Well here's the first chapter to a great couple that we can't wait to see! Enjoy! Oh yeah and uh no soul society stuff just a lot of AU fluff!
Always bright
Ichigo Kurosaki was happy to open up his phone. The time read 9:14 AM, Saturday October 15th. He yawned, he was grateful to have this day to do anything he pleased since school was in 2 days. 'Please let this weekend go slow, I don't wanna do homework' he then groaned.
It's not like Kurosaki was an idiot. He'd actually been up for the top 3 smartest kids in class. Chad and Uryu had been the other two. It's just that during science or English, Ichigo really stood out, over topics they haven't even went through In AP chemistry or AP English. He'd just be logical and have his own answers without the book or source.
But that's not all, Ichigo had many hidden talents. Two that had stuck out were both forms of his art. Music and painting.
Ichigo Kurosaki was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of a band he'd called 'The Insomniax.' His close friends from class joined him in this possible career pat. Shuhei Hisagi had his hands on the bass guitar as a backup vocal, Ulquiorra Cifer was his other backup vocals who'd played the drums. And Grimmjow Jeagerjaques was yet another backup vocal and played the lead guitar.
These four punk rockers and good friends had been the highest in school popularity since freshmen year, now leading to junior year. At first it was for them being the school hotties, but then they'd expressed themselves through music. And it led to them having a shot in the big screen. This opportunity was priceless. It would be better than them still playing at diners, bars, and local hard ass town spots.
When Ichigo had gotten home though from a gig or school, he'd go ahead and pursue the art of calm painting within him. Well that was if he wasn't out with the guys smoking and drinking at parties or at one of their homes as celebration.
Painting is one of the things he kept hidden from everyone in his house. Yes Ichigo lived on his own. He had his own house down 10 minutes away from his own. He had a nice place as well. His house was two stories, all the walls were off white, except for his room which was sky blue and had paintings of Kurt Cobain, cusses, and late night sayings. The first floor consisted of wooden floor and a kitchen and dining room exactly like his old house.
The living room was directly next to it with three black leather sofas. A widescreen TV to be looked at with a bookshelf next to it. Ichigo is absolutely in love with those books and reading them. It got Keigo and Renji to smack talk him in class when he was bored. Ichigo didn't care. Ichigo doesn't care.
Up the stairs next to the dining room was the second floor with an empty bedroom next to his down the hallway. He'd used it as a studio to record music, paint, and think. The bathroom beside it was nicely kept together. Your typical bathroom. But the basement, it had a sign on it. 'DO NOT ENTER, OR ELSE.'
Ichigo stepped out the shower and threw on his nice vibe shirt. It had fit him since he was 15, now being 17 (characters look the same from season 1 though!). Ichigo threw on his typical gray jeans and tied up his sneakers. Grabbing the keys to his awesome kept 2015 dark gray Honda Accord, he decided to drive down to Shuhei's and drop off his bass guitar he'd left at Ichigo's after drinking themselves out while watching TV last night.
It was walking distance Ichigo figured as he drove past the beach closely to his home and was only a block away from Shuhei's.
Walking up the all white house with his usual scowl, Ichigo rang the doorbell. Hearing shuffling and groans from his close friend. "Yeah Ima coming" he muttered opening the door. "Oh, what's up Ichigo?" Shuhei greeted rubbing his head yawning. He was in black shorts and was shirtless, 'real sight for the ladies' Ichigo chuckled. The tattoos and overall look and designs on the guy's face was a reason enough to be in this band. Not to mention he was probably Ichigo's favorite.
Ichigo checked the time, 11:14 AM. "Man it's early" Ichigo realized. Shuhei yawned again. "You're telling me man, I'm still about to snooze."
"Yeah yeah sorry about that, but you left your bass at my place, here ya go" Ichigo lifted up the all black guitar with a 69 and claw sticker attached. Shuhei's face lit up. "Kazeshini! I missed you baby! Thanks Ichigo. Forget all about it" Shuhei smiled. Ichigo only smirked and nodded.
