Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
A/N: Hello everyone. How are you all? So, I'm not late with the chapter today, yay! I could have updated earlier because I had the chapter ready and all, but I figured every Saturday would suffice. And to some of you, some parts of this chappie might be OOC. But who cares since a little OOC-ness is fine once in a while. Once again, please don't forget to review/story alert! You guys are my motivation, so start motivating me! Haha, but joking aside, please enjoy this chapter. Thanks!
Cupid Needs Better Aim: Sunday Morning
"Nii-sama? May I go out today?" Rukia flinched while asking. She was never good at asking permission. Actually, she was never good at engaging into a conversation with her nii-sama. Her brother was seated on a pillow right on the floor, adjacent to the huge window of their manor. He had just gotten a brand new calligraphy table since Renji tripped over and broke the last one. To Rukia, it just looked like a rather small coffee table with most of its legs sawed off. Byakuya was drawing out an intricate-looking character, his hand was steadier than a calm, quiescent river. His eyes were fixated onto the piece of paper. Finally, he looked up at his petite adoptive sibling. Byakuya's slate gray eyes connected with her eyes of dark violet.
"Where? Why? With who?" he asked, pushing locks of his hair to the side of his face and behind his ear. His face was always emotionless. You're in need of a haircut, Bya-nii.
"Just by myself, nii-sama. I'm going for a walk around town and to the park. Do you want anything?" Rukia said, her voice sounding more relaxed. Rukia lifted her wrist and glanced at her chappy watch. 10:17am. After what seemed like several moments, Byakuya finally opened his mouth to respond.
"Very well... And no, I'm fine. Return to this house by 3:30, please. Goodbye." Byakuya responded, his eyes floating back onto the expensive-looking paper on the probably-expensive table. Rukia sighed with relief and smiled just a little bit. She looked forward to just spending her Sunday morning by herself. She slipped her cardigan on, grabbed her purse, put on her shoes and left the Kuchiki manor with a rare almost-smile on her face.
Rukia had a warm vanilla latte in her hand. She hadn't taken a sip from it for a while since she almost gave her tongue a second-degree burn because of it. It was pretty strange, too, since she usually only drank tea.
She made her way to Karakura Town's nearest, and most alluring park. Rukia had only been there twice, since she was too young to go by herself, and Byakuya was too busy to take her. Now, she could enjoy it for herself at last. She grinned at the mental picture of her nii-sama playing on a see-saw or giggling on a swing. The sun was at its highest, right at the center of the azure sky. Refreshing spring breezes hugged her lightly, sending gentle chills down her slender figure. The trees swayed in unison with the wind, providing a complacent shade for the children, elderly, and couples. The newly renovated playground was probably the best part. Rukia exhaled contentedly and reposed on a rustic wooden bench.
After a while, she found herself taking in her surroundings and noticed both the little and obvious things. She saw some puppies trotting to their owners. She heard the blissful laughter of little kids playing with bubbles. Cute. But there was one other sound that she knew all too well, a sound that she has actually heard recently. It immediately intrigued her, captured her like a mouse to a trap. It caused her to sort of follow it and trace the origin of it. Could that be...? Yes. It definitely is, I'm sure. Lo and behold, it was the narcissistic sex god's voice, Kurosaki Ichigo.
As soon as he came into view, she stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn't believe what he was doing. He had an acoustic guitar in his hands, comfortably sitting on the bench with a handful of children and elderly couples gathered around him. He was singing to them. A smile unconsciously appeared on her lips. She almost looked at him with adoration, nearly sentimental. What are you doing? Stop it. Stop smiling. Rukia Kuchiki! But alas, it was like her brain's connection to herself was severed. Suddenly, she felt a presence by her back.
"A talented, charming young man, isn't he?" A jovial voice suggested behind her. Rukia turned and found an exquisite-looking woman. She had snow white hair that cascaded down her shoulders exceptionally. Her gray eyes chilled Rukia's bones. She was so beautiful in an unconventional way, and she only looked a little more than twice Rukia's age. Her free arm was looped around who Rukia assumed to be her husband, who had a lanky figure and had dark hair and eyes. They looked like polar opposites, however they seemed to be at such harmony. Rukia showed them a polite and warm smile, and they gladly returned it.
"Yes, he is, I guess. But I'll be honest with you, though. We're not exactly, umm... friendly with each other." Rukia said, eyes wandering away to avoid eye contact and awkwardness. The woman laughed good-naturedly, and soon Rukia found herself chuckling too.
"I don't believe it. He's one of the sweetest gentlemen I've ever seen. He comes here every Sunday at around this time to sing for the children and others. He's like a big brother to my son." the woman claimed. Rukia didn't believe it. Every Sunday morning, the narcissistic king would come here and sing to kids? Did this guy have some split personality, and she got the bad part? She had to be polite to the couple, so she maintained her suavity.
