Chapter 11

Going Back to School

For the beginning of the school year, it was still incredibly hot outside. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, leaving the sun free to beat down on the residents of Karakura Town. At the high school, the boys complained about not being able to wear shorts and other apparent injustices to the student body. Uryu Ishida rolled his eyes at the whiners and ignored them. He couldn't be bothered with such petty problems, because he had more important things on his mind. Akemi was coming back to school today and no irritants like insane heat and humidity could ruin his good mood.

Uryu had managed to snag on of the last shaded spots at the front of the building. Compared to his friends, he lived relatively close to school and it had been easy to get there early and stakeout a spot. Even though they had seen each other the previous night, Uryu and Akemi had wanted time to see each other before classes began.

The young Quincy passed the time by reading one of his school books. Occasionally he would look up to see if Akemi had arrived yet. This continued for about a half hour and then finally Uryu heard familiar voices.

"Ichigo, stop teasing Akemi-chan!" Orihime's voice pleaded. Uryu looked up from his book to see Ichigo and Orihime walking with Akemi. Orihime had a concerned look on her face as she looked back and forth between the other two. Ichigo and Akemi were both looking at each other with annoyance.

"But Orihime, why did we have to come here early? We see Uryu enough as it is." Ichigo grumbled.

"We're here early because it is the first day of school. Besides, it is also Akemi-chan's first back. Don't you want to spend time with her as well?" Ichigo looked at his girlfriend and he couldn't help but lose his scowl when he looked upon her hopeful face.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." he replied more calmly. Akemi rolled her eyes at him and playfully shoved Ichigo.

"See? It wasn't so terrible!" she chided him.

Orihime's head hung in defeat as Akemi and Ichigo's bickering began anew. Uryu smirked at the scene. It was like the two were truly siblings. Luckily that wasn't the case. Finally, Orihime caught sight of Uryu and quickly alerted her friends to his location. Akemi immediately brightened, forgetting her quarrel with Ichigo, and ran to where her boyfriend was sitting.

"Good morning, Uryu!" she called happily.

"Good morning, Akemi!" he answered.

Uryu could feel his heart hammering in his chest as she approached. Even in her school uniform, Akemi was stunning. When she reached him under the tree, Akemi sat beside him and kissed his cheek. Uryu, not used to public displays of affection, began to blush fiercely. Akemi pretended not to notice and moved away slightly to tie back her silver-gold hair. She didn't want to embarrass him further. Ichigo and Orihime caught up soon after and sat in the welcoming shade.

The friends relaxed and talked for some time. They mainly talked about Akemi's time in the Soul Society and what she had missed while away. Uryu tried to pay attention to the conversation but he was distracted by how close Akemi was to him, sitting so close their bodies were pressed together and he could smell her perfume. He could barely focus on what his friends were talking about.

Finally, the first bell rang and the friends stood to head inside for class. Akemi entwined her fingers with Uryu's as they walked, absently rubbing her thumb lightly over his knuckles. That simple act seemed to send sparks of electricity up Uryu's arm. It was the final straw for the overwhelmed young man. Without his friends noticing, he quickly pulled Akemi down a darkened hallway. He pressed his stunned girlfriend against a wall and kissed her fiercely. At first Akemi was surprised by his boldness but soon relaxed, kissing Uryu with the same intensity, wrapping her arms around him.

Suddenly, remembering where he was, Uryu stopped, pulling away and placing his hands against the wall on either side of Akemi. He looked at her helplessly, breathing heavily.

"Akemi, do you realize what you do to me?" he whispered, voice ragged. Akemi looked at him in concern and gently cradled his face in her hands.

"Uryu, what's wrong?" she asked softly.

"Nothing's wrong exactly. It's just that I've never felt this way about anyone. And you've come back and it's like I have no control. I don't know how to handle it." he admitted. Akemi gave him that gentle smile that seemed only for him, and pressed her forehead to his.

"To be honest, I feel the same way. It's new and a little overwhelming but I've never been happier." she admitted in turn. Hearing those words, Uryu thought that his heart would burst from joy. He kissed Akemi again, softly this time, and hugged her tightly. She returned the hug, happy that she had decided to return home.

By the time the two made it to class, the warning bell had rung. As they took their seats, both of them could feel their friends' stares, particularly Ichigo. Uryu realized that Ichigo really did view Akemi like another sister. He snuck Akemi another smile as they got out their notebooks, preparing for class. The final bell rang and the teacher began class.