"Hey Shuhei, wanna go to the Karakura Diner later tonight? It's only Saturday" Ichigo sighed and so did Shuhei. In relief. "Why? Trying to pick up chicks?" Shuhei teased. Ichigo only snorted.
"Yeah sure, 7:30 I'm free from work. And I'm pretty sure you're off today right?" Shuhei raised an eyebrow. Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, I told Urahara I would double up tomorrow. And the shop shouldn't have a lot of people in today" Ichigo said.
Shuhei whooped and fist pumped Ichigo. "Alright I'll take my car there just meet me alright?" Shuhei asked again. Ichigo nodded and said bye. Ichigo then went off to grocery shop. It's been a while since he'd done that.
Ichigo entered the nicely kept supermarket. Walking down to the candy aisle, Ichigo found Grimmjow all ecstatic smiling, along with Ulquiorra who seemed bored, tired, and was pouting. Ichigo felt sorry for the guy, he'd always been dragged everywhere with Grimmjow, it was exhausting. But they were friends so.
"Thought I'd see you guys here" Ichigo smirked walking over to the candy section they were in. "Didn't expect you guys to be getting candy now too" Ichigo began running through the candy.
"You wouldn't have seen us if someone didn't feel like wasting time on sugar" Ulquiorra yawned in boredom. He was dressed in a plain white fleece with black aglets. The jeans he wore were black and slim fit.
Grimmjow just scoffed at him and shook his head, "Always have to be the boring lame-o eh buddy?" Grimmjow retorted. He was dressed in a tight white T-shirt which covered but showed the definition of his defined and muscular body. It covered the black tattoo of a circle beside a 6 on his abdomen. Ichigo never got that but being an artist showed him that everyone had their stories.
Speaking of muscles, Ichigo was sure that Shuhei and Grimmjow could have some sort of competition with those muscles of theirs.
Nothing implied. The four of them were always being compared as far as muscle went to show. Ichigo was sure people preferred him from rumors and his own ears but didn't know why. Of Ichigo knew one thing, it was to be humble. So he never budged.
"Well I'm gonna get some things and go, you guys ready for practice Monday? We gotta gig next Thursday" Ichigo crossed his arms waiting for Grimmjow to be an idiot.
"Practice? Ha don't need it as far as my skills go. But if you really want practice, why don't you and I hit the Yokubo Club(lust club) tomorrow eh old pal?" Grimmjow nudged Ichigo smiling widely. Ichigo snorted and walked past him after smacking his head with a bag of Reece's minis.
"Hey I'm allergic to peanut butter!" Grimmjow complained rubbing his head. Ulquiorra chuckled at the hurt Grimmjow. Ichigo past him, "Good luck with this guy Ulquiorra" Ichigo gave Ulquiorra a sympathetic scowl as Ulquiorra pouted at him which meant 'Please don't leave me, my sanity is slipping away.'
Ichigo left the market with his things and returned home, placing his things away. Well now Ichigo was officially free. Maybe he'd call Tatsuki to see what's up or maybe workout. He was interrupted as his phone rang. The phone read 'Hat and Clogs.' Ichigo sighed. He suddenly felt tired. It's not like he didn't like Urahara, the man was like a second er- better father, maybe uncle figure to him. He taught Ichigo many things and gave him shelter as well as a job and advice when he needed those things. Not to mention he'd bought him his first guitar and was his drug supplier (hehe). The thoughts made Ichigo really grateful for meeting the Kurt Cobain reincarnate.
"Hello?" Ichigo called through.
"Ichigo my boy, how are you doing?" Urahara asked in his calm yet excited voice.
"I'm fine thanks, need something?" Ichigo asked
"Nah I was just at the library with your dad, Kensei, and Shinji so I decided to buy you a book. Feel free to come pick it up anytime" Urahara said with his nonchalant happy voice.
"Wow that's really nice thanks Urahara, but you didn't have t-"
"My pleasure Ichigo, don't turn it down now cause your father was crying of how you like me more than him" Urahara snickered and Ichigo did the same fro the other line.
"Okay Hat and Clogs, first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks I'll see you soon" Ichigo stated.
"Alright Mr, Kurosaki take care" Urahara hung up.
