Angelchan2012: Okay, so this is…um…what story is it guys?
Grimm: Uh…I don't know *shrugs*
Shiro: It's All's Fair In Love and War! Chapter 7!
Angelchan2012: Oh, thanks Shiro!
Ichi: So it's our story *smirks while holding Angel*
Angelchan2012: Ichi~! *blushes* just say the phrase so we can continue the story!
Ichi: Fine. Please read and review! Angel doesn't own Bleach or its characters!
Angelchan2012: Thank you!
Shiro: *grins* Ichi's being a major pervert!
Grimm: Go Ichi!
Aika was lying in her bed, asleep, tossing and turning. She was dreaming, and unfortunately, having a nightmare. Not just any nightmare though. It was one of those dreams again, and this time, she was going to be able to remember it. Especially because of what was happening with her lately.
-Begin Dream/Flashback-
Aika was back at the Bankai Adoption Center, sitting under the big sakura tree. "Face it Aika, you'll never be adopted!" Kaien laughed, other kids laughing with him and pointing their fingers at her. Some laughed and others threw things at her, then they began to chant, "You'll never be loved, you'll never be loved, you'll never be loved…" All Aika could do was sit there and look down, tears threatening to fall as she whimpered, "Stop…please, stop…just leave me alone…"
Then she was older, and in Japan. She saw two figures, both of whom she knew. Grimmjow and Ichigo. They were facing her and each held a hand out, silently telling her to choose one of them. Who could she choose? She couldn't hurt the people she cared for… "Grimmjow…Ichigo…" she whispered. They dropped their hands and turned their backs to her, and as she started to run after them, it was as if the world around her started to crumble.
Suddenly she was falling into a dark and endless pit…
-End Dream/Flashback-
The brunette woke with a jolt, sitting bolt upright, eyes wide and a cold sweat on her face, her breathing labored, as though she had just finished running a marathon. When she looked out her window she saw that it was still dark out. I guess the sun won't come up for a few more minutes or so… She got up and grabbed some clothes, tip-toeing to the bathroom and taking a quick shower, then changing and putting on her shoes, she dashed to the park and finding the biggest sakura tree she could, she hid under the looming branches of it and sat under it. With her knees pulled to her chest and her head on her knees, she tried to think, but couldn't, instead letting the tears that so badly wanted to fall cascade down her face. "What am I gonna do?" she whispered, I don't know what to do! I'm so confused and…and…I need help…
"I figured ya'd be here," a familiar voice said, causing Aika to look up with a tear stained face. Gin was looking down at her, blood red eyes filled with concern, "Ya shouldn't be out here so early, 'specially if ya don't tell yer old man where yer goin'." He held a hand out to the brunette and lifted her up, saying, "I knew ya'd be 'ere, ya always come somewhere where there's flowers like this ta think…" Aika looked up at him and smiled, sniffling and said, "Y-yeah…but, how did you know that I was in trouble? Especially so early in the morning?" "Aika, you've been havin' problems ever since we moved," the silver haired male laughed, "I think I'd know when yer in trouble, besides…I heard ya talkin' in yer sleep again…." Brown eyes widen in shock as the girl said, "I did? W-what did I say?" "Well, first, let's get ya home and we'll talk about it there, 'kay?" Gin said, holding onto his daughter as she nodded and they began walking back home.
When they got home, they sat in the living room as Gin brought them both some tea. He looked at his daughter, who was waiting for him to explain what he said earlier, and said, "I heard ya earlier, talking in yer sleep again…." Aika sighed and said, "You said that already, what I wanna know is what I said?" The silver haired male looked at the girl and said, "At first it seemed like a nightmare about yer past again, ya kept sayin' 'stop…leave me alone…' and I was gonna wake ya up until I heard ya say somethin' else…" Aika looked at her father with worry on her face as she asked, "What did I say?" Gin said, "Ya said yer friends' names, Aika…" The brunette stared at her father wide eyed before asking, "What do you suppose that means?" Gin sighed and said, "I don't really know, but I'm sure whatever happened in yer dream, ya might already know wha yer supposed ta do…" Aika sighed and nodded, I already know then…I just don't wanna make a decision like that though…to hurt my friends would be like killing someone you love…I don't want to do that to them…Ichigo…Grimmjow…
Ichigo woke up around nine in the morning, wanting to get ready for the 'date' with Aika today. Even though goat face hadn't awoken him with one of his stupid, 'surprise attacks of love' he still woke up early! Though the berry was glad that the old man wasn't home; apparently Isshin had decided to take Yuzu and Karin out on a 'Father Daughter Bonding Day' and would be gone the whole day. Ichigo yawned and stretched his arms over his head, then threw his legs over the bed and walked across the hall and into the bathroom. From there he took a nice, hot shower, letting the water cascade over his body as he washed himself. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his midsection, then walked back into his brother and his room, trying to find some suitable clothes for the day.
