I find it increasingly difficult to write from the first person POV as the story advances and become more complicated. Sorry for any confusions of the time line.
I have something big in mind of where the story is leading. And I think I'll have to break the story into 2 volumes soon and change the style of writing in order to ensure the flow of the story is not interrupted or forced.
In the mean time, I'll try my best to keep the story coherent with the previous chapters while advancing the plot. In case you are confused, this chapter starts from Rukia's POV on the day when Ichigo left to hunt the Arankarus, please refer to chapter 10. Then things will pick up from there.
Standard disclaimer : I do not own Bleach.
Turning right, turning left
Chapter 15 : Friends
"Why are you still here?"
That was the first question that Renji asked when he barged into the room. He didn't even bother to knock before he came in. I didn't reply his question. I didn't even turn my face to see him. My eyes keep gazing to the sky outside yet all I saw was emptiness.
"Don't you wish to see him one last time before he leaves?" he asked quietly as he walked over and leaned against the window sill.
I opened my mouth, wanted to say something but the voice died in my throat. Tears started flowing down my cheeks before I even realized it. Without saying a word, he wrapped his hands around my shoulders and clutched my head to his chest. I hid my face, moistened with tears, into his chest. My fist curled in the folds of his robes as I shuddered in my sobs.
His body was the only warmth that enveloped me. I felt inexplicably secure in his arms as I listened to the rhythmic beating of his heart underneath his robe. I could hear a faint voice whispering to me, "It's okay to cry and let it go". He stroked my hair in silence and let me cry until I calm down.
"Shh... it's not too late now. We can still make it." he murmured as he pulled back and wiped away my tears gently.
But I shook my head slowly and lowered my eyes.
"Why? I thought..." he asked, his confusion apparent in his voice.
Because I don't want to hold him back.
Because it's too painful for me to watch his back as he leaves.
Because we shall meet again if it's meant to be.
Because I will always be here if he comes back.
Because it's a promise that I made to myself.
Because he's all the reason I need.
"You know, both of you are just as stubborn. He's determined to leave and you are determined to stay. I really don't know what to do with you two."
His words jarred me and I looked up to meet his gaze.
"What did you mean by that?" I gasped.
He twitched uncomfortably under my scrutiny. After a while, he finally spoke up as he scratched his red spike in frustration.
"Damn! Why is it always me to be the messenger?"
"Renji, please..." I sounded somewhat pathetically.
"Alright," he let out a sigh and gave in reluctantly. "It wasn't something worth mentioning. I met him last night. But we barely even talked."
A lie. He's definitely concealing something but I supposed it's a guy's stuff, not something that a man whose pride as big as his would want to talk about. For all that he had done for me, maybe I should at least spare him a little pride and privacy this time.
"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. It isn't important now."
He stared at me. His face betrayed his shock and disbelieve. And then I smiled the first genuine smile in these three years, for a genuine friend. He blinked a few times then he broke into a broad grin.
"You look stupid grinning like that."
"Still finding every chance to mock me huh?"
The uneasiness in the atmosphere suddenly seemed to evaporate and vanish.
"Don't worry. He'll come back," he said reassuringly.
I smiled back and nodded to him. I know.
New hopes began to restore in my heart. Maybe things will turn out to be alright like he said it would. And for once I decided to believe him. It's amazing how those simple words can make such a difference. Waiting suddenly doesn't seem so long and lonely anymore when there's a friend who will always stand by you. And that's all that matters.
Author's Note:
My exam is not over yet. I know I should be studying but I'm writing just to break away from study for a while.
I know this chapter is sort of short and didn't advance much in plot. But I feel it's necessary to slow things down a bit after all that fight scenes in chapter 14. Or you can also read this as my excuse for being lazy. Well, it's up to you. : P
Till next time I write again, ja ne!
rukiaprincess :
I've read chapter 121. I was just as excited as you. Rukia has an awesome zanpakutou! Yeah, maybe I'll include that in my story. : P
mikeee :
Yeah, of course he isn't invincible. He is just human. : )
Danny-171984 :
It is? Thank you. It's a relief to hear that. You're being very kind to me. : )
I think my writing is deteriorating. I'll try harder next time to write better fight scenes.
kittyblah:
Sorry for the confusion. I hope this chapter is not as confusing to you.