The Princess and the Tiger

Chapter 1

Tiger

(A/N I just thought of this idea and sat on it for a few hours. I'm doing this to get my mind off of other things and try to clear my head out. Basically, as weird as it may sound, this a story dump. I just need to get this out of my head and not think about it anymore once it's on paper, so to speak. I'm hoping to make it only three chapters but they are going to be long chapters so if you don't like excessively long chapters, eh, you might not be able to sit through these. Just saying. I've sat through a few chapters that seemed to go on forever myself and I usually got up and left several times because my attention span just wasn't there. Anyway, enough of me rattling on.)

Sum: Magic and mystery still exists the modern world, however, most humans no longer see or believe in the fantastic and the wondrous. Inoue Orihime, a young woman working a dead end job has fallen in love with Kurosaki Ichigo, a homeless man. She buys him food and clothes as he tries to get back on his own two feet. But when a rare tiger and a jaguar escape their holding pens at the new zoo things change forever. Ichigo get's mauled by one of the big cats the night of their escape. Injured and no where else to go Orihime offers him a place to stay with her. However, over time Orihime discovers that the man she invited into him home is not her beloved but something else. Something powerful.

SOUNDS/sounds

Thoughts

A young woman yawned as she stepped out of her small apartment and locked the door. Her long tawny hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she was dressed a cheap uniform. It was forest green with short yellow sleeves and black slacks. Her name tag reading Inoue Orihime was pinned onto the left breast pocket. The sun hadn't even shown its first rays yet as she walked into streets. She adjusted her purse and a large lunchbox on her shoulder as hurried her way over to a small convince store about three blocks down.

She pulled out her keys and unlocked doors. She wasn't fond of being the key holder and having to get up so early but it had to be done. She turned on the lights in the small store and quickly got to work making the morning coffee, fixing the drawer for the register, among other things. She still had about 15 minutes to kill like she did most mornings. She walked over to the coffee pot and poured the dark, hot liquid into a small foam cup. She capped the cup and then grabbed a couple packs of sugar and cream.

She then snatched the large lunchbox from behind the counter and walked around to the back of the store. She opened the backdoor and walked out and spotted the daily visitor, sitting in his usually place on an old wood bench. The man was her age, he was fairly tall, and well built. His clothes weren't the best but they could have been worse given his living conditions. It looked like he hadn't bathed in a few weeks as well. His orange hair was a little matted and skin covered in dirt smudges. His white sneakers were worn but intact. He smiled at her as she walked over to him and handed him the cup of coffee. She then opened her lunchbox and sat down a couple of sandwiches on his grass stained jeans.

"You know you don't have to do this every morning for me," he said but she just smiled.

"I know, I just like doing it," she answered, sitting down next him. "How's the job hunting going?"

"Eh," he shrugged, picking up one of the sandwiches and unwrapped it. "I've put in a few applications but… They get one look at me… Not so good."

"I'd get you on here but the owner isn't too fond of you especially after… You know," she sighed. "You best eat that, Ichigo! The owner will be here shortly. He won't like you hanging around the back."

"I know, I'll be gone shortly," he said, opening the coffee and put in the cream and sugar. "I'm really surprised you're sticking your neck out or for me. I mean we didn't even hang out in high school."

"Yeah, I know, right? Other than Tatsuki and Uryu you're the only other person I've really kept up with from high school," she said, stretching her arms into the air. "You know if you ever need anything you just ask me. If you want you can come over and get a bath. Maybe get some of your clothes washed too. That might help."

"Yeah, it would but I already feel like I'm imposing on you as it is with you giving me food," he stated, looking down at his clothes. "I just can't. It also won't look right. I mean you live alone after all."

"I'm not worried about that. You're my friend," she said, patting him on the shoulder as she stood. "I've got to go open the door and turn on the sign. I'll meet you at our usual place after my shift."

"I'll be there," he replied as she turned and walked back inside the store.

She walked to the front, flipped on the neon sign, and unlatched the deadbolt on the door. She walked back around the counter and turned on the small radio. It would be dead for while still. She yawned again and turned up the volume, listening to the morning news.

"…4 car pileup. Traffic is slow and police are asking people to look for alternate routes. Well, it seems things are going smoothly for the new Karakura Zoo due to open next weekend. They are starting to bring in the animals. Some exhibits unfortunately won't be up just yet as planned. A few animals still remain in quarantine. Two such animals are the rare South China Tiger and an albino Jaguar from South America. Both still remain in holding until everything has cleared. They took the longest to arrive. However, the other big cat attractions should be opened to the public. Sadly enough the South China Tiger is one of the rarest tigers left in the world. It is one of the smallest tigers but is said be the most vibrant shade of orange. Conservationists are hoping to draw more awareness about these endangered big cats. A fund for the South China Tigers will start at the zoo when the attraction opens. Now for the weather. It's going to be partly-sunny today and temperatures will reach up into…"

"I'd like to go to the zoo when it opens but Uryu and Tatsuki are to rather busy on the weekends," Orihime pouted a bit. "I wouldn't mind working there… Ah, maybe I should see if Kurosaki-kun can't get job doing something there. That would be so cool!"

"Inoue, you forgot to sweep around the entrance again," the owner said as he stood in the door.

