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The following references have been used in the making of this fiction and are subject to modification as necessary at any time as deemed by the author and/or administration of this site. These references may or may not be copyrighted. Credit is given both to the creators and publishers of these references: Mahou Sensei Negima; Izuna: Legend of the Unemployed Ninja; Onegai Sensei; Winter Sonata; Love Hina; The .hack// Universe
It tasted good, but she wasn't hungry. Hell, she didn't even know what she was eating. She could tell which part was rice and fish, but there was a strange sort of candy that was "hidden" among the leaves. And then there's been the way that baldy had told her to eat everything, as if he meant these strange little desserts.
"Are you just going to sit there and stare at your food?"
Tatsuki's shoulders tensed, unused to the strange sensations she was feeling. Every time someone moved, she could feel their movement, almost see them through the walls. And when they spoke, she felt more than just the aerial vibrations, which suddenly seemed so much more pronounced as it were. This "Urahara" fellow had a nasty habit of sneaking up on people.
Ichigo was sleeping calmly, although he did have a strange garment affixed to his arm. It was glowing with the same essence that was coming out of his body, as if absorbing his energy. Kisuke sighed, setting down next to her and taking one of the untouched bowls,
"Since I haven't eaten yet myself, I think I'll call this dinner..."
Tatsuki glowered at him. It was a poor attempt at getting her to consume her confections. She cringed at the sound of his crunching. "Hmm, peach," he stated, frowning, "They aren't poison you know, though the flavoring isn't exactly... well." He glanced at the bowl in her hand, picking out one with the chopsticks and dropping one of his own with his hand, "I think this one is orange..." His grimace told otherwise.
The door to the central room slid open, and the red-haired boy Jinta stuck his head out. "Can you hurry it up? Ururu is starting to freak out a bit," he looked scared. "Just as I was about to get to the food," Kisuke grumbled to himself.
"You ought to eat that," came a soft grunt. Contrary to the contained nature of the voice a large muscular man, both bald and apron-bearing, strode out with a tray of strange objects. He set them down before the door and knocked twice before approaching the table and taking one bowl for himself. There was something uncharacteristically serene about him, for the man looked as though he might go on a mad rampage at any moment.
"If you're worried about anyone, it ought to be that young man over there," his tone was reverent. She looked to Ichigo from his mild appearance, sighing deeply. "It's terrifying to stand in the face of his aura," he said as he poured himself some tea. She felt comfortable in the midst of the hot steam. He noticed her thirsty stare, smiled, and poured some for her.
She looked up, lips pursed. She hadn't actually asked for some, so it was annoying to have herself served at a mere glance. But she wasn't angry, no. In fact, this was actually kind of nice. She looked to Ichigo, who muttered something indistinct in his sleep.
"I don't know how he can sleep so calmly like that... If you were to touch his body while he was at full strength, you would probably lose an arm. It's amazing that someone of his age can still—"
"—I think you've scared her enough, Tessai-san."
"Oh, Ichigo!" Tatsuki stood up. He smiled in an unusually cute way, waving his good hand sheepishly. She blushed, turning her eyes away. He strode up to her, touch her cheek and guiding her eyes back. "Are you sure we should really be..." but she was interrupted by Ichigo's gentle hush.
"In front of... Mmm..."
Tessai cleared his throat, taking the tray and vanishing behind the door. "You had me worried," she whispered quietly as soon as they finished necking. Ichigo chuckled and tensed the muscles in his arm, "You know better than that..." Then he sighed, looking up at the clock. It was nearing midnight. Soon it would be time to reseal his arm.
"It's as they say," he knelt down to a bowl and began to eat, "You need to eat one of those candies." He looked up at her sternly, "Not many people can actually take the full force of my aura without exhausting their own supply." "I take that to mean you'll explain everything I don't get in the demonstration?" she finally popped one into her mouth, finding it surprisingly easy to chew. Kisuke had been right... the flavoring was off.
"Looks like Urahara got himself pineapple," he took a sip of his tea, leaving the candies alone at the bottom of the bowl. Tatsuki giggled half-heartedly, "Peach, Pineapple, and Cherry..." They grinned in unison.
"So just how long are we expected to wait?"
"Hmm... I just want to see Ichigo-kun again...!"
"Jeez, Nova. Get her a dog collar for gods sakes..."
Ririn giggled and stroked Nova's chest, "Oh, you'd like that wouldn't you 'boy'...?" Much to Cloud's chagrin, Nova entertained the idea with a grunt, neither negative or affirmative in nature. "Oh, good lord, Nova!" Cloud groaned, "Don't you think two on one is even slightly unfair?" "Well you're the one who suggested it," Ririn leaned her generous chest forward.
Nova was in no mood for banter. They all felt it, looking up to the sky. "Oh my..." Ririn blushed, "It's... Ichigo." Nova peered out through the battered window, "We were instructed to wait until contacted by Urahara."
"And how long will that take?!" Cloud groaned, kicking his legs into the air. Ririn scowled, finally annoyed. "Don't make me break that gigai!" she threatened, waving her fist in the air. Cloud sat up, flailing his arms in terror,
"I just got this thing! Don't you dare lay a sleazy hand on my beautiful gigai!"
Nova coughed slightly, pulling Ririn back to his body and leaning over her. She cooed softly, feigning surprise. As they kissed he stroked the back of her neck, and she writhed in pleasure in his arms. She let her body fall limply, licking her lips and whimpering. "Do you think Ichigo will still remember us? I mean—after all..."
"Wehave changed quite a bit..."
She wasn't sure who finished the sentiment, but she wholeheartedly agreed... It wouldn't be like the old days anymore.
