Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and its characters. They are the property and original creations of Tite Kubo.
Chapter Thirteen: Sakura Kiss
Ichigo washed his face for the nth time in the men's room. He couldn't stop thinking of how to get through kissing Orihime. Every time he thought of the situation happening he felt heat rising to his cheeks.
'Annoying feeling,' Ichigo thought. But deep inside this is not the first time he had felt this. Although when he used to feel this for Rukia, the feelings were different. When back then his heart would only bang on his chest, this time he feels like his heart wants to jump out of his chest.
"Get yourself together," he said to himself. He walked out of the comfort room only to get a mini heart attack from seeing Orihime's worried face.
"Are you ok Kurosaki-kun? You've been in the bathroom for more than 30 minutes now."
"I'm fine, I think I have diarrhea."
"Diarrhea?" repeated Orihime with a confused expression.
"Umm, it's nothing you should be fussing over for, come on let's just go, PE's next period right?" said Ichigo. He gritted his teeth. "What's our PE for today?"
"The boys are doing basketball, girls will be having gymnastics," replied Orihime.
'Great, just what I need,' thought Ichigo. Whenever the girls would have gymnastics, they'd wear bloomers which he hated now more than ever. He is still a man after all.
Ichigo tried his best to concentrate at basketball as the girls warmed up for gymnastics. The boys in his class ogled at the girls as they bent down to reach their toes. 'This seriously isn't helping me concentrate,' he thought as he passed the ball at his friend Keigo who got hit in the head distracted by the wonder of bloomers presented before them.
"Ichigo!" called out Renji. "You better not be checking Rukia's fine ass!"
"What the fuck Renji?! Why would I want to see some midget's ass," said Ichigo as he received the ball from Renji. He then felt a swift kick behind his head. "OWW!" cried Ichigo holding onto the back of his head.
"Who are you calling midget?" said the petite woman.
"Rukia! You—" said Ichigo but was distracted by the "oohs" and "aahs" of his classmates. Orihime jogged gleefully to the group of girls to start warming up.
"Oi!" exclaimed Rukia slapping Ichigo back to reality. "Drool's coming out of your mouth you pervert."
"What? Shut the fuck up and go back to your group," Ichigo retorted wiping his mouth to check if there was drool.
"Whatever," said Rukia turning her back and waving off her hand at Ichigo. "Someone might steal her away from you if you're not careful."
"Huh?" uttered Ichigo.
"She just told you that you have no balls! Man up!" exclaimed Renji slapping his back.
"SonnaofaB—"yelped Ichigo massaging his back. He continued to play basketball trying his best not to turn his head at Orihime. Unfortunately for him, his eyes decide otherwise.
Orihime's hair was tied in a ponytail and her flawless legs shined in the afternoon light of the gym. Chizuru, one of their classmates who swing a little differently from other girls grabbed Orihime's boobs from behind.
"Uwaah! Chizuru-chan!"
"Orihime! These are really nice!"
Ichigo gaped at the scene as some of the boys whistled in satisfaction. "Hey, don't get distracted!" yelled a husky voice. Ichigo looked at the source when suddenly a ball came straight at his face. "WAM!"
"AH… OUCH!" yelled Ichigo. His yell echoed in the gym distracting everyone and placing their attention to them.
"That's what you get for keeping your attention away from the game," said Grimmjow smugly.
"Fucking bastard," muttered Ichigo. He glared back at Grimmjow who looked down on him as he held his nose. Ichigo picked up the ball and stood up straight.
Grimmjow smirked and looked at Ichigo then at Orihime who was watching the sudden commotion at their side. "How 'bout we make this game more fun?" said Grimmjow.
Keigo whispered at Renji, "Where's the PE instructor anyway, shouldn't we stop this tension?"
"He's flirting with the school nurse over there," said Renji nodding his head over at the gym door. "Anyway, let's not tell him. This sounds fun."
"What are you talking about new guy?" asked Ichigo.
"How about we make a bet," said Grimmjow.
"I'm listening."
"That girl over there, she'll be the prize."
"No fucking way I'm betting her. This is about you and me, isn't it?" Ichigo said angrily.
"How about we let her in on this then," Grimmjow said.
He called out Orihime to come over. Confused, she went over beside Ichigo. "What's happening?"
"Whatever he says… Just say no."