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry," she said, quickly reaching for the broom in the corner. "I'll get right on that!"

She quickly walked around the counter and picked up the welcome mat and to shake it out. She then swept the dirt that had collected under the mat out the door. She finished cleaning the sidewalk and put the mat back down just inside the door. The owner was a stickler for such things. He walked around the shop to make sure everything was in order.

He then went back to his office to work on stock and finances. She let out a sigh and put the broom back. This was going to be a long day when owner was there. She couldn't wait to get off work and meet Ichigo again at the small café. She would bring up the idea to him about working at the zoo then.

Orihime walked down the sidewalk and towards the café. She was happy to get out of there. The owner was a jerk at times. Rather two faced but right now she had nowhere else to work. She'd put up with it for now. She too was looking for a better job. She rounded the corner to see her friend, sitting on the bench he usually occupies. She waved at him, getting his attention.

"Ah, Orihime," he waved back, standing up and she hurried towards. "You're a little late. Did that ass keep you over?"

"Yeah, but it's okay. You wanna eat here today or somewhere else?" Orihime said, looking up at him. "I just remembered something before I left the store. Isn't today your birthday?"

He looked at her a little shocked and rubbed the back of his head. Well, she was close.

"Actually it was yesterday on the 15th," he answered and she pouted.

"Why didn't you say something?" she snapped, shaking a finger at him and he grinned, sheepishly. "Come on! I'll treat you to somewhere nice, Ichigo."

"Orihime, you don't have to that! You don't have much money as it is," he protested but she grabbed his hand and pulled.

"I can splurge once and awhile. I'm not that damn broke," she stated, pulling him down the sidewalk. "C'mon, c'mon! It'll be fun!"

She pulled him on down the busy sidewalk to a slightly nicer restaurant than average. He felt a bit weird walking in as dirty as he was. His clothes didn't look the best and felt out of place here. He felt bad about Orihime taking him here. He understood that she wanted to do something nice for him but he couldn't shake the feeling he was taking advantage for her. It was his own fault he ended up in this mess and he didn't like people trying to help him. If he hadn't picked that fight with his father he might still have a place to live.

Honestly, if he asked and apologized he would very easily be welcomed back into his father's home but his pride wouldn't let him. He knew he made a mistake and he was going to fix it on his own. However, it was taking longer to fix than he had planned. He'd been out on his own now for nearly 3 years. He hopped from friend's house to friend's house for a year or so trying to get his footing but that clearly never happened. He spent another two years in and out of shelters, on street, and even a couple of months in the slammer for stealing food. That was actually how he ran into Orihime.

He had broken into the store early that morning to steal some drinks and food. She caught him as she opened the store. Needless to say he scared her something terrible when she found him. The police were called and off he went to jail. He would have gotten more time if Orihime hadn't been there at the court house for his hearing. He barely remembered her from school and paid little mind to her at the time so why was she fighting for him? She somehow managed to talk the judge into letting him off with a lighter sentence stating that he was only stealing food to live on not going after the money in the safe. Somehow the judge somewhat agreed and knocked off a couple of months. He was also told never to go near the store again.

That of course didn't happen. He started going there to get food from her in the mornings 3 months ago. Then over time they got lunch together after her shift. Honestly, he had grown very attached to her but currently he didn't feel like he should even try to have an actual relationship. He couldn't support himself and he knew she couldn't support both of them. It wouldn't be fair to her. That's why he was pushing harder to find a job. If he could show that he was stable then he would try for her a little harder.

Orihime was too nice he had concluded a while ago. She had a knack for helping others even when she could barely help herself. He sighed as they were seated at a booth. The menus were handed to them along with the silverware. The waiter gave Ichigo a few disgusted glances before he left.

"Pick out whatever you want," she said, looking over her menu. "I'll pay for it!"

"I'll just stick with something cheap," he said, opening his menu.

"Honestly, you don't have to keep doing that," she grumbled, setting down her menu. "It's your birthday present. I really don't mind."

"You keep saying that but it does bother me," he answered keeping his face behind the laminated list of foods. "You've gotten me new clothes and helped out with other expenses. You're too damn nice."

"And that's a problem?" she asked as he finally put down his menu and looked at her.

"It can be. Orihime, listen… Being nice to people is a good thing but you being overly nice can lead to people walking all over you. You have a real problem with saying no to people among other things," he stated, folding his arms. "You helping me get out of jail for instance. I knew I ran the risk of getting caught. I knew what I did was illegal and I deserved the time for it. There was no reason for you to stick your neck out for me when I did that. You could have lost your job because you helped me."

"Do you want this? Is has shrimp in it. I know you like shrimp."

"Are you even remotely paying attention to me?"

"Did you say something? Oh, this one sounds good with the garlic sauce!"

She gave him a big grin and his right eye twitched in aggravation. She heard him but she didn't want to acknowledge it. He slumped down his seat and picked up his menu again. It was like talking to a brick wall at times. He sighed a little looking over the food items some more. He really hated taking so much from her.

