A/N: Hi everyone! This will be the first chapter of The Journal that will not be in the regular journal-type style this story has been written in until now. I hope everyone will still enjoy, regardless. This chapter took a bit longer to write out so I hope you won't be disappointed! Read and review! xoxo
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The Journal
Peach Doll
Chapter 9
Evacuate The Dance Floor!
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The beautiful, shimmering, white-pearlescent body of the spotless Rolls-Royce Phantom rode smoothly down the street towards Tatsuki's house. Inside the car, Momo and Orihime practically bouncing in their seats in excitement, Rukia sitting in the driver's seat, unable to keep from grinning. The roof of the car glittered with tiny, twinkling white lights, as if to emulate stars, and Momo sighed at the sight. "Who knew a car could be so romantic? Rukia, you've gotta pull Kurosaki-kun in here some time, it's perfect for a romantic setting."
"The back of my own car?" Rukia chuckled as she pulled up on Tatsuki's driveway. "We're here,"
The doors of the car opened and out poured all three, dressed an primped and fluffed until they were looking perfect as Rukia rang the doorbell. Tatsuki opened it immediately, her expression changing from normal to excitement as soon as she saw her three best friends waiting at the door for you. "You guys look gorgeous!"
The other three stumbled in, a group of swirling, swishing colored fabrics. It really was true, though- they all looked stunning in their own rights.
Orihime's hair was twisted up into a pretty half-bun, pinned at the top with the hairpins her brother gave her, the long, loose ends curled up to add style. Her dress was a sweet baby pink in color, simple spaghetti straps at the top, with a pretty crystal detail at the waist that led to a skirt made out of angled ruffles, layer upon layer, as well as matching heels that were strappy and very low, due to her not having the best balance.
Momo's dress was powder blue, a simple empire waist leading to an a-lined, flowy floor-length skirt. With her hair twisted up into an elegant bun, supported by a dozen tiny crystal pins that gleamed under the light, she looked like a modern version of Cinderella herself.
Tatsuki's dress was an empire waist as well, the top of the dress a pretty embroidered beige color with a heart-shaped neckline and simple straps, the skirt part was flowy red fabric that reached her knees and swished around her when she walked. She'd donned nude colored heels for the occasion- after being hounded by the other three that her favorite pair of combat boots could NOT be made to fit this occasion- and had opted out of makeup, sans for a swipe of bold crimson colored lipstick and a quick comb through her short, shoulder length hair.
Rukia, who Orihime had dubbed as tonight's "angelic ice princess" wore a silky white floor-length gown that was void of any straps- hence the question Tatsuki had immediately asked her- "What's holding that thing up, woman? Sheer will?" with matching full-fingered gloves that stopped just past her elbows. She'd donned a simple silver necklace after feeling that her decollete had been left too bare, and she wore her promise ring on her right hand, above the glove. She'd kept her hair down for this occasion, opting to neatly comb back her hair, including the stubborn bang that fell between her eyes, and keep it pinned back.
The four took picture after picture together, first inside, then posing in front of the Phantom, until Tatsuki finally convinced them to get in the car, as Renji had texted her to inform them that everyone's dates were waiting.
It was then, when Rukia was driving, that Tatsuki had turned to her and questioned, "Hey Rukia, did you tell Ichigo to get you a corsage?"
Rukia had shaken her head, "Oh no, Ichigo isn't my date-"
"WHAAAAAAAT?" Orihime and Momo both shrieked/exclaimed at the same time, making her wince. "Um.."
"What do you mean he's not taking you?" Tatsuki all but yelled, pausing as her face grew furious, "Wait- did he refuse? Even after everything that happened? Ooh, when I see him I'm-"
"He didn't refuse me." Rukia said quickly to avoid her poor boyfriend from getting a butt kicking he didn't deserve, "He asked me. The thing is.. Hanataro asked me to go with him first. And at the time I'd given up thinking Ichigo was ever going to ask so... I said yes,"
"Ohh..."
"You couldn't take to Yamada-kun? I'm sure he'd understand.." said Orihime from the backseat.
