Chapter 21 – New Dawn Fades

"WHY ARE WE FALLING!?" Uryū screamed, "I THOUGHT WE WERE USING THE OFFICAL MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION!"

"Stop screaming," Ichigo said, calmly, "You're going to cause a scene."

"We are back in our physical bodies," Sado calmly reminded the Quincy. Uryu bit down.

"We're going to be fine," Yoruichi, back in her cat body, said. As she finished saying this, a white tapestry wrapped itself around the group, sealing them from sight.

"What's happening?" Orihime asked.

"Relax. It's probably one of the shopkeeper's stupid inventions," Ichigo said, shutting his eyes.

"Alright! Here it comes!" Jinta shouted, holding a kanabō high, "Jinta home-run!"

"Tessai Death Catch!" the burly man shouted, catching the ball, and unfurling it. Ichigo, calmly sitting in the middle of the carpet, opened his eyes.

"Welcome back!" Urahara sang. Ichigo shut his eyes again.

'Not worth it.'

"So, Kurosaki-san, how was it?" the shopkeeper asked.

"Meh. It wasn't worth the price of admission," the redhead answered, not bothering to open his eyes.

"Oh, you sound so grumpy."

"Stop that, before you turn my grumpiness into anger."

The first time Ichigo was proactive, rather than reactive...

It was a very sunny day, for it to be October. And instead of going out, and doing some sort of fun activity, Ichigo was at a funeral.

To be fair, he had not only volunteered to go, but had practically forced his way into it, and sat throughout the entire service, completely silent and still.

He knew how completely awkward it was. He knew nothing about Sora, other than the fact that he was born on March 4th, his blood type was B, the same as Orihime's, and he died on October 17th. He felt isolated from the entire thing, but at the same time, he knew he needed to be there.

When his mother was buried, Ichigo felt alone, despite knowing that he wasn't. He grieved in his own, self destructive way, and knew he had derailed his life from that moment. So, no matter how little he could do, he knew he had to be there, with Orihime,

To save one from going down his path...

After the body was buried, and the crowd dispersed, he and Orihime stood at the grave, silently. He wasn't going to leave. But, someone had to act...

"Oh!" Orihime suddenly quipped, "I'm sorry!" she said. Ichigo rose an eyebrow.

"What are you apologizing about?" he asked.

"I ruined your suit..." she said, demurely, "And it looks so expensive..." Ichigo blinked, before shrugging.

"Eh, it's fine. This thing isn't going to fit me in a couple of weeks anyway." Well, at least they were talking.

A previous attempt, one taking place about eight days ago, ended in horrific disaster, as Orihime refused to say anything other than her name to him, and Ichigo was strong armed by guilt and pity into spending three extremely awkward hours with the downtrodden girl. A thirteen year boy, even one as emotionally scarred and beaten as Ichigo, was not prepared for this. It absolutely frightened the hell out of him.

With Chad, he couldn't read the emotions of the giant anyway, but he seemed fine. And when something was off, they would talk, and that would be that. Chad was easy. But Orihime was different.

She was a girl. And Ichigo had no idea how to tackle this problem. Girls took a lot of finesse to heal their wounds. And the only experiences he had with females barely counted, so he was looking up a brick wall, wondering how he could get over it.

Well, if he had to scale this wall, he might wanna set up a foundation.

"Inoue, would you like to eat dinner with me and my family?" he asked. Well, as stupid as it was to see he could drag her back to the place that the worst ending to the worst day in her life took place, he had to show her that she wasn't alone. And what's better than a nice dinner, provided by a loving family, who would be more than ready to accept her.

She just had to accept.

"A-Are you sure it's okay?" Orihime asked. Ichigo nodded.

"It'll be fine. Come on, it'll be fun." Orihime sported a small, nervous smile, and she looked at the ground.

"O-Okay...I'll go..." she said, softly. Ichigo smiled.

"Okay. I'll let you get changed into something less...black," Ichigo said, "I'm going to pick you up in thirty minutes, okay." Orihime nodded, and Ichigo started to walk home, before pausing.

"...Uh, Inoue?"

"Yes?"

"...Where do you live?"