By the end of the night Ichigo was more than little surprised. After lunch she took him to the movie theater to watch some sort of horror movie she was dying to see. He wasn't overly fond of the genre but Orihime enjoyed it. In fact he really couldn't complain too much about the movie. She clung to him quite a bit and hid her face in his shoulder at the scarier moments. Then after that she decided to take him around through the park for a couple of hours and got some shaved ice. They then stopped at a small eatery for dinner. If Ichigo didn't know any better this whole evening would have almost be like a date. In fact he had inkling that Orihime wanted it that way.

It was nearly dark now as they headed back towards Orihime's small apartment building. When at all possible he would walk her back home. It was the least he could do for her. They were almost to her apartment only about a block to go. When a man jumped out of the alley from their left and tried to grab Orihime's purse. He almost got it off her shoulder when Ichigo came around her and grabbed the man and pushed him off her.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, asshole?" Ichigo snapped.

"Back off, man! Give me the damn purse and no one gets hurt," the attacker quickly pulled out a large knife.

"Ichigo, look out!" she screamed, stepping back.

"I see it! Get lost, you bastard," Ichigo snapped, standing between her and the attacker. "We aren't giving you shit!"

"Give me the purse! Now!" the attacker ordered, holding out the knife, closer to Ichigo. "C'mon, I don't want to hurt anyone! But we can do this the easy way or the hard way."

"Piss off," Ichigo bit out, grabbing the man's wrist, trying to remove the large blade.

"Ichigo, be careful!" Orihime scream, watching the two men fight.

They struggled a bit before knocking each other to the pavement. Ichigo got the upper hand when he was able to drive his thumb into the man's eye. He let out a scream of pain before dropping the knife and took off down the sidewalk with sirens ringing off in the distance. A few other people that had seen the fight called the police.

"Ichigo, are you okay?" Orihime asked, kneeling down to him. "What hurts?"

"Bastard rolled over on my wrist. I sprained it, I think," he said, holding his wrist close to his body. "OW! This really hurts."

"He didn't cut you did he?" she asked, trying to look at his arm. "Are you hurt elsewhere?"

"No. I'm fine," he said, letting go of his arm to let her look at it. "It's just sprained. He didn't hurt you, did he?""

"No, no! I'm fine! You know it could be broken if he rolled on it," she said, looking at it just as the police pulled up.

They turned to look as the police got out of their cars and hurried over to them. Orihime helped Ichigo back to his feet.

"You two okay?" an officer asked.

"Yeah, mostly. If you're wondering he went off that way," Ichigo said, hooking a thumb down the street. "Average build guy. Wearing a black leather jacket and balding a little with light brown hair."

A few of the officers went off in the direction suggested while a few stayed with them to get the finer details of what happened and so on. Of course they found Ichigo's own small rap-sheet for the break in a few months earlier. They questioned him a bit more. Just in case this was a setup or something but everything cleared. An officer walked the two of them around block to Orihime's apartment.

"If there's anything else you remember, let us know," the officer said, looking at Orihime and then at Ichigo. "Be safe, you two."

"Will do, officer, thank you," Orihime said as the cop turned on his heel and walked off. "You want to come in and put some ice on that? You won't go to the hospital and I think you're being silly."

"For the last time. It's a sprain. You worry too much," he said, glancing down at his wrist.

"As much as I love a tough guy act… You can drop it just this once," she ordered, grabbing his good arm and pulled him into the apartment. "Have a seat. I'll get you an ice pack."

He stood in the doorway as she walked off towards the kitchen. He felt awkward being in here. It had been a while since had been in someone's home; much less a woman's home. He looked around a bit. There wasn't much. There were a few pictures on the walls. There was a worn down loveseat and a stand with a small analog TV on it. This place was indeed small as it was a one room apartment. Only the bathroom had its own little space, cut off from the rest of the area. He watched as she grabbed handfuls of ice for the freezer and put them in a zipper baggy.

She turned, closing the bag and started back over to him. She noticed he hadn't moved one bit. She sighed and walked up to him. Was he that nervous to be in here? Grant it this was his first time in her home but why was he so skittish? She stopped in front of him and held out the ice filled baggy.

"I said you can sit down. You don't have to stand in the doorway," she said as he took the bag from her. "There's not much you can break in here. I trust you. After all you did save me this evening!"

She walked over to the loveseat and sat down. She patted the cushion next to her, calling him to come sit by her. He still didn't feel right about this. He hesitantly knocked off his shoes and slowly made his was over. She looked up at him and patted the seat again. He sat down and put his wrist with the ice bag on his lap.

Orihime could see the tension build in his shoulders. Why was he so nervous to be in here? Was he scared to be in here? What was there to be scared about? It was just her apartment. It was a lot better than the tent he slept in under the bridge by the river. He was smooshed up against the opposite armrest. What was making him so nervous? She let out a small sigh and scooted a little closer to him closing the gap. The tension in his shoulders tightened even more and he had a panicked look on his tanned face. Was it her? What did she do?

"You… Okay? Did I do something?" she asked and he shook his head. "Then how come you're acting so silly around me all of a sudden?"

"I just…" he muttered, turning away from her. "You keep doing all this and I have nothing to pay you back with. I feel bad about it."

