Walking through the town, he found himself wondering what Orihime was doing again, probably reading, or laughing, or smiling with someone, or daring herself to watch a sad movie, but wishing she hadn't at the end because she would cry. He smiled a bit, and paused, looking towards the sunset. He could feel her reiatsu better than before, and it helped when he knew just where to search. When he felt it warm, and healthy, and light, he decided she was fine.

"OI! YOU!"

Ichigo calmly turned his head to see who addressed him, for he was used to this. Three men stood a few feet from him, scowling threateningly and cursing under their breaths. Ichigo huffed; it had been a while since he had to beat up someone, maybe a month, and it was only because those assholes had knocked over the vase by a kid's burial grounds. There weren't many fights down in this town, and wasn't a lot of trouble, but it always seemed to find Ichigo. Hands tucked in his pockets, he watched as the trio stepped closer, dressed in ripped, tough clothes.

"Yeah?" He asked, his eyes narrowing.

The biggest one, possibly the strongest, stepped towards Ichigo, "I heard you beat up my brother the other month! Wanna tell me why, orange hair?"

Ichigo crooked a brow, "He knocked over giving for a spirit. He could at least be a bit more considerate."

A vein throbbed in the man's temple, "WHAT DID YOU SAY?" Before he could lunge, Ichigo's foot landed right in his nose, skidding the man a few yards away. Ichigo slowly dropped his leg back to the ground, and scowled.

The two others, scrawny, and probably the followers, shook, before one said, "A-Ah~! This guy looks tough…"

"W-We shouldn't have come…" And they scampered off, leaving their friend behind on the ground. Sighing, Ichigo pulled out his cell phone and dialed the customary number, for he was sure he had broken the man's nose, and possibly other bones in his face.

After telling the person on the line the address and problem, he lifted a hand at the guy, "My bad. Ja ne." he turned away, and headed in the direction he had been walking towards. When he reached his destination, he tilted his head carefully, and heard the ambulance a few blocks away.

Casually, Ichigo walked into the dorm home, tilting his head better to hear the stomps and yells upstairs. As he strode inside, he began to wonder what Kyoko did this time to upset everyone. No doubt it was the football team, or perhaps you could call them soccer. Ichigo had wanted to ask why the blonde had chosen to move into these dorms, one where all the muscled men were, and aggressive, and full of testosterone that wanted to be used on your face. Slipping off his shoes, he then proceeded to walk up the stairs, and took in the scene.

The entire team was located in the halls, and huddled in on Kyoko once again. Ichigo paused a few feet away, watching curiously as one member lifted his friend high off the ground, and he kicked his legs, startled.

"I'm tired of this punk," one snapped, "Let's kill him."

"You're just gonna keep messing with us, HUH?"

"What right do you have to move our laundry, idiot! WE'LL KILL YOU!"

Kyoko hollered in panic, "I-I didn't mean to! I just wanted to wash my things. GOMEN!"

"Not good enough!" One crowed loudly.

Ichigo crooked a brow before saying lazily, "You just can't help it, can you?"

Kyoko blinked at Ichigo's voice, and snapped his eyes up the substitute, "ICHIIIGOO! You came to rescue me! What a friend."

Rolling his eyes, Ichigo declared, "Yeah, right. I came to ask you something," he turned away casually, "but I can see that you're busy."

"DON'T LEAVE MEEE! HELP!"

Ichigo turned his head back towards the scene, "No way in hell."

"HUH? You're so cold!" Kyoko thrashed in limbs in panic and anger. The soccer member held the blonde high, enough for the others to see him, and it seemed they salivated at the opportunity. Kyoko was at the top of the menu tonight, or so it appeared. Ichigo watched as one grasped the back of Kyoko's underwear and rose the young man high in the air.

Kyoko screamed in pain and panic, eyes watering before the other grabbed him, and threw him to another, much like a football. Ichigo continued to watch with curiosity, his lips parted as he took in his friend's predicament.

"WE'LL SEND YOUR ASS TO THE SKIES!" One shouted, and others growled and nodded in agreement, as Kyoko's face almost hit the ceiling.

"Wow," Ichigo murmured to himself, "He's actually getting airtime." Finally, when it appeared to be too much, Ichigo stepped forward, and they all seemed to recognize him instantly.

"If it isn't that little brat from last week!" A large one exclaimed, leering fiercely.

