SORRY AGAIN for the late update. I promise I won't give up on this story
Chapter 13
'Tis the Season
Christmas morning. Everyone was sitting in the common room chatting animatedly, their hands clasped around cups of hot chocolate. Their conversations were inaudible, as "Jingle Bell Rock" was playing. The whole room was decorated beautifully. Christmas lights and wreaths were hanging on the walls. Standing at the corner of the room was a Douglas Fir tree with ornaments that twinkled under the light. On top of the tree was a golden star.
For once, Las Noches didn't feel like a hospital for crazy people. The festive song and decorations and the air which smelled faintly of pine and cinnamon brought a smile to everyone's faces. Well, almost everyone.
"Ichigo, calm down. You look like you're going to piss yourself," Rukia said. Ichigo and Rukia were standing by a small stage set up at the front of the room. She nodded at a few other people, who were also going to perform. They were talking as if they didn't have a care in the world.
"They're not nervous, so I don't understand why you are," Rukia said.
"They're not nervous because their performance isn't that complicated," Ichigo pointed out. "They all signed up as a joke."
"Well there's still no need for you to be nervous." Rukia dug into her purse and took out a silver compact mirror.
As she examined her reflection, Ichigo said, "Your makeup's fine, Rukia." Rukia was wearing dark lipstick and silver eyeliner that made her violet orbs stand out even more. Her attire consisted of a black crop top, leggings, and dance shoes. It was so simple, yet it made Rukia look beautiful in a sort of punk rock way.
Ichigo, meanwhile, was wearing a black linen shirt and pants. Rukia had said he looked good, but Ichigo still felt awkward.
Rukia tucked her mirror back into her purse. When she glanced at Ichigo, her lips became a straight line.
"What?" Ichigo asked.
Before Rukia could say something, a deep voice said behind him, "Merry Christmas, Kurosaki Ichigo."
Ichigo whirled around and saw Sosuke Aizen smiling at him. "M-Merry Christmas," he said. He mentally cursed himself for stuttering.
"Lovely morning today, isn't it?" Aizen said. His tone was casual, but something about his voice also told people that he was not to be taken lightly. "This could be the best Christmas we've had in a while."
"Maybe," Ichigo said. "I wouldn't know."
"Ah yes, it's your first Christmas here," Aizen's eyes trailed down Ichigo and Rukia's outfits. "Yet, you're performing in the Christmas Spectacular? How bold of you. You too, Miss Kuchiki. You've been here for a while but not once have you signed up for this."
"Things change," Rukia said. Ichigo was surprised at the venom oozing out of Rukia's voice.
"That is true," Aizen said, amusement flickering in his brown eyes.
Ichigo studied Rukia's face. She looked as if she wanted to claw out Aizen's voice box.
To his relief, Unohana walked up to them. "Mr. Aizen, the show is about to begin."
"Is it? Then I must go take a seat." Aizen nodded at Ichigo and Rukia. "I'm looking forward to your performance. Break a leg."
As Aizen walked to a chair labeled "Reserved," Ichigo glanced back at Rukia. Murder was still written all over her face.
"Rukia-"
"Isn't that your family?" Rukia interrupted and pointed at Isshin, Karin, and Yuzu. The three of them waved at Ichigo. To Ichigo's horror, Isshin held up a video camera.
"Fuck, if he records our dance I'm going to-"
"Merry Christmas everyone!" Unohana said into a microphone. "And welcome to Las Noches' Christmas Spectacular!"
Unohana began talking about how the Christmas Spectacular was established. Ichigo could tell from the tired look on everyone's faces that they had heard this many times. Ichigo scanned the crowd and saw Toshiro, his wife Momo, Kenpachi, and Rangiku sitting in the third row.
"For our first performance, we have Gantenbainne Mosqueda!"
A dark skinned man with a giant afro marched onto the stage in a gaudy white suit. Around his neck was a giant golden $.
"Yo yo yo alllll youuu suckah MCs ain't got nothing on me..."
"When are we going?" Ichigo whispered to Rukia. Behind them, the other performers were snickering at Gantenbainne's atrocious rapping.
"After Gantenbainne," Rukia replied.
"The G is silent when I sneak through your door, and make love to your woman on the bathroom floor..."
"You know this rap sounds kinda familiar," Ichigo said.
Rukia rolled her eyes. "You know, you have an awful memory."
"Ughhh Kevin Geee," Gantenbainne moaned
"That's enough Kevin!" Someone from the crowd yelled.
