Ichigo sighed in frustration; major issues always seemed to spring up out of nowhere, whenever something good happened for him. But that was his life was since he'd become a Soul Reaper. It was something he had learned that he'd have to deal with. But he didn't think that something that was a direct threat to Chad and Orihime. He knew that he had to stop it. Not by himself; that couldn't be done. Every time he tried to do something by himself, it never turned out the way he wanted and he usually ended up in a really bad position. He had to go tell his dad as soon as possible, but he couldn't leave Orihime alone. Not that he ever intended to do that, but what was he going to do about nighttime, when he couldn't be here to make sure that she was safe? Who was going to keep Chad safe? He had to discuss this with his dad, and with Renji once he got the chance. He stood up and turned to face Orihime.
"I need to go talk to my dad. Come with me? I can't let you stay alone." Ichigo said.
Orihime nodded. "Of course." She got up.
They walked outside, heading for Ichigo's house. Ichigo walked with his hands in his pockets, and Orihime just had her arms folded, for no particular reason. They were walking in silence, there wasn't much for either one of them to say. Ichigo had a look of frustration on his face as he walked, Orihime strangely enough looked at peace with the world. It was as if nothing was wrong, or nothing bad was happening. Ichigo didn't understand how she managed to do that. He couldn't figure out how she managed to be so happy or peaceful all the time in a bad situation. He couldn't even see much of a bright side to this at the moment, but then again he usually never could.
Orihime didn't feel alarmed, despite being in danger of Hollow's attacking her. It was really weird, she thought that maybe she would be scared, or sad, but instead she was feeling like her normal self. She was enjoying being in Ichigo's presence, which probably explained why she just couldn't feel scared. She knew he would protect her, and find a way with Chad, and that was probably why she just felt so peaceful and relaxed. There wasn't a lot that could shake her out of this mood, while she was with Ichigo.
They reached Ichigo's house after about ten minutes of silent walking. The silence was a comfortable silence, one that was very rare, but it did occur. Ichigo looked inside, to make sure his family was home, then gestured at Orihime to come inside. She hesitated; she had never met his family before, but then went inside. It was a tidy house, the living room off to the side was a little messier, with magazines on the couch and floor but the kitchen and dining room were tidier. It seemed Ichigo's sister's were nowhere in sight, but Ichigo's dad was in the kitchen, talking to someone on the phone. Orihime stood near the door, while Ichigo approached his dad. His dad hung the phone up quickly, and then they began talking, while Orihime was just standing there. This did involve her, but she didn't feel like being involved in the conversation. Ichigo gestured at her several times while talking then looked at her.
"You can sit down if you want." He said.
"Okay." She smiled.
Ichigo turned back to his dad while Orihime went and sat down on the fairly worn, but still nice looking, couch. She stared at the window, watching the trees sway in the wind, some of the leaves actually being blown off. The trees were still a healthy green, but some of them were starting the process of losing leaves, as it got closer to fall. Orihime wasn't sure why she was thinking about this, but it was either that, or dwell on the current situation. So she kept thinking about trees. She liked it when the leaves were red and orange, especially a blend of the shades. Once the leaves were gone, leaving the trees barren, she didn't like that because the trees then lost their beauty. She kept staring out the window, thinking about trees, when she felt someone touch her and she jumped.
"What were you thinking so deeply about?" Ichigo said.
Orihime looked up at him. "Trees."
He raised an eyebrow. "Trees?"
"Yes, trees."
He snorted. "Okay then." He turned so she could see Ichigo's dad. "This is my dad Isshin. Dad, this Orihime. The girl I was telling you about."
Isshin had this stupid grin on his face but he just waved. Ichigo saw that and scowled at him, making a gesture at him to go away. He sighed and disappeared back into the kitchen. He then turned to look at Orihime.
"We still have to figure out what to do about keeping an eye on Chad but, what we have decided, is that you'll just keep staying at your house, and there's probably going to be somebody watching your apartment at night. It won't always be me, but I'll talk to Rukia, and possibly Renji, see who's up to doing what, and until this situation is settled you and Chad will have a Soul Reaper keeping an eye out for you at all times." Ichigo was dead serious when he said this.
Orihime nodded. "I see."
"Alright." He checked the time. "If you want, you can stay here for dinner if you'd like."
Orihime realized that she had never bothered to eat lunch. So she was really hungry. "Sure, thank you." She said, smiling.
Ichigo nodded. "Let me go talk to my dad. See when my sister's are going to get home."
She nodded and he disappeared into the kitchen. Orihime had seen Ichigo's sister's around before, but she never really had a chance to meet them. She wasn't sure if she was nervous, or excited. She was meeting them just due to odd circumstances, but she still didn't know how she was feeling. His dad was a little strange, but she found that to be something she liked. Orihime didn't know what his sister's were like, and she would probably find out, if she met them tonight.
Ichigo was annoyed at his dad. He already knew what he'd say to letting Orihime stay for dinner, and he was overreacting, as he expected. He was still annoyed though. At least Karin will have more of a normal person reaction once her and Yuzu got back. But, according to his dad, they should've been home around the same time him and Orihime got here. So, where were they? His dad was more worried than normal as well, now that he was aware of the Hollow situation. Ichigo was about ready to go look for them, worried that something had happened, when the front door banged open, and both girls came in, and they both looked exhausted. They both saw Orihime, waved, then went upstairs, apparently they both had been running home and were tired. This irritated Ichigo. What made them run home?
He went to the front door and looked out. He sensed something…off but it wasn't anywhere near his house. He closed his eyes and concentrated, trying to locate exactly where it was, and after a minute he finally figured it out. It was inbetween Chad, and Orihime's places. And there was a concentration of them. He hissed angrily and just about ran outside, when he picked up on Rukia and Renji's reitsu. He stayed in the door. What was he supposed to do, go help them, or stay with Orihime? He guessed the latter, so he slowly closed the door. They would probably take care of it, so he had no need to worry much about it. He slowly closed the door, took in a deep breath, then went and sat next to Orihime, who was frowning. He knew she was picking up on it too, but he didn't know how strongly. He watched her face for a moment, then saw horror alight in her eyes.
"They're…going to my apartment. They don't know I'm not there." She whispered.
"It's a good thing that you're here then." He said.
"They split up…making it difficult…" She frowned. "I can't really tell."
Ichigo sighed and shook his head. "Don't worry about it."
"I mean, I can't find Chad's reitsu anywhere."
Ichigo went rigid, and his body filled with ice. Was Chad captured…? He didn't know, but he was going to have to do something, and fast.
