Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
Reminder: Please pardon my grammar errors and typographical errors. :)
Summary: Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia: Started as enemies, then became best friends. Join these two as they juggle their school works, coffee shop job, live performance, friendship and of course, love lives. It was always part of the equation. IchiRuki, HitsuHina
…
—You Are My Love—
A Bleach AU Fanfic
Written By: Mari Kia Aishiteru
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Last time in You Are My Love…
Rukia, together with Momo and Toushirou, confront Renji only to be in danger. Ichigo, with his father's encouraging words, decided to believe in Rukia only to be called by Momo that they were in danger. He rescued them as Renji surrendered for the while being but promised to come back for Rukia.
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Chapter 18
The Arrival of my Cousin
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The hospital had always been so busy. The nurses and doctors were always in a hurry. That was why Ichigo hated being in a hospital. But for now, he could ignore it because…
Rukia needed him.
He leaned his forehead on his hands as he waited outside the room where she was being healed. Toushirou and Momo sat next to him. Momo couldn't sit still, worried about her sister as Toushirou tried his best to calm her down.
Meanwhile, he couldn't believe himself. He had doubted her thus, this incident happened.
It was his fault.
He bit his lip. If only…
If only he had believed in her in the first place, this wouldn't have happened.
He was cut off out of his self-pity when the doctor asked for the family of the patient. They all stood up as Momo stepped forward. "I'm her younger sister. How is she?"
The doctor smiled at them. "She's okay now. Though she lost a lot of blood, she has to rest here for a few days for observation."
"Thank goodness. Thank you, sir."
"May I talk to your parents?"
Momo smiled. "They are on their way here."
"I see." The doctor nodded. "Please tell them to see me as soon as they arrived."
"Yes, sensei." Momo replied with a nod. She squinted her gaze at the doctor as she asked, "Uh… can we see her?"
"Sure. She's still sleeping though."
"Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome."
…
Seeing her on the bed like that was making him guilty even more. Ichigo couldn't bring himself to see her in this state so he left the room. Toushirou looked at Momo and the girl knitted her eyebrows in concern. "Shirou-chan… Ichigo nii-chan is…"
The white haired boy nodded. "I'll talk to him."
Momo smiled. "Okay."
He then left the room to follow his cousin.
The young Shiba looked at her sister and held her hand. "Nee-chan… he loves you… so much." She smiled. "You're so lucky to have him."
…
He found him on the garden, sitting on the bench. He could see his vulnerable back. He sighed. He walked towards him and sat next to him without saying anything to the orange haired's surprise.
"Toushirou…"
"Nii-chan, we know you're blaming yourself." He said as he stared at him. Ichigo refused to look at him and stared in front of him.
"Yeah, it's my fault. If I believed in her in the first place, this wouldn't have happened."
Toushirou sighed. "Ne, nii-chan, would you like to know what really happened that night?"
Ichigo looked at him. "You knew?" He nodded. "Renji told us."
The orange haired cousin looked away. Toushirou continued to talk without waiting for his consent.
…
"So… you are saying that Renji and Orihime conspired to break us apart?"
"Yes, Orihime-san love you so much as well as Renji-san to Rukia nee-san. That's why they did this."
"That's…"
"It's insane. This kind of love." Toushirou voiced out. "But, for me, it isn't love." He stared at his older cousin. "Because if they really love you, they wouldn't do anything to hurt you and they would have been happy just to see you happy."
Ichigo stared at his cousin. Toushirou smiled at him.
"After all… love is all about sacrifices."
Ichigo blinked. Then, afterwards, he laughed. Hard.
"What?" the white haired was surprised.
"You're funny Toushirou. I can't believe you said that!"
"Why? Isn't it true?" he asked, confused by his reaction.
Ichigo chuckled. "Well, you're right." He then stood up. "Ah~ I feel much better now." He turned to him with a gentle smile. "Thanks."
Toushirou smiled. "You're welcome. Now, go to Rukia nee-san. She needs you."
The orange haired cousin nodded as he run towards the building.
"Actually, I don't know where that come from." The white haired boy muttered as he stared at the back of his older cousin.
…
Ichigo slowly opened the door. "Ah, nii-chan." Momo greeted with a smile as she stood up. Ichigo walked towards her. "Did she wake up?"
Momo shook her head. "Not yet. Probably waiting for you." She replied playfully and winked at him. Ichigo smiled and bowed his head. "Momo… I…"
"It's not your fault."
He looked at her, finding her smiling up at him. "Thank you, for saving my sister."