"Well then, let me explain," began Grimmjow. "We'll play one on one in basketball; if I win you'll have to be my girl for a week."
Everyone's jaw dropped. "Well, that was unexpected," said Renji.
"If I say no," said Orihime sternly.
Grimmjow smirked and stared into Orihime's eyes intently, as if conveying his message telepathically. Orihime felt her head sting for a moment. "I'll make him my manservant for a week," replied Grimmjow.
Somehow, Orihime felt a dread run through her. Ichigo intervened and said, "That's not a problem with me. Don't get her involved in this."
"No," said Orihime sternly.
"See, she disagrees."
"No, Kurosaki-kun, I meant, I don't want you to be his manservant. I'll take the offer."
"Are you crazy?!" yelled Ichigo.
Orihime looked at Ichigo pleadingly. Ichigo swallowed heavily and turned to look at Grimmjow, "And if I win?"
"I'll be your manservant for the week," replied Grimmjow spreading his arms out and smirking. "How about it, let's play."
*.*.*.*
"Urahara," said Yoruichi as she entered the man's office. Urahara sat on his chair focused on the papers laid on his desk.
"Maybe it's not such a good thing to have Kurosaki as Kami, especially for Orihime-chan," said Urahara scanning the papers in his hand.
"What do you mean?" asked Yoruichi sitting on the couch across Urahara's table.
"I'm not sure yet but I have to look further into this," replied Urahara. "Yoruichi, have an extra surveillance on Kurosaki and his family. I feel some forces are stirring."
"As you wish," replied Yoruichi.
Urahara stared at his paper which contained Orihime's family history.
*.*.*.*
"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" yelled Ichigo as he fell to his knees panting. He had lost to Grimmjow. "Let's change the bet. I'll be your manservant!"
Grimmjow smirked, "Why do you insist on that?"
"Inoue isn't part of this. Let's not get her involved."
"She chose to be part of this. Who are you to stop her decisions?"
Orihime watched as Ichigo slammed his fist on the gym floor. "It's all right Kurosaki-kun, it's just for a week, and I doubt Grimmjow-san will do anything bad."
"That's not it!" yelled Ichigo. "Shit!"
"Oi, are you her boyfriend or something?" asked Grimmjow squatting next to Ichigo.
"NO! That's beside the point." he replied. Orihime felt her heart sank. 'Of course, he is only being protective of me because I'm his angel. It doesn't mean he has feelings for me,' she thought.
"Then, there's no problem. You ain't got the right to tell her what to decide," said Grimmjow. His eyes were mischievous and he smirked mockingly at Ichigo.
"Renji, should we intervene?" asked Rukia.
"No, this is something between men. Ichigo has to realize something on his own. I'm actually happy this guy had the sense to put Ichigo in a corner," said Renji.
"Are you sure?" asked Rukia.
"Don't worry," replied Renji turning to her and caressing her cheeks. "We're not just gonna stand here and do nothing. We'll find out this guy's real intentions. And of course we'll help Ichigo realize he's a real pervert."
Renji and Rukia watched as Grimmjow went over to Orihime and pulled her by the waist. "I say we commemorate our new relationship next week by starting it with a date?"
Orihime tried to shrug the disturbance she had been feeling ever since Grimmjow had stared into her eyes. She looked at Ichigo who swiftly avoided her gaze. 'I'm sorry Kurosaki-kun, but I have a feeling you will be in trouble with this man.'
*.*.*.*
"I'll be heading out. I'm meeting up with Renji and Rukia," said Ichigo as he wrapped his coat and placed his hat on his head.
"What's with the get up? You look like a suspicious person Ichi-nii," said Karin.
"It's cold out," said Ichigo. It was cold out since it was December.
"Hmm, yeah, I guess you're right. It might start snowing soon," said Karin. "Ah, Christmas is coming; I have to prepare for the exams too!"
Ichigo got out before he gets scolded for going out when exams are in the corner.
He met with Renji and Rukia just by the train station. "Hey," he called out.
"All right! You got in gear!" exclaimed Rukia. "Now for the finishing touches," Rukia placed shades on Ichigo's face.
"There," she said in satisfaction. "This way they won't know it's us." Rukia stood beside Renji in a triumphant pose. Both donned the same coat, hat and shades.
