Irresistible Strawberry

Chapter 1

A/N: In which Ichigo doesn't want to get up for school, Tatsuki does a bit of talking, and Isshin thinks, a lot.

Disclaimer: Bleach is not mine.

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Damn. School starts today.

Ichigo Kurosaki was not a morning person, nor was he much of a school person. In combination, he found them unbearable. With a groan, he had every intention of rolling back under the covers and pretending he had never woken up in the first place. A perfect plan, if not for one thing…

SLAM ICHIGO!!! Wakey wakey! STOMP STOMP STOMP "Get your lazy ass outta bed now!" THUD And thus Ichigo found himself unceremoniously dumped onto his bedroom floor, by his obnoxiously loud and annoying father who seemed to find perverted pleasure in tormenting his only son.

It's too damn early for this. With a grunt, Ichigo hauled himself to his feet and with a grimace of annoyance, managed to grab a hold of his still blabbering father and toss him out of his room. He allowed himself a small self satisfied smirk when he heard the resulting impact of a body hitting the hallway wall. Serves the bastard right, too early in the morning for this kind of shit. Maybe he'll stay quiet for a while now at least.

"Ichigo, you'll be late for your first day of school! Hurry up son! Breakfast will be waiting downstairs!" Or maybe not… With another sigh, Ichigo resignedly began to get ready for his first day at a new school. What a pain.

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Downstairs Isshin was preparing a hearty breakfast, humming happily under his breath as he hurried around the kitchen. He knew his son wasn't looking forward to his new school, and had never been that interested in school that much to begin with. While his son was more than able to take care of himself, he was not overly social, making few friends and remaining distant from all others most of the time. It wasn't that his son wasn't liked; on the contrary, he had it from one of Ichigo's few friends that he was in fact quite popular, it was just that Ichigo didn't seem to care and made little effort to interact with others.

With a sigh, Isshin began to chop up some green onions as he contemplated the rather anti-social nature of his son. It hadn't been easy for Ichigo these last few years, in fact it had been a difficult time for both of them, but even more so for the orange-haired teen. With the death of his beloved Masaki, Ichigo's mother, about 5 years ago, the Kurosaki family had never quite been the same. Her death greatly affected their young son especially, who had been much closer to his mother than his father at that time. After her death, the smiles that had come so readily to their son's faced just seemed to disappear.

The family gradually resumed their normal pace of life, but with Masaki gone, it seemed like his children matured so much more quickly. Yuzu took over household chores, always making sure things ran smoothly, and always worrying over her big brother. She was rather quiet, and tended to fuss over Ichigo, whom she was very fond of. If Yuzu was smile and sunshine, then Karin was all balls and sass. She was cynical and rather sarcastic, blunt and authoritative, and while she acted like a rough and rowdy tomboy most of the time, she had just a big a soft spot for her big brother. Isshin really believed that it was through their influences that Ichigo managed to pull through their mother's death; which was why their untimely deaths were another critical strike to the already struggling and fragile Ichigo.

Moving on to the bacon, Isshin thought back to their deaths. His precious Masaki had died in a car crash, and while unexpected and tragic, it was something that Isshin could eventually reconcile. Losing his two daughters in another such accident was almost too much. Fate was really cruel, to take so much from him, from Ichigo. His son wasn't the same after their deaths, not that he could expect anything different. To lose so much, it would devastate anyone.

Ichigo became much more reserved, withdrawn, and tended to keep to himself, socializing with people as infrequently as possible. However, he did begin to pick up street fighting; his son fought and brawled often, this Isshin knew; bloody knuckles, split lip, cuts and bruises, the telltale signs were all there. It seemed that it was the one way Ichigo found to deal with his pain and frustration; he just lost himself in the fighting, and in the process, got to be very good at it—the fighting that is, for pain such as Ichigo's wasn't easily forgotten.

Turning his attention to the eggs, Isshin began to doubt the wisdom of his latest decision. Seireitei was an all boy's school, well reputed and highly recommended. What really had piqued his interest though was their reputation for having the best dueling club in the whole nation. At first he had been a little skeptical, having not known much about dueling clubs, but doing a little research indicated that it would be an activity his son would excel at. He thought it would be a chance for Ichigo to socialize, while doing something he was familiar with. Thus, he had packed up their belongings and moved to a new city, with a new school, looking towards what would hopefully be a brighter future.

In his concern for his son, he forgot that by uprooting them, he would also be severing Ichigo from his remaining attachments, mainly his friends, Orihime Inoue, Tatsuki Arisawa, Keigo Asano, and Mizuiro Kojima. He actually had Tatsuki to thank for putting him on the path to Seireitei; he remembered the conversation they had shared a few months ago:

Isshin looked fondly at the young girl sitting before him. Tatsuki had always been close to Ichigo's heart, one of the few people who understood his son and in return, one of the few that Ichigo allowed close. She was currently fiddling absentmindedly with her teacup, and it was obvious that something was bothering the girl. He smiled inwardly and just continued to quietly sip his tea. He wasn't known for his restraint, but made a special effort in this case. Whatever it was must be important, and he thanked whatever power was out there that Ichigo and his other friends were currently upstairs working on a project, or else Tatsuki might never have come to him wanting to discuss whatever it was that was bothering her.

