Plans
Chapter 7: Bananas and Strawberries
Disclaimer: I don't own bleach.
Thanks for supporting this story... (), SinoviVaatell, Jiru sama(Isshin and Urahara are my favourite team too...hehe) xbleachfanx (yes...we'll see a jealous Ichigo...and there's more in the next chapter ^^), Aizawa Ayumu, ayame028, novicestar, pho, wowowowowow, Firestar-kelman, Ichi Nightray, Ichi Nightray, chappygrl, Paradox K and Nes77.
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The day is almost over and the decision to implement Ishida's plan was the conclusion of today's meeting. Inoue carefully wrote down the details of the plan in her notebook. She then noticed Urahara peeking through her notes.
"What is it Urahara-san?" Inoue asked.
Urahara removed his eyes from the notes and turned to look around the table. "Can anybody tell me when we stop with these schemes?"
"That's what I am talking about!" Isshin stood up and pointed a finger at Urahara-san. Everyone was surprised at his reaction. "I knew you were thinking the same line of thought as me and that kid Keigo! If our plans shifted to less mature ways of getting them together, then everything will become boring right? At that point, you will lose interest and just want things to end right?" Isshin laughed out loud. He was so proud of his analytical skills.
Everyone sweat dropped.
Urahara raised a brow, which was not seen because of his hat. Anyhow, he raised a brow. How the hell did Isshin come up with that analysis? All he wanted to know was, when will the group know that they have already succeeded? Surely there is a limit in the period of babysitting Ichigo and Rukia's relationship.
"I think when Ichigo and Rukia finally becomes an official couple." Ishida said. Urahara was glad that there are level-headed people in the group.
"So that means when Ichigo asks Kuchiki-san to be her girlfriend and Kuchiki-san accepts?" Urahara confirmed.
In Isshin's mind:
"Be mine forever Rukia" Ichigo said in a low and husky voice.
"No Ichigo. I can never be yours" Rukia responded but eyeing Ichigo seductively.
Ichigo scooped Rukia in one swift movement and dumps her on the bed. He kissed her passionately.
"Say you'll be mine!" Ichigo said.
"No. Never"
Ichigo unbuttoned the first few buttons of her blouse and kissed her again, but this time on the chest.
"Give it up Rukia. You can't resist me"
"No Ichigo. I can"
Ichigo continued to unbutton her blouse and kissed her on the belly.
"If you turn me down this time Rukia, you know what comes next. Grrr..." Ichigo said with a purr.
"No Ichigo. No!" Rukia exclaims lustfully.
Ichigo then-
"Ummm... Kurosaki-san, your nose is bleeding" Ishida shook Kurosaki Isshin lightly. "Kurosaki-san?"
Isshin blinked and looked around to see everyone's eyes on him. "What?"
"Your nose is bleeding Kurosaki-san. Surely, your thoughts never fail to reveal themselves. Can you please share with us, exactly, what you are thinking?" Urahara commented.
Isshin wiped his nose with some tissue which were given by Inoue. He laughed loudly and didn't stop until everyone turned their attention to something other than him. "I really need to convince them to revert back to the mature ways of bringing Ichigo and Rukia together" he thought.
"Yes. Umm..as I was saying before Kurosaki-san...ummm...That's basically the idea. Unless Kuchiki-san proposes to Ichigo first" Tatsuki commented with a smirk. "I mean, you'll never know. Nobody here knows exactly what Kuchiki-san is thinking.
Inoue contorted her face and the mushy gears started to turn in her head.
"It would not be too bad if Kuchiki-san proposes to Kurosaki-kun. I imagined it to be really sweet" she giggled.
"A light breeze blew through the grassy field making Rukia hold on to her hat to avoid it from flying. But the wind was too strong so it was blown away. Luckily, Kurosaki-kun was there to catch it." Inoue narrated.
"Hold on to this tightly. You might lose it" Ichigo said with a smile and handed her the hat. Inoue said, imitating Ichigo's voice.
"Rukia took his hand instead and stared into his eyes. She smiled lovingly then embraced him."
"Then I will hold on to you tight...so I may not lose you" Rukia whispered. "Would you allow me to hold on to you forever?"
Ichigo placed his arms around her in response and said, "of course I will".
And then a love song played at the background.
Inoue narrated with an expression as if she's in cloud nine.
Urahara-san suppressed a shudder. The thought of Rukia being that...can't think of the word...cheesy is just too difficult to bear.
"I still think it would be best if Ichigo proposes" Ishida said.
Chad quietly looked up at the ceiling and imagined...
