If it takes a lifetime of regrets I'll find u,
Hold u close and tell the truth,
Every second that I spend in life w/o you,
Hurts too much but nothing to do,
Wish I could travel back in time and save us,
From all the pain and memories,
I know it sound absurd but please know,
Whatever I do is the best for you.
So forgive me if I took the wrong path,
It's so hard to stop, there's no looking back,
From dreams that were,
Are nothing but what it was,
A lie, a mirage, a diversion, a parody.
CHAPTER 1
The smell of rain was floating in the chilly afternoon air. Autumn leaves were tangoing with the slightly biting wind. The smell of hot food and drinks promised a warm embrace for those on the streets. Uryu Ishida was waiting for the lights to change so that he could cross-over to the other side. He closed his sky-blue eyes and inhaled as much breath as his lungs would allow. It felt good, really good to be back in the town he grew up in. The town that he never forgot for a second after leaving despite some memories that he rather forgot.
He opened his eyes just in sync with the changing lights. Stuffing his hands deep in his coat's pockets he took off on a light run to cross the street. His breath changed into puffy clouds as he exhaled. He gradually stopped to a slower paced walk. He tucked a few strands of hair that had escaped from his small pony-tail behind his ears. A multitude of thoughts raced in his head causing him a slight panic-attack but he inhaled deeply again and tugged on his collar. He was wearing a black turtle-neck sweater underneath his grey duster and black jeans. The sunlight glinted off his silver hoop on his left ear casting a slight glow around the small area. He was also wearing shades the color of orange-red. He didn't pay any mind to some women that openly stared at him while crossing paths or some that were gaping from inside the shops. He definitely cut quite a figure with his slim figure and attractive appearance.
He stopped as he arrived to his destination; 'Viva La Vida café'. As his hands grasped the door handle he hesitated for a second but thinking that he couldn't back out now anyway he went inside. Immediately he realized how cold he had been. The change in temperature was drastic but he quickly became warmed up. Even standing near the door, Uryu could already spot the object of his nervousness. Ichigo Kurosaki. His bright orange hair could not be missed but he wore it longer than back then. It almost touched his shoulder blades. While Uryu's hair was longer on the front like he used to wear it, Ichigo's was longer at the back and shorter on the front. He was wearing a figure hugging blue t-shirt and dark blue jeans. Blue tinted shades hung on the front of his shirt. His jacket was draped on his chair. He was wearing headphones and his head leaned back onto his chair, clearly enjoying the music from it. Uryu smiled and small warmth crept up his heart. It felt good to know that Ichigo did not change drastically. Of course a little bit of change was expected, I mean look at him; he was wearing an earring and donned a pony-tail.
He forced his legs to move up to him. He never expected that Ichigo would agree to meet him in the first place. Heck he didn't even know if Ichigo still stayed in the same town. But lady luck seemed to have a soft spot for him as not only did he find out he was here, he also got his number and managed to arrange a short meet. His stomach felt funny as if butterflies were doing the cha-cha in there and they seemed to double the pace as Ichigo saw him and stood up to greet him. Uryu's hand moved up to meet Ichigo's extended hand. It was as if his body was on auto-pilot, his movements seemed strange to him as if seen through a third person's view. Then he claimed back his body when he felt Ichigo's firm grip on his hand. It was strong and reassuring. Full of warmth, full of the essence that seemed to make Ichigo, well Ichigo. It didn't escape his mind that he felt a slight jolt of static when their hands met but he pushed it to the back of his mind. He broke out of his reverie and willed his mouth to spew out words, any words was fine as long as it was something tangible.
Uryu: Ichigo, it's been forever. Well I assume?
Ichigo smirked: How do I look?
Uryu thought: hot, sexy and deliciously tempting.
Ichigo: I'm feeling great. You don't look too shabby either. Hell, you look amazing if I may say so.
Uryu: Oh, shut up. You're embarrassing, honestly, but thanks I think.
Ichigo: Seriously that was a compliment, I wasn't joking either.
Uryu smiled: Again thanks, you look as great as usual too. Even better perhaps.
Uryu thought: Much, much better.
Ichigo blushed.
Oh God he just blushed. Lord so help me I wanna' freaking eat him up. Fuck, how can he blush so innocently after turning me into a mush in heat?
(As you can see, Uryu's learned pretty new words.)
They took their seat and started idle talk.
Ichigo: fancy ordering food? I'm starved.
Uryu: Of course, it is lunch time.
