Disclaimer: I do not own BLEACH. Everything belongs to Kubo-sensei
Warnings: AU, OOC-ness, view point switching, berry chasers/admirers and the like etc...
A/N I am switching up the ages of certain characters. Some might be older than Ichi and Co. Not that it matters much since this is fanfiction after all. Reminder I SLY am a lover of all that is BL and YAOI, with the occasional splash of HET and femmelove thrown in. This being said Ichigo is basically queer queer queer with a capital Q. And so are 90-95% the rest of the guys in MY stories. This is just how SLY prefers it.
A/N 2 Back when I was still chatting with her on the regular Cas expressed a desire for more Starrk...and so Starrk gets more time with the berry then I originally intended on.
Skirting Through Life
009 Open Mic Night and All Thats Before After and In Between part 2
After the weird synchro laughter moment between Ulquiorra and Keigo passed Sentaro asked, "So what now? Should we order some food?"
"I was thinking the same thing actually." Ichigo fingered the bill Rukia had given him, "What's everyone in the mood for?"
"Anything! Everything! Especially meat!" Keigo rubbed his stomach. "Gotta refuel after all."
"I've already eaten but I am rather parched. How about some Seltzer water?"
"Seltzer water? Come on Quill that's not food!"
"Leave him alone Keigo."
"Kiyone what about you?"
Normally Kiyone was always up for grabbing a bite and Sentaro was her favorite eating partner but right now she didn't care about food. "Later. Later. The next performance is supposed to start and I don't want to miss it and unlike us amateurs I hear this brother/sister duo have like music running in their veins or something." Her eyes shined brightly with excitement. "Let's go find a seat!"
"Well Rukia and Renji already got a table so we could just join them?" Ichigo suggested. It seemed rather silly to sit at different tables when they were all friends or at the very least close acquaintances.
"Hmm well where are they sitting?"
"Towards the back. See, those long wrap around booths, Renji and Rukia are tucked away in one of those corners."
Kiyone craned her neck around the room and spotted the couple a moment later. "They probably selected that table because they wanted some privacy. I know better than to intrude on that." Mind made up the honey blonde haired girl grabbed Sentaro's hand and sprinted towards one of the small tables nearest the stage, calling a "Catch you later Ichigo!" over her shoulder.
Keigo laughed. "I swear those two are so into each other."
Ichigo looked thoughtful. "You really think so?" It was true that the duo was always together but-
"It is not right to pry into someone else's business Asano. And as for you Kurosaki Ichigo, I find myself rather disappointed to be hearing you gossiping behind your friends' backs."
"Er well I'm not really gossiping I was just-
A glare. "Just don't make it a habit."
Ichigo really saw no reason to try and argue with Ulquiorra. "Anyway, so are you sure you only want Seltzer water?"
"With a slice of lemon. Yes."
The lights in the lounge grew dimmer just then. A soft almost sort of bewitching howling sound followed. Music. Low strumming on a guitar only this time it wasn't an electric but acoustic.
Ichigo turned his attention back towards the stage. At the moment the performers were covered by the shadow of darkness-only their silhouettes were visible-the first was tall, masculine and apparently the one who had been making that howling type sound and the second was shorter feminine and strumming slim dainty fingers along the nylon strings of their guitar.
Who were these people? Kiyone had said a brother and sister duo?
The berry teens brain short-circuited a bit when the suspense was lifted and bright light lit up the stage just then. He recognized the guy immediately.
Dressed all in black save the silky burgundy colored scarf around his neck, looking like he had just woken up from a deep sleep or was about to fall asleep.
Yes Ichigo wouldn't forget those lazy eyes, that light goatee or those hands any time soon (going flushed in the face as he remembered said hands-well okay technically it was only one hand-whatever details details-) touching him-no not just touching it had been more like a caress-yes the (singer?) was caressing the microphone much in the same way he had caressed his thigh-well up until orange berry punched him that is!
And then the man (because yes, he was so much more of a man than a boy) opened his mouth and started to sing...
Estoy pensando en tí,
voy a hacerte sentir
como lo hiciste a mí, justo ahí.
Es sólo un poco más
lo que puedo esperar
la bomba va a estallar,
no puedo más
The fact that it was it was being sung in a language Ichigo didn't know didn't even matter.
