...
…
And she says
I want to
Be with you
Forever
Because
You're better
Than wasabi
…
…
"Are you serious?"
"It's not like she's heavy, Kurosaki."
"It doesn't matter, Uryu! She's half-naked!"
"Muh…"
"Shut up, Chad! And why do I have to carry her?"
"Ano, don't yell at Sado-kun, Kurosaki-kun. Ishida-kun is really helpful. I can't run as fast as you all."
"Oi! Don't hold her so tight!"
"Is this too tight for you, Inoue-san?"
"I-I'm fine!"
"She doesn't know any better."
"Muh…"
They jumped from the edge of the building, the moon cascading their long shadows to the ground. It was past dinner for the Kurosaki family, but Ichigo couldn't make himself give a shit. He was too busy glowering at Ishida's head. He was carrying Orihime. It had been Ichigo who had volunteered to carry the healer, but Uryu had just scooped the girl up and broke off into a quick run, flash-stepping onto the school without any effort. Ichigo had been beyond pissed off, unwilling to realize his true feelings, that he was, in fact, jealous. He liked to carry Orihime. She seemed to fit perfectly in his arms, or for her sake, his shoulder since that was the last place he had carried her. He couldn't help but want to slice Ishida's arms off of her, the way he was holding her protectively, blocking her soft body from the harsh, cool wind, and he wanted to tell her to put on some fucking pants, the way her skirt fluttered carelessly in the wind made him want to rip his hair out. And she didn't even seem to notice; she was too concerned over Uryu, asking about his arm, and every time he would assure her, he was fine, and he would get stitches instead of wasting her powers away. She had put up a fuss earlier, but soon died down with a soft sigh of consent. Ichigo's felt a vein throb in his temple as he tried to stop blushing at the fact he was carrying a half-naked, unconscious woman on his back.
"Keep up with the group, baka." Ishida called out calmly, Orihime's weary eyes peeking over his shoulder as he moved away again. Ichigo cursed again, teetering, dangerously close to falling off the building. Ishida was moving out of sight and Chad was jumping after him, holding Ichigo's human, lifeless body. Ichigo clenched his teeth. He would be damned if he left Orihime with that Quincy. He may have found Uryu a brother of some sorts, but he knew Orihime cared Ishida and would do anything for her friends. He shook his head and moved to the next building. That bastard. For some reason, his hollow was silent, probably moping and as jealous as him. When he finally caught up with Ishida, he was standing in front of the shop.
"Kurosaki-saaaan~!" The shopkeeper called happily, the door sliding open, his fan shielding his big grin, "You have returned!" He paused in the doorway, frowning curiously when he saw the beaten up teens. His teal eyes widened slightly, hidden by his striped hat, as they landed on Yuruichi. Then he snapped his fan closed, frowning now, "I could've sworn she was taking a shower." He said in all serious. Ichigo stepped forward and slammed the bottom of his sword against the ex-captain's nose. Being the idiot he is, Kisuke cried out unhappily, whining as he cupped his battered nostril, sniffing uncomfortably.
"You're an idiot." The orange haired punk said as he moved past the shopkeeper, holding Yuruichi to his side now. The lights were on, but he was glad Ururu and Jinta were asleep. Tessai swooped Orihime from Ishida's arms and swung her around, laughing and checking if she was alright.
"Inoue-dono~! I'm so happy to see you alive and well!" He yanked her to his side, smiling happily as she blushed and tried to reassure her. Ichigo, tired of watching men touch her, released Yuruichi into the futon on the wooden floor and stalked back to the squealing male. His foot landed in Tessai's face, pushing him from the healer. Orihime squeaked and flailed slightly. "Ow!" The tall man fell to the ground, still blushing and murmuring Orihime's name.
"Leave her alone. She's had a long day." Ichigo muttered darkly, grabbing up Orihime's slim wrist. She allowed him to pull her into the warm shop. Ishida and Chad followed as Urahara smiled behind his fan, his eyes flashing in the shadows.
"So possessive…" he sighed.
