Yukiko: Hehe, sorry everyone. I know I promised an update right after Chapter 11, but as you can see… I failed. I have perfect explanation for this…
Ichigo: She got lazy, lazy-ass.
Yukiko: SHUT UP! *whacks with slipper*
Toshiro: 'What is wrong with both of you… just get started with the chapter Yukiko.'
Yukiko: Ichigo! Stop it! I'mma make you wear a strawberry t-shirt in the story!
Ichigo: You wouldn't!
Toshiro: *sighs*
Disclaimer: Why do I even bother putting this up! *sighs*
Review Responses:
Hotaru Shizuma: Yukiko: I want to make a chapter with them as the main ones… but I'll have to put it up separately though. Thanks for the support and who are Sid and Nancy?
Animegurl103: Yukiko: I can always tell when you love this story, you attack me during school. Hahaha.
Zx14ninja: Yukiko: Sweet like Ichigo? Ichigo: That's not even funny.
Tuliharja: Toshiro: 'I don't chicken out… Yukiko: He had a freak out! Hahaha. Toshiro: 'I'm going to hurt you.'
Yumi-2121331: Yukiko: I have stage fright too! Like on my first piano recital, I fainted on stage. It was embarrassing! But I still won 2nd place. Toshiro: 'You're pathetic.' Ichigo: Hahaha! I would kill to see that moment!
BleedingOpal: Yukiko: Thanks! That scene got to me too! Ichigo: You made me all lovey-dovey like! Yukiko: We still love you Ichigo, besides you wouldn't even be with Toshiro if you weren't, right?
Lady Queria: Yukiko: *eyes widen* REALLY? *looks at the script* I DIDN'T EVEN NOTICED! Hahaha, fail Yukiko. I just realized that now. You have a good eye, either that or I'm just plain blind!
Toshirokun13: Yukiko: I'm glad that I made your night all well. I too enjoyed the IchiHitsu fluffiness!
Ebbie54: Yukiko: Well, I'm glad for the both of us because we both made it through testing. I'm also happy that you found a new love for Jason Yang. One day I pray, I will get to meet him and play at least one song together.
Soaha: Yukiko: Speaking of pausing, I looked back at all my piano recitals and I noticed that every piece I played had a pause that was not suppose to be there all because I kept blacking out. Hahahaha.
Modsoul-For-Hire-A.K.: Yukiko: WHAT A COOL NAME! I NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE! SOO COOL! Ichigo: What kind of name is that? Yukiko: Ichigo! *smacks him with slipper* Please forgive him, I'm still training him to behave and be RESPECTFUL to the readers and reviewers. I am glad you find enjoyment in this story, and hope to not disappoint you.
Kira1525: Toshiro: 'Thanks for the review, Yukiko really does appreciate it.' *smiles*
There was one thing that lingered in Toshiro Hitsugaya's mind; is that he couldn't sleep! His mind keeps wandering off towards both the competition and Ichigo's electric violin. The competition is coming in 2 days and every member of the Music club is really excited about it, especially Ms. Spencer. He too, was excited for the competition because he knew Ichigo was there to support him. Yet, the thought of Ichigo brings him back to the violin. He had just about enough to buy the instrument, but still was short. Speaking of money, Toshiro keeps finding his cousin running off to her bedroom, next to his, and slamming it at his face. Momo never does that and to make matters worse is that Rangiku was always there. Whenever Toshiro knocks and asks to know what is up with them; they would just smile and say it's nothing before closing the door again.
Toshiro sighed and turned to look at his clock, it read 5:52 a.m, thus making the competition tomorrow.
Is it morning already?
Getting up from bed, Toshiro grabbed his bath towel and made his way to the bathroom to see Momo walking out fully dressed and a towel wrapped around her hair.
"Good morning Little Shiro."
'Good morning Momo.' He went inside the bathroom and took a quick shower. After he had finished his usual morning routine in the bathroom, he made his way back to his bedroom. Toshiro walked up to his desk and gently picked up a sheet of paper with the Resistance title on the top. He scanned the entire paper and let out a sigh,
I need to get that violin… today! He went to his small bank on top of the book shelf and dumped all the money he had onto his bed. Quickly counting the amount, Toshiro's eyes widen in shock.
Ichigo walked casually towards his boyfriend's household with one thing on his mind: he was going to buy flowers for both his lover and his mother. He has not visit his mother's grave in so long with all that was happening in the Music Club, so he thought it was a good idea to visit her before the recital and ask for her support. The Berry walked through the gates and smiled as he saw Toshiro walk out of the house,
"Good Morning, Yuki Hime."