The orange haired boy nodded at her. "You're welcome."
"Well…" Momo walked towards the door. "I'll wait for mom and dad by the front door. Please look after nee-chan."
"Yeah." He said. "Thank you, Momo."
She turned to him and gave him a peace sign with a grin on her face. Ichigo chuckled.
"See you later."
"Yeah."
He turned to Rukia and walked towards her bed. He sat down on a chair next to the bed and held her hand. He stared at her sleeping face and smiled painfully.
"I'm sorry Rukia. I'm so sorry."
He kissed her hand as he closed his eyes.
"I thought… I told you that it wasn't… your fault."
His eyes opened and he stood up from his seat. "Rukia! You're awake!"
She smiled. "Yes, I am. Stupid."
"Thank goodness." He said, sighing deeply. He looked relieved. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay."
"I'm glad."
Silence enveloped the couple as Rukia sighed. She knew he was blaming himself for what happened. So she thought of a way to make him feel at ease. "Ne… Ichigo?"
"Hm?"
"I love you."
He stared at her as she smiled brightly at him. He knew what she had wanted to do and he appreciated her efforts to make him happy. He smiled gratefully at her. "Rukia…"
He embraced the girl he loves so much tightly as he whispered in her ear. "I love you too. Thank you."
She hugged him back with a gentle smile.
…
After two weeks, Rukia finally got out of the hospital. Her leg wound wasn't completely healed yet so it was bandaged. Good thing, she could walk properly with that wound but not for long. She would be easily tired walking for too long. Her waist wound was the same but she could manage.
So, after she got discharge from the hospital, she was already in the coffee shop and helping but just behind the counter. Ichigo banned her from moving around in fear of hurting herself to which Toushirou and Momo found romantic and Rukia, annoying.
But, the raven haired woman couldn't do anything since her movements were truly limited for now. So, she could only sigh by the counter.
It was already in the afternoon and as usual, customers were only a few at this time. That was why they could have the time to lazily talk by the counter.
"So, do you have any news regarding Ran?" Rukia asked. "She haven't been calling me these past few days."
"Mom said she's fine. She's been studying music there."
The Shiba sisters were surprised. "Really?"
"Yes. I don't know why she suddenly… but… she's busy so she doesn't have the time to call. She told me to tell you, Rukia nee-san."
"Ehhh~ I think your sister is hiding something."
"Hm?"
"What do you mean, Rukia?" Ichigo asked.
"Well… Ran isn't the type to just do something out of whim. If she wants something, she'll do anything to have it. You guys know that the most."
"Hm… now that you mention it… but Ran nee-chan didn't tell me anything more and I don't want to force her."
"Don't worry, Toushirou, she'll tell us when she's ready."
"True."
Suddenly, the bell from the door rang signaling an arrival of a customer. "Welcome!" they all greeted, staring by the glass door.
A girl with curly long blonde hair appeared. She wore a blue sundress and black sandals. She was smiling from ear to ear as she walked towards them. Rukia and Momo's eyes widened in recognition of the girl. It had been a long time since they saw her though.
"M-Momo… is that…" the raven haired older sister pointed, trembling in surprise.
The younger Shiba continued to stare at the girl and with stuttered words, she said, "L-Luna-chan?"
"Momo!" the girl leaped into the arms of Momo who let out a big smile and embraced the girl in return.
"It's you! I missed you!"
"I missed you too!"
Rukia sighed, arms crossed as she stared at the two. "I can't believe she's here."
"Um…"
"Hm?"
"Rukia nee-san, who is she?"
"Oh, sorry for that." She introduced the girl to the boys as the two younger girls pulled away from their embrace.
"Boys, this is Shinzaki Luna. Our cousin."
Luna bowed. "A pleasure to meet you."
Ichigo and Toushirou mimicked her actions. "Ah, Kurosaki Ichigo. Nice meeting you as well."
"He is Rukia nee-chan's boyfriend!" Momo piped in happily.
Luna's eyes widened. "Woah! I'm happy for you, Kia nee!"
Rukia laughed awkwardly. "T-Thanks, Luna."
The black haired girl noticed the white haired boy and pointed to him. "And you are…"
"Hitsugaya Toushirou. Nice to meet you, Luna-san." He smiled at her. Luna stared at him wide eyed and blushed. Her heart beat wildly against her chest. Wh-What is this? I-I can't take my eyes off him. He's so cute. She thought, mesmerized.