…
…
And she heard
His laugh
And decided
She wanted
To hear it
Every day
…
…
"So will someone please tell me what the hell is going on here? First, this guy attacks Uryu, hurts Orihime, injures Chad, and nearly kills Yuruichi? What kind of power is that? And who the hell does that bastard thinks he is?" Ichigo snarled, his fists actually breaking through the floor of the shop, the wood snapping under his strength. Orihime jumped in surprise while the others stared at the orange haired teenager, who was breathing harshly, his teeth grinding together. They weren't shocked about his anger.
"G-Gomennasai!" Orihime apologized quietly in shock.
"No problem, Inoue-saaan~! Ichigo is just a little baby! Now," the shopkeeper sighed out, "Can you heal Yuruichi for me? It would be quite bothersome if she was dead, Inoue-san." He flickered his fan down to the quiet dark woman, "Wouldn't it?"
"H-Hai!" Orihime nodded quickly and lifted her hands, calling to her powers. The yellow dome surrounded the female and they watched as her bruises instantly started to heal and the gash in her side began to fold. Ichigo stared down at the faint woman, his teeth snapping together. Yuruichi, the woman who taught him almost everything, the woman who has saved his life more times than he could count, the first woman he had saw naked (which he desperately wanted to erase from his mind, but it haunted his dreams: her chasing him naked as he tried to escape from her evil laugh and then at the end, she walks past him in her cat form, giggling merrily), and the woman who had been captain of the 2nd division. Now look at her: crying over a man that had almost killed her. What was the deal? Ichigo yanked his fist from the wood and huffed, staring the mysterious shopkeeper, whose face was hidden behind that stupid fan. How many times has he wanted to slash that thing up? "Done." Orihime murmured happily and Ichigo was surprised once again. She had gotten stronger and faster with her powers. They seemed to come at any time she needed, even at free will, and they could withstand most attacks, which made Ichigo even prouder of her.
"Good job, Inoue-saaan~! I knew you were great!" Urahara smiled wide, looking down at the newly healed woman. Not a scratch on her. How great. "Tessai…" He turned to his companion, "Will you please make some tea for our guests?" Something about his tone wasn't right to Ichigo, the way his teal eyes flashed and his fan snapped shut with a wave of his finger. His gaze slid to the curious auburn haired girl, "And Inoue-san? Will you be a dear and help him?"
The girl frowned and looked over at Ichigo. He only raised his eyebrows in response and shrugged one shoulder. Whatever Urahara was about to say was pretty big if Orihime couldn't hear. Anything to protect her. She smiled softly up at Tessai, who had stood obediently and followed him into the other room, but not before throwing a look back over her slim shoulder. Yuruichi breathed out softly and settled into a deep sleep. Sado and Chad watched the shopkeeper curiously while Ichigo held his breath.
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…Aren't you going to say anything, getaboshi?"
"Ara, ara, Kurosaki-san! So insisting!" He said playfully then sighed heavily, lowering his head, the hat falling over his eyes, shadowing his ominous gaze, "Inoue-san…sure has changed? Hasn't she?"
Ichigo froze and made a grunting sound in the back of his throat, disliking where this conversation was going, "What does that have to do with anything? Inoue is Inoue."
The shopkeeper smirked knowingly, "Inoue-san is very lovable. Smart, sensitive, kind-hearted, caring, and not to mention really, really—"
"Where the hell are you going with this?" Ichigo practically growled, crunching his hand into a fist, ready to make another hole, this time, preferably, in Urahara's head. He already knew all the things this weird guy was spewing. And he didn't like it one bit. He would probably end of killing the shopkeeper by morning.