Toshiro stopped in his tracks and stared at Ichigo with a face that read, what did you just call me?
"I wanted to give you a nickname that only I can call you. I originally planned for Shiro, but Momo and your Grandmother already call you that, so hence the not so originality. You don't mind do you, if you di then I'll just call you Toshiro…"
Toshiro smiled and took Ichigo's phone, 'It's fine. I kind of like the nickname… just don't do it in public.'
Ichigo grinned and bent over to Toshiro's level and whispered in his ear, "Of course, Yuki Hime."
Toshiro blushed and shoved Ichigo's face away before walking quickly to school with Ichigo laughing behind him.
Classes went by pretty fast and of course, the two went straight to Ms. Spencer's class right after school.
"I am so excited you guys! The competition is tomorrow! I know you all will go magnificent!" Ms. Spencer was practically bouncing off the walls and the other students couldn't agree more. They will show that Karakura High's Music Club is by far the best in the town.
The Music Club's group 2 huddled together close to the piano and discussed such other topics,
"So, what are you guys going to wear tomorrow?" asked Ichigo.
Damon looked at Ichigo, "Should we all wear the same colors? Like the guys would wear suits and the girls wear black?"
Miku whacked Damon upside the head, "Idiot, we'd look like we just came back from a funeral or something!"
Shiori looked at Toshiro, "What do you think?"
Toshiro thought about it for a moment, 'How about you, Damon and I wear the colors blue or light light blue while Ichigo and Miku wears red. That way the ones wearing blue will be indicated as the tempo-base instruments while red signifies the melody.'
Miku asked, "Does it have to be formal?"
Shiori looked at her best friend, "Of course it has to be formal! It's going to be in front of the entire Karakura Community!"
Toshiro looked down at his hands, In front of the whole community…
"Hey," Toshiro looked up to see Ichigo looking at him, "You're going to be okay."
The piano prodigy just simply nodded before leaning against Ichigo's strong shoulders.
Damon sighed, "Look at the time; we'd better go get ready for tomorrow then. See ya in the morning." One by one the members of the Music Club left and Toshiro and Ichigo walked hand in hand in slience down the streets to their homes. Ichigo dropped off Toshiro and quickly made his way back home, dressing in casual clothing, taking his wallet and began to run out the door.
"Ichigo! Where are you going?" called out Yuzu in the kitchen.
"I'm heading to the Karakura Center. Need to buy something for tomorrow."
Yuzu and Karin came running towards him, "Mind if we come with you?"
Ichigo thought about it for a moment, "Sure why not."
Momo and Rangiku worked swiftly through the Tamashi restaurant filling orders for the customers that kept filing through the doors.
"Busy day ne, Momo?"
Momo handed a man his loaf of bread and stashed the money in the cash register, "Yeah, we need to hurry if we're going to go to the shop later."
The restaurant doors opened again, "Welcome to Tamashi!"
Momo looked at who the customers and smiled, "Good afternoon Ichigo, Yuzu, and Karin. What can I get you guys?"
Yuzu smiled, "Hello Momo! I didn't know you worked here!"
Rangiku came out from the back with a tray of freshly baked bread, "Ichigo! Yuzu! Karin! Hey there!"
Ichigo waved, "Hey Rangiku." He led his sisters to a nearby table and Rangiku went over to take orders, "So, not hanging out with Toshiro today?"
Ichigo looked through the menu, "We just got back from school, I'm taking these two out for lunch. Besides I need to buy something for tomorrow."
Rangiku leaned closer to Ichigo, nearly knocking down the glass that was in front of her with her breasts, "Oh? What is this you need to buy?"
Yoruichi came out of nowhere and called to Rangiku, "Oi! Leave Strawberry alone Rangiku and get back to work!"
An angry mark appeared on Ichigo's face, "Stop calling me that Yoruichi!"
The dark skinned woman laughed, "Whatever you say Strawberry!"
Yoruichi has known the Kurosaki family ever since because she and Isshin are close friends as well as Urahara. Yoruichi loved making fun of Ichigo because of his hair and spunky attitude he use to give her when he was little.
"Hey Yuzu. Hey Karin!"
The twins looked up, "Hi Auntie Yoruichi!"
Rangiku mumbled and took the Kurosaki siblings their order before heading to the back where the chef was. Momo smiled and looked at the clock; she was done working for the day. Quickly making her way to the employee's lounge, she took off her apron and hanged it in her locker, at the same time grabbing her bag. Rangiku was already waiting for her in the front; it never ceases to amaze Momo at how fast her friend can change clothes.
