Disclaimer: Don't own it. *le sigh*

A/N: I'll leave the talking to the end.

Inspired by: 'Winter Song' by Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. (listen to it!) :)

Winter Song

Thursday, December 1st

Snow fell around him. Slow, gentle and almost haunting. It landed, feather light, atop his orange, spiky hair, which contrasted violently with the grays and blues on the cold December morning. He let out a breath and watched as it formed white trails in the air and blended with the falling flurries.

Kurosaki Ichigo, 21, sat at Karakura Town's bus terminal, a scowl on his face and impatiently awaiting the arrival of bus number 17 which would take him the thirty or so miles to Tokyo University. He could drive of course, but chose public transportation for the extra money it put into his pocket. However, it was at times like these that he regretted that decision.

The damned, stupid snow.

It was not falling as heavy as of now, but it was almost blizzard-like the night before. The storm had left Karakura beneath a deep, glossy blanket of white. Such conditions could hinder the arrival of his bus and he could not afford that. Ichigo made it a point to be on time to attend every class no matter what. Rain, shine, or snow.

If the bus didn't arrive within the next ten minutes, he would be late. He let out yet another sigh, his warm breath clouding his vision momentarily. His eyes, seeing beyond the white, caught sight of a figure across the terminal's courtyard.

She sat on a bench identical to the one on which he sat. Her long, slim legs in a pair of dark navy jeans were crossed before her, gloved hands held a small, weathered novel in her lap, and a cup of coffee sat at her side, tendrils of steam rose from beneath its lid. A slight finger slipped beneath a yellowed page, turning it and then glided to her face where it gathered and pulled the dangling strands of her dark raven hair and tucked it behind her ear, revealing beautiful porcelain skin as white as the snow beneath her feet. It then came to rest at her chin, as if she were pondering an event in her book.

Ichigo stared, his eyes transfixed by the woman afore him. He did not notice bus 17 pull into the terminal. He watched as she laughed and small, white breaths passed through her pink lips.

Her hands moved to set a bookmark to note her place and she then stood.

As she tightened her violet peacoat around her waist, Ichigo noticed her small stature. She was petite, barely five feet tall, he would guess. Her hair fell just above her slight shoulders. Grabbing the backpack that sat at her feet, her book and her coffee, the woman made her way towards Ichigo.

He stiffened. Had she noticed his staring at her? Great. She probably thought him a strange, stalker-esque, pervert. But she passed him by; not speaking a word until she stood behind him waiting in line to board her bus.

"Weren't you waiting for that one?" she asked.

Ichigo turned to face her. Stunned by the vivid violet of her eyes that put her coat to shame, he had to force his gaze to follow hers and his amber eyes fell on Bus 17 steadily making its way down the road.

"Dammit!" he exclaimed.

She chuckled. He turned back to her, intrigued by the soft sound.

"Don't worry. Another will arrive in about five minutes." She said as she began to board the bus.

"Just don't get distracted."

She turned to look upon him then, a smirk on her lips and a knowing sparkle in her eyes. Her violet irises burned into his amber ones. He turned away. He'd blame his blush on the weather.

"Whatever." he whispered.

Once she boarded, he scanned the bus' windows in search of her. He found her soon enough. Her head leaning against the glass, eyes closed.

He allowed himself to smile.

Maybe, the snow wasn't so bad after all.

I get my drive from your feedback guys!

SO PRETTY PLEASE?

Also, for those reading Affiance. Next chap will be up hopefully by Saturday.

I'M STARTING COLLEGE TOMMOROW. Wish me luck?

S.B