"Oh, not this again. Ichigo, I'm not doing this just because…" she stopped herself. Should she say it? She took in a deep breath. "I… I'm not… I'm not doing all this because I take pity on you, okay? Th-there's a lot more to it than—that…"

He slowly turned to look back at her. Her cheeks were flushed a bright pink as she looked him in the eyes. He knew why, honestly he did, but he didn't feel right about it. He tilted his head down and let his long orange bangs hide his chocolate eyes a little. He wanted to tell her something but…

"I can't," he muttered, leaning forward a bit before turning to look back at her. "Look at me! There's nothing to me! I have no place to call my own, no money to my name, and I can't find a job to save my life. Orihime, I'm not worth it. Once I get myself a good job and get some money then I'll—"

She put a finger on his lips to shut him. She scooted a little closer and wrapped her arms around him. He froze, feeling her warm weight press down on him. Her large breasts straddled his left arm as she reached around him and folded her hands on his opposite shoulder. Her chin rested gently on his left shoulder as she looked at him. His face was now just as red as hers as she held onto him.

"Uh, Orihime…?" Ichigo swallowed a knot in his throat as the ice pack fell off his lap and onto the floor. "Or-Orihime, you're, uh…"

She moved a little closer to him; throwing her legs over his before adjusting her butt on his lap so she was facing him. Her knees were up under his arms, pressing into the back of the loveseat. She brought her hands up and started running her fingers through his orange locks. He remained motionless for a moment or two before be brought his hands down to grab her hips. She leaned forward, pressing her ample chest to his and began kissing his neck all the while her fingers weaved through his shaggy locks.

He moaned a little and her kisses grew a little livelier. His hands that were on her hips slid up a little and then dove back down under the waistband of her slacks and underwear. She backed up little, huffing some as he looked at her. He leaned forward this time returning the same fevered kisses to her neck. It was her turn to moan as he slipped his hands under her work shirt and traced every little rib up before stopping at her bra. He worked his fingers under the wire in the front and her hands slid down his back, holding onto him as he leaned a little farther down on her.

She soon found herself clawing up the back of his t-shirt with a strong wanting to remove the old fabric. He pulled his hands from her assets and assisted her by taking off his shirt for her and dropped it to the floor. The tips of her painted fingers ran down his slightly muscular chest and down passed his belly button. He quickly reached up and undid the top two buttons on her shirt and she pulled off her shirt, dropping it to the floor on top of his. With one fluid motion he picked her up and laid her down on the loveseat on her back.

"Are you sure…?" he asked just over a whisper, leaning over her with his good hand by her head for support. "I mean it. Are you sure?"

She reached up and put her fingers again in his hair. Her ash blue orbs stared longingly into his chocolate browns. He was still unsure. She wanted to see that uneasiness leave him. She didn't like to see that in her hero. She smiled at him.

"Yesss! I want you. I want my brave tiger," she breathed, pushing herself up a little and kissed his forehead and then laid back down, taking her hands and caressed his tense shoulders. "Ravish me, my tiger! Take me!"

"As you wish, my princess."

The next morning Orihime woke up on the loveseat. She was groggy and sore. What time was it? She looked out the window to see the faintest bit of sunlight fighting its way through the curtain over the kitchen skin. Dear God! What time was it? She had to be late for work! She quickly sat up and went to stand only to step on something underfoot. She crumpled to the floor almost, hitting her head on the TV stand. A shadowed figure slowly sat up, clutching his side.

"OW! Did you step on me?" he asked, holding his side.

"I-Ichigo?" she choked out, blinking the haze from her eyes. Clarity hit her like a ton of brick as to what happened. "Oh, Ichigo, I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were there!"

A chill caressed her body as she finally took notice that there wasn't a scrap of clothing to be had on her. Save for her knees highs that were rolled down to her ankles. She had a feeling Ichigo was most likely in the same situation. That would explain the sore areas. She shook her head and stood up.

"Ugh! I have to get dressed! I'm late for work! I'm sorry, Ichigo! Take your time getting up. Oh, I'm so going to be late," she quickly hurried off towards the closet and looked for clothes. "Take a shower and go through the fridge if you'd like while I'm gone!"

She grabbed her work clothes and dashed into the bathroom. He heard the shower turn on as he got up to his bare feet. He rubbed his abused ribs she had stepped on. When had he fallen asleep? He looked around on the floor and tried to sift for his clothes in the darkness. He turned on the lamp by the loveseat finally able to see what was his looking for. He got dressed and just pulled on his shirt over his head when Orihime dashed of the bathroom haphazardly dressed. She almost stumbled over her own bare feet.

"Hey, hey! Easy! You don't want to hurt yourself," he said as she struggled to put her wet hair up in the ponytail. "You're going a mile a minute! Take a breather!"

"Can't! I'm late! I can't waste time," she exclaimed, finally somewhat getting her hair up. "I'll see you this afternoon at the café, right?"

"Uh… Yeah, always," he smiled and she smiled back. A thought then dawned on him. "You want me to walk you?"

"I'm sure that jerk is long gone! If the owner sees you with me it might look bad," she pointed out, dashing towards the door. "He already has a hunch that I've been meeting up with you every day after my shift but if he actually sees us together…"

She quickly slid on her shoes and grabbed her purse off the hook by the door.

"You don't have on your socks," Ichigo stated, running up to her before she left.

"Screw those silly socks," she snapped, slinging the door open. "I'll see this afternoon!"