"Happy Holidays everybody," Gantenbainne said, waving at the crowd. A few people booed.
"Ah that was...nice...Mr. Mosqueda," Unohana said as she took the microphone from him. "Now, for our next performance we have Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia."
Ichigo swallowed as he and Rukia walked onto the stage, the audience clapping politely. He stifled a groan as Toshiro, Kenpachi, and Rangiku whipped out their phones with giant grins on their faces.
Lord help me. Ichigo thought as the first song played...
Rukia twirled into Ichigo's arms and the two of them whipped their heads back. The song ended in that moment and the two partners stayed in that position for a few moments while the audience clapped. Ichigo let Rukia go. To his surprise, Rukia took his hand when they bowed. Her hand was soft, just like Orihime's, but different at the same time. Without thinking, Ichigo squeezed it slightly. Maybe his peripheral vision was fooling him, but Rukia's eyes seemed to glow brighter when he did that.
"ICHIGO MY ONLY SON! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!" Isshin cried when Ichigo and Rukia walked off the stage. Karin and Yuzu hugged Ichigo.
"YES ICHIGO! YES!" Kenpachi hollered. "YOU SLAYED IT!"
"That was good, Ichigo," Toshiro agreed. "I was surprised."
"Einstein had very low expectations," Rangiku teased. "I kept telling him he was too pessimistic, but he kept insisting that he was being realistic."
Toshiro flushed. "I had some faith in him!"
Ichigo laughed. "It's fine, Toshiro. I was surprised myself." Ichigo nodded at Momo and extended his hand. "I don't think we've officially met before. I'm Kurosaki, Ichigo."
"Hitsugaya, Momo," Momo chirped and took his hand.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ichigo could see Rukia walking away. Ichigo grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
"This is Kuchiki, Rukia," Ichigo said. Rukia glared at him.
"Ah, so this is Miss Kuchiki." Isshin's eyes twinkled. "Ichigo has talked about you several times."
Ichigo winced. "Dad!"
"Oh really?" Rukia said, raising her eyebrow. "What has he said about me?"
Isshin snickered. "That you're so beautiful and smart and that you two are going to get married and have lots of bab-"
Ichigo smacked Isshin's head. "He's joking," he assured Rukia. "My dad wants grandkids really bad, so he wants me to get with any girl I talk to."
Isshin whimpered. "You never had kids with 'Hime, Ichigo! I want to be a grandfather before I die."
"Well I'm getting married soon," Yuzu assured him. "So don't worry."
"That's true," Isshin said. He whirled on Karin. "And what about you? I don't see you with anyone."
But Karin wasn't paying attention to Isshin. Her dark eyes were fixed on something else. Or someone else, Ichigo thought with horror. Karin was staring at Toshiro wistfully. Out of all the words to describe Karin, "wistful" had never been one of them.
"You're Toshiro, right?" Karin asked.
Toshiro blinked. "Yeah. And you're Karin?"
"Yeah." Karin's cheeks turned slightly pink, which did not settle well with Ichigo. Momo's narrowed eyes didn't help much.
"Kurosaki, Ichigo." Aizen's voice caught Ichigo by surprise. "Congratulations on your fine performance."
"Thank you," Ichigo said tightly. He hated the effect Aizen's presence had on him.
"You and Miss Kuchiki are a rather...effective team," Aizen said and smiled.
"I'm flattered you think that," Rukia said. There was a hint of a snarl in her voice.
Aizen chuckled and glanced at his watch. "I'd love to stay and chat, but there are people I must see. Merry Christmas." He nodded at everyone and walked off.
"Well that was weird," Kenpachi said.
Ichigo looked down at Rukia. There it was again, that burning fire that was ready to consume everything in its path. Aizen didn't emit a good vibe, but the amount of hatred in Rukia's eyes disturbed Ichigo.
Someone raised a small paper bag up to Ichigo's face. Ichigo turned and saw Toshiro smiling at him.
"Merry Christmas, Ichigo," Toshiro said.
Ichigo took the bag from Toshiro. Inside was red and green shredded paper. Ichigo stuck his hand in and took out a DVD case with a smirking Leo DiCaprio on the cover.
"In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. 'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had,'" Toshiro recited. He smiled. "Remember our conversation about The Great Gatsby?"
Ichigo smiled. "That was our very first one. How could I forget?"