Ichigo inwardly smiled and went off to drink some water. Looking over at the time, it reached 1:30 PM. "Well I already showered and got cleaned up for the diner tonight" Ichigo remembered. He pulled out his phone again and checked for any notifications.
'3 new messages' his phone read.
'Hey Ichigo, going to the diner tonight, bored as hell. Wanna join?' The text was sent by Tatsuki. He didn't mind going anywhere alone with her. She was his childhood friend and he loved her for always being with him. He knew they'd always remain friends and he appreciated it.
He opened the second message from Senna. 'Ichi! Hi I just got back from the mall with Orihime and Uryu. I was third wheeling so bad but it was fun!' Man she was jumpy. Another very very close friend of Ichigo. He always found it hard to be bothered by Senna. She was such a great friend and so was Orihime. Although he was sure that she liked three different guys. Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, and Uryu. Something about Ulquiorra sealed the deal.
The third message came from Keigo. Ichigo sighed in frustration.
'Hey Ichigo! I'm with Renji, Chad, and Mizuiro. We're going to the noodle shop! Text me back buddy! DON'T LEAVE ME!' Ichigo cringed, feeling the tears from Keigo. "Annoying kid" he growled watching some TV. Slowly Ichigo nodded off and fell asleep. Maybe he'd make some did when he woke up. Something else he was amazing at. Culinary arts.
Rukia Kuchiki was not having a bad day today surprisingly. She should've, after all she left her family just yesterday. Oh yeah she is now a soon to be 17 year old runaway. A junior precisely.
There were things Rukia was great at. Cooking, photography, sketching, managing, etc. Not to mention, she loved paintings. She always wanted someone to paint as she sat in front of them smiling. But that's where it fell.
Her brother, Byakuya Kuchiki was fond of having her married soon. Rukia wanted to get married yes. But one problem. TO SOMEONE SHE LOVED NOT AN ARRANGED MARRIAGE DAMMIT! So one disagreement came to another, and it led to her leaving her manor and just moving into Karakura town from their neighboring town of Taikitsu (boredom).
It wasn't that much of a worry. She always came to Karakura to see her friends. They happened to be the same girls Ichigo was friends with since he was young. He also knew Rukia by face but not name. She knew him for his building fame, hair, and looks. He was hot, she had to admit. But anyway, she was also close with Chad, Renji, Keigo, Mizuiro, and just about the rest of Ichigo's group. It's like she loved there all her life, she was close to all of them. So when she gave them the news, they were so ecstatic to know she would be with them in town now.
The first of them she informed was Senna. She knew that if Ichigo interacted easily with Senna, well she as dependable. Now they were done setting up Rukia's nicely kept apartment. It was more like a small house due to being single family and quite big.
"Rukia I can't believer you're actually in town with us now! Yay!" Senna bounced. Rukia only smiled lightly. "I know I like it already. I can't wait to see you in school tomorrow" Rukia said brightly. Senna bounced and giggled.
"Hey I'm going to the Karakura Diner tonight, wanna join?" Senna stopped bouncing while she asked. Rukia nodded, "Yeah! I love the diner" Rukia excitedly said making Senna all jumpy again. They were best friends. It was okay to act like this.
"I was actually gonna go with Tatsuki too but she has to go to the Dojo since Renji has his shift going on at 4 and obviously wants to hit on her" Senna mischievously laughed. Rukia joined her with that. "Oh yeah? I knew he had some fire in him other then that flaming head but what about you Senna?" Rukia nudged senna smirking.
"Huh? What about me?" Senna asked like a cute little plush toy. Rukia laughed. "I'm sure if an adorable, congenial, and funny girl like you doesn't have a boyfriend, well you're crushing on someone. So who's it?" Rukia explained.
Senna looked up to start thinking. "Hmmm…" She dazed off. "Well there is this guy in that band that play around in Karakura, Shuhei" Senna stared off. "He's really hot! I wanna talk to him but we don't sit by each other in class and he's at work a lot or with Ichi. I swear they love each other!" Senna pouted. "But I can't be mad cause I love Ichi too! He's so nice to me and treats us right. For some reason he just always protects us from anything, I'm glad to have a friend like him" Senna stated more to herself.
