Seika's TS: ...Turning Back...
It's Saturday night and I'm ringing Ichigo's door bell. Matsumoto opens the door and screams:
- OMG!
- Don't just "OMG" me, Rangiku! Give me a hug!
To my arms she runs, suffocating me with her chest. I hug her without feeling her spiritual energy for the first time.
- So happy! I'm so happy, Sei-chan. You look so pretty!
- Same for you my friend… You look way better…
With tenderness I run a hand down her face, while she glares at me with sad eyes. I'm sure she hasn't moved on from Gin yet, but this is progress. She grabs me by the hand, dragging me into the house. Music and loud noises can be heard from the backyard, as I nervously head towards it. I hope… I beg… Please don't be here… don't be here…
- If you really love Abarai, don't be nervous…
Does she mean he's here?
- What?
- Control yourself, love! Otherwise he'll feel it.
As she finishes talking, the door to the backyard opens. I step outside calmly as the loud music pierces my ears. Among the garden I recognize some faces, while others are complete mystery to me. Ichigo grabs me by the hand, making me spin:
- SEIKA! I'm so happy to see you! What have you and that monkey head been doing all along?
- School and work, for the most part. What about you guys? Too much work?
- You know it better… our work never ends… You left Soul Society in time…
Before Ichigo can finish the sentence someone else pushes me to the left.
- My lady is so nice to finally see you!
- Hey, Shuhei let her be! We were busy, like… Having a freeking conversation?
If it weren't for Matsumoto saying his name I couldn't remember it. Everything has been fading away, but I feel happy. I stand next to Rangiku, Ichigo and Shuhei, afraid to even look at the rest of the people. I can't feel anything, not a single tip of spiritual energy. Rukia and Orihime approach us, handing me a glass of sake. It feels nice nice… After a whole year spent with Abarai, it feels good to run into some good friends.
- When are you and Renji-kun getting married? – Orihime asks.
- Actually, I don't know. We haven't really talked about it yet… I'm not sure what his thoughts on the subject are…
- Will you invite us when it happens? – Ichigo asks.
- Well, of course! Otherwise it will be a very lonely wedding with just me and the groom!
- Seika-san!
This familiar voice calling me… I turn my head to the right, to watch Hinamori heading my way. As she waves, my eyes instantly target the diamond shaped ring she's wearing. I smile, feeling my heart almost stopping. There's no Hitsugaya besides her, thank god.
- Ahh, Momo-chan! Congratulations on the wedding! I have heard!
- Thank you, I'm so thrilled to see you here! It's been a long time!
- Yes, it's been indeed. How are you doing?
- Happier than ever… Shiro-chan has been the best fiancée I could possibly have.
I put a sour smile on my face, while being hit with all that happiness. Though I'm happy for them I can't avoid the thought… of him getting married. I have Renji, I love Renji, why am I still thinking about Hitsugaya?
- Let's celebrate then! It's what I was invited for, right?
With a spin I join the crowd, waving my head and hair back and forth to the sound of the music. Everyone is having a quite good time, dancing and drinking, letting all bad energies go. As a human I know it… I know how these little escapes from real life taste like holy nectar. Eventually Ichigo grabs me by the waist and we start dancing together. I never felt attracted to Ichigo, but he has that intriguing something every girls like. Through the corner of my eye I see Matsumoto giggling along with Rukia.
- Aww just shut up! – I yell.
- They're jealous!
I let Ichigo go, dancing by myself. He keeps dancing next to me… Everyone is getting crazier with the booze, showing their wild side. This is what I came here for… Fun, happiness. If only Abarai was here with me… Suddenly someone grabs me by the waist, pushing me against him. My heart, my hands, my body freeze as I stare at those merciless eyes of his and my soul petrifies to the depths of my unconscious. Mixed with the crowd here we are, as close as we can count each others eye lashes. He remains static, without blinking. Through an unspeakable pain I can feel his ring ripping between my ribs, for the strength he was putting into it. Taller and with longer hair, an older Hitsugaya is standing before me, fiercely holding me in his arms. Appalled, I find no words to say… other than…
- Congratulations on the wedding…