This Could Be the Day: part 12
Standard Disclaimer: all characters herein are the creative property of Kubo Tite.
Edited: June 8, 2010
~o0o~
He watched her with the kind of horrified fascination one usually reserves for say, a train wreck. Tilting his head to the side, hoping that looking at it from a new angle might help. No such luck. He was honestly beginning to doubt her sanity or at least that she had any working taste buds. What have I got myself into?
Arriving at Orihime's this morning, just a few minutes early, actually he had walked around the block, like four times before knocking on her door. After all, he didn't want to appear too eager. Little did he know that this planned outing was going to drop him into strange and unexplored territory. Unexplored probably because anyone who ventured in ended up dead.
How is it that she hadn't poisoned herself yet?
Watching her rummage through a bin for another can of bean jam jelly, Ichigo could already see the headlines… killed by contaminated cooking… fatally fixed by fish… perhaps, exterminated by eggs… toxically tortured by tempura … maybe even, done in by dorayaki… eradicated by edamame appetizers… mindlessly murdered by miso…
Damn, this was starting to be fun. Cruel, but amusing. Besides, if it was going to kill him, he figured he deserved an interesting obituary.
Taking a deep breath, at least his dad was a doctor and he lived in a clinic, so the chances of him dying from food poisoning were pretty slim. And if he had to get his stomach pumped, because he couldn't avoid eating something so as not to hurt her feelings, it wouldn't permanently damage him, hopefully.
Glancing down into the basket he carried, so far Orihime had picked up bananas, leeks, butter, the aforementioned red bean jelly, and wasabi paste in a tube. Grimacing at the contents while wracking his mind for any viable meal she could devise from these ingredients. If there were any possibilities in there, it escaped him at the moment.
It really shouldn't have come as any surprise. Ichigo had heard from others and seen with his own eyes at the beach house, that Orihime didn't have the same tastes as everyone else. So be it, he had told her that he didn't want her to change, and he really doesn't. Rubbing the back of his neck in thought, he silently wondered how she survived eating like this. It can't be healthy.
Leaning against a pole, he watched her happily looking over the shelves, tapping her chin in thought. He followed her further down the aisle, pursing his lips, Ichigo observed that Orihime actually moved very gracefully, slowly and fluidly, almost like a dancer. He assumed that no one noticed because fate had seen fit to make her a klutz.
Right on cue.
The hollow echo from her head making contact with the metal pole reverberated around them. Damn. Rushing to her side, he peered at her forehead as she rubbed the spot. "Orihime, are you alright? That had to hurt."
Her small hands flailed at him in distress, he snatched the can of bean jelly from her hand before she did either one of them an injury. Ichigo tossed the can in the basket and grasped her chin, tilting her face to the light. He brushed her hair from her forehead and let his finger sweep over the slightly red bump.
"I'm fine Kurosaki-kun, you don't have to make that face." Knocking on her head with her knuckles, Orihime grinned up at him self depreciatively. "Hee hee, I've got a really hard head."
Scowling down at her, Ichigo blew out a breath, "No, not hee hee. Dammit Orihime, it doesn't matter if you have a hard head or not, a metal pole is a metal pole." Shaking his head at her in frustration, he grumbled, "You could do yourself a serious injury."
"But I'm fine." she replied pumping her fist in the air. "It happens all the time."
Grrrrr…
"Kurosaki-kun, did you just growl?" Orihime tilted her head at him in question. "It was really neat. You sounded just like an animal." She pounced forward with her hands curled out before her. "That would be so cool. I want to be a panda."
Grinding his teeth, an angry tick developed over his right eye. Breaking through her furry fantasy, he yelled her name to get her attention.
Stopping her motions, Orihime smiled up at him, completely oblivious to his mood. "What?"
An older man -who delivered the morning paper- walked by, snickering over their bickering. Glaring after him, Ichigo leaned back against the shelves, scowling darkly. Can't people mind their own damn business?That was the third person he knew, that just had to make a comment.
