A/N: Wow... it's been almost exactly a year since I've updated. I'm SO sorry for leaving you guys hanging! I've had about half this chapter sitting in my computer for the longest time, I just was stuck in a scene and couldn't find the right way to continue. My graduation and loss of inspiration to write in general didn't help, either. But just yesterday I got the jumpstart I needed. So I hope you enjoy this very, very belated chapter! Also, I suggest playing the song "Glow" when it starts. It's a duet between Ichigo and Rukia.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the characters.
Summary: Karakura High School's Prom is coming up. Ichigo's friends pressure him into going this year since he's a senior, because apparenty he shouldn't miss it for the world. After the Winter War. Plz R&R.
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While Ichigo didn't dare meet the piercing blue eyes of his fellow nakama, Ishida saw it all the same. 'I saw that pain in your face, Kurosaki. That longing.' He glanced down at Rukia, who seemed lost in thought and without much expression. Looking back up, his eyes hardened.
'I thank you for keeping Orihime in your heart, but I promise you... I'll make sure that you get to dance with Kuchiki-san. I don't need to see the same pathetic face on you again. That same face... I have probably worn on occasion.'
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A Prom to Remember
Chapter 7
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For Inoue Orihime, the song ended far too fast. The young girl slowly pulled away from her hero, knowing it would be awkward if she hung on much longer.
"Thank you again, Kurosaki-kun." A sad, but appreciative smile spread across her face.
Ichigo grinned a little, in hopes to make her feel better. "Not a problem, Inoue. Don't worry about it, really."
She nodded at him and they stood there for almost a minute, neither knowing quite what to say. Her eyes began to wander a bit, eventually landing on the small snack table set up. "Ah... I'll go get us some punch, okay?"
"Oh, alright." He watched her walk away before he had even completed his two words. Turning away from viewing her back, he heaved a sigh. Doing all this was a little exhausting, but it was worth it if he could keep a friendship. If only... he could strengthen a different friendship tonight, as well.
"Oi, Ichigo."
The substitute just about jumped out of his skin. Right in front of him was none other than Rukia, as if she had magically appeared.
"Geez! Do you have to sneak up on me like that?" His accusatory tone prodded her.
She raised her eyebrow delicately, a small smirk playing on her lips. "What? I did no such thing. You were just too far off in la-la-land too notice my approach."
Ichigo promptly let out a "hmph" and crossed his arms. "Whatever. What do you want?" As and after thought, he sincerely hoped he hadn't sounded snappy.
Rukia tried her best to brush off his tone, "I was just wondering how you were doing. Are you having fun?"
The boy's eyebrows furrowed, "Me? I should be asking you that..." He paused, debating whether or not to go on. "It's your first prom after all. How are you doing?"
Rukia frowned at the blatant avoidance of her question. "I'm doing alright. So far, I think it's a nice human tradition." Her eyes swept the dance floor as she spoke, as if to confirm her feelings.
Ichigo didn't seem to like that answer; he balled his fists up beside him instinctively. "What, is Ishida not treating you well enough?" His eyes narrowed, searching the room for the man he wanted to glare at.
She was caught a little off guard by that, "Eh? No, not at all! He's being great."
"Oh. Well alright then" The boy muttered, turning his head to the side with a pout.
At first, Rukia was confused at his reaction. What was he expecting her to say? But after studying him for a moment, she understood. 'He wants me to have a great time, not just an... okay time.' She looked up at him again, seeing his distant expression. 'And, he also wants to be the one to...' A light blush rose to her cheeks, not needing to complete the sentence in her head. Similar thoughts still filled her mind however, and without thinking, her hand moved towards his.
Ichigo surely wasn't expecting a tiny warmth to place itself on his fist. At the contact, his eyes just about shot open to see what happened. Rukia was still in front of him, but now she was gazing to the floor, probably a little embarrassed. His sight travelled down her extended arm to his own, if only to verify that her hand was indeed where he felt it. At the sight of it, he could feel his muscles loosen considerably.
Noticing the change, Rukia looked up at him. In that instant, their eyes met. Any remaining scenery around them disappeared; indigo and chocolate locked together. After a moment's communication, she squeezed his hand gently. In response, his own hand shifted and slid his fingers inbetween hers, entwining them together. Offhandly, he was amazed how well they fit together, despite the size difference. He gave his own squeeze, still not quite sure what was coming over him. His heart hammered in his chest and his eyes searched her own, finding the same excitement. Like magnets, they began to come closer. His free hand found its way to her waist, hers to his bicep. She began to lift up onto her tip toes, he started to crane his neck down. At this point, they had lost all sense of the world around them.
Suddenly, a blinding flash flooded their vision. Their heads snapped in the direction it came from, both sets of eyes wide.
"Heheheheh, I knew it!" Keigo snickered, promptly scampering away when he remembered this was Ichigo he was dealing with.
Ichigo was the one who came back to his senses first, the shocked expression on his face contorting into an angry one. "Keigo!! If you don't get your ass back here right now, I'll--"
A clearing of the throat interrupted him. He turned back to find a madly blushing Rukia looking up to him. He could feel the heat rising to his cheeks as well, at the realization of what they were just about to do.
