Hope you guys are having an awesome spring break! Mine has been fairly productive. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 8
Deal or No Deal
"So what do you think, Jiro or Zero?" Toshiro lifted his iPhone up to Ichigo's face. On the screen was a picture of Toshiro's wife, Momo. Momo was frowning, and her arm was positioned in such a way that Ichigo knew she was taking a selfie. God, Ichigo hated that word. How "selfie" managed to get into the dictionary, Ichigo will never know.
Written below the picture was the caption, "Still don't know what to name the baby. Can't decide between Jiro and Zero… #help."
"Thirty likes in ten minutes…your wife is pretty popular," Ichigo said.
"Not the point, Ichigo," Toshiro said. "Our baby is coming in a couple of months. We need to decide on a name."
"You know it's going to be a boy?"
"No." Toshiro tucked his phone into his pocket. "But we already decided to name it "Kyoko" if it's a girl. We don't know what to name it if it's a boy."
Ichigo stuck his hands into his pockets as the two walked into the cafeteria. They picked up a tray and waited on line. Unohana smiled as she placed waffles onto Ichigo's plate.
"Thanks," Ichigo said. He glanced at Toshiro. "I think Zero is a cool name."
"I guess," Toshiro replied. They walked over to their table. Kenpachi and Rangiku were there already. When Rangiku saw them, she grinned and waved.
"Morning!" Rangiku said as they placed their trays on the table and sat down.
"Good morning," Ichigo said, smiling. Rangiku smiled gently in return, and Ichigo couldn't help but recall the devastated Rangiku crying on his shoulder.
"The moment I met you, I felt as if I could trust you with my life." Rangiku's words still rang clearly in Ichigo's head. What was Rangiku talking about? Everyone in high school had found Ichigo scary. Hell, even now some of Ichigo's adult clients were intimidated by him. If Ichigo hadn't been a good doctor, they would've all left to find a new one.
"Hey, Ichigo," Kenpachi grumbled.
Ichigo blinked. Kenpachi was glaring at him. "Yeah?"
Kenpachi leaned against his elbow. "Is there something going on between you and Unohana?"
Ichigo's eyes widened. "What? No!" Ichigo shook his head so hard, his brain felt as if it were bouncing all over his head. "Why the fuck would you think that?"
"You're always smiling at each other," Kenpachi growled.
"Th-That doesn't mean shit!" Ichigo sputtered. "We're friends and Unohana is a naturally polite person!"
"Oh!" Kenpachi gave Ichigo a toothy grin. His sudden change in expression reminded Ichigo of a cartoon character; how a new emotion would just pop out of nowhere on their face.
"Thank Jesus you two are just friends!" Kenpachi said, digging into his breakfast. "I'd probably have to kill you if you stole Unohana from me! HAHA I kid, I kid!"
Ichigo laughed uncomfortably. "Right." He stopped laughing when he noticed a certain person walking to her table.
Ichigo beamed and waved. "Hey, Rukia!"
Rukia stopped in her tracks and glared at Ichigo. She let go of her tray with one hand and stuck up her middle finger before walking away.
Rangiku began laughing hysterically. "I think I know who Ichigo has a thing for!"
Ichigo flushed. "What?! I don't have a thing for Rukia!"
"Wow Ichigo, you're a hit with the ladies!" Kenpachi laughed. His face became serious. "How do I know you're still capable of being my wingman?"
"Rukia's different!" Ichigo protested. "I'm just trying to be her friend!"
"But why?" Toshiro had been so quiet, Ichigo forgot he was there. "Kuchiki made it clear that she's not interested. Why keep trying?"
Ichigo frowned and glanced at Rukia. She was eating her waffles slowly and staring out the window. Her violet eyes were distant, as if she were stuck in her own thoughts and didn't care about the world around her.
"She's lonely," was all Ichigo could say.
"It's not your job to help her," Toshiro pointed out.
"Urahara told me that," Ichigo said. "Ultimately, it's up to Rukia to save herself, but I want to at least help."
"But why her specifically?" Rangiku asked. "There are many others like Rukia in this building, why choose her?"
Because I can relate to her. I feel connected to her. "I don't know," Ichigo answered.
Rangiku knit her eyebrows. Ichigo knew that Rangiku didn't believe him, but something in his heart prevented Ichigo from telling the truth.
Ichigo stretched his arms over his head as he walked through the hallway. He didn't really feel like swimming or playing pool, but there were so many activities to choose from that Ichigo decided to just walk around until he found something interesting.