"Hello? Luna-chaaaaan!" Momo waved her right hand in front of her face to get her attention. "Ah, Momo-chan."
"Is there something wrong?"
She laughed. "No, it's nothing. Sorry."
"Come, let's sit down and talk. It's been a while."
"Sou da ne."
…
"So, Luna, where do you live right now?" Rukia asked. They sat by the table near the counter. Ichigo and Toushirou managed the shop as the three girls catch up.
"Actually, Uncle Byakuya knew that I'm here so he offered me to stay in your home until I go back to America."
"Really? That's great! We will be having a lot of fun every night!" Momo happily commented. She was enthusiastic to be with her cousin. They were really close since childhood. They could only meet every summer though, because Luna lived with her family in America.
"Why are you in Japan then?" Rukia asked again in curiosity.
"Ah, because I really want to see Momo-chan. Father let me come in here with the condition that I will only stay for a week."
"Ehhh~" Momo pouted. "What a waste. I want to be with you for a long time."
Luna giggled. "Sorry, Momo-chan."
"Then, why don't you tour Luna in the city, Momo? I'm sure she'll enjoy shopping and walking around with you." Rukia suggested with a smile.
"That's a great idea nee-chan!"
"But, you have to be back before the live, got it?"
"Hai hai, I know!"
Luna's face contorted with confusion. "Live?"
"Ah," Momo turned to her. "We perform live in this coffee shop."
"Eh~" she nodded in understanding. "You sing? That's great! I'm looking forward to that!"
Momo laughed. "Yeah, we'll be doing that tonight. For now, let's go hang out!"
She pulled Luna and ran to the entrance. "See you later guys!" and they were off.
Rukia shook her head. "Yare yare. She's too excited."
"Where are they going?" Ichigo asked, standing next to her. Rukia glanced at him. "Ah, Momo is going to tour her around the city."
"Eh~ then, you'll help out here?"
"Yup."
"Then stay behind the counter. Remember to—"
Rukia rolled her eyes as she cut him off. "Hai hai. Don't move too much. Be careful. Blah blah blah." She glared at him. "Ichigo, I'm not a child."
"I'm just—"
"Hai hai, worried, I know." She sighed. "I'm okay now."
"But—"
"No buts."
"Rukia?"
"Yes?"
"Can you please stop cutting me off in the middle of my sentences?"
She stared at him and laughed at his annoyed expression. "Don't laugh!"
"Uh, guys?" Toushirou chimed in. "Please stop flirting."
They both turned to him with a glare which took him aback. "We're not flirting!" they both replied, half shouting.
"Don't copy me!"
"No, you're the one who's copying me!"
"What was that!"
Toushirou sighed. "You call that not flirting huh…?" he mumbled as the bickering continues.
…
Momo brought Luna to different places in the town. They went to mall for shopping, buying things and souvenirs for Luna's family in States. Momo also brought her to the best restaurants and arcades so that they could relax. They did many things and that was the reason why currently, they were sitting on a bench at the center of the town square. People were passing by and a big fountain was displayed. It was almost 6PM according to the big clock stationed there, but it wasn't noticeable since the sun hadn't set.
Momo sighed with a smile. "Ahhh~ I'm tired."
Luna looked at her with a giggle. "But it's fun, isn't it?"
The Shiba girl nodded with a laugh. "You're right. It's been a long time since we last did this. I really missed you, Luna-chan."
"I feel the same way too, Momo-chan. I don't have many friends in my school in States that's why I really missed doing things like we did today."
Momo stared at her. "Why?"
The blonde girl shrugged. "You know, being a heiress of a noble family is difficult. They are afraid to mingle with a noble. The usual."
Momo's eyes filled with sadness. "Luna-chan…"
The girl smiled at her brightly. "But it's okay. Don't worry about it. I don't care about that anymore."
"I see." Momo stood up and nodded determinedly. "Then, let's have wonderful memories before you go back!"
Luna gazed at her cousin. "Momo-chan…"
Momo turned to her and grinned. Luna stood up and hugged her. "Thank you, Momo-chan."
The young brown haired girl returned the gesture. "It's alright. You know I love you, Luna-chan."
"Me too, Momo-chan. Me too."
…
Luna sat still in her seat while waiting for the four to perform. She was looking forward in hearing her cousins. Not only that, she was curious about the white haired boy. What was his name again?
Ah, right. Hitsugaya Toushirou.
He looked so cute and cool. She couldn't take her eyes off him. It was love at first sight.
Yes, she fell in love with him.
