Prompt: Week 2 (August 6 to 12, 2017): AU Week: Monday: Coffee Shop
Rukia was almost always seated at the same spot, in the same corner of her favorite coffee shop every morning.
She was an early riser and despite having classes that start either before or after lunch, her day would regularly begin at five-thirty in the morning.
And despite what people thought, she was not a "coffee drinker."
She rarely ordered anything caffeine-based - save for the occasional ice-blended drink or white chocolate mocha.
Her drink of choice: hot chocolate.
The shop's concoction was something she truly savored.
And without it, she would be grumpy as hell.
It was hardly a busy establishment. Most patrons, fellow students and some professors, came and go. Quaint and quiet as the place was, even the regulars would rather 'hang-out' elsewhere.
Rukia, on the other hand, could spend hours there just reading, writing and people-watching.
There was nothing special about her routine until one day, one customer, a new face, piqued her interest.
In all the time that she had been there, she had never seen that guy before.
Of that she was certain, for It wouldn't be difficult to remember a tall, handsome, and bright orange-haired individual.
She looked back down at her book and felt her cheeks burn.
The first - and last - time she developed a crush was years ago: with a boy who didn't return her affections.
Not that she confessed; but the boy, her senior and friend, was already in a serious relationship.
They keep in touch, yes, of course, because again, they're friends, and because his family and hers are in the same circle; have the same affiliations.
She risked another glance at the newcomer and noticed that he was making small talk with the barista at the counter.
He was smiling and was being polite.
So much the opposite of the scowl he had on his face when he walked in.
Soon, he made his way to the bar and Rukia willed herself to listen for his name while she busied herself with words on the page of the chapter she was supposed to be memorizing.
"Medium cappuccino for Ichigo."
She held back a giggle.
Strawberry.
As it turns out, Ichigo just stopped by to purchase a drink then left.
Her adoration from afar continued for weeks - she waited for him to arrive, listened to him exchange pleasantries with the crew then watched him exit the store.
It was strange that such a simple thing could make her day feel complete.
Then one morning, to her surprise, she found him seated at her spot, in the corner of her favorite coffee shop.
One of the regular staff, Hanataro, greeted her with a smile then asked if she was having her usual. Still dumbfounded, it took a little longer for her to give her reply.
Rukia would have to settle somewhere else; she has alternatives in case her favorite was not available. It would not be a problem.
She had just put down her bag on the chair when her order was called out.
"Large Hot Chocolate with Extra Whip for Rukia."
She went to claim her drink.
Hanataro smiled at her again as he readied some tissues and handed them, together with a folded piece of paper, to her.
"What -?"
"Have a nice day, Miss Rukia!"
Before she could even finish her question, Hanataro had walked away and began busying himself behind the counter.
She opened the note.
Hi. I intentionally invaded your space. I wasn't sure how to approach you so a breach in territory was my method of choice. I'm in no rush today and I was told that you usually aren't, too, so if you would grant me the favor of your company in the next couple of hours, I would be sincerely honored.
PS This is a public venue, with a security system in place. I will do nothing inappropriate. I have two younger sisters who I love and protect from men just like that.
Rukia read the letter about two more times before she turned her head just in time to see Ichigo watching her with a nervous smile.
She felt blood rise to her cheeks as she gave him a nervous smile of her own and nodded.
Carefully, she picked up her drink with the note and tissues all crumpled together.
He stood while she approached and as soon as she put everything on the table, he extended his hand out to her; smile no longer faltering.
"Hi, I'm Ichigo Kurosaki."
Her smile widened and took his hand, calloused and warm to her touch.
"Hello, I'm Rukia Kuchiki."
And so begins the story of destiny.
- END. -
Author's Note: Because Ichigo would notice Rukia - maybe not watching him - and would totally be attracted to her. And since this is an alternate universe, Ichigo wouldn't be so slow and as clueless. But his note would still be non-threatening. If I received a note from a stranger, I would need some assurance that he means no harm. So Ichigo will mention his sisters. I don't know why, but I think that would make sense.
Oh, and Rukia's first crush: Kaien Shiba. And yes, they (Ichigo and Rukia) will discover just how small their world really is.
Even in an alternate universe, Byakuya finds no way around becoming associated with Isshin.
Hanataro 'coz I couldn't think of anyone else to play matchmaker.
And Ichigo's not a morning person. He purposely woke up early one day realizing he needed to talk to / meet the girl he sees at the coffee shop. I kind of reversed them here: Ichigo's the moon, Rukia's the sun. Again, stretching it. My alternate universe. My fanfiction. And destiny works either way.