Las Noches was a fucking labyrinth. There were so many twists and turns, Ichigo was starting to grow dizzy. A part of Ichigo was sincerely concerned that he would get lost and no one would be able to find him. Ichigo had been walking for what, ten minutes? And there was no one in sight.
As Ichigo turned again, he suddenly heard a very distant, set of high pitched sounds. Each pitch was different, each pitch was weaving a song. Ichigo didn't know what instrument was being played, but it sounded a lot like traditional Japanese music.
Ichigo was not a fan of traditional Japanese music. It wasn't because he didn't like the sound of it. The slow pieces actually resonated within Ichigo and put his mind to peace. But when Ichigo was a child, Isshin would blast traditional Japanese music on Japanese holidays. By the time he was eleven, Ichigo had lost track of the number of times someone complained to the police. Instead of being more considerate, Isshin would just turn up the volume each time.
"If the music's too loud, then you're too old!" Isshin used to always say. The only reason why Isshin eventually stopped was because the police threatened to confiscate his precious radio.
Had Ichigo not been bored, he probably would've walked away from the music. But since he was, Ichigo walked to the source of the sound and found himself standing in front of a large white door. On the door was a sign that read "Dance Studio."
"Huh," Ichigo said and opened the door.
He nearly shat himself.
Because standing in the middle of the studio was Rukia Kuchiki.
Rukia was wearing a simple white kimono that fit perfectly on her petite body. She slowly raised one arm while the other crossed over to the opposite hip. She twirled gracefully, her eyes closed as if asleep.
Suddenly, the music, and Rukia stopped. Ichigo opened his mouth to say something, as it was clear that Rukia was unaware of his presence, but couldn't because the music returned. And the tempo was much quicker than before.
Rukia dashed across the studio, her arms spread out like a butterfly's wings, and jumped and spun in the air. As soon as she landed, Rukia waved her arms around her and spun again.
The music grew louder and louder, faster and faster, and Rukia spun over and over again. Ichigo was actually becoming slightly dizzy.
Among the strings instruments, Ichigo could hear a drum. Each note the drum played had much more emphasis each time and Ichigo knew that the song was coming to an end.
All of a sudden, the sounds softened and Rukia lay on her side, her arm stretched out. From behind, she looked like she was dead.
"Kuchiki, Rukia, you are an enigma!" Ichigo said, clapping his hands.
"What the-" Rukia jumped up and whirled around. Her violet eyes became the size of large golfballs.
Ichigo walked over to her. "I didn't know you danced."
Rukia stiffened and balled her fists against her side. "Why the fuck are you here?"
"I just heard some music and thought I'd check it out," Ichigo responded without skipping a beat. "Is there a problem with that?"
Rukia sniffed. "How long were you standing there?"
"Long enough," Ichigo said. He paused. "You really are good, though."
"Thanks," Rukia said. She walked over to the stereo and picked her iPhone up.
Ichigo stuck his hands in his pocket and walked over to her. "How long have you been dancing?"
"Only for a few months," Rukia admitted. "Byakuya's wife used to dance a lot, so I decided to give it a try."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Byakuya's wife?"
He couldn't see Rukia's face, but Ichigo could tell she was reluctant to answer.
"Her name was Hisana," Rukia said. "We were really close, almost like sisters. She taught me some basic dance moves."
A part of Ichigo wanted to ask Rukia what happened to Hisana, but he knew he shouldn't. So, he asked, "Do you only know traditional dances?"
Rukia turned around and looked up. "I can do modern and ballet. I'm just practicing traditional now."
Ichigo scratched his head. "Is dancing…fun?"
Rukia's gaze shifted down and to Ichigo's surprise, a smile flitted over her lips. "Dancing allows me to release all of my emotions," Rukia said serenely. "If there wasn't a dance studio here, I'd probably be even crazier than I am now."
Ichigo smiled. "Orihime used to say that art is the best medicine for the mind." As soon as the words escaped Ichigo's lips, his blood turned cold. He hadn't thought about Orihime in a while, and the naive part of Ichigo's heart had prayed he would be able to forget about her."
"Ori…hime?" Rukia stared at Ichigo like a deer caught in headlights.
Ichigo frowned. "Yeah my ex-wife's name is Orihime, what about it?"
"Orihime is not the most common name," Rukia said slowly.