He was a mystery. She wanted to get to know him. More.
That was why she was here.
Don't get her wrong. She was also here for her cousins, but still, she couldn't help but feel attracted to that… boy.
The lights turned off and the curtains went up. Finally! They are going to start. She thought.
She saw her Kia-nee by the keyboard but with a microphone in front of her. Her boyfriend, Ichigo nii-san, was holding a guitar and standing near her. Momo stood at the opposite side of the stage and holding a bass guitar. A microphone stand in front of her and the apple of her eye, Toushirou, was behind the drums, also a microphone in front of him just like everybody.
Wow. I think all of them are going to sing while play. I can't wait.
Soon, they played and the song conquered the stage once again.
…
Luna was overwhelmed. The performance was so great. Most especially, her crush, ah no, prospect boyfriend, Hitsugaya Toushirou was very good in playing drums and his voice, oh his voice. It sent tingles up her spine.
In short, she fell for him again. Hard.
After the performance, the group of four went down at the counter where Luna was waiting. Momo sat next to her and grinned. Toushirou sat next to Momo and Ichigo helped Rukia situate herself behind the counter before standing next to her.
"So, what do you think of our performance, Luna-chan?" Momo asked excitedly.
Luna tried to reply because she couldn't help but stare behind her cousin. "A-Ah, it's…" she gulped and looked at her cousin with a grin. "…it's great! I love your performance! I always knew you would be a great singer, Momo-chan. You love to sing ever since we're little."
Momo played with her hair and giggled. "Hehe, I'm embarrassed. Thank you Luna-chan."
"Momo," Toushirou butted in. "Why are you embarrassed? Shouldn't you be happy that she complimented you?"
"Well, I always sing but this is the first time I've heard that I'm great or something like that."
Toushirou's right eyebrow raised. "Really?"
Momo pouted. "Really. We've been together since childhood and you don't know that."
He just shrugged. "If you want, I'll tell you that everyday."
Momo's eyes widened. "Really, Shirou-chan?"
"Yes, yes."
The young Shiba glared at him. "Shirou-chan, don't tell me, you have an ulterior motive." The white haired boy turned to her quickly with wide eyes. "Idiot, why do you think I'll have that?"
"Well, it's not everyday you say something like that."
Toushirou lowered his gaze. "Well… now that you mention it, I have that."
Momo faced him. "What?"
"I… ate your ice cream in the fridge yesterday."
Momo's eyes widened. "WHAT! You are the one who ate it?" She stood up and Toushirou did the same, in order to escape. "W-wait, Momo?" He ran.
"Shi…rou…chaaaaaaan…" she uttered as she ran after him.
"D-Don't! I don't know that it's yoooooouuuuurs!" He ran outside the coffee shop and his childhood friend followed, yelling, "Give me back my ice creaaaaam!"
Luna stared at them and couldn't help but feel a little jealous. She like or even, love the guy and her cousin was openly flirting with him. What relationship did they have anyway?
"Kia-nee?"
Rukia looked at her cousin from her work. "Hm?"
"What's going on with Momo and Hitsugaya-kun?"
The older sister glanced at the two who were still chasing each other outside the coffee shop. "Ah, the both of them are childhood friends. They knew each other for so long."
Luna raised an eyebrow. "That's it?" she asked. "I think there's more than that."
Rukia nodded. "As expected from Luna. You always have good eyes." She was staring at what she was doing. "The truth is… I could see the hidden bond of those two. There is something between them that the two of them don't know. You know, the word 'love'."
Luna's eyes darkened. "Love?"
"Yes, I think they like each other for a while now. But they just don't know how to express it to each other."
"Hmm…" Luna stared outside once again. Momo finally caught Toushirou and she was giving him a headlock.
"They looked so happy." She mumbled.
"Hm? Did you say something, Luna?" Rukia asked, finally done with her coffee.
Luna smiled and shook her head. "Nothing, Kia-nee."
Rukia smiled. "I see."
The young blonde haired girl sighed and gazed at her cousin and her childhood friend.
"Love…eh?" her lips twitched and her eyes held sadness. A plan formulated in her mind.
…
That night, Luna decided to stay in Momo's room. That way, they could have their so called, girl talk.
They talked a lot of things. But, it finally came to Luna's apple of the eye.
"So, Momo?"
"Hm?
"Do… you like Hitsugaya-kun?"
Momo nodded to her. "Of course, he's my best friend."
Luna sighed and shook her head. "No! I mean… do you love him?"
"You mean… as more than a friend?"
