(So, I guess my usual standard was up to standard? as usual? I will be updating in between shouting at the players, screaming abuses at the referee and his 'henchmen', holding my head in disbelief and whatever is normal behavior for a football fanatic. Be prepared for mistakes. But at least, I am updating. :) )
(Thanks, especially to : aiko1991, absolutefaith, silvertwilightgemini, Annabelle4.0, Anonymous Starbucks Lover, LS77, naleah, 12cathy, NaruHinaFanboy, Cries of the Damned, Ddh2989, SakurA-VioletA, Vanesabebe1, BabeBee, sweet-penelope, Ermilus, himelove22, Ichihime94, yoona-unnie, SweetnSour715, Pablo Hirunata, finnythewise, Otepbunni, broman2, Tally Ho Mofos, Mihh, neoqueen, KazumaKaname, nypsy, Renji4eva, meteoric war, and all the guest reviewers.)
(恋情)
He was holding her hand too tight.
Orihime felt the pain of her hand being squeezed so strongly by Kurosaki-kun but she dared not utter a single word and so she just endured the numbness settling in her fingers... and listened quietly.
"When I first said that Rukia was different was the difference between you and her," Ichigo glared at Renji. " That's to say, I have younger sisters at home and I was only thinking of their wellbeing and privacy. I certainly don't want any pervert accidentally taking a peep at my sisters, do I?" Once again, Ichigo glared at Renji as his reasons were known.
Before Renji could sputter out the defense of his character, Ichigo continued with the 'differences'. "And you know the presumptuous midget, she does what she wants. No matter how many times I have ordered her to stay away from my bed, she will still sit on it when she felt like it."
Ichigo glanced at Orihime to see how she was reacting to what she was hearing, he caught sight of a pair of shining eyes peeping through her equally shiny hair.
He bet they will shine even more brighter after hearing what he was going to say next. He continued to gaze at her as he went on.
"Inoue is different. She can sit on my bed because I wanted her to. In fact, if I can do it and whatever Inoue asks of me, it will be done. Understood?"
Still keeping his eyes fixed firmly on Orihime, he directed the one word question to Ishida and Renji.
Not realizing that Ichigo did not mean for her to answer his question, Orihime lifted her head and shyly looked at him, "Kurosaki-kun, I understand and... thank you."
And she smiled.
His world stopped moving.
"Inoue,"
"Oi. Does that mean I won't be staying with you, Ichigo?" And Renji has to open his big mouth again at the worse possible moment... again.
Ichigo could feel his smoldering rage slowly consuming him and ready to erupt, spewing forth his angry frustration at the idiot who has once again interrupted him. He could not help but feel that his unfounded suspicions was not so groundless after all.
The urge to remove the obstacle permanently with the intent to kill crossed his mind in a split second of murderous madness.
Sensing a dangerous aura coming from Ichigo, Ishida shook his head. He wondered if Renji liked to live dangerously and if he has a death wish hanging over his dim-witted head.
"What do you think, Abarai-kun? And Kurosaki, you might want to loosen your grip on Inoue-san. I am sure you are cutting the circulation to her fingers."
At this suggestion, Ichigo turned his murderous glare from Renji to look at Orihime's hand and Ishida was right. The auburn-haired princess's milky white hand was that not fair anymore.
"Sh...," He glanced at the angelic face gazing at him, "Sheesh. Sorry Inoue." He switched from carrying the school bags in his hand to clasping them between his arm and body. He started to rub her small hand furiously with both of his larger ones.
Orihime's face was warming up even though it was her hand that was getting all the attention. Her face broke out in a small serene smile when she thought of what Kurosaki-kun was doing and what he did not say.
"Inoue, is your..." For a moment, Ichigo was stunned by the beatific expression on her beautiful face.
He stopped rubbing her hand and stared at it. He wondered if this will be the same hand that he will be putting a ring on one of the finger. He knew he was thinking far too ahead of the future but they have been through a lot for somebody of their age and death was always knocking on their doors.
He started to rub her hands again, with not so much urgency as before. It was almost like a gentle caress befitting a gentle healer.
"Inoue," He began softly and looked right at her, "Why are you smiling?"
The smile widened, Orihime felt so happy that she hoped she will not stutter her answer. "You do not need to refrain from using those words that you want to say in front of me. I appreciated what you are doing but really, I do not mind a few vulgar words now and then." She nodded earnestly to prove her heartfelt point.
Her face continued to blush as Ichigo stared really intensely at her. He has completed stopped with the rubbing and once again, laced his hand with hers, "You don't mind, but will you say them?" Her eyes widened, her mouth started to say something inaudible, her face started to heat up and then she shook her head. "I thought so." Ichigo mumbled.
