Tread carefully, as things will get... fluffy. Pillows for screaming your fangasms into is recommended. (Ok, clearly an exaggeration, but my goal is fangasms.)
Although the chapter is a bit short, fair warning.
Chapter 14
"Oi…... Ichi, wake up…... King…... Hey, King… WAKE UP, DAMMIT!" A loud thump echoed as the startled teen fell off of the comfy black cotton couch, that he was using as a temporary resting place, to land face first onto the wooden floor below. Ichigo sat up groggily, his Shinigami ruffled from having slept in them, and yawned, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, before looking up at the amused albino who stood, smirking, before him.
"Wakey wakey, Sleeping beauty." Shiro cackled as the orangette got to his feet and stretched his arms out to pop his joints, grateful for having the foresight to remove his armor before hitting the sack. "Good morning to you too, Snow White."
The pale being released a burst his signature laugh of insanity as he handed his ebony dual blade form over to his orange haired teen, once said teen had finished putting his armor back on. When the hybrid Shinigami was ready, the two shunpoed out of the gaming den, which was located in the skyscraper of entertainment, that Ichigo had used as a sleeping place. The duo landed onto the side on one of the many sideways buildings of their inner world. There, the alabaster Zanpakuto spirit turned to his wielder with a wide grin on his porcelain white face. "Hope yer ready."
The orangette nodded, very curious as to what his alabaster lover had planned for him, thanks to the results of their bet from the day before. Chocolate orbs locked onto golden pools swimming in midnight, a silent message of trust passing between them. Shiro leaned forward, giving his Ichigo a peck on the cheek, before shoving the teen backwards and back into his body in the outer realm of reality. Opening his eyes, Ichigo found himself sitting in a chair in his bedroom, facing the full length mirror hanging on his door. Someone was clearly busy, as the orangette was trimmed and ready to go.
"You're really getting into this aren't you?" He asked out loud, admiring what his boyfriend had dressed him in. The orange head wore red and white high tops on his feet, and a pair of comfortable form fitting black jeans. A red belt with a chain was wrapped around his hips. A deep blue button-up had its sleeves rolled up to the elbow, the top three buttons left open to show off the black undershirt beneath it.
Meanwhile, a black fedora with a simple white band rested on his head of orange locks. Hugging along the rim of his left ear, on the outer edge of the cartilage, was a silver cuff. The black wristwatch, that he owned, was strapped to his right wrist. Finally, a pure white crescent moon pendant hung around the teen's tanned neck, the gleaming pendant resting over his heart. The ivory surface contrasting, glowing against the black background.
'Where'd you even get this necklace? It's nice. Also, I don't remember ever owning a fedora.' Ichigo mused, standing up to look over his outfit for the day.
'We~ll, I may have gone shopping while ya were snoozing.' Shiro admitted, from with their mindscape.
'No wonder you insisted that I actually sleep for once.' The orange haired teen chuckled as he walked out of his bedroom, flipping the light switch as he went.
'Yup. the trip took longer since a mangy low-class hollow decided to try and jump me, so I figured I'd have a little fun with it. Couple of trees tried to fall on me, but nothing a little Bringer Light can't fix with a couple power punches.' The Zanpakuto spirit declared with a hint of triumph, causing Ichigo to pause in the middle of his living room, a single eyebrow raised in question. 'I have Fullbringer powers too? Also, why'd you use them instead of using the blades?'
'Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that. Then again, ya only used them for less than a week. After that, ya never bothered using them again. As for why I used them is 'cause I didn't bring the Shinigami badge with me.' The albino's watery double-toned voice echoed with a sheepish chuckle at the last part. 'Would've been easier if I could materialize, but that'll have to wait for another time.'
This got the teen's attention as he stepped out into the Sunday afternoon, the bright sun glowing in the cloudless sky of sapphire blue. 'Why can't you materialize?'
'Currently, I don't have an established link to the outer world. Until you can learn to materialize me with ease, I can't get out on my own.' Shiro explained as the orangette locked the front door behind him. 'So, try to enjoy today as much as possible.'
'I'd enjoy it more if we actually went somewhere.' Ichigo thought teasingly. On cue, he felt a phantom force pulling on him, and allowed it to push him back, watching as his pale hollowfied Zanpakuto take control. The possessed hybrid then leisurely walked downstairs and out of the apartment complex that he called home. They strolled down the road, taking in the sun's warmth as the reached closer to the albino's intended destination. Soon, the alabaster Zanpakuto spirit lead them to a quaint little café.
The bell rang as he (they) stepped into the charming building decorated with light pastels. Approaching near the counter, the pale being patiently waited in line. During the wait, Ichigo noticed, out of the corner of his eye, a group of girls checking him out from their seats near the window. An echoing giggle rang through his head as his possessed body moved forward with the line.