"If you did, I would've smacked you," Toshiro said. "Anyways, you better watch that movie and tell me if it ruined the book for you."
"I definitely will," Ichigo replied. "Thank you, Toshiro."
"I got you something, too!" Rangiku said. She dug into her purse and pulled out a pink envelope.
"To Strawberry?" Rukia read and smirked. "Aw how cute, she even put strawberry stickers on it."
"Shut up," Ichigo said as he took the envelope and opened it. Inside was a card with a snowman and a rabbit. The carrot meant to be the snowman's nose was located in what was probably his groin. The rabbit was staring at the carrot and saying, "Would it be weird if I ate that?"
Ichigo chuckled and opened the card. Inside were two gift cards: iTunes and Barnes & Noble.
"The Barnes & Noble one is from me," Rangiku said. "The iTunes one is from Kenpachi."
"You're welcome," Kenpachi said with a giant grin.
"Wow thanks guys." Ichigo glanced back at Isshin. "I actually got something for all of you, too. Dad?"
Isshin shifted his body, beads of sweat rolling down his face. "Well, uh, you know it's Christmas. I-I was really excited to see you again and I uh..."
"You left the gifts at home?"
"It completely slipped from my mind," Isshin sputtered.
Ichigo slapped his forehead. "I should've known this was going to happen." He turned to Kenpachi, Toshiro, and Rangiku. "Sorry guys. Your presents are gonna arrive a little late."
"It's fine, Ichigo," Toshiro said sincerely. Rangiku and Kenpachi nodded but they looked a bit peeved.
"Shiro-chan, we should go now," Momo said. "The drive to mother's place is a few hours from here and you know how crazy she is with tardiness."
Toshiro groaned. "Don't remind me. Well, Merry Christmas guys! I'll see you after a couple of weeks."
"Merry Christmas," Ichigo said as the couple walked away. Karin looked crestfallen.
"I should go too," Rangiku said. "I also have relatives that are OCD when it comes to time. Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas!" Ichigo nodded at Kenpachi. "What about you? Are you going anywhere?"
Kenpachi shook his head. "Nah. According to my therapist, I'm too dangerous to be released into the wilderness."
"So you're just going to celebrate Christmas in Las Noches?"
"That's the plan," Kenpachi said. "Don't look at me like that, Ichigo. I'm fine staying here."
Ichigo said nothing, wondering how much of Kenpachi's words were true. Not many others were staying in Las Noches as far as Ichigo was concerned. Even Unohana wasn't going to be sticking around. Kenpachi was going to be alone, probably locked in his room watching Netflix for all of winter break.
"We better go now too," Isshin said. "Jinta's coming over, so we got to prepare all the food."
"Right," Ichigo said. "Well, Merry Christmas Kenpachi."
"Merry Christmas!" Kenpachi said and slapped Ichigo's shoulder hard, making him wince. "I'll see ya after break. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go give Unohana the card I made her."
As Kenpachi shoved himself through the mass of patients, Ichigo turned to where Rukia was standing. She wasn't there.
Glancing around the room, Ichigo could see Rukia walking out of the common room. Ichigo ran after her and took her hand. Rukia gasped in surprise as her head snapped up at him.
"Where are you going?" Ichigo asked.
"Back to my room," Rukia said cooly. "I don't have anyone to spend Christmas with, so I'm just gonna stay in Las Noches."
"No you're not," Ichigo said. "You're going to come home with me." Ichigo's words surprised him just as much as Rukia. Where the hell did that come from?
"And why should I?" Rukia asked.
"Cause Kenpachi is staying here." Ichigo let go of Rukia. "Kenpachi is going to spend Christmas here alone, and there's nothing I can do about that. But you're different. You're allowed outside so I'd feel pretty damn guilty if I'm at home and you've got nowhere to go."
"So you're asking me out of pity?" Rukia's tone was sour.
"I'm asking you as a friend," Ichigo said. "Will you come home with me?"
Rukia turned her head away, so Ichigo couldn't see her expression. She was silent for what felt like hours. For a moment, Ichigo was convinced Rukia was going to make a snarky comment and march off. But the snarky remark never came.
Instead, Rukia looked back up at Ichigo and said, "We're going to have to sign a few papers. And I need to get some stuff from my room."
Ichigo was too surprised to say anything, so he smiled instead and Rukia smiled back.
