A/N: GAH! I know I was supposed to make this chapter a totally awesome IchiHime date but... I got an idea.. FORGIVE ME! D;
Love no Refrain - Chapter 26: Insight
After a rather somber night, Orihime awoke in her bedroom with dazed eyes that were still in the state of dreaming. She was still seeing figments from her nightly thoughts, dance about in her room, but after a moment or two, she sat up slowly, yawned, then looked to her quilted sheets with a look that wasn't exactly depressing, but it wasn't a happy look either. Tetsuya was on her mind again, and even though she broke down yesterday, she felt completely different, as if the whole experience just made her realize she just needed was to sleep and think.
Now that she was doing so, gears were starting to move in her head and her curiousity was rising. Tetsuya and Hajime.. weren't exactly the same as other people.. Now Tetsuya's words from the other day was starting to make sense and actually become quite clear..
Orihime sported a pouty look as she figured she was so slow when it came to finding out these things. Now she was understanding why Ichigo how such animosity toward the cousins, he already knew they were different.. but still why didn't he tell her if that was the case?
Inoue folded her arms, still pouting, but her attitude faded as quickly as it appeared, leaving the girl to simply sigh and smile down at her blankets once more.
To ask why Ichigo did such things when it pertained to her was kind of a no-brainer. He was doing what he naturally and usually did.. he was just protecting her.
Speaking of Ichigo..
The girl giggled as she clutched her blankets and pulled them off as she dashed to her door and carefully opened it, peering her head out shortly after. Down the hall, she spotted a noticeably visible figure on the couch in the distance softly snoring away.
After comforting Inoue the other day, Ichigo stayed until he felt she was okay, though it turned out he didn't really feel like he should leave, so he refused to.. not that Inoue objected to the matter. She giggled again as she shut the door to her room and changed into some casual wear, then headed out her room and silently out the front door, however not before giving the couch another glance. She had a few things to get.
Exactly 1 hour passed as Ichigo actually shifted his body on the soft surface and strained his face as if he didn't agree with the action he pulled, however he relaxed and soon got comfortable with his posture, though.. he was starting to get disgruntled again. He was hearing someone utter his name and if anything he knew it was Karin trying to be annoying as she usually was in the morning.
Ichigo...Ichigo..
He groaned shutting his eyes tightly, and as if those actions were enough the voices stopped, however minted air breezed on his face now..
"Dammit Karin.." he muttered halfway into the surface he laid upon. "-Leave me...alon..e.."
He drifted off again, but the wind didn't stop and this caused Kurosaki to groan once again and actually open his eyes, ready to scream at Karin, or if it was Yuzu, simply shoo her off and tell her to return in 5 minutes. The boy paused however as his blurry vision soon focused on Inoue who glowed at the sight of this. Ichigo glared, he was still kind of sleep and Inoue could tell, so, she giggled as she wrapped her arms around her knees and watched him, expecting to see him rub his eyes, yawn and awaken, though Kurosaki reacted the polar opposite as she would've thought.. He sat up, wide awake, looking to Inoue then the area he was in as if he were lost or confused.
Artsy paintings, and somewhat simple yet cute decorations proved that this was Orihime's house and not his room. This made the boy jerk.. He had forgotten he stayed the night.
Another giggle escaped Inoue's lips as she smiled. "G'morning Ichigo! Did you have a nice sleep?"
He hesitated to answer, but eventually nodded nervously. "Y-Yeah.. its funny.. your couch is softer than my own bed."
She giggled again leaving Ichigo to actually force a few laughs out himself, though, all of this was regrettably nerving for him. Instead of continuing on with his laughter, he was quick to put on a serious face and actually find something to talk about.
"Whats wrong? Are you okay?"
"Whats wrong?" The girl repeated before chuckling behind a coy palm. "Ichigo why do you think there has to be something wrong? Nothing's wrong silly!"
"Oh.."
His word trailed as he watched the girl stand and run off, quickly returning with a tiny brown bag that she held in both hands as she presented it to him. He didn't accept it immediately as he already grew skeptical of it. He instead rose a brow before scrunching his face displeased.. It looked like those sack lunches parents gave you when you were in kindergarten..
"What is that?" he questioned, perplexed tones sure to ring in his voice.
"It's for you!"
"For me? Who the hell is it from?" he asked scratching the top of his head lazily.
Inoue pouted as she retracted the bag closer to her. "I got it.. It's for you Ichigo.."
