Chapter 1: Adjustment
Saturday, June 23, 1:30 p.m.
The scent of recently washed bed linens comforted the teen that was currently sulking; he wrapped himself in two layers of blankets, idly wasting the day away. He didn't mind wasting his time, though. Summer vacation had officially started the day prior. However, the previous day's event has the seventeen-year-old Ichigo Kurosaki curled in the fetal position. The anticipated joy of being released from school for a whole two-and-a-half months was met with a gut-wrenching blow to the teen's already distraught emotional well-being.
The ochre-haired teen jumped when his cell phone rang for what felt like the hundredth time that day. He could guess who was on the other end of the line, and he honestly didn't feel like talking to her. Without looking at the caller-ID, Ichigo picked up the mobile device off his nightstand and chucked it out his bedroom door into the adjacent living area. He then closed his eyes, hoping to find a peaceful slumber.
...
Saturday, June 23, 3:15 p.m.
Ichigo awoke from his restless dormancy due to a loud, persistent banging on his front door that was accompanied with other muffled sounds. Confused as to who it could be (considering his father was out on a business trip with his two sisters until the end of the following week), he rose, stretching his tanned, toned legs, and proceeded to where the noise originated. The teen could hear someone shouting as he approached the door.
"Dammit, Kurosaki! I heard what happened yesterday. Why the hell haven't you been answering my calls all fucking day?!"
Immediately sighing with relief upon recognizing the outsider's voice, Ichigo unlocked the door and slowly opened it, revealing a rather irritated Tatsuki Arisawa. He guessed she had just left a training session at her dojo since she was still wearing her uniform and her short, spiky hair wreaked of sweat.
"Sorry, Tatsuki. I thought it was her calling me, heh."
"Ichigo, this is exactly the reason why I came here. It hasn't even been a full twenty-four hours since… ya know… And you're a complete mess!" she stated plainly, shaking her inky-spiked head at the mess of a human being that stood before her.
The male teen checked himself. Ichigo agreed that he wasn't at his best. He wore a beat-up t-shirt, plaid boxers, and carried puffy red eyes from the tears he had shed over what had happened. He still couldn't believe that—
"Yo, Earth-to-Ichigo," Tatsuki said, waving a hand in front of face. "I know you're a little depressed and all… over, well, what happened. But you can't stay at home and expect things to get better! You're coming with me and the gang tonight to Seireitei. You gotta let loose a little and enjoy life. No excuses or I'll kick your ass!"
Ichigo sighed. He knew that it would be pointless to argue with Tatsuki once she's made up her mind. He answered the younger teen when he saw her delivering one of her all too well-known death stares. "Fine, all right. Give me an hour or so to get ready."
A wide grin spread across the girl's face. Her intense expression faded, becoming more enthusiastic. "Yeah! That's the spirit. I'll come pick you up later. Just so you know, Apache's coming, too. I'll be back soon." With that Tatsuki waved a quick good-bye and left Ichigo's house, leaving Ichigo to get prepared for the activities that were to come.
...
Saturday, June 23, 5:30 p.m.
Ichigo stood out on the curb of his home wearing a plain blue bro tank with black skinny jeans. He was waiting for Tatsuki and her girlfriend, Apache, to arrive. Ichigo didn't mind that his childhood friend was a lesbian. Tatsuki's been there to help him through the tough times in his life and they were both close friends. Her sexual orientation didn't bother him in the slightest. Ichigo then thought about Apache. He had met her once and was astounded by their similar hair styles (minus the spikes on Apache) and seething tempers when angered. Both were strong-headed, high-strung,and flat-chested girls. "They're so alike it's hilarious," he chuckled.
The teen paced along the edge of the road. He wondered why Tatsuki was running late and was about to call her when she pulled around the corner of his street. Apache began rolling down the passenger window as Tatsuki stopped. "Sorry about the hold-up there, Ichigo. Miss Doe over here took forever shaving her legs. Well, get your ass in!" Tatsuki shouted from the driver's seat. Ichigo could have sworn he heard Apache whisper something threatening, no doubt in reply to Tatsuki's comment about her legs.
Wasting no time, Ichigo climbed into the back of Tatsuki's four-door pick-up truck. He situated himself comfortably behind the driver's side of the vehicle. "Is anyone else coming tonight?" he questioned while glancing over the two girls' attire. Tatsuki sported a plain red t-shirt with ripped black, baggy jeans. Apache had similar clothing, except she wore a black jacket over her red tank top. Ichigo thought the two of them looked cute together, which then had him think about… her.
"We're gonna go grab Renji next and then meet up with Inoue at the park," Tatsuki replied.
"Huh, that obnoxious fucker's actually coming with us?" Apache said. Her tone caused Ichigo to let out a brief chuckle.
"Of course, dipshit. Renji's a pretty cool guy. I figured he should tag along," Tatsuki mused, slowly waving her hand in the air as she spoke. "Let's not waste anymore time. That damn pineapple is gonna have himself a shit fit if we don't get going."
Ichigo couldn't help but smirk at Renji's reference to a pineapple. Anyone would, considering the fellow teen had vibrant red hair that was frequently spiked and pulled back in a ponytail. If the hair wasn't distinct enough, then the tattoos running across his neck, arms, and torso would add more uniqueness to the redhead. Ichigo figured Renji was coming to help lighten his depressed mood. Renji's obnoxious yet whole-hearted personality is what Ichigo admired most about him (minus their frequent petty conflicts).
Tatsuki revved the engine, bringing the orange-head to attention, and sped away from Ichigo's home towards the downtown district in the direction of Seireitei.
"At least it won't be a boring night," Ichigo thought.
A/N: This is my first time publishing on here! I know this chapter is kinda short, but chapter 2 is in progress! I don't know if I'll keep posting; it'll depend on whether or not the readers enjoy! Please give me feedback and thanks for reading!
~Maledicent
