Summary: Orihime is hit hard by the death of a certain espada and decides to deal with her grief by writing letters, but an unexpected circumstance promises both to complicate her life and give her a reason to live.
Hello everyone! Please take time to review and leave me your thoughts even if it is constructive criticism.
Since this fic, meant to be a short one-shot somehow spiraled out of control and became this twenty-something paged monster I'm separating it into two parts for easier reading.
Don't be fooled by the scenes, there isn't a great much action to this piece. Hope you enjoy Orihime's correspondences!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach if I did Ulquiorra would be alive and happy with Orihime.
Return to Sender:
The antiderivative of (2x^4 + 3x +7)dx is (8x^3)/4 + (3x^2)/2 +C. The antiderivative of (X^e/14)dx is…
The mechanical pencil hovered, suspended over the page, the math problems forgotten as longing eyes stared captivated at the plant sitting by the window. Green. The leaves. They were so vibrantly and intensely green…
Orihime's head snapped up as the door bell rang, jarring her from her reverie. Hastily she swept at her eyes, rubbing away the tears that had managed to escape unbidden.
"Coming! Coming," She called out, rushing towards the door. Spying into the peep-hole, she smiled slightly and opened the door.
"Tatsuki!
"Yo Orihime, how's it going?" The scruffy-haired young woman said with a grin, her bag propped on her shoulder.
"Fine, just fine. I was just doing my math homework. Would you like some tea? I have orange blossom mint!" Her friend responded cheerfully. Tatsuki frowned at the overly-sweet tone. She knew that tone. It never meant anything good.
"Sure," she replied watching as the buxom young woman disappeared towards the kitchen and she took the opportunity to take off her shoes, walking towards Orihime's living room with the ease of familiarity. Dark eyes took in the papers scattered on the couch and Tatsuki's frown deepened. It wasn't like Orihime to spend so much time on her homework. Usually she was done by now. What could be─
"Here you go!" Orihime exclaimed, setting down a tray on the coffee table. "I got this new rose flavoured honey that is really good! You should try it Tatsuki," the orange-haired girl rambled in what should have seemed a perfectly happy tone, but Tatsuki knew better.
"Orihime…" She whispered softly.
Said girl's lips curved in a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she sat down and pulled up her textbooks. Eyes that Tatsuki now noticed were slightly red. Concern welled in her, guilt rising in her throat. How could she have thought her friend fine after everything that had happened? She had been a prisoner of war for Kami's sake and she hadn't been there for her. Well, she was here now.
The moments passed by agonizingly slow as they began working, Orihime explaining the problems whenever Tatsuki got stuck, yet despite the familiar actions everything felt off. Looking up from her work the dark-haired young woman once again caught her friend staring longingly towards the window, her gaze distant and expression solemn. Sighing, she set down her pencil. It was useless to think she could get anything done like this. "Orihime?" She called softly. The grey-eyed young woman didn't respond, still lost in thought. Tatsuki swallowed. "Orihime?" She questioned a bit louder and her companion jolted, eyes blinking rapidly as she turned her attention back on her tomboyish friend.
"Yes Tatsuki-chan? Did you need anything?" She replied with saccharinely, and Tatsuki's eyes narrowed.
"Orihime, what's wrong?" She asked softly.
The red-head smiled. "Nandemonai. Why?" Her teeth ground together, and Tatsuki fought for control. It hurt to know she was trying so hard for her. Trying to keep her from worrying, to keep her happy all the while something was eating her up inside. Yet it was so Orihime. The same Orihime who'd blurt out stupid things to break the tension and downplayed her intelligence.
"Orihime," The brunette stated with a hard edge to her voice and Orihime smiled again, her eyes bright with unshed tears.
"Noth-"
"Orihime," she plead, "don't lie. Not to me. Tell me what is wrong Orihime? I'm here for you."
Orihime's throat burned as tear spilled from her eyes and she shook her head, valiantly trying not to cry. Gomen Tatsuki, I can't. I can't tell you. It hurt, kami, it hurt so much.
Tatsuki's heart twisted at the broken expression on the red-head's face. It was like Sora's death all over again. That lost, heart-broken look. Just what had happened while she had been imprisoned?