A few of the members in the audience started singing or humming along as the Coyote and his sister slowly enraptured the room with their swaying hip like movements, soft and sure caresses on their mic and guitar and making sexy howls and cooing in between each verse of the song.
Y si pudieras estar en mí lugar
verías que todo es normal,
ahora te va a tocar lo que te corresponde
The berry teen could not tear his gaze away even if he tried, only dimly registering Keigo's comment of "Hot damn whose is that? Do you think she has a boyfriend?"
Se que son malas tus intenciones
Por mi ventana, más de mil rumores
Se que son malas, malas tus intenciones. (1)
()
Keigo was in love. He'd never been in love before. Sure, he had plenty of crushes what guy didn't but this was different. The girl, whoever she was who was currently up on-stage making love to her Spanish guitar-yes it couldn't be called anything but-she was the hottest chick he'd ever laid his eyes on.
He wouldn't even need both hands in order to squeeze her boobs-but it didn't even matter she was so damn hot with her knee-high boots and short glossy dark hair-all but the one long chunky moss-green colored bang that partially covered her one eye from view and her face-gah her face was like an exotic jackal. (2)
I know you are there
And you can hear me
There is no going back, you must continue
You can think and speculate
How this story is going to end
()
Ulquiorra found himself in a bit of a tight spot. He felt torn at the moment. He could not decide if he should stop his two friends from making fools out of themselves or just let nature run its course. The orange berry was so lost in the music he looked almost drunk and the duck was so enamored he looked like he might actually do something incredibly asinine just then like jump on the stage and profess his love.
Remembering that he is in fact Ulquiorra Shiffer and not the average teenager the dark haired green-eyed male grabs both of his companions by the scruffs of their necks and leads them far, far away from the stage.
I know your intentions are bad
()
Once he has dragged Kurosaki and Asano a good distance away from the brother/sister duo on stage Ulquiorra wonders aloud.
"Just what are your intentions?"
The Coyote and Jackal pair were very talented yes but it was a bit unsettling how they had hypnotized the crowd. No human should have control over another person's will.
"Hmm what's that? You say something Quill? Wait! Why does my dream girl suddenly seem like she's miles away from me?!" Keigo squawked.
"Yeah what the hell Ulquiorra why did you pull me away from the music just now? I was enjoying it." Ichigo whined. Yes, once the berry teen had heard the goateed pervert singing, he decided he might have judged the man too quickly. There was no way someone with a voice like that could be all bad.
If Ulquiorra had been the type he would have slapped his new found friends silly just then.
"Never mind that. I seem to recall you offering to get us some food and drinks, Kurosaki Ichigo. Asano go with him."
Both boys knew better than to refuse.
()
Uryu decided not to draw attention to himself right away. He sat down at one of the table's off to the far side of room and looked over the menu. He wasn't exactly hungry but maybe a lightly powdered scone and a cappuccino would be nice. The Smoked Boar wasn't at all like he had expected it to be. He was almost impressed. Navy-blues roamed the lounge hoping to spot a familiar spiky orange head.
"Who are you looking for Uryu?"
Uryu did not jump in surprise at the unexpected voice. Instead he turned around and smirked a little. "Hali, what brings you here?"
()
Originally Halibel hadn't even planned on coming out to open mic night but it had been awhile since she had taken Nel out on a proper date and considering their anniversary was right around the corner and she still hadn't decided on what to give the other woman as a present going to entertainment lounge with live music and good food seemed like a good place to start.
The bronze skinned girl clucked her tongue in distaste at all the happy hetero couples occupying all of the love seats and half of the booths. Not that she had anything against straight people she just didn't understand why they had to practically suck each other's faces off and dry hump on nearly every damn surface!
Bright copper eyes grew wide and shiny with glee as Nel spotted one of the members of the wait staff carrying the most scrumptious looking dessert.
A 4-layer rainbow striped cake that was dripping with cream cheese frosting, chocolate shavings and fresh raspberries.
"Oh Hali-look at that! I want one of those! Can we get one of those pleeeeeease?"
Some people might wonder why an intelligent and mature girl like Halibel would attach herself to a girl like Nel who was quite the opposite.
The answer was simple. Her sea green-haired goddess had a perfect set of tits and was an absolute demon in between the sheets. What other reason did she need? Well okay so this wasn't the only reason. The other reason Halibel had fallen for the half Russian girl was because of Nel's bleeding heart.