"What the fuck is this?!" Ichigo exclaimed as he pulled the shades off his face and threw it to the ground. "I don't want to look any more of a stalker than I already am!"
"So you're admitting you are a stalker?" said Renji.
"Huh?! You wanna rub it in shit-face?!" exclaimed Ichigo holding up Renji's collar and putting his face close to his.
"All right, enough, let's go before we lose track of the two," interrupted Rukia.
They started their "investigation" at Orihime and Grimmjow's meeting place, near a café at the central market.
"I asked Inoue everything. They said they were going to meet up here in Café Hana. Then they're going to watch a movie, then go to the aquarium then—"
Ichigo covered Rukia's mouth as he saw Orihime approach the shop. She stood there checking out the shops' display of pastries.
"How can that guy make a girl meet up with him and have her arrive early?" commented Rukia. Ichigo felt a smirk creep up to his face, which suddenly fell into a frown as they saw Grimmjow come out of the shop.
"So the bastard works there," said Renji. "They're going in, should we?"
"No! They might see us, let's wait till they leave."
The three followed Grimmjow and Orihime as soon as they got out of the café. Grimmjow had changed into his regular clothes. The "couple" got everyone's attention as they walked pass the people. Ichigo gritted his teeth in annoyance but continued to follow quietly.
"Hey be careful," said Grimmjow as he held onto Orihime's hand as they went down the stairs. Orihime faintly blushed at the sudden gesture. Renji and Rukia on the other hand tried to stop Ichigo from charging at them.
After the movie theater, which Ichigo was a little relieved at the moment for nothing serious had happened. Although what Ichigo was restless about was the fact that Orihime was starting to feel comfortable around the man.
"Grimmjow-san," said Orihime as they walked towards the aquarium plaza. "Why are you doing this?"
Grimmjow looked down at Orihime and stopped just by the fountain. "Does it bother you?"
"No, it's just…"
"If I told you I had feelings for you, would that shut you up?"
Orihime looked back into Grimmjow's intense gaze. The feeling was weird. It was the first time someone had confessed to her.
"I'm sorry Grimmjow-san…"
"It's 'cause you like that Kurosaki guy," finished Grimmjow. Orihime nodded meekly.
"So?"
Orihime studied Grimmjow's face as he said it.
"It doesn't matter. Feelings could change. I just have to make you fall in love with me," he said.
"That's…"
"That guy, I don't know what he feels about you but he doesn't really seem to care that I'm dating you," he continued.
Orihime's heart sank. She had never felt such depressing feelings before. Grimmjow was right; she didn't know how Ichigo felt about her.
"Let's go," said Grimmjow as he started walking. Orihime jogged after him. 'Maybe it's time that I learn about Kurosaki-kun's feelings.'
*.*.*.*
Ichigo couldn't take the pain that's been gnawing at his heart as he watched Orihime laugh and giggle. It was unexpected. After they watched them at the plaza near the fountain, they'd thought that maybe the date would be over as Orihime's expression was that of sadness. It took all of Ichigo's will power not to go over and punch the lights out of Grimmjow.
'What happened back there?' he thought.
Grimmjow and Orihime left the aquarium to get some ice cream and such a picturesque moment it was as Orihime wiped the side of Grimmjow's mouth. Grimmjow grabbed Orihime's hand and for a moment the three spies thought he was going to get mad but instead stared intensely at Orihime's eyes.
Orihime blushed slightly. "You know Grimmjow-san, you can actually be quite gentle. I thought you were the kind to hate on people." Orihime laughed to try and change the atmosphere but Grimmjow continued to stare at her and hold her hand.
She became quiet and looked back at the cool blue eyes. It was cold, unfeeling but somewhere deep inside she felt like there was slight warmth. She felt her breathe become heavy and her eyelids starting to close as Grimmjow's face was nearing hers.
"Ichigo!" called out Rukia as she saw the lean body of her friend move forward and threw his hat on the ground.
"That's enough for today," he said as he held on Grimmjow's shoulders. He pulled Orihime towards him and held her tightly. "I have an important business with Inoue. She'll see you tomorrow."
With that he pulled a confused Orihime away. Grimmjow merely watched as the two walk out on him.
"Well, that escalated quickly," said Grimmjow as he slouched on the bench. He placed his hand on his head and laughed.
"So what do we do now?" asked Renji trying to stop laughing.
