CH 2: Being Ichigo
Rukia felt odd. She had not been in a real human body for so long and even then she did not remember it. Ichigo's body felt…heavy, strong, and well…masculine. She wanted to move, but his body would not respond. She remained still and concentrated on syncing her spirit with her new 'gigai'. Gradually, she could feel herself adjusting, she raised a finger then clenched his fist. Slowly she raised her head and faked a yawn. thump! a softish object collided with her head before falling to the floor. She looked down at an eraser. Some of the class snickered as a confused 'Ichigo' sat with part of his face and hair dusted chalky white.
"No sleeping in class Kurosaki" the teacher barked. Rukia coughed and bowed her head slightly in embarrassment.
"My apologies" Rukia said and tried not to jump when it was Ichigo's voice that responded. Well, at least no one thinks I'm dead. Now, I just have to act like Ichigo. Another acting challenge, Rukia smiled with evil glee. Orihime saw the smile and shivered.
Satisfied the teacher turned back to the chalk bored and Rukia started scheming. Ichigo was always running off without giving the least thought to the repercussions of leaving his body lying around. This opportunity to teach him a lesson was too good to pass up. The only question was how ? She could embarrass him by acting stupid but since Ichigo was already pretty dense she doubted anyone would notice. If she was Kon, she would make Ichigo harass the girls. This was an efficient means of tarnishing Ichigo's reputation but she had no desire to see other girl's underwear.
"Everyone, stand!" the class representative called out. Rukia managed to stumble to her feet with the rest of the class. "Bow!" the student called out. Rukia bowed then sunk back into her seat with relief as the teacher exited the room. No more erasers to the head today. One more class to go, I need to think of something before he gets back.
Rukia walked absent-mindedly down the hall toward the computer lab while Keigo yammered away about something or another. Rukia especially hated computer class since all the techno gadgets were foreign to her. But she did not recall Ichigo being especially talented so she was probably safe. Lost in thought, she did not even notice Ichigo peeking in from a near by window.
He smiled as he saw his body walking down the hall talking with his friends like normal. Perfect, I guess there is no reason for me to go back for just one more class. He looked around but saw no sign of Rukia. "I swear I can feel her reiatsu but I don't see her around here anywhere." He mumbled. Probably a good thing she would be sure to lecture me about running off earlier. In fact, making a quick survey to be sure the coast was clear, Ichigo flash stepped away from school and lectures of any kind.
Rukia decided to fly under the radar for this class. It didn't seem Ichigo was in a hurry to get back so she had time to plot. She darted for an empty seat toward the back. A group of mawkish girls stared up at her. There was an empty computer beside a thin, pasty brunette in the back corner. Rukia looked at the seat then back at the girls. They all continued to stare up at her bug-eyed. What's with them? Oh, right, today I'm Ichigo. She flashed what she hoped was a winning smile at the girls.
"Mind if I sit with you today?" She asked as she moved toward the chair. The pasty brunette blushed.
"No, not at all" a chipmunk cheeked girl replied scooting her chair closer. God, I can't believe this is so easy. Who knew this idiot could be a charmer.
Somewhere up front the professor had started lecturing. Rukia couln't think with all the girl's eyes glued to her. She opened the drawing application on her computer. Her mind was suddenly filled with an army of chappy the bunny. Perhaps they would be declaring war on Ichigo. Except today I am Ichigo. "You like to draw?" the chipmunk girl interrupted, leaning even closer.
"Un, yeah, I guess." Rukia replied unsure. Did Ichigo like to draw? Not that she could remember. He probably sucked anyway, he couldn't appreciate true talent if he was tied up and it was shoved in his face.
"I love anpanman. Can you draw him for me?" the girl asked with a syrupy smile. Rukia smiled back nervously.
"Okay." She started with a line drawing. A simple circle then another but as she got into the art she forgot about the chipmunk, class, and being Ichigo. She added color; a light brown face, with a red nose and big red cheeks. Soon the whole gaggle of girls was staring at her screen.
"Add melonpana-chan!" The brunette whispered excited. Rukia clicked away creating her next character. Absorbed in her work, Rukia hardly noticed that class was over. The teacher had already left and most of the students were filing out. 'Awww…it is so adorable" Chipmunk cheeks squealed. "Here, save it on my flash drive. Wait, sign your name at the bottom first". Rukia fairly glowed with pride. She signed Ichigo's name with a flourish. Finally, people who appreciated her work even if she didn't get credit for it. Eat your heart out Ichigo!