"I'm saying," the man murmured, eyes sliding up to Ichigo's, locking instantly, the grey eyes shining, "she's a good target, ne?" Ichigo tensed up, his eyes growing wide along with Ishida's and Sado's. No. No. Don't say things like that. Those kinds of things that made Ichigo want to grab Orihime up and throw her into his closet until time came to a screeching halt. "Her powers, I mean. If Aizen wanted her, Kurosaki-san, wouldn't another? I've seen her these last few months, seen her come to me to get stronger, seen her defeat hollows without a glance, seen her cry herself to sleep in my shop. She has been through a lot and I never thought I would see her smile again. Whatever you are doing, Kurosaki-san, please keep it up. It might just keep her alive," Ichigo didn't have time to be embarrassed. No one else would take her from him, "And don't, and I mean, don't," the shopkeeper turned completely serious, "let her leave your sight." He said to the orange haired. Then he smirked, almost fondly before whipping his fan back out, lightly breezing himself, "Oi, Sado-san."
The man looked up, sweat breaking across his jaw and forehead, "Hai?"
"Have you seen Mr. Tsukishima lately, have you?" He stared at the teenager hard.
Chad stuttered, the sweat intensifying across his russet skin, "A-Ano…"
"You have?" The shopkeeper laughed as Ichigo glanced between the two suspiciously. Who the hell was Mr. Tsukishima? "Well, I'm going to have to pay him a visit, aren't I?" He grinned mischievously, but something flashed in his gaze, something dangerous.
"What are you two talking about?" Ishida finally grumbled, unhappy to be out of the loop.
Ichigo wasn't doing any better.
"…Muh…"
"Please!" Ishida suddenly slammed his hand on the floor, his eyes desperate, "Tell us why that man, Ginjo, attacked us. He nearly took my arm off and hurt Inoue—"
"He did what? I thought he only preformed those attacks." Ichigo snarled out, crunching his fists again, "I'll kill him."
"Now, now. This is not the time for your violence, Kurosaki-san. Inoue-san is safe. Well, for now. And you can't just go around killing others. You know, that the person he wants, is you." The shopkeeper dragged out tiredly, as if he were bored, "Ginjo is well known in the Soul Society. He has killed many and taken powers from captains before. The reason that Yuruichi was crying," he slanted the unconscious woman a heavy look, "is because they used to be friends. They trained together with the Kuchiki family, even became friends with Byakuya, and he turned on us all. He is not very sane, neither is he safe. You aren't to go to him until I meet with the captains and they figure out what to do," he then smirked, "But, being Kurosaki Ichigo, the man who risked his life to save Rukia, the man who went all the way to Hueco Mundo to find Orihime, the man who defeated Aizen, and many of our captains, and the man who mastered Shinigami and Fullbring combined…" he chuckled as he thought of the stubborn teenager, "I know there is no way to stop you if you two cross paths. Just try not to die," he pointed his fan in the boy's nose, "Got it?"
"Wait!" Ichigo grunted out, pushing the fan from his face, "What's Fullbring?"
Kisuke tilted his head to the side slightly, as if confused by his question, "You've had it inside you for quite some time. And you haven't noticed it?"
"You mean that green stuff?" Ichigo asked, looking down at his feet curiously.
"Fullbringers are rare spiritually aware Humans who are born with an ability called Fullbring, in which they can manipulate the "soul" of matter for a variety of effects. Their powers are defined by Hollow Reiryoku." Ishida said in monotone, his glasses flashing dully with the light. Ichigo glared at him; he didn't ask the Quincy.
But Urahara laughed loudly, "Ah! Hai! Nice job, Ishida-kuuun!" Teasing his name like that made Uryu glower at the shopkeeper.
"I don't understand," Chad muttered.
"Fullbringers each have a parent who was attacked by a Hollow before they were born. Traces of the Hollows' powers remained in their parent's bodies, which were then passed onto them when they were born. Thus, the powers resemble those of Hollows more than they resemble that of a Shinigami's." Kisuke blabbered on, frowning uninterestingly.
"My…parents were attacked by hollows…?" Ichigo felt his blood boil.