"Yes!"
Momo's eyes widened in surprise. "N-No! As if! We're just best friends!" she replied. "There's no way!"
"Ehh~" Luna nodded with a smile.
"Why do you ask, Luna-chan?" Momo asked with a suspicious look.
"Well, I think…" Momo noticed that her cousin blushed. "I've fallen in love with him."
Her world seemed to stop. "What?"
"I said—"
"Why? How?"
The blonde shrugged. "He's so cool and looks mysterious. It's love at first sight. All I could hear is the fast beating of my heart the first time I laid my eyes on him." She replied, hearts in her eyes. She was in cloud nine, Momo could tell. This was the first time that she had seen her cousin like this though. But, why Shirou-chan?
For some reason, she was irritated.
Wait, why do I feel like this? She thought to herself.
"Momo, what do you think about him?"
"Hm?" she asked. "Why are you asking me?"
"You've been friends for a long time, right? That's why I'm asking you."
Momo sighed and thought of her long time best friend. "He's… unbrilliant." Smart. "He's… selfish!" So kind. "…Clumsy!" Cute. "…Liar!" Honest. "…and ungentlemanly!" Very protective.
Luna blinked. "Are you sure you're really friends?"
She nodded. "Yes, why?"
"Because you only gave negative points. What about the good ones?"
Momo took a deep breath and… "Wow!" she suddenly blurted, glancing at the clock. "Will you look at that, it's already late! I still have school tomorrow! Good night Luna-chan!" she said as she lay down on her bed and covered herself with her duvet.
Luna shook her head with a shrug and replied in a small voice. "Good night." She lay down as well, not noticing that her cousin was still awake.
…
The next day, after class, they were on their way home when they saw Luna in front of the school gates, probably waiting for them.
"Luna-chan? Why are you here? Do you need me for something?" Momo asked with a smile.
Luna smiled at her as she shook her head. "No, actually I didn't come here for you."
Momo stared at her confused. "Hm? Then…"
The curled blond girl walked towards Toushirou and smiled brightly at him. "Hi, Hitsugaya-kun!"
Toushirou leaned back. She was too close for comfort. "Eh… hello, Shinzaki-san."
"Don't be so cold. You can call me Luna!"
The white haired boy nodded slowly and gave her a small smile. "Then, you can also call me by my name, Luna-san."
"Then, Toushirou-kun… will you please go out with me on a date right now?"
"Eh?" the white haired Hitsugaya's eyes widened while the others present gasped a "What?!"
Momo's eyes were wide as plates.
Rukia and Ichigo glanced at each other.
"I want to get to know you more… that's why…"
Toushirou looked at Momo who was looking at her sister.
"Nee-chan, I'll go ahead."
Rukia turned to her sister. "Ah, Momo!" but she was gone already.
The white haired boy sighed and turned to his older cousin. "Ichigo nii-san?"
"Sure, we can handle the coffee shop."
Rukia nodded. "Take care you two. Have fun."
"Okay, let's go, Luna-san."
Luna skipped happily. "Yeah!"
They were off.
Ichigo and Rukia stared at their backs.
"What do you think, Rukia?"
"I think… we have a love triangle here."
"I think so too."
They both sighed deeply.
Another problem, one after the other.
…
Meanwhile, Momo continued to walk. She was pissed off. "Darn it!" she muttered, gritting her teeth.
Why does she have to fall in love with my best friend? Of all people! He's just a good for nothing… Argh!
And then, a date?! What the actual hell? Tsk! I'm really pissed off right now!
She was walking on the pedestrian lane but didn't notice a car coming towards her. She tried to move but her feet tangled with each other causing her to twist her right foot. The car came to a stop, something that she was thankful for.
But still, she twisted her foot. It was painful.
The driver, whose an old man, went out of his car and kneeled by the young girl. "Are you okay? I'm sorry I didn't notice!"
"I'm okay sir. No worries. It's also my fault for not paying attention."
"I think you twisted your foot. Let's bring you to the hospital."
…
The doctor said that just a few days of rest and she would be fine. The driver called her sister without her consent since Momo didn't want to tell her sister. The doctor had the name of the young girl so the old man was able to find a contact number of the girl.
Meanwhile, in the coffee shop, Rukia was so bored. Customers were not that many at this time in the afternoon and she was getting sleepy. Ichigo was cleaning inside the house that was why she was alone in the coffee shop.
A few silence later, her phone rang. It was an unknown number. She was confused but still, answered it. It might be important.
"Hello?"