Ichigo merely raised a brow in response as a few – a couple of faces he remembered from plowing into before – stepped back. Before the man could lunge at Ichigo, though, someone yelled out,

"MUST YOU ALL BE SO LOUD?"

"O-Oh! It's the dorm's manager!" One screeched.

"A-Aoi-san?" Another stammered.

Ichigo glanced over at the woman. She was pretty old; her long black hair was turning gray, and her narrow blue eyes were already starting to wrinkle. But she was fairly strong for her old age, and she was holding her broom threateningly in her hands, "GET LOST, YOU BRATS!"

Ichigo watched in awe as they all scurried like ants, running to their respective rooms, while yelling 'sorry' over each of their shoulders. Doors slammed one after the other, and soon the hall was empty, besides Ichigo and Aoi, who came to stand next to him. Kyoko lied on the ground, eyes pouring with blue rivers of tears, and gripped onto Ichigo's pants leg weakly.

"Ichigo…why didn't you save me?" He whined like a child.

Ichigo kicked him off, and scowled, "It's your own damn fault. Don't you get tired of getting your ass beat every day?"

"Damn…" Kyoko sat up, and glared at a door, "Those idiots."

"If you mumble, no one will hear you," Ichigo sighed, "IDIOTS!" He hollered in the hallways.

"WHO SAID THAT?" Someone screamed loudly.

But Kyoko had already grabbed up Ichigo and slammed the door. Sinking to the floor, the blonde glared up at his friend, "Dammit, Ichigo…you're going get me killed."

The Shinigami merely smirked in response and then looked across the room. Bottles, tangled covers, pillows everywhere, empty bags of chips, and pieces of paper scrapped everywhere. Ichigo sighed, "It's disgusting in here. You should take care of yourself better. No wonder Eriko stop coming over here."

Kyoko sat on her unmade bed, and shrugged, "I like it." Scrutinizing Ichigo, he replied, "Why do you look like that?"

Ichigo blinked, "Like what?"

"You look happy. I've never seen you like that." He crossed his arms over his chest, and continued to study his friend.

Ichigo waved a hand dismissively, "Don't think about it so hard. You might fry your brain." He sat down at the low table, and looked towards Kyoko, "Are you going to move out? Don't you get annoyed with them?"

"Of course I do. They're evil bastards!" Looking towards the orange haired, he smirked and held up his thumb, "But with you here, I'll have someone behind my back."

Ichigo nodded, "Un. I'll be beating you up from the back."

"W-WHAT? I MEANT THEM!"

"But I won't be on your side."

"WHYYY?"

"It would be stupid to go against them with just us two. It's better if I'm on the other side, or I'll just stay out of it."

"TRAITOR!"

Beep.

Ichigo's eyes widened, and Kyoko paused from his blue tears before Ichigo reached into his pocket and pulled out his black, sleek phone.

New message.

Surprised, he opened it, and found out who it was from.

Inoue Orihime.

A warm, slow smile lit up his face, when he saw the cheery greeting.

Hello, Kurosaki-kun. I don't know how exactly my phone works since Sho-kun only bought it for me for emergencies, and I barely use it, but since you said to call if I was lonely, I did. But you don't have to come over or anything, because I don't want to be a burden. Thanks for walking me home two days ago, and my cold had lighten up. I hope to see you soon, okay?

-Inoue

Before he knew it, he was replying back, and his fingers flew across the letters and numbers before he sent it, and it chirped quietly in confirmation.

Whenever you need me, just tell me.

-Kurosaki

Kyoko watched his friend closely before growing interested.

"Okay, I'll bite," he said, causing Ichigo's attention to divert to him, "Who is that you're texting, yeah?" He thought for a second before snapping his fingers, "Ah! It's that girl from basketball, right? She's was really cute. What's her name?"

Ichigo instantly glared at him harshly, "None of your business. Leave her alone."

Kyoko put up his hands in surrender, "So stingy. I wasn't going to mess with her or anything." He laid on the bed, one hand bracing his cheek. "Mou…But isn't that the girl from the a couple weeks ago? The one you nearly mauled?"

Ichigo snapped his eyes back to him, "I-I didn't maul her!"

"Whatever,"

Beep.

Kurosaki-kun replied to my message quickly. That makes me really happy. Already, I'm not lonely anymore. It's weird, because Sho-kun leaves the house a lot, and I thought I would be used to it by now. Gomennasai.