"Orihime, hold on," he said, grabbing her and kissed her square on the lips before pulling back. "Be safe, okay?"

"I will, tiger," she hummed, running a hand over through his orange hair. "Bye, Ichigo! Love you!"

And like that she was gone before he could utter a response. Ichigo shut the door back and locked it. He put the tips of his fingers to his lips. He had just flat out kissed the woman like it was an everyday thing. A smile formed under his fingers. He liked that. He liked that a lot and he would like to do it every day.

He turned back towards the main area of the apartment, putting his back against the door. The thought of a warm shower sounded good as he rubbed his sore wrist. It was still swollen. He'd put more ice on it after he was cleaned up some. Apparently she liked him no matter what, clean or dirty, rich or dirt poor. Clearly she didn't care.

"Hahaha, yes," he cheered, heading towards the bathroom. "I'll get cleaned up see about job hunting again!"

The hours ticked by and Ichigo soon found himself on his usual bench, waiting for Orihime by the café. He ran his hand through his clean hair. It felt so soft and was a brighter orange than he remembered. No doubt that's how he merited that new pet name. He was orange like a tiger. He took in a deep breath, smelling the different coffees and foods coming from the café. It was a nice sunny summer afternoon.

He turned to see Orihime coming towards him waving happily like always. He got to his feet to greet her. She hurried over to him and took his hand into hers. She smiled up at him and gave a small tug towards the café door. They walked in and took their usual seat in a booth next to the main window.

Now that everything between them was open, the tension about a lot of things had faded. Ichigo no longer felt like he was walking on eggshells around her. He didn't have to be so perfect. Clearly she didn't care about his current standing but he knew it would be the right thing to better his life, nonetheless. If he truly wanted a future with this beautiful woman but he had to show her that he was the strong, proud tiger she wanted him to be. He now had more motivation to do what he needed to find a job and get his life back on track.

Orihime noticed a pretty large change in Ichigo since last night. The barriers he had put up to safe guard himself were now shattered. Hell, he even kissed her goodbye this morning as she rushed for work. A blush colored her cheeks thinking back on that, not to mention what happened just last night. She had left his mark on her neck. She hadn't even noticed the hickey until a co-work pointed it out and teased her about it. She took her hair down and used her long tawny locks to hide it from the store owner. He did not need to see that.

After lunch they went back to the park and walked around, talking about different things of interest. Orihime finally brought up the idea about Ichigo working at the new zoo. It being brand new it could probably still use more hands to get it going. Even if he didn't work with the animals he could work at concessions or the souvenir shops. The idea was tempting and it didn't sound bad.

After the park Orihime took Ichigo over to a small drug store to get a brace for his still swollen wrist. She still protested that he should get it looked at but he refused. They left the store and she wrapped up his wrist in the long cloth bandage. Just for added measure she took out a pen from her purse and drew a little heart right on the top. He flushed a little looking at the mark and she laughed at his reaction.

It was getting close to sun down when Ichigo walked Orihime home and thankfully this time without a mugging. She offered him another night and as tempting as that was he needed to get back to his tent. It was a small community under the bridge and if people didn't return for so long their belongings were up for grabs. He kissed her goodbye again in the tangerine sunlight and hurried on down the sidewalk.

He arrived back to his tent at dusk and thankfully his few belongings were still intact. One day he'd be out of this tattered old tent. He knew it for sure this time. Now he had real motivation to get out of this mess he had put himself in. He got out of his jeans and t-shirt and put on pair of black short and a stained tank. He flopped back on his well-worn sleeping bag and looked up at the red ceiling of his tent before lifting his damage wrist. A ghost of a smile spread across his lips as looked at that silly little heart.

"Knock, knock!"

Ichigo sat up with a start at the sound of the voice just outside his tent. He stuck his head out and looked up at an older gentleman dressed in short white pants, beat-up wooden sandles, and a green shirt. The man smiled a bit pushing up his white and green stripped hat.

"Urahara, what do you—huh?" Ichigo was now a bit cross-eyed, looking at something brown and white only a couple of inches from his nose, sitting on the end of stick. "What's that?"

"I've got roasted marshmallows, want one?" he asked in a sing-song voice, waving it back and forth in Ichigo's face. "Made a little cash doing a few odds and ends yesterday. Decided to get some food last night."

Ichigo grabbed the offending stick with a quick jerk. He looked at the large browned marshmallow at the end of the stick and sighed. Might as well. He pulled off the gooey object and popped in his mouth.

"I got more if you want," Urahara said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder, towards his small area.

"I think that was enough, thanks," Ichigo said, handing back the long stick.

"Ah, come on, I could use the company if nothing else. Come on over," Urahara grinned, clacking his cane down on old soda can. "Besides, where were you last night, hm?"

"None of your business," Ichigo snorted, getting to his feet.

"Oh, was it with that cute little lady friend of yours? Did ya get lucky?" Urahara questioned, grinning with a sly glint in his eyes as Ichigo turned a bright red. "You did! Oh, you're as red as a beet!"

"Butt out," Ichigo snapped, clinching his jaw tight.

"Nothing to be embarrassed about. Sheesh…" Urahara drawled, elbowing Ichigo in the ribs a bit. "So, marshmallows!"