"Date night." Halibel answered as she sat down on one side of Ishida and Nel sat on the other side. While Nel poured over the dessert menu Halibel repeated her previous question.
"Who are you looking for?"
While Uryu saw no point to lie to the older girl he wasn't quite ready to tell her everything just yet. "A certain someone. We'll call this person my latest muse."- the at least for now' part was left unsaid.
Halibel raised a golden colored brow and then leaned forward, "Oh? Do tell."
"Not much to tell. The skirt pretty much speaks for itself."
The blonde's interest was even further peeked. "Why are you being so secretive Uryu, 'fraid I might embarrass you in front of this person?"
Not exactly. It was more like the bespectacled teen didn't want to share.
Kurosaki already seemed to be heavily flocked by a pretty large group of friends and acquaintances. While Uryu didn't exactly view the others as competition he reasoned that if he wanted to grab the orange berry's attention a different tactic was in order.
He had to figure out how to get the other boy to notice him without actually approaching this time. Not an easy task. But what was life without the occasional challenge.
"Hali we've known each other for a while now would it be too presumptuous of me to ask you for a favor?"
"What kind of favor?"
"Can I borrow your girlfriend?"
Poison green eyes flickered dangerously, "What exactly do you mean by borrow?"
If Uryu were more unsure of himself he would have shuddered just then. Instead he remained perfectly calm.
"I won't do anything to Nel. I won't even touch her I just need to make it look like we're kissing or something?" Making the berry teen jealous is not what Uryu was aiming for. His goal was to remind the other boy of the natural spark that was between them not even someone as dense as Kurosaki would just sit or stand by while their future boyfriend was entangled with another.
Uryu knew his actions would probably result in a lot of yelling and possibly a black eye but it would totally be worth it!
"Does this somehow tie in with this new found muse of yours Uryu?"
"Yes." Uryu answered without missing a beat.
"I don't know if I should find this whole thing insulting or amusing."
"Insulting or angering you is something I have no desire doing, we both know this."
"Hmm. Well in the end it's not really up to me. Let's ask Nel."
Nel was practically salivating by now. "I just can't narrow it down to one or even two, I want everything! Can we pretty, pretty please order everything Hali? Can we, can we?!"
On one hand Halibel wanted to refuse. Nel already ate mountains of sugar on a daily basis-rarely being able to resist the call of sweets since she worked at the bakery. Indeed, most of the sea green-haired girl's meals consisted of sugar and carbs. If she didn't watch herself Nel might develop serious health problems down the line. On the other hand, her girlfriends face was currently lit up like a Christmas tree and well maybe Nel would be more agreeable to Uryu's somewhat ridiculous plan if she was hyped up on mounds of desserts.
()
Arisawa Tatsuki had always considered herself to herself to be a patient person. But Honzo Chizuru often had a way of testing said patience.
"We're lost, aren't we?"
"We are not lost. I know exactly where we are."
"Are you trying to convince me or yourself."
It was stupid. A stupid choice to jog to the Smoked Boar when everyone else had taken a train, car or bicycle but Chizuru had insisted on burning extra calories. And Tatsuki had nothing against exercising but this was ridiculous!
The sun had long since set since she and her candy-red haired companion had left the gym and set off for the Smoked Boar. And Tatsuki was quite sure they had passed under the same tunnel at least 3 times now.
()
Chizuru gnawed on her bottom lip, eyes darting around wildly-she wasn't much of a fan of the outdoors or rather the creatures that lived in the outdoors. Never had been. Snarling biting beasts with rabies and evil demon eyes. A small part of her wanted to grab her midnight-blue eyed companion's hand.
But the tomboy would probably misinterpret it and call her a pervert or something. And while it was true that Chizuru often preferred spending her time with other girls over boys, she wasn't even in the flirting mood right now. Kicking up pebbles with her red and white high tops angrily she picked up her pace and started sprinting instead.
It didn't take long for Tatsuki to catch up. It never did.
()
Sitting on the side of a dirty road in her designer all-white cocktail dress and glittery stilettos while waiting for Bambi's cousin to clear out the back of his delivery truck was not Orihime's idea of a good time. The fact that the prick kept leering at her did not help matters either.
The princess almost felt like crying. If only life were a fairy tale Kurosaki-kun would ride in on his beautiful white horse and rescue her.