"It'd be too rude. He DID ask so kindly. Besides," Rukia shook her head, smiling lightly, "I told Ichigo it's his own fault for not asking me sooner. He'll be there anyway- just not as my date."
When the girls reached the building, Rukia handed her keys to the concierge and the four of them piled out. All four were immediately greeted by their dates- Orihime first, with Uryu taking her hand and kissing it gently, while stating that she "was the most beautiful thing he'd laid eyes on". Ishida looked handsome tonight- if he'd been popular before he was definitely breaking hearts tonight- dressed in a simple black tuxedo with a white shirt underneath and a pink tie to match Orihime's dress. He'd also opted out of glasses, instead wearing contacts, and with his hair combed back, he suddenly looked like an extremely rich, sophisticated, and charming young man.
Shinji greeted Momo by offering his arm out to her slightly jovially as he stated, "My lady," he'd somehow managed to find a blue colored suit that matched her dress exactly; a blue coat with black striping on top, a blue vest with black buttons underneath with a white shirt and matching blue tie. It gave him a more fun, dj-esque vibe, as he and Sado would be taking turns tonight, and he'd tied his short blond hair back into a short half-ponytail, some loose strands framing his face.
Renji also offered his arm for Tatsuki, who took it as they walked inside together casually. He'd worn a similar outfit as the rest- a black suit with a red shirt underneath, his tie a satiny tan shade to match the two main colors of her dress.
Rukia was greeted by a blushing Hanataro, who took both her hands in his, his eyes shyly meeting hers with excitement, "Rukia-san, I-I'm so thankful that you've let me escort you to the dance!"
She smiled at him then, looking every bit like the angelic ice princess Orihime had dubbed her earlier, and let Hanataro guide her inside by gently holding her elbow- some part of the back of her mind questioned if she and he would be the shortest couple at the dance- she was only 4''8 and Hanataro only stood at 5 feet- Tatsuki was taller than him.
She greeted many faces, though she couldn't help but be curious to find a certain head of untameable orange somewhere in the crowd. The dancing had already begun, and she let Hanataro lead her to the dance floor, easing into a simple, slow dance with him. He smiled up at her- up due to the 5 inch white mary jane heels she was wearing, "Y-You look lovely tonight, Rukia-san."
She smiled down at him, her hands resting on his shoulders as they twirled to the music. "You as well, Hanataro. And thank you for the lovely corsage." he'd carefully slipped the small wreath of pink and white lilies onto her wrist earlier.
"O-Oh of course, it was no problem."
Momo smiled lightly as she watched Orihime and Uryu dance. They really looked like some type of young, royal couple together, all beautiful and youthful. Shinji had gone for his turn to DJ a few minutes ago, and had asked her to accompany him. She told him she would join him after getting some punch, and it was then that she'd watched with a raised eyebrow as Mizuiro Kojima slunk over to the table, casually twisting the cap of a bottle of what she could only bet was liquor- and poured the entire contents into the punch bowl, doing the same action with the four other punch bowls set out on the tables.
Things, Momo realized with slight worry, were about to get wild.
"YOU BITCH! HOW DARE YOU LAY YOUR FILTHY HANDS ON MY ISHIDA- HEY, WHAT THE FUCK! LET ME GO!"
Tatsuki's head had turned sharply from where she and Renji sat at one of the tables, having decided to get some refreshments together. A circle had formed on the dance floor, where Uryu stood with Orihime, who... had Leiko Watanabe in an armlock?
Tatsuki stood up immediately, marching straight over as furiously as she could in her annoying heels, "HEY! What the hell is going on!" she looked at Orihime's serious expression, "What happened Orihime?"
It was then that Rangiku-san and Hisagi-san, the chaperones, appeared as well, "What's going on, you two? Break it up."
"Nothing is going on," said Orihime calmly, and suddenly everyone couldn't help but feel a bit ominous of her, including Leiko, who was still trapped in her grip, "Right, Leiko-chan?"
"R-R-Right-"
"Right!" Orihime chirped brightly, letting Leiko go, who scrambled up and away as fast as she could. Everyone sweatdropped and Tatsuki sighed as Uryu stared at his date in awe. Rukia, who was still there with Hanataro, exchanged an amused glance with Momo.