"No." Kisuke said and watched as the substitute calmed, "A group attacked your mom. She was actually pregnant with you at the time and was buying those cute pajamas for you since she was to have you at any time. The Hollows attacked your mother pretty quickly, she didn't have time to react. She managed to make it to my shop and offered me money for my services. I was slightly shocked, I had never met your mother before at the time and she was just a human, but she saw all of my powers obviously. She was special." The blond sighed, patting his chin with his fan, "How ill-fated. I already knew what kind of child you would be, Kurosaki Ichigo. I had been waiting for you to change this world."
Ichigo couldn't think at the moment. Still, even before he was born, she took the beatings of Hollows. Why would she continue to do this? It was clear she loved her children very much and Ichigo yearned to thank her again, for protecting him, or loving him. He wished to see that quirky smile that was wide and silly with bright brown eyes and dimples in both cheeks. He managed a soft smile, thinking to himself, 'Thanks, mom,'.
"Now, all we have to do is keep Inoue-san and Kurosaki-san safe while Yuruichi and Ururu travels to the Soul Society to meet with the captains. This shouldn't be so hard, now should it?" The shopkeeper smiled widely at all the teenagers. Ichigo's world crumbled and the smile wiped from his face, his eyebrows merging together, a scowl forming across his lips instantly.
Orihime. He had to protect her. "Tea's done!" Tessai exclaimed, tears in his eyes. "Inoue-dono is so beautiful when she cooks! It's like she meant to be a mother! Ooooh! Inoue-dono~!"
Orihime blushed prettily and offered a small smile, "I-I didn't do anything really…"
"Yeah, yeah, getaboshi. Arigato." Ichigo said shortly, quickly closing their monstrous conversation. He stood fluidly, hands tucked in his pockets. "C'mon, Orihime." He liked the way her name rolled from his tongue and he wasn't changing his way anytime soon. Orihime started at her first name and her eyes widened, "I'm taking you home. Let's go." There was no room to argue, of course, not with Ichigo. So she kicked on her shoes and wrapped the yellow scarf around her neck, "Ja Ne." He said casually, waving a hand behind him as he stepped outside.
Orihime, being extremely more polite than Ichigo, bowed, "Konbanwa." She turned the other way, hurrying after Ichigo. It was silent in the shop for a few seconds before Kisuke broke it.
"She liiiikes him."
"Don't roll your tongue like that."
"…Muh…"
"Don't be such a sour puss, Ishida-kuuun!"
"I'm not. I just don't approve of this relationship. Inoue-san is very fragile. Even more fragile before Aizen. Kurosaki isn't good with these kinds of things. It's destined, written in the stars in fact, that he'll ruin everything."
"Kurosaki-san knows what's up and down. He knows how to protect her. And let's not forget, he's the strongest person I know. He's surpassed most of the captain's power. It's incredible how far he will go for Inoue-san, how much he would risk."
"Have you seen her eyes lately?"
"Why yes, Sado-san, I have. Amazing, isn't it? In just two weeks, Kurosaki-san was able to turn her around. I'm fascinated at this point. BANZAI!"
"…This is pointless."
"Who wants some tea?"
…
…
His mom was late today. Picking him up, he means. Probably just passing through the cemetery. She loved to leave the flowers for the dead. She said, even if she didn't know them, it was good to let them know someone was there for them. Ichigo smiled as he thought of his mother lying daises on some random person's tombstone. Masaki was truly a saint. And he couldn't wait to see the twins today. He wanted to play with them all day. He wiped his eyes clean of tears. Today, Tatsuki had beaten him again. During the fight, she would always tease him mercilessly, and then after she would comfort him and tell him to try again and again. He was lucky she was his friend.
Sighing unhappily, he stared out into the sun set, watching as the color splayed, matching his hair color almost. He liked that, knowing he wasn't the only one with a crazy color. Sometimes he got beat up for it and his mother would always fuss over it. He knew it just made his stronger. Kurosaki Ichigo fixed his school clothes, buttoning the shirt correctly, since he had been in a rush before, thinking his mother was outside the dojo's door. But, as he said earlier, she was late. It didn't matter; he would find something to do. Standing on his two feet, he grabbed up his dark book bag and stumbled down the steep steps, hoping there was some flies or bugs he could catch. When he finally reached the grass, he looked out in the lake, frowning curiously when he saw the huddle form, shaking softly. It was small, too small to be an baby, but too big to be an animal.