She looked up into the night sky and wondered not for the first time what the strawberry boy was doing at the moment.
()
"Hey Ichigo can you do me a solid?"
"What are you talking about Keigo?"
"I wanna go introduce myself to that girl. It shouldn't take long. You can just place our food order and I'll meet back up with you in like 5?"
Ichigo released a sigh. 5 minutes in Keigo language usually meant over an hour. But there was no real harm in letting the brunet try to sweet talk a girl who was probably waaay out of his league. "Fine. But don't start bitching about your food being cold when you finally do return."
Keigo slapped the berry teen on the shoulder, "No worries, I'll still eat it either way." and with those words the other boy took off.
Ichigo almost regretted not tagging along since a small part of him was rather tempted to strike up a conversation with the goateed senior. Not that they would have much to talk about but-ooof!"
What the hell was with people knocking into him?
()
Rewind a few minutes... and play
"Clouuuuuuuuuuuud! Where are you?" Ririn had been searching up and down for the two-tone haired boy for well over 20 minutes. She could not figure out why it was taking so long to find him. The 'Smoked Boar' wasn't that big. It's not like it had a second floor or something.
Seemed like Senna hadn't been totally lying when she said the beautiful BOY in the skirt had a lot of friends. He certainly did. Admirers too. Ririn was beginning to worry she might miss her chance. She shook her yellow butter cream colored head. No now was not the time to doubt! She would meet Ichigo if was the last thing she ever did! Mind made up Ririn redoubled her efforts and picked up her pace.
Fast forward and resume...
"Clouuuuu-ooof!" being in such a mad dash as blue-eyed girl was, she wound up crashing into someone else.
"Are you okay? Here let me help you."
Ririn blinked once. Then she blinked twice. Then she blinked a third time. Then she nearly passed out. She couldn't believe her luck. It was her BOY. Up close live and in color. Looking beautiful in a uber short, short skirt and bright orange leg warmers. Holding out his sun-kissed colored hand to her. To her?
"Ririn you silly girl, what are you doing down on the floor there are drinks to be poured a-oh!" Cloud promptly snapped his mouth shut when he realized that he was now standing (at long last!) in the presence of the enchanting carrot top himself.
()
Ichigo felt his irritation die out quickly when he realized that it was a girl he had crashed into. He ignored the inquiry from the newcomer who had called out to her a moment later as he helped said girl to her feet.
"Sorry about that."
Red faced and looking like she might pass out for a moment the blonde stuttered out an- "It-it's okay really. No big deal."
"Are you sure? I mean uh," Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck, "You're not hurt anywhere, are you?"
Ririn shook her head and waved her hands wildly "I'm fine. Really, I'm just a little clumsy sometimes and-
It only took a moment or two before Cloud collected himself. "Ichigo we meet at last." Unlike Ririn Cloud didn't feel nervous at all. He stuck out his hand and greeted Ichigo with a great deal of enthusiasm. "I'm Cloud and this is Ririn. We've been wanting to introduce ourselves for a while but-
At the two-tone haired boy's words Ririn felt herself return to normal. She whirled around and shook her finger disapprovingly.
"Baka! Why did you make me search for you-what the heck were you doing all this time anyway?"
Cloud chuckled, "Eh well you see about that-
Ichigo's orange brows furrowed and he cut the other boy off "Um excuse me but what do you mean you've been wanting to introduce yourselves for a while? How do you know who I am?" He racked his brain but couldn't recall ever coming across the pair. Perhaps they were mistaking him for someone else? No that wasn't right. Since the two-toned haired boy with horn-rimmed glasses called him by his name.
Cloud and Ririn looked at each other. A silent message passed between them.
Cloud responded, "We spotted you that day during Hinamori's performance. You seemed interesting as in not narcissistic or high-maintenance. You looked a little bit lost and unsure but there was so much fire in your eyes after the Coyote put his hands where they most definitely did not belong and-
"We like you!" Ririn blurted out, "We wanna get to know you er um that is if you wanna be friends with us?"
Ichigo shrugged. There was nothing wrong with getting to know new people. The duo seemed normal enough. "Uh sure."
"Good. Great! Well we actually need to be getting back to work but perhaps-
"Ririn-chan, Cloud-kun why is Noba doing everything by himself?"