"Ah... uhm... Well, I-I..." He had the very strong urge to scratch the back of his head and look away, but wouldn't let himself, not at a time like this.
Noticing his nervousness, Rukia let her own anxiety subside a little for his comfort. She smiled at him, "Maybe we should... ah... talk."
Swallowing hard, Ichigo nodded, "Y-yeah..." Looking around for a place to be alone, he spotted an empty balcony. "Come on," he motioned his head in that direction, leading her to it.
--
Inoue could feel herself shaking. Her throat was closing up, even a slight prickling at her eyes invaded her senses. She knew this would happen. Of course she knew. Anyone who didn't see their bond was blind. Anyone who saw them and didn't realize they were so close to being romantically involved was definitely blind. But when Rukia layed her hand on his, when he responded and made it all the more intimate, when they leaned into each other... her world spun.
Why did it hurt this much? He told her he didn't like her that way, his guarded expression and tense stature was proof enough of that. The way he looked at the petite girl since she had first come to this school so long ago screamed that she was different to him.
But at this moment, Inoue Orihime couldn't help it. Especially after seeing him lead her away. She was stuck in the same train of thought until she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you okay, Inoue-san?"
Orihime could already feel herself calm down at the Quincy's voice. Taking a deep breath to prep herself, she turned to him, "Y-yeah. Just... feeling a little dizzy, I guess."
An understanding smile formed on Uryuu's face. "Why don't we go sit down, then? Wouldn't want you to spill that punch."
Inoue looked down to her hands, seeing the two glasses still clasped in her grip. She was surprised they hadn't spilt already, actually.
"Alright." Giving him a small smile, they both headed to a vacant table.
--
On the balcony, Ichigo was enduring the--most likely first--awkward silence between him and Rukia. She stood some feet away from him, her petite frame leaning on the railing. He couldn't help but stare at her, even though she was facing away. After a few more moments of tension, he couldn't take it. He had to break the silence.
His sigh was the first thing that alerted her to the great possibility that he would start talking. Glancing down at her knuckles, she only now noticed how white they were from gripping the cold metal. But what was she supposed to do? This could be a turning point in her life. The moment where the two of them would finally define their relationship.
"Rukia... you were the one who said we should talk. I don't hear any talking." What would usually have a harsh edge, did not. Ichigo even surprised himself with his tone of voice.
Now it was Rukia's turn to sigh. "I... I know. I guess I'm just at a loss for words."
Ichigo looked at her for another moment before his legs moved on their own, carrying him to stand next to her. Staring into the night sky, he gathered his resolve. "Rukia, listen. I don't know about you, but... that... that almost-kiss? It was..." the familiar thumping of his heart invaded his ears.
But he couldn't stop now, he had to continue. "It was... It was the most natural thing in the world to me, at that moment."
He wanted so bad to look at her, to gauge her reaction, but he couldn't bring himself to...
...Especially when the silence reached on for what seemed like hours to him.
Feeling his heart fall at her lack of a response, he turned to walk back inside. But a small hand grasped his sleeve and held him back. He turned to see what she wanted, his heart still burning.
"Ru--" Before he could even utter her name, she took his collar and yanked him down, slamming her lips into his. Rational thought escaped him, feeling her move against him. On instinct, he gathered her in his arms and held her closer, pouring everything he felt into the hungry, forceful kiss.
Rukia wasn't sure what had come over her, but she was too lost in his passion to care. She reciprocated just as well, her lips moving against his as she encircled his neck with her arms. She couldn't get over the feeling that welled up inside her; it was as if she was finally free, like a dam had broken and let a flood of emotions come over her. Had they really been so dense, so scared to take the next step in their relationship for this long?
Eventually, they had to break for breath. For once, Rukia was eye level with Ichigo, as he had lifted her up in the course of their kisses for better access. They stood there some moments, hearts racing and chests heaving for oxygen.
Ichigo stared at the woman in front of him; she seemed to glow with a radiance he hadn't seen before. Her lips were pink and swollen, her hair a little messy, her face lightly flushed... and finally, her eyes shone more brilliantly than he had ever seen them. Letting out a contented sigh, he leaned his forehead onto hers in affectionate contact. They didn't need words right now, basking in each other's presence was enough.
"What are you kids doing?!" One of the chaperones hollered, startling the two occupants of the balcony.
"Uh--uhm--we--nothing!" Ichigo stuttered out, barely managed to let Rukia down without outright dropping her.
Blushing furiously now, Rukia landed on her feet with ease and put a good foot or two of distance between her and Ichigo. She was silent and smoothed out her dress as the teacher looked them over.
"Yeah well, don't do it again. Get back in there! A Prom's for dancing, not face sucking!" He ushered them back inside, the two if them hauling their asses in without complaint.
After he was gone, they breathed a sigh of relief. They stood on the outskirts of the dance floor, unsure how to proceed. With the earlier moment interrupted, it seemed they were back to being hesitant, especially with all the students present in the room.