'Ooh! I bet they would lo~ve for me to flirt with them. Maybe even exchange some phone numbers. Why it'd be a shame if it turned out I was taken at the last moment.' Shiro had noticed too.
'No, you're not allowed to prank people while possessing me.' The teen spoke sternly over their mental link, rolling his eyes.
'Aww! Yer no fun.' Came the jeering response as Shiro (in Ichigo's body) bought a mixed drink, called Tripleberry Au Lait, from the counter. He grabbed their to-go cup before strolling out the door and down the street to their next destination.
'Hey, your right! I am appreciating today.' The orangette suddenly exclaimed dramatically, earning himself an inquiring 'huh?' from his alabaster Zanpakuto. 'I can appreciate the fact that I can keep you from trying to do weird stuff to random people out of boredom. Plus, I'm anticipating when I can learn how to materialize you, so you can buy stuff with your own money.'
'How, exactly, am I going to get money when ya materialize me?' The pale being asked, sounding genuinely curious.
'You get a gigai from Urahara, then get a job.' Ichigo explained, as if it was completely obvious.
'That sounds as simple as our Wi-Fi!'
'You and your damn Wi-Fi!' Shiro mentally burst into a fit of crazed giggles at his orange haired hybrid's irritation. After a minute of calming down, he finally took a sip from the drink he'd bought.
'Holy SHIT this is weird!' Ichigo yelped from within their head.
'What's wrong? Ya don't like it?' Asked the albino, taking another sip.
'No, it's not that. I mean, the drink is great, don't get me wrong, but it's just so weird. I'm experiencing what you are, the taste and texture of the drink. Even how cold it is. Yet when I check, there's nothing in my mouth!' The Hollowfied Zanpakuto's psychotic laughter echoed around The orange haired teen, in his retreated spot within the surface of their mind, as Shiro leisurely sat on the steps leading to the shore of the Karakura river, resting their elbows on their knees. The afternoon sun shined down from a partially cloudy sky of deep blue, as the pair lazily enjoyed their shared drink, taking in the peaceful scene. A cool breeze flew by rustling the fresh green grass. Sunlight reflected off of the river, causing the smooth water to seemingly sparkle in the light.
'Is it weird that I'm in love with my Zanpakuto Spirit, when you're essentially me?' Ichigo asked, shattering the serene silence.
The currently placated spirit sighed out loud, taking in a deep breathe before responding. 'Still worrying about that, eh? Who cares what others think. Well, to answer yer question, maybe, but they do say that to love others, ya must first love yerself. Also, think about it, as the other half of yer soul, yer Zanpakuto is the closest one to ya who can fully understand yer persona.'
A breathy chuckle escaped the hybrid teen as he wrapped his reiatsu around the albino in a spiritual embrace. 'That sounds nice.'
After a while, Shiro finally finished off their Tripleberry au Lait before standing up. He stretched their limbs out with a pop, then strolled away from the river side, tossing their empty to-go cup into a trash can that they passed. Walking, they soon came up to a small restaurant that sold Indian food, a fairly rare sight to see in a small town like Karakura. Inside, the hollowfied Zanpakuto ordered extra spicy curry with white rice for the teen, no doubt knowing about Ichigo's developed taste for heat since hollowed memories removed the joy of sweets for the orangette. Personally, the hybrid Shinigami thought it was a bit late for lunch, but couldn't complain considering he got to sleep for quite awhile. Walking out of the restaurant, the bagged to-go box in hand, the possessed teen headed to the park.
The place was bustling with all sorts of people doing whatever the hell people do at parks, thus, the duo went over to an empty picnic table in a quiet corner of the vast area, near a lone tree that was several feet away from a stretch of forest. Sitting down at the table, Ichigo found himself pushed back in control. Confused, the teen mentally called out to the missing spirit, but received nothing in return. Only a small mumble indicated that Shiro had retreated to the inner mindscape. Soon, the enticing aroma of the warm curry drew the orangette's attention away from the absent albino.
Digging into the delicious food, he wondered why his porcelain faced Zanpakuto had left so suddenly. As he bit down on a spicy carrot slice, the answer clicked. Shiro hated spicy food. Thinking back, the pale spirit does seem to visit the candy mountain since he would sometimes. Also, Ichigo would sometimes find a small pile of discarded candy wrappers in the corner of the gaming den when they retreat into the entertainment den to have some more relaxed fun after an intense sparring match at night.
Not only that, but Shiro probably retains personality traits relating to the old Ichigo, such as certain tastes in things. Considering all this, it would make sense why he'd delve into the depths of their mindscape in order to avoid spicy flavors. Suddenly, an idea popped into the teens mind, causing him to smirk mischievously. The orangette picked through his curry with a plastic spoon until he found what he needed. Quickly, he scooped up a large slice of hot pepper into his mouth, chewing just slightly for maximum heat. Then, he dug through his mind, latched onto Shiro's presence, and forced him into control.