Ichigo almost felt his jaw drop at the sight of a 200 plus pound women decked out in rubies. She had vibrant lilac colored hair and the vein above her brow was twitching.
Ririn and Cloud jumped at the new voice. "Ririo-sama!" They bowed and mumbled apologies.
"Well anyway like we said we need to get going Ichigo but um maybe we could hang out after school sometime?"
"Or tomorrow even if you're not busy?"
"Uh well-
"Ririn-chan Cloud-kun you know I don't like to repeat myself."
"Hai, Ririo-sama!" Another bow and the duo scampered away.
Ichigo almost felt a little bad for them. He felt the skin on the back of his neck prickle as Ririo pinned him with a stare. "And who might you be?"
The woman's tone wasn't cold necessarily but- "Kurosaki Ichigo. I mean uh I'm nobody. Uh I just came here with some friends for open mic night."
There was a pause and then after a moment the woman smiled at him. "Lovely, lovely. Please do enjoy yourself and if it's not too much trouble please make sure to fill out a survey at the end of your night."
Erm huh?
"Survey?"
"Yes, surveys are very important you know. I like to hear about whether or not my customers enjoyed their experience at the Smoked Boar. Feel free to make suggestions on how we can make it even better."
()
When Renji and Rukia finally came up for air the couple realized the Smoked Boar was even louder than before.
The females in the lounge were especially vocal in their excitement
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"There he is! Oh my gosh!"
"Shiiiiiiii over here! Look this way!"
Dressed in a long shiny platinum colored jacket, black fishnet shirt, platinum pants, and steel toed boots the performer strutted up the stairs, the silver bands adorning his fingers and his pierced brow glittering under the florescent lights, his matching platinum blond pony-tail swishing this way and that as he made his way on stage and greeted his adoring fans.
"How ya doin' tonight?"
The fangirls went even wilder. Some even passed out.
"Oi Rukia isn't that the guy who always hands out detention slips and sucks up to the teachers?"
"Looks that way," Rukia let out a small laugh. "Ha! Who woulda thought?"
"Ah come on ya can do betta than that 'specially since I came all this way."
"KYAAAAAAAAAA!"
"Marry me!"
"Shiiiiiiiii have my babies!"
"WE LOVE YOU!"
The powdered albino grinned, his black-cherry lips stretched wide. "That's more like it!" Then with a snap of his matching black-cherry painted fingernails music started playing and Shiro grabbed the mic.
Mamoru mono ga nai shinjou
Karisome no toki wa kie Ah nani mo nai
Suteteru mono ga nai shinjou
Ate mo nai mama ikite Ah kawarenai
Doko ni yukeba ii kokoro ga...mitasarenai
Togireta inochi wo dakishimeta mama de
"ai shite kureru? ai shitekunai?"
Kotoba wo kasanete mo
Garasu no hane wa tsumetaku nureru kodoku ni furuete
Kioku no yami wo tachi kireru nara
Koe ni naranakute mo
Kowareru kurai ikitaku naru
()
"Will you love me? Don't you want to love me?"
Even if I repeat these words
My glass wings are cold and wet, and I shiver with loneliness
If I can sever the darkness of my memories
Even if I can't speak it
I've grown to want to live like I'm broken (3)
I repeat my mistakes, I hold out my arm
Ah, I can't allow this
I can't stop the tears from flowing alone
I feel the sigh from you, who is leaving
Ichigo just couldn't understand it. How was it even possible that the creepy jerk ass golden eyed hall monitor could be so talented?
Well perhaps calling Shiro a jerk and creepy was a bit mean but the powdered teen was acting so out of character-not that the berry knew him well or anything.
But all the grinning and blowing kisses to excited fan girls-and that voice of his reminded Ichigo of some sort of hot long-haired siren never mind that sirens were usually chicks right? Could it be possible that Shiro was some sort of celebrity? The way the crowd carried on certainly made it seem like it.
Ichigo thoughts drifted to the Coyote (he was still tossing the idea in his head about whether or not he should approach the older male) then he thought of Ishida and felt his cheeks heat up briefly wondering if the ebony haired teen would show up at open mic night like everyone else had? And then quite without warning the mysterious "Jock Terra"' entered his mind too. Ichigo frowned and couldn't help but wonder if this meant that all jerks and perverts were talented or were those 4 just special?
Wait special wasn't that a bit of a leap?