"Hello, everyone. Welcome back from vacation. I hope you had fun but didn't forget about your studies. I would also like to welcome back Akemi Urahara. I am personally relieved that you had recovered from your illness and am impressed that you finished all of your assignments." the teacher said and held up a large folder filled with papers. All of Akemi's classmates looked on in shock. Akemi ignored them and instead focused her attention on their teacher.

"Okay everyone, as you know, today is a special first day back. You all received notices that you were to schedule your parents or family members to come in and discuss their careers." she continued, "Today we have family of Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime Inoue, Keigo Asano, Yasutora Sado, Uryu Ishida, and Akemi Urahara."

Akemi blanched at not only the assignment but also that she was scheduled for that day. She hadn't received any notice about this. Slowly she leaned over to Uryu.

"Did you know about this?" she asked, slightly panicked. Uryu nodded, pushing up his glasses as he did.

"My father would not let me forget it. Did Kisuke mention it to you?" he whispered back.

"No! What am I going to do?"

"Miss Urahara, please sit back and pay attention." the teacher announced sternly. Akemi apologized, leaning back and feeling miserable. As each family member came before the class, all Akemi could think of was how embarrassed she would be when no one came for her. Even Orihime had a cousin in from out of town for this. Things got even worse when Ryuken Ishida came before the class, looking impressive in his perfectly tailored white suit. It seemed like he was pleasant for everyone else, but glaring in disapproval when he saw Akemi sitting next to Uryu. Everyone else seemed to be enamored of the head of the Karakura hospital. When he was finished speaking he took a seat with the other guests, though it seemed he tried to stay away from Isshin Kurosaki, Ichigo's father.

"Okay, finally we have Akemi Urahara. Akemi, who is here for you?"

Akemi stood nervously, trying to ignore the curious eyes looking at her. She swallowed and looked only at her teacher.

"My…my…you see…" she tried to explain but nothing was coming out. She started to feel dizzy and on the verge of hyperventilating. Suddenly a call came from out in the hallway.

"Wait! Wait, I'm here!"

Then, as if appearing by magic, Kisuke Urahara burst into the room. He was breathing heavily, probably from running to get to the classroom. What surprised Akemi and her friends more was what he was wearing. He wore a dark brown suit and shirt and a deep hunter green tie. He was without his hat, which made his hair seem messier, and wore dress shoes instead of his wooden clogs. However, he still had his cane, which they knew was actually his zanpakuto, Benihime. It was quiet an interesting sight.

Kisuke caught his breath and smiled, confidently standing before the class and other guests.

"Hello, everyone! My name is Kisuke Urahara. I am Akemi's uncle." he said proudly. After he addressed the class he looked to his niece.

"Hi, Akemi! You can sit now. I've got this."

Akemi nodded wordlessly and sat, still surprised by this turn of events. The other guests were shocked by his tardiness and laid-back attitude, although Isshin Kurosaki looked more amused than offended.

Kisuke began by giving a vague overview of the store and the people who worked for him. He couldn't give actual descriptions of what he sold. People wouldn't believe him and probably think him crazy. He also talked about being an inventor and some of the things he was currently working on. He seemed to really have the class' attention and the students asked a lot of questions. Akemi sat back relieved and listened to her uncle talk. A couple times he caught her eye and winked. It appeared that he was really enjoying himself. Akemi was just thankful that her uncle had shown up at all to speak.

After the presentations, the family members from all the classes were given a tour of the school and then were given a reception. It was held in the gym but they were allowed to go outside as well. Akemi was outside saying good-bye to Ichigo's father when Uryu came out looking for her. As Ichigo was leading his father away, Uryu approached his girlfriend. He wrapped his arm around her waist and gently kissed her cheek.

"Hey. Feeling better now?" he asked. Akemi leaned her head on his shoulder, grinning up at him.

"Yeah, much better. I should have known that he would come." she replied serenely. Uryu nodded then looked around, realizing that Kisuke wasn't with his niece.

"Where is Kisuke anyway? He didn't leave yet did he?" he asked curiously.

"He had to call the shop about something. He'll be back soon."

The two were enjoying the time alone when the quiet was suddenly interrupted by a shout.

"Uryu! What are you doing?"

The young Quincy groaned and turned to see his father quickly approaching them. Uryu reflexively tightened his grip on Akemi. He knew this encounter would be the most difficult for her.