Ichigo froze when he saw the auburn, short hair softly flying in the wind. He smiled. A person with bright hair! Just like him! Banzai! He ran forward, forgetting his mother and the bugs. The person tensed and turned. Ichigo jerked to a stop and a blush colored his face instantly. She was…She was…cute. Aw, dammit. Her lips were small and pink, her skin soft and ivory, her little nose, red in her cheeks, and her eyes…her eyes were so big, eating up her entire face, honey and gold mixed.
And she was crying. Crying. Crying. Crystal tears were falling down her cheeks, mingling in her tiny lap. On her nice, pin dress. She stared up at Ichigo, glared at him actually. Her mouth set into a determined frown and her eyes flashed. Ichigo just continued to look down at her with wide eyes. She tried to wipe away her tears, but they just came out in hot rivers, "G-G-Go away!" Her tiny voice didn't make her any more intimidating. Ichigo took a step forward, staring down at her peculiar hair now, "Don't l-look at it!" She flung her hands over her head, and squeezed her eyes shut, as if he was going to hit her.
"COOL!" She shot her eyes back open as she felt a small hand on her head, rubbing across the hair roughly. He petted away her hands and tangled his fingers into her tresses, rubbing and laughing the whole time. She stared up at him in amazement. He was smiling. His hair was orange, a weird color that seemed to compliment his demeanor. He grinned down at her, patting her head now then rubbed it down gently, a small smile on his face now. "Really, really cool."
"M-My hair?" She whispered.
"Yeah! It's colorful! Like mine!" He explained softly, removing his hand. She instantly missed it. She turned back to look at the sea, trying to discolor the blush in her cheeks. Hoping he would go away. "Hey." He called gently. She didn't respond, "Hey, why're you all alone?"
She froze. Usually no one noticed. They just noticed her hair. She refused to look at him, "B-Because I like…being alone."
"…" He was silent for a few seconds, staring down at her, "Then why're you crying alone?" When she didn't say anything, he plopped down next to her, a stubborn glint in his eye now. She peeked over at him as he stared out into the shining, orange sea.
"What're you doing?" She whispered to him.
"I don't like when other people cry. And even if they do, no one should cry alone." He replied defiantly. She stared over at him, her eyes growing larger and bigger. He met her gaze with soft brown eyes, "I'm Kurosaki Ichigo."
Surprisingly, she gave him a pretty smile, "Strawberry." And she placed a tiny hand on his head. He nodded, ignoring the red in his cheeks. "I'm Inoue Orihime."
"Princess." Ichigo smiled back.
The princess and the strawberry. And they sat together in the sun set, patting each other's hair.
"Thank you, Kurosaki-kun."
…
…
And he says
Forever
And she says
Isn't that
A long
Time?
Un
...
…
She walked behind him, just a few feet, slightly afraid of what he had to say. The sky was dark now and she was sure she had missed her shows. "Aw…" She whimpered to herself, "I missed the Comedy Show…And it's my favorite too." She looked back at Ichigo. Today was Friday, so she would probably have all day to see it tomorrow. Ichigo continued to walk and his reiatsu climbed with every step. It was dark and angry. What was wrong? What had she missed when they had been speaking in the other room? Were they hiding something from her? What? "I hope Yuruichi is okay." She said out loud, aiming it at Ichigo. He didn't respond, just continued to walk, his reiatsu spiking once again. "I'm sure she is, I'm just worried is all. Gomen. I didn't mean to make anyone worry, Kurosaki-kun."
"Orihime," he suddenly sighed, jerking to a stop. She was surprised he still called her by her first name. Would he stop by tomorrow? Did he expect her to stop any time soon? Stop calling him Kurosaki-kun? Her stomach burned with her nerves, tingling her skin. Her hair whipped powerfully in the strong breeze, igniting shivers all over her body. It was cold out today that was for sure. He turned towards her, hands in pockets, eyes locked with hers, "Remember my promise?"
