Cross My Heart
Ch 2
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"So that's what the problem is?"
"It appears so."
Ulquiorra, Stark, Renji and Rukia sat around the green eyed teen's room. The two freshmen had been filled in on the problem.
"Well I happen to know of something that we can use that will get Grimmjow to never doubt Ichigo again." Stark mentioned as he passed a piece of paper around.
"Well this looks convenient." Ulquiorra mumble as he read the paper. "But we have one small problem."
"Oh no we don't."
The seniors stared at the underclassmen's grinning faces.
"What do you mean?"
Rukia looked up at the two older boys with an evil smile. "We'll pick you guys up tomorrow for a quick trip to Ichigo's house."
A young light brown haired girl opened the door after a few knocks.
"Hello there Yuzu." Rukia greeted. "Is Ichigo home?"
The little girl smiled and welcomed the group in the house. "Hello Rukia. Yes he is. It's nice of you to stop by along with Renji and umm-" Yuzu closed the door and looked at the two unknown males. "May I know your names?"
Stark smiled at the girl and answered, "My name is Stark little lady. Pleased to meet you."
Ulquiorra extended his hand and Yuzu took it. "My name is Ulquiorra."
The brown haired girl smiled and giggled, "Nice to meet you two."
"Hey Yuzu, who was at the door?"
A black haired girl came down the stairs and she happened to look a lot like the brunette girl.
"Oh Karin! Ichigo's friends came by for a visit."
Karin nodded and turned to her brother's friends.
"Hello Rukia. Renji. Newcomers."
"Hello Karin."
"We're here to surprise Ichigo. Do you know where he is?" Renji asked. "We rather he not know we're here."
"He's up stairs with Shiro."
"Thanks Karin."
"Will you guys be staying for lunch?" the brown haired girl asked.
"We wouldn't want to impose."
"It's no problem at all. I'll set up extra places at the table. I'll be in the kitchen if you need anything and I'll give a call when lunch is ready."
The group gave their thanks as they slowly headed up stairs.
"If Ichigo is with Shiro then it will be easier to see what we're trying to show you." Renji explained to the seniors.
In the distance music could be heard playing, mixed with the sound of giggling and laughing.
"Shiro! Get back here and put some clothes on!" The words were loud but held mirth in them.
"No way Ichi-nii!"
Slowly and quietly the four crept to where the sound was coming from and peeked though a crack in the slightly open door.
A no more than four year old with bleach blonde hair that looked white and pale skin almost like snow with big golden eyes ran around the room in a huge t-shirt. He looked a lot like Ichigo with the few minor differences.
"Shiro take my shirt off and come here so I can dry you properly." The orange haired teen chased the fast little demon.
"Not unless you sing me something." Shiro bounced on the bed.
"I'm playing music for you already."
"But I prefer brother's voice."
"Please Shiro-"
"Please Ichi. I promise to be good, just sing me a song. You always did it for me when I was little."
Ichigo sighed and turned down the music. "You're such a brat. I did it to put you to sleep. I didn't think you'd get attached to it and have to bribe you with it to get you to cooperate." It was all said with a smile as he grabbed the bouncing child and balanced him on his hip.
"The pain of my wings does not fade but I feel a miracle deep in my heart." The words came out low but with so much emotion, though as soon as Ichigo sat down on the bed and placed Shiro on his lap and used a towel to dry the white blonde hair, his voice took on a strong steady rhythm.
"And I know I will fly again." A smile spread across the orange haired teen's face. "I will ride on the wind of dreams and overcome the sparkling rainbow." Ichigo stripped the huge t-shirt off his brother revealing the child in all his naked glory.
"And continue on my journey." He slipped on a pair of briefs on Shiro and stood up with his brother in his arms.
"Now come on, look up at the sky and follow the new path. Let's find a new world." Ichigo twirled Shiro around earning a laugh from the child and that in turn made the teen smile more. "Flying to the future, in the sky. It is there, I can feel it. I believe it, it's my soul. I know I can go anywhere." He sat the white blonde haired boy on the bed and pulled on a pair of black shorts and a red t-shirt on him.
"Please will you guide us through the sky." Ichigo reached for a comb on the dresser and sat behind Shiro. "I brought along everyone. I believe it, it's my soul and I will soar to a new world." Ichigo's voice softened just a tiny bit as he brushed his brother's hair.
"My unstopping eagerness shines within the countless stars in the sky and it glows brighter than ever before." He hugged Shiro from behind and tickled the boy. "In so many ages we met as if calling out for each other and I don't want to let you go again." Ichigo's voice rose as he sang with joy as Shiro giggled as he was tickled and hugged.
"My power is unlimited! Just don't be afraid. I'll go anywhere just to meet you." Shiro jumped off the bed and turned to face his brother as he sang the next lyrics in his high child like voice. "Flying to the future, in the sky. It is there, I believe it. My heart knows it is in my soul and I'll be the one to grant your wish."
