Author's Note 1: Hey, yo! It's your boy Panzerraptor. What it is my fans. So anyway, for those of you who've followed my last big Bleach fic, The Rise of Madness, just want to say thanks. Though even I gotta say, it was pretty crazy. I also started a sequel called Shattered Sanity. However, because I'm too busy with college, I decided to hold off on that one for a while.
Instead, I decided to focus on this little project which will have Ichigo paired with many girls in the series. Now I'm not known for a romantic side, but seeing as there are so many of these types of stories, I decided to give this a shot. And since it's hard to find some good quality fics that aren't yaoi (not that there's anything wrong with it) or the same old common pairing, I decided to start my own little series.
Anyway, I'm starting off with one of my favorite pairings: IchigoxNemu. Now I don't expect it to be perfect (like I said, I'm pretty new to this genre), but I do expect it to be pretty good.
Unforeseen Affinity
Not long after school was over and his homework was written, Ichigo Kurosaki was out on his daily patrols. It felt like a relatively quiet and uneventful day. Not a lot of activity has been reported. In fact, the day was so dull, the teen thought about cutting his reconnaissance early. That was until he heard the familiar roars of two large hollows hunting the soul of a young boy. Ichigo managed arrive at the location just in time to slay the two demons. As soon as he defeated the foes, the substitute was ambushed by three more enemies. However, like the last duo, the second group was no match for the substitute's abilities. After initiating the konso, which sent the young boy to Soul Society, the orange-haired shinigami was about to leave the area.
That was when he saw another band of hollows gathered at a nearby roof. When he arrived at the scene, he was surprised to find another shinigami under attack. Caught in the middle of the fray and fighting for her life was the lieutenant of Squad 12, Nemu Kurotsuchi. With her zanpakuto absent, the lieutenant was forced to use her hand-to-hand skills to defend herself against the ravenous horde. Ichigo was amazed to see how someone like her was able to fight the enemy with bare hands. However, he knew Nemu's agility and strength weren't enough to fend off all of the enemies and soon sustained injuries from the battle. Quickly, Ichigo placed himself between the wounded shinigami and the demons and wiped out the foes with Getsuga Tensho.
With the enemies gone, Ichigo cradled Nemu from the ground in bridal style as he shunpo'd to Urahara's Shop. Once there, both shinigami were treated for their wounds (though Nemu had far greater injuries compared to her orange-haired savior). After they recovered, Nemu awoke and found herself in a small guest room lying on a mat. "Hey, are you alright?" Ichigo asked, sitting nearby the lieutenant.
"Yes, I am," Nemu responded as she sat up. "Where am I?"
"You're at Urahara's Shop. I brought you here after the battle with the hollows. You remember right?"
"I do. Thank you for your aid," the lieutenant nodded.
"It's quite alright," replied Ichigo as he held a hand up. "By the way, I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. Who are you?"
"I'm the lieutenant of Squad 12, Nemu Kurotsuchi. I've heard all about you prior to my coming here, Mr. Kurosaki."
Ichigo's eyebrow rose in curiosity. Clearly, Nemu had a reason for coming here. "Please, just call me Ichigo. So Nemu, is it alright to ask why you're here? Has Aizen finally made his move?"
Nemu glanced downward with stoic eyes. "The reason for my being here is because of my mission."
"Mission?" Ichigo repeated with a frown.
"Yes. You see, I was ordered by my captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, to study you for the next seven days. I was supposed to have remained inconspicuous and study your power and strength from a distance. However, it is clear that my efforts have failed."
"So let me get this right. You're here to stalk and document me like some kind of animal?"
"In some way, yes," Nemu responded.
Ichigo sighed as he leaned back and rubbed his forehead. It was evident that he was not fond of having surveillance placed upon him. "Great," Ichigo muttered sarcastically. "My life's crazy enough already. But the Soul Society has really gone too far."
"Actually," Nemu began, "the Soul Society is unaware of my task. I was assigned by my captain to take part in this investigation." Ichigo glanced at the purple-haired captain. "However, now that my mission is a failure, there is nothing I can do but return to my captain empty handed. I am sorry for burdening you like this, Ichigo."
Though the Seireitei was not involved, it still bothered him that his privacy was being challenged. Still, he felt some pity for Nemu. The orange haired teen began sifting through his thoughts, hoping there was a way to fix this situation. After a quick minute, the substitute came to a compromise. "Maybe I can help you out," Ichigo said, receiving a questioning glance from Nemu. "I'll let you continue your research project. However, I don't want you to be sneaking or hiding about."
"In that case, you just wish for me to follow you out in the open?" Nemu inquired.
"Exactly," Ichigo replied, unaware of what Nemu meant. "That way, I know where you are and we can help one another in case there's another hollow attack. Do we have a deal?"
Nemu thought over Ichigo's proposal. She knew that returning to the SRDI empty handed would lead to repercussions from her captain. Also, being close to her study target would mean she would undoubtedly uncover more data than if she had remained incognito. Thinking her options over, Nemu bowed to the orange-haired shinigami. "Yes, Ichigo," she said in agreement. "I will meet your terms. Thank you."