Of course people would remark on his change of attitude and tease him about his pretty girlfriend. He should have expected it, but he was only thinking of spending time with Orihime. He really couldn't say that he cared for it at all.
"Kurosaki-kun," Orihime stepped nearer, twisting her hands, eyes timid, "Are you angry?"
Gazing down at her nervous expression, he let go of his thoughts, for now. "No Orihime, I'm not mad." Frowning, he looked down as he scuffed his shoe against the floor tiles before glancing up at her. "I just want you to be more careful, all right?"
"Okay" she replied, smiling up at him softly. "But, sometimes I can't help it, stuff just jumps out at me. You know like in horror films where this creepy dude just WAHH comes at you, out of nowhere." She nodded her head, eyes wide.
Closing his eyes, Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose, "Orihime"
"Hmmm?"
Cracking open one eye, he looked at her curious face. "Just try to watch out, that's all I'm asking."
Taking his hand, Orihime pressed it between both of hers, smiling up at him in apology for making him worry. "I'll try my best Kurosaki-kun. Scout's honor."
"Oh, those two red heads are so adorable, look Mechiko. You remember those days, don't you?"
Ichigo and Orihime both looked up at the two women pushing carts past them, trading not so quiet whispers as their young children followed behind.
She stepped back from Ichigo as he withdrew his hand from hers and tucked it into his pocket. Sighing softly, Orihime realized thathis scowl was back, again. Normally, she liked his scowl, but as she looked up into his frowning face, she knew that something was truly bothering him, irritating him.
Chewing on her bottom lip, unsure of what to do, Orihime started to turn before pausing as she glanced up onto Ichigo's shuttered face. Smoothing the palms of her hands down her skirt, she turned and continued her shopping. He wasn't ready to talk, yet.
Watching her from the corner of his eye as she slowly walked away. Ichigo knew that he was doing it, again. Screwing his eyes shut and taking a deep breath, he tried to figure out why this bothering him so much. At the beach house, having the others remark and tease didn't bother him, much. Inwardly groaning, maybe they could just hang out at her place or the park. Then, he could be with her and not have to put up with noisy people's personal comments about his life.
"Ichi-nii?"
Recognizing his blonde sister's voice, he opened his eyes, searching for Yuzu's small form. Spotting her waving several aisles over, he nodded in greeting. Glancing over at Orihime sorting through different packages of noodles, he straightened, shifting the basket on his arm as his sister approached.
"What's the matter, Ichi-nii?" Yuzu asked with concern, clasping her basket before her.
"Huh?" He blinked at her in confusion, "Oh, nothing."
Pouting, Yuzu tilted her head at him. "So what are you doing here?" she inquired, peeking into the basket on his arm.
Scratching the back of his neck, Ichigo grimaced, "Well, I'm grocery shopping with Orihime." He mumbled out quickly, not quite making eye contact with his sister.
Glancing at the basket again, Yuzu nodded her head in Orihime's direction. "Hmm, I see. Is that her?"
Ichigo looked down the aisle at Orihime, only to see her having a conversation with two packages of noodles. Furrowing his brow, he couldn't help but stare at her in fascination. He was curious just what kind of fantasy blossomed in her mind over somen, but then again, maybe he was better off not knowing.
Feeling the press of eyes on her, Orihime glanced over at Ichigo, only to see him watching her with that puzzled look he sometimes wore around her. Placing one package back on the shelf, she walked over to him, smiling as she glanced over at his sister.
Shaking his head, Ichigo asked her, arching a brow, a small grin pulling at his lips. "Did you have to ask the noodles which one to buy?"
"Well, they both had very convincing arguments on why I should choose them, but the verdict is in and the jury has chosen somen over soba. So, somen, it is." Orihime cheered, brandishing the package of noodles before her. "Oh, I need to get some tofu, so I can add it to my leeks and noodles, and maybe some wasabi powder, too." she nodded earnestly at Ichigo.