"Dad, I really wish I did not have to ask a grown man this, especially my father, but for tonight, please act like a normal, responsible member of society?" Ichigo asked, almost pleading. Isshin rose an eyebrow.

"For what?" he shouted, "Are you ashamed of me!?"

"Yes. Extremely. But please don't be...you. Can you do that? Please?"

"You're ashamed of me?" Isshin said, with tears brimming in eyes, "Oh, my dearest Masaki! Oh how our children have turned on me!" Ichigo narrowed his eyes.

"Could you please take down that poster. It's creepy."

"HE'S EVEN ASHAMED OF YOU!" Isshin cried. Ichigo rubbed his temples.

"I don't have time for this. I'll be back."

Well, this was going to suck.

He probably should have thought this through. He knew his dad probably wouldn't be super cooperative with his pleas. He knew that he was going to trudge through hours of awkward, tense moments of himself wondering where he was going to hide the body, while apologizing for his father.

But for one night. That's all he needed to give him.

Whatever. What's done is done...

Arriving on the doorstop of the Inoue residence, Ichigo gave two firm knocks, and stepped back. A muffled, "I'm coming," was heard.

"Hey," Ichigo said, coolly, as the door opened. Orihime, clad in a white dress, and pale yellow sweater, offered a small smile.

"Hi, Kurosaki-kun," she said, "Uh, was I taking too long?" Ichigo shook his head.

"You're fine. You didn't need to dress so formally. It's just dinner." Orihime shook her head.

"But it's my first time meeting your family. First impressions are the lasting impression." Ichigo nodded.

"I guess...So, you ready to go?"

Dread crept throughout Ichigo's body with every step the two took.

Ichigo rarely took people back to his home. Tatsuki went twice, and both times it was a complete disaster. Chad went once, and despite his calm and quiet personality, you could feel the annoyance growing.

The patriarch of the Kurosaki family was a true test in patience. His ability to get under your skin so effortlessly was frustrating. It was irritating that he felt he couldn't bring his friends over, because his father would try to scare them away, using any method he could.

And now he was bringing over a girl, who just recently lost her brother. Smart, Ichigo.

He really could have thought this through. He could have just taken her out to eat out at a restaurant, but he felt that she could have used the social contact. But he completely forgot about his father's antics.

Well, here it is...

"Inoue, can I have you stand right here? For just a second," Ichigo asked. Orihime blinked.

"Uh...Okay..." she replied, softly. Ichigo sighed, and entered his house.

"I'm home. My guest is here, Yuzu," Ichigo announced, flatly, "Dad, remember what we discussed."

"Why should I?" Isshin pouted. Ichigo narrowed his eyes.

"Because I have a guest coming over, and I doubt that they want to be a witness to your insanity."

"Oh, I should go get my brightest shirt now, son! Gotta make a glorious first impression!"

"I swear...Whatever..." Ichigo growled, turning back to the door. He sighed, opening the door tentatively.

"Come on in," he said, much flatter than he wanted. Orihime tightened up, and stiffly walked through the door.

"Loosen up. We're an informal family," Ichigo said, "Very informal...Too informal..."

"Okay..."

"Don't sweat it. My family is real easy to get along with..."

"Has Onii-san gotten back yet?" Yuzu asked, placing the fifth, and final plate at the table. Karin shrugged.

"I think so. Dad went back to his room, saying something about a brighter shirt."

"Brighter?"

"Yuzu, Karin, what's up?" Ichigo said, walking into the kitchen, and guiding himself toward the refrigerator, "Where there old man go?"

"In his room," Karin replied.

"Well...Anyway, my guest is in the living room. She's very fragile right now, so please don't overboard her."

"You brought home a girl?" Yuzu asked. Ichigo blinked.

"I don't see how that matters, but yes. Seriously, she been having a rough week. Play nice."

"Are you telling us that you don't think we're nice?" Karin quipped. Ichigo grabbed a carton of juice out of the fridge, and popped it open.

"Play nice," he repeated. He left the room, and walked into the living room, where Orihime was standing, still and impassive.

"Sit," Ichigo commanded, plopping down on the couch, "Relax, my friend."

"Sorry. I'm just a little nervous..."