-Inoue

Kyoko rolled his eyes as he watched the orange haired smile briefly before reply. Like a girl in love. Sighing, he drawled out, "Why don't you invite her to go ice-skating with us?"

Pausing in his type, Ichigo glanced over at his friend, "Ice-skating?"

Kyoko crooked a brow, "Eriko didn't tell you?" When his friend shook his head, he sighed, "Oh. I'd wanted to go for weeks now. Well, Eriko said she wanted to go, because the snow and all, and there was an outside one just a few blocks from here. Sado said he would come."

Ichigo thought over it a second. Looking towards his phone, he hesitated in his texting. Would it be a date? Or just a group-outing? What would Inoue think about it? Swallowing hard, he typed in the necessary words, and watched as the confirmation chirped, and waited.

Almost instantly, there was a

Beep.

Is it really alright? I've never tried ice skating before.

-Inoue

Smirking once more, he replied:

It's fine. Everyone would like to see you there. You haven't met my friend's properly, have you?

-Kurosaki

Beep.

And she said,

I would like that.

Snapping his phone closed, Ichigo felt something warm settle in his stomach, and sighed out, wondering what she was doing at the moment once again.

Picking up one of his stuffed bears – which his younger sister had sent him – Kyoko stared down at the toy sternly, and seriously, "Little did Ichigo know, that the woman he was texting was his arched nemesis! Let's see how far this will take us in our journey…" He said to it in a deep, mysterious voice.

Ichigo frowned at him, "I can hear everything you're saying, you know?"

"Hey," Ichigo greeted Chad as the tall man was stepping back into his room, a laundry basket in his hands, filled with clothing.

The russet skinned friend looked over towards him, "…Hey." As Ichigo headed towards his room, and twisted the knob, Sado opened his mouth, "Ichigo…someone's in—"

Ichigo ignored him – unable to hear with his low tone – and opened the door.

"ICHIIGOOOO~!"

Automatically, Ichigo hollered in shock, and ducked just in time for his father to sail over his head, and crashed into the wall, creating a shallow imprint of his body. Ichigo whirled around to face him, eyes wide as he stared at his father.

"W-WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE, OLD MAN?"

The older Kurosaki peeled himself from the paint to address his son, "HOHO~! You've gotten better, boy! You dodged my Belly-Flop of Love! I'm impressed."

Ichigo scowled harshly at the man, "Are you an idiot? Do you know how many times you've used that move? You're really a retard, aren't you?"

Looping an arm roughly around Ichigo's neck, the doctor grinned cheekily, "It's nice to bond like this, neeee~? I've missed my darling son!" He turned his heading briefly, and met the eyes of Chad, "Oi, oi, oi! Sado! I missed you also! You're like my second son!"

Chad sweat-dropped as he watched Ichigo struggled, "Y-Yes, Isshin. It is nice to see you, too."

Redirecting his attention to his son, he pulled the youngster along towards the room once more, "Come, Ichigo~! We have much to discuss, my loyal son!"

"D-Damn you, old man!"

And the door slammed shut behind them.

Sado silently shook his head before also venturing into his room.

"Let me go, you bastard!" Ichigo growled.

Instantly, he was thrown on the ground – more roughly than he was used to – and was a bit shocked as he righted himself, looking up to his father. The man didn't appear like his jovial self, and his eyes were narrowed, jaw clenched.

"W-What's wrong with you?" Ichigo asked, hesitating a bit.

"Ichigo," he crossed his strong arms over his chest, "When I met your mother, I had to give up a lot of things to be with her. Humans aren't usually allowed to associate with the Soul Society, and I broke a couple of rules just to be with her. I love your mother – and will continue to love her until the day I die."

Ichigo continued to stare up at the older male, stunned into silence.

"I see now," the doctor continued, his eyes softening as he gazed at his son, "I see now how deep your emotions go."

"What're you talking about?" Ichigo asked cautiously, narrowing his eyes up at his father. The man joined his son on the ground, and rested his palms in his lap.

"You love Orihime-chan," the ex-Shinigami prompted, and Ichigo's eyes widened, "Don't you?"

Looking towards his lap, Ichigo sighed, "Who told you?"

"Kisuke, of course." He continued to watch his spawn, "Don't you love her, Ichigo?"