His eyes dropped before he turned pink with embarrassment. He hadn't figured that, which sadly.. he should've, considering he was in his girlfriends house.. Still it was a surprise, he never really got gifts before, y'know unless it was for his birthday or Christmas..
He accepted the bag carefully muttering his thanks in the process before looking into the paper bag and raising a brow at the interesting things he spotted.
"Chocolate doughnuts, a kit-kat bar with... 2 bars missing?... and... a baby's toothbrush?" he stated as he pulled the last trinket out of the bag and looked to the princess.
"I bought you the toothbrush just in case you wanted to brush your teeth over here, and I got you the doughnuts as a snack before breakfast! A snackfast!.. A Breaknack!...A Break-"
"I get it." he laughed. "And the kit-kat?"
She rubbed the back of her head bashfully. "Well I got hungry on the way here so.."
"I got it." he laughed again. "Thank you Orihime."
"It's fine, d-dont' thank me!" she spoke quickly. "Its the least I could do for you..for yesterday.."
With that Ichigo frowned, he was still curious as to what happened that made Inoue break down like that, but the longer he sat in silence and waited for her to say something.. he realized he wasn't going to get his story just yet. So he let out slight laugh before formulating something in his head that would make her feel better..
"I don't need you to buy me stuff when I help you out Orihime, there's no point in you doing that." he began as he set his bag beside him and shut his eyes.
"S-sorry.." she interrupted.
"It's fine.. I just don't want you thinking that my comforting you was so I could get something out of it. What I do for you doesn't need payment of any kind, Inoue... I'm your boyfriend now and that's just what I'm supposed to do."
Her body quivered as she heard that. Just like Ichigo, this whole girlfriend/boyfriend thing was new to her, and seeing as the boy she's always had her eye on was saying that so casually.. it was just new and slightly overwhelming.
Ichigo groaned as he knew he sounded foolish, considering 'Hime didn't exactly respond to his statement. This only made him grunt as he faced her on the couch and quickly place his left hand on her head- where he roughly and yet playfully rubbed her head.
".. you're supposed to say something.."
She winced. "Mnh! What am I supposed to say?"
"You're supposed to say something about how nice my words were and junk-"
"Right right I'm sorry!"
This made Ichigo retract his hand and watch the princess groan softly as she rubbed the top of her head, though she paused to look at him and frown. "Sorry.."
Rather than say anything, Ichigo instead flashed a faint smile.. Simply because while he watched Inoue apologize again, she still held her hands atop her head but in the weirdest way. Usually when someone was to rub their head, it would be with their palm right? Instead Inoue's hands were curled into loose fists making her look almost like a cat in Ichigo's honest opinion.. though he wasn't sure he should share this with her or not. Knowing her, she'd probably believe that she actually was part cat or something- suggesting it be the truth because she liked milk and chasing tiny birds on occassion.. Well maybe that was too much.. but still, it would've been something like that..
Kurosaki let out a spirited breath before standing from the couch and grabbing his bag to which made Orihime jerk and watch him walk off. She assumed he was grabbing his gift and going, but he paused in the crossroads of halls and doors making her blink.
"Ichigo?"
"Your bathroom's this way right?" he questioned pointing down the hall passed the front door.
She smiled. "Mhm!"
As soon as Ichigo had found his way to the bathroom he pretty much wanted to cross brushing his teeth off the list of things to do for the day. So with his baby's toothbrush he began to get that task done, though it was growing to be an irritating task. The handle was so small for his hand that at some points he'd end up hitting himself in the face with his index finger and thumb. He'd contantly groan but he got through with it as plesantly as he could.
Once finished, he headed out of the bathroom and made his was to the couch again, hearing metal hit upon metal, utensils dropping, and thuds followed by Inoue yelping. Kitchen chaos at its finest.
He laughed a bit to himself as he quickly stood and wondered what he'd find if he happened to peek into the kitchen, but rather than guess he just peered, seeing the girl scuttle about the tiny area, however smile as she caught Kurosaki looking her way.
"Hey! How do you like your eggs?"
"...Y-You're making me breakfast?"
She nodded. "The first thing you have to do at the beginning of a great day, is have a healthy breakfast!"
Ichigo flinched, but rubbed the back of his head bashfully. "You don't have to do that.. You already put me up for the night, anymore than that from you would be asking too much.."
"No it wouldn't.." Inoue objected as she began to chop some tomatoes- She paused though as she flashed a pink face and glowing smile. "I'm your girlfriend.. and that's what girlfriends do."
It was Ichigo's turn to quiver, though he cut that action short only to cover the lower half of his face and glance away, making Inoue flinch.