"Good afternoon, do you know a girl named Momo?"
"Yes, sir. Who is this?"
"Ah, she's in the hospital right now."
Rukia gasped. "What? Why?" she asked loudly, causing Ichigo to come inside the coffee shop and walking towards her.
"Because she was almost bumped by a car. Don't worry she just twisted her leg that's why she's here but she's already fine."
Rukia sighed in relief. "That's good. Anyways, thank you for informing me. Where are you right now?"
"The Karakura Hospital."
"Okay, I'll go there. Thanks again."
She hung up.
"What happened?" Ichigo asked in worry, seeing his girlfriend in distress was alarming. The raven haired girl stared at her boyfriend. "Momo's in the hospital."
His eyes widened. "Why?"
"Almost bumped by a car." She replied while preparing to go out, Ichigo right behind her. "But she's already fine, just twisted her foot."
"It's good then."
"I have to go there." Ichigo nodded. "I'll go with you. Let's close the coffee shop for now."
Rukia nodded. "I'll just message Toushirou."
"Sure."
…
They were walking when suddenly, his phone beeped, indicating a new message. He read it and his eyes widened. "Luna-san! Momo's in the hospital."
Luna gasped. "What happened?"
"Ichigo nii-san said that she was almost bumped by a car." He replied. "But she's alright now."
Luna sighed. "Thank goodness. Then, let's continue our date." She said as she held his hand and walked but she noticed he just stood still. She looked at him. "What's wrong?"
"Luna-san."
The way he said her name, it sounded so serious. So...
"Let's go to the hospital to make sure she's okay." …determined.
Before she could reply, he was already running in the opposite way. Luna reached for him but he was not there anymore.
He looked so… worried about her.
She smiled sadly as she followed.
…
Momo thanked the old man for his help. She was sitting on the hospital bed. When he went out, she was bombarded by her sister. "Momo! You!"
"Rukia nee-chan! Wait!"
Rukia hit her sister on her arm. "How dare you make me so worried!"
"Ow! Nee-chaaan!"
"You deserve it! What are you doing! Wait until Father heard of this!"
"No! don't tell him please!"
She hit her again on that same spot.
"Nee-chan, stop it! My foot is aching!"
Rukia glared at her sister. "Am I hitting your foot? Or do you want me to hit it on purpose?"
"Nee-chaaaan! Stop it! I'm getting embarrassed!" Momo said with red cheeks, glancing at her sister's boyfriend.
Ichigo just smiled. "It's okay. I'm used to Ran scolding Toushirou so it's nice to see the both of you do it once in a while."
"You!" Rukia continued to hit her.
"Ow! Ah—nee-chaaaaaan! I'm sorry already!"
Suddenly, the door opened and Toushirou and Luna came in.
"Momo! Are you alright?" Toushirou asked in worry.
That was the least of Momo's concern. She felt something when they came in together. What was it? Irritation. Pang in the chest. Jealousy? Why?
"Momo-chan, what happened to you?"
The young Shiba girl let out a small smile and tried to ignore the wild beating of her heart. "Ask one at a time please!"
"First off, I'm fine. I just twisted my foot, that's all."
Toushirou nodded. "How's your foot then?"
"Just a few days of rest, it will go back to normal."
"Thank goodness."
"Good thing, the driver was kind enough to bring you here." Ichigo commented with a smile. Momo nodded. "I'm lucky, ne?"
"What do you mean 'lucky'? You almost died and you call yourself lucky? You…" Rukia said again, less pissed off than before. "That's why I told you to be careful!"
"Yes ma'am!" the younger sister saluted. Rukia rolled her eyes.
"Now that's done," Luna said. "We can continue our date now, ne, Toushirou-kun?"
The white haired boy glanced at Momo but she wasn't looking at him. He turned to his cousin. "Then… nii-san…"
Ichigo nodded. "Go." Next, he turned to Rukia. "Nee-san, please take care of her."
"Of course." Rukia smiled. Still worried about her, huh? She couldn't help but thought.
Toushirou looked at her. "Take care of yourself, Momo."
Momo turned to him. "Don't concern yourself over me. Just take care of Luna-chan."
They stared at each other for a while before the white haired boy slowly nodded. "Alright, we'll go now."
And they were off.
Rukia sat down as Ichigo leaned on the wall, overlooking the two siblings.
Silence ensued for a while but was cut off by Rukia. "You know, Momo… you have to show your feelings."
Silence.
