Ichigo woke up to her alarm and groaned, she was not looking forward to going to work. If she wasn't safe at the pub there is no doubt Starrk would try to corner her at the shop. She sat up in bed and ran a hand over her face, she felt the covers move and then a loud meow. She turned and saw Shiro crawling out from under the blanket, she shook her head and moved the covers and stood up she noticed the low hiss coming from the end of the bed and smiled at Zangetsu who was laying on his side with his head lifted and staring at Ichigo.
"Come on you lazy butt, I don't want to get up either but you get to laze around all day." Ichigo said, Zangetsu stood and stretched out, swatting at the younger albino when he got to close. Ichigo shook her head and went to the shower, she glanced at herself in the mirror and noticed she still had her phone in her hand, she placed it on the counter and glanced at her hand the phone left angry red marks on her hand, she tilted her head. She hadn't realized she was gripping her phone like that, it didn't surprise her though, she clutched her phone every time she talked to Ikkaku, he was her life line and she was thankful for everything he did for her. Growing up Ikkaku was her rock whenever a relationship went south. Ikkaku never answered his phone unless it was Ichigo, but that little known fact was a secret between Renji and Ichigo, even if Ichigo didn't really know she was there when Renji made the connection. Renji had been flipping out about a fight he had with Rukia when Ichigo was still in college and Renji wanted to blow of steam so he called Ikkaku, when the bald male didn't answer he took Ichigo's phone and called Ichigo snatched her phone back before Ikkaku answer and Ichigo told Ikkaku that Renji was wanting a fight and Renji knew instantly that Ikkaku wont answer the phone for anyone short of Ichigo. Renji tested this with everyone he and Ikkaku knew, every time Ikkaku didn't answer. Ichigo didn't know Renji tested his theory but knew she could call Ikkaku at 2:30 in the morning just to tell him Zangetsu kicked Shiro's butt and the cat was sulking on the top shelf of the scratch post, and Ikkaku would answer the phone and laugh and tell Ichigo to poke Shiro a couple times for him.
Ichigo glanced up at the mirror again and noticed she had a small smile on her face, she remember when she called Ikkaku at 2:30 in the morning, she couldn't sleep and Zangetsu really did kick Shiro's butt for trying to attack Ichigo when she was trying to sleep. Ichigo had been with Starrk at the time, he was sleeping next to her but she didn't care she walked out of the bedroom and called Ikkaku anyways. Starrk wasn't pleased to find Ichigo asleep on the couch with the phone pressed to her ear with Ikkaku still on the line. Ichigo sighed at the memory and hoped into the shower she was probably going to be late, she dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a red top it was shear tank-top with buttons up the middle, she tied her hair into a ponytail and left her house after telling her cats to behave.
Ichigo reached the shop and saw Toshiro waiting outside with a slight frown on her face; Toshiro was in a white skirt and a light blue top with quarter sleeves. Toshiro gave Ichigo a small frown, Ichigo ignored her an opened the shop door and turned on the lights.
"You know Kurosaki if you are going to be late perhaps you should give me a key so I can open the store on time." Toshiro half growled.
"Something wrong Toshiro?" Ichigo asked as she walked towards the counter.
"No." Toshiro said, Kira walked in shortly after Toshiro said no in her blue jean pants and grey shear top with a white lace back.
"Toshiro is upset cause Ichimaru-san had to go on business this week." Kira said once she saw the frown on Toshiro's face but Kira turned her attention to Ichigo. "but that's not important right now. Ikkaku called Shuhei last night."
"That's odd Ikkaku never make phone calls unless they involve Ichigo." Toshiro said, she made that theory all on her own it was pretty obvious cause Ikkaku fell of the face of the earth practically.
"Starrk is in town?" Kira asked slowly watching Ichigo's face turn from amused to scared to angry to sad. Toshiro stopped spraying the flowers and looked at Ichigo.
"I guess, he stopped by my house on Saturday night." Ichigo said.