Rukia was still laughing hysterically. "Phew, how 'bout we go on our own date."
"I thought you'd never say that," said Renji pulling Rukia close to him and kissing her forehead.
*.*.*.*
"Kurosaki-kun… KUROSAKI-KUN!" exclaimed Orihime panting as they came to a halt.
Ichigo had his back on Orihime, he was panting as well.
"What's wrong Kurosaki-kun? What were you doing at the plaza?"
Ichigo didn't answer. Orihime looked at his chiseled back. He was breathing heavily; they had run quite far after all.
"Inoue, I…" but before Ichigo could finish what he was going to say, they felt an evil sensation.
"It's a SIN!" exclaimed Orihime. She quickly ran to the direction of the feeling.
"Shit. Just my luck," muttered Ichigo as he followed after the auburn haired angel.
They stopped at an empty sakura tree park.
"There!" yelled Orihime as she saw a man crouched on the ground. Dark matter was rising from his body.
"Let's finish this then," said Ichigo as he went over to the man. As he did so, he heard the man mutter, "This is where we met... Why did you have to leave me?"
The man roared in anger as his hands turned into crab claws. He turned to Orihime who just placed the haze around them. "You! How dare you break my heart!"
It charged towards Orihime but Ichigo pulled her out of the way. The two landed a few feet away from the monster.
"Kurosaki-kun, I'll get Zangetsu," said Orihime as she held out her phone. Ichigo held his hand on Orihime.
"No, I'll handle this." Ichigo charged at the monster trying his best to subdue it. Orihime watched in horror as Ichigo got flung away. The small pillbox Urahara gave him dropped from his pocket.
"Use Zangestsu Kurosaki-kun!"
"Good, it seems when I don't use any power, you don't get hurt when I do," said Ichigo as he tried to stand up.
"You can use the pill Kurosaki-kun. Please."
Ichigo bit his lip. "No."
The monster swung its claw toward Ichigo. He flinched but nothing had hit him. Orihime had put up 'Santen Kesshun'. She ran towards the pillbox on the ground and took it.
"Is it because you don't want to kiss me?" asked Orihime as she held her hands to keep the shield up.
"No!" yelled Ichigo. "It's not because of that!"
"Then is it because of Kuchiki-san?" asked Orihime, she felt that she might cry any moment. She braced herself for Ichigo's reply.
"Rukia has nothing to do with this," said Ichigo. "Enough Inoue, I'll handle this!"
"I won't let you! I'm not going to allow myself to watch you get hurt!"
The monster continued to bang at Orihime's shield. Orihime went closer to Ichigo. "Inoue, I…"
"You're making me confused Kurosaki-kun, you got jealous when you met Uryuu-kun, and then went as far as ruining my date with Grimmjow-san."
"You don't understand, I'm just…"
"I know… you're only trying to protect me. But maybe what you're doing is only hurting me. Please Kurosaki-kun. I want to understand."
Ichigo slammed his foot on the ground. 'What am I doing?'
Orihime's shield was about to crack. Orihime called out Zangetsu and shoved it in Ichigo's arm. "If protecting is what you want to do, then do this just for that purpose."
Orihime popped in two pills in her mouth. "Inoue, what are you-"
Orihime planted a kiss on Ichigo and pushed the pill in his mouth with her tongue. Ichigo swallowed and the two glowed with a ray of orange light. Orihime's shield shattered showering the two in its shards.
~end of chapter~
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I wanna try putting up a chapter every week. I planned that as the longest wait one can take… I almost missed this week but I hope your wait was not in vain. I think I'm messing up a bit on my storyline but I'll get back on track once Ichigo fixes his feelings. Recent Bleach chapters are getting more and more depressing and intense. I also hope that they'd shift back to Hueco Mundo so we know what's happening at Ichigo and Orihime's end. Anyway, expect more lovey-dovey scenes in the upcoming chapters before it gets serious again (and maybe I'll add some smut later on *evil grin). You'll be able to find out more about Grimmjow, my favorite character (Btw, DeathBerryLover1995, I'm not into GrimmNel but I like the idea; nypsy, hmmm, about Masaki and Isshin, maybe a few more chapters then we'll know) so I hope you'll keep reading till the end. Well, that's it for now. :D
THANK YOU to everyone who's been reading, reviewing, following and favoring this story.
R&R~