Ichigo laughed and continued the song. "Please will you guide us through the sky all I can do is to believe. This endless dream, it is my soul and I will soar to a new world." He tackled Shiro into his arms and bounced him in the air.
"Na Na Na Na. Pure wings will never be soiled, so let's just fly into the wonderful blue sky. Na Na Na Na. Let's go on this unending journey." A bit more bouncing and swinging and they found themselves back on the bed.
"Now come on, look up at the sky and follow the new path. Let's find a new world. Flying to the future, in the sky. It is there, I can feel it. I believe it, it's my soul. I know I can go anywhere." Ichigo threw himself back on the bed so he was laying face up with Shiro in the air, being kept in place by Ichigo's bent knees and hands that held the child.
"Please will you guide us through the sky? I brought along everyone. I believe it, it's my soul and I will soar to a new world." Ichigo brought down Shiro, who squeeled with glee as his brother had balanced him in the air, to lay down on his stomach.
"Please will you guide us through the sky? All I can do is believe. This endless dream, it is my soul and I will soar to a new world." The orange head wrapped his arms around Shiro in a hug as the child nuzzled his face into Ichigo's chest.
"So did you enjoy yourself?" Ichigo asked Shiro who opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted.
"I know we did."
Honey brown eyes widened as the teen sat up quickly and miracuosly didn't toss the child to the floor. Ichigo stared at Renji, Rukia, Stark and Ulquiorra, who entered the room, with a bright blush adorning his cheeks.
"What the hell are you guys doing here!" The orange haired boy nearly yelled as he stood up and sat Shiro on the bed.
"Rukia! Renji!" the little boy waved from his spot on the bed.
Renji walked up to the bed and lifted the boy up. "How ya been ya little monster?" he said as he tickled him. "Have you been causing Ichigo trouble?"
Shiro was all smiles as he tried to suppress his laughter. "I just had a bath and Ichi-nii sang for me so I'm good. And I always give brother trouble."
"That's a good brat."
Ichigo yanked Shiro from the redhead's hold. "You are a hazard to children and once again, what are you doing here?"
The boy tried to glare and look threatening but with a child in his arms it wasn't working.
Rukia, Ulquiorra and Stark made themselves comfortable on the floor.
"Well Ichigo as you know, the school's talent show is next Friday and by the sound of your voice you would make an excellent candidate."
When they had listened to Ichigo sing the two seniors had been amazed. The teen's voice was deep but soft at the same time. The teen had pitched his voice just right, almost sounding close to a girl's at times. It was smooth and harmonious. Perfect that it captivated you and soothed you at the same time. The two seniors wouldn't mind listening to the freshman sing again.
"I'm not doing it."
No one was really surprised by the orange head's answer.
"I'm not going to stand in front of the whole school and make a fool of myself."
"But Ichigo, your voice is so beautiful. There's no way you wouldn't win."
"I don't care. I'm a guy and guys don't sing beautifully."
"Well too bad, cuz we already signed you up."
"What?"
All five teens argued back and forth while Shiro just watched with amused eyes.
"Is Ichi-nii going to sing at school?" Golden eyes twinkled with excitement. "Can I go watch? Can Yuzu and Karin come too?"
Ichigo didn't know how to answer. His brother looked so happy about the idea but he wasn't to keen about singing in front of the whole school.
"Your brother has to say yes first." Stark explained to the little boy.
Shiro gave his best puppy dog eyes and let them loose on Ichigo. Just as the teen was going to say yes, Yuzu yelled from downstairs that lunch was ready.
Ichigo sighed with relief and put his brother down.
"Go on ahead and tell the girls we'll be down in a minute."
Shiro crossed his arms across his chest and puffed out his cheeks. "You didn't say if you would sing."
"Maybe."
"But that's not a yes."
"I'll sing you a song before bedtime."
Instantly at the offer, Shiro smiled and ran out the room yelling, "Ichi-nii is going to sing for me tonight."
Ichigo sighed and turned to look at the four faces of his current 'guests' who either looked smug, curious, interested, or hopeful.
"Seriously, haven't you four ever heard of knocking or calling before you stop by someone's house? You two know my uncle is currently taking care of us while my dad is on that stupid trip, and he hates us having friends over."
"Well I thought the best way to get these two to hear you would be to drop by unannounced." Rukia smiled innocently. "Besides we came early when we know he's not home."
"You are going to be the early death of me."
"Not me. Probably Shiro."
"You have an extraordinary voice Ichigo. You should share it with others." Stark said making the orange haired boy blush.
"I don't even let Rukia and Renji listen to me sing and they are one of my closest friends, so what makes you believe I want to stand in front of the whole school and let them listen to me? The only ones who I sing for are my dad, siblings and Grim-" Ichigo cut himself off as he realized who's name he was going to say. "My voice isn't anything special."
The others had caught the slip up but let it slide by.
"Oh but it is." Everyone stared at the black haired boy. Ulquiorra ignored the surprised faces. He was known to speak only but the truth even if it hurt others. That was just the way he was. "You know Ichigo if you enter the talent show I'm sure it will make Grimmjow regret doing what he did."