"Pro…mise?" Of course. How could she forget it?
"Do remember what I said to you? What I promised to do for you?"
"You…ano…promised to protect me, ne? Even though I told you…" She trailed off as he stepped closer. She knew. She knew Ichigo wasn't perfect. He was stubborn, short-tempered, forceful and impulsive. He tried to maintain a detached and "cool" image, despite claiming not to care about what other people think about him. He disrespected his elders, including teachers and all the captains of the Soul Society. He had a mean personality and didn't know when to shut his mouth. But that was just a part of Ichigo Orihime loved. The other part, the stronger part, the special side of him, was something that she didn't take lightly. He has shown that side of him on numerous occasions. He defended souls and craved to be stronger just so he can protect his family and friends. He comforted anyone who was upset and gives that handsome, crooked smile when he was proud. She wished people could see how beautiful his personality was. But they just judged from his scowls and his hair. That wasn't enough to send Orihime away. And she was glad, she was in love with someone like Ichigo, at least, at the moment. She knew how she tormented herself with her dreams, or should she call them nightmares, how she would fantasize about how he would tell her he loved her and he wanted to be with her forever. And she would awake, alone, and out of breath, and tears stinging her eyes.
"Even though you told me what?" Ichigo steeled himself, "You know, I remember."
"Remember?" she echoed, "Remember what?"
"It's pretty blurry, but I remember your voice." He continued, ignoring her, his eyes dazed now, "And I remember you begging me to stop." She gasped out loud, taking a quick step back. Memories clouded across her sight.
I made you into a monster!
You don't have to fight anymore…
I-I'm not…worth it!
"And I remembered that look on your face. That look that made my stomach tie into knots. Those tears that ran down your face and you looked so desperate. That's what woke me up. Because I knew you were scared. I knew you hated when I was like that. I wanted…to apologize…for frightening you. I was sorry when I got that hole in my chest, when I almost killed Uryu, when I…," he looked her in the eyes, watching as they widened, widened until they ate up her face. Just like when she was a child. "made you cry."
"…"
"I don't like it when you cry," he went on, "You look like you might fall apart in front of me." He reached up a hand, hesitated, and then patted her head. She tensed instantly, her eyes growing even more. She stared up at him with a wide gaze, her honey eyes eating at his. His gaze was tender, almost loving, the eyes he used when he felt something warm in his stomach, when he felt that longing pulling at him. "So don't cry anymore. At least, not for me."
But it was already coming. Her eyes were burning from his confession, igniting a fire in her belly. Her toes curled in her shoes and her fingers tightened around her school bag. She would probably collapse at any moment. Ichigo watched as she bit into her bottom lip, her eyes filling, filling. "G-G- Gomennasai. I…can't hold them….this t-time…" Her mouth trembled and Ichigo stared as the rivers fell down her red cheeks, down her chin, falling to the ground, staining the concrete. "I-I'm not crying for…you…" She whispered to herself, though, even Ichigo knew it was a lie.
"I'm apologize…for how I've treated you. How I made you feel weak. But it's my job to protect you, Orihime. Even if you hate it, even if you push me away, I won't let you get hurt." He continued, eyes burning through hers.
"Stop s-saying things like tha—"
His scent.
His arms.
His cheek resting on her head.
Don't…
Why? Why did he torture her like this?
His arms tightened around her, clutching her neck now, his fingers in her hair. She gripped onto his jacket with her small hands, grasped his forearms, feeling the warm material. Her tears stained the clothes, washing through and through. She wanted to apologize, but she couldn't get her mouth to work.
"Arigato." Ichigo whispered against her hair, "Giving me this. Giving me a chance to see your real self. I've missed you." He squeezed her tighter with every word, allowing them to sink into the world around them.
Karakura Town could've caught on fire.
Neither of them would've noticed.
…
…
Keep
Your
Promise
…
…
Hope you guys liked it. Please, please, review. It helps, your opinions.