Ichigo clenched his fists. "So?"
"What college did Orihime go to?" Rukia asked.
Ichigo cocked his head, his annoyance replaced with confusion. "University of Tokyo." Orihime had ranked third at Karakura High. "Why?"
"Because your ex-wife was my roommate."
Ichigo felt as if he had been struck by lightning. His jaw fell open. "WHA-"
"Orihime and I were roommates during our freshman year," Rukia said, crossing her arms. "I see her often whenever I'm allowed to go out."
"Las Noches lets you go out?" Ichigo said. "Don't you have to be-"
"I'm not that unstable, Ichigo," Rukia replied calmly. "I can control myself well enough to be out for a day."
Ichigo's legs grew weak. "So you see Orihime whenever you go out?"
Rukia nodded. "You know the coffee shop, Kawaii Bean? I go there every time, and I always see Orihime."
"Kawaii Bean is Orihime's favorite," Ichigo said. His voice was shaking like crazy. "Do you talk to each other?"
"I hate seeing people I know in public," Rukia said. "So if she didn't notice me, I say nothing. But once in a while she'll see me and say 'hi.'"
"Orihime never really told me about you," Ichigo mumbled.
"We weren't very close," Rukia said. "She's too…cheery for my liking, no offense."
"None taken." At that moment, it dawned on Ichigo that Orihime did mention Rukia once.
"So what's your roommate like?" Ichigo asked as he and Orihime sat down on his bed.
Orihime sniffed. "She's very…interesting."
Ichigo leaned back. "How so?"
"She barely talks," Orihime said. "And she has this intimidating aura. Also, she's related to Kuchiki, Byakuya."
"KUCHIKI-OW!" Ichigo groaned as he slammed his head against the wall.
"Ichigo-kun!"
"Hey, Ichigo!" Rukia waved her hand in his face, snapping Ichigo out.
"You know Orihime," Ichigo reiterated. Ichigo could suddenly see a ray of light. Grinning like a maniac, he grabbed Rukia's shoulders and shook her. "You know Orihime."
Rukia took Ichigo's hands and pulled them off of her. "Yes, yes, I know Orihime. I've already established that."
"Rukia," Ichigo said. "I know we're not close, but may I ask you a favor?"
Rukia raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Ichigo took a deep breath. "Can you relay a message to Orihime for me?"
Rukia's eyes widened. "What?"
"Look, I know we had a rough start," Ichigo said. "But I really really need to talk to Orihime. But she put a restraining order on me, and I'm not allowed to step out of Las Noches for another few months anyway."
"Why ask me?" Rukia demanded. "Ask your friends!"
"Orihime shut them all out," Ichigo said. "But she doesn't know we're acquainted with each other. I can write a letter to Orihime, and you can deliver it for me!"
"What am I, your slave?!" Rukia pushed Ichigo and stormed off.
"Rukia, wait!" Ichigo followed her. "I'll do anything in return, anything!"
Rukia froze. "Anything?" She whispered. She turned around and smirked.
Ichigo's hands grew sweaty. "Yeah, anything."
"Anything?" Rukia took a step forward and stood on her tiptoes. Ichigo flushed when he realized that Rukia's face was only inches away from his. And she was slowly closing the gap.
Ichigo shut his eyes. He didn't want to kiss her, he really didn't. But if that's what Rukia wanted…
Rukia pulled away and laughed. "Just kidding!"
Ichigo's eyes snapped open. He winced. "Not funny, Rukia!"
Rukia smirked. "You're as red as a strawberry."
Ichigo covered his face. "Shut up!"
"How cute." Rukia stuck her hand down her kimono, and Ichigo couldn't stop himself from picturing Rukia stripping.
To his relief, Rukia pulled out a folded piece of paper. She unfolded it and handed it to Ichigo. Ichigo took it and read.
"THE KARAKURA DANCE REVOLUTION
SIGN UP BY NOVEMBER 21ST AND DANCE WITH YOUR PARTNER ON APRIL 3RD AT THE KARAKURA CONSERVATORY
WINNERS RECEIVE A PRIZE OF $500!"
"I've been wanting to participate in this for a few years," Rukia said. "But I need a partner."
"Rukia, I can't dance," Ichigo said.
"I can teach you."
Ichigo sighed. "Honestly, I don't want to dance. Can't you come up with something else?"