He cherished her innocence. He wanted to protect it and... her.
"And that goes for the rest of you as well. No swearing in front of Inoue. Do I make myself clear." Ichigo glared commandingly at the rest of them but mostly at the red-haired irritating interloper.
"Speak for yourself, Kurosaki. I do not swear." Straight and narrow Ishida answered stiffly.
Sado nodded with all serious intent of following what was ordered.
And the biggest culprit of them all grinned and asked, "If I agree, could I stay with you?"
Ichigo gave him the dirtiest look possible, "No. I have my sisters to think about and you better watch your filthy mouth around Inoue."
"But I am not a pervert." Renji protested.
Ichigo has to think about it. "I don't want to take the risk. You have better ask somebody else. Somebody who lives alone, someone like..." And Ichigo cocked his head in the direction of his cousin.
"So, what do you say, Ishida? Can I put up with you?"
"No."
"Why the f..." Somebody made a threatening growl-like sound and Renji corrected himself. "Why the 'fuchi' not?" He demanded of Ishida.
Ishida slided his glasses up his nose, "Because my 'foolish' one, there is a reason why I live alone. I chose to do it because I like the solitude. So, no to your request."
"Four-eyed weirdo hermit." Renji muttered beneath his breath. Then he remembered another one who lives alone. "How about you, Sado. What about you and I, man to man, catching up on old times as I dwell in your abode, temporary, of course." He grinned hopefully at the kind giant.
Sado just looked at him and looked.
And looked.
Finally, even Ichigo could not stand the suspense, "Chad?"
Sado seemed to rouse himself from whatever he was contemplating and answered in a low voice. "Normally, it would be fine."
Renji grinned in relief.
"But,"
And the happy expression disappeared.
"I have only recently rescued a stray bi..." The tanned giant glanced at Orihime and her protector. "A female dog."
This earned him a tinkling giggling which was extremely delightful to the ears and all the macho males have to suppress the returning grins from appearing on their manly faces.
"Sado-kun, you were saying about a female dog? Is she fine? What kind of breed is she? Where did you find her?" Orihime rambled on with her questioning and looked at Sado with curiosity brightening her eyes.
"Yeah, Sado what does a bit... dog has to do with me lodging with you?" Renji was not avoiding saying his colorful words because Ichigo has warned them not to. He was doing it for the pure princess.
Sado has to look away from the sparkling cuteness that was an excited Orihime.
"She has just given birth to a litter of puppies." He answered in a monotone voice.
"And?" Renji asked impatiently.
"I don't want to stress the mother or the puppies with a stranger in their midst."
"I get it. You're choosing a dog over a friend who has fought by your side, countless times." Renji looked bummed out. He was a stray dog too, one without friends.
"Right. I guess you are struck with geta-boushi. We should get going. Let's go, Inoue." Ichigo tried to lead Orihime away.
But the owner of the hand which was joined in his was not moving.
He turned to look at her. She was... she was staring at Renji! Why in the hell would she be staring at that red-hair baboon!
"Inoue, is anything wrong?" Ichigo asked her worryingly.
She continued to look at Renji. She appeared to be thinking about something. "Inoue..."
"Abarai-kun, you can stay with me."
"WHAT!?" The males excluding Sado shouted. Sado shook his head. He wondered if the loud shout has damaged his hearing.
"Are you sure, Inoue? You really are a life saver." Renji would have grabbed her free hand in gratitude and shook it if not for the one still holding on to her other hand.
She nodded. "You will have to sleep on the couch though." She offered shyly.
"I don't mind as long as you're sure about me staying at your apartment."
"No! She is not sure." Ichigo glared at Renji. "Inoue, didn't you hear what I said about my sisters?"
"Oi! Don't insult my character!"
"Abarai-kun is right, Kurosaki-kun. He is not a pervert. I think. Although I am a little disappointed that he did not think of me as a friend enough to ask for the favor. Besides, I have Toshiro-kun and Rangiku-san stayed with me before." Orihime pouted and a hurt expression was shown on her face.
Of all the things to be hurt by...
Ichigo almost shouted at the princess in desperation. "Toshiro is a boy and Rangiku-san is of the same sex as you. But him," He pointed at Renji, "He's a man!"
"Glad you noticed. But liked I said, and how many times must I repeat it, I am not a pervert. Do you trust me, Inoue?" The innocent princess smiled and nodded. Renji grinned back at her. "See. And don't worry about me not paying my dues. I will not be sponging on you. You are a really friend, Inoue. Sorry if you felt disappointed that I did not ask you but Ichigo was right about me being a man and I thought it would be inconvenient for me to ask you of that. You might think I would have some kind of ulterior motive." He explained sheepishly.