In the end, the red head found an outfit that he thought was perfect. He dawned a white collared undershirt, with a deep V-neck grey sweater, accompanied with a grey colored scarf-since it was still cold outside-and decided to wear bright red jeans and a red and black checkered jacket with a black fur lined side. He then wore grey converse to complete the look. When he heard chuckling behind him, he all but jumped right out of his skin. Turning around, he found his brother Shiro lying on his belly on his bed. "Well well well, looks like King is tryin' pretty hard ta impress a certain someone~!" the albino said in a sing-song voice. Ichigo scowled and glared at his brother, the blush on his face weakening the effect of the glare. The berry then said, "I'm not trying to impress anyone! I'm just getting ready to take Aika out-" "On a date!" the albino finished, snickering when the elder twin glared at him and threw a pillow at his face, hitting the ivory teen dead on. "NO! Not a date," the red head corrected, "I'm just taking her to the amusement park, and then…if she wants we might go someplace else…" Shiro laughed at the blush his brother wore and said, "Ya so want this ta be a date King! Just go wit it!" "Oh my god…Shut. Up. Shiro!" Ichigo shouted, his face as red as his namesake.
He then grabbed his cell phone, wallet, and keys and walked out of the room, proceeding to leave the house. Shiro followed behind and stopped in the living room, saying, "Be sure ta say 'Hi' ta Aika fer me, ne? And good luck on yer date King!" Just as the berry slammed the door shut he could hear the insistent cackling of his twin brother and shook his head. Stupid Shiro…but he is right, this is a date, somewhat…but I want this to be a day of fun and relaxation, no pressure or anything like that…I want Aika to see the fun side of me and that's all… Ichigo smiled at the thought of the brunette and started walking towards the girl's house, wanting to get to the amusement park and have fun.
Grimmjow groaned as he rolled over on his bed, he looked over at his clock to see blue digital numbers reading 9:06am. "Damn," he grumbled, rubbing a hand over his face, "it's too fuckin' early to be up…" He shifted in his covers and tried to find a comfortable spot again, letting his mind slip back into unconsciousness and dreamland. That is, until he remembered something that had happened a few days ago. When a certain Strawberry asked Aika something…
-Begin Flashback!-
"I was wondering…do you wanna come with me to the amusement park on Sunday? It'll be fun." "Sure Ichi! I'd love to go with you!"
-End Flashback!-
Once that came to his mind, Grimmjow bolted upright on his bed and grabbed his cellphone to check today's date. Today's Sunday, he thought, growling to himself, how could I be so stupid! Today's the day Berry-boy and Aika go out on their little 'date'! Damn him! The blunette grabbed a pair of black boxers, green faded jeans and a navy blue shirt, taking them into the bathroom and deciding on a quick shower, he cleaned himself off and dawned the clothing. He tried to stay as quiet as possible, not wanting to wake Nel, but when she came to his mind he remembered the promise he made her about meeting the girl she had met.
"Damn…" he whispered, flopping down on the couch and sighing, only to hear soft footsteps coming towards him. "Oh, you're up!" Nel said happily, smiling at her brother, only to see the defeated look on his face. She pouted and said, "What's wrong?" He turned on the TV and said, "Oh, nothing's wrong, I just remembered that I had homework over the break and forgot to bring it with me. That's all." Nel laughed and said, "Silly Grimmy! I told you to keep track of everything before we left!" with that said, she turned and walked back to her room, thinking, he's lying, otherwise he wouldn't be dressed to go somewhere…and the only place he would go is to Aika-chan's place, so what does she have planned for today? Grimmjow also promised me that he would go and meet Kiria-chan, unless…she gasped as she realized the reason for her brother's state.