Honey brown eyes widened and narrowed just as quickly. "I see what this is about. Forget it. I'm not doing anything." Ichigo headed for the door but a hand grabbed his arm tightly and pulled him back roughly.
"What the hell Ulquiora?" Ichigo pulled his arm out of the hold.
Renji, Rukia, Stark, and Ulquiorra stod before Ichigo and blocked the now closed door.
"Ichigo you need to listen to us. We want to help but you're not making it easy." Renji spoke up.
"Why don't you guys get it? There's nothing wrong so nothing to help with."
"We don't usually spend time with you but we know you well enough that this breakup has you emotionally out of control." Stark supplied. "And it worries us."
Ulquiorra was the next to speak. "Both you and Grimmjow are not taking the separation well and we need to get this problem fixed. You're the only one who brings out his good side. And now that you two aren't together his mood has become real foul. The reason behind this breakup is ridiculous but you have to understand Grimmjow likes to show how he truly feels. He doesn't like to hide. He probably took your answer the wrong way."
This had been the most the three freshmen had heard the green eyed senior speak.
"I know how he is but if he really loved me then he wouldn't have had a problem with me wanting to wait on telling everyone."
"Do you love him?"
The question was so sudden that it caught Ichigo by surprise.
"What?"
Ulquiorra repeated the question. "Do you love him?"
"You can't just ask me-"
"Answer the question." Rukia growled. Four pairs of eyes bore into him that he had to look away and as he thought about the question he remembered all the good times he had had witht he senior. Tears pricked at honey brown eyes.
"Yes." he mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Yes!" Ichigo yelled as he let his emotions that he had been holding back flow. Tears fell down his face in waves. "Is it wrong that I love him? I hate this! I miss that stupid jerk so much I would do anything for him but I just can't tell my family that I love a guy. I want to go back to how it was before. I-" Ichigo was pulled against a strong chest and a hand rested against his head and another on his back.
"No more yelling or the kids might come up here and worry. It's alright to feel like this. He loves you too. That's why you have to trust us and let us help you. We have a plan to get you two back together."
Ichigo listened closely to the sound of Ulquiorra's voice. He grabbed the senior's shirt in a vice like grip as the thought of having Grimmjow by his side again ran through his mind. He didn't mind the other boy was holding him as long as he was allowed to let out his frustrations.
Renji and Rukia watched in amazement as Ulquiorra comforted their friend.
"Holy shit." was all the redhead could say.
"Surprising isn't it. You would think he would be the least likely person to care but it's just his emotionless face that fools people. He really knows how to comfort people and always known what to say. He really cares about others." the brunette senior explained.
Once Ichigo had calmed down, Ulquiorra let go and the freshman stepped back.
"Are you alright now?"
The orange haired boy nodded and wiped his face with his sleeve.
"Good. So will you follow our plan?"
Ichigo thought for a moment, a look of fear and uncertainty crossed his face.
"We will help you with whatever the reason is why you don't want people to know about your relationship." Ulquiorra answered.
Rukia and Renji stepped behind Ichigo and placed a hand each on his shoulder. Stark stood besides the other senior.
"We're behind ya Ichigo."
The carrot top sighed. "How are you going to help me?"
"First we need to know why you're afraid."
"I can't let my family know. He'll find out and I'll be good as dead."
"Who's he?"
"My-"
Five bodies came down the stairs and headed for the kitchen. Three children sat around the table.
"Finally. We were about to send Shiro to come get you."
None of the kids noticed that their brother had been crying. Rukia had worked miracles on the orange head's eyes in that bathroom.
Halfway through lunch Ichigo turned to his siblings. "I'm heading over to Ulquiorra's house later to practice for the talent show. I'll be back in the evening."
"Oh Ichi-nii that's wonderful." Yuzu clapped her hands together in joy.
"Good luck with that." Karin added.
"Yay! Can I come watch you practice?"
"Sorry Shiro. It's going to be a surprise so you'll have to wait till friday."
The little boy pouted. "Okay."
"You three will be okay for a few hours right?"
"Don't worry Ichi-nii. Besides, uncle won't be home till late today."
Ichigo sighed in relief. "Good."
When lunch was finished all five students headed over to the green eyed boy's house but the whole while Ulquiorra was busy trying to figure out how to fix the other problem.
Nana: TaaaDaaa! Oh I really hate this. I just wanted to write a simple oneshot and now I find myself more chapters. Damnit!
Ulquiorra: Why must you make things so complicated?
Ichigo: Two questions. Why is Ulquiorra so OOC? And why am I crying like a girl into his chest?
Nana: Cuz I said so. Now deal with it.
Ichigo: *grumbles*
Nana: 2morrow is my first day of college and I'm super worried that I won't be having time for anything anymore. So I apologize ahead if I don't end up updating frequently.
Peace&Love
{Nana}