"I can't believe I'm actually here," Rukia said as Ichigo led her to the dining room. As expected, Isshin had decorated the whole house more than he needed to. Tiny Christmas trees, wreaths, stockings, and every other Christmas decoration were in every room. Ichigo had to stay alert for tiny mistletoes. No way was he going to kiss anyone.
"I can't either," Ichigo admitted. He pulled a chair from the table. "You can sit here. I'll be in the kitchen."
"I can help too," Rukia said.
"It's fine," Ichigo said. "You're our guest, just sit here and I'll be back soon."
While Rukia took a seat, Ichigo walked into the kitchen. The smell of cooking food made Ichigo's mouth water.
"Why aren't you with Rukia?" Karin asked while passing Yuzu some herbs. Yuzu sprinkled them on the ham.
"I thought I'd help you guys."
"You don't know how to cook though," Karin pointed out.
"I've picked up a few tricks when I was with Orihime," Ichigo said with a slight shudder. Orihime wasn't a bad cook per say, but her strange taste in food made her cook weird dishes that made Ichigo gag just thinking about them.
"But you don't usually help with the cooking," Karin said.
"Oh I know why you want to help," Yuzu chirped.
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. With a coy smile, Yuzu said, "You're just scared of being alone with Rukia-chan."
Ichigo's jaw dropped open. "WHAT?! I've been alone with her loads of times-"
Karin raised her hand as if to hide her face and groaned. "Please stop talking."
Ichigo flushed. "No no no I didn't mean it in that way. We-we've just hung out a lot. I don't mind being alone with her. I just," Ichigo's voice dropped. "I just missed spending time like this with you two."
For a moment, everything was silent until Yuzu bawled, "Ichi-nii!" She wrapped her arms around Ichigo tightly. Ichigo patted her head and smiled. Even though Yuzu was already engaged, she would always be his little sister.
"Where's dad, by the way?" Ichigo asked.
Karin looked sick. "He's in his room, you know…doing it."
Ichigo's face paled. "Oh no." Pushing Yuzu away, Ichigo sprinted up the stairs and barged into Isshin's room.
"Ichigo!" Isshin exclaimed with a goofy grin. "Wanna help me stuff pillows in my suit?"
Every year, Isshin dressed up as Santa and reenacted A Visit from St. Nicholas. It was funny when Ichigo was a child, but at this point, it was just plain creepy.
"Dad, you are not doing it tonight," Ichigo said, swiping a pillow from Isshin's hands.
"Why not? I'm sure Jinta-kun and Rukia-chan would love it!" Isshin smiled pervertedly. "Maybe Rukia can sit on my lap and tell me what she wants for Christmas."
Ichigo threw the pillow at Isshin's face. "You are not doing it tonight."
Isshin crossed his arms and pouted. "I thought Uryu was supposed to be the party pooper, not you."
Snow fell from the night sky like tiny stars onto the ground, which glowed a myriad of colors from the Christmas lights. It was so peaceful and quiet outside, but the inside of Isshin's house was alive with spirit. Everyone laughed and joked as they ate ham, mashed potato, stuffing, apple pie, plum pudding, and custard and drank champagne.
"So Jinta, what kind of movies do you like?" Ichigo asked, half dizzy from all the wine. He had bombarded Jinta with questions all night to see what exactly Yuzu saw in him. Though Ichigo didn't dislike him, he didn't think the red head deserved his sister.
"Action movies," Jinta answered. "Anything with a lot of blood."
"Mhm nice." Ichigo finished his glass and reached out for another bottle.
"I think that's enough for you," Rukia said, moving the bottle aside. "You look like you're ready to pass out."
"I didn't drink that much," Ichigo protested.
"You had three glasses."
"Yeah, not that much."
Rukia laughed. "You're red as a firetruck. I think three glasses is more than enough for you."
"Fine." Ichigo leaned back in his chair and turned his head to Rukia. Rukia had drank even more than he did, but she looked completely sober. "How many glasses did you have exactly?"
"I have a high alcohol tolerance," Rukia said. She glanced at Isshin who was singing, or more accurately, screaming "12 Days of Christmas" at the top of his lungs, his face flushed despite only drinking one glass. "Unlike some people."
Ichigo laughed. It wasn't really that funny, but he was in such a good mood and not just because of the alcohol.
Ichigo gazed around the table. Karin was tucking into a slice of pie, looking very annoyed at Isshin's obnoxious singing while Jinta and Yuzu were kissing. Under different circumstances, Ichigo would've been bothered to see Yuzu kissing someone, but now he didn't mind at all.