Not that it mattered. Not really. Or so he kept trying to tell himself.
Inoue should have been here by now. Not that he really cared. Wow that sounded awful didn't it. Infact he was kind of relieved that the buxom princess hadn't shown her flawless face.
Ichigo released a sigh that he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. And decided not to mentally berate himself for being not quite like other boys his age. He ate a few bites of his food and then pushed it to the side.
"Kurosaki Ichigo you seem troubled by something. Anything I can do to help?"
Suddenly Ulquiorra's large unblinking bottle green eyes were right in his face and it gave Ichigo a start. "Gah! Don't do that!"
If it were anyone but Ulquiorra the berry would have thought his friend was smirking behind his glass of seltzer. "What exactly have I done to warrant such a reaction?"
"Nothing. Sorry uh I was just lost in thought and well anyway this is some night huh?"
"Hmm. Is it?" Bottle green eyes flickered towards the stage and then back again. "That blonde on stage with the piercings, yes I can see the appeal. Shall I invite him over to our table after his performance?"
Erm what? No Ichigo did not want Ulquiorra to invite Shiro over to their table. That would just be weird not to mention-
"Kurosaki-kuuuuuuuuuuuun!"
Ichigo turned. Seemed he had breathed a sigh of relief much too soon. The princess and her cheerleading entourage had arrived at last looking a little breathless and tiered but donning their radiant million-watt smiles, designer outfits and sparkling heels.
Ichigo stood up and forced a smile on his own face. "Hi Inoue," he rubbed the back of his neck and nodded to the other cheerleaders, "Sorry I don't remember the rest of your names."
"That's okay!" The group of girls chorused in unison. "We know who you are so that's all that matters."
The berry laughed nervously "Uh this is Ulquiorra," not really sure what else to say. "Ulquiorra this is-
Bottle green eyes narrowed and Ulquiorra's normally monotone voice sounded sharper than steel. "I already know who you all are. What do you ladies want with Kurosaki Ichigo?"
"Want? We don't want anything with him well Hime does but-
"Be quiet Candi! Don't embarrass me!"
"Well its true isn't it? I mean no sense pretending."
"What?! Bambi why would you-?!"
"Don't even try it princess, we just spent the last half hour riding around in the back of a smelly ass delivery truck all so you could make it in time to see your strawberry boy."
"Jackie not you too-!"
"No need to play coy everyone whose anyone knows you've had a crush on Kurosaki for like ever."
Inoue was flushed in the face and looked like she might cry. Ichigo felt a little bit sorry for her. He may not want to date the princess but she was a nice person and didn't deserve to be ganged up on by her friends like that. Plus, he felt like Ulquiorra was being unnecessarily rude. He hadn't even shown such animosity against Keigo upon first introductions.
"Yeah. Just fess up already!"
"Admit you like him!"
"I-
"Inoue, have you eaten anything yet? Or would you like something to drink?" Ichigo held out his hand and the princess readily accepted.
The berry felt Ulquiorra's hand on his wrist just then "Kurosaki Ichigo what are you d-
Ichigo cut the other boy off "I'll see you later Ulquiorra."
Granted he much rather Ulquiorra come with him because he wasn't even sure what he should do or say once he and Inoue were alone but-
'Inoue is the one who invited me out tonight. I should spend some time with her.' It was the right thing to do. It was exactly what his mother would have told him to do if she were around at the moment Ichigo was sure of it.
()
It wasn't very often that Ulquiorra chose to sulk or stew in his emotions and even when he did the china-doll faced teen didn't let show it on the outside.
But Ulquiorra was in fact quite displeased with his orange haired friend at the moment. Being all gaga over the stage performers was one thing but to be incredibly dense (to the point of being utterly moronic) that the berry couldn't even tell when he was being manipulated was another thing entirely. Infact it was worse. Much worse.
Inoue Orihime. Oh yes Ulquiorra had delt with her type before. All practiced smiles, light giggling, soft blushing, shy voice. Did she honestly think she was fooling anyone with that skimpy white cocktail dress?
Her little band of cheerleaders were no better with their heavily powdered faces, acrylic nails, cheap hair extensions and disgustingly musky perfumes. He doubted they had any brain cells well...perhaps the tallest girl with cocoa brown colored skin did but 'Trash all of them are trash.'
