Being with You

XX

WAH the final waterfall? Will Ichiruki win? Who knows ~ (ahem everyone knows). But it's what comes after that counts ;) Enjoy chapter 20! We made it!
♪(*^^)o∀*∀o(^^*)♪   

It was the last sprint, so we swam with all of our remaining strength to the edge of the cliff. Another vertical dive into bubbling waters.

Ichigo was slightly ahead of me as we fell. Once again, I found myself splashing about, gasping for air as I searched for him in the water.

"Ichigo, where are you now? We have to hurry," I turned 360 in the water when suddenly I felt myself being lifted out of the stream, "Wha-Ichigo?!"

He took my arms and folded them around his neck as he continued swimming. I was flustered for a moment but I looked ahead and saw the finish line, where a few lanterns hung from a wooden arch over the stream.

"Ichigo, what are you doing?" I asked, still on his back.

"You said we had to hurry right?" He replied nonchalantly.

"Yes, but...wait are you saying I swim slow?!" I realized and pouted, though he couldn't see my face.

I heard a laugh escape him which annoyed me even more. But of course he let me assume what he was trying to say.

"Well, we're almost there," he said.

"Another pair is coming close behind us," I explained, telling him to go faster.

"I got it, just leave it to me," he continued swimming.

"And it looks like Orange hair plus girlfriend have made it in first!" The commentator bellowed with a grin.

"Well I guess that means we won," I got off Ichigo's back and took his hand to bring me into the grass.

"Wait..." Reina's friend, who had met us at the finish line said seriously and looked down at our wrists.

"What is it now?" Ichigo complained a bit and looked at his own wrist as well.

Just then, his eyes widened with realization. I checked my own wrist and there it was...

"Shimata!" I heard him exclaim.

Hanging from our wrists was the red string that originally connected, but at the middle, the thread had clearly snapped.

"How did this happen?? I thought we made sure!" I couldn't help but frown.

The couple that was behind us had already reached the finish line. I looked up and saw the woman give her own frown of pity.

"I'm sorry to say, but it looks like they've won instead," she gestured towards the other pair, who did indeed have their string intact.

Ichigo and I sighed heavily and plopped down onto the grass.

"Sorry, Rukia," he huffed the response.

"Ehh, it's alright. It was fun during the course, right?" I said and nudged his side.

"Yeah, I can sort of agree on that," he turned to me with a light smile.

"While we did say not to break your string, it doesn't mean you are disqualified if you did. So you two will be considered second place!" The woman walked over to us and smiled.

"I'll take it," Ichigo chimed.

"Thank you very much," I stood up and gave a bow.

I honestly thought we lost the whole thing, but I guess it wasn't so bad to be in second place...

Before we all returned to our hotel rooms, the woman announced the top three couples' prizes and told everyone to prepare for a special post contest dinner. Ichigo and I received a coupon for half price in any store on the facility.

"If you want to by Chappies, you better be able to fit it in your luggage," Ichigo said with a smirk as we returned to our room.

I gave a smirk back. He knew exactly what I intended to use the coupon for.

"Don't worry, I brought an extra bag just for souvenirs, see?" I lifted the empty luggage bag triumphantly.

"Wow..." I heard him murmur as he stared at the bag and brought a palm to his face.

"Well, what do you want to buy?" I asked and placed the bag down, going  to sit next to him on the bed.

"I have to see what the stores have first. Maybe get something for Yuzu and Karin too," he replied with a thoughtful expression.

I smiled at how caring he was towards his sisters and how he even remembered to get them souvenirs despite everything that's happened (with Reina and all).

I got up and went to my luggage, secretly taking out a purple kimono I brought. A while ago, Rangiku-San gave it to me as a gift since she went shopping in the human world.

"I'm going to change for dinner," I said quietly to Ichigo before going to the bathroom to change.

He looked at me a bit suspicious but nodded.

The kimono was more beautiful than I thought it would be. It was my first time looking at the whole thing as I unfolded it, the purple cloth fluttering out to reveal a flower patter. I would have to repay Rangiku-San later.

I was hesitant to open the door but I couldn't stay in the bathroom forever...I stepped out and walked towards the bed to find Ichigo missing.

"Ichigo?" I called without answer.

Did the dinner start already? He couldn't have left without me ...

"Ichigo, where did you go?" I called again.

"Rukia, the dinner is about to-
He came into the bedroom from outside and saw me, his sentence trailing off.

"There you are," I said and walked over to his side.

"Wh-what are you wearing? I've never seen you wear that before," he said in surprise and looked over my Kimono.

"Oh, this...it was from Rangiku-San before," I replied.

"I see..."

I took a glance up at him and saw his cheeks turn rosy.

"Let's go to dinner," I smiled and took his arm.