"Don't be. You have nothing to be nervous about..."

"Are you-"

"ICHIGOOOOOO!" Isshin sang from upstairs, which Ichigo responded with by shutting his eyes, and groaning.

"What?" he said, deeply.

"What's the matter, boy?" Isshin shouted, practically jumping down the steps, and catching eye of the nervous Orihime. Isshin paused. Ichigo's mind started to race.

'Okay, maybe he's seeing why I made a big deal out of this, and he realizes why I asked him to be a rational and sane being tonight...' Isshin blinked, still silent.

'...Please say something...This silence isn't making me feel good..." Then Isshin smiled warmly.

"Oh, hello Inoue-chan. It's a pleasure to welcome you into our home." Ichigo exhaled internally.

'See, no need to worry. This night is just going to go alright...'

"Of course my son would be so worried about making this a perfect night! He has invited such a beautiful girl into our humble abode. I'm so proud of you son!" Isshin cried, "Masaki, our boy has grown so much!" Ichigo's eyebrows twitched.

'I will murder you in your sleep, old man...'

"Shopkeeper, can I ask you something?" Ichigo said, sitting cross-legged on the carpet. Kisuke nodded.

"What happened the last time the Shinigami were faced with a Substitute? Because they were pretty dead set on killing me." Kisuke frowned.

"Well, the last Substitute turned rogue on them, and Central 46 thrown down the harshest punishment for the crime. Did you not put in a good word for your kind?" Kisuke asked. Ichigo shrugged.

"Not really. Are you sure that Central 46 actually was behind that? It could have been that Aizen guy."

"Maybe, but I doubt it. Central 46 was not particularly fond of Substitutes."

"While we're on the subject, I was given strict orders by Yoruichi not to fight Hollows." Kisuke glanced back at him, wearing his usual grin.

"Why would I care?" he asked. Ichigo again shrugged.

"I don't know. Just because."

"If you are wondering, there is already a replacement for Kuchiki-san. However, he isn't very good at his job. Too bad you can't help him out."

"Too bad."

"So, Kurosaki-san, if you were to describe your current being, what would you say?" Kisuke asked. Ichigo's eyes softened.

"Everything, I guess," he replied, staring at his hands.

The first time Ichigo was constructive, rather than destructive...

"Meh, Chad, learning how to play this thing isn't so hard," Ichigo said, grinning, holding a red and white guitar. The teacher, Yasutora Sado, sat quietly.

"Of course, you can't be trying to teach me this soft rock garbage man. Teach me the hard stuff."

"The louder and more abrasive the music gets, the uglier it gets," Sado said, "I don't like negative music."

"It's a shame, because I know I do," Ichigo said, with a chuckle, "But seriously man, thanks for the lessons. It's been real helpful, and you're pretty good at this. You should be in a band, or something."

"You think so?" Sado asked. Ichigo replied, with a smile and a nod.

"Gitano Shigeo? You're in a band with that bum?" Ichigo said. Sado nodded.

"I didn't know that you knew him," he replied. Ichigo scoffed.

"I don't. But he's always bothering my boss. Always fishing for a date."

"I didn't know that."

"That you're friend is aching for some Christmas cake, or that I had a job?"

"...Both..."

"...Dude, I took you to my job two weeks ago. How did you forget so fast?"

"Idiot! Get to work!" Ikumi screamed at Ichigo, who was lounging out on her couch. The teen pointed to a white board, which read "Orders!" Ikumi walked over to it, and scowled.

"So what if you're done! Get off your ass and do something!"

"I don't get paid enough for this bullshit..." Ichigo said, unmoving. Ikumi nearly popped a blood vessel.

"I swear to God, you won't be paid at all if you don't start moving in the next five seconds."

"I work off of commissions. Your meager restitution means nothing to me."

"Ichigo, are you here?" Sado called out, walking through the entrance.

"Right on time," Ichigo said, turning his head, "I mean that in a literal sense too, because I'm very sure this chick is about to assault me."

"Call me a chick again, and you'll be able to see your ribcage," Ikumi said, crossing her arms. Ichigo snickered in response.

"So, is that cougar hunter with you?" he asked. Ikumi narrowed her eyes.

"I feel like that cougar comment was directed at me, so when I figure out what it means, I'm going to track you down, and kick you ass."

"I'll like to see that."

"Would you now?"

"Absolutely."

"Ichigo," Sado said, before the situation degraded any further.

"Yo."

"I came here to tell you thank you." Ichigo blinked, before sitting up.

"Um...For what?"

"For everything. You have been the best friend I have ever had. Thank you." And with that, the silent giant left, leaving behind a very confused Ichigo.

"...Did I do something recently?" he thought aloud.

"Man, I think I should replace you with him. I'll get much more productivity out of him," Ikumi said. Ichigo snickered again.

"But then you would miss out on conversations like this. And that would be tragic."

"That would be glorious. The earlier you leave my life, the quicker my stress wrinkles disappear."

"Eh, don't worry about that. You're still a total catch." Ikumi blinked, before smiling.

"Oh, so you think I'm still pretty hot, eh?"

"Sizzling. But...You would be hotter if you uprooted that pole out of your ass, and chilled down for a sec. Hey, you probably could get a husband in a flash." Ikumi dropped the smile.

"I swear to God, by the end of the day, you are going to be missing teeth," she said, through her teeth.

"Ooh, I can't wait." The phone rang, and Ichigo quickly answered it.

"Unagiya Shop, this is Kurosaki Ichigo speaking," he said, bored and tone completely dull, "...This isn't a eel shop...Yes, the name is misleading...Well, stop blaming me, I don't own the shop. I just work here...Eel is gross anyway." Ichigo hung up the phone, and sighed.

"You really need to consider changing the name."

"I inherited this store from my father! This store's name is never changing!"

"Was I really this scrawny when I left?" Ichigo complaining, feeling really uncomfortable in his own skin. While Urahara said that his physical body would adapt, he simply hoped it would be faster.

"How many days do I have off? I should have...seven more days." Ichigo opened the door to his house, and plopped down on his couch.

"I wonder if the summer house I reserved is still available now..." he said, aloud, "Hopefully, they didn't think I was going to flake on them."

"That old thing?" Isshin said, walking out of his office, "Why?" Ichigo shrugged.

"I'm feeling quite nostalgic. I'm thinking about going."

"By yourself?"

"Of course not. I'm bringing friends."

"Heh, don't get in trouble, boy." Isshin said, walking toward the kitchen, before pausing.

"Hey, are you bringing Inoue-chan and Tatsuki-chan?" Ichigo rose an eyebrow.

"I wasn't going to...Why do you ask?"

"Well, I think you should. They are your friends, right?"

"Yeah, but I was pretty sure you would veto the hell out of that."

"You only have one exception." Ichigo rose from his seat.

"And what is that?" he asked.

"All you have to do is take Karin and Yuzu with you." Ichigo blinked.

"Is that it?"

"Yep."

"Consider it done. I'll be back."

The first time Ichigo tried to understand, instead of blaming someone...

"Rukia, I doubt that any Hollows are coming tonight..." Ichigo said, duly, "Can I go to bed now?"

"The patrol period isn't over yet. And besides, you can sleep during the day."

"...I have school. And a job. You know, those are pretty important."

"You whine too much." Rukia sat on the rooftop, and stared down at the streets below. Ichigo rose an eyebrow.

"Rukia, are you okay? You seem...less moody today."

"I'm fine," Rukia snapped, sharply. Ichigo chuckled, and sat beside her.

"No you're not. You can tell me or you can just bottle it up. Think about it."

"...Ichigo, I have a question?"

"What is it?"

"Do...Do you fear what comes next?" Rukia asked. Ichigo blinked.

"...What? What are you talking about?" Ichigo said. He had a vague idea on what she was going on, that sooner or later, her leadership would be looking for her, and wondering where her powers went, but he had hoped everything would be resolved soon.

"I'm not going to be welcomed back...I think it would be nice to live here, I don't think my superiors would let me slide just like that..."

"It'll be fine."

"But they'll go after you, too. And, if they were to...If they were to-"

"It will be fine. They aren't killing me. And you shouldn't worry. Everything will be okay." Intense worry shone through Rukia purple irises.

"How could you not be worried!?"

"I don't fear death."

"While you might fear your own demise, I do! It's not your fault why your like this! It's not your fault that you'll be branded a criminal! I...I panicked back then, and so, I ruined your life...It's not hard to see why you don't like me..." Ichigo paused.

Well, despite her trying her hardest, Ichigo knew she harbor a lot of guilt from that night. Once, after Ichigo was chewed out after falling asleep in class, Rukia tried her hardest to be inoffensive, even allowing him to leave patrol early. It was the first sign of lingering feelings.

Ichigo rarely brought up that night. Yeah, he wasn't happy that he was thrust the responsibility of a Shinigami, but he understand why it happened. If he allowed Rukia to die, he knew he would be feeling the same guilt she's feeling.

Ichigo sighed, and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, and pull her in.

"I'll be fine. You'll be fine. Just don't worry about it."

"But..."

"What did I say? Don't worry about it."

"Hey Ichigo," Tatsuki said, surprising Ichigo, "I didn't know that you were back. You could have called or something."

"I could have called, but I didn't. Oops," Ichigo said, "I was just walking to the store. Wanna walk with me?"

"I got nothing better to do right now," Tatsuki replied. The two paced forward. Ichigo looking around, caught glance of her cast, fitted on her left arm.

"Yo, what happened to you're arm?"

"This happened in the tournament. This huge ass girl broke my arm, like it was a twig. Still beat her, anyway," she said, proudly. Ichigo chuckled.

"Well, against your fellow sex, it's not really a contest."

"Are you saying that I can't beat you senseless, right now."

"Even if you gifted with the strength of Herakles, you still couldn't beat me. Don't get it twisted, my friend." The two shared a laughed, and continued walking toward their destination.

"Hey, did you know that Orihime returned from her trip today?" Tatsuki asked. Ichigopeered at her, through the corner of his eyes.

"Did she?" he said, knowingly, "Where did she go?"

"She went to see her aunt. She said she was really nice." Ichigo blinked.

'Her aunt...Oh, yeah...'

"I guess that's nice..." Ichigo said, "Well, I wonder if she's ready for another trip."

"Another? Why?" Tatsuki asked.

"Well, I reserved this big ol' summer house, and I was going to ask my friends if they wanted to come."

"Really?"

"Hey, I was going to ask you too. Did you want to go?" Tatsuki scoffed.

"Sure, I guess. Are you inviting those two perverts?"

"Keigo and Mizuiro?" Ichigo inquired, "I was. Why? Do they bother you?"

"Since you weren't around, they latched on to me."

"Oh God, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be. It wasn't that bad. Just, tell Kojima not to bring any of his creepy cradle robbers."

"When he tries that shit, you gotta get rough with them cakes. They often lack confidence, so they'll real easy to break down," Ichigo said, "Like porcelain. Cheap, lonely porcelain."

"It seems you have lots of experience with his guest," Tatsuki said. Ichigo shook his head.

"Far too much experience."

"So, did you know that Orihime is still staying at my place?" Tatsuki said. Ichigo's eyebrows rose involuntarily.

"Really. She gotta move out sooner or later, right?" he said, which Tatsuki responded by shaking her head.

"My parents are pretty open to allowing her to become a permanent resident. I am too, but, I really think that she feels that she burdening us. She knows that she's welcome, but..."

"I understand. Does she not want to get another apartment?"

"That was her and Sora's apartment...Sora holds a special place in her heart. She couldn't think of ever replacing anything of his, even if she needs to."

"I wish I could do something."

"You can. You are pretty good at convincing Orihime to do things, even if she doesn't want to." Ichigo paused.

"I don't know what you're insinuating, but I have never-"

"I wasn't talking about that, perv," Tatsuki said, darkly, "But can you speak to her."

"Eh, sure. I'll do it tomorrow."

"Hey, you can talk to her today," Tatsuki said, grabbing Ichigo's collar, and dragging him off, "You have to ask her if she wants to go anyway."

"I was guessing that you were just going to ask for me," Ichigo said, "God damn it, you're not letting me go."

"Nope."

"Just...Just hurry up..."

"New Dawn Fades" by Joy Division