"Have you ever heard of a school called Seireitei, Kurosaki-san?" Isshin started a bit at her voice, having lost himself in thought.

"Seireitei? I have a friend who has spoken of that school…why do you ask? Thinking about changing schools eh, Tatsuki-chan?" This was said with a wink and a smile, while inwardly, Isshin was less than enthused. She was one of the few friends that Ichigo truly cared about, and he wasn't sure how his son would handle losing someone else close to him.

"No no, Kurosaki-san, I have no interest in Seireitei…at least for myself. Actually, I am planning on changing schools, but not to Seireitei. I am planning to transfer to Rukongai." Tatsuki was now gazing at him squarely in the eyes, a very serious expression on her face. "I think that Ichigo would do well at Seireitei."

"Nani?!?!" Of all the things he might have imagined, this was something that took him completely by surprise. It was one thing that Tatsuki was considering changing schools, but suggesting that Ichigo change schools? Did she not know his son as well as he had thought? His thoughts must have shown on his face as she quickly rushed on with her explanation.

"Hai. I think it might be best for Ichigo actually…you and I know that Ichigo only has us, a few people he calls friends. You wouldn't know it by how he acts, but Ichigo is actually very popular at our school, something I don't think he even realizes. He comes off distant, cold and even thuggish, but Ichigo is very caring and a kind person. No matter how much he tries to suppress those traits, they still shine through and many people are just drawn to him. However, I don't think that he will ever fully realize his potential if he stays at Karakura High. We are his buffer, and he uses us as shields against any outside influences. I think what he needs is a new start, a chance to meet new people, where he isn't always reminded of the past." Isshin was amazed. He had never heard Tatsuki sound so serious, and she sounded so mature and wise as she sat there discussing his son. He also had to admit that what she said was true. While Ichigo was a lot of attitude and rough manners, he was a very kind and compassionate young man at heart.

Nodding thoughtfully, Isshin leaned back in his chair. "Have you spoken to Ichigo or the others about this, Tatsuki-chan?"

"…hai," Tatsuki paused a bit here. "Well, I mean, Orihime-chan agrees with me, that it might be best for Ichigo, and that we are in a way holding him back. Mizuiro feels the same way, and we hadn't really bothered trying to bring it up with Keigo; you know how he gets. I think you might find you will have an easier time convincing Ichigo than you think—he probably would have eventually brought it up to you himself."

"Hmm. I see. Why do you suggest Seireitei?" Tatsuki didn't cease to amaze him, and he couldn't underestimate that Orihime either. That they cared this much about his son was not surprising, but taking such an initiative like this, it was a bit inspiring.

"Seireitei, like Rukongai, is a fighter's school. What I mean is, they are schools renowned for their dueling clubs, with an emphasis on fighting and a less than conventional curriculum. Seireitei is much more prestigious though, more respected but also more elite. I am planning to transfer to Rukongai because of the good things I have heard about their Kendo club, but I think that Ichigo would be able to make it into Seireitei…" At this point Tatsuki paused, looking a little worried. "It's just that, you need either money or a high up connection, or both, in order to really get accepted into Seireitei…" She was startled when Kurosaki-san began to laugh.

"Don't you worry about that now Tatsuki-chan. As it so happens, my friend should be more than able to set things up; he has a real talent for meddling, and he already is established in a position there. Looks like it's time to give my friend Urahara a call. Thank you Tatsuki-chan." He smiled at the young dark haired girl across from him as she sat there gazing wide-eyed at him.

"Urahara…? As in, the Kisuke Urahara?!?! The genius fighter, renowned scientist, brilliant strategist—that Urahara?" Tatsuki looked positively awed, stars practically shining in her eyes.

"If you're referring to the same bothersome meddler, eccentric shop owner, easy going bum Urahara that I know, then yeah, that Urahara" This was said with a smirk at the shocked expression that crossed Tatsuki's face. "We've been friends for a long time, and I try not to feed that guy's ego any more than necessary. If there is one person who can get my son into that school, it's that ahou."

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At a small shop across town, a blond-haired striped-hat wearing man had sneezed.

"Oi, Ururu, close the windows; think I might be getting a chill!"

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Just setting down the plates for the meal, Isshin was pulled from his thoughts at the sound of his son's steps on the stairs. Ichigo stumbled in looking like he'd much rather be in bed sleeping, a surly frown plastered across brow.

"Good Morning Ichigo!!!" This earned him a dark glare from the orange-haired teen; his son really wasn't a morning person. "Eat up, eat up! Eggs, bacon, toast! The breakfast of champions; you'll want your strength for the first day of school! Ho ho ho!"

Ichigo continued to ignore his father as he simply dug into the large breakfast prepared for him. With a grin Isshin sat down to do the same. The table was silent for a while, as both parties simply enjoyed the taste of the food. It was broken when Ichigo mumbled around some bacon, "So why did I agree to this again?"