"You saw him yesterday Ichigo, Shuhei told me about your lunch." Kira said, Toshiro wanted to hit Kira, Ichigo was doing fine, she was getting over the ever growing famous musician, Kira did not to pour salt over the still healing wound. Toshiro was about to open he mouth to tell Kira off when the phone rang. Toshiro moved to answer it before Ichigo could.
"Kurosaki's Flower, this is Toshiro how can I help you." Toshiro answered, she grabbed a pen and paper and began writing notes down. "A wedding? Congratulations, would you like to come down and see our wedding catalog and show us your wedding color and give us a chance to get to know you so the flowers work?" Ichigo and Kira were arguing quietly. "Alright then we will see you around lunch time." Toshiro offered another congratulations and looked over to Ichigo and Kira.
"I know you are concerned but there is nothing to worry about." Ichigo said, and just like that everyone present knew that that conversation was over. Toshiro knew Kira wasn't stupid but was seriously considering it when Kira opened her mouth to object. The bell to the shop rang and Toshiro sighed out in relief.
"Save by the bell." Toshiro mumbled, Kira and Ichigo turned towards the door. Ichigo said nothing and Kira covered her mouth with wide eyes.
"Sorry to come here but you didn't answer your house phone, Renji told me I could find you here." Byakuya said smoothly. Kira smirked to Ichigo and pushed her towards Byakuya. "I don't have a lot of time but can we do the coffee thing right now?"
"Sure. You two have fun, don't worry Ichigo we will cover the shop for ya. It's not like it's Valentine's Day or anything." Kira said pushing Ichigo further towards the exit and towards Byakuya. Ichigo glanced over her shoulder and groaned when Toshiro just waved with two fingers and a smile.
"If you are busy we can do it another time." Byakuya said, Ichigo shook her head.
"Mornings are always slow, and Kira was right it's not Valentine's Day." Ichigo said, he and Byakuya walked down the street. The silence was annoying but neither really knew what to say, so it stayed that way until they reached a bakery café at the corner of the street. Byakuya opened the door of Ichigo and the two sat at a round table next to the window. The small waitress took their order and moved behind the counter to make their drinks.
"So are you going to let Renji marry Rukia?" Ichigo asked once they got their coffee. Byakuya glanced up at her and then back down to his coffee mug.
"Hard to say, I don't even know what Renji does for a living. To be honest I hardly know the man. Rukia never really let me meet him until the other day." Byakuya growled.
"Can you balm her?" Ichigo asked raising a brow then gripping her mug. "Renji wasn't exactly born to royalty. He was a street rat at most."
"So she knew he was unworthy of her hand. SO why agree to it." Byakuya asked rubbing his temple.
"Rukia respects you a lot I can tell. She didn't want to disappoint you but she didn't want to give up her love either. Renji is a hard working construction worker and will provide Rukia with everything she could possibly want. Renji would give her the world if she asked for it." Ichigo said, Byakuya glanced up at Ichigo.
"What about you?" Byakuya asked seeing the loving look Ichigo got across her face when she talked about Renji.
"What about me?" Ichigo asked stiffening up and going on defense.
"What are your feelings to Renji, and his for you. Its clear Renji spends a lot of time with you. I don't want Renji to two time my sister." Byakuya said sitting taller.
"Renji and I are like siblings. I grew up with Renji then our parents passed on and it was just he and I. Papa brought us into his house but Renji didn't want to rely on Papa, so Renji fought to be better even if he wasn't all that smart or naturally talented in anything other then getting on my nerves. But he is a good guy, I'd never be with Renji in that way, and Renji doesn't have eyes for anyone other then Rukia, sure the two of them bicker but I think its foreplay for them. Papa and Yoruichi get like that sometimes, except Yoruichi just beats on Papa." Ichigo began to babble on about the weird foreplays with each couple. A small smile twitched at Byakuya's mouth. He dared to think Ichigo was cute like this, Byakuya couldn't imagine a woman like Ichigo babbling on and getting off topic easily. So he sat back and listened to her smooth voice. "and then there is Ikkaku who- Oh my god I did it again."
"Did what?" Byakuya asked, his mug sat forgotten and empty.