Ulquiorra had half a mind to go after his berry friend and at least warn him but decided against it. Sometimes the best way for a person to learn is by experiencing it. 'If I sense that things are getting out of hand only then will I step in."
The green-eyed youth really hoped it wouldn't come to that.
()
"I'm sorry I was so late Kurosaki-kun. I hope you don't think I was trying to back out at the last minute or something?"
"Huh? No. I mean why would you think that. Anyway, what would you like to drink?"
The princess clung to the berry's arm like he was some sort of life vest and looked up at him with adoration, excitement and carefully masked lust. "Anything is fine. I'll have whatever you're having."
()
Ichigo furrowed his brows. "Uh well I had some cola earlier guess I could order another one." Truthfully, he wasn't even thirsty at the moment but he wasn't sure what exactly he should be doing right now.
Inoue nodded enthusiastically and tightened her grip even more. "Sounds great!"
Silence fell between the pair.
The princess used her free hand to tuck a stray caramel colored lock behind her ear. "Um thank you for rescuing me back there."
Rescue? He hadn't exactly rescued the cheerleader, had he? Ichigo furrowed his brows even more. "No need to thank me. Sorry about Ulquiorra he's well not the most sociable of souls."
"It's fine I mean if he's friends with you Kurosaki-kun than I'm sure he's a good person." Inoue smiled brighter than the sun just then. Ichigo knew logically he should have found the action to be cute or endearing instead it just made him feel more than just a little bit uncomfortable.
He cleared his throat and decided to change the subject "Uh so how did you and your friends end up riding around in a delivery truck?"
The smile slipped from the cheerleader's face. It almost looked like she was ready to scowl. A moment later though the smile returned, "Oh it's silly really, Jackie hit something on the road and one of the tires blew. Road side assistance was taking forever so Bambi called up her cousin Ginjo. It took a while a lot longer than I wished it would have but at least I'm here now," a sigh, "Starting to think I should have worn a different dress though, stain's show up so easily on white."
Ichigo took a moment to take in Inoue's dress. As far as he could tell there didn't seem to be any stains on it. "I think it looks fine."
The princess went slightly flush "Oh, um thank you Kurosaki-kun," long lashes fluttered, "I noticed you're wearing another skirt, it's a bit shorter than the other one though. Aren't you worried about catching a cold?"
"Nah once Ulquiorra lent me these (the berry motioned to the leg warmers) I feel quite comfortable actually."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
More awkward silence.
"Well that's nice but erm Kurosaki-kun didn't you say you were only wearing girl clothes the other day because your father was feeling depressed or something?"
"Did I?" Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck and shifted from one foot to the other, "Uh well about that-
"It's fine Kurosaki-kun more than fine really. As a wise man once said 'men don't make the clothes, clothes make the man."
Um what? Who said that? Ichigo had never heard of something so ridiculous.
"Anyway, Inoue why don't you go grab a seat I think the next performance is about to start. I'll order the colas and then join you."
The princess looked like she was ready to protest but opted against it. "Promise you'll join me soon?"
Ichigo assured the girl with a small smile. "Ah."
()
Just a few minutes after the cheerleader left a certain Coyote appeared...
"Nice to see you again Ichigo. I'd almost think you were avoiding me if I hadn't noticed the pretty blush on your face earlier during my performance."
Technically the goateed senior was right but the berry had no intention of either denying or admitting to it. Instead he settled for neutral.
"What was your name again? I don't think I caught it the last time and-
"Starrk, I would like it very much if you would call me Starrk."
"Starrk hmm how long have you been singing? Are you self-taught or-"-Ichigo didn't get to finish his question because suddenly the Coyote was very much in his personal space and reaching out to him and the berry teen half stuttered/half snarled "Oi oi -what the hell are you d-doing?!"
The Coyote did not verbally respond as he grabbed Ichigo's hand and started brushing the berry's inner wrist with the pad of his thumb, heavy lidded dark slate gray eyes fixed on him.
Ichigo felt his brain becoming a bit foggy and couldn't help but think is this what the rumored "bedroom eyes" term meant?
()
Renji had been thoroughly enjoying his night, so ridiculously happy and at ease in his girlfriends' arms, savoring every moment of being entangled in his petite raven and then it happened...