Isshin paused with a fork of eggs halfway to his mouth. Setting the fork back down, he intently studied his son, who had gone back to his meal as though he had never spoken. 'Ah, so that was it. Ichigo was worried. It wasn't unsurprising, for someone as withdrawn as Ichigo was, a new school was a daunting prospect.'

"You discussed this with your friends, and while I know you always take into consideration their feelings, only you could have made the final decision about this. It's a new experience, no need to be so scared, you'll do fine! Ho ho ho!"

This earned him another glare as Ichigo snarled, "I am not scared!" With a huff his son pushed away from the table, and made to grab his plate before Isshin stopped him.

"Don't worry about the dishes, just finish getting ready for school. We'll leave in ten minutes," Ichigo paused to look at him. "What?"

"…Dad, don't you start work today? You'll be late if you drop me off. I am perfectly fine getting to school on my own." The last said was accompanied by yet another dark look.

"I want to."

His son looked a little taken aback by the simple statement, but after a studying his father for a few seconds, he nodded and headed back upstairs to his room. With a sigh, Isshin began clearing up the dishes. He would never admit it to Ichigo, but he was worried too. Tatsuki's warning from that same conversation came back to him:

"Oh, one more thing Kurosaki-san," Isshin cocked his head as he waited for whatever else Tatsuki would throw at him. He didn't feel anything could surprise him at that point. "Do you know that Ichigo is bi?" Straight and to the point, he had been wrong, he could still be surprised.

"Nani?!?!" At this Tatsuki began to look worried. "Gomen Tatsuki-chan, you just surprised me. I suppose I never gave it much thought, and I always thought that he and Orihime…" He paused as a mischievous smirk crossed Tatsuki's face. "Eh?"

"Yes, Orihime cares deeply for Ichigo, and she is equally important to him, but nothing like that."

"How do you know that?" Isshin was a little taken aback by her authoritative tone.

"It's simple. Orihime and I have been together for about 2 years now."

For what seemed like the umpteenth time that day, Isshin was floored. He had never suspected such a relationship existed between the two girls. They were very close to be assured, but that they were… "Kurosaki-san?" He was brought out of his reverie at the worry in Tatsuki's voice.

"Gomen Tatsuki-chan. This is all just a little surprising, but do not worry, it's not something that disturbs me. In fact, I am very happy for you two! Of course, Ichigo must have known about this a long time ago, oh ho ho, I am getting lax in my old age to have missed something like this."

"If I may though, may I ask why you bring this up now? When it comes to my son, whoever makes him happy is enough for me. Of course, I am curious as to how you know he is bi? I'd never noticed any indication he was into other guys." Tatsuki was looking a little sheepish now.

"You remember that Kuchiki girl right?" Isshin nodded, he did recall the cute petite dark-haired girl. " Well, Ichigo and she grew very close, but a romantic relationship never came out of it because of Kuchiki's brother."

At this Isshin raised his eyebrow. "He didn't like Ichigo, and didn't want his sister dating my son?" He was surprised when Tatsuki giggled.

"Not quite…Byakuya Kuchiki has a sister complex, no doubt about that, and at first, Ichigo and him couldn't really stand each other. However, over time…it seemed that the hate turned to something else, and well, things got complicated from there." Tatsuki giggled again at the expression of shock on his face.

"Whoa. You mean, Byakuya he—my Ichigo—they—" Isshin couldn't finish that sentence. "So, what happened?"

"Nothing actually. Rukia—that's Byakuya's sister—and Ichigo remained close friends after the revelation, when it was apparent they didn't truly see other in that way, but I don't think Ichigo and Byakuya ever got a chance to explore a relationship. From what I understand, the Kuchiki's moved away shortly after, a new job location I believe."

"I see. To think that Kuchiki took an interest in my son…ho ho ho, this is too much!" Isshin began to laugh, almost falling off his chair as Tatsuki looked on apprehensively.

"Ahahaha!!! Don't worry Tatsuki-chan, it's really nothing. It's just that, fate has a funny sense of humor. You see, Byakuya is actually a teacher at Seireitei…" Tatsuki's horrified expression was priceless.

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It explained a few things he supposed, and he truly did not care about Ichigo's sexual preference, as long as his son was happy. He debated about telling Ichigo about Kuchiki-san, but decided against it. What fun would that be? With a chuckle he finished up the clean up and grabbed his briefcase as he headed to the car to wait for Ichigo. His son was in for one interesting school year. There would be many questions, things that Isshin had never shared with Ichigo, and not for the first time he wondered if he had made the right decisions. As a parent he had to admit that he had made some selfish decisions in regards to Ichigo; he wanted his son to be able to have a normal life after all the tragedy he had already experienced, even though it meant that he would be keeping some pretty large secrets from his son. In the end he would deal with everything when it came up; there was no use worrying about what he couldn't change.

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A/N: First chapter complete! Hope you enjoyed it! Reviews always welcome!