"Bye Ichigo! Bye Yuzu bye Karin!" She received a reply back before running through the crowds with Rangiku by her side. They headed straight for the nearby Music Shop and nearly threw off the door's hinges, surprising the owner.
"W-Welcome to the Music Store, my name is Jushiro Ukitake owner of this store. How can I be of service?"
Momo looked around the shop while Rangiku looked through the vast collection of CDs, "I'm looking for an electric violin do you have, by any chance, in stock?"
Toshiro ran through the crowds of Karakura Center to Jushiro's Music Shop. He couldn't believe that he miscounted the amount of money and actually had enough to buy the electric violin for Ichigo. Toshiro threw open the door huffing and panting.
Jushiro looked at Toshiro with a raised eyebrow, "That's the second time today, what are teens doing that makes them is such a rush?" The elder white hair male handed Toshiro a pen and a piece of paper,
'I'm here for the electric violin. I have enough to pay for it now.'
The look in Jushiro's eyes gave Toshiro's stomach a lurch, "I'm… I'm sorry Toshiro. I sold the electric violin to another customer."
Toshiro's eyes widen in disbelief.
Ichigo and his sisters went home after Ichigo went to a flower shop and bought two set of flowers: one were white lilies and the other was a bouquet of Baby Romanticas. Ichigo quickly placed them in vases with water and set them near a window. Ichigo smiled and went straight to bed because he was going to get up extra early in the morning.
The next morning, Toshiro opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling, he remembered that he came running home crying because the one thing that he believed would connect him and Ichigo through music was sold to another person. Toshiro sat up and felt tears rolling down his cheeks,
I should have been faster! I should have!
Toshiro thought he needed some fresh air before the morning broke so he dressed in warm sweat pants and a think sweater before heading out the house. Toshiro took in the nice crisp cold air before noticing something moving in his peripheral vision. He spotted an orange object moving away the Kurosaki household. Curious, Toshiro followed it and saw that it was Ichigo holding a bouquet of red roses.
Where is he going so early in the morning?
Swiftly and quietly, Toshiro followed Ichigo up a hill towards a cemetery. Toshiro's curiosity began to skyrocket. Hiding behind a tree, Toshiro saw Ichigo stop in front of a tombstone grave and knelt down, he then heard Ichigo talk.
"Hey Mom, it's been a while."
Toshiro's breath hitched and was caught in his throat, This is his mother's grave…
"I know I haven't visited you in months, but I have a good reason for it. I recently joined my school Music Club and now we're going to perform in front of the entire town, how about that? Mom, I also met this guy… who can play the piano so beautifully, he plays it like it's just him and the piano. It's really amazing! I wish you were here to hear it."
Toshiro felt his heart swell up as he listened to Ichigo's words, "I'm also in love with him, Mom. He and I are a couple and I wanted to tell you personally. I truly do love him with all my heart."
Ichigo let a chuckle, "I love him so much to the point I will risk my life for his."
Toshiro bit the bottom of his lips in restraint to not run to Ichigo that very second, "Mom, he's mute and it makes me sad that I will never hear his voice say my name."
At that point Toshiro had tears in his eyes. There was truth in Ichigo's words; he wanted to say Ichigo's name for so long but can never happen.
Ichigo stood up straight and smiled at the grave, "Well Mom, I have to go. The competition starts in a couple hours and I have to get back and get ready. Wish me luck."
Ichigo turned and walked past a certain tree to head home, but the white haired teen was already long gone.
The competition was held in the Town Hall's outside courtyard; a transportable stage was placed in the front of the area with a white grand piano resting on top of it. Rows and rows of foldable chairs were lined up in two divided sections and a judge table was in between the stage and the audience. People from all over town came to watch and listen to the music that both schools' will be presenting. Banners and balloons were hung all around making it more of a festival than a recital competition. In the back both schools' Music Club were preparing for the moment they have worked so hard to get.
Ichigo and Toshiro's group huddled in the corner and quietly chatted amongst themselves. Ichigo and Toshiro wore the same suits they wore to the Interude, Miku wore a red tube flow dress with black stilettos, Shiori wore a similar dress to Miku's only it was light blue, and Damon wore what Toshiro was wearing but without the white vest.
Suddenly a group from the other school approached them and their noses held high,
"Hello, my name is Yumichika Ayasegawa, this is Ikkaku Madarame, Shuhei Hisagi, Izuru Kira, and Ashido Kano. I hear you guys are pretty good, but not good enough to beat us."
Ichigo and Damon's eyes narrowed, "We'll see about that."