"I'm sorry I tend to ramble when talking about my make shift family. We are supposed to be talking about Renji and Rukia." Ichigo said, she circled her finger on the rim of her mug before raising it to her mouth to take a sip. The caramel substance ran down her throat and she sighed.
"I think I will allow Renji to marry Rukia, she would be going to a great family." Byakuya said, he watched and Ichigo's face lit up and watched as her lips parted and then watched her swallow the substance again.
"She was welcomed years ago, weather you approved or not." Ichigo chuckled. "but now they won't have to run of and get eloped." Ichigo stood from her seat and grabbed a few bills to pay for her coffee and placed the bills down on the table.
"Would they really run off?" Byakuya asked, Ichigo chuckled.
"Yes. The two had been talking about it a year ago, jokingly of course but anyone could tell you if you didn't approve they would have." Ichigo said, she moved towards the door.
"We should do this again Ichigo, I enjoyed learning about your family." Byakuya said looking over his shoulder, Ichigo laughed at that and responded.
"Maybe next time you can tell me about your family." Ichigo pushed the door opened and walked back to flower shop. Byakuya remained at the café for about 5 minutes before deciding he should head back to work. Ichigo was most definitely interesting.
X
Renji walked into Yachiru's Pub in his work clothes and sweating the place was packed, Nayumi wobbled passed him with arms full of plates. Renji was first greeted by the bald bus boy, who only glared and cleared off the table Renji usually sat at and motioned for the pineapple to take a seat. Yachiru's pink hair wasn't spotted anywhere, this confused Renji.
"The little menis is at school." Ikkaku mumbled when he sat down across from Renji. With two sodas with him, he pushed one towards Renji "Started her fourth year of elementary today, Nayumi cried, Kenpachi got to have fun time, I was left alone with the pub for the first two hours of business. Wasn't as crazy as usual but you know." Ikkaku said, Renji watched as Ikkaku drank half of his soda.
"It looks like you could use a vacation." Renji said, he took a drink of his soda.
"I wouldn't leave Ichigo to fend for herself against that asshole." Ikkaku said with a serious look on his face.
"What exactly do you do to her?" Renji asked, Ikkaku stiffened. "Kisuke and I would probably be more lenient if we knew what happened on your little offer."
"I told you, she isn't in harms way." Ikkaku said, Renji scowled and huffed.
"Where do you take her?" Renji asked, he was practically pleading with Ikkaku at this point Ichigo needed whatever it was that Ikkaku gave her but Renji knew Kisuke was a little concerned considering they don't even know where the two go off too when Kisuke takes Ikkaku up on his offer.
"Does it matter? I make her forget why she was upset and I get her power her up after she shuts down." Ikkaku said cradling his soda.
"If we knew where you took her, Kisuke could take her and every thing would be easier." Renji said pulling on his ponytail. Ikkaku looked away from Renji and Nayumi walked over with two burgers and placed them in front of the boys before running off to tend to another table.
"It's Ichigo own personal paradise, don't take it from her." Ikkaku mumbled, Renji almost didn't hear it.
"Why can't you tell Kisuke the man is her adopted father." Renji growled out, Ikkaku turned slowly back to Renji.
"Sometimes Ichigo needs to get away from everything, Kisuke Yoruichi and you. If I told you where I take her she'd never be able to get away. She only goes to get away, if you three knew where it was you would show up whenever she was there and bother her healing process." Ikkaku said. "She loves all of you but lets get real she only ever recovers with me."
"Why do you think that is?" Renji said before biting into his burger. Ikkaku smirked.
"I've always been there for her anytime she needed me, remember when we first left high school and she went missing for a while." Ikkaku asked, Renji nodded with a confused look. "She went looking for me, I took her to where I always take her and that has been her paradise cause her rock is there."
"Oh yeah after high school you went of the map, shortly after Ichigo went off the map. I think that is why Kisuke flips out every time you offer the deal, Kisuke is afraid he wont see her again." Renji sighed.