"You have interesting tastes, I see." Yuzu commented, letting her eyes drift to the basket on Ichigo's arm, lips pulled into a semblance of a smile.
Smiling brightly, waving a package of somen in front of her, Orihime excitedly replied. "Yeah, there are just so many different foods to try. There is always something new I want to sample."
Yuzu turned toward Ichigo without commenting, smiling up at her brother. "Well, I better run, Daddy wanted my special shogayaki for lunch."
Lifting his chin, almost as if he was sniffing the air, Ichigo curiously inquired, "You're making ginger pork, with cabbage?"
"Uh huh, yes I am." Switching her basket to her other hand, Yuzu tilted her head at Ichigo, smiling softly at him. "Will you be home in time, Ichi-nii?"
Rubbing the back of his neck, he glanced at Orihime standing nearby before replying quietly. "Umm, probably not."
"I'll save you some if there is any left," Yuzu reached out to pat his hand before assuring him, "otherwise, I'll be sure to make your favorite for supper."
Feeling uneasy and not exactly sure why, Ichigo scuffed his shoe on the floor, grimacing at his little sister. "Sure. Thanks, Yuzu."
Smiling brightly at him, Yuzu waved her hand negligently at them and gave a cheerful 'bye' before she walked off towards the checkout.
"You should go eat with your family, Kurosaki-kun." Twisting the package of noodles in her hands, hopelessly crushing the contents, Orihime whispered to the floor. "My grocery shopping is almost done and that was all we planned to do, so you can go home if you want."
Scratching under his chin and frowning at an advertisement for laundry soap, he glanced at her agitated form, shrugging his shoulders. "I'm not in any hurry, Orihime. And it's no big deal anyway, all right."
"But Kurosaki-kun, you just got home yesterday. Your family is probably missing you and wants to spend time with you." She replied as she swung the smashed package through the air.
Reaching out, Ichigo plucked the noodles from her grasp and tossed them on a shelf behind him. "I doubt my family will go into a decline if I'm not there."
Straining to reach around him, pouting over her noodles, she whined. "I wanted that, Kurosaki-kun."
Placing his hand on her shoulder and pushing her forward, he rolled his eyes. "Go pick another package, Orihime. You've done destroyed that one."
Spinning in his grasp, she tried to retrieve the pack. "If I broke it I really should pay for it. It's only right."
Halting her progress, Ichigo tightened his grip of her shoulder, looking down at her determined face, sighing. "What are you going to do with a package of powdered noodles? Just forget about it."
"B-but, I ruined it." She said softly, staring at his shirtfront.
"Fine." Turning around, Ichigo grabbed the abused package and tossed it into the carrier. "I'll buy it." He raised a brow to stall her objections.
"Kurosaki-kun," she whined up at him, twisting her hands together.
"Orihime," he whined right back, nodding his head at her. "They're mine and I'm taking them home with me." He stated petulantly as he thrust his chin out before adding childishly, "So there."
Her lips started twitching and then a snort escaped her lips. Slapping a hand over mouth, she tried to contain her growing mirth. Eyes dancing with glee, Orihime gave up fighting her laughter. "You …were so funny." She gushed. "All, they're mine, and they're coming home with me." More laughter escaped as she pantomimed his actions and facial expressions. "And it was so cute how you said, 'so there'."
Cute? He was trying for something more like assertive, commanding, or even firm would work, but definitely not cute. He just did not understand the female mind. Glancing at Orihime's giggling form; Ichigo admitted that he probably never would, either. Blowing out a breath, he was at least glad she was smiling again. He didn't like Orihime to be upset.
Shaking his head at her, he bumped her with his elbow. "Come on. Let's go get your noodles and tofu."
~o0o~
Ichigo slouched along after her, not making eye contact with anyone they passed, her bag of groceries swinging in his hand. Damn, how many was it that seen fit to comment, smirk, point at them, five maybe six? What was the big deal anyway? Even the cashier had to make a scene over them, especially after Orihime explained why he was buying a crushed package of somen. The lady's 'awww' was still making his eye twitch.
