Chapter 2: Tag Along
So yeah.
My updating schedule will be pretty random during the school year, but I will still certainly attempt to put out new chapters as often as I can.
Aside from that, I am honestly surprised by the number of followers that this story has received in the relatively short period of time it has been out. I guess people find the dynamic duo of Ichigo and Desiree to be an interesting pair.
I thank you all for your patience, and I hope you like the new chapter!
AlucardsBro OUT!
"Wake up Little Master."
Ichigo grunted dismissively and rolled over in his bed to face the wall.
"Rise and shine Ichigo."
The orange-head sleepily reached down to grab his blanket and pulled it over his head in an attempt to block out the noise.
"MOVE YOUR ASS, YOU LAZY HUMAN!"
Brown eyes shot open, and Ichigo shrieked as he fell out of the comfort of his bed in a tangle of limbs and sheets. Letting out a few curses that Yuzu would be appalled to know he used, the former Substitute pulled himself off of the floor and threw his blanket aside, only to immediately come face to-face with a very smug and thoroughly amused Desiree.
"You know, studies show that those who take enjoyment in the misfortune of others are more likely to have mental issues," the young man snorted as he climbed back to his feet.
Desiree simply smirked and rolled her crimson eyes. "Yes well, you will have to forgive me if I find it funny to see you make a fool of yourself."
Ichigo shot his new companion a sour look, which only seemed to amuse her even more. The genie let out a melodic laugh, and despite the situation, Ichigo couldn't seem to bring himself to stay mad at her.
Stretching his arms over his head and popping our several kinks that had manifested during the night, the former Substitute moved towards his closet and reached down to grasp at the hem of his shirt, only to pause a second later and glance over his shoulder at Desiree. "Do you mind?"
The voluptuous spirit grinned and allowed her tongue to quickly lick her lips. "Oh not at all Little Master, please continue…"
Ichigo rolled his eyes and pointed to the door.
Desiree huffed and crossed her arms underneath her sizable breasts. "You are such a prude Ichigo; I can think of very few men who would be embarrassed for a beautiful woman to see them undressing."
"Out."
"Oh, very well," the genie sighed, and flew through Ichigo's bedroom door out into the hallway.
After waiting for at least a minute to ensure that his guest wasn't going to try and spy on him, Ichigo pulled off his tank top and shorts; quickly replacing them with his school uniform. Despite the new addition to his life, he was still a high school student, and now that he didn't have to attend to his duties as a Substitute Soul Reaper he didn't really have any excuse to miss any more classes.
Giving himself one final once-over in the mirror, the orange-head grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulders. Exiting his room, Ichigo frowned upon noticing that Desiree was nowhere to be seen. Shrugging, the former Substitute headed downstairs and grabbed a slice of toast as he passed the kitchen.
Once he reached the front door, Ichigo paused mid-bite upon seeing the genie patiently waiting for him.
"What do you think you're doing?" he asked cautiously.
"Accompanying you to your educational institution, of course," she replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm curious to see how things have changed since my time; I never really devoted much time to simply studying human behavior after I became a ghost."
Ichigo raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "You actually want to go to school with me?"
Desiree simply shrugged. "Don't forget Little Master, there is a limit to how far away I can get from you without spontaneously reappearing at your side; I might as well accompany you."
The former Substitute nodded. "Fair enough, just don't cause any trouble."
The genie gasped dramatically, and raised a hand to her chest as if taken aback by the accusation. "Why Ichigo, do you really think that I of all beings would purposefully attempt to cause unnecessary mischief?"
Ichigo grumbled and attempted to suppress a grimace.
The walk to Karakura High School was fairly quiet, and Desiree seemed content to amuse and distract herself in taking in all of her new surroundings. Ichigo has a suspicion that this kind of peace and quiet would not be a regular occurrence in the near future, so he elected to try enjoying it for as long as he possibly could.
"Yo, Ichigo!"
The orange-head paused mid step when his name was called, and turned slightly to see none other than Tatsuki running to catch up with him. Her outburst also seemed to have caught Desiree's attention, as the ebony-haired spirit was now giving the approaching girl her undivided attention.
Coming to a stop next to her childhood friend, Karakura's resident tomboy grinned and planted her hands on her hips. "I don't know why, but you're looking a lot better than you were yesterday man; it's good to see that you're finally done moping."