"Ichigo," Rukia said. "You asked me for a huge favor. I expect something just as big in return. This dance contest is important to me." She swiped the paper from Ichigo's hand. "Take it or leave it." She marched off.
Ichigo reached out for her. "Rukia-"
"Come to me when you have decided," Rukia called back. She left Ichigo alone in the studio absolutely speechless.
Ichigo's session with Urahara was painfully awkward. This time, it wasn't because of Urahara's questions, but because of Ichigo's responses. They were brief and detached, and for the first time, Urahara seemed unable to draw a conclusion from them.
Urahara tapped his chin with his pen. "Did something happen between you and Mrs. Kuchiki?"
Ichigo jumped in his seat. "How-?"
"I know you better than you think," Urahara replied a matter-of-factly. "So tell me, what happened this time?"
Ichigo sighed. "I saw Rukia at the dance studio this morning." Urahara raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised that Rukia danced. "We chatted a bit, and it turned out that Rukia was Orihime's college roommate."
"What an…interesting plot twist," Urahara mused.
Ichigo nodded. "That's only the beginning of it. Rukia said that whenever she was let out of Las Noches for a day, she'd see Orihime at Kawaii Bean. So…" Ichigo took a deep breath. "I asked Rukia if she could send a message to Orihime for me."
Urahara raised his fan over his face. "And why exactly did you ask that?"
"I thought Orihime and I were destined to be together," Ichigo said. "But she was unfaithful and I have no idea why. I want to know what went wrong."
"That's understandable," Urahara said. "But why Mrs. Kuchiki? What made you think she would comply?"
Ichigo swallowed. "Rukia…offered that we make a deal."
"Oooh," Urahara leaned forward. "Now I'm really interested. What does she want in return? Your body?"
Ichigo grit his teeth. He wanted to punch Urahara for that, but figured that Urahara would just block his fist. "Rukia wants to do some dance contest," Ichigo said. "But she needs a partner. So she wants me to-"
"Dance with her?" Urahara interrupted. He chuckled. "It's difficult for me to imagine you dancing."
Ichigo gestured at Urahara. "See? See? This is why I don't know what to do. I can't dance and frankly, I'm not interested in learning. But this is probably my best chance at communicating with Orihime."
Urahara leaned back with a smirk on his face. "And befriending Mrs. Kuchiki."
Ichigo blinked. "Huh?"
"This deal Mrs. Kuchiki is offering you," Urahara explained. "Has more pluses than negatives. Use your brain for once and think. If you accept, you can spend more time with Mrs. Kuchiki and possibly befriending her, which is what you want, right? You can also communicate with your ex without really getting into trouble. And even better, you'll be finding something new to do, which is a crucial aspect of recovery. If you do well in this contest, you may even be allowed to leave Las Noches for good! The only downside of accepting this deal is having to dance."
Ichigo barely heard Urahara's last statement. His other points rang like a bell in Ichigo's head.
If you accept, you can spend more time with Mrs. Kuchiki and possibly befriending her, which is what you want, right?
You can also communicate with your ex without really getting into trouble.
And even better, you'll be finding something new to do, which is a crucial aspect of recovery. If you do well in this contest, you may even be allowed to leave Las Noches for good!
Ichigo looked up at the ceiling. A gold, circular chandelier shone brightly and seemed to be smiling at him.
Mom…I think…the rain is ending.
Ichigo ran through the hallway and skidded as he made a turn. He grinned when he saw Rukia's male nurse pushing a cart of pillows.
"Taro!" Ichigo called out.
Taro turned around. "Oh, Mr. Kurosaki! How can I help you? And my name's Hanataro."
Ichigo stopped in front of him. "Your name is too hard to remember. Anyways, where's Rukia?"
"Mrs. Kuchiki?" Hanataro scratched his blue head. "I believe she's in her room. Why?"
"I need to tell her something," Ichigo said. "What's her room number?"
"Um, 1513-"
"Thanks!" Ichigo ran off, leaving behind a dumbfounded Hanataro.
Ichigo watched the colored doors fly by. 1530…1521…1513!
Ichigo stopped and panted. Standing up straighter, he knocked on the door and sure enough, Rukia opened it. She was staring at Ichigo quizzically, but Ichigo knew that she knew.
"What do you want?" Rukia asked.
There was no turning back. Ichigo took a deep breath.
"Deal."
Disappointed that Ichigo and Rukia didn't kiss? Muahaha you guys will have to wait ;) Thoughts on this chapter?