"I wouldn't be doing all this if I didn't, would I?" The younger man snapped in annoyance and embarrassment. It wasn't every day he got to have a chat with his father, especially face-to-face, and he hadn't been expecting him to come speaking in this manner.

Isshin chuckled before crossing his arms over his chest once more, "I guess you wouldn't. You're wearing that same look I wore when I first met your Masaki. I get it, though. Rukia-chan was pretty upset by your choice, or that was what Kisuke told me."

Ichigo scoffed, "Why should I help them aft—"

"—after what they did to Orihime-chan, right?"

Ichigo merely clenched his fists.

"I understand. It was terrible what they did, and I know you had wanted to save her from that. The Soul Society is very strict with rules, but I was also surprised at their decision. After all, there is no way Orihime-chan could be put into any category with those people and be a traitor."

Narrowing his eyes, the younger Kurosaki questioned, "What are you trying to say?"

Giving him a thumbs-up, Isshin grinned, "I'm trying to say that I'll stand behind you. I'll support you through the way."

Ichigo blinked at him.

The doctor placed a hand on his shoulder, "What the Soul Society did was unforgiveable, and you've done so many things for them. I know you're sad," Ichigo bowed his head and his orange locks fell heavily, "I know this is hard for you. I know what it's like to lose someone so important, someone you didn't realize you would miss so much until they were taken from you."

Ichigo's hands tightened.

"It's been years, Ichigo. You can let all of it go. You can help her. She can become stronger with you beside her. You can let go of the stress and anger and pain. I'm here. Your father is here for you."

Isshin watched as the tear hit Ichigo's pants.

"You can let it go now," he smiled reassuringly.

Another tear.

And another.

"I wanted to protect her," his voice was hard, yet weak at the same time. Clenching his teeth, he snapped, "And I failed!"

"She's happy now, isn't she?" Tightening his hand on his shoulder, his eyes softened, "You can stay with her. Help her." He continued to stare as his son's shoulders shook, "This doesn't make you any weaker than anyone else. It took me three years to cry. And I promise you, it'll get better. You won't lose her."

Placing a heavy hand on top of his, Ichigo managed to smile a bit, "Thanks, old man."

"No problem."

"I'll skate circles around you, idiot!" Eriko shouted from up above, resting on Sado's big shoulders comfortably.

Kyoko glared in response, "You're as clumsy as me! As if!"

"S-Shut up!" She yelled in embarrassment, kicking her legs, and Sado grasped them to keep her frail body from falling, "S-Sado-kun will definitely help me! Won't you?" She darted her sapphire eyes down to the tall man in question.

"…Hn…Of course I will."

Eriko felt her cheeks heat up, "Y-Yeah…"

"Eeeh?" Kyoko whined, "That's so unfair! What about me, Sado?"

"…You should be fine."

"HUH?"

Ichigo sighed, and tucked his hands in his pockets. Today was the day. He had been empty for the last two days, waiting impatiently to see Orihime. He was anxious, that was for sure, and he could only rest at night when he searched thoroughly for her reiatsu at night, and he would slumber without any problems. It was easy to worry over Orihime, due to the fact she was small, and naïve to the world. He only hoped she was okay when he saw her, and he felt his heart skip a beat when he thought of her bright smile. He truly was a lovesick fool.

His father had helped a lot though. Although, he was still ashamed by his tears, but even more ashamed that he hadn't cried for the loss of his friend for so many years. He truly was made of ice. He only hoped that Orihime would soon melt the walls, and make it so much better.

Breathing out through his nose, he was glad he couldn't see his breath. The winter was easing up, and break was soon going to come. The icy snow had eased up, and the sun was beginning to make an appearance in the small, bustling town.

When he raised his head, he smiled once more. She seemed to bring that out of him.

"Inoue!" He called, waving a hand over his head.

Instantly, she turned, and he was overcome by her beauty. Her long, luscious locks flew around her before falling like a fine, amber waterfall down her slender back. Dressed in a tan skirt that reached her knees and clung to her thighs and hips, and her black stockings just made her legs look even more sensual. The pink sweater she had on was so long that it nearly covered her dainty hands, and it fit against her torso perfectly, outline each curve, with the green scarf around her neck. Of course, there wasn't a speck of makeup on her, and that just made her even more enticing.