Ichigo was wearing an all pink outfit with a fluffy bunny tail. He was dressed as Chappy. (Chad really likes cute stuff ^^).
Rukia was standing in front of him, though her face was blank (Chad doesn't have a clue how Rukia would react to this).
"I like you" Ichigo whispered while scratching the back of his head and his cheeks were tinted red.
But how what would Kuchiki-san say?
Chad thought hard, but gave up when he finally decided that he cannot predict how Kuchiki-san would react. He then turned his attention to Ichigo, who in his mind is still in a fluffy bunny suit. He suppressed a laughter and was able to pass it out as a cough. At that time, Kurosaki-san stood up.
"Well, that can wait until tomorrow. It's almost 7 and it is a must that I have dinner with the family" Isshin said.
"We all have to wait...I think in the end of this all will be the beginning of a very long love story. I hope Ichigo doesn't go so far as to wear a bunny mascot costume" Chad said to himself as he went out the door with the others.
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Renji and Ichigo watched Rukia leave the room. Renji pointed a finger and poked Ichigo on the chest, "never touch her again"
"What do you mean by that?" Ichigo knew exactly what Renji was talking about and he knew that he should have just kept his mouth shut so as not to continue with this discussion. But too late.
Is he dumb or what? Do I have to spell out everything for him? Renji thought.
"I meant it exactly as I say it – NEVER-TOUCH-HER-AGAIN" Renji repeated.
Ichigo decided to play it cool and act like a punk to cover his embarrassment.
"You act like Byakuya. You should stay away from him, otherwise you'll end up as boring and impassive as him. Either that or you're just jealous" Ichigo joked and chuckled lightly.
"Yeah, I do like her. You've got a problem with that?" Renji responded equally as cool then turned to exit the room.
Ichigo was dumbfounded. Did Renji just admit that he likes Rukia? But what Ichigo dread more is...Does she feel the same way? He has to confirm this.
Meanwhile, Renji leaned behind the closed door and sighed out. He can feel the warmth of his face, meaning his face might still be beat red. He just admitted straightforwardly that he likes Rukia...like it was something not unusual. "Hell it is not normal to just be casual about my feelings!" he screamed in his head. "Stupid...stupid...stupid" he thought while hitting his head continuously.
"Oi! If you need to beat yourself up, don't do it alone. You look stupid. If you want I could land a punch or two to help you out"
Renji looked up (or down) to find the owner of the voice. It was Rukia.
"Shut up" he mumbled.
"What are you doing here anyway?" she questioned. "Did Nii-sama sent you? He called me this afternoon, but he hang up just as I was about to answer the phone."
"Two rings?"
"What was that?"
"Did your phone rang more than twice before you answered it?" Renji asked.
"I think it was more than twice. I was doing something at the moment" she said uncomfortably.
Renji expression hardened. "I think I know what that something is" he thought.
"I see." Renji whispered.
"I never thought that brother has that 'two ring' limit. I'll keep that in mind." Rukia then noticed Renji's facial expression. "Hey! Don't get all the wrong ideas about me and Ichigo" she said nervously.
Renji didn't respond to this. As much as possible, he wanted to avoid any discussion about her and Ichigo.
"Anyway, I came here as your partner" Renji said and took out the phone from his pocket. He was searching his inbox for the order when they heard the front door open.
"Anybody home!" Isshin called.
"You're too noisy dad..." came Karin's voice.
"Ichi-nii and Rukia-chan should be upstairs" Yuzu said.
"I need to leave Rukia. Let's talk in the morning, 10am." Renji placed his phone back on his pocket and faced Rukia.
Rukia nodded, "sure, I'll be ready before 10am. You're going to pick me up right?"
"Yeah, I'll come and get you" was Renji's response.
"It's been quite a while since we last did this" Rukia said, thinking that the last time they work as a pair was in the soul academy.
"That's because you've been busy" Renji was referring to Rukia's continuous training.
"You're the one that's always busy Vice Captain" she teased, "you've left me behind"
"Haha...then let's do our best tomorrow and ensure to have fun..." Renji said.
"Let's go downstairs. You should go out the front door and meet Isshin-san, Karin and Yuzu." Rukia said and they both went down to the kitchen.
Unknown to Rukia and Renji, Ichigo's ears was pressed against the door so he could hear their conversation very well. As soon as their footsteps have died down, Ichigo sat back down on his chair to think. He heard the part where Renji invited her on a date. He was really surprised at Renji's boldness. Then again, he has admitted up front that he likes Rukia, as if it was just normal or expected. "Are they already a couple?" he thought. And now, based on what he have heard, they are going out on a date tomorrow at 10am. Renji was going to pick her up. However, it seems like they have not dated for quite some time since Renji has become a vice captain. Her feelings might have died down during the time they were away from each other, but this date might be Renji's ticket to win her heart again! No, he cannot let that happen. He has to do something.