"You know," she swallowed, looking towards the ceiling, "it helps if you write about it." The red-head looked at her in question, eyes rimmed red with tears, and Tatsuki fought to swallow. "Your remember when my grandfather died and I went all crazy for a while getting into trouble?" She turned her head to glance at her friend and Orihime nodded. "Yeah, well" she began, leaning her head against her hands, folded over the back of the couch, "the school ordered me to see a psychiatrist. Horrible old hag, she didn't know a damn thing about understanding people, but she was right about one thing." The ebony eyed girl looked straight at her now, face serious. "She told me to write about it. To write to my grandfather and tell him everything I never got to say." She smiled wryly, "I don't know if he actually heard me, but it made me feel better, you know? Even if it was just complaining about something that happened, it made me feel better."
The red-head sniffled and gave a weary laugh. "Thank you Tatsuki-chan. I don't know what I would do without you."
The brunette smiled half-heartedly. Neither would I.
The door clicked open and Orihime quickly took off her shoes. Heading towards the kitchen she set down her bags on the countertop. Humming lightly to herself she washed her hands and unpacked her groceries before carefully putting them away. She smiled wistfully as she put away the bottle of aloe-vera juice the verdant color triggering memories of greener things and other times where she had no say over what she ate or drank. Smiling self-depreciatingly at her silliness, she closed the refrigerator door and leaned against it, desperately trying to suppressing the growing sense of anguish. Life wasn't fair.
Wiping her eyes, the red-head headed towards the bathroom, hoping to wash away her sorrows like the sweat and grime of the day. The hot water soothed her muscles and relaxed her body but did little to ease the tightness in her chest and she sighed. Orihime emerged sometime later dressed in pale pink pajamas and toweling her hair dry. From the corner of her eyes the light pine of her desk caught her attention and she stared contemplatively at it. Should she?
Heaving a great sigh, she threw down her butter-cream towel and sat at the desk, fingers fiddling with her pen as she stared at the pale sheet of paper. Would it this really make her feel better? A part of her doubted and yet… No, she shook her head, Tatsuki is right. I have to let it out.
Fighting tears, Inoue Orihime began to write…
000
January 6th 2009
Ulquiorra,
Tatsuki told I really miss you. I didn't tell her about you but somehow Tatsuki knows I'm sad. SheI Tatsuki told me it's good to write letters to people you lost. She said it helps with healing. I hope so.
Today I had a pineapple-kiwi-onion-curry smoothie. It was delicious and the green reminded me of your eyes. Do they have smoothies wherever you are? If they do you should try it sometime! It's much better than the food in Las Noches and I think you'll like it!
School was really fun. Kurosaki-kun and Ishida-kun got in a fight again, this time about balls though it was weird because all the balls were still in the gym. Tatsuki got really really red and made them stop fighting. Maybe they were making fun of Tatsuki's soccer ball, but Tatsuki doesn't usually play soccer so maybe not? Crafts club was fun too. I made this really pretty apron for Yuzu-chan with strawberries lining the hem. I'm going to give it to her tomorrow.
I wish you could be here. There are so many things I'd like to show you. You always had trouble believing in your heart, but I think here you could understand better. Hueco mundo was always so cold and dark; I know you must have been lonely for a long time. You wouldn't be lonely here. I'm here and I'm sure Kurosaki-kun and the others would be here for you too. I know it might not seem like it, but Kurosaki-kun doesn't hate hollows. In fact, I think he feels bad for them and really wants to help them─and that means you too.
Love,
Orihime
000
"Ja ne Kurosaki-kun! Rukia-chan!" She called out, smiling softly as she walked down the street towards her apartment. She was lucky to have such good friends. Whenever she was with them she could forget all the horrible things that had happened and simple live. It was nice─perfect even─and every time she saw them she was reminded again and again why she was happy to be alive.
Heading up the stairs, she gave a polite nod and a quick wave to the landlady and one of her neighbors, Ueda-san, and reached towards the mail boxes. Taking out her key she turned it, eyes looking expectantly at the pile of letters and her monthly shoujo magazine. Skimming through them quickly she noticed most were bills but one was a powder blue envelope. Her breath caught and she hastily turned it over, only to have her heart flatten.
It was stupid. She knew it. She shouldn't have expected anything from it. But those three little words stamped across the front crushed her: RETURN TO SENDER.
000
January 14th 2009
Ulquiorra,
It was raining today. Have you ever seen the rain? I don't recall it ever raining in Hueco Mundo, but then you never talked about it much. You would like the rain. Some people think the rain is a sad thing, but I find it beautiful. The skies turn dark and grey and everywhere the light catches the world shines like diamonds, and when it is spring the plants grow greener and stronger.