"Fucking SHIT!" Yelped the possessed teen out loud, coughing the chewed pepper onto the grassy ground. He could hear Ichigo laughing from within their head. Ignoring the laughter, the alabaster spirit hurried to the nearest vending machine, tossing the half-eaten curry into a park trashcan along the way as minor payback, and bought the sweetest drink it had to soothe his chemically burned taste buds. Walking back to the isolated bench, chugging on his sugary relief, the albino went over various ways to get his full revenge. In the end, he settled with a good old fashioned ass whooping.
Tossing his finished can, Shiro wandered over to the nearby tree and settled down onto a cozy spot under its shady branches. Placing their fedora over their face, he descended into their inner world. Once he found himself on a sideways skyscraper, he was greeted with the sight of a trail of assorted candy.
"My stash better be ok ya damn tyrant!" He yelled into the twisted heavens as he began collecting the candy trail. The Zanpakuto would never admit it, but he was wary, as well as unsure, of what Ichigo might do. It would appear that the orange haired teen enjoyed pranks a bit more than his last incarnation. The alabaster being continued to follow the trail, stuffing the candy into his pockets sewn in his white Hakama and Shihakusho sleeves, until he eventually grabbed a bucket from one of the sideways buildings to hold the treats in.
Finally, after an hour or more of shunpoing from building to building, gathering up the trail of sweetness, Shiro found himself standing at the window that lead to his beloved mountain. Leaping down, the porcelain faced spirit dumped his collected sweets back into the gargantuan pile, peeking around into the cavernous space. The trail was gone, with no Ichigo in sight. Suddenly, a single lump of candy, several feet away, shifted.
"Gotcha!" Cried the pale Zanpakuto as he leaped towards the area that moved. Tossing sweets aside, it wasn't long until he uncovered a certain snickering orange haired hybrid. The teen was covering his mouth with his hand, desperate to keep from bursting into a fit of laughter. Grabbing the orangette by the collar, the albino hoisted Ichigo out of the colossal pile. A few stray pieces of candy poked out here and there on the Shinigami hybrid's uniform as he stood before his furious Shiro.
"What the hell was that for?!" Demanded the albino in reference to the pepper. "Ya wouldn't let me pull any pranks, so why'd y-!"
Ichigo cut off his porcelain faced spirit by crashing their lips together. The hollowfied Zanpakuto was stunned by the sudden action, but soon, his brilliant gold on black eyes fluttered closed as he began messaging pink petals with his own, vigorously. Tan arms hooked around the pale spirit's waist prompting him to grab his lover's orange tresses, and tilt his head to deepen the kiss. The albino felt drugged as ecstasy pumped through his veins, and soon found his blue tongue being drawn into a sweet cavern. Entering the inviting mouth, Shiro Zangetsu was pleasantly surprised to find it filled with rich melted chocolate.
Pressing closer, with no air passing between their clothed chests, the pale Zanpakuto was practically drinking from his king, consuming the dark essence. Every now and then, the teen would moan as an eager appendage explored for more richness and traced hidden crevices. After seemingly forever, the two finally broke for air.
"Yer evil, ya know?" Panted the albino as he fought to catch his breathe, licking his lips to savor the taste of his chocolate covered King. A gasped laugh escaped Ichigo. "Hey, I made up for it didn't I? And I didn't want you to prank anyone is because you're using my body. Once we get you your own gigai, you can do whatever you want that doesn't put you in jail."
"Can't wait. By the way, do ya remember that American movie called 300?" The orangette did not like where things were going, but answered anyways. "Yes?"
"Good, cuz… THIS IS SPARTA!" Shiro kicked the poor teen in the gut, cackling with glee as his King rolled down the mountain of treats. Then, he leaped forward, sliding down the sweet slope on his stomach like a penguin, skidding to a halt beside the tired hybrid.
"I deserved that didn't I?" Mumbled the orangette, staring up at the ceiling.
"Meh." Came the single reply.
"Thanks. I really enjoyed today." Ichigo turned his head to lock eyes with Shiro, who was sitting up with his legs crossed on a small cushion of candy. "Yer welcome. Ya should probably get going. It's starting to get late."
With that, the teen sat up and crawled over to the albino, giving his pale cheek a small peck. "Alright, I love you."
The Zanpakuto's usual psychotic grin of mockery became suddenly softer with golden eyes glowing with warmth. "I love ya too."
In the next instant, the orange haired hybrid woke up back in the park and under the tree, mildly disappointed that his curry was gone as he rose to his feet. The sun was setting as he grabbed his fedora, placing it back on his head as he began to make his way home. Meanwhile, a pair of violet eyes were watching.
Tripleberry au Lait is very tasty, if you know what I mean.
Here's a picture for the chapter. I drew this one before the last picture, so it isn't very good in quality.
(copy and paste the link into a web search, then delete the spaces before hitting enter)
fav. me /da 8offs
Verteller: ... *quietly sips tea*