"H-Hey! You're supposed to say something Ichigo!"
"..That was embarrassing.." he mumbled.
"W-What? But you said that to me!"
"Yeah, because guys are supposed to say stuff like that while girls giggle and dance around and all that.."
Inoue blinked holding a single finger to her bottom lip. "Well.. if that's the case, then what are girls supposed to say?"
Ichigo instantly shrugged, knowing he didn't have the answer to Inoue's question leaving the princess to do the same, and this somehow initiated a chuckle between the couple, one that lasted quite awhile, but died down as Ichigo found something to say.
"...We're.. not good at this yet are we?"
"We'll get better." she giggled.
"..Get better at what?"
Ichigo flinched and Orihime yelped as they turned around seeing Renji sit on the kitchen counter with a disinterested look, waiting for his question to be answered, but that never came. Instead, Abarai had to look upon the almost frightened looks Inoue and Kurosaki sported, which made him raise a brow, cross his legs and fold his arms.
"...What? Why are you guys looking at me like that? ...Is there something in my hair?"
"What the hell are you doing here Renji! Don't you know how to friggen knock! You almost gave me a heartattack!" Ichigo snapped.
"Whoa! Hey! I'm just doing my job jackass!-"
"Job, my ass! What exactly do you have to do on the weekend in the human world-"
"Oh I dunno.." Renji began cupping his chin and looking to the roof before hopping off the counter and glaring. "I'm patrolling Karakura! In case you forgotten, Rangiku Rukia and I are still in search for that spiritual energy from way back!"
Ichigo smirked. "Right.. Nice job so far."
"!-!-! Just what the hell are you trying to say Kurosaki! We're doing all we can, no thanks to your sorry ass! What, you patrolled once in all of the time this had been happening? Kudo's to you!" The Shinigami praised with a clap.
"Idiot! I've been doing a lot more than that and you know it!"
"Oh really? Since when?" Renji asked with a surprised look that looked extremely sarcastic.
A vein pulsed on Ichigo's forehead as he tightened his right fist, leaving Renji to do the same and allow both men to step to each other, exchanging glares and looks of distaste. This left Inoue only to chuckle and hold up easing hands at the two, hoping they'd simmer down soon.
"Um guys.. Why don't we save this after breakfast, alright?"
"I already ate!" Renji seethed.
"So did I!" Ichigo added.
"You liar! No you haven't!"
"You have no proof!"
"It doesn't take a detective to figure out you haven't had breakfast yet Kurosaki!"
"G-Guys?"
Inoue could only look back and forth between the arguing males, however the doorbell to her home chimed in the air, making everyone in the kitchen glance at the doorway, but ultimately leave 'Hime and Ichigo to open it.
"Ah, good morning Inoue." Uryuu spoke bum-rushing his way in- looking rather busy texting on his cell as he did so.
Ichigo glared, wondering when the hell the Quincy had lost his manners however rose a brow as he saw the boy turn after tucking his cellphone away and give Ichigo a rather surprised look. With that Ichigo dulled his eyes, "...What?"
Uryuu simply shook his head before folding his arms. "I don't believe it.. You actually wake up this early?"
"Wha-What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
Uryuu shook his head again, except this time with a smug look that made honestly bothered Kurosaki, however, before Ichigo could even address it, Uryuu had already looked to Orihime to speak. "-So sorry to intrude Inoue.. I'm not interrupting the honeymoon am I?" he asked jokingly.
Inoue only rubbed the back of her head, glancing at the floor almost sheepishly, while Ichigo groaned getting uncomfortable.. Out of everyone in his circle of friends, why did Uryuu have to know about he and Inoue's relationship? No doubt he'd be hearing about these jokes for awhile..
Renji unknowingly gave the group a stare that looked as if he were staring into space, though in actuality he was thinking of the words everyone was exchanging.. To him, everyone was acting funny all of a sudden.. For example.. since when did Ichigo care if he popped up out of no where unexpected?
'All the time..' his mind answered.
Abarai twitched. Okay, that was a bad example.. But what the hell did Uryuu mean when he said honeymoon? Ichigo and Orihime weren't married, much less dating.. Wait a minute! He glanced at the clock on the microwave just beside him, instantly noticing the time. 8:45 a.m...
There was no way in hell that Ichigo would be up this early! That lazy good for nothing would still be asleep! Not only that.. what was he doing at Inoue's house so early? He cupped his chin seriously thinking on this..