The sky is always bluest after the rain.
It hurts. When I think of you it hurts and it makes me wonder what would happen if I were still in Hueco Mundo. It makes me feel a little guilty after all the trouble Kurosaki-kun and the others went through, but sometimes I wish I was still there with you.
Why did you have to die? Didn't you see your life was important? Sometimes I wish I could scream at you. You knew you were going to die. You wanted it! Why did you want it? You knew how I felt about you... Maybe that is why you wanted me to be afraid, but I could never be afraid of you.
Yours,
Orihime
000
Sometimes she dreamed of dusky skies painted a midnight blue and a solitary moon hanging over an ocean of sand. And it was almost like the weeks before had never happened. Like she was still suspended in that time of stark rooms and stolen touches. Where day never shone outside the windows and conversation was a rare treat. A place, where everything was dangerous and frightening and new. A place where the one that held her so tenderly was amongst the most lethal of all.
It was those days she woke gasping, tears cold on her face and sorrow heavy on her heart, reminding of everything that was lost. It was those day she sought to forget, and in forgetting sought distraction to keep her mind from remembering. Yet every night, all the same, she would remember. She would remember and she would write.
000
January 19th 2009
Ulquiorra,
Yesterday I went to the movies with Ishida-kun and Tatsuki. For some reason Ishida-kun seemed upset that Tatsuki wanted to come. Maybe it was because there were more girls than boys? Maybe I should have asked Renji-san if he wanted to come since he was here visiting again; then it would be equal! It was a horror movie about vampires and it reminded me of you again. The movie was good, though I think the vampire shouldn't have died. They should have all talked and had tea and daifuku together because the vampire looked like he just wanted a friend.
Rukia-chan came by today. She brought me a super cute chappy plushie. I wonder where she got it. Maybe there was a big chappy with a lot of little chappys and one of them got lost and Rukia-san found it? I know it's silly, but wouldn't that be interesting?
Rukia-chan says that soul society is finally getting in order and that they started researching the arrancar and espada now along with Urahara-san. It's good that Urahara-san is there, she says the surviving arrancar wouldn't be treated as nicely otherwise. Where do the arrancar go when they die? I know shinigami become spirit particles until they can finally be reborn and that normal hollows go to soul society, but what about arrancar? Part shinigami and part hollow, what happens to you? Are you going to be reborn somewhere in soul society or here in the real world? It would be great if you did. Then maybe we could meet again and something could hit your head and then you would remember!
Love you,
Orihime
000
Pretending. That is what they were doing: pretending.
Walking, they chatted together, Keigo trailing behind as he became distracted by something or the other. But it didn't matter, they barely noticed anymore. Worrying about tests, making idle conversation about love interests, dating, wondering about club activities… It all seemed so foreign. A weak façade for the scars beneath.
The four of them. They were different. They had seen too much, suffered too much, experienced things no normal humans and few shinigami would ever experience. They weren't high-school students. They weren't children. They were the survivors, tried and true, united by their experience and their friendship. Pretending could only go so far to still the thoughts looming over them.
She kicked a pebble across her path, watching as it rolled down the side walk and into a gutter. To her side Tatsuki was goading Kurosaki-kun, trying to get him to play soccer with her later while Ishida-kun and Sado walked silently, lost in their own thoughts, trying to ignore the bustle around them as classmates came by to greet them as they approached the school.
Soul-society might have altered their memories, but she knew they felt something was different. Their idle comments and increased interest in their presence were signs. She supposed some things could never be completely erased. Somewhere deep inside they would always hold the truth. If anything, they didn't want to remember.
She couldn't blame them.
"Orihime? Are you alright?" It was Tatsuki.
She nodded, fighting the oncoming dizziness, the rolling of her stomach. She thought she was done with this. She had woken up feeling fine after all. Gooseflesh rose on her arms beneath the thick material of her coat and she paled.
"Inoue, you're pale." Ishida-kun. His voice was concerned. She tried to nod again, feeling bad for worrying them, then snapped up, darting towards the trash can as she emptied the contents of her stomach.
"Orihime!" They were on her in a second, hands grasping her shoulders and feeling her forehead. Another wave of dizziness over came her and she stumbled backwards into a chest.
A cool hand against her head. "Inoue you're a little hot!"
"Come on we have to get her to the nurse!"