Ichigo ushered the waiter.
Ichigo: Fish and chips please.
Uryu: For me too.
Waiter: Anything to drink sirs?
Uryu: I'm absolutely craving a good drink right now.
Ichigo chuckled: Isn't it a bit early?
Uryu: Habits die hard.
Ichigo: A bottle of red wine please.
Waiter: Anything else?
Ichigo looked at Uryu but he shook his head: Nope, that'll be it. Thanks.
The waiter promptly left after asking to politely wait for their order.
Ichigo: So the cravings?
Uryu snickered: I practically chugged alcohol everyday back when I left. Had to so as not to freeze my balls off. Kept the blood flowing you know?
Ichigo: Did it flow to 'everywhere'?
As Ichigo's words sank in Uryu turned into a tomato. Ichigo guffawed. Uryu glared. Ichigo put his palms up in a surrendering gesture.
Ichigo: Hey, you started it.
Uryu: Ha-bloody-ha. Glad to see you're the same a-hole you used to be. What are you six?
Ichigo: 23
Uryu contemplated this: 6 bloody years. God it feels good to be back.
Ichigo softly muttered: Good to have you back.
Uryu heard it nonetheless. He decided to change the subject, not wanting to face the implication of that sink in.
Uryu: How's your dad and sisters?
Ichigo: They're great. Dad's in Africa by the way. Figured that since all his kids were grown up he wanted to get around doing something good. He's there doing free medic services with a bunch of his other medical friends. They're setting up medical services in rural areas.
Uryu: Oh yeah, I read something about that back then. Yuzu and Karin are doing well I suppose?
Ichigo: The brats are in college now. Believe it or not Karin is doing a fashion course and Yuzu is the one doing the sports one.
Uryu laughed: Seriously?! That is a surprise. So, you're still living together?
Ichi: Hell no! I would literally go mad if I lived with those two. They rented out an apartment for themselves. I live on my own, besides if we live together my hectic schedule will just disturb theirs.
Uryu: So how's your job as a pediatrician?
Ichi: Well, it's great except when there are emergency calls and all. You'll never know when you'll get one. But I'm pretty sure you know, being a neuro-surgeon and all.
Uryu: Yeah, it can get pretty chaotic at times.
Ichi: What brings you to shore anyway? Are you on a vacation or something?
Uryu sighed: Something on that line that I suppose. I was just getting pretty tired you know. Being a neuro-surgeon and all it felt like I was in this never ending whirlwind. Then I just decided that I needed a break like forever so I thought hey, why not go back to Karakura and try my luck there.
Ichi: You do realize this is not London, right? It's not all high and mighty here.
Uryu: I know strawberry and I don't care much. I made a pretty fortune there what with no one to spend on or anything to splurge on. I saved up a small fortune you know.
Ichi: I still don't think you should have quit, I mean I don't think any hospitals are hiring a neuro-surgeon. Even if it is someone with as much talent as you have.
Uryu: I'm not exactly looking for a neuro-surgeon position; just an ordinary doctor will be fine.
Ichi: Hmm, I'll let'cha know if there's anything available in the hospital I work in and I'll spread the word around to my med friends.
Uryu: Thanks, I…
He got interrupted by the arrival of their food and drinks. After some time spent on eating their conversation resumed and as Ichigo sipped his wine he asked Uryu.
Ichi: So how's your dad?
Uryu grunted: As pompous as ever.
Ichigo snickered: I don't know sounds like someone else I know..
Uryu: Shut up strawberry. Anyway, he didn't come with me here. He stayed back in London with Becca.
Ichi: Eh, who's Becca?
Uryu: If I assume correctly, my soon to be mum.
Ichigo made choking noises: M...Mum?! As if in, your dad's got a girlfriend now?!
Uryu: No need to be surprised, that old geezer is a Casanova. Trust me he uses his looks to his advantage more than you think he might.
Ichi: Do I sense hostility?
Uryu: None what-so-ever, I actually like Becca. She's smart and kind. Besides when it comes to his life it's his call to make decision, I can't exactly whine about the consequences. I'm a big boy and he's a big boy…get what I'm trying to say?
Ichi: Hmmm…not sure. Which part? The one where you like Becca, still despise your dad or the part where you're still a boy despite a big one as you said.
Uryu: Hey, you are so…
Suddenly a lean figure slipped onto the seat beside Ichigo and pecked him on the cheek.
Uryu felt anger and jealousy rising in him causing him to see red.
TBC