The bald headed guy, Ikkaku, approached Toshiro, "What's up with this guy? Why are the only two of you defending your group? I bet he doesn't have the balls to stand up for himself." His other friends laughed but suddenly stopped with they were face to face with Miku and Shiori's eyes.
"W-Well, good luck, it's not like luck is what you need. You guys will need a miracle." With that they left the group alone.
Ichigo sighed and went to Toshiro, "Hey don't let what they said get to you. They're a bunch of pansy players is all. We'll show them wrong, right?"
Toshiro just let out a huff and nodded, 'I suppose so, come on everyone let's get into place.'
People filed in and took their seats and the judges seated as well. Introductions were made and a little background history was said before the main event was to begin. Through the morning, group after group went on stage and performed their pieces, sadly Ichigo and Toshiro's groups had to be the last to perform.
Miku pumped her fists, "Come on guys! We got this! Their number is nothing compared to ours!" Miku tried to motivate her teammates into focus because on stage was Yumichika's group and their piece blew them away, thus lowering their confidence.
Toshiro stared at Yumichika as he ran his fingers across the piano, He is so much better than me…
Shiori saw Toshiro looking at the pianist and took him by the shoulder, "I know you will play better than him! He can't even compare to you! You are different that most pianists, you are unique. Don't let him get to you."
Ichigo took hold of his violin, "She's right, we are a team. We are all unique in our own ways, but we came together as one through the arts of music. We CAN do this guys."
Damon wiped an imaginary tear from his eye, "Awe man! I love you guys! Musical group hug!"
They just looked at him like he grew a second head, "Fine, be that way!"
Toshiro laughed and hugged Damon around the waist, thus everyone else got into the group hug. Miku giggled, "Nice confidence speech Strawberry."
Ichigo smirked, "I'll let that slide today."
The announcer of the event began to speak and the moment has arrived, it was time to show what they have worked on for months.
"Good morning everyone, my name is Ichigo Kurosaki and these are my group members: Toshiro Hitsugaya, Miku Soraryuu, Shiori Sakamoto, and Damon Sykes. We are the last group performing today from theKarakura High's Music Club. The song you will all be listening to is by an American singer Katy Perry called Firework. I hope you all enjoy."
Ichigo went to his spot on stage near Miku close to the piano. Toshiro took his seat on the piano bench and did his usual routine before playing a piece. With a deep breath, Toshiro began to play. His fingers pounded on the keys as he moved them up and down the scale over and over again. Ichigo and Miku readied themselves as well and strummed their bows along with Toshiro's melody, then Shiori and Damon followed. The music flowed throughout the audience with an upbeat tempo that made them clap along with the beat.
All of Ichigo and Toshiro's friends and family were all there in the audience clapping the loudest. Momo watched those she held dear up on stage with love and support.
Ichigo and Miku strummed their bows against their instrument with passion and concentration signaling the others that it was the chorus, Toshiro pounded the keys with ease as he moved his head and body along with the tempo, Damon ran his fingers across his electric guitar and Shiori bobbed her head up and down in sync with her drums.
All of the students that attends Karakura High stood up in the audience and began to sing in tune with the music that was being played on stage,
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gunna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own.
Even the judges were bobbing their heads with the beat with smiles on their faces. Ichigo looked at Toshiro and they both had a moment: eyes locked onto one another and smiles on their faces.
They played through the whole song without pauses or mistakes and the audience made a roar of applauses. The group departed the stage and they literally jumped into each other's arms.
"Oh my gosh! I can't believe we did it! We actually did it!" Shiori screamed silently. Miku hugged her best friend and Damon sat on a nearby chair with a grin on his face. Ichigo and Toshiro however, where showering each other with kisses.
After a few moments of silence outside the stage, the announcer had the vote. They all held each other's hand and began to pray.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, as for the winners of this year's Musical School Competition…"
Everyone held their breath as the announcer opened the envelope and read out loud,
"Everyone… we have a tie."
*All cast looks at the script then at Yukiko*
Yukiko: What?
Ichigo: WHAT? WHAT? IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?
Yukiko: Well yeah. Why what's wrong with this chapter?
Miku: YOU FREAKING MADE IT A TIE!
Yukiko: So?
Toshiro: 'WHAT ARE THE READER AND REVIEWERS GOING TO SAY?'
Yukiko: Dunno.
Shiori: I can't believe this!
Yukiko: Meh, well review and if I'm nice today, I'll update. I'm already working on the next chapter and if these people are nice to me… I'll update it. Okay?
~Yukiko Shiroryuu~