Authors note: Whew! For some reason this chapter was just so hard to write! I tried to start it almost ten different ways, but they just didn't flow right…and I got lazy and sort of lost my motivation for a little while. SO I'M SORRY FOR TAKING SO LONG, DON'T KILL ME! D:

*Is tackled by angry fan-peoples*


Chapter 11: Strawberry

Part 3

Ichigo finally caught up to Shiro after what felt like hours of following his Reitsu. He only caught up to Shiro, however, because the latter stopped running. Shiro was standing at the edge of one of the buildings, his back to Ichigo. He was just starring at the sky in the distance, arms down by his side. Ichigo landed on the building and took a step towards Shiro.

"Oi…uh… I um…" he said tentatively, and shifted in place nervously. He didn't know exactly what to say without possibly offending Shiro again. He seemed to be very sensitive right now and Ichigo just wanted him to listen to what he had to say. He was thinking of how to apologize the whole time he was chasing Shiro. He didn't care if Shiro hated him, Ichigo just wanted him to know how sorry he was. However, part of him still did not understand, and that frustrated him. He finally decided to just come out and say it, "I…uh…I just wanted to say that…that I'm sorry." he mumbled and scratched the back of his head, a subconscious thing he did when he was nervous. Shiro turned his head to the side, his one visible eye widened in slight shock before turning into a hateful glare and turned his head away from Ichigo again. Ichigo took a deep breath, this wasn't going to be easy. He stiffened in surprise when a hand was placed gently on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Zangetsu behind him. Zangetsu offered him an encouraging nod. Ichigo smiled softly, but it quickly faded. He turned to Shiro again. "Look…I hate to admit it, but…" he sighed, "Your right, and I'm sorry." he muttered, his eyes downcast. Shiro stiffened and Ichigo noticed his fists clenching and unclenching. He continued, "I was stupid and…and I never listened to you, or tried to understand you. I never saw the effort you made to form a partnership…and maybe even a friendship." He paused and thought about what to say next, he needed to choose his words carefully. "I was blind, I never thought…never realized…that a hollow could be anything other than evil…" he whispered guiltily.

"No," he thought as he saw Shiro's fists start trembling. "I was way off, not all hollows are evil, not by a long shot. They can express feelings of comradeship and even friendship, even if it is only at a small level. A perfect example is Nell, she was sweet and kind, even in her adult form! No, I was way off."

He quickly continued, trying to say everything he needed to say before Shiro suddenly decided to leave again. "You were right, I've been a stubborn idiot, who can't even pay attention to the beings that live in his own soul…I've been a horrible king. I've mistreated you guys" he said, including Zangetsu now, "I've abused your power," he hesitated and looked at Shiro again, "And I still can't say I completely understand. Cause' I don't. I don't get your feelings or why…I don't get your reasons…but," he hesitated again, not sure how Shiro would react, "Shiro…I don't expect you to forgive me, and I completely understand if you hate me for the rest of your life. But I just wanted to let you know that I'm willing to listen this time, if your willing to give me another chance…" he said tentatively as he looked at the back of Shiro's head. . The only reaction Shiro made, was that his head lowered, and turned slightly towards Ichigo at the sound of his name. The latter decided to push his luck as he saw that Shiro was not leaving. He chuckled weakly, "You know, Shiro does kind of fit you." he said, joking nervously. "But you know, I think its missing something…" he said and paused, looking at Shiro for a reaction. When he didn't get one, he sighed and continued, "I was thinking, that since you're a part of me, and Zangetsu is a part of me, and that you guys share the same form and are therefore technically related…." he trailed off, and looked at Zangetsu, as he remembered the conversation they had earlier.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++FLASHBACK+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"Zangetsu san….Shiro's name isn't his real name is it?" Ichigo asked as they searched for Shiro's Reitsu. He was thinking about it, and It didn't seem…right, or maybe it just wasn't complete. It felt like something was missing.

Zangetsu nodded his head slowly and answered

"I was wondering if you would catch that." He said softly. "You're right, the only one who can give your hollow his name is you Ichigo." He said. Ichigo's eyes widened in surprise.

