Disclaimer: I don't own bleach
A/N This is the new chapter one. I'll be spending the next couple days working chapters two through eight into the new writing style as well as fixing any mistakes that are found by me or my beta.
Beta:DazLex
Chapter One
One year has passed since the defeat of the god complexed maniac known as Souske Aizen. It's also been one year since Ichigo Kurosaki put everything on the line to stop him. Even giving up two parts of his soul as well as his soul reaper powers. During that time the Soul Society his friend's and even his own father has distanced themselves from him in matters concerning the spiritual world. It's as if they think the slightest mention of the spiritual realm will cause him to break like a pane of glass. There is one individual who has stayed by his side since he lost his powers. She also doesn't treat him any differently than before. That person comes in the form of long time childhood friend Tatsuki Arisawa. She's tried countless times to cheer up the once proud soul reaper. Each time she failed however this time she decides on a more direct approach.
The bell rings signaling the end of the school day at karakura high. Tatsuki is the first to exit the classroom. She retrieves her school bag from her locker. She heads for the front of the school and waits by the gate. A few minutes later she sees Ichigo and runs up to him "Hey Ichigo" He looks at her "Yo Tatsuki what's up"
"I was wondering if you'd like to head to the dojo with me?" he sighs "Sorry Tatsuki not today" He goes to walk past her when she grabs his arm and turns him around. She looks at him with slight anger in her eyes.
"When are you gonna stop being depressed all the time? I know it sucks that you've been all but cast aside by the soul society and everyone you've fought so hard to protect. However that's no reason to push away the one's who continue to stand by you. I've stayed by your side since the first day we met. I know the real you and I'll be damned if you're going to try to push me away. Now I'm asking you would you accompany me to the dojo for old times sake?" Ichigo looked at her as if giving thought to her proposal "Sure let's go"
(Line Break)
When they reach the dojo Tatsuki unlocks the door and allows Ichigo to enter before entering. She shuts the door behind them before heading into the main part of the dojo. Tatsuki looks to Ichigo "You stay here while I go put on my training GI." She heads off to one of the side room's. Ichigo is left in the middle of the room and decides to look around. He's looking around and starts having flashbacks of his days spent in this dojo. All his matches with Tatsuki none of which he ever won. Well he stood there remembering all the good times he had here, he couldn't help the soft smile that formed on his face. He also didn't notice when Tatsuki came out of the changing room. She exited the changing area to see Ichigo standing in the middle of the dojo with a cast off look in his eyes. She also noticed the smile that was making itself more apparent on his face. She sat there and watched him for a few moments before deciding to break him out of his thoughts.
"Hey Ichigo" His eyes shot back into focus as he turned his head to see Tatsuki in her GI. "You know I forgot how good you looked in that." He immediately realized what he said and turned away from her gaze. Tatsuki stood there stunned for a moment at the compliment she received before finally answering. "Thank you Ichigo" She then went to a mat at the far side of the room. "Are you just going to stand there all day or are you going to get on the mat with me." He looked at her "I thought i was just coming here to watch."
she smirks "You afraid I'll leave you crying like before?" He continues to look at her then smirks "Alright Tatsuki you're on" He then moves from his spot and steps onto the same mat as her.
(Line Break)
When the match begins Ichigo falls into a brawler stance whereas Tatsuki enters an offensive karate stance. They begin to circle each other Tatsuki is the first to move running at him to deliver a straight punch. She reaches Ichigo and brings her left fist forward it collides with Ichigo's right forearm. He decides to go for a left rib hook only for her to bring up her right leg and block the incoming punch. They both separate from each other this time Ichigo runs forward to deliver a right jab. She brings up her left arm to block the incoming fist. Ichigo switches this time bringing up his left leg and lands a nice kick to her right side. They both start exchanging blows each landing many good strikes but neither willing to give up ground. Ichigo then delivers a quick knee to her abdomen before sweeping her legs out from under her as she hits the ground. "I believe that's my win"
Tatsuki smirks "I don't think so" In one quick movement she knocks his legs out from under him. He hits the floor and she climbs on him straddling his waist. She brings a fist an inch from his face. "Now than i believe this is my win" Ichigo stares at her for a moment then brings both his hands up. "I concede you win" She drops her fist from his face and smiles at him."See what did I tell you I won again the only difference is you're not crying" Well she continues to boast about her win Ichigo can't help but notice how she's straddling his lap.
"How long do you plan on sitting on me" she stops talking before looking down to see the position there currently in. She blushes slightly before getting up and running for the changing room. When she runs to the changing room Ichigo gets up and removes his shirt to wring out all the sweat. While he continues to look down at his shirt he doesn't hear the door slide open. When Tatsuki slides the door open she looks up to say something but stops when she sees his shirtless body. She starts admiring his toned upper body and chiseled set of abs. she also notices some of the scars he has no doubt from his many battles as a soul reaper. When she stops staring she looks away and coughs. Ichigo looks up and sees her standing there. He quickly puts his shirt back on before walking over to her. "So you ready to go" she looks at him "yeah" They both exit the dojo and Tatsuki locks up.
(Line Break)
Before she can walk away Ichigo calls to her. "Hey let me walk you home it's the least I can do for you after the great match we had." She looks towards him. "Sure sounds good" As they walk off towards Tatsuki's house they enjoy light conversation. When they reach Tatsuki's house they say their good-byes but before Ichigo can set off he hears her call him. He turns to look at her. "Ichigo would you like to come to the dojo with me again tomorrow" he smiles "If we can spar and have matches like we did today just let me know and I'll come to the dojo with you anytime" she smiles "Thanks Ichigo I'll see you tomorrow bye" He waves good-bye and starts his journey home.
(Line Break)
When he reaches the front door of his house he opens the door to see his father and sister's waiting in the living room for him. Isshin stands up "Ichigo you know the rules dinner at the Kurosaki residence is always seven pm your forty five minutes late." Ichigo looked at his father "Sorry dad I was at the dojo with Tatsuki and we lost track of time. I then walked her to her house before I came home. Also I'll most likely be home late again tomorrow I promised I'd join her again at the dojo." Isshin stood there looking at his son he tried his hardest to contain his happiness. Here's his son who left for school this morning with eyes filled with nothing but emptiness. He then comes home after spending a couple of hours with his childhood friend and now you can see a little fire burning in his eyes again. It'll be some time before it's back to the blazing sun but this is a good start. Isshin shakes away his thoughts and addresses Ichigo.
"I'm ok with that just let one of us know when you plan to stay out late so we're not wondering where you are" Ichigo nods and then looks towards the kitchen. "I'm guessing you all waited for me to get home"
He looks and they all nod "well then I'm here let's eat" they take their seats around the table. Dinner is filled with slight laughter and light conversation.