"Ichigo was feeling the pressure of picking a college and only wanted to get away for a while, so she sought me out cause I do that for her even when we were kids. I showed Ichigo all of her hiding spots." Ikkaku said, he rubbed his side. "She did get me back for falling of the map though and I've got the scar to prove it."
Renji laughed and the two males finished their meals in silent, Renji pulled out 4 dollars and 45 cents and placed it on the table. Renji stood and sighed. "She might need you a lot sooner then any of us think. I mean the bastard came here on a Sunday."
Ikkaku growled at the memory of yesterday and banged a fist on the table, Renji patted his shoulder and left after calling out a thanks to Kenpachi who was in the kitchen furiously making burgers and sandwiches. Nayumi waved goodbye to Renji before resuming to take the order of the three men at the table. Ikkaku moved out of the booth and went to the back to grab his towel and bucket and began to clear tables. The restaurant was still busy but Ikkaku's phone went off, Nayumi whined a little when she heard it and continued to run around she knew Ikkaku was going to busy for a little while because she knows that ringtone from a mile away. Ikkaku grabbed his phone out of his pocket and opened the message without even looking at the name.
'two weddings coming up I'm going to be so busy.' Ikkaku glared at the phone for a second then decided it was better for Ichigo to be busy then bored and then doing something stupid.
'why take on two weddings you usually only do one at a time.' Ikkaku responded and placed his phone back in his pocket and resumed cleaning the tabled his phone went of and he opened the message.
'I couldn't turn away my best friend and Toshiro took the other wedding before I knew :(' Ikkaku sighed, at least someone at her work was trying to help her through this by throwing work at her. Ikkaku knew full well that when he called Shuhei yesterday Kira would pester Ichigo about it, call him selfish but Ikkaku really want Kisuke to say yes to the offer, it's been so long.
X
Ichigo was closing her cell phone when the bride to be came running into the shop, Kira was pushed out of the way and Toshiro jumped on the counter to get out of the midget's way. Ichigo huffed and was soon staring at the midget before she could even stand to go greet her.
"Nii-sama told me he was going to give Renji his blessing." Rukia said with a huge smile across her face, Ichigo sighed and returned her smile and sat back down. "but you already knew that didn't you Ms. Ramble About My Family."
"He told you?" Ichigo mumbled and blushed. Rukia nodded and sat in the free chair while grabbing the wedding catalog of Ichigo's desk and flipping through it.
"You of course are going to do my flowers right? I won't let anyone do it but you." Rukia said thumbing through the catalog not bothering to look at Ichigo.
"You know Rukia I'm already on a wedding I met with the lady earlier today for lunch." Ichigo said, she moved and clicked things on her computer while taking a side-glance at her cell phone.
"I'm let anyone else do it so you are going to have to figure it out." Rukia said, she glanced up and noticed Ichigo glance at her phone. "Waiting for lover boy to respond to you?" Rukia smirked.
"Shut up Rukia." Ichigo said half heartily, when Ichigo was on an event it was hard for someone to get her to eat let alone talk. Rukia tilted her head and rolled her eyes, and she stood up.
"Ichigo, I'm going to jump of a bridge and hope Renji is there to catch me." Rukia said.
"That's nice." Ichigo said waving Rukia out and biting her thumb while staring at the computer screen. Rukia rolled her eyes again and walked out of the back office and stopped to talk to Toshiro and Kira.
"I guess you two are going to be seeing Ikkaku a lot more now." Rukia said, Toshiro glanced at her and shrugged.
"Someone has got to get Ichigo to eat, sleep and bathe." Toshiro shivered, she had tried to convince Ichigo to shower when Ichigo was involved with a wedding last time and gaged about the scent and witness Ikkaku in his element with Ichigo, it's safe to say Toshiro never tried again and was scarred fully.
"Has Ichigo ever taken on two weddings?" Rukia asked, Kira shook her head, and Toshiro groaned.
"God, I hope Ikkaku knows what he is doing. We've all seen how into her work Ichigo gets with one wedding for a complete stranger, who knows how she will get with two weddings with people she actually cares about." Toshiro dropped her head to the counter.