"Yeah…" Was all Rukia muttered. Senna looked up in slight shock. "Huh?" She asked Rukia. "Why the long face?"
"It's just, I never really talked to Ichigo or anything. He seems like a great person" Rukia finished. Senna smiled widely. "Awww is Rukia crushing on Ichi? I don't blame you he's just about perfect, for you mainly."
"Senna let's not start with that! I just said he seems-" Rukia cut herself off.
"Wait, perfect for me? How?" Rukia started.
Senna smiled, sitting down on Rukia's bed in her white onesie. Rukia was in a chappy onesie but it was mid day? "You see I know you better than them, and I know Ichi better than them, well maybe not more than Shuhei." 'That damn Shuhei' Senna thought.
"He likes girls that don't try. Girls that aren't freakishly tall like him. Girls that stick Up for themselves. Kind. Real. Sense full. Happy girls." Senna finished. "Original."
"Original girls like you Rukia." Senna smiled. "He's been in a dark place since he lost his mother. He never found a girl before. Like you, you lost Hisana too. And you never met a guy before. So don't ever be self conscious. Cause he asked me about you before" senna winked.
"He did? W-why?" Rukia was truly confused. Senna couldn't stop smiling. "He saw you walk with me to the boardwalk two weeks ago when he was with Shuhei remember?" Senna asked.
Rukia nodded. "Y-yeah" she stuttered. Senna continued.
"Well he asked me who you were. He said you were cute, in fact he implied that you were adorable!" Senna giggled as she saw Rukia blush.
"W-wow" Rukia kept stuttering. Senna laughed. "C'mon Rukia lets go to the diner tonight, Ichigo was supposed to go with Tatsuki there. And he always comes with Shuhei so…" Senna winked at Rukia who blushed. "J-just for our own enjoyment!" Rukia warned.
Senna only gave her a sly smile.
Ichigo's eyes opened, looking over to the clock. 6:40. He sat up and stretched out. Going up to his room. Ichigo decided to dress up in a black T-Shirt with a black and red plaid soft jacket over it, wearing slim white jeans. Putting on his shoes, Ichigo washed up and grabbed his wallet and keys. Ichigo walked out and approached his car, entering and then pulling off.
Pulling up to the Urahaa shop, Ichigo stepped out and walked into the store. "Hey" Ichigo called to Shuhei playing with the register. "What's up Ichigo? Told you I had a car right?" Shuhei smirked. Ichigo still had his natural scowl but looked out.
"Well I didn't exactly come for that. I had some free time so I gotta grab a book from Hat and Clogs" Ichigo pointed to the back. Shuhei laughed, he always laughed at the nickname. "He's in the back with Tessai and the kids" Shuhei said.
"I hope I don't have to come in to work Monday" Ichigo muttered walking into the room. Shuhei looked over at him. "Jerk, I'm not taking your shift!"
"Hey Ichigo, here's your book my friend" Urahara handed it over and Ichigo smirked 'Devil in winter' Nice. "Thanks Urahara, see ya" Ichigo left as Urahara and the others waved.
7:00. Ichigo walked down to his car and went back home. "Okay everything's alive here so.." Ichigo trailed as his phone rang. The phone read 'pops.'
'Don't freak out on dad Ichigo' he thought.
"Hello?"
"Ichigo! Hello my son how are you?"
"Still the same dad. How about you. How're Karin and Yuzu?"
"We're great Ichigo! What're your plans tonight? Do you wanna spend it watching a movie with your awesome young dad kiddo! We can have plenty of f-"
"Stop yelling old man! I'm going to the diner with friends!"
"Friends? Haha you're lying! It's a beautiful girl! Oh Masaki our boy has a beautiful lover! I knew Ichigo could do it!"
"Beautiful girl, wha- why?"
"Because son, you're a fine built and extraordinary young man! I congratulate you! "
Ichigo's veins just started popping out his forehead. "Ugh" he hung up the phone.
7:20. "Well, I guess Senna is coming instead of Tatsuki eh" Ichigo stopped texting and walked outside.