"I don't mope," Ichigo scowled.
Tatsuki simply rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say Strawberry, now come on or we'll be late."
Now together, the two teenagers continued towards their common destination. Ichigo eyed Desiree warily when the spirit floated right up into Tatsuki's personal space and began to inspect her as if she were something to be appraised.
The young man startled when his ghostly companion's ruby-red gaze snapped up to him. "Have you been intimate with this one?" she questioned bluntly.
Ichigo choked.
Tatsuki gave him a funny look. "You okay there man?"
"F-fine," he replied shakily.
The brunette continued to stare at him for a few moments before simply shrugging it off and turning away.
"I suppose I'll take that as a 'NO'," Desiree tittered innocently.
The orange-head shot her a particularly dirty look.
"Well well, two days in a row eh? It's good to finally see you again Ichigo," Misato Ochi drawled sarcastically.
Ichigo grumbled slightly under his breath, but otherwise paid his teacher's words little mind. Walking through the collection of students, several of whom were giving his various glances, the former Substitute made way towards his usual seat at the back of the class.
Desiree quietly floated next to him and observed the rest of the unruly teenagers in the classroom. "It seems you are attracting some attention Little Master," she stated in amusement.
Cocking a brow, Ichigo subtly gazed across the room and barely managed to catch Orihime quickly looking back down at her desk.
"Let me ask you something," he whispered. "I know you said that the only human who can see you is me, but is it possible for significantly spiritually aware people to be able to see you too?"
The genie hummed thoughtfully before shaking her head in the negative. "No, the nature of our peculiar bond prevents absolutely any other humans aside from yourself from being able to witness my otherworldly beauty. This will continue to be the case until you make your final wish."
Ichigo snorted.
It was probably a good thing that no one else could see the absolutely jaw-dropping, and admittedly scantily clad spirit hovering over him. If Chizuru thought that Orihime was well-endowed, then she might actually go catatonic if she were able to see Desiree's assets.
And now he was thinking about giant ghost boobs…how wonderful.
From the front of the room, Miss Ochi slapped a ruler on her podium. "Alright you brats, sit down, shut up, and open up your textbooks to page thirty-five; we have a lot to cover today and not a whole lot of time to do so."
While his fellow students begrudgingly pulled their books out of their bags, Ichigo himself couldn't help but smile fondly. It was good to see that some things never changed.
As the lecture went on, Desiree began to lazily float around the classroom, looking at what various students were doing and getting right up in their personal space. A bored ghost was not a good thing after all.
Ichigo kept a careful eye on her as she inspected his friends. He wasn't sure if she would actually be able to interact with them, even if they were unable to see her. Some ghosts could actually influence the world around them, even though they were no longer a part of the physical realm. He had learned that lesson plenty of times while fighting Hollows.
After making at least two laps around the room, Desiree returned to his side and let out a huff. "I am bored."
"Then find something to entertain yourself," Ichigo hissed under his breath.
"Like what?"
"I don't know, count the leaves on the tree through the window or something."
Desiree grumbled and muttered several foreign obscenities, crossing her arms underneath her breasts and sinking slightly in midair. Ichigo simply shook his head; seeing someone who claimed to be so elegant and mature sulk like a child was definitely amusing, but he couldn't afford to pay too much attention to her or he might draw suspicion.
Several minutes of silence went by, and the longer he went without hearing the genie's grumbling, the more concerned Ichigo became. Slowly, he cast a glance over his shoulder, only for his eyes to widen.
Desiree was gone.
The orange-head's eyes rapidly scanned the room for any sign of his ghostly companion, but when he finally saw where she had gone, he froze. Dread welled up in his chest, and his face began to take on a very pale shade of white.
The emerald skinned genie was floating directly behind Miss Ochi with her hands outstretched and a truly mischievous gleam in her eyes. She briefly looked up to make eye contact with her Master, and the grin on her face told Ichigo that whatever she was about to do was not a good idea. He rapidly shook his head, uncaring of the strange glances his closest classmates were giving him.
Desiree's grin only widened, and she rapidly nodded in response. Flexing her fingers, the spirit leaned back briefly before lunging forward.