"Who is the second wedding?" Rukia asked, unable to keep the word vomit from coming up.
"I don't know, Ichigo didn't tell me how she knew the couple back she came back from lunch with a huge smile on her face, the bride to be said her name was Riruka Dokugamine." The counter muffled Toshiro's voice, and Kira tapped her chin in thought.
"The name isn't ringing any bells, maybe someone she knew in high school?" Rukia suggested. Toshiro shrugged and Kira nodded.
"Most likely. I just hope Ichigo doesn't work herself into an early grave." Kira said looking towards the back room.
"This is what she needs right now, Ikkaku will take care of her so don't worry about that." Toshiro said looking up from the counter.
"She can't keep running from her problems." Kira groaned, Rukia glanced between the two workers and then landed on a single tulip.
"Is something wrong with Ichigo?" Rukia asked.
"A past boyfriend showed up, this guy did a real number on her. She was close to finally getting over him when he shows up and decides to put his tour on hold for 2 months just to get to Ichigo." Toshiro snapped. Rukia's eyes went wide she almost wanted to run back and hug Ichigo.
"She should talk to him." Kira said with a huff. "She'll never get over him unless she has closure."
"Screw closure." Toshiro said. "The bastard should have never come back." The bell over the door rang but went ignored by the three ladies. "Ichigo has made it quite clear how she feels about him so I think its best to stay out of her business and let her work it out on her own."
"But Toshiro you know Ichigo will push it back until she breaks down, you remember when she disappeared last time." Kira said.
"She was with Ikkaku Renji told us that. So there was no reason to worry." Toshiro growled she snapped her attention to Kira when she realized there was someone else in the shop and her face went as red a tomato.
"Shiro-chan I've come to pick you up." Gin said his sly smile stretched across his face. "I've never seen you lose your cool like that Shiro-chan, makes me want to make everything better by devouring you."
"Ichimaru I thought you were working this week." Kira said glancing to Gin.
"I am but I don't have to go away this time." Gin said, Toshiro untied her apron and hung it up before walking to the back office to say goodbye to Ichigo. Toshiro shook her head when Ichigo never looked away from her screen, the planner laid out in front of her, or the papers scatter out in front of her. The red pen in her mouth was dangling almost falling out of her mouth. Toshiro sighed when Ichigo circled something on the page and clicked the mouse. Toshiro went back to the shop part and walked over to Gin. She said her goodbyes and nearly pulled her hair out in frustration when Kira said she would try to talk to Ichigo, if Gin didn't grab her hand her hair would be on the ground. The couple left and Kira moved to the counter to take over Toshiro's duty, Rukia left shortly after Toshiro and Kira was alone in the shop. An occasional customer came in looking for the perfect apology bouquet or anniversary, her favorite was the little boy and his father buying the mother a just cause bouquet of yellow gerberas. After the man and child left Kira made to close the shop, she went to the back office and noticed Ichigo hard at work, she rolled her eyes and pulled out her phone to call Nayumi.
"Kira-chan I haven't spoken to you in a long time how are you." Nayumi's cheery voice rang through the phone when she answered, Kira locked the shop and walked down the street.
"Nayumi it's a pleasure to talk to you again but that's not why I called, can you tell Ikkaku that Ichigo is still at work." Kira said as she rounded the corner to her bus stop.
"Don't worry Kira-chan I'll tell him. You and Shuhei should come by for lunch sometime." Kira continued her causal conversation until her bus came and told Nayumi politely that she had to go. Nayumi said good bye and not to worry.