Blowing out a breath, he glanced up at Orihime happily striding down the sidewalk, her arms swinging at her sides. She had been walking at his side, chattering away about a TV show she watched last night, something to do with time travel and aliens. He didn't have clue if the aliens were time travelers or if the hero traveled to the future and met aliens. Ichigo honestly believed her exposition was off.
As she daydreamed about her time traveling aliens her steps quickened and she slowly pulled ahead. Ichigo had just watched transfixed as her hair gently swayed with each step she took. He slowly let his eyes drift down over her slender figure and felt his lips curve into a grin at the skip she added to every other step.
"Man, berry head has it bad."
Ichigo's ears perked at the comment. Lifting his head, he looked around when he heard another reply.
"Can you blame him? Look at her. Damn, she's totally stacked."
Turning to face the observant pair loitering at the gate of the apartment complex, he glared at them through lowered brows. "Did you have something to say?"
The taller of the two, glanced at Orihime before smirking at Ichigo as he turned and wordlessly entered the building behind them. The second, stockier and older, stood with his arms crossing his barrel of a chest, grinning in amusement, "Yeah, I've got something to say. If I had a woman that fine, I sure as hell wouldn't be looking to blow off some steam on a slacker like me. I'd be reserving all that tension for her and her alone." Shaking his head at Ichigo, he too turned and spoke over his shoulder before he entered the building "But, that's just me talking."
~o0o~
Reaching the corner without receiving an answer to her last question, Orihime turned to repeat it. Why was Ichigo so far away and staring at that building like that? Creasing her brow, she watched him glance at the doorway again before continuing down the sidewalk towards her, his scowl firmly in place.
Something made him mad again.
Tilting her head in thought, people seemed to be getting on his nerves more than normal today. Pulling the strap of her purse higher on her shoulder, her lips turned down slightly. He's embarrassed by me. It was always when someone made a remark about the two of them together that Ichigo got upset. So, it was her.
Looking out to her right gazing at the river, admiring the way sunlight sparkled on the water. She sighed softly, realizing that he didn't even introduce her to his sister. At the time she hadn't really thought much about it. Orihime knew that Yuzu was one of his sisters, but had never spoken to her before. It wasn't like Ichigo to be lacking in manners. Which only went to prove that he was ashamed to be seen with her in public, her intuition was screaming at her.
Hearing the scrape of Ichigo's shoes nearing, Orihime pulled her gaze from her contemplation of the river to glance at his grimacing face. This day wasn't turning out like she thought it would. She had imagined the two of them braving the market together, exploring the vast expanse of shelving, identifying new treasures and making some significant discovery.
"Kurosaki-kun," she hesitantly called out as he drew abreast of her.
He passed by without looking up. His feet shuffled along the ground with both hands tucked into his pockets as her groceries swung freely from his wrist.
"Come on, Orihime."
Turning and following him, Orihime gazed at his back, the way his shoulders shifted as he moved, his bright hair brushed by the breeze. Smiling at his unresponsive back, she pushed all her confused feeling to the side for now, worrying wouldn't fix anything. Punching her fist into the air, she wasn't going to let it get her down. All engines full steam ahead.
Skipping beside Ichigo, Orihime let a happy smile cross her face. She was pleased when he glanced down at her and let the tension on his face relax. It wasn't quite a genuine smile, but he was no longer frowning, either. Perfectly acceptable in her book.
~o0o~
Ichigo truly wanted to thank whatever benevolent god that seen fit to bless him with Orihime. No matter what mood he sunk into, she could always spring up and soothe him. His inner thoughts were still agitated and sore, but he didn't want to upset her anymore. He hadn't been blind to her confused glances, thoughtful gazes, and nervous looks. He had just rudely ignored them.
Feeling like a heel, he pulled his hand from his pocket and threaded his fingers with hers. Continuing to walk without saying a word, he heard her small gasp and let his lips curve up into grin. Squeezing her small hand, Ichigo pulled her stumbling form along with him. Glancing down at her softly smiling face, he was going to do everything in his power to keep her smiling.