And promptly grabbed two hearty handfuls of his teacher's ass.
Misato Ochi let out a shriek unlike anything Ichigo had ever heard from a woman her age. Whirling around, she tried to find the source of her torment, but was only met with the sight of the chalkboard.
Ichigo's face fell into his hands.
The students murmured amongst themselves, until Tatsuki finally asked the question that was on all of their minds. "Miss Ochi…are you okay?"
The teacher spun back around to face her class with a noticeable blush on her cheeks. "Y-yes, I'm alright…I don't know what came over me. Let's continue with the lesson…"
Ichigo raised his head, and immediately turned to see that Desiree was once again by his side. "What the actual FUCK is wrong with you?!" he hissed, giving her a glare so harsh that it would have petrified any lesser person.
The genie simply smirked challengingly. "Oh please Little Master, you don't have to put on that mask for me; you are a healthy young man after all, and even back in my day there were certain…activities…that appealed to young men." Leaning down, she whispered huskily into the orange-head's ear. "Imagine it…two mature, well-endowed, smooth skinned women…tangled on the floor in a heap of sweat, passion, and eroticism…"
Ichigo felt his mouth go dry.
He was still a teenage boy after all.
Desiree laughed musically before disappearing in a puff of smoke, only to once again appear behind his teacher. "A woman of such high esteem, unable to show even the slightest hint of reaction for fear of what her pupils might think of her," she purred, leaning forward towards the completely unaware human woman.
"Stop," the former Substitute rasped quietly.
It was in vain.
Desiree slowly stuck her tongue out and licked her lips. "Enjoy the show…my Master."
Her hands inched forward to grasp the woman's breasts from behind, and Ichigo finally felt himself snap. The orange-head shot up from his seat, drawing the attention of every single person in the classroom. "Miss Ochi, may I go to the restroom?"
The teacher blinked several times at her student's unusual outburst, before slowly nodding. "Sure thing, but don't take too long."
Ichigo swiftly moved across the room and out the door, and once he was a good distance away, the bond he shared with Desiree ensured that she was teleported right back to his side.
Letting out a huff, the green spirit crossed her arms over her chest. "You know, some people would consider it rude to interrupt a girl's fun like that, Little Master."
The snarl she received in response made the genie's eyes widen, and she was genuinely taken aback by the absolutely livid look of rage on Ichigo's face. "Let's get something straight," he seethed. "You have absolutely no right to physically assault the people I care about; I don't care who you think you are! It isn't funny, it isn't cute, it's just in poor taste."
Desiree tentatively lifted a hand and reached out towards her current Master. "Ichigo, I was simply jesting…"
"YOU CALL THAT A JOKE?!"
The emerald-skinned spirit visibly flinched back at the young man's outburst.
"Things may have been different back when you were alive, but nowadays it's considered a criminal offense to try and feel up or grope everyone you see," he snarled.
Ichigo realized his error when Desiree's eyes immediately hardened.
"You mean to call me a slut, correct?" she stated flatly.
"W-wha…?"
"After the Sultan abandoned me, I must have been starved for any kind of affection, right? Even if it meant sleeping with anyone or throwing myself at every living thing I encountered…that is what you are saying?"
"I didn't mean it like that…" Ichigo attempted to interject weakly, but it seemed his companion was on a roll.
"I mean look at me," she continued heatedly, even as ectoplasmic tears began to gather in her eyes. "The reason I dress this way must be because I want attention, right? I must have absolutely no shred of decency if I act this way…"
Ichigo's temper was losing steam, and quickly.
Desiree's rant had by now dissolved into sobbing hiccups, and she wrapped her arms around herself and turned away, attempting to preserve whatever shred of dignity she still had left.
"You're not a slut, and I never meant to insinuate that you are one," Ichigo said firmly. His depressed companion barely acknowledged his statement, so he decided to continue.
"You're beautiful and confident, and there's a difference in being confident in your body and shamelessly flaunting it for just anyone to see. The Sultan was a bastard to let go of you so easily, and while you definitely don't need the approval of any man, I personally think anyone would be lucky to be with you," the orange-head said, with nothing but absolute honesty in his voice.
Desiree remained silent for several long minutes, before finally looking back over her shoulder at her Master. "You truly mean that…?"
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, I really do."