Fuck! He vent out his frustration by kicking hard at the floor, however, his foot landed on something soft.
"Ow! " came a voice from under the table.
Ichigo looked under it to find a very dishevelled stuffed lion. "Were you under there the whole time?" Ichigo became nervous, "not another witness".
"Yes, but I was asleep until you kicked me. Did I miss anything?" Kon questioned as he rubbed the sore spot (not sure if Kon can actually feel anything).
"No." Ichigo sighed in relief. (Though he has no clue how many audience they have...haha).
"Where is nee-san?" Kon asked.
"She's outside with her boyfriend"
"Ha! Who?"
"Renji"
"He is not nee-san's boyfriend! Don't you think I will immediately know if those two have a relationship?" Kon pointed his paws at Ichigo. "How did you arrive at that conclusion anyway?"
"Well...they seem to be dating"
"By the sound of that, it seems like you are not even sure yourself. Stop making false assumptions, you're getting me into a bad mood" then Kon marched and jump on the bed to continue sleeping.
Ichigo caught him by mid jump and was thinking of throwing him out the door again. He wanted an outlet for his frustration and Kon seems to be the perfect object to throw around. But thinking of what the stuffed animal said, he decided to drop him instead of throwing him out. "Kon has a point. He was not 100% sure that Rukia and Renji are into a relationship. He has to get proof first."
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Before going down to join his family for dinner, Ichigo changed his clothes and tidied up his room. And the whole time he was mumbling, "I should've known that monkeys make too much mess. I'll remember not to let a monkey into my room again"
He was disappointed to find out that Renji has not left. Heck, the punk even has the courage to stay over for dinner!
Isshin was on his way to the living room to inform Karin and Rukia that dinner's almost ready. He passed by Ichigo and whispered, "tsk, I hope you won't lose to Renji".
"What?" Ichigo stopped in his tracks and looked at his father, but he did not receive a response. "Of course" he said to himself.
He then proceeded to the kitchen where his younger sister is still finishing their dessert.
"Ichi-nii, I was thinking of having fruits in cream for dessert. We have strawberries and bananas. Which do you think Rukia-chan would prefer?" Yuzu asked.
"Strawberries" Ichigo replied. "Definitely strawberries" he thought.
"No, I think she likes bananas better" Renji butted into the conversation.
"Mind your own business Renji"
"Ichi-nii, don't be rude to our guest." Yuzu pouted and turned to face Renji, "thanks! I'll prepare bananas with whipped cream for her. Can you please get the strawberries from the fridge Ichi-nii? The bananas are over there by the corner." Yuzu pointed.
Ichigo got the strawberries bowl and Renji got the bananas.
"Yuzu, let's ask her to confirm what she really likes" Ichigo said. He was not ready to give up yet.
"Hey Rukia, which would you prefer for dessert, strawberries or bananas?" Ichigo called over to the living room.
Isshin smirked, "Ichigo really did fell for it".
Rukia walked over to the kitchen and looked at the bowl of strawberries held by Ichigo and the plate of bananas held by Renji. She thought hard, "ummm...for now, I think I'd prefer bananas" she said innocently.
Renji flashed Ichigo a victory smile, which Rukia didn't notice.
"For now? You mean it may change?" Ichigo exclaimed. He still can't accept that he has lost.
But it was Yuzu that replied. "No need to be upset Ichi-nii. The dessert is served individually. If you really want to have strawberries, it's okay. And if Rukia-chan, changes her mind, then I'll make her strawberries in cream."
"But Rukia won't change her mind" Renji said mockingly. "Isn't that right Rukia?"
"Yes. I want bananas" Rukia said finally and settled herself down on the dining table.
Ichigo stomped his feet before handing the bowl to Yuzu and walking over to the dining area. He sat across Rukia and beside Renji. It was half way through the dinner when he finally cooled down. Being upset over something as petty as strawberries and bananas was really childish. He may be the only one giving meaning to Rukia's choices. "But Renji's smile, it's like he's mocking me!" Ichigo shook his head. He will not allow something as small as this to affect him. That will make him more of a loser.
"No?" Isshin asked.
Ichigo noticed that everyone was looking at him.
"What was that?" Ichigo asked stupidly.
"He has spaced out again" Karin said with a bored tone.
"I was saying that any color of a dress would fit Rukia-chan. Then you just shook your head" Isshin said.
"That's right. Ah...I mean sorry, I wasn't referring to that" he mumbled.