Poor Grimmjow…
Aika was busy trying to figure out what to wear and looking through everything she had. "Gah! I've got nothing to wear!" she shouted, throwing clothes all around her room. Pants, skirts, shorts, blouses, and t-shirts littered floor and walls, how? I'm not too sure… Then Gin walked in, only to be hit in the face by a pink blouse. "Uh…sweetie, why don't ya let me help, ne?" the silver haired male suggested, removing the clothing from his face, revealing red gems and a sly grin. The brunette smiled at him and said, "Sure, besides, I've already got the pants, I just need the shirt." The girl had already washed up and was just wearing her pajamas, but her bed had a pair of skin tight, washed blue jeans with neon paint splatter, and for shoes, she would wear rainbow checkered converse. Her father looked at the pants and shoes, then the closet for shirts-or what was left of them so far-then said, "How about this one?" pulling out a purple V-neck shirt that was a light violet color on the top that faded into a deep purple towards the waist. Aika gasped and said, "That's perfect! Thanks dad!" She hugged her father and said, "Now get out, I still gotta change and clean up this mess before Ichi gets here!"
Gin chuckled as he left the room, thinking, my daughter's goin' out on her first date…how cute…
After she finished getting dressed, cleaning her room, and doing her hair, Aika walked out of her room with the outfit on and said to her dad, "Well…how do I look?" Gin smiled, hugged her and said, "Ya look adorable Aika." She squirmed out of his grip and whined, saying, "Dad~! I'm not supposed to look adorable! I'm sixteen for kami's sake!" The elder male snickered and sighed before saying, "I know…it's just tha, yer my baby girl…and I never want ya ta grow up, because ta me, you'll always be my baby girl in my eyes-even if they're closed most of the time," Aika couldn't help but laugh at the last comment. She then made sure that she had everything, including her wallet, keys and cell phone. "Well, now all I have to do is wait," the girl said, making sure to grab her black sweater, deciding to leave it open.
When the knock on the door sounded, Gin answered it, due to Aika in her room, making some last minute adjustments to her outfit, as well as looking at her old yearbook from Texas. "Oh, hey Ichi!" the silver haired male said, smiling. "Hello Ichimaru-san, is Aika home?" Ichigo asked, smiling softly. "Of course she is, c'mon in, and I'll go get her, and Ichi, ya don't hafta call me by my last name, just call me Gin!" the elder male said, walking inside. "Aika, Ichi's-" Gin started, only to be interrupted with, "I know, I heard him!" When the brunette walked into the living room and saw her friend, she smiled at him and said, "Are ya ready Ichi?" Ichigo smiled back at her and said, "Yup let's go." Aika then waved goodbye to her dad and the two were on their way.
Ichigo saw how his friend had her hair and was surprised, she straightened it this time! It looks nice…her hair looks longer than it is when it's in a flair… He decided to voice his thoughts by saying, "Your hair looks good Aika," She smiled at him and said, "Really? Thanks! I decided to do something different with it, I'm glad you like it." The berry looked at her outfit and couldn't help but blush at the thoughts that floated into his mind, no! I shouldn't think that way! Especially about Aika! Bad Ichigo! Bad! When Aika noticed the look on her friend's face she said, "Are you okay Ichi? You look a little flushed…" He shook his head and said, "N-no, I'm fine, I'm fine. Oh look! The amusement park's right over there!"
When they got to the amusement park, Aika looked around in awe. "Whoa!" she breathed, her eyes wide, "This place is so huge!" Ichigo smiled at her enthusiasm and said, "Yeah, my dad tries to take me and my sisters here from time to time, so I thought 'why not bring one of my friends?'" She looked at him and smiled, "Aww, that's so sweet Ichi! Oh, I don't think I've ever met your family…well, besides your brother anyway." He scratched the back of his head and chuckled nervously, "Well, I don't know if you'd wanna meet my old man, he's really just a crazy old goat, but my sisters are sweet. Hey, why don't we go on some rides or something?" She nodded and followed after him, since she didn't really know her way around the place anyway.