How could someone that sweet be that dangerous?!
Everyone was drunk.
That was the first thing Ichigo noted when he arrived to the dance, three hours late.
Fashionably late, he'd assume Ishida might call it. Well, it wasn't as if there was much to do. He knew Rukia was going to be there with Hanataro- it wasn't like he didn't want to see her. He just couldn't help but feel like his presence might ruin the night for both of them.
He entered the large room to find utter chaos. Riruka Dokugamine and Ririn Watanabe were drunkenly dancing on an empty stage, shoeless and with their hairdos ruined, a red plastic cup of spiked punch in a hand each, singing some gibberish he couldn't bother to understand. Several couples in the background were making out, some still dancing normally, some even grinding to the music- which he didn't understand, as the song currently playing was A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.
He'd come just in time then, pulling out his iphone to record as Keigo climbed onto the top of a table, missing his jacket AND pants, picked up one of the bowls of punch, and attempted to pour the entire contents into his mouth- ultimately pouring it all over himself. He laughed hysterically at this before slipping and falling off the table, laying there on the ground, soaked in red punch with no pants laughing his ass off madly. Ichigo also noted Mizuiro, who stood in the shadows, leaning against the wall looking WAY too accomplished as he too, recorded the entire show with his phone.
"Bastard.." Ichigo muttered, unable to keep from grinning. He went on again, spying Ishida and Inoue on the dance floor as well as Hirako and Hinamori. he didn't get the chance to wonder where Rukia was, as his eyes fell on her- she stood a few feet in front of him chatting with Renji and Tatsuki.
He felt his breath leave him.
Rukia stood at the corner of the dance floor. They'd just witnessed Keigo Asano make an utter fool of himself, and were wondering just how this had happened and where on earth the chaperones had gone, when Tatsuki tapped her shoulder, causing her to turn in the direction she pointed.
It suddenly seemed like all the noise she was hearing was coming from underwater as she stared.
Ichigo stood a few feet from her, dressed in all black, from head to toe- everything from the jacket to the shirt to the pants to the shoes was black- except for a few things. His tie, the silver ring on his finger, and the white rose in his breast pocket.
She felt breathless as he stood there, staring at her for a long moment before approaching her.
She didn't know when Tatsuki and Renji disappeared, but by the time he'd reached her they were gone, and Ichigo stood just inches from her, his honey colored eyes staring into hers. "Hey."
"Hi." she replied softly, a slow smile spreading across your face as her eyes flickered to his tie, then back to his eyes. "Did you do this to match me?" she questioned, a lone finger reaching up and tracing down the length of his tie, unintentionally seductive. Ichigo couldn't meet her gaze. "Maybe,"
He looked back at her then, abut to say something when Hanataro's light voice was heard. "Rukia-san, I found us a table! We can- oh, hello Ichigo-san!" he said brightly, "Do you want to join us? We were going to just get refreshments," he said, referring to himself and Rukia.
Back off, Ichigo. Don't interfere.
"No, it's alright." he smiled lightly at them both, his eyes flickering from Hanataro to Rukia. "I'm going to head up the the DJ booth and see how Chad's holding up."
He watched as Rukia turned to follow Hanataro, grabbing her elbow suddenly, right before she left. She looked back at him in slight surprise, and he leaned close to her, his mouth dangerously close to her ear as he murmured, "You look beautiful."
He pulled back then, staring at her with an expression that held a height of emotions Rukia couldn't possibly begin to understand, and they stared at each other for a quick moment before Rukia leaned up, using her temporary height to her advantage, she pressed a kiss to his strong jawline, smiling lightly before turning and following Hanataro.
Ichigo watched her go with every step.
For the rest of the evening- night- whatever!- Ichigo felt annoyed. All night he'd dodged drunk people, dodged couples who failed to notice the boundaries being crossed as they grinded against each other, dodged a punch-soaked Keigo who felt the need to barrel at him screaming "ICHIGOOOOOOO!" every time he saw him.
He was annoyed. He'd told himself he wouldn't be, that he'd be happy that Rukia was having a good time, that he wouldn't feel left out or jealous or cranky- but he was!