Letting out a sigh and wiping her eyes, the genie fully turned around and crossed her arms underneath her breasts. "I have no idea what came over me…normally I would have reacted angrily at such an insult; I don't know why I felt so hurt by your words."
The former Substitute shrugged lightly. "Sometimes all it takes to break someone down is the right statement, and besides, I get the feeling that it's been way too long since you've had a good cry."
Desiree smirked. "I suppose it has…nearly four hundred years in fact."
Ichigo returned her smile. "A long time ago, I learned that it just isn't healthy to keep everything bottled up inside; there are just some times that you need to let it all out."
The spirit raised an eyebrow curiously. "Such wisdom at such a young age? Truly, you are full of surprises Little Master. I will attempt to refrain from any provocative behavior in the future."
The orange-head nodded. "Thanks, that's all I ask."
Desiree's kind smile quickly morphed into a sly grin. "However…I still might be tempted, especially since I am living with such a handsome and charming young man; and that is beyond my control."
Ichigo simply rolled his eyes and turned to walk back to class, with his companion floating by his side.
"Perish the thought, My Lady."
He received a light-hearted giggle for his efforts, and after what had just transpired, that in itself was more of a reward than anything else he could ask for.
The rest of the day went by without any more major incidents, and Desiree had been simply content with looking out the window and humming to herself until the end of the final class period.
Miss Ochi dismissed her students jovially, and wished them all a happy weekend.
As Ichigo packed up his books and put away his papers, he became almost instantly aware when a presence came to a stop directly by his desk. Looking up, he saw none other than Uryu Ishida giving him a very hard glare.
"Care to explain?" the Quincy asked curtly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," the orange-head snorted.
"Don't give me that, you were gone for nearly twenty minutes! Either you are extremely sick and require the utmost medical attention, or there is something that I should know," Uryu replied.
Zipping up his bag, Ichigo stood up and shoved past his former ally. "My personal business is none of your concern."
Ignoring the incredulous looks he was receiving from Chad and Orihime, the former Substitute opened the classroom door and made his exit with Desiree in tow.
"A sensitive topic I presume?" the genie questioned cautiously.
Ichigo merely sighed. "No, not really. It just kind of pisses me off that they've been all but ignoring me for the past few months, but the minute they think I'm becoming spiritually aware again, they act like they have to make it their business."
The ruby-eyed spirit nodded in understanding. "Sometimes we think we know people for who they really are, but eventually it turns out to be nothing more than a mask."
"Don't get me wrong, they're still my friends, but I can't help but feel like the only reason they still bother is because they feel like they have to…maybe I'm just overthinking things," he replied a bit dejectedly.
Desiree hummed thoughtfully. "Well, whatever the case may be, I'm sure it will all work out in the end Little Master."
Ichigo grinned wryly. "You know, I never imagined you'd be trying to cheer me up when I met you."
The genie smirked right back. "Well, I can't exactly have any fun if my Master is laying around all of the time and feeling sorry for himself, now can I?"
Both human and ghost broke into good-natured laughter, and as they exited the school building it felt like their earlier argument had happened over a lifetime ago.
"If I may ask, what are our plans for this 'weekend' that your peers seemed so excited about?" Desiree questioned teasingly.
Ichigo shrugged and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Well, I have to work tomorrow…my boss will literally kidnap me if I don't show up again."
The spirit's eyes widened in disbelief. "Correct me if I am wrong, but is it not currently against the law at this point in time for one to forcibly abduct another against their will?"
"You'd think so right? But Ikumi doesn't really mean anything by it, and she's honestly kind of like the big sister I never had."
"Is she attractive?"
Ichigo paused mid-step and glanced at his companion out of the corner of his eye. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Desiree groaned and rolled her eyes. "I asked you an extremely simple question, Little Master. Do you find your employer to be physically appealing? Does she have full breasts? Wide hips? Firm buttocks?"
The orange-head scowled and turned a light shade of red. "I guess so…"
"There now, was that so hard to admit?" the genie teased. "We've known each other for less than a day, but even I can already tell that you are extremely repressed when it comes to showing interest in women."
"Do forgive me if I've got more important things to focus on," Ichigo snorted sourly, but it didn't seem like this was something Desiree would be letting go of anytime soon.