Once they went on several rides, including the 'Tunnel of Love', Aika insisted on it-she found it cute, so what?, they rested on a bench and were sipping on soda, deciding what to do next. They went on a few more rides, and getting off of one ride, Aika saw a little game booth. "Aww, look Ichi! How cute!" the girl squealed, pointing to a little stuffed bunny with beady black eyes and pink fur. "Oh that," the berry sighed, "Rukia's really into that character," "Rukia? Oh, the girl in our Physics class?" "Yeah," Ichigo said, running a tan hand through orange tresses, "It's Chappy the Bunny from the show, and Rukia is apparently in love with that stupid rabbit…poor child…" Aika giggled at the comment, the looked back at the booth and said, "Well, I think we should play this game and try and win one of these plushies, even if it's not Chappy the Bunny. What do you say?" Ichigo shrugged and agreed, then said, "Sure, I guess I'll play."
The red head walked up to the man running the booth and handed him the money to play. All he had to do was knock over three stacks of bottles and he'd win any plushy of his choice. If he knocked over one of the three, he would get nothing, two out of three, a small plush, and all three, any plushy of any size of his-or Aika's- choice! Seems fair, he thought, and then smirked, piece of cake. Aika's gonna love what I get her! The orangette grabbed a baseball and tested it in his hand, tossing it in between his hands, then threw it at the bottles, knocking the stack over. "Good job, kid!" the man smiled, "Only two more stacks to go!" He scowled and grabbed another ball, muttering, "Don't call me a kid." He then threw the object, successfully knocking over the second stack of bottles, causing the man's eyes to widen. He forced a smile and said, "Amazing! Only one more stack and you'll get a prize of your choice!" When he handed Ichigo the final ball, he had a knowing look that said, 'I know you're not gonna make it.'
Luckily, Ichi knew how these games worked; they made it so were the player threw the ball at the same level for every stack, thinking that the bottles would fall each time. The player would never think that the owner would fill the last stack of bottles with small rocks, making the bottles heavier, thus harder to fall! The berry took the ball from the man and smiled back at the guy, then looked at the bottles and took aim. He threw the ball harder than last time and knocked the bottles over, even shattered one, revealing the rocks hidden inside! Both Aika and the salesman held the same shocked expression on their faces, while Ichigo had a smug look on his. "I'll take that panther," the orangette said, pointing to a beautiful black panther plushy, with brown eyes. The man grabbed the toy and gave it to him, then walked off to clean up the broken glass. He smirked and looked at the plushy, then over to Aika.
He walked over to the girl and scratched the back of his head nervously, "Umm…here you go Aika," She looked at him curiously before taking the panther and saying, "Really Ichi?" He nodded and looked at the brunette, who had a sincere smile on her face while she hugged him and said, "Thanks Ichi," causing several onlookers to squeal and smile at the gesture, making the berry's face as red as his namesake. She giggled and hugged the plushy, "Aww, it's so cute~!" she cooed, hugging it again, the grabbed Ichigo's hand and said, "C'mon Ichi, let's go see what other games there are!"
Ichigo smiled and let the girl lead the way. He didn't want to let this moment pass.
After spending the entire day at the amusement park, Ichigo asked Aika if she wanted to come over to his house, to which she agreed. They stopped just outside the front door, causing the girl to tilt her head to the side in curiosity. "Ichi, why are we waiting out-" she started, before suddenly, Ichigo pushed her to the side, due to a huge blur of what looked like a person flying by. "ICHIGO, MY SON! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" a loud voice boomed. Ichigo sighed and stomped out to the yard, where he started shouting at a man with black hair, which was now gaining white streaks, and a scruffy sort-of goatee, at least, to Aika that's what it looked like. He also had brown eyes and wore brown slacks and a white t-shirt with brown shoes. "You stupid old goat face! What kind of old man attacks his son?" Ichigo shouted, stepping on the man's face, "Especially when he has friends over! Stupid jack ass!"
Oh I get it, the brunette thought, that's Ichigo's dad. Just then, the berry walked up to the brunette and said, "C'mon inside Aika, and we'll listen to music or some-" "So this is Aika-chan!" Ichigo's father boomed, stepping in front of them, causing an angry tick to form on the red head's forehead. "Yes, dad, this is Aika Ichimaru, now if you don't move, I'm gonna kick your ass!" the orangette seethed. Aika just smiled nervously and said, "Hello, Kurosaki-san." Ichigo's father moved but said, "Please Aika, call me Isshin, or father if you'd like!" Ichigo rolled his chocolate brown eyes and led the girl into the house. She looked around, like a cat, taking it its new surroundings, causing Ichigo to smile at her actions. When she walked into the living room, the berry followed right behind her, but quietly, wanting to see what she would do. She stopped right before the huge poster of Misaki, taking in the picture before her. Ichigo stepped up behind her, wondering what she was thinking.
