Ok I've decided to delete my other stories so I can focus on this for now so if you're looking for 'I could've saved her' it won't be there but I shall continue it when I get nearer the end of this story so no threats! :D
"So when did you get back? What happened whilst you were there? Did you say hi to Rangiku for me? How's Rukia doing? Is the food in Sereitei any good? What are the sunsets like there?"
"Orihime stop!" Laughed Ichigo putting a hand on her shoulder "Breathe, if you don't they'll probably blame me for your death, making you ask so many questions" He joked. The group had been making their way to the local coffee shop, along the travels Inoue had be interrogating him on his where abouts and such. No matter how much he kept saying 'I'll tell you when we get there' she would continue to ask questions.
"But I want to know now Ichii!" Squealed Orihime clenching her fists and stamping on the floor.
"But why I mean we're, like, a few seconds away from the shop"
"But!... wait, we are?" Her face looked blank for a second "Ok then!" she beamed. Like Ichigo had said it only took them a few seconds to reach their desired destination. The shop was small and it didn't grab too much attention unless on weekends when it would take an hour just to grab a napkin. The shop looked like an average cafe, nice sign on the top, pleasant touches like potted plants scattered the insides. A couple of plants dangled from the sign above giving a homely feel to the place.
Opening the door released a burst of sweet smells of cakes and various types of tea. A few bustling noises emitted from different areas of the room. They all filed in through the small doorway, Ichigo being the last to enter. They followed the waiter over to a big table and sat down. Keigo and Inoue argued over who sat next to Ichigo whilst Uryuu pulled out a seat for Tatsuki. Smiling at the scene, Ichigo asked who wanted what and stalked over to the cashier to order.
"Hello and welcome to the tea house, may I take your order?" perked a friendly waiter.
"Hi, can I have four teas and two hot chocolates?" Ichigos mind was elsewhere and he had forgotten everything his friends had ordered.
"Chocolate Supreme or just plain chocolate?" Asked the cashier whilst typing something into the till.
"Hmm I'll have whatever you recommend" replied a very distracted Ichigo.
"Coming up sir, we'll bring them to your table when they're ready" the cashier smiled at him and he nodded in return. His concentration drifted again as he stood at the desk for a few moments after.
"Um sir, hello?" The cashiers' voice woke him out of his trance and he flustered slightly rubbing the back of his head.
"S...sorry my mind was wondering" He said after bowing in apology to the waiter who only laughed a little.
Ichigo turned around and watched his friends with a slight smile on his face. Sado was sitting quietly on the side with Mizuiro talking about how stupid Keigo was. Unfortunately Keigo didn't take too lightly on this and started protesting, loudly only to fall backwards off his chair. The group burst into laughter making Ichigo laugh to.
He'd missed things like that, things that made him laugh. He'd missed his friends. There was one thing that kept him together throughout the tough times and that was the love he had for his friends.
"Hey Ichigo, are you coming over?" Orihime exclaimed as she waved at him
"Yeah I'm coming" He beamed back. Grabbing a chair and sitting down (next to Keigo which upset Orihime greatly) he started explaining where he'd been and what had happened. After a while it was clear why Ichigo didn't want to talk about it in school.
"Oh no! Poor Kuchiki-san!" yelled Inoue in shock and horror
"I agree, I hope she awakens soon" expressed a worried Ishida
"Yeah, I hope she does too" Said a rather emotional Chad. Ichigo remained silent looking into the cup of hot chocolate which had been delivered whilst he'd explained Rukia's condition. Keigo had surprisingly understood when to speak up and when to stop his mischief. Mizuiro had also kept quiet during Ichigos explanation only moving to comfort Ichigo a little, placing a hand on his shoulder. The whole group didn't know what to say or do.
"Here's your bill, guys" The chirpy cashier placed down a plate with the receipt on top breaking the awkward silence. Everyone in the group was relieved when she came over, rendering someone the job of grabbing the full attention of everyone in the group.
"Oh I'll get this guys" Ichigo said pulling out his wallet
"No let me, my treat" Keigo said putting a hand on Ichigos wallet.
"No I owe you guys for being away so long, let this be a little repayment say" Ichigo said smiling slightly. He pulled out some money and placed it on the plate making sure there was enough for a tip. Standing up he took the plate to the till and paid the check. Making his way back to meet the others, he felt the usual beeper go off inside his pocket.
Surprisingly it wasn't coming from his Hollow tablet, but from his mobile. Flipping it open he could see a little brown envelope on the top right hand corner of his screen.. Remembering the squad four nurses promise he felt his heart drop and his mind blank as he braced himself for the worst. Clicking open his inbox he saw '1 new message' Oh man please, please let Rukia be alright, don't let her have stirred or awaken. Please let nothing bad happen to her and please don't let her awaken, not without me...
'Hi Ichigo, heard you were back in town, we need a chat
Regards
Urahara'
What?... What?, Ichigo felt like throwing the phone to the floor and stamping on it a thousand times.