"Hey Ichigo!" a familiar voice called. Rukia looked up to see Asano and Mizuiro standing around her desk. Asano did not look happy. "Are you gonna walk home with us or is hanging out with your fan club more important?" Rukia almost smiled. Fan club, huh? I like the sound of that. Shaking her head, she focused back on Asano.
"Actually, I have plans for this evening. I'll catch you guys tomorrow." Rukia stood up and hurried away. As soon as "Ichigo" left Asano lost all of his bravado and slumped his shoulders.
"I knew it. He is avoiding us!" Asano sighed.
"Avoiding you, Asano-san. Avoiding you." Mizuiro corrected as he picked up his bag. Asano didn't bother to protest; he shouldered his bag dejectedly and headed out after Mizuiro. The group of girls was too busy fighting over a pen that had fallen out of Ichigo's bag to notice that the class and most of the school was already empty.
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Inspired by her drawings, Rukia made a quick call of Uryu. "Yes, if I can I'll pick it up this evening. Great. Thanks. Bye" She hung up then headed toward where she sensed Orihime's reiatsu.
Rukia easily caught up with Orihime. Being tall and lanky had its advantages. "Hey Inoue, can I walk you home?" She asked with a smile. Orihime felt a blush creep up her face. She glanced nervously at "Ichigo".
"Umm…is that you Rukia?" She asked cautiously.
"Hahaha…so you noticed too." Rukia laughed. "I was not entirely sure it would work but somehow it did. I feel fine, great in fact."
"Aren't you worried Ichigo will be mad?" Orihime asked.
"Ichigo? Mad? Ha! I will be mad when I see that idiot again. How many times have I told him not to just leave his body lying around like that. I am so tired of cleaning up his messes." Rukia vented. "So I have decided to teach him a lesson."
"By walking me home?" Orihime looked over at "Ichigo". It was a little disconcerting to see Ichigo and hear his voice but know she was talking to Rukia. She was not sure why Rukia was using Ichigo's body but she was certain it would end badly for one of them, probably Ichigo. "So what do you want to do?" She tried to ask nonchalantly.
"Oh, I thought we could go shopping." Rukia replied. "Ichigo" folded his arms behind his head in a relaxed pose that contrasted sharply with the sinister smile on his face. Orihime could practically see Rukia plotting.
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Orihime stood beside the station ticket gates. She flipped open her cell to check the time. 4:32. Rukia had said to meet at 4:30. "Oi, Inoue!" Ichigo's voice called. Orihime turned towards his voice. She froze eyes wide and mouth gapping like a goldfish. Ichigo looked nothing like the Ichigo she knew. His bright orange hair was gelled and perfectly spiked, tight black jeans hugged Ichigo's legs, and his shirt looked liked it was dug out of Yuzu's closet. Was that a chappy bunny patch stitched on his bag? What had Rukia done? Ichigo wasn't going to be mad, he was going to be furious.
Meanwhile, back at the Kurosaki household Ichigo stole through his bedroom window. His room looked normal but his body was nowhere in sight. Hoping she was over the whole incident from the afternoon Ichigo knocked on the closet door. "Rukia?" he called. "You in there?" He asked gently. No answer. He slowly slid back the door to find Kon curled up inside. The small plushie was balled up in the corner rocking from side to side mumbling forlornly to himself.
"Kon, what's wrong with you?" Ichigo demanded. The plushie squealed and put a paw to his eyes.
"No, don't make me look." He whimpered.
"What the hell?" Ichigo grabbed Kon. "What are you doing here? Where is Rukia and where the hell is my body?" Ichigo commanded. Kon cautiously opened one eye.
"Oh, thank goodness. You're back to normal." Kon relaxed and hopped out of Ichigo's grasp on to the bed. Ichigo raised an eyebrow in suspicion. normal?
"You aren't making any sense. Now, I'll ask again; where is Rukia and my body?" Ichigo stared hard at Kon. The plushie fidgeted for a moment. How many times would he have to deal with a threatening Ichigo today? Looking away from the irritated shinigami Kon nervously made circles in the bed cover with his foot.
"I expect you will find them together." Kon finally answered. When he looked up Ichigo was gone.
Sorry this chapter did not flow so well…too many ideas. I am having way too much fun imaging all of the evil/hilarious things I could do to Ichigo. I will try to incorporate them all. Suggestions, comments and ideas welcome. Thanks for reading and please review! (^o^)/
Note: I don't know if everyone is acquainted with Anpanman; a hilarious Japanese kid's TV show based around characters whose heads are different types of bread. Anpanman is the sweet bean bread headed hero and melonpana-chan is a female sidekick whose head is a piece of melon bread. Hilarity!