Ichigo went and drove off to the Karakura diner finally! The inside was quite nice. It was all mainly wooden and small but spacious. The lighting was kept between a dimming purple or blue if not normal lighting.
"C'mon Rukia! It's not like you're getting married. We're just hanging out with friends so hurry up before they leave!" Senna cried.
Rukia stepped out. "Sorry couldn't keep track" Rukia giggled and the two exchanged looks. "You're beautiful Rukia, stop trying" Senna playfully scolded and hugged Rukia. She returned the hug equally.
Rukia was wearing a yellow long sleeve shirt covered by a purple sweatshirt and she threw on gray jeans. Senna was in her typical blue jeans with a rip on the right knee. She wore a cute white tank top. Typical Senna.
Shuhei got out of work and just threw a black sleeveless muscle shirt on with black jeans. Getting into his white Dodge Avenger, he drove off to the diner. To his surprise, he was the first one their sitting at a comfy and empty booth.
Shortly, Senna showed up with Rukia. "Shuhei! Hi!" Senna waved and Rukia smiled slightly. "Hey Senna! Rukia what's up?" Shuhei looked over and gave Senna a tight hug then Rukia
"You ever get a hold of that idiot?" Shuhei looked over to Senna. She poured sitting across from with Rukia next to her on her right. "I thought you would've" Senna shrugged.
"No need to" came a new voice that joined the mix. "Gotta know I'm late" Ichigo sighed sitting beside Shuhei who patted his shoulder. Ichigo just put his head down, trying to sleep. Senna hopped over and smacked him on the head. "Get up and hug me!" Senna commanded.
Rukia was surprised. As far as she knew, if you attacked the great Ichigo, you'd be in for hell. But deepening her surprise, Ichigo stood and hugged Senna tightly like a little pet. "You're annoying" Ichigo smirked down at Senna. "Now that I'm up, I'm gonna say hi to the waitress so we don't have to wait, be right back!" Senna happily said.
"Wait I'm coming Senna!" Shuhei called. Senna abruptly stopped and slightly blushed as Shuhei patted her shoulder. "C'mon" he said happily pulling her along. Senna smiled.
This left Ichigo alone sitting across from Rukia. She was just playing with her hands in front of him nervously. Ichigo smirked and spoke first. "I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. Close friends with those two haha" Ichigo started and Rukia looked up smiling. He was so sweet. She knew he wasn't one for too much talking but for her sake he would do it.
"Yeah I know you Ichigo. I'm Rukia Kuchiki, I actually just moved here. Senna helped me out today so we just decided to come here" she finished.
Ichigo nodded. "You live here now? That's good. It's a nice town here. I mean you've seen a lot of it, considering you come a lot."
Rukia only giggled. Gosh he found that giggling of hers so cute. Sometime maybe he'd take the chance to tickle her for more.
Rukia then smiled over at Senna and Shuhei who were talking to the waitress. "They came in sleeveless shirts knowing it was below fifty" Rukia shook her head and Ichigo did the same. "Well for one thing Shuhei's a show off and Senna is Senna so that sums it up" Ichigo shrugged.
"But it looks like you had it all figure out" Ichigo looked at Rukia's sweatshirt. "That's a cute sweatshirt" Ichigo said without thinking. Rukia only blushed and looked away. "Th-thank you" she responded. "I like your jacket too. Plaid is nice" Rukia started.
Ichigo smirked. "Thank you."
"We're back! Looks like you two had a nice time eh Ichigo? Rukia?" Senna smiled. Shuhei only smiled with her.
"Depends, I mean looks like you and Shuhei can't stop smiling" Ichigo smirked. "Oooohh!" Rukia finished as she and Ichigo high fived. The four just sat together and jumped into conversations as they ate.
The time was now 9:20 and Senna lost a bit of her energy. "Well this was really fun! Can we do this again? Like on Friday. I wanna go to the movies! Ichigo !" Senna began pulling at Ichigo's arm. Ichigo just looked over to Shuhei. "Ask him" Ichigo smirked.