The very same person who had visited/haunted him in his dreams night after night appeared in their hot leather, spiked heel, pierced skin, blazing glory. The fact that said person hadn't noticed him back didn't matter. Knowing that he was in the same lounge with walking talking living breathing temptation made Renji panic.
But he didn't want to let on that he was panicking so he did the only thing he could think of. He wasn't ready for marriage but babies yeah he was sure he and Rukia could give the whole raising kids thing a go...his thought process was 'If I knock Rukia up with a couple of runts' there's no way I'd cheat on her then-in fact I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner.'
()
Rukia wasn't sure what to think or how to feel exactly when Renji suddenly announced that it was time for his performance. While it was true that her boyfriend said he was going to sing at open mic night she figured it was a joke.
Or at least a partial joke, she certainly hadn't expected the red pineapple to bounce up the steps and literally grab the microphone and drag it back down the steps and right back over to their table, and look straight into her eyes and declare to the entire room and her, "Rukia, I know haven't been the best boyfriend lately, I know I don't deserve you but it would make me the happiest guy in the world if you'd have my baby."
WTF?!
Baby? Had Renji completely lost his mind? Rukia wasn't ready to been a teen mom. And even if she was, she knew her grandfather would never approve. But no. Just no they were only 14 years old.
The ravenette grabbed her boyfriend by the collar of his zebra print shirt and hissed, "You damned idiot! What are you thinking saying that kind of stuff on a night like this?"
Renji only grinned brightly, "Exactly a night like this, it's a perfect night Rukia. Love is in the air can't you feel it?"
Without waiting for a response Renji burst out into song...
Gata-gata gotaku wa iranee mono goto no
junretsu toka jamakusai dake
Ore ni wa HAATO ga aru dake
da sono hen no yasumono to wa chigau
HAATO daJama suru yatsu wa
kiru ze kiritai yatsu wo kiru dake
My hope is standing to defend you itsumo itsudemo (4)
While the redhead wasn't worst singer, he certainly wasn't the best either. Not to mention his song selection seemed like an odd choice. Defend her? Defend her from what exactly? The world? Her family? Not likely. Infact, it was highly unlikely Renji would go up against the entire Kuchiki line just so he could continue to be with Rukia.
Thin dark brows furrowed into an angry/confused line, just what was going on in her boyfriend's head? His behavior lately was all over the place, he went from avoiding looking at her face her, then to practically sucking her face off, then asking her to bare offspring and now this?
My back is your shield
My hope is standing to defend you, forever, whenever
My back is your shield
So I'm standing to defend you, forever, whenever
What had Renji done? Or what was he trying not to do? Rukia told herself she was going to ignore the warning bells going off in her head earlier but now she wasn't so sure.
Silver-blues scanned the lounge hoping to spot a fiery head of orange. Maybe Ichigo could tell her what the hell was going on.
()
"So, tell me Ichigo, what brings you here tonight?"
Ichigo decided to pointedly ignore how his breath hitched just a little bit more as Starrk neared closer and closer, less than a few inches of space between them now. "Uh just hanging out with my friends. At first, I didn't really want to come to be honest but I'm glad I did. This is the most fun I've had in a while. I had no idea there were so many talented people in our town. Shows how little I know and how much I have left to learn."
"Learning is never ending, perhaps we can both teach each other a few things?"
"Uh-well I-," the berry teen rubbed the back of his neck nervously and tried to put a little bit of distance between himself and the older teen-mentally cursing when his back hit one of the bar stools, "I doubt you could learn anything from me and uh just how old are you exactly not that it really matters I have some older friends well one friend actually but he's not here right now and uh-anyway where did you learn to sing like that?"
"Liked it, did you?"
"Yes." Ichigo answered honestly. "I don't know what you were singing about but I like your voice, it was very well uh I don't know how to put it but I guess I could fall asleep to it or something."
()
Sleep was always a welcome option, thought Starrk. And on any other night the Coyote would be doing just that. Nodding off in the passenger side while Lilinette drove the hummer back to their home. But at the moment sleep was the furthest thing from the goateed senior's mind.
()
Renji frowned. Rukia wasn't taking him seriously. His performance hadn't been that long or all that good but he was hoping that he would be rewarded for his efforts. Thought surely Rukia would agree to his sudden sporadic plan to have a baby. But she hadn't.
Infact once she stopped hissing and glaring at him the ravenette burst out into laughter and slapped him upside his head. "