Ichigo groaned, following the blond man over to his little area where he had a small fire going in a well-worn pit. There were several bags full of foodstuff just inside the tent door. Quite a few bags were nothing but marshmallows.

"More marshmallows?" Ichigo asked, looking at the bags on the tent floor. "How much did you buy?"

"It was either that or marshmallows… Uh, I mean liquor," Urahara shook his head, opening a new bag of marshmallows. "I over did it…"

"Are you sure liquor wasn't involved with this?" Ichigo asked, crossing his arms.

"Ehhhh, more like the aftermath of reefer," Urahara gave a devilish grin as Ichigo's scowl deepened. "I woke up this morning surround by marshmallows. Apparently, I was just really craving them last night."

"Uh-huh. That explains it. So you switched out one vice out for another?" Ichigo asked as Urahara shrugged. "You know you'll never get your fiancée back doing this. Hell, you lost your job at the university because you walked into your class sauced."

"I know, I know. I'm a bit of screw up. I'm trying to clean up but it's harder than you think," Urahara answered, putting the marshmallow on the stick and held it over the fire. "This isn't something you can just overcome, Ichigo. I screwed up big time. I mean, I was only a month away from getting married and I was about to become the Head of the Science Department on top of that. It's been nearly 4 years now. I'm sure she's moved on long ago. I haven't even seen her in a while at her usual haunts."

"Have you tried calling her?" Ichigo asked.

"Yeah, she changed her number on me—twice," he moaned, rotating the stick so the other side browned as well. "Losing my job was the brick that broke the camel's back."

"I thought it was 'the straw that broke the camel's back?'" Ichigo questioned, looking puzzled

"Normally, yes, but losing my job was a lot heavier than a piece of thin plant matter. She tolerated my habit but… The red flag went up after that and Yoruichi called it off," Urahara sighed, taking the marshmallow off the flame. "A day doesn't go by that I don't regret it."

"And after that you lost everything and ended up here," Ichigo said and the blond nodded. "Seems to be a popular theme around here. Different variations but…"

"What about you? Talked to your dear daddy lately?" Urahara asked, blowing on the hot marshmallow.

"No," Ichigo said, flatly. "I couldn't even look him in the eye if I wanted."

"Really? You've been out here—what? Two—three years and all because you had a fight? Sounds petty to me," Urahara said, popping the marshmallow in his mouth.

"In hindsight, yeah, but… I said some really nasty things right to his face," Ichigo sighed. "I blamed him for mom's death back when I was nine. I called him some rather unsavory names and… Tension mounted over the years and around the end of high school I just…"

"Blew like a volcano?" Urahara hummed and Ichigo nodded, sitting down beside the man.

"That's putting it mildly but, yeah…"

"So… Think you'll be able to face him again? He is your father. I'm sure he was hurt but I don't think he loves you any less for it."

"I don't know. I even directed my anger at my two little sisters for no good reason," Ichigo moaned, running a hand down his face. "I was just an angry teenager, thinking my problems were the only problems in the world."

"I believe we all think our problems are the only ones in the world. People are self-centered after all. Even the most giving people can be self-centered when something really bothers or hurts them," Urahara said, pulling out another marshmallow. "We victimize ourselves a lot. I know I do with my own problems. I often think if I had grown up in a better house and maybe if I hadn't been bullied so much I wouldn't have started drinking like a fish. You know, poor pitifully me and all that. It's just that sometimes we realize too late that we weren't a victim but we've dug our hole so deep that we can't climb out without falling back in. Ultimately, starting the cycle over again."

"Yeah," Ichigo whispered, picking up a stick and tossed it on the fire. "I dug one hell of a hole."

"But enough of that sappy drivel! So what's the deal with you and your lovely lady friend, huh? Is that how you got that little boo-boo on your wrist there?" Urahara mused, nudging Ichigo again with his elbow. Ichigo flushed and quickly tucked his hurt wrist behind his back. "How long did it take you to work her down? Or did she jump your bones instead?"

"C-can we not? Seriously," Ichigo bit out, grabbing the bag of marshmallows and knocked the blond in the head, knocking his striped hat a little crooked. "What happens between me and her is strictly our own business!"

"I just figured I'd ask, you sourpuss," Urahara shrugged, fixing his hat back straight and put the stick with the marshmallow over the flame again. "Goodness knows I'm not getting any."

"Yeah, well, you're not living vicariously through me!"

"A man can only dream."

"Keep dreaming!"

Orihime was laid out on her loveseat with a fuzzy pink blanket over her legs as she watched a rerun of her favor sitcom. Grant it she almost knew this episode by heart but she still laughed at the jokes and the characters. In her hands and lap sat a blue bowl of cereal; a fruity verity she had loved since she was child. It was getting close to the time she usually called lights out. She didn't want a repeat of today and be late in opening the shop. Thankfully, the owner was running a tad behind that morning as well having to change out a flat tire on the way into work.

She counted her blessings but she didn't want to risk it again. She finished off the last of the cereal and downed the bit of milk left in the bowl. She got up and put the bowl in the sink before walking back over to the loveseat. She took off the cushions and pulled out the bed and fixed the sheets that were still on it. It wasn't the greatest resting place but she had no right to complain. Ichigo was slept in a sleeping bag on the ground in a tent. She really had no room to complain about the thin mattress. She reached over and pulled out the covers and pillows out from behind the loveseat.