"Don't mention it, Nemu," he said. For the next few days, Nemu followed Ichigo around and took notes. During patrols or attending school, wherever the orange-haired substitute went, the braided lieutenant was not far behind. However, this did lead to a few complications, such as where she was allowed to follow (i.e., not the men's bathroom), or how she should be seen in public (Ichigo had to buy her normal clothes, something he wasn't exactly comfortable with doing). Aside from helping the researcher with her work, Ichigo also introduced Nemu to the wonders of the living world and his close comrades. Though hesitant at first, Nemu was soon a welcome member of the group. Of course, Rukia would always taunt the substitute at any chance she made about his predicament. Unbeknownst to anyone, Orihime felt some jealousy of the time the two shinigami spent with each other.
Even though Ichigo denied the accusations, there was a part of him that felt bonded to Nemu. Sure, she had her quirks and was somewhat introverted, but she was intelligent and curious about the world around her. He was also attracted by her beauty and sense of loyalty and began to grow protective over Nemu, just as he would with any of his close friends.
Nemu also felt attracted to Ichigo. Aside from his strength and power, her cheeks would start to heat up whenever he glanced at her. Even with the scowl, Ichigo displayed nothing but generosity and kindness toward her. This was something she had rarely experienced. Not only that, but for the first time in her life, she felt a sense of safety and acceptance. The lieutenant was surprised of how Ichigo was always willing to protect her and others close to him from whatever harm occurred.
As time passed, the two began having something of a secret relationship. After all, the last thing they wanted was their fathers reacting upon their being together (with Isshin insanely goading Ichigo to make grandchildren or Mayuri wanting to dissect the young man or punishing Nemu). Aside from their duties as shinigami, the two would spend quality time at the park or watch some television. The only person who was aware of their activities was the stealthy ex-captain Yoruichi, who watched the two like a spectator to a show. Of course, the chocolate-skinned woman would keep their fling a secret (for hopes of using it for her own unique material to taunt the substitute shinigami).
When the week came to an end and her mission became completed, Nemu was ready to report her findings to her captain. Ichigo decided to accompany her back to the Squad 12 barracks, which the attractive lieutenant agreed. Once they arrived and Nemu entered the building and delivered her report to Mayuri. Wanting more time to study the work, the captain dismissed his lieutenant for the rest of the day.
Now given personal time to spend by herself, Nemu decided to track down Ichigo, who left the barracks after escorting her to the Research and Development lab. Tracking her comrade down thanks to the strong spiritual pressure he left behind, Nemu soon arrived at Sokyoku Hill to find Ichigo waiting for her. "Well, looks like you found me," he said with a small smile.
"I should be grateful that you still can't control your reiatsu levels," Nemu replied. "Finding you by tracking your spirit energy was rather simple, Ichigo."
"Yeah, yeah. You don't have to rub it in," the orange-haired teen said as he waved his hand. Nemu snickered from the response. For her, it was always fun to poke at her protector's shortcomings every once in a while.
Late afternoon soon began to set, bathing the Seireitei in an orange light. Ichigo's arm rested around Nemu's shoulder as she nestled her body against the young man. The relaxed beat of his heart soothed the young woman as a calm, genuine smile grew on her face. The two have been sitting like this for nearly an hour, enjoying the peaceful sight. Ichigo turned to Nemu and was amazed by her beauty, which became more apparent from her complexion in the setting sun's light. "You know, it's almost funny," Ichigo began as he thought back on the prior events.
"Oh?" Nemu asked as she pulled her head away from the orange-haired warrior's chest to get a good look at his face. "Whatever do you mean, Ichigo?"
"I mean that all of this started with you trying to spy on me."
"Yes. It is quite hard to believe that a chance encounter was what started this bond," Nemu agreed with a blush. "Still, I am glad that we met. I doubt I would have learned as much as I remained hidden."
"Really? Like what did you learn?"
"That you are not a simple warrior, but a strong-willed and determined man. Someone who cares deeply for those he holds dear and can be relied upon." Nemu once again rested her head against his chest. Ichigo placed his hand on the top of her head, his fingers brushing through her violet hair. "Ichigo, tell me what your name means again?"
"What?" Ichigo asked in some confusion. "I thought I told. It means 'he who protects.'" He then heard a giggle from Nemu. "I'm serious! That's exactly what it means!"
"I know," the lieutenant responded lightly. "And you're living up to your name very well." Hearing the compliment, Ichigo smiled and continued to watch the sunset from their perch. "Also Ichigo, I just wish to say I shall never leave your side."
"I won't leave yours either, Nemu. I promise." Nemu knew that Ichigo meant what he said. The lieutenant knew that he was something that she could rely on. Feeling content and comfortable, both Nemu and Ichigo continued to enjoy their moment which they wanted to last forever.
Author's Note 2: Well, I hope you like this oneshot. I'm coming up with more soon, such as one for Matsumoto or maybe another with Nemu. There may be a chance for a triangle, though I wouldn't hold my breathe on that one. Don't be shy to throw in a few suggestions, but I would be grateful to get some reviews.