"And you still might!" Ichigo released Orihime's hand and softly pushed her towards Ishida, "Try to talk some sense into her as I have a little 'talk' with Renji." He asked of his cousin.
Putting his arm around Renji's shoulder, his hand which has been so gentle with Orihime, clasped itself firmly around Renji's neck as he led them a distance from the others.
"My neck, Ichigo." Renji was sure there will be indentations due to the tight grip he felt.
Ichigo gave him a warning looking before he threatened Renji with worrying about something else besides his neck.
"Look, Inoue is a good friend of ours," Renji cocked an eyebrow and countered, "Just a friend, eh?"
The grip around the neck tightened, Ichigo rubbed the back of his head unconsciously and out of habit, "She's a very good friend of ours... mine and I do not want to see her hurt in any way." He glared at Renji, "If you do anything to cause her distress or if you even dare to lay a single finger on her, you would not want to know what I will do to you."
Renji gulped, he did not like the look in Ichigo's eyes. It reminded him of Zaraki-taichou.
(恋姬)
"I wonder what Kurosaki-kun is talking about with Abarai-kun." Orihime asked of Ishida and Sado as she looked at Ichigo.
She held her two hands together. She missed his rough hand.
"Inoue-san, are you sure about letting Abarai-kun freeloading at your place?" Ishida asked in concern.
Orihime turned her misty-eyed gaze from Ichigo. "Of course I am sure, Ishida-kun. Is there anything wrong?"
Ishida looked at the naiveté reflecting off the gentle healer's face and he wondered how was he going to tactfully explained to her.
"Well, there is nothing wrong with helping a friend but Abarai-kun is a man and though I doubt he would dare to try anything funny with you. Kuro... we are still worried. A man and a woman alone, together. Who's knows what might happen?"
Orihime tilted her head slightly to the side and stated confusingly, "But I am not a woman, nor do I think I am still a girl." She noticed the surprised faces and she thought back as to what she has said.
Eyes widening and face flushing, her hands started to flutter like a hummingbird's wings, "I-I m-meant I am still a g-girl, just not a little girl anymore." She stammered embarrassingly.
"It's alright, Inoue-san. We understand. It's just that Kuro... we are just concerned about you." Ishida glanced at the orange-haired cousin of his.
Orihime giggled softly as apprehension slowly dawned on the third-ranked student.
"I understand, Ishida-kun. I know what you trying to say. But for something to happen, the woman or... girl would need to have some kind of affection for the man and the man must have the same feelings for the woman. Am I correct?"
The bespectacled Quincy stared at the personification of innocence which in turn was gazing back at him with wide-eyed curiosity.
This was what Kurosaki was trying to protect.
And now he might just have to warn her about the reality of the evils in men.
How he hated his orange-haired scowling cousin now.
"Ishida-kun?" The princess of purity looked at him with concern.
"Inoue-san, there is something you should know about men and their..." The top-ranked student paused, he considered carefully what he should say and how he really, really absolutely hated a certain relative of his now.
He readied himself, "Inoue-san, a man does not need to feel anything for a woman to want to do 'that' with her." He saw that she was nodding her head to his every word and then he witnessed the slow realization of what 'that' meant.
She looked away from him in a hurry.
Ishida wondered what she was thinking about.
Orihime stole a glance at Ichigo.
"Ishida-kun," She began softly, "Do you think Kurosaki-kun has done 'that' yet?" She asked Ishida in all seriousness.
"WHAT!?" He shook his head at Ichigo and Renji who was looking his way due to the very undignified exclamation.
Orihime gave them a little reassuring wave as well. She did not want them to come over just yet. She wanted to know.
Seeing Ichigo and Renji returning to their conversation, Orihime turned back to Ishida. What she saw on Ishida-kun's face, she knew she will not get her answer.
She bowed to him, "I-I a-am so s-sorry, I-Ishida-kun. I did not mean to make you so uncomfortable by asking you of that." She apologized sincerely.
Before Ishida can assure the contrite healer that there was no offence taken on his part, Orihime was already continuing on with her reasoning as to why they should not be so worried with Abarai-kun staying with her.
She moved closer and spoke in a secretive hushed tone, "Ishida-kun, Sado-kun," She stole a quick glance at Ichigo and Renji before continuing, "You do not have to worry about Abarai-kun, he will not interested in me." Orihime said in all confidence.
Blissfully unaware of the doubtful expressions on her friends' faces, Orihime carried on with her explanation, "And do you know why Abarai-kun will never be interested in me," She grinned knowingly,
"My emerging womanly intuition tells me that Abarai-kun is in love with..." Both Ishida and Sado was prepared for the person to be named, but...