Orihime turned off the lamp and set the alarm on her phone. She went to reach for the remote to turn off the TV when the local newscaster flashed on the screen. She paused as this was never a good thing. Was there a bad storm or something? The newscaster was quickly looking over some papers in her hands. She then turned to the camera and cleared her throat.

"Breaking news. Karakura Town is under high alert tonight. As of 40 minutes ago two large cats kept at the soon-to-open Karakura Zoo have escaped their enclosures. I repeat two large cats have escaped the soon-to-open Karakura Zoo located on the east side of town. The large cats are said to be an endangered South China Tiger and an albino jaguar. Zoo officials were cleaning their cages when the cats somehow managed to escape the building and make it outside. Cameras last spotted them scaling the zoo's outer walls and making their way across the parking lot into the city. Authorities and zoo official are asking people to please remain in their houses and to not go out looking for the big cats. They are also asking that you bring in your pets and pick up any trash to keep the cats out of your yard. If any of these cats are spotted report them immediately to the authorities. Do not try to approach, harass, or attempt to capture these animals. All though raised in captivity they are still wild animals and if they feel threated will attack.

"If you are confronted by them do not put your back to them and do not run. You are asked to keep your eyes on them at all times as you make your way to safety. Never turn your back on a large cat. Given that the South China Tiger is a critically endangered species authorities are going to try and capture it alive if at all possible. The tiger is an adult male roughly 8 feet (2.4 meters) long and weighting in over 300 pounds (136 kilograms). The jaguar, though smaller, is also male around 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and weighs in at just over 200 pound (90.7 kilograms). These are in no way friendly house cats. For those of you that may just be tuning in, Karakura Town is under high alert after two large cats escaped the soon-to-open zoo on the eastern most side of the city. The cats are a South China Tiger and an albino jaguar…"

Orihime sat on her small bed in shock. How did those cats get out? She remembered hearing about them the other day. They were in quarantine if she remembered correctly. That was a horrify thought as she walked to work in the mornings. She was not going to like the trek to work. It was still dark out and the streets weren't that busy. It sent a strong chill down her spine.

Then another even more horrify thought struck her. Ichigo and the small community he lived in, they may have no idea about the large cats escaping. However, they were on the south side of town towards the river. With luck maybe the cats will head north but what if they don't? Panic hit her and she flung her legs out of bed, then she paused. She didn't know where that place was. He never brought her there because he felt too embarrassed. She had a rough idea but she couldn't go out looking for a place like that all night long. She also couldn't afford the transport fair and she sure wasn't walking around the dark streets on foot. She slowly pulled her feet back onto the bed and brought her knees to her chest.

"There's not much I can do. If I report where they may be the police will have those people uproot again," she muttered, biting her lip a little. "Hopefully nothing happens and I'll see Ichigo at work. I'll tell him about the cats and have him move in until they're caught or something. I don't think he'll argue over that."

She knew she wasn't going to sleep well that night. The thought of a tiger and jaguar running around an urban jungle was a scary thought, terrifying even. They were apex-predators after all and they were built to kill and devour. She shivered again as she stretched out her legs and pulled the cover over them. She propped herself up on the pillows. She opted to keep the TV on and fall asleep. That way she could keep tabs on where they are headed and if they are captured or not. This was going to be a long nerve-wrecking night for her. She was going to make sure Ichigo came home with her tomorrow. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Ichigo pushed off his sleeping bag and sat up, scratching his head a bit. He needed to pee. He crawled out of his small red tent and made his way through the small camp to the designated area for such business. It was a ways away to keep the smell down not to mention for a little more sanitation; even though what was hard to come by out here. He rubbed his hazy eyes as a local dog growled and barked, walking by one of the tents. It was a little dog; some Chihuahua mix. Not many people in the camp were fond of it as it was an actual ankle biter. The owner was an older woman and she babied that thing always claiming people harassed him. That was hardly ever the case. The dog was just unruly and ill tempered.

"Shut up," Ichigo grumbled and dog growled and yapped even louder. "I ought to dropkick you, you brat."

He continued on over towards the river some. The small brown ankle biter followed not far behind, still growling and yapping the whole way. Ichigo picked up a stick and threw it at the noisy animal. The dog backed up and yelped. Ichigo continued on to his desired location. Hopefully, the dog would leave him be. Once there he was able to relieve himself in peace, well, for about 7 seconds. The dog started up again a ways behind him and he rolled eyes in aggravation.

"Can't even take a piss in peace. I hate that dog," he groaned. "Shut up, you stupid dog! Jeez..."

A moment later the dog's aggressive barking started to turn more into whines and yelps. Like something was scaring it. That was odd. Ichigo concluded his business and turned to face the whining canine. Its ears were back and its tail was tuck between his shaking legs as he stared into the waist tall grass that lead up the embankment. It was slowly walking sideways from the grass, crouched a little. Something was in there that was scaring the dog. Probably a larger dog. Most likely one of the trays that patroled the area usually in a pack. Practically wild and vicious to a fault if tangle with. They were a real nuisance around their camp. He might as well endure the yappy mutt and take him back before he got killed.