"I know you don't believe it, young lady. But it's true. Ichigo is a kind young man. Well, from my experiences anyway. I'm sorry, I didn't get your name. What is it, dear?" the woman asked.
"My name is Rukia, ma'am." Rukia responded.
"Rukia... What a wonderful name. You can call me Shirayuki." Rukia repeatedly mouthed out her name, helping her sort of process it.
"Oh, I forgot. This is my husband, Zangetsu." Zangetsu waved at Rukia. From that, Rukia concluded that he was a taciturn being.
"Well, we must get going, Rukia-san. Go over there and talk to him, all right? See you soon!" Shirayuki waved, already walking away with Zangetsu. Shirayuki and Zangetsu... what a nice couple..
"So long, Shirayuki and Zangetsu-san!" Rukia waved back. Rukia sighed. Talk to Ichigo? Well, there really wasn't any harm in doing so. They would just return to being their regular selves. In the corner of her eye, she say Ichigo singing to a baby, and she couldn't help but smile again. This time, her brain did not oppose.
She ambled towards the bench he occupied, hands in her cardigan's pockets. When he saw her, he looked surprised, but he didn't drive her away. She couldn't tell whether or not his eyes were welcoming or callous.
"Ah, so the midget decides to stalk me today," He finally said, putting his guitar to the side of the bench easily. What? There was no acidity in his words. Is he trying to joke with her?
"For your information, I merely decided to visit this park at my own accord." Rukia replied, with the similar tone. His expression softened.
"Yeah, whatever. So I saw a familiar face at open stage last Friday, Little Miss 'I'm not attending.' First row, too. Wow, I didn't know you were such a devoted fan," Ichigo said sarcastically. Rukia bit her tongue to keep from laughing out loud. What a notion. Devoted fan?
"I was kind of held against my will on that one. Orihime forced me. But I should be asking you what you're doing here, singing to little kids." Rukia asserted with a touch of derision. Ichigo picked up his guitar again. He played impressive scales to make sure that the guitar was in tune.
"No, I should ask you. This is the first time I've seen you here. If you need to know that badly, I come here every Sunday to entertain little kids. You?" Ichigo asked. Their sudden friendliness was giving Rukia a whiplash.
"I was bored. Are you sure you're Ichigo? You're definitely not the same tool I see around the hallways," Rukia hit him on the forearm. He didn't retreat or seem to mind at all.
"Well, you're not the same smart-ass bitch either. But I'm definitely the same handsome and talented one, so I don't know what you're talking about." Ichigo joked and maintained a straight face simultaneously. This earned him another hit.
"I rest my case. I still think you're an over-confident douche."
"I still think you're a smart-ass bitch."
"Fair enough."
"Fine." Ichigo finally returned a very small smile, almost not evident. Whoa, whoa, whoa. What the hell, Rukia? You're supposed to hate him, remember? Did that coffee change you, or something? Stop it, you're so out of character!
"Hey, Rukia... Don't tell anyone about my Sundays here, all right? Not even the band knows. This is the only place where I'm not disturbed by any gir- I mean anyone. Understand? We'll just go back to normal after this." He asked, his expression went from light to almost serious. Rukia had no idea how much fans affected his personal life. She thought he was just a guy who happened to be in a band. But something about pretending the little meeting didn't happen stung. Rukia shook it off and started drifting back into the "smart-ass, bitch Rukia"
"Yes, you're secret will be safe with me... Well, I have to get going. Have fun there, strawberry." Rukia smirked and left. Ichigo ad-libbed a goodbye and went back to playing. When Rukia was out of sight, the kids started to gather around him again.
"Who was that girl, Ichigo-nii? She was pretty." a little girl pulled his sleeve and questioned. He scratched the back of his head and greeted the little girl an adorable smile, the same one he used to show his younger sisters. The other little one kissed the top of his head. Ichigo didn't mind, it reminded him of Yuzu as a five year old.
"Oh, her? She's a... friend." Ichigo replied. The little girl patted his orange head.
"Do you like her?" she asked innocently.
"I don't know yet, we'll see. Why?" Ichigo asked, tiny hints of crimson touching his cheeks.
"You kinda looked different when you talked to her. Ichigo-nii doesn't look or sound like that when he talks to other girls," the little girl inquired. He gave it a few seconds of thought. With that, he picked up his guitar once more and started singing for the group of kids that he'd grown attached to. The whole park seemed to quiet down a little more, just for him.
We'll see.
Chapter 5: Done, and done. Yay! I can't believe it. This is the first time I've ever been consistent with writing. I'm loving where this story is going, and I can only hope that you'd love it too. You can thank my friend Kristin for being my best friend and getting me back on FF. Show her some love! (krissybabes4e.) Once more, thanks for the reviews/story alerts! I'm already at 13! 'Til next Saturday, my friends!