X
Ikkaku hugged his jacket closer to himself as he crossed the street to Ichigo's flower shop, he pulled out a key ring and moved to a key with a pink lily on it and opened the flower shop door and noticed the lights were off except the back office light. Ikkaku shook his head and walked back careful to knock over any potted flowers or vases. When Ikkaku made it to the office he groaned, Ichigo sat at her desk with her face against the planner. Ikkaku walked further into the office and moved Ichigo's hand from the mouse and saved whatever it was she was working on and powered down the computer, he lifted Ichigo's head and cradled it in his hand while he pulled her away from the desk and spun her chair. Ikkaku rested Ichigo's head on his chest and lifted her bridal style, he moved to leave the office but stopped when he saw Ichigo's phone on the desk still. He groaned but lowered to a crouch and let Ichigo rest against his thighs while he grabbed her phone and put it in his pocket. He stood and turned off the light, and the proceed to walk to the exit, he walked cautiously knowing that Ichigo's feet could knock something over. He made it to the door alright and turned to push open the door with his back, once he out locking the door became a challenge but this wasn't Ikkaku's first rodeo so he did it. Once he was sure the flower shop was secure he walked to Ichigo's house, getting curious glances from the people still out and a knowing look from Ichigo's neighbor. Ikkaku ignore them all and moved to unlock Ichigo's front door, he nudged it open with his foot and then kicked it close with his foot. He flicked on the hall light and walked to Ichigo's room hearing a warning hiss from two cats but upon further inspection only one was directed to him. Ikkaku scoffed at the cat and laid Ichigo down on her bed, he walked back to the front door and locked it, he made his way back to the room and pulled out a to large t-shirt and stripped Ichigo and dressed her in the shirt. He moved out of the room while the cats made them comfortable. Ikkaku went to the kitchen and made instant noodles while keep his ear open for the woman sleeping in the room. The house phone rang and Ikkaku curse and lunged for the phone and answered it after three rings and held off responding to the caller before he knew the woman did not wake up. He grumbled into the phone. "What?"
"Why are you answering Ichigo's phone?" a growl answered back.
"What the hell? Where do you get off calling her this late?" Ikkaku growled into the phone.
"I need to talk to her baka. I have a right you know."
"Screw you. You have no right." Ikkaku growled out and slammed the phone down, and pulled the cord out and placed it on the counter. Ikkaku heard the soft pitter patter of feet and looked up and saw Ichigo half asleep leaning in the hallway with the t-shirt falling off her left shoulder.
"Who was on the phone?" Ichigo mumbled, her voice was thick with sleep but she was fighting it cause she was curious and the noodles smelled great. Ichigo moved further into the kitchen and Ikkaku moved to put the noodles into a bowl and grabbed her chopsticks and placed it in front of a chair, Ichigo sat down and ask Ikkaku again with her eyes.
"Don't worry about it, you should eat so you can go back to sleep." Ikkaku said, he ran a hand through her hair soothingly and she hummed. Ichigo leaned into the soft touches before she began eating her noodles. When she was finish she pushed the bowl forward and put her head against the table. Ikkaku chuckled. "You can't sleep here."
"Why not?" Ichigo groaned, Ikkaku laughed and pulled on Ichigo's arm to get her to come towards him. Ikkaku wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled her up.
"Shiro would not like sleeping alone." Ikkaku replied Ichigo hopped up and wrapped her legs around Ikkaku's waist and leaned her head on his shoulder, Ikkaku held her up by her thighs.
"Since when do you care about Shi-chan." Ichigo mumbled against Ikkaku's neck.
"I don't, but I'd rather not wake up with scratches all over my face." Ikkaku said, Ichigo chuckled tiredly, which made Ikkaku smile. Ikkaku made it to Ichigo's bedroom, and placed Ichigo in the bed. He had to pry Ichigo's arms off his neck because the woman fell asleep along the way. He kissed her forehead and walked back to the kitchen and cleaned up the small meal he made and then walked to the living room to lay on the couch, he slipped his shoes off and shrugged off his jacket and t-shirt. Once he was settled on the couch a certain albino cat jumped onto Ikkaku's chest and curled up into a ball on the raising and falling firm chest. Ikkaku pet the cat 3 times and then moved his hand behind his head. The cat warmed up to him once Ikkaku proved that he was concerned for Ichigo's well being and the two kept it a secret that Shiro actually liked someone other then Ichigo.
X
You people are mean…. I just want to know what you think about the story is that to much to ask. Tell me what you think of this onesided love and Ichigo's interesting past slowly being revealed or I will stop writing this story (probably)