The change of the song brought Ichigo out of his reverie; it was softer, another slow song. 'You know what... I've never cared what anyone thought, I shouldn't start now.' With that thought in mind, he lightly placed his hand over her elbow, lightly leading her in.
"Ichigo...?" Rukia questioned, having been lost in her own thoughts just seconds earlier.
"What, do I have to spell it out to you?" Ichigo said, stopping mid step and turning to her, a deep blush on his face, "I want to dance with you. Or is there a problem with that?"
Rukia's eyes widened a bit, not expecting such a blunt response. But she was glad; it was definitely something Ichigo would say. "What if there is a problem?" She asked with a playful tone, crossing her arms. She watched in amusement as Ichigo's jaw seemed to unhinge in front of her.
"Why, you... okay no, I don't care what you say," He grabbed her hand and pulled her the rest of the way, "Your opinions have been rejected!"
Rukia had to laugh at that. It was so long ago when he had last said that to her, but it was still a very vivid memory in her mind. And it seemed that... even with their romantic revelations, they wouldn't lose the bickering she knew they both secretly enjoyed. So she let him lead her to a place for them to dance. Once he had found somewhere he deemed appropriate, he held her arms out to her and looked away a bit. She could only shake her head at him as she wound her arms loosely around his neck and looked up at him.
Ichigo gulped a bit, but returned her gaze to her and set his hands lightly on her hips. Contrary to his last dance, he could feel himself naturally relaxing at her proximity.
陽が燃えたら空に溶けて
If the sun is burning, it will melt the sky
朝が来る眠りから
the morning will come, from its sleep
声をあげて芽吹いてゆく
raising its voice; it's sprouting
世界
the world
The song was soothing; a duet performed by two lovers. They swayed together to the music, Ichigo in the lead.
受け入れられたなら . もう過去だと気付けた
When I have accepted it, I realized that it has become a past
抱いてた悲しみの行き先は
The destination of this embracing sadness are
風 . 空 . 星 . 雨
wind . sky . star . rain
例えば 駆け抜けて 進んでも
Even if I have run past it
風今その頬に
the wind is now on that cheek
As they danced together as one, all they could see now was each other. Dark amber and amethyst connected amidst the slowed flashing lights.
消えぬように
About to disappear
書き殴った記憶をただ
the scribbled memories are just
眺めては速すぎた
To gaze at it is just too fast
曖昧さに振り返ってる
in the vagueness it's returning back
世界
the world
It had been a long time waiting, for both of them. Their hearts were calling out to each other, all this time. Only now did they realize it.
心に仕舞えたら
If I put it away inside my heart
その全てが今だろう
the whole thing will be now
いつでも 寂しさの近くには
Those that are always close to sadness are
風 . 空 . 星 . 雨
wind . sky . star . rain
繋がる ふいにただ 見上げてるその空
It's connecting, suddenly I'm just looking up to that sky
その胸に
inside that chest
Rukia broke their silent converation, laying her head onto his chest contently as the song continued to flow about them. Their embrace was comfortable, a bliss she didn't want to lose so soon.
出逢えて良かったと その想い ただ ただ
"I'm glad that I met you," this feeling just, just
夕日の真似のように 熱を帯び
carries a heat that's like the sunset
夜まだ星のように
The night is still unlike the star
雨上がりただ
After the rain it just
ただ
just
輝く
glows
Even as the song played its last few chords, they stayed together. They stood in each other's arms, her head on his chest and his chin atop her head.
This night... had turned out being one of their best.
--
"Kurosaki, Ichigo."
Ichigo took wide strides across the stage, taking his diploma and shaking the hand of the principal. As he walked back to his seat, he couldn't help but smile at the raven haired girl standing there, waiting for him. She had gotten hers just before he had; her bright eyes filled with pride for the both of them. He stood next to her, taking her hand in his and giving a healthy squeeze. Unexpectedly, she squeezed back with the strength to crumple a normal man's hand. Ichigo twitched, barely managing to keep a straight face. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the smug smirk decorating her features. Where had that pride went?!
The past couple months had flown by, their graduation already on the cusp of its finale. Looking back, he couldn't imagine how things would've ended up had Keigo not pushed him to go to Prom. Would he be holding her hand right now? He didn't know. It was strange, coming from him, to be glad to have went to such an overrated high school occasion, but... he had to admit, it was the best school function he had ever gone to. After the dance, they had gone to a late night diner, their friends praising and congratulating the "new couple". He remembered looking to Inoue, seeing if she was okay. He expected to see her on the verge of tears, but... she was smiling at them. It wasn't like her usual bright and joyous smile, no, it was of understanding and acceptance. His long time "rival" was seated next to her, smirking at him like he had known all along. Maybe he had to give the quincy a little more credit. And, looking at the two, he couldn't help but think that they made a good couple, sitting a little closer than usual. Maybe everyone would have a happy ending after all...
His musings were interrupted when cheers and clapping were heard around him. Feeling a nudge from the shorty next to him, he looked at her and saw her move her tassle from one side to the other. With an 'Oh!' he followed suit, the action signifying they had officially graduated.
It was an end that brought a new beginning; a new beginning he couldn't wait to be a part of.
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~*END*~
Thank you for reading!