000
January 30th 2009
Ulqui-kun,
I've always wanted to call you that. I wonder what you think of that? I bet you would just glare with your face all stony. To tell you a secret, sometimes I would dream up ways to make you change your expression but it always got all confusing in the end.
I'm sorry it's been so long since I wrote, but lately I've been getting really sick. I wonder if it is the flu? Or maybe I ate something bad? Tatsuki always warned me my cooking would make me sick one day but I never believed it. I have a strong stomach, but I guess she was right. Maybe it was the chocolate-almond pickled fish with spicy egg? I remember the fish's smell made me feel a bit sick at first but it tasted fine later.
Tatsuki and Rukia-chan have been coming over to check up on me lately. It's nice. Rukia tells me lots of what has been happening in soul society and of her relationship with Ichigo, and Tatsuki brings board games sometimes. We even had a sleepover last week! I'm starting to suspect that Rukia-chan has noticed how sad I've been since coming back, even though I try my best to be happy. It's hard though. We keep pretending we're alright, but we aren't, you know?
Well, I have to go to bed now. I have tests tomorrow and I need to sleep. I'm sending you a kiss.
Hugs and Kisses,
Orihime
000
A leaf clung to the tree. Inexplicably her eyes were drawn to it. Pale gold and shaking, it clung to the skeletal limbs of the small maple with a fierce determination. She wondered, did she look like that? Frail and helpless? Fighting to hold onto the familiar as she was battered by the wind?
"Inoue-chan? Inoue-chan?"
"H-hai!" Her gaze snapped from the window and she felt herself flush sheepishly.
"Will you please read the next passage?"
"Hai!" She nodded, scanning the page for the passage though she hadn't a clue where they had stopped. A slight nudge of her elbow had her turning and her eyes fell on Rukia-chan pointing inconspicuously at her own book. She smiled, mouthing a quick thanks and began to read. The words felt foreign on her tongue.
Another voice rose soon after hers and vaguely she heard Ichiro-kun begin reading about the Tokogawa family. Again her attention drifted back to the window. Stubbornly, the leaf remained.
For the first time in what felt like a long time, she smiled. All the way to her eyes.
000
February 3rd 2009
Ulquiorra,
Today is Setsubun, the first of spring. Renji-san, Hitsugaya-san, and Rangiku-san came to visit yesterday and Rangiku-san and Hitsugaya-san stayed at my apartment again, even though I might be sick. This morning was really funny. Since Onii-chan isn't here anymore, Rangiku-san made Hitsugaya-san perform mamemaki for me. Later we met up with Kurosaki-kun, Sadoo-kun, Ishida-kun, Renji-san, and Rukia-chan and went to the nearby shrine to celebrate and then we all ate Eho-Maki and soybeans together. It was fun.
If you could I really wish you could answer me. I keep looking at all the letters in my mail box, returned still unopened, and it makes me sad. I've started to keep them in a box under my bed. The box was Onii-chan's but I think he would be happy I'm using it. Have you met my Onii-chan? He was a hollow like you so maybe you both went to the same place. You were a bit like him, always taking care of me.
I got highest marks on the tests I mentioned last time. I even beat Ishida-kun! He seemed really happy for me but now I see him studying even harder than usual. All that studying might be cooking his brain though. When I told him I could come over to help him if he wanted his face got really red and he started sweating. Maybe he started catching my cold?
Speaking of that, Tatsuki convinced me to go to the doctor's tomorrow. Kurosaki-kun said I could come by any time and his father would give me a check-up free of charge which is really good because I don't have much money to spend.
Yours always,
Orihime
000
Red. So much red. Staining her finger tips and dripping onto those white, white clothes. No! She thought, trembling. No! She had done this. She had made him this way. Stop it! Kurosaki-kun!
She gasped, breaths shaky. In her chest, she could feel her heart still racing, the adrenaline fading. The dream. It came again. Tormenting her with things passed.
Her fault. It was all her fault. She had to do something. Hands glowing gold as she desperately called more power to her….
"I reject."Soft, just a breath. She couldn't let it end like this. Not so soon. Not when they had just started…
Her eyes closed, fighting against the images swirling in the darkness. It brought no comfort, the nightmare still hovering too close to the senses.
"I reject!" She repeated, louder. "I reject! I reject! I reject!" Blood so much blood. He was broken. Fading. All because of her…
Her fists clenched in the blankets and her stomach roiled. Unbidden two fat tears rolled down her cheeks.
Fading, the ashes were sifting through her fingers, carried by that wind. No! She thought. No! The shield burned bright, searing, and she fought to keep her eyes open.