"I'm spending time with my girlfriend." the young man answered simply. Ryuken's eyes narrowed as he looked between the two of them.

"She's been gone for months! She can't be that good of a girlfriend." Ryuken said caustically.

"I had to go away. There was something I had to do." Akemi put in, annoyance creeping into her voice. Ryuken sneered at her, still seeing her as a problem and a nuisance.

"Yes, I can only imagine what you had to take care of." he answered, insinuating terrible things. Once again, Akemi let her anger get the better of her and her spiritual pressure surged forth. Ryuken's eyes widened in surprise and he looked more closely at her. He then looked shocked and took a step back from her.

"Uryu, get away from her! She is a Soul Reaper! We are sworn enemies!" he exclaimed.

"I know she is a Soul Reaper." Uryu replied calmly.

"You know? Well then you must stay away because you promised not to associate with Soul Reapers." his father shot back.

"I am also a Quincy; therefore I believe that negates your agreement." Akemi answered, showing her Quincy cross.

"That is not possible! You lie! You stole that cross!" he shouted, now enraged. He then grabbed Akemi's arm and reached for her cross.

"Ryuken, stop it! She's not lying!" Uryu cried out, trying to separate him from Akemi. The frightened young woman struggled against him as he reached for her bracelet.

"What's going on here?" a calm voice asked to the side. All three stopped and looked to see Kisuke leaning against his cane and sipping a cup of punch. Ryuken let go of Akemi, whose face was streaked with tears, and approached Kisuke.

"Your niece is a liar and a thief! Tell her to relinquish that Quincy cross! She is a Soul Reaper and does not deserve it!" Ryuken demanded. Kisuke kept his face blank and took another sip of punch.

"You are right that my niece is a Soul Reaper. However, she is in fact a Quincy as well. That cross was her mother's and now rightfully Akemi's." Kisuke answered honestly.

"Then she is not a true Quincy! And she will stay away from my son!" Ryuken continued furiously. Kisuke continued to look unfazed by Ryuken's temper.

"Oh my niece is indeed a Quincy. Quite talented one too. Her mother would be proud. And I will allow her to continue seeing your son. I like him, he's a good kid, and he has a good effect on Akemi. So you are gonna butt out and leave these kids alone."

Before Ryuken could respond, Kisuke raised his cane and placed the hook under the older Quincy's chin. For added effect, Kisuke leaked his spiritual pressure, intimidating Ryuken.

"One more thing. Listen very carefully, Ryuken Ishida. If you ever, ever lay a hand on my niece again, I promise that you will lose that hand." he said dangerously. Ryuken didn't say a word, only straightened his suit coat and began walking away.

"Uryu, I'll see you at home." he said gruffly.

"Not likely." Uryu whispered, clutching Akemi's hand.

"Uryu, I don't want you to get in trouble over me." she whispered.

"Akemi, I've waited seven months for you to come back. I'm not letting my father ruin this for us."

Kisuke patted his niece comfortingly on the shoulder.

"Uryu's right. Don't worry about Ryuken. He's just a bitter, ignorant man. You two are happy and that makes me happy. He should think so as well."

"Arigatou, Oji-san." she said gratefully, giving her uncle a big hug.

"You're welcome. Hey, I gotta go. Got a few projects that I need to get back to. Will you be over for dinner tonight?"

"Tomorrow. Orihime invited me over tonight."

"Okay, cool. See you then. Be careful. Love you."

"Love you, Kisuke-oji."

Kisuke winked at the two of them then headed on his way. Once he was gone, Akemi hugged Uryu, nestling her face in his chest.

"I'm so sorry." she apologized.

"For what?" Uryu asked surprised.

"For angering your father, for my uncle threatening your father." she replied. Uryu shook his head, dismissing all of it.

"He brought that on himself. I couldn't believe he did that. Your uncle did the right thing."

Akemi sighed, suddenly very tired, and nestled her head in the crook of Uryu's neck.

"Can't anything ever be easy?" she asked quietly.

"Maybe someday." he answered softly. She sighed, nuzzling his neck.

"As long as I've got you I can wait." she whispered. Uryu smiled at the thought.

"Agreed."

The ringing of another bell interrupted their moment, ushering the students back to class. Uryu snuck Akemi another kiss and then the two headed back inside to finish their first day back.