"What a babe," Kyoko swooned, watching the girl with wide eyes. Ichigo was ready to hit him, if it weren't for Orihime turning fully and raising an arm over her head high, before waving it like a windmill.

"Hello, Kurosaki-kuuun~!"

He lightly jogged up to her, and smiled a bit. Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the weather, but she appeared warm enough. She beamed up at him when he made it close enough, and lowered her waving limb.

"Hey. Are you feeling better?"

"H-Hai!" She nodded, "I'm really healthy now, though I have a good immune system. I really never get cold, and I'm really happy that I could make it. I-I've never been ice-skating before. Sorry if I get in the way."

Ichigo shook his head, the small smile still on his lips, "You won't be."

Orihime's hair slightly fluttered in the wind, "I'll probably fall a lot."

"Then I'll catch you." he replied, his tone startling her.

She blinked, and then nodded vigorously, "T-Thank you, Kurosaki-kun."

"No problem," he replied, "Did you get your skates ye—"

"Here are your skates," Said shoes popped in between them, and Ichigo had failed to realize how close they were. He took a step back, and looked towards the man, who was almost as tall as him, hold her ice-skates for her. Ichigo remembered him; it was her "brother", and he appeared to also recognize Ichigo – but who wouldn't with his hair?

"O-Oh! Arigato, Sho-kun." She took them from him, and gasped, "These are heavier than I thought they would be."

Sho slanted her a look, "Of course they would be, idiot. What do you take this for?"

"Don't call her an idiot," Ichigo said, narrowing his eyes at the man.

Sho shot his eyes to him before Orihime waved a hand in front of her until it almost blurred, "E-Eto, it's fine, Kurosaki-kun. Sho-kun is always like this. He's probably just grumpy from staying up all night at work. I brought him to have fun with us."

Sho glowered at her, tucking his hands in his jacket pockets, "I already told you, Orihime: I'm not skating."

Orihime pouted, her eyes growing larger on her pretty face, "Eeeh? I thought you said I would."

"Well, that's what you get for thinking," he responded back.

"Sho-kun is so mean. What will you do then?" She asked.

"Reading," he pulled a book from a bag slung over his shoulder, "I should finish it anyway." Turning back to Ichigo, he narrowed his eyes into slits, "Don't let her fall."

"Like I would let that happen," Ichigo retorted, and watched as the man nodded, and turned the other way, settling an empty bench a few feet away. Orihime watched him go, before turning her eyes back to Ichigo.

"S-Sorry about him. He's really cold towards others, but nice to be most of the time. When we met, he was very mean to me, since we didn't know each other." She explained briefly.

Ichigo nodded slowly, "And he's your brother?"

She waved a hand in front of her once again, "N-No! He's my cousin. But in a way," her eyes softened, "he reminds me of Nii-chan. B-But since Sora died, he's been helping me, and taking care of me."

Ichigo scowled, for he knew that wasn't true; Orihime had lived on her own since Sora had died, and only mentioned her distant aunt helping her. He was guessing that was the son.

"Oh! G-Gomennasai! I shouldn't be saying such sad things during a time like this." She apologized.

"No problem." Ichigo replied.

Just as his friends walked towards him, Orihime looked towards Sado before bowing politely, "'Hajimemashite," she greeted, "My name is Inoue Orihime. Please take care of me."

"Hn," Chad nodded briefly, placing Eriko on her feet, "I'm Yasutora Sado," and he also bowed.

Eriko and Kyoko repeated the action.

"I'm Yoshimura Eriko."

"And I'm the awesome, sexy, cool Nakatani Kyoko," the blonde grinned, waggling his eyebrows at the redhead girl, "I've heard a lot of you, Inoue-chan."

Orihime blinked innocently, "You have?"

"Yeah, Ichigo talks about you nonsto—"

"How about you put on your skates, Inoue?" Ichigo said, and Orihime nodded, smiling once more before sneering at Kyoko, a demonic aura leaking from him.

"I suddenly feel a dark presence," Eriko stated quietly, watching the two.

"Yeah," Chad nodded, "Me too."

"Are your laces tight?" Ichigo asked, and Orihime looked up at him. The rest of his friends were already on the ice; Eriko and Kyoko screeching at each other, and Chad holding himself up fluidly. It was amazing how such a big guy wouldn't teeter like the rest. Orihime couldn't help but allow the butterflies to wiggle through her belly. She was nervous, not just about the ice, but also about Ichigo. Her cheeks went a deeper, pretty pink.