Senna looked up at Shuhei. "Can we? Ichigo and Rukia will!" Senna poked Shuhei.
Shuhei looked down at her. God she was so cute. He just wanted to grab her and kiss her right there but fate said not yet. Smirking he nodded. "I think we should" he said lowly. Senna just smiled and hugged him. "Thank you thank you thank you!" She squeezed him as he patted her chuckling. "Stop that tickles" he giggled.
"Alright Rukia, I'm gonna go ahead you coming?" Senna asked. Rukia pouted at her.
"C'mon stay for a bit Senna!" Rukia begged. Senna patted her head. "I'm tired, this girl needs her sleep tonight!" Senna said jumping. Rukia just pouted childishly getting ready to leave.
"It's okay, I'll take you home if you wanna stay" Ichigo cut in with a straight face. Rukia's face lit up but shortly fell. "Are you sure? I don't want you to-"
"I offered didn't I?" Ichigo smirked sitting up engaging with her. Senna noticed the two. "Kiss!" She blurted as the two blushed immediately. Shuhei face palmed.
"Alright sleepy head lets get going before you say something unintentional again" Shuhei dragged her along. Wait Shuhei was taking her home? Double success! Senna smiled and cheered as the two left smiling. "Take care Ichigo, Rukia" Shuhei said before exiting.
Ichigo nodded and waved. Rukia did the same. "So why'd you wanna stay here?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow at Rukia.
"Well, I just like this place a lot and I mean you're the only person I never talked to alone you know?" Rukia explained. Ichigo just nodded and shrugged. "Makes Sense" he replied.
"So, why'd you come over to this town anyway? I mean Kuchiki manor? Nicer school? Life?" Ichigo started. "I'm not gonna push but it does have me wondering" he added.
Rukia smiled. "Well I guess my brother didn't accept or consider my decisions. One argument led to another and I decided to leave. So I came here and I'm sure I like it" said Rukia.
Ichigo looked straight at her. "That's great, it's a bold move to make. But now that you're here, if you need anything I'm here okay?" Ichigo reassured.
Rukia smiled brightly. What a man. He really is as they say. "Thank you Ichigo, that means a lot" Rukia said softly.
"Don't even mention it" he smiled back. "We can start by getting you home now, it's almost ten" he stood and she did the same. The two walked out and Rukia looked up at him.
"Thanks for the time, I'll see you at-"
"Huh?" He interjected. "I'm not letting you walk home alone Rukia" Ichigo boldly stated. Rukia was surprised. Ichigo shows a lot more emotion than people give him credit for.
"Not gonna let me?" Rukia asked defiantly. Ichigo nodded.
"Of course not, if I didn't bring my car I'd walk you but that's fine, it's not the biggest town. Let's go" Ichigo motioned for her to join him. Rukia sighed. Arguing would be useless against Ichigo and she trusted him a lot more than she knew.
The two drove off as she gave him her address and had some small talk.
Ichigo pulled up to Rukia's house and unlocked the door. "Wait a sec" he said quickly and stepped out the car.
Rukia was overly surprised to see he came around to just open her door for her. 'What a gentleman' she thought. "Wow thank you Ichigo" Rukia blushed brushing his hand.
Ichigo smirked, "Just one of my acts of kindness" he finished walking her to the front door. Rukia opened it and stepped inside. "Thank for everything tonight, it was fun can't wait to see you again Ichigo" Rukia smiled warmly. Ichigo just nodded and smiled back.
"I'll have to text you for that to happen, right?" Ichigo smirked again. Rukia blushed, "oh y-yeah can I have your phone?" She asked and he obliged. Handing it back to him, she spoke up.
"Good night Ichigo" Rukia smiled.
"Good night Rukia" Ichigo replied giving her a heart warming smile. Oh my that smile made her wanna invite him inside and- woah! None of that!
Ichigo pulled and drove off.
Ichigo got home at 11:15 tired. Man she was so cute. Ichigo looked over and lay down on his bed. Running over to the next room he opened up a new sheet to plan out his next painting.
"This could be the start of something good" he said smiling aloud.
Whew how about it? Chapter one! Things can only get better.