Sweat beaded, cold and uncomfortable. Nausea rose.
"Inoue!" Hands clasped her spinning her to face him. "Inoue stop it! It's too late!"Ishida. Already his wounds were gone, but the ash clinging to her finger tips forced her to continue, seeking something, anything. Some answer that her efforts weren't in vain…
Clamping a hand on her mouth she raced, throwing open the bathroom door as the sickness overcame her.
Moments later as she washed away the acrid taste of vomit and brushed her teeth, she felt somehow calmer. Cleaner. As though bit by bit, she was draining away the pain. Shutting off the light she tucked herself back into bed, casting a glance at the waning moon.
Maybe. Just maybe, tomorrow would be better.
000
February 5th 2009
Ulquiorra,
Yesterday I The results from the blood test came today. Kurosaki-sensei gave me a check up yesterday and nothing seemed wrong, but he took a blood test just to be sure. I didn't think It seems I I'm pregnant. I didn't think it was possible. Hollows can't have babies right? But I guess arrancar, or espada at least, are different. Maybe it is the shinigami half? We I te
I'm scared. I never expected to be pregnant. Not so soon. It's difficult to think somewhere inside me is another person. Separate and alive and completely dependent on me. It's even harder to think its part shingimai or hollow or both? Will it have different needs? Will it be more hollow or shinigami? Or human?
Still, somehow I'm happy. There's a piece of you inside me growing. It makes me smile. Now I can always have a part of you with me. It almost feels like a dream.
I told Kurosaki-sensei not to tell anyone. Hehe, he seemed to think the baby was Ichigo's. Before I would have been really happy to have Kurosaki-kun's child, but now I am glad it's yours instead. I'm not sure how long I can keep this a secret. Everyone keeps asking me what is wrong and worrying. I don't want to worry them, but in a few months I guess everyone will know. It is a good thing we're all finishing school this year. Only two more months left. I shouldn't be showing by then right?
I'll have to work harder now. The baby should be here by August or September. Isn't it ironic? We first met in early August. Do you remember? Maybe I should name it Akinobu or Momiji in honor of the day? I wonder what you would say to that? You never showed much preference to anything.
Well, I better go to sleep now, staying up can't be good for my health. Goodnight Ulquiorra and sweet dreams wherever you are.
Lovingly,
Orihime
000
It was easier. Every day, it grew a little easier, a little lighter, and she found herself smiling more. Laughing more.
"Watch out!"
Instinctively, she ducked, the snowball whizzing over her head and she took cover behind a tree, clutching her own armful of ammunition to her chest. Daring a glance, she surveyed the frosted battlefield for her opponent, cheeks suffusing with blood. Movement caught her eye and she let out a sigh of relief as she noticed it was only Tatsuki.
The dark-haired tomboy grinned, pointing to a copse of trees to their left. A bit of bright orange peeked out against the white. Orihime felt herself smiling back. Carefully, very carefully they picked their way around, planning on surprising the boys.
"Aieee!"
She spun fast enough to see Rukia fall, stricken by a smug Ishida. Dodging left, she narrowly missed being pelted by a snowball, quickly fighting back with a few well placed throws of her own. A muffled curse filled the air as one of the projectiles struck home, hitting an oblivious Toshiro from where he had been reading on a bench.
"Sorry!" She chimed sheepishly, and the scowling shinigami settled back down, returning to his book.
"Orihime!"
She turned, too late to notice her previous prey had somehow managed to sneak up on her, a barrage of snowballs flying towards them. Immediately, the three girls turned on the offensive, a revitalized Rukia skillfully lobbing balls at the three boys, managing to peg Ishida assuredly in the chest.
Taking advantage of the distraction a cattish Matsumoto hopped down from her perch, a bundle of snowballs in her arms. "Watch out Taicho!" The buxom vice-captain teased as she rapidly fired the white projectiles at her captain, clipping him on the head.
He growled, abandoning his book. "Matsumoto!"
'Tatsuki-chan! Eep!" Unexpectedly, the motley group was overtaken by a sudden flurry of snow, hair dotted with white. Laughter caught her attention and Orihime looked towards the sound, finding a snow-covered Ichigo chuckling as he stared at an entombed Matsumoto. Only her head was visible from the snow.
"Mou, taishou, that's cheating."
The katana slid back into its sheath with a click and laughter filled the air. "Hn."