Rukia suddenly stood up. "Are we going to sit here all night, or are you going to show me your room?"
"You're straightforward," Ichigo remarked and got up. His body tipped back slightly.
"You OK?" Rukia asked.
Ichigo shook his head vigorously to help clear his mind. "Yeah I'm fine. Now let's go."
Ichigo took Rukia's hand and led her up the stairs. It was weird how natural this felt. Ichigo could never forget the first time he held Orihime's hand or hung out alone with her in his room. His hands were sweaty both times.
Well this isn't my first time holding Rukia's hand. And I was young back then. Wait, why am I even comparing Rukia to Orihime? Pushing the thought aside, Ichigo opened the door to his room. "Ta-da!"
His room looked the same as it did the last time Ichigo saw it: bed fixed, desk next to it, the small walk-in closet Ichigo used to hide in as a child. Ichigo felt a wave of nostalgia as a memory played out before him.
"Mhm, I wonder where Ichigo could've gone? Maybe not in this closet? Oh there you are!"
"Wow, you're room is so cozy," Rukia said, bringing Ichigo back to the present. "I like it."
Ichigo let go of Rukia's hand, surprised at the reluctancy he felt, and sat on his bed. The mattress sank under his weight. "Thanks, I like it too. I assume your room was much more grand?"
"It was so big, I was scared of getting lost in it," Rukia admitted.
Ichigo smiled at the thought of a young Rukia huddling in the corner of the room. "You still scared of that?"
Rukia rolled her eyes and sat down next to him. "Sure."
Ichigo gazed at Rukia. Normally, he didn't like it when other people sat on his bed. Orihime used to be the only person who was allowed to. Now...
"That was a nice dinner, by the way," Rukia said. She paused. "I'm…I'm glad I came."
Ichigo blinked. "Thanks. Yuzu's cooking never fails to satisfy." It was only after the words came out did he fully understand what Rukia said. I'm glad I came.
I'm glad you came too.
"I have something for you, actually," Rukia added. She stuck her hand in the bag she brought and pulled out a large, leather book with the title printed in gold.
Ichigo gaped at it. "That's…that's…"
"The new edition of Works of William Shakespeare," Rukia said with a smirk. "You're welcome."
Ichigo took the book and fingered the title. "This is beautiful, Rukia. How'd you know?"
"I told you, I'm psychic."
Smiling, Ichigo placed the book on his desk and walked over to the closet. "I have something for you too." He took out a large stuffed animal.
The look on Rukia's face was priceless. She looked like a five year old going to Disney for the first time. "That's Chappy the Rabbit!"
Ichigo gave the pink bunny to Rukia, who squealed and buried her face in the soft toy. "Rabbits are my favorite animals of all time. How'd you know?"
Ichigo smirked as he recalled the rabbit stickers on her laptop, the rabbit print t-shirt she wore when they snuck into Urahara's office. "I'm psychic."
Rukia looked up at Ichigo with a giggle. "Thank you, Ichigo."
"No problem," Ichigo replied. "You've really helped me so-"
"ICHIGOOO!" Ichigo whirled around and saw Isshin, Yuzu, Jinta, and Karin standing by the door. Isshin was giggling like a five year old.
Ichigo stifled a groan. "What now, old man?"
"Well, in case you brought back a girl…" Isshin pointed his finger up.
Suddenly feeling very nervous, Ichigo slowly looked up and saw to his horror, tiny mistletoes hanging all over his ceiling. How the actual fuck did he not notice them before?
"You know the rules, Ichigo," Isshin said slyly. "Now kiss!"
Ichigo turned to Rukia, whose expression was unreadable. Sighing, Ichigo leaned forward.
Something vibrated in Ichigo's pocket. Pulling away, not sure relieved or disappointed, Ichigo took out his phone. Behind him, Ichigo could hear Isshin banging his head against the wall.
Ichigo brought his phone to his ear. "What Toshiro?"
Toshiro responded so loudly that Ichigo nearly dropped his phone. "IT'S A BOY!"
It took Ichigo a long moment to understand what his roommate said. "Oh my god, Toshiro congratulations!"
Isshin was still banging his head while Yuzu tried to comfort him. Karin and Jinta just stared at them. Ichigo turned to Rukia. She was smiling. Ichigo didn't know why, but he smiled back anyway.
Damn this chapter made me wish it was Christmas. What did you guys think?