don't blame yourself. It's not your fault. Let's just forget about it 'kay?"
She nodded. Ichigo smiled.
Rukia saw their movements towards each other. How she smiled at him, how he smiled back. How he offered his hand, how she grabbed it. They suited each other. She could understand how he fell in love with her. She looked perfect. But then, what about her? He was kind, handsome, understanding, caring and all but why couldn't she fall in love with him? She really wondered about that.
But, as she continued to watch them, her heart was slowly sinking. Going deep. Deeper. Deepest of her chest.
It hurt her to see them like that. But what could she do? He loved her. Even though she couldn't return those feelings, she knew he wouldn't forget her. It was hard. She knew. She couldn't do anything about it. All she could do was to look at him from afar and watch over him. That was all.
He was nothing but a dream that would never come true.
Rukia sighed. Pointless thoughts. Hopeless feelings. Forget it to prevent being hurt even more.
But she knew herself. She could never forget. She fell in love.
She fell in love. Hard.
"Uncle, Auntie, thank you so much for today. I'm really happy. I appreciated your efforts." Toushirou said with a smile.
"No, it's okay. Don't worry about it. Be happy okay?" Yoruichi said. Byakuya was already in their room resting.
"Hai!"
"See you tomorrow then." Momo said with a smile.
Toushirou nodded. "Yeah, thank you Momo, Rukia nee-chan."
Rukia shook her head with a grin. "No worries!" She then winked. "Goodnight!"
"Goodnight!"
Ichigo, Isshin, Toushirou, Tatsuya and Orihime boarded in the cab to get them home. Orihime and Tatsuya were both dropped halfway since Orihime's condominium was around Tatsuya's house.
"Toushirou, what did Momo gave you?"
"Eh?"
"What 'Eh?'" just answer the question. She gave you a gift earlier right?"
"Well, yeah."
"Then what is it?" Ichigo asked curiously.
Toushirou rummaged in his school bag and found a box. "Here."
"Oh, this is it?" the orange haired boy asked. "Can I open it?"
"Sure, I saw it already."
Ichigo opened it and smiled. "Woah. This is quite cool."
His hand caressed a small silver necklace with a small dragon as a pendant.
"Yeah, I really like it."
"Why don't you wear it?"
"I'll do that tomorrow."
Ichigo gave him a smirk. Toushirou was confused. "What?"
"Nothing." Ichigo lay down on his bed after giving back the box to his cousin. The latter stared at it and smiled.
Thank you, Momo.
Song/s Used: Change by Miwa
A/N: Waaahh! Yokatta! Dekitta! YAY! BANZAI!
Aahh~ Tsukareta~~ I'm sorry for the long wait! I'm really busy but I found some time to write. I'm quite motivated thank you! :)
It's because of you guys who continued to review and cheer me up! Thank you!
Review please! I hope you like this chapter!
POLL IN MY PROFILE: I have a poll in my profile, please vote~! Thank you!
Next Chapter: Will Ichigo finally realize who the person that his heart really shouts was? Well, look forward! LOTS OF ICHIRUKI! Christmas Eve~!
Yours Truly,
Mari Kia Aishiteru.