"But wait old man! You knew you your name, so shouldn't Shiro know his own name?" Ichigo asked in confusion. He looked at Zangetsu with a questioning glance. He watched as the edges on his sword's mouth twitched upwards into a slight smile.

"Shiro was born into your soul differently than I was, I believe that you are the only one who knows Shiro's true name." He said.

Ichigo tilted his head and pondered that thought. So how did he figure out Shiro's true name? He didn't know, so why did Zangetsu say he knew…His brow wrinkled in thought. How did he hear Zangetsu's name? He thought hard.

Oh yeah…he only heard Zangetsu's name when he really listened.

Ichigo's head shot up in surprise as he realized something. He had to listen. Ichigo glanced a Zangetsu, and the latter gave him an approving nod. Ichigo decided it was worth a shot. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and concentrated, he tried to really listen.

At first, nothing happened, but then, so softly that he almost missed it, he heard something. It was a small whisper, as soft as the breeze, blowing around him. Ichigo struggled to hear the voice, he strained his ears to listen even harder. Almost….

Then suddenly it hit him, as if someone just yelled the name in his ear at the top of there voice. All of a sudden, the name came to him and felt as natural as if Ichigo had known it all his life! It just felt so right…so simple that Ichigo didn't know how he didn't think of it before! It fit perfectly! Now he just hoped that his hollow would like it too.

++++++++++++++++++++++++END FLASHBACK+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ichigo starred at his hollow carefully, "I've given you a name, your true name." He said slowly. Shiro turned his head again, a mistrusting and cautious, yet surprised glare on his face, as he starred at Ichigo. Ichigo starred right back, calm determination in his gaze, although, that was not how he really felt. He was extremely nervous on the inside. He really hoped that Shiro would accept his new name. He took a deep breath,

"Shirogetsu, that's your name.." he said finally, and bit his lip as he waited for a reaction.

The newly dubbed Shirogetsu turned completely around, Shock plastered on his face. He starred at Ichigo with wide eyes as his mouth opened and closed repeatedly. As if he was struggling to speak.

Ichigo starred Shirogetsu in the eyes nervously. Would he accept the name? He rubbed the back of his head with his hand. "I really am sorry, for everything." He said truthfully. He looked away. "Maybe, we can try to be partners… if your willing to forgive me." he mumbled apprehensively.

Shirogetsu's look of shock changed to weary suspicion. Ichigo continued.

"I don't expect you to forgive me anytime soon, but I thought that I should still give you your name, after everything I've done." he said and starred at the suddenly extremely interesting floor. Minutes passed slowly, and when Shirogetsu didn't reply, but just continued to glare distrustfully, Ichigo sighed. He turned away with his eyes downcast. "Ok, I see, I'll back off." he said dejectedly and walked off. Well I can't say I didn't try, but he could of at least replied, or said something, instead of ignoring me. He thought bitterly.

He stopped after walking a few feet and turned his head back towards Shirogetsu, and looked at him out of the corner of his eyes. "You…uh…" he sighed, his eyes having a defeated look to them. "You can have control…" He whispered solemnly. "I…I know I don't deserve to be 'king' … but…just…" his voice cracked, "Just please don't hurt my friends or family.." He choked out.

Thunder rumbled in the distance.

He turned and once again walked away. If part of his own soul and power, hated him, than it was obvious that he was at fault, and did not deserve that power. Shirogetsu could have control and do what ever he wanted, Ichigo didn't care. He just wanted his friends and family to be safe.

Then suddenly Ichigo heard his voice. Just one word, that made his mind go blank from shock, and disbelief.

"Wait…"


Authors note: Man, this chapter was so hard to write! And I don't even know why! D:

Ugh! And It didn't even turn out exactly how I wanted it to…and its short *sob*

Anywhoo, Sorry about the long update times, I hope that this stupid sickness called writers block will go away so I can get more chapters out faster…

PLEEEEEEEEESSSSEEEEEEE REVIEW! And give advice and your opinion on my story so I can improve my writing skilz! It gives me motivation to write faster if I get lots of updates! ;D

See ya guys later! 3