"She's beautiful," Aika said, "she looks really kind, and happy…like a very warm hearted person." The red head smiled softly and said, "It's really nice to hear you say that…because that portrait is a dedication to my mother." The brunette turned around, a look of surprise on her face, "Really? I had a feeling, since the hair color, but…I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up any sad memories or anything…" Ichigo just chuckled and said, "No, it's fine, all the memories I have of her are great ones, and the way you described her couldn't be any more perfect." Aika smiled softly at that comment, before Isshin walked in and said, "I see you've met Misaki," The two teens looked at him and nodded, before the elder said, "Aika, how would you like to meet the rest of the Kurosaki family by joining us for dinner?" Aika looked at Isshin for a moment before looking at Ichigo, then back at the elder and saying, "Um…it's alright, but, I-I wouldn't want to impose…thanks anyway though," Isshin smiled and said, "Nonsense! Stay with us, I insist!" The girl had a scared, haunted look in her eyes but held a smile on her face as she said, "S-sure…thanks, Kurosaki-san..."
Ichigo-worried about Aika-took her hand and said, "Dad, Aika and I are gonna be in my room, listening to music and stuff, call us when dinner's ready okay?" Isshin nodded and walked off, leaving the teens to themselves. The red head led the girl upstairs and to a room where she assumed was the twins' bedroom. Very neat in here, she thought, looking around, Ichi and Shiro must like things tidy. Ichigo sighed and took a seat on a chair, saying, "You can sit on the bed if you want, Shiro's probably in the kitchen or something." Aika nodded and sat on the edge of, what she guessed was Ichi's bed. "So…" the berry said, "what was that? Downstairs, you looked kinda freaked out? What happened?" Oh no, the brunette thought, now he's gonna think I'm a freak! I'm sure he's gonna want me to leave! "N-nothing," the girl answered-lied, looking anywhere but towards those tea colored eyes. "Bullshit," Ichigo said, "what happened Aika? You looked like you were ready to leave and that scared me. I was worried about you." Hearing that, the brunette couldn't help but look at her friend, seeing the worry and concern in his eyes. She sighed and said, "I…I just didn't know if I was…ready…to meet your family, ya know? I guess I'm just nervous. What if they don't like me?" Ichigo looked at her and smiled, "Of course they'll like you Aika! Shiro likes you, my dad likes you, and I like you! I'm sure my sisters will like you too, so you have nothing to worry about! Okay?"
Aika smiled at him and nodded, "Okay, Ichi." He then pulled her into a tight embrace, both of them wearing smiles on their faces.
Angelchan2012: Okay, sorry for not updating in like, forevers~!
Grimm: I know! I'm starting to get pissed here!
Shiro: Me too!
Angelchan2012: I'm sorry, it's just that I've got school, and tests and Military Ball coming up-
Ichi: Wait, wait, wait! Go back, Military Ball?
Angelchan2012: Yeah, I have to go to that this Friday! Woo Woo!
Grimm: What's Military Ball?
Angelchan2012: OMG! You idiots don't know what Military Ball is? WTF is wrong wit ya'll!
Shiro: Excuse us fer not being wit ya all the damn time!
Angelchan2012: lol it's okay, I'll tell ya what it is! Military Ball is a very formal event for cadets in my schools JROTC program that occurs once every year! It's kinda like prom, but for JROTC only! HAH! Fuck you preps! XP lol jk jk people outside of the program can go too, but they gotta pay 20 bucks fer their tickets *snickers* I get mine fer FREE! And we gotta dress up all perty and shit and we get to dance and have fun and we might get awards!
Ichi: Wow…sounds impressive
Angelchan2012: *pouts* you don't sound impressed!
Ichi: I am!
Angelchan2012: Whatever, say the damn phrase!
GrimmIchiShiro: Please review! And look out for updates on Angel's other stories!
Angelchan2012: Oh, and the next chapter of this story: Meet the family~!