"H-Hai!" She answered.

"Good. We don't want you slipping on them if they come untied." Holding out his hand, he watched with small amusement as her large, silver eyes went wider before darting down to his outstretched limb. She could feel the uncertainty flash inside her before she hesitantly raised her hand and slipped her fingers onto his palm.

He felt that familiar warmth surge into his stomach, and gently closed his hand around hers. It seemed his heart wouldn't stop beating so fast, no matter how much he wanted it to. Helping her stand carefully, her knees wobbled, and he gripped her elbow on her opposite arm, holding her up.

He helped her onto the ice, and she grasped the railing in one small hand. As he stepped onto the ice, he allowed his instincts to kick into place. He was used to be confident in his movement – being in battles most of his time did that to you – and he was always sure of himself when it came to something physical. Orihime seemed to be the exact opposite, he realized, as she stepped onto the ice fully, and kept a tight grip on his hand.

"K-Kurosaki-kun, you don't have to wait for me…you can go around, if you want?" She offered, keeping her gaze on her shaking legs and unsteady feet.

Ichigo chuckled, and tightened his grasp on her hand, "I'd rather stay here. I promise I would, didn't I?"

Orihime blinked, snapping her eyes to his, "You'll help me?"

"I'll always help you," he said, and she heard the promise in his words.

"U-Un," She nodded, and smiled again, nearly blinding him with the beauty. She stepped forward once more, and she slid naturally against the ice. She was glad, for she wanted to be closer to him. She felt her heart beat faster at the fluid feeling. She watched as Ichigo moved back a bit, and he moved easily, lithely against the ice, "Ne, Kurosaki-kun, you're really good at this…"

He blinked at this, "I am?"

"Hai! You haven't fallen, and you're skating backwards."

Ichigo glanced at his feet, and shrugged, "I guess I am."

"W-Won't you teach me sometime? I-If it isn't too much of a bother and I don't want to mess with your schedu—"

Holding up a hand, he cut her off, "How many times do I have to tell you? I'll be here, Inoue."

Flushing a bit more, she bit her bottom lip and averted her nervous gaze down to her skates, "I-I know…A-Ah! Kurosaki-kun, look! I'm skating!"

He smiled a bit as her face lit up happily, and she smiled in excitement, "Yeah. You are. Do you want to let go of the rail?"

Orihime blinked, and looked towards her outstretched limb, as if she had forgotten, "U-Un!" Releasing the steel, she held her arm out to balance herself, and kept her other hand firmly clasped with Ichigo's.

As her knees wobbled once again, Ichigo said, "Don't worry. I've got you."

"Y-You won't let go?" Her eyes slightly panicked as they glanced up into his.

"No," he shook his head as she tightened her grip, squeezing his bare palm tightly. After a few minutes, she finally breathed,

"I think I-I can…do it now, Kurosaki-kun," she said, but kept her eyes on her skates, her eyebrows merged in concentration.

Carefully, he gently released his hand, and instantly missed the warmth, and delicacy of hers. He watched as she held herself up, her arms outstretched, and Ichigo braced himself for her stumble. She didn't disappoint, for she staggered, and flailed, crying out sharply. Ichigo, of course, caught her in time, and grasped both her hands in his.

"Hah…" Orihime breathed, and then giggled, breathless, "I thought I was going to die, but Kurosaki-kun saved me. Arigato."

"Of course I saved you," he sighed, shaking his head, "You should've stayed with me. If you hold my hand, I promise I won't let you fall."

Orihime's eyes widened, "H-Hai."

And she tightened her grip around his hands.

"…That was fun," Chad commented after a few seconds of silence.

"Un," Eriko nodded happily from his shoulders before slanting a glare to Kyoko, "It was, and it would've been better if this idiot would stop falling all the time. I told him not to come if he couldn't skate."

Kyoko glared right back at the petite woman, "I'm the one suggested that we go! What kind of host would I be if I didn't go, Eriko?"

"A good one!" She bit back.

"Why you…!"

Ichigo watched his friends from a few yards away.

"What an unruly bunch." Sho commented in monotone, also watching.

"Not really," Ichigo defended his friends, "Those two just argue, and Chad lets it happen most of the time. It's nothing."