Momo gripped the duvet on her lap. "Nee-san. I want to… but I can't. Before when I gave you advices, it seems like it is so easy to do… but now… I didn't know that it will be this hard. Now, I understand you. Because I am now here in this situation. I… realized that it is so hard."
Rukia stared at her sister.
"You know nee-chan, when I saw them walked in together, it feels like my heart is being squeezed. I couldn't breathe properly and all I could hear is the sound of my heart beating."
"Momo…"
"It hurts, nee-chan."
"Momo…" Rukia muttered, eyes wide. "You…"
Ichigo walked towards the both of them, stopping just next to his girlfriend. "…fell in love with him… isn't that right?"
The girl nodded. "I'm in love with him. But…"
The older sister gripped her sister's hand, causing Momo to look at her. "Momo, don't give up. You still don't know Toushirou's feelings for you. Whatever his decision may be, even Luna wouldn't be able to do anything about it."
Momo turned to Ichigo and he shrugged. "She already said everything."
The young girl laughed, causing the two teens to smile.
Ichigo patted her head and said, "Momo, just remember, whatever happens, we're right behind you."
"Nii-chan…" he smiled.
"Nee-chan…" she nodded.
"Thank you very much."
…
For the next few days, because Momo was still thinking of how to tell Toushirou what she felt for him, she was distancing herself from him and Luna. They were always going on dates and it infuriated her. She couldn't do anything about it but watched.
By the looks of things, she doubted that her best friend felt something for her as more than a friend. He was always together with Luna.
She didn't know what to do.
Toushirou felt the same way. He was feeling a little concern because Momo was not talking to her. When he asked her about her foot, she didn't even answer. He had to ask her sister to make sure that she was fine already.
What happened to her to make her ignore him?
He didn't know. Sometimes, he really didn't understand her.
It became like these for almost two weeks and he was already in his boiling point. He couldn't take it anymore. He had to know why she was acting that way.
It was the weekend. It was their break time when it happened. Something that changed their lives.
Momo sat on one of the table and cleaning her bass guitar. She was silent. Rukia and Ichigo was working behind the counter, experimenting coffees while customers were not around. Luna and him were on the stool in front of the counter, watching them.
Toushirou decided that it was a perfect chance to confront her.
With that in mind, he stood up, ignoring Luna's call and walked straight to his childhood best friend.
He sat across her. She ignored his presence, focusing on what she was doing. He bit his lip.
Calm down. I can do this. He chanted in his head.
"Momo, I think this is the first time I've seen you clean your bass guitar." He said, "Didn't you tell me before that you have someone to clean it for you?"
She didn't respond.
He was ignored. Again.
He sighed. Another one. Let us try a different approach.
"Momo… did you eat too many sweets again?" he waited for a reaction. "Because I think… you got… fat?"
He waited in anticipation but he was ignored. Again.
He felt a vein popped on his forehead. Okay, this has to stop. NOW.
He stood up.
"What is your problem?" he asked. Just like earlier, he was ignored. He felt mad.
"Momo! I said what is your problem!" his voice raised but he didn't care. She wasn't answering him. He was going to make her answer him right now.
"Why are you ignoring me?! Did I do something that make you angry? Tell me!"
The spectators by the counter just sat still.
"Are you angry at me?"
Ignored.
"Do you hate me?"
Ignored.
"Oi! Answer me!"
She stood up, head low. She turned around and walked towards the door. Toushirou followed her with his eyes as he inquired, "Where are you going?"
Ignored still. She continued to walk.
Toushirou bit his lip. Okay, it was now or never.
"Are you jealous?"
She stopped.
Alright, continue.
"Why aren't you saying anything? You're jealous, right? That is the reason why you're ignoring me!" Momo trembled, both hands closed into fists as he continued to shout. "You are jealous of your own cousin! Answer m—"
She couldn't take his words anymore. She turned around and he was surprised to see her tear-filled eyes. "YES! I'M JEALOUS! I'M JEALOUS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU, SHIROU-CHAN!"
Rukia gasped, right hand covered her mouth as Ichigo's eyes widened. Luna crossed her arms against her chest, her facial expression blank.
Toushirou looked dumbfounded. He planned to force her to speak her mind. He didn't expect this one though. She… love him?
"M-Momo…"
The girl shook and when the weight of her words sink in, she gasped, turned and ran out of the coffee shop.
Toushirou stood still, not believing what had transpired. Momo… she loves me. She loves me too… wait, really? Then that means…
He raised his head and ran after her.
The bell of the coffee shop ran as he ran out.
