Chapter Twenty
It was around ten when Urahara heard someone enter the shop; he was already sitting at his table as he had some ideas who would visit him at this hour. He thought of Renji, Ichigo, Yorichi or Ikkaku hungry again. When he saw Hoshiko walk in, he was somewhat surprised. She slowly sat down across from him and stared at the tea pot.
"Twice in one day huh? I should start charging for my services." Urahara teased as he poured her a cup of tea
"Mind adding some Saki to the tea?" Hoshiko mumbled
"Long day? I found Ichigo alone in the training grounds, he said you connected with Izanami and was able to Shikai. I expected you to be happy about this, yet your expression tells me otherwise. What's wrong?" He asked
"He's in love with me…." She replied
"Did you tell him you love him?" he asked drinking his own tea
"I can't. I don't know even know how." She replied staring at her cup
"It's three little words Hoshiko." Urahara said
"No it's not. Saying I hate you is much easier, this….this requires strength I don't have. I could never be what Ichigo needs—he should be with someone who is human, loving, caring, strong, beautiful and intelligent. I'm just an expendable asset to Soul Society." Hoshiko disagreed
"Through all the time that I have known about you, the first thing that came to mind when I heard about you was a girl that was heavenly broken—you have witnessed the beauty of love and all its riches, then had it ripped out beneath your feet. But maybe, Ichigo is the one to put you back together. You're right hating is easy, but love takes courage. I believe you have that courage Hoshiko. If you don't let someone in, he'll always keep you broken." He said, she looked up at him and sighed, "Talk to Ichigo,"
"What if he hurts me or worse I hurt him… I could never live knowing I caused Ichigo pain." Hoshiko said
"Then don't." he replied, it took her a few moments before she stood up
"Thank you Urahara." She said before she left the room and walked out of the shop
"Never thought I see the day that love counselor would be one of my daily jobs." Urahara laughed, "Now that she's gone, how can I help you Renji?" he felt him standing behind one of the sliding doors. He wondered why Hoshiko didn't notice him, perhaps she was too concerned with Ichigo or just didn't feel him.
"Is she alright?" Renji asked leaning against the wall
"She will be. The better question is are you alright?'Urahara asked in return
"I'm fine." Renji replied, "She loves him, not much I can do except deal with it." Urahara turned to watch him leave the room and slide the door behind him. He sighed; just a few nights ago Renji had the same conversation with him about Hoshiko and told him to tell her how he felt. But obviously that didn't go so well. Hopefully he gave Hoshiko the right advice. Unlike Renji she would come back and tell him he was wrong with her fists doing most of the talking.