Chad
Ichigo realized as he was held by one of his best friend's arms, that he severely underestimated his devotion to him. It was rare that he and Chad got to be alone together since Orihime and Uryuu clung to him like super glue. For once, in a very long time, Ichigo and Chad stood side by side at the riverside, watching the sun set and the water glisten with gold. Ichigo hadn't expected the other to pull him into a one armed embrace. The much larger teen's arm wrapped around his shoulder and Ichigo let himself be pulled into his side.
Ichigo looked up, and was met with rough, thick lips pressed to his temple. Chad held him like that for a few seconds before letting his lips up to speak. It was quiet, as he usually spoke, but Ichigo heard him clearly.
"I will always be by your side Ichigo." He began. "And I will always be your shield when you need me."