000
February 14th 2009
Ulquiorra,
Today was Valentine's day! I don't know if you know what that is so I'll tell you. It is a celebration for couples and love and girls give chocolate to the boys they like. Even though you aren't here I made some orange chocolate. It wasit I was going t I was going to leave it at the little shrine I made for you but... I had a really strong craving and I ate it. Sorry! Seems like the baby likes chocolate. I wonder if you would too?
Ishida-kun came over today to see how I was doing and he brought a lot of herbal teas. I feel kind of bad that I won't be able to use most of them. I told him I was fine but Tatsuki noticed how sick I was feeling yesterday and tried to get me back to see another doctor. Seems like she told Ishida-kun. Sometimes I forget his father is a doctor.
Tatsuki came by too! Soon after Ishida-kun actually, with Sado arriving an hour later. We all went to the arcade then had a nice lunch at a cafe. Maybe because it was Valentine's the place was mostly empty and we played for hours. It was fun and I even got the high score once.
I really love them. My friends. I'm pretty sure they came so I wouldn't feel lonely, especially now that Kurosaki-kun and Rukia-chan are dating. They don't realize the real reason I'm sad. It isn't Kurosaki-kun, it wasn't my imprisonment. It is the loss of you that pains me. It seems wrong but to be honest, it hurts worse than when Onii-san died. Sometimes it makes me wish I could just crawl into bed and do nothing but cry. It is almost like everyone I care about is destined to leave me though I know it isn't true. Still, I have to be strong. I don't want to worry them anymore and I want to be a good mother.
Truly,
Orihime
000
The striped scarf blew in the wind and she squinted at the brightness. With snow or without it the winter sky was sure to be blinding. The grocery bags crinkled as she walked on, admiring the displays in the windows.
Work had been short today. It was a welcome change to the long hours and meager wages of her previous job as a clerk a nearby convenience store. Urahara-san was really generous.
Her boss didn't take well to her extended absence during that first horrible month of morning sickness and threatened to fire her. It had worried her sick. Somehow or the other the news had reached the Urahara household and when she stopped by the shop the other week, he had stared at her oddly for a few moments with his face hidden behind his fan, before offering her a job. It would be an understatement to say she was shocked.
Stammering she had most gratefully accepted.
Now with a neat little envelope containing her first payment sitting in her pocket she was enjoying a little shopping time. Abruptly, the red-head stopped her pleased amble, staring with wide, curious eyes at a colorful display on the window.
Baby clothes. Striped in the softest green. A little matching bib and blanket sat next to it, little leaves and flying birds curling about the edges. Her fingers touched the glass tentatively while another hand moved unconsciously to her stomach. She bit her lip, the envelope nearly burning a hole through her pocket as she considered the purchase.
She stepped out of the store a little later, pockets lighter and a new bag carefully hidden amongst the plain brown and white of the groceries. Already she could imagine it, a little girl with inky hair and a sweet smile, a little boy with the palest skin and darling eyes… Despite how troubling her sudden pregnancy proved, she was happy.
So engrossed in her reverie, Orihime completely failed to notice the orange-haired young man waiting for the light. The impact caused her to stumble and her eyes widened fearfully. She couldn't fall! She had heard things about pregnant women who fell! Her breath hitched─
And strong arms caught her, stopping her tumble. "Inoue are you alright?"
"K-Kurosaki-kun?" She flushed suddenly noticing their position, his face so close to hers. She moved backwards, distancing herself. "Ah gomen. I didn't notice you."
"You should be more careful," he teased, "I won't always be here to catch you." She twisted her hands nervously and he caught sight of the ample bags no doubt weighting her arms. "Let me help you with those─"
Her heart lurched. "No!" She exclaimed, startled at the volume, and she could see the part-time shinigami stiffen, his eyes observing her intensely. "No," she repeated more softly, "I wouldn't want to bother you, Kurosaki-kun."
"Pfft." He waved away her concerns, already recovered from the momentary shock. "It's not a bother at all."
"Iei, really," she combated weakly, " it's alright, your home is─"
Too late. The bags were taken from her grip into his stronger one and he smiled at her kindly. Her mouth went dry. Every part of her tense. Knowing any second he could look down, shuffle the bags, and see the tell-tale purchase.
But he didn't. The entire time they walked calmly, he tried to chat with her, her clipped replies only worrying him, but not once did he take note of the items he carried, returning them easily as they reached her complex.
That was one disaster averted. She only wondered how many more would come.