"Then what dress color do you think would fit her?" Isshin said. "The store I passed by has the dress in two colors – red and orange"
"I don't know. Which would you prefer Rukia?" Ichigo turned to look at her.
"You don't have to buy me a dress Isshin-san" Rukia said shyly.
"No, I insist. Think of this as your welcome gift."
"Then..." Rukia paused.
Ichigo held his breath. "Orange. Please choose orange" he prayed.
"Red. Orange is a bit too loud. Red would fit me more" Rukia said in her girly voice and smiled sweetly at Isshin.
And for the second time that night, an arrow hit Ichigo right through the chest.
"Red is definitely more loud!" he exclaimed while standing up. Everyone was surprised at his sudden outburst, even himself.
At this, Renji chuckled, "well...obviously, orange is more loud."
Ichigo sat back down, "I still think you should get the orange one for her" he said in a childish voice and bowed to hide his beat red face. He continued eating his strawberries in cream. Honestly, he wanted bananas that night too, same as Rukia. But somehow he ended up with strawberries.
"Thank you for your opinion Ichigo-kun. But seeing as I am the one that's going to wear the dress, I think I have the right to choose" Rukia said sweetly, but with a vein popping on her head.
Ichigo bowed down lower to hide his face, which he was sure was showing a very unpleasant expression. But he was still able to see the thumbs up that Renji gestured him from under the table. This just made his blood boil more.
Isshin stood up and said that he'll just use the toilet. In reality, he was just unable to suppress his laughter. Ichigo's face looks really funny. His son was both embarrassed and upset. "You should treat her well my son so that next time, she will prefer strawberries over bananas and would favour orange over red" he whispered to himself. He just can't wait to share this story with everyone.
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After dinner, Renji excused himself and went back over at Urahara's to rest for the night. Rukia went up to the twin's bedroom where a spare bed was prepared for her.
Rukia stared at the ceiling. She has tried counting sheep, but was still unable to sleep. She even tried counting bunnies, but that didn't work either.
She sighed inwardly. She knew that the only way she could sleep is if she has peace of mind. And the way to have a peace of mind is to solve the puzzle of today's events.
She looked straight through the darkness and a very distant memory played in her mind. It was the time when her classmates asked her if she liked Ichigo. The question caught her by surprise causing her to spit out the drink she just had. She just smiled at them and told them and Ichigo is just a friend. Her response was partly true.
She has realized a long time ago that she has feeling for Ichigo. But it all ends there. She has neither an intention of confessing nor any desire of becoming more than friends with him. She also knows that she has an effect on Ichigo, but never dared to actually analyze the reason behind that. She kept on telling herself that Ichigo's actions have no special meaning, that Ichigo is not treating her any differently from the way he treats his other friends. Rukia decided that she will only believe that Ichigo has feelings for her if he tells this to her directly.
This thought has helped her not get jealous when Ichigo risked everything to save Inoue from Aizen, or when he rescued Senna, or when he kissed one of their classmates at Keigo's party. They were nothing more than friends, so she has no right be jealous. And she also has the Kuchiki training so she was able to push down unnecessary feelings to the very bottom of her heart.
For some time, she was convinced that they shared the same thought of keeping their relationship neutral. But Ichigo's advance is making her more and more confused. Why would he kiss her? Why did he use that very seductive voice with her? Ichigo is a lot of things - an idiot, a moron, a dimwit and an insensitive prick, but he is not a womanizer. So it seems absurd that Ichigo treats all her female friends this way.
"Maybe, he does like me."
This realization freaked her out because if he continues this, she fears she may not be able to hide her feelings any longer.
One proof was when he pushed her and kissed her and held her that afternoon. She just stood still. In a way, it appears that she has given him her permission to do as he pleases. Her feelings somehow resurfaced that she was unable to push him away or to stifle her moan of pleasure.
"God not that unladylike act again!" She cursed herself for bringing back the embarrassing memory.
"No. Until he tells it straight to my face that he likes me, I will choose to ignore it. And hopefully these awkward stuff will not happen again. Or else, I will be the first one to confess"
With this resolution, of ignoring Ichigo's actions, she was able to sleep...somehow.
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In the adjacent room, there is another person that was not able to go to sleep...dreading that the next day would come - the day of Rukia and Renji's date.
Rukia's choices clearly say that she has a thing for Renji. "Of course she has. She will never have agreed to the date if she has no feelings for him" he thought sadly.
"Maybe I can find a way to follow them. But that would be stalking right?" But will he go this low for Rukia?
The answer was obvious. Yes!
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A/N: Than you for reading this story ^^