"Wow, she really said it." Rukia uttered, surprised.
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, even though it's very sudden."
Luna giggled and soon, laughed. "I did it!" she declared, fists in the air.
Rukia and Ichigo looked at her suspiciously. "Luna?"
The girl turned to them. "Will you please explain?"
"What do you mean by 'I did it'?"
…
Toushirou ran and ran, searching for his best friend. He passed by the river and looked around.
Where could she be?
He sighed and continued to run.
…
Momo sat on the bench at the park, having her tantrums. She held a stone and threw it as hard as she can on the sand. "It's so embarrassing!" she told herself.
She sighed. "But at least, I was able to tell him."
She remembered his dumbfounded face. She blushed.
"Ahh! Mou!"
…
"What?!" Rukia blasted. "You PLANNED this!"
Luna nodded calmly.
"Why?"
"Well, I noticed that the both of them like each other so I took the liberty of helping them."
Ichigo placed a finger under his chin. "So you mean, the dates with Toushirou are…"
Luna grinned. "It's for Momo to realize her feelings. Though I admit that I came to like Toushirou-kun. But well…"
Rukia placed a hand on her shoulder. "Luna…"
She grinned. "No worries, Kia-nee! They love each other so they should be together!"
"Thank you, Luna."
She shook her head. "You don't have to say that, Kia-nee. It's all for Momo."
…
Toushirou finally found her at the park. She was swinging on the swings, head low. He approached her slowly, careful to make any noise. When he was right behind her, he took a deep breath and asked, "What are you doing here?"
She turned quickly because of the voice. She rolled her eyes and looked at her lap. "That's my question. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your girlfriend?"
The white haired boy laughed. Momo turned to him, insulted. "Are you making fun of me?" she asked with gritted teeth. Toushirou shook his head. "No way! I just couldn't help it."
He finished laughing. "Girlfriend? Do you mean, Luna-san?"
"Who else?" she muttered.
"She's not my girlfriend you know." He replied sincerely.
She glared at him. "I don't believe you."
"No really. I just see her as a friend." He said. "Besides, I have someone I really like."
Her eyes widened but good thing, she bowed her head again. She couldn't help but ask.
"Who?" she mumbled.
Toushirou smiled. "You."
Momo stared at him. "What? Me?"
He nodded, a sincere smile still on his face. "Yes, you."
She gaped and couldn't say the words she wanted to say. Toushirou couldn't help but tease her. "Oi… you look like a fish just gaping there."
Momo glared at him when his words sunk in.
The boy chuckled. "I'm kidding."
Silence ensued. Toushirou sat down next to her on the swing.
"I…" she began. "…don't know what to say."
Toushirou looked at her. "You're not like that. You are kind, cheerful, always full of energy. That's what I love about you."
Momo let his words sunk in. "T-Then you really…"
"Yeah… I love you."
All she could hear was the fast beating of her heart against her chest.
Momo's ears were red in embarrassment. She bonked her best friend no, boyfriend on his head. The boy gasped in pain. "Ow! What was that for?!"
"Darn you! Why did you just say it now? Why did you wait for me to say it? Because of you I embarrassed myself in front of them! You… argh! You pissed me off!" she ranted, glaring at him.
Toushirou smiled sadly. "Sorry. I thought you don't feel the same way."
"You're a man but you're a coward! Hmph! I really want to give you a piece of my mind!"
He shielded his body with his arms. "W-Wait, sorry. You don't have to hit me again."
Momo turned away from him and sighed. "But… it's not important anymore. I don't know why I came to love you but these are my feelings and it will never change." She told him with a bright smile.
He smiled. He felt so touched. "Don't worry. I'll always protect you and love you. I promise."
"How are you going to do that? You're a coward right?"
"Eh?!"
Momo laughed. "I'm kidding. I know you'll be able to fulfill it." She said, holding his hand.
He nodded. They stared in each other's eyes.
Toushirou stood up and she followed his action.
"Thank you, for loving me."
"No, thank you Momo."
They wrapped each other in warm embrace.
…
Song/s Used: None.
A/N: It was written just like in the manuscript but there are additions and changes. Luna is in love with Shirou here but in the manuscript, she isn't. It is purely a plan. Cliché but… oh, well… I hope you like this chapter. I did my best. :)
I'm done finally. I will try to update this as much as I can. I am hoping for your support.
Please R&R.
Next Chapter: Welcome Home!
Yours Truly,
Mari Kia Aishiteru.
09.12.2016. 6656 words