Tugging her up the stairway to her apartment, Ichigo promised himself that he would stop letting other's remarks bother him. For the chance to be with Orihime, he could take it. She was worth any amount of irritation and annoyance people could dish out.
Stepping aside as she unlocked the door, Ichigo followed her into her cool dark apartment. Shutting the door behind him, he gazed at her lovely face tilted up to his, a gentle smile on her lips. Damn, she was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
Leaning forward, he lightly brushed her lips with his as her small hand slid around his neck, holding him close. Her lips parted on a sigh and Ichigo let the kiss deepen. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer as he let his mouth and tongue speak for him. Telling her how special she was and just what she meant to him, meaningful words. Words that he had trouble speaking, but words that always needed to be said nonetheless.
"Yes! I'm going to be a rich woman after today. Woo hoo!"
Ichigo jerked back from Orihime's sweet lips as a look of horror crossed his face, eyes wide and terrified of just who had invaded Orihime's apartment. Swallowing thickly, he turned to look at the doorway to her kitchen. He squeezed his eyes shut with a groan, hoping that when he opened them the person before him would disappear.
Damn, no such luck. This day had started out good, full of anticipation, and then it had gradually slid downhill from there. Ichigo was beginning to believe it would have been better if he had stayed in bed.
Rangiku Mastsumoto in the flesh, lots of exposed flesh that is. Grrr. This was so not happening, not after everything else that had been going on. He had finally come to grips with people staring at them and he had Orihime delightfully melting in his arms a moment ago. Desperately wishing for the ability to curse the overabundant soul reaper back to wherever she came from, at least before she had a chance to open her mouth and start harping on him too. Today was not his day.
Clasping her hands before her and bouncing a silly little dance, Rangiku squealed excitedly. "Oh, this is so amazing. Darn, could you two kiss again? I need a picture if I'm going to be able to collect my winnings." She asked in all seriousness as she started digging through her bag.
"Winnings?" Ichigo growled out with a growing sense of dread.
Not looking up from rummaging around in her bag, the blonde soul reaper pulled out a small digital camera, grinning triumph. "Yeah, we all had a bet going that you were really gay. Not me though, a late bloomer maybe, but not gay." She winked teasingly.
"Just what the hell are you doing here anyway?" he growled at the excited woman, a blush burning his face, jabbing a finger in her direction. "You just don't break into someone's house whenever you feel like it."
Lifting her head, she glanced at him in confusion. "I didn't break in."
Scowling at her, Ichigo arched a brow at what was sure to be an answer he didn't want to hear.
"Orihime gave me a key." She stated simply, grinning at him in pleasure.
He knew it. Turning his gaze to his lovely, clueless girlfriend, only to see her grin at him self consciously and rub the back of her neck in an apologetic manner. Well, maybe she wasn't clueless, but the other adjective was definitely true. Blowing out a disgusted breath, he couldn't help but shake his head at her and grin back.
The sound of a cameras shutter drew his attention back to Rangiku, who was frowning at the camera in her hands. "What are you doing? I don't want my picture taken dammit, delete it right now." Ichigo advanced on her pouting form.
Sighing deeply, she arched a disappointed brow at her camera's screen, totally ignoring Ichigo's imminent eruption. "Well, I guess it will have to do, it's nothing like that kiss from earlier. You sure you couldn't, you know, your adoring public would love to see you smooching Orihime." She pleaded as she held up the camera, again.
"No!" he yelled reaching for the camera, only to be thwarted as she easily slipped passed him.
Tucking the picture proof away, she advanced on Orihime, silently wringing her hands nearby. Grabbing her slender shoulders, Rangiku grinned at her before licking her lips in anticipation of some good gossip, "So?"
Chewing her lip, she glanced questioningly at her friend. "I'm happy to see you Rangiku-san, but why are you here?"