"Kuchiki-taichou." She revealed unexpectedly.
Ishida tried, he really tried. But once again, a loud exclamation of shock escaped from him. Even the expressionless giant friend of theirs looked flabbergasted for a second and then a blank expression was back on his face.
"Inoue-san," Ishida started to say when the capacity to speak returned to him, he wanted to know the logic behind the imaginative princess assumption.
But alas, the scowling orange-haired protector was already walking back towards them.
Then Ichigo was right in front of Ishida, his protective mode activated and confronting Ishida.
"Oi, what was with the shout? Why's Inoue bowing to you? Are you forcing her to apologize to you or something?" He accused the Quincy.
Ishida did not even bother to spare him a glance, instead he turned to Orihime, adjusted his spectacles and, "Inoue-san, you have to explain to me your theory some other day, all right?"
Orihime nodded and Ichigo seethed with surging rage at being ignored and his princess sharing a conspiratorial moment with the Quincy.
"I am talking to you, Ishida." He told Ishida with malevolent hostility dripping from his every word.
And the gentle healer stepped in.
"Kurosaki-kun, have you finished your talk with Abarai-kun?" She asked and gave him a little warm smile.
The smile smoothed his raging fury and he was disarmed by a little facial gesture of hers.
He stared at her contemplatively for awhile before answering,
"Yeah. We are done."
Orihime beamed at Ichigo and then she held out both her hands, "Shall we go?"
Without hesitation, Ichigo took one of the small hands and gently laced his fingers with hers.
He smirked amusingly as the shy princess though bold in her action was still bashful about her newly courageous behavior. Her smiling face was made even more beautiful with the blush adoring her flushed cheeks.
He wondered why she held out both of her hands.
"Abarai-kun?" She waved her other hand at him.
And Ichigo got his answer. He glared obsessively at the 'rival'. He dared him to hold the princess's hand.
Renji was really tempted to grab the alluring body part offered to him, he glanced at Ichigo. Ichigo directed his sight to the hand clutching the straps of the school bags, he lifted one finger up and then slowly, agonizingly slow, he bent it all the way down.
Renji moved his legs closer to each other and he assumed the position of a footballer protecting the goalkeeper and the goal during a free kick.
"Abarai-kun?" Orihime asked again and her small innocent gesture was making him confused.
"It's alright, Inoue. I'm still in my shinigami form and it will be weird if somebody would see your hand holding on to something that's not there."
'Not to mention a... beautiful girl between two guys.' Renji thought wearily.
"Maybe, next time. We could be like school children on a excursion." The innocent princess spoke in a childlike manner.
"Yea, next time."
"Come on, Inoue."
"See you in school tomorrow, Ishida-kun, Sado-kun." Orihime said goodbye to her friends.
"Goodbye Inoue-san. And Abarai-kun, whatever Kurosaki 'talked' to you about, Sado-kun and I are completely supportive of his actions, right Sado-kun?" Ishida tactfully warned Renji before turning to Sado for his agreement.
Sado gave his usual thumbs-up before... turning it into a... thumbs-down!
Ichigo, Ishida and Sado shared a look which left Orihime bewildered and Renji petrified when Ishida gave him a last glance before adjusting his glasses, the sun's setting ray reflected off his lenses, making it seemed like an... arrow!
Renji swallowed the rock lodged in his throat.
The three boys nodded at each other and then Ishida and Sado walked off.
"Kurosaki-kun?"
Ichigo gave what could be a special smile and tightening his grip on her hand, he started to walk her home.
Renji stared at the young couple talking animatedly, or rather Orihime was waving her free hand, the hand he could be holding now, and giving Ichigo a lively account of something that happened to her. Ichigo was giving her his full undivided attention. His gaze locked firmly on her blushing face.
'They looked like a couple in love.' Renji thought enviously. He wished he was with a certain violent short shinigami childhood friend of his.
He also thought back to the threats and warnings regarding him and Inoue. Should he just sucked it up and continued to stay at the sadistic store keeper and his fellow torturers to avoid any misunderstanding concerning the auburn-haired weaver princess. He certainly did not want to know what the orange-haired cow herder prince of hers would do to him because of any misread interpretation.
"Abarai-kun." The princess's concerned voice broke through his worries, he looked wishfully at her and a little unhappily at the one besides her.
"Come on, you idiot." Ichigo said impatiently.
Orihime gave him a small encouraging smile.
He grinned sheepishly and started to walk behind the young couple.
'Nah. Everything will be fine. Nothing will happen between the gentle healer and him. She's Ichigo's friend. A very good friend of his. And besides, He's just not that into her.'
(恋情)