"I mean, I'm already aware that you find me at least physically attractive, and based on your earlier reaction, you found the thought of me engaging in erotic behavior with your instructor to be an intriguing possibility." The genie's eyes suddenly widened. "Could it be that you simply have a taste for older women, Little Master?"
Ichigo wanted to scream.
Ironically enough, both his father AND Kisuke had proposed the same idea not too long ago, and in response he had punched them both in the face. Technically, almost every woman he knew could be considered a cougar in comparison to himself; they were all at least several hundred years older than himself after all.
But that did NOT mean that he had a thing for MILFs damn it!
Desiree seemed to sense his internal distress. "Having a particular sexual preference is nothing to be ashamed of Ichigo…why, think of all of the things a more mature and experienced woman could teach you! She would know exactly what she wants, and would be more than qualified to show you how to bring her to a climactic release."
And now he had that image burned into his brain…fantastic.
"Can we please talk about something else?" the orange-head groaned pleadingly.
"Running away from your problems is exactly the opposite of what you told me to do earlier, Little Master," the genie stated in amusement. "But I suppose we can save any further discussion of you engaging in sexual relations with your employer and academic instructor for a later date."
Ichigo merely let out another pitiful groan.
Desiree laughed at her human companion's predicament, before suddenly going completely silent and snapping her gaze towards the nearest rooftop. Ichigo's mood immediately became serious as well, and he turned in an attempt to glimpse what she was looking at.
"What's wrong?" he asked quietly.
The genie remained silent for several moments, before speaking in a tone so serious that he almost didn't recognize her voice. "There is someone following us…and based on their energy output, they are a spirit just like me."
"What do they look like?"
"They are garbed in black robes and traditional Japanese wooden sandals."
Ah, so it was a Soul Reaper then.
"Anything else?" Ichigo murmured.
Desiree nodded subtly. "It is a very short woman, and she has dark black hair that reaches barely down to her shoulders."
The former Substitute's eyes widened. There was only one person in both the Spiritual World and the World of the Living who matched that description.
"Rukia…"
"So you know her?" Desiree mused curiously. "What do you suggest we do Little Master?"
Ichigo thought quietly for a while, before finally turning to respond. "Does she seem to be acting hostile?"
"No, I believe she is simply observing us. Or, to be more precise, I think she is more focused on me than you," the genie replied.
Well fuck. Soul Society would know about Desiree now, and due to both her unique appearance and peculiar energy signature, Ichigo sincerely doubted that this would be the last time they would send someone to spy on them.
"Just ignore her for now, we'll deal with anyone else if Soul Society actually makes a move to attack you," the orange-head grunted and continued to walk in the direction of their home.
Desiree frowned and floated after him. "Do you genuinely think that they would be so bold as to do something like that?"
"I wouldn't put it past them," Ichigo sneered. "But even without my powers, I won't let them lay a hand on you, I give you my word."
The genie's eyes widened slightly at the determination in her Master's voice, and despite herself, she could feel a little bit of heat creep into her cheeks. She was more than capable of defending herself if need be, but even so she was genuinely touched by the fact that Ichigo was willing to fight for her, even without the abilities he had formerly possessed.
"As you say, Little Master."
I am very well aware of the fact that Desiree seems to be OOC, but I still genuinely think that she would behave quite differently if she was in the presence of someone she knew respected her and treated her just like any other person.
And just to be clear, she still has reservations about Ichigo; they simply haven't been voiced. She would still most likely be opposed to him laying a hand on her, but she is slowly coming to understand that he is different from all of the men she has encountered in the past.
So, things got a little steamy in this chapter eh?
We also got to witness our favorite couple's first disagreement, and I think it's important to show that not all relationships follow a smooth path. There will be bumps in the road, but they still manage to get past them.
And yes, Soul Society has become aware or Desiree's presence in Karakura Town. And we all know that little good can come of that, now can it?
As I stated in my other story, "Bloodstained Souls," I have composed a list of potential stories that I have planned for the future. They will possibly be released when one of my current stories concludes, but that won't be for quite some time. Even so, I encourage you all to go check them out and see what you think.
My next update will focus on "A Trial by Heroism," and then "Fibers of the Universe."
I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, and I thank you for your patience. Until next time!
AlucardsBro OUT!