Waving her hand negligently at her friend's question, Rangiku smiled brightly as she bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet. "Pfft, never mind that. What's the scoop on you and orange top over there? Come on, spill it."
Glancing at Ichigo out of the corner of her eye, the gentle healer watched him cross his arms over his chest, glaring furiously at her friend. "Well, you see," she started, twisting her fingers before her. "We, that is, Kurosaki-kun and I are…" She trailed off as she looked to Ichigo for some support and guidance, only to see him kick off his shoes and turn to take her groceries to the kitchen.
Frowning slightly at his retreating back, Orihime shook her head in disappointment. Ichigo had started to relax and he was kissing her, again. Ahh, she loved it when he kissed her. She truly adored her friend, but right now, she wished her back to the soul society.
Tilting her head in question, Rangiku glanced over her shoulder towards the kitchen before smiling gently at her young friend. "Did he finally open his eyes to see what was before him all along?"
Scratching her head in confusion, Orihime asked. "Do you mean is he my boyfriend?" An impatient nod was her answer. "Well, then yes, Kurosaki-kun is my boyfriend."
Her overly excited friend instantly swallowed her up. Being squeezed against Rangiku-san's enormous chest was a bit weird, but really, as far as special moments went, it was pretty wonderful to see her friend so excited for her.
~o0o~
Ichigo stuck his head out of the kitchen when he heard the squealing, concerned that the perverted soul reaper was doing something inappropriate to his girlfriend. His eyes widened as he took in Rangiku dancing Orihime around the room. Gahh, a woman her size should not be bouncing around like that. Damn, didn't she realize that a guy's eyes were drawn there almost magnetically.
Ichigo tried to turn his attention away from her jiggling chest. He was a man, so yes, he looked, but it was no different than Orihime. Yes, he was perfectly aware that his girlfriend was blessed with a very generous chest, but he just ignored them. As difficult as it was sometimes -something that obvious was terribly hard to overlook.
Glancing back at the two twirling women, he shook his head at their silly girly antics. Leaning back against the wall, Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest and enjoyed the sight of Orihime's happy smile and her joy at her friend's excitement. He slowly let his aggravation met away as he soaked in the gentle warmth of her presence.
Straightening when he heard Orihime breathlessly ask Rangiku what she was doing in the mortal world. He was curious as well, as far as he knew Toshiro just wouldn't allow her to ditch work on a whim.
Spinning to a stop, Rangiku clasped the stitch in her side before grinning wickedly at the substitute shinigami. "What am I doing here? I just so happened to overhear Rukia and Renji talking, and I wanted to come see for myself how things stood, so to speak."
Squeezing his eyes shut as his stomach lurched alarmingly. No, this wasn't happening. She couldn't mean what he thought she did. Feeling sweat bead on his forehead, Ichigo knew that he should have just killed that baboon bone flinging bastard from the get go.
Rangiku's delighted laughter echoed around the room. Oh hell no, he was not sticking around for this torture. Better to be seen a coward, than have that woman dissect him before Orihime. There was no way he wanted to see her face when she found out the truth about his dream.
Bolting to the door, Ichigo pulled it open, his face flaming. He called over his shoulder, telling Orihime that he would call her later before slamming the door behind him. He rushed down the stairs and was halfway down the block before he even realized that he left his shoes behind.
Damn.
~o0o~
Staring at her closed door, the healer waited for the uninformative portal to explain what just happened with Ichigo. Her brow creased as she gently chewed on her bottom lip, and Orihime could feel tears gathering at the corner of her eyes. She must have done something to upset him, again.
Releasing a huff of breath, Rangiku turned to her confused and upset friend. There was something more than Ichigo's embarrassment over a silly dream going on here. Giving Orihime a quick hug, she pulled back slightly and looked into her teary eyes, feeling her heart break over her friend's distress.
"Do you want to tell me about it?"
~o0o~
A/N: sorry to leave you hanging. Yes, I know it's mean.
Once again, thank you for sticking around and reading. Hope you enjoyed it.
Thanks again. –Rairakku