"I'm ready!" exclaimed Orihime as she hurried over to the two tall man.

Sho's hard eyes softened, "Do you have everything?"

Orihime looked down at her jacket folded over her arm, and cell phone in the pocket before nodding, "Un!"

"Good." Looking towards the sky, Sho took in the darkness. The crescent moon was looming over their heads, and the stars were bright and easy to catch with the naked eye. "Aiko is coming to live in this town in the next day or so. It's past eight. We should be going."

"H-Hai," Turning towards Ichigo, she smiled a nervous, pretty smile, "T-Thank you for today, Kurosaki-kun…I-I had a lot of fun."

"Me, too," he stared down at her pretty face. She looked happy, and he had been thriving to see that expression on her face for years now. He didn't know everything about Inoue, but he was glad that she enjoyed the little things, even if it was just spending an early evening together. He hated to see it end, especially when he was used to seeing her next to him now, or watching her stormy eyes widen, or feeling her small hand in his big one.

He began to fall in love with her all over again.

Her smile widened, "I'm glad."

As she said goodbye to his friends – waving her arms over her head frantically, as if she were drowning – and turned to him with a bright smile, also bidding him a farewell, he felt his heart rise up to his throat. It was almost too surreal to be with her, as cheesy as it might've sounded, since he was such a hard person to get through. Orihime, it seemed, could break through him in anyway.

And she turned away, her hair flying behind her, and draping down her back. As Sho and her walked away, he watched her closely. One more time, she turned and yelled, "Bye-bye-Kurosaki-kuuun~!"

He waved in return, and they vanished around the corner.

His heart dropped.

Ring, ring.

Something was annoying his sleep.

Ring, ring.

Ichigo turned over in his bed, and groaned softly.

Ring, ring.

Whatever it was, it was truly pissing him off.

"OI! ICHIGO! I KNOW YOU HEAR THAT!"

Instantly, his eyes snapped open. He knew that voice. Whipping his head around, his weary eyes searched the dark, until he felt something hit him in the jaw. He caught the flailing arm, and tugged, and heard the rip.

Ring, ring.

"Dammit, Kon! What the hell are you doing here?" Ichigo shouted.

The plush toy glared up at him, "You're old man brought me here! NOW GET UP! I was trying to get some sleep and your damn—" He grabbed the toy by its head and threw Kon against the wall, a loud, satisfying crunching noise echoing in his small room and ears. Sighing, he scratched his head as Kon hit the floor with a pained groan.

Ring, ring.

"Oh, yeah," Ichigo recalled, and grasped the phone from his bedside table. Flipping it open without reading the screen, he replied, "Moshimoshi?"

There was a light gasp, and Ichigo felt his eyebrows furrow.

"K-Kurosaki-kun?"

Ichigo's back went ramrod, "Inoue. What is it?"

There was a short pause, and he heard muttering in the background, many voices.

"Are you hurt?" He asked, his heart tripling in speed, and he dug into his drawer for his Combat Pass. Screw the rules. Tonight, she might see him as a Shinigami. When he came up with the badge, she quickly said,

"N-No! I'm fine! Sho-kun and I just got back home, actually. It was a pretty long walk. D-Did I wake you, Kurosaki-kun?"

"No," he lied instantly, but regretted it. She didn't need to know, and she would probably worry, ramble, and then hang up for being such a nuisance before he could get a word in. "Tell what's wrong, Inoue."

He could tell she was hesitating, but answered shortly after, "Y-You…You said you would come running, ne, Kurosaki-kun?"

"Always," he vowed strongly, stepping up from his bed.

"W-Well, don't run, because I don't want you to get tired or hurt yourself. And plus, the little blue men might—"

"Inoue," he cut her off, "What's wrong?"

"You see, someone…broke into my home."

Hope you liked it. I don't usually like to make cliffhangers, and I don't really think this is one, but it's important in the story. Well, we now know Ichigo is going on his rampage, and there's no telling what he might do. Just a little hint, it wasn't a human who broke into Orihime's home.

Oh, and before I forget, I got the ice skating part from the episode, and manga, Thank You, I always loved that episode, and it made me cry when Rukia vanished. But since I'm Ichihime permanently, I had to write Orihime instead, no matter how much I love Rukia's personality. But I have to love Orihime more.

Review for me, please.

-Star