Jealous. Of Hanataro Yamada. The only male senior at Karakura who stood at 5 feet tall, and once bolted from the room in the middle of a class presentation because he felt so embarrassed.
Those are shallow and stupid reasons any way, his conscience chastised. He knew it, damn it! He had nothing against Hanataro- in fact, he considered him a friend and liked his simple, kind and easy attitude a lot- it was just so hard to watch his stunning, ethereal and downright beautiful girlfriend be led, twirled, dipped, and held on the dance floor by someone that wasn't him.
It was then that he felt a hand on his shoulder. He glanced over, meeting Tatsuki's face. "Why the long face Ichigo?" she teased, grinning at his annoyed expression as she followed his line of sight to Rukia and Hanataro. "Ah, yes. Rukia's really a doll tonight, isn't she?"
Ichigo scoffed. And looked down at his old friend. "What about you anyways, where's Renji? Did you scare him off already?"
She rolled her eyes, still smiling- apparently no snide comments would ruin her mood tonight, "He's DJing to give Sado and Hirako a break." she held her hand out then, "Care to go for a spin? Keep it casual,"
Ichigo stared for a moment before shrugging lightly and taking her hand, "Sure, why not."
"That's the spirit," Tatsuki teased. She let him lead the dance, her hands resting simply on his shoulders, "So. How do you really feel?"
"About?"
"About global warming." Tatsuki's voice dripped with sarcasm. "About Rukia, idiot! I'm having a hard time believing you're really all fine and dandy with seeing her get spun around by someone else- even someone as non threatening as Yamada."
Ichigo was quiet then. Thoughtful.
"..I just want her to be happy. Even if it's not with me."
Tatsuki stared at him for a moment before smiling.
"Geez. I guess you've finally matured a bit, Ichigo. Not as much of a brat as you were when we first met."
"What the heck?" he grumbled, glaring down at her. She laughed, glancing behind him before getting a mischievous and knowing glint in her eye.
Ichigo had no time to step back in fear of what she might do with that creepy expression when she turned them suddenly, letting go of Ichigo. "Oh, stop moping and go on!"
"Wha-!" Ichigo stumbled, flailing lightly when he was suddenly caught.
I know you care for me, there's no question at all
There's not anything in this world I want
More than your love
Bewildered honey eyes met indigo. And Ichigo found himself staring into the jewel-like eyes of Rukia, who was gripping his arms with both hands to keep him from falling.
"Rukia.." he said breathlessly. She only smiled and straightened him up, her hands lingering on his chest. "Are you alright?"
"Yes.. but where's Hana-"
"You two dance together now." Hanataro announced suddenly, one hand on Rukia's back, the other on Ichigo's.
Can bring up anything, hurricanes and all
And I know, I know
That you could love me in that way
"What?" Ichigo blanced, shaking his head, "But Hanataro- Rukia was your date- that's- I'm not- I don't want to interrupt-"
"You're not interupting at all, Ichigo-san." Hanataro said gently, and from the expression in his eyes, he was not lying. "I've seen the way you've been looking at her all night. I don't mind. To be honest.. I'm just honored that I got to be Rukia-san's first dance."
Rukia smiled at him then and leaned forward, giving Hanataro a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Hanataro."
He nodded happily, a scarlet blush on his cheeks as he dazedly walked away. Rukia looked up at Ichigo as he held a hand out to her. "I have something for you. If you'll take it."
He didn't wait for her reply as he took out a corsage made of white roses similar to the one in his breast pocket, and slipped it on the same wrist, next to the one Hanataro had given her.
Rukia laughed at this, her hands sliding up to lace around his neck as he gripped her waist firmly with both hands and kissed her.
When gold starts to rust
And times do get tough
Then, baby-
Ooh, would you love me the same?
The lights suddenly flickered on, the music cut off as Genryusai Yamamoto, Principal and Headmaster of Karakura High School, stood in the doorway. His heavy wooden staff slammed on the floor four times, the sound of the wood striking the tiled floors echoing in the now silent room as gasps were heard. A frazzled Rangiku and blood-shot Hisagi standing at his sides, looking sheepish.
"NOBODY MOVE A SINGLE MUSCLE."