"C'mere, Poochi. C'mere," Ichigo cooed but the small dog only shook more and whined. "Now, now! I'm not going to hurt you."

He was only a few feet from the fear stricken mutt when the tall grass parted a bit. Ichigo paused. That wasn't a dog. That was way too big for the local dogs. A car passed by not too far on the hilltop. The quick burst of light from up above gave him just enough light for the eye shine of the animal to flash at him. That was definitely not a dog. What was that? The beast let out a low deep growl.

"What the…?" Ichigo whispered now completely fixated on the creature. What the hell is that? That almost sounds like… Some big cat… But that's impossible!

Suddenly, the dog was of very little interest to him as he started to back up and head back towards camp. He didn't need to get tangled up with this thing, whatever it was. As far as he was concerned that monster in the grass could have the yappy ankle muncher.

"Sorry, Poochi, you're on your own, buddy," Ichigo said, backing up some more.

A moment later the large animal sprang out from the grass and landed hard on its small pray. The tiny dog let out one small yelp before it grew silent. Ichigo stumbled back to the hard ground, shaking at the sight before him. The massive paws of the beast had pretty crushed dog under them. The large animal started to pull and rip at the dog. Its mouth full of dagger long teeth and it was big enough to pretty much fit the whole mutt in on one bite.

"C-can't be… A t-tiger?" Ichigo squeaked out, looking wide-eyed at the large cat, playing with the shredded canine.

He knew he had to get out of there but how? He knew enough not to run as all predators give chase but he couldn't keep setting there either. He started scooting back slowly along the grassy ground, keeping his eyes on the monster cat. It shook its head and snorted a bit as it nibbled on the remains of the brown dog. Its bright golden eyes then fell on the panicked young man. Ichigo looked into those eyes and saw a strange gleam deep within them.

Ichigo's heart was now sitting heavy in his throat and a chill ran from his head to his feet. He was a lot more appetizing that some little Chihuahua mix. Ichigo moved back a little more and the large tiger got back up onto its massive paws. The beast licked his chops a little, getting rid of some of the blood from the dog. There was hardly anything left of the once annoying ankle biter.

Ichigo let out a faint whimper as he drew in heavy panicked breaths. Where was he to go? Behind him sat the river, to his left was the small unprotected camp, and to his right was more tall grass and a tall steep hill. A road sat at the top of the hill but it was blocked by guardrails to keep cars from going down the embankment where he and the tiger were now currently staring down each other. Ichigo's future was looking rather bleak. The tiger would out swim him, he couldn't lead this beast to the camp, and the tiger would be on top of him before even made it halfway up the tall embankment. In a word, Kurosaki Ichigo was screwed.

The tiger made a guttural noise as it made its way towards Ichigo, in a trotting like manner. The young man tried to move back a little faster as the tiger quickly encroached. Its large paws barely making a sound moving along the dirt and grass. Soon Ichigo found himself on the water's edge. The cool water lapped at his back and his quivering hands dug into the soft mud of the bank. The big cat stopped a few short feet from him and reached out with a large paw and started patting roughly at Ichigo's right foot. On reflex, Ichigo quickly pulled his bare feet closer to his body, folding into a loose ball. That, however, brought the tiger in a little closer. Ichigo's voice was now locked in his throat as the large cat's head hovered just over the top his bare knees. Ichigo was now in a heavy sweat as the cat tried to push even closer still. Their eyes locked once more and that strange gleam was even brighter now, closer up. Ichigo didn't know what it was but there was something about those gold orbs that didn't set well with him. An intelligence, perhaps?

Ichigo could feel the cat's warm breath on his face as the beast's chest pushed again this folded legs, forcing them apart a little. The added weight made the mud under Ichigo's hands gave way. In one quick motion his upper body slapped hard into the dark river water. He barely had just enough time to realize his head was underwater when he felt a sharp pain in his right leg followed by two hard, quick jerks. His head was soon resting on the water's edge. He scrambled to sit up on the muddy bank, shaking the water and wet locks from his face. The tiger had him by the leg and was pulling him out of the river.

"LET GOOOO," Ichigo screamed at the top of his lungs, kicking his legs but the cat instead started to pull him towards the tall grass. "AAAAAGH! LET ME GOOO!"

In a fluid motion the tiger released the flailing leg and landed squarely on Ichigo's chest, slamming the man back to the earth. The wind was forced out of him rapidly, stunning the young man, silencing him. Ichigo wouldn't have been surprised if a couple of his ribs broke from the massive force and weight of the cat. A moment later the large tiger readjusted itself and the dazed Ichigo soon felt sharp dagger long teeth sink deep into his left shoulder. Then with a few quick tugs the tiger pulled him along the ground and into the tall grass where it had come from. A trail of fresh blood was the only thing left of the young man as a lonely car drove by on the hilltop.

(A/N That's it so far! I'm going to make this about a 3 chapter story. I just wanted it out of my mind. I can't get rid of it! If I get it out then I'll get back to my other story. I had this idea from a dream in a way. I started dreaming about tigers for some reason crossing my path in the road and another in the back of my car patting me on the shoulder. There was also tiger disguised as a person. It may stem from the fact that I own a cat named Tiger. I then started thinking this would be an interesting story concept. So, yeah. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.)

Millie M. Banshee