Uryuu still laughed at his joke, leaving Inoue to join in, however make it clear that her laugh was more from nerves than her actually being humored by the Quincy. When the silence began, Inoue instantly clasped her hands. "W-Well! You made it just in time Uryuu! I was just about ready to cook breakfast!"
"As amazing as a plate sounds I.. just.. have to pass." he let out, nervous as to what she was actually going to eat.
"Well okay! Ichigo, since I'm going to be in the kitchen, why don't you take Uryuu to the living room?"
Kurosaki only shifted his glance at the Quincy from the corner of his eyes, but nodded as he led the boy to the main room of the house. After that Inoue turned only to see Renji glare at the ground, still in thought, making her laugh and point to the other room just to the right. "Renji? Would you like to sit with the others too?"
Abarai glanced at her, barely hearing what she had said, but cautiously eased himself out of the kitchen.. something wasn't right here..
Rather than be a gracious guest, Ichigo sent Uryuu a glare as he crashed on the couch and folded his arms. Uryuu on the otherhand only stood as he looked around the area with a smirk on his face before glancing at Ichigo.
"Well.. this brings back memories doesn't it?" he questioned, refering to the day everyone had been in Inoue's house.
Ichigo grunted. ".. Why are you here?"
"I can't visit my friends?" Ishida asked taking a seat on the couch as well.
"You? Visiting? That's already fishy in my opinion."
"You lack faith in your friends. I genuinely came here to say 'hi'.. That, and because I'm wondering if you're ready.."
"Ready?" Kurosaki repeated. "For what?"
"Hajime wants us to meet Eiji today.. Did you forget?" he questioned with a slight yawn.
Ichigo only dulled his eyes. "... I don't think now is the right time we go see that guy.."
"Why not?" Uryuu questioned.
The only thing Ichigo could give him was silence. All the while thinking of the other day.. After seeing Orihime like that... he really didn't want to leave her side, instead, he wanted to stick by her and keep her safe- and what better way to keep a person safe then to have them stay within the walls of their own home? But.. knowing Orihime, she'd probably assure Ichigo that 'nothing was wrong', and that 'everything was alright', and that she was 'fine now'..
Kurosaki glared- even as a thought, this bothered the hell outta him. He knew had to do something that didn't involve him sitting around, getting angry and avoiding the problem.. He knew he had to see this Eiji guy, just for the sake of finding out who he'd be. But.. there was a problem.. how was he going to leave, and not alert Inoue?
. . .
Ichigo relaxed his face as he got a thought. What if.. he fed the woman a little white lie? That way he could leave go with Uryuu to see Eiji in secret...? That way, Orihime wouldn't know and he could investigate!
Ichigo sat up instantly with a smirk on his face. That was the greatest plan he had ever come up with in the history of his entire life.
"I change my mind Uryuu! Let's go!"
Ishida flinched at the sudden personality change Ichigo had pulled, but nevertheless held a easing hand toward him. "Simmer down Kurosaki, it's only morning.. I just wanted to talk it over with you.."
"Whaaat?" Ichigo almost whined. "After pumping me up like that, you're gonna tell me it's not any time soon?"
"I didn't pump you up, I just asked you a question!" Uryuu corrected before sighing. "..Anyway.. I couldn't exactly escape the thought of meeting the guy seeing as Hajime spammed my cell with phone calls reminding me.."
"What? How does Hajime even have your number?"
Uryuu sighed. "I exchanged my number with him.."
"WHAT!"
"I only did it because he asked for it! What was I supposed to do?"
"You ask him if he's insane, tell him to go to hell!- then walk off!"
"You dont' understand.. He told me this whole story about how he wants to be friends with everyone and a whole bunch of sappy stuff before asking me for it.. I had to!"
"No you didn't.."
"You're heartless Kurosaki, hard to believe someone as caring as Inoue could fall for you.." he spoke, mumbling a bit at the end.
"-The hell did you say?"
Renji flinched. "OH MY GOD!"
Ichigo and Uryuu screamed in reaction, and like a domino effect, this caused Orihime to drop a plate then ran into living room.
"W-What's wrong?" she questioned.
Renji just stared at the group with the stupidest of faces before pointing to both auburn haired individuals. "You guys.. are dating?"
The two flinched however Ichigo was sure to march over to the Shinigami as strike him over the head. "Dumbass! That's what you were screaming about? You do that again and I'm gonna tear you a new one Renji!"
"It's not my fault! You kept it a secret!"
"Whether they're dating or not has nothing to do with the topic at hand." Uryuu spoke aligning his glasses. "Now that I think about it.. Renji would you like to come with us?"
The Shinigami blinked, along with Orihime who looked to Uryuu afterward. "Come with you where? Where are you going?"
"We're going-"
"Uh we're going to get! Uh! A book!" Ichigo lied holding up a finger to the woman. "Uryuu ran outta things to read so we're gonna get a book so he could read and stuff!"
"A book?" She blinked.
"Yeah and you can't come because.. uh.. it's a.. guy thing..?"
Ichigo failed miserably in lying, he knew this.. but he didn't want Orihime to tag along in seeing Hajime and those other Arrancar look alikes. And so, he looked to Orihime, hoping she believed him, but unfortunately she frowned- giving Ichigo the thought that she was onto him..
"...Are you leaving before you eat?" she asked.
Ichigo blinked 4 solid times before laughing nervously. "Sorry Inoue.. can you save it for me for later?"
She frowned but eventually nodded making Ichigo quickly hit Uryuu as he marched to the door- uttering a 'Come on' as he passed. The Quincy glared as he rubbed his right arm before lowering his head to Inoue and taking his leave, while Renji hurried to follow. And so, as Inoue stood in her living room, she eventually heard the sound of the front door shutting making her quickly sigh. ...Ichigo was up to something... She only questioned why he wanted to hide it from her..
Given the time she had to think, she quickly facepalmed as she thought about the other day.. No doubt Ichigo was worried and was taking things into his own hands again. Inoue sighed, but this time, with folded arms.. Even though yesterday was scary for her, it didn't mean she was a coward and just completely terrified of ever stepping outside or something!
She pouted, figuring that's exactly what Ichigo had thought of her. And here she thought he'd know a little better. She huffed, but let out a yelp as the smoke alarm went off.
"Ahh! The eggs!"
Down the road, Uryuu gave Ichigo a skeptical look as he continued to trail beside him with Renji not too far behind. Though Ichigo didn't even bother to look or even explain the reason as to why he lied to Orihime, Uryuu had to speak up, only because his curiosity was growing..
"..Ichigo-"
"Don't ask."
Uryuu lowered his head in response. Welp! He tried!
"Hey.. Where are we going Kurosaki?" Renji questioned. "As much fun as I think it is to ditch your.. girlfriend.. I gotta head back to the Soul Society soon."
"I need you to stick around for just a little longer Renji.. I might need you."
"O-kay.." The Shinigami dragged out giving Uryuu a glance- making the Quincy shrug.
Ichigo instantly stopped before glancing at Ishida, honestly bothering the boy a bit.
"Is.. there something wrong Ichigo?" he asked.
"Call Hajime."
"Why?"
"Just do it!"
Uryuu squinted his eyes. "... I'm only doing this because I'm curious.. not because you yelled at me.."
With that the dark haired teen pulled out his phone and began dialing a number- when he finished he pulled the phone to his ear, however, flinched as Ichigo snatched it and waited for the ringing to stop..
ringringringring..
When it stopped and a familiarly emotionless voice answered, Ichigo tensed, "-Hajime, It's Ichigo... I'm wondering if you could meet us halfway from your house so you could guide us there. .Maybe meet us at the 7-11 down the street from the High school?"
'Ichigo? ...I thought this was Uryuu's number..'
"It is, I'm just using it. Are you gonna meet us halfway or not?"
'I will hurry.'
"Right thanks, I guess we'll see you when we see you-"
'Ichigo..' Hajime spoke up. '...How is Orihime?'
Kurosaki flinched but instantly narrowed his eyes. "...She's fine.. she was a bit frightened though.."
'I see.. She told you what happened?'
"...Yes.."
He was lying... but he wanted insight.
'Forgive me.. I should have never let Tetsuya out of my sight.. Let me assure you that I will not allow that to happen again..'
"Right.. Thanks Hajime.."
'..Y..You are welcome..'
With that, Ichigo hung up and handed Uryuu his phone, making Renji raise a brow and allow the Quincy's curiousity to grow even more now.
"Ichigo? Who was frightened? Were you talking about Orihime?" Ishida wondered.
"C'mon.. Lets head to the store now.."
He said nothing else as he marched off- Why? Cause there was nothing else to say, that, and he was hunting for blood now. He was honestly out for Tetsuya's head, even if that meant he would get damaged by Hajime or Eiji in the process. He had to do this, because he honestly couldn't think of doing anything else- oh no, he had to fix this and set things right.
Renji and Uryuu who were left behind stared sensing Ichigo's spiritual pressure slightly rise, which left them to wonder just what in the world was getting the teen so angry, but rather than ask, they followed him for insight.