DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach or Uryu.
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9:17 AM, Tokyo, Japan--Advanced Math
I watched glumly as Miss Ochi handed back our latest tests. I knew that I hadn't done well on it. My numerical comprehension could have been considered below average. I grumbled as she handed me mine--a D minus. She stopped beside my desk after handing out the last test with a concerned look on her face.
"Akane-chan, I hope you realize that if your test grades get any lower you'll fail this class," she said, "and you have to pass it to advance to your third year of high school."
"I had absolutely no idea. Thanks for the notice," I said, sarcasm dripping from my words.
Each unit in my math class had the same routine: she would give us notes, I'd have no clue what we were doing, I bomb the test, and she comments on how low my grades are. I was so relieved when the bell rang. Next period was study hall.
I entered the library and set my books down on a table. The row after row of bookshelves made the place seem like a giant labyrinth. Orihime sat in the seat across from me and smiled wide. "How was last hour, Akane?" she said cheerfully. I just shook my head in disappointment. Orihime knew I struggled in advanced math, so she encouraged me to keep trying my best and that everything would work out. She looked at me sympathetically. "How bad was it?"
"Horrible. I'm on the verge of failing," I said. Orihime wrinkled her forehead in thought. She tried to think of an answer to my problem, but there were very few solutions.
"I know! Why don't you ask Ishida-kun to tutor you? He's a genius!" she said. My cheeks flushed red. Uryu tutor me? I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner, but I rather liked the idea. To me, he wasn't that cold, distant nerd that my friends said he was. I saw a kind, intelligent boy with a passion for his work. He wasn't like the other guys in my class; a lot of them were loud and obnoxious with a tendency to be really judgmental. Uryu was quiet and reserved.
"I'll ask him then," I said in a quiet tone, looking away from Orihime. She giggled at my behavior.
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After school I headed to the handicrafts club room. I hesitated when I slid the door open. The room was empty, so I took the time to look around the place. Red velvet curtains were held back by gold cords, a simple Victorian chandelier hung over the center of the room, and under it was a mahogany table--probably the work table the club members used. I was so caught up in the room that I didn't notice someone slide open the door.
"Can I help you, Matsura-san?" Uryu said from behind. I whipped around to face him, once again a noticeable blush on my cheeks. I twirled my hair in my finger nervously and fidgeted with the bottom of my skirt.
"Uh, y-yeah," I stuttered. "I was wondering if- if you could help me." My voice decrescendoed. Uryu arched an eyebrow.
"What for?" he said.
I looked down ashamedly. I hated bringing up my grades in a conversation. "It's my math class. I'm really close to failing, and if I fail, I can't advance to year three. I was wondering if you could help me."
Uryu smiled warmly at me. "Sure. Come here after school tomorrow."
After I thanked him for his help, I walked home all the while wondering what kind of teacher he was. From the warm tone that he used in the handicrafts room, I felt that my study sessions with Uryu could make me enjoy math little by little.
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There you have it: part one of, well... I'm not sure how many yet. =\ I was thinking a two or threeshot, but I might make it a bit longer. I've always wanted to try an UryuxOC story, but all I've ever done is IshiHime (in the way of Uryu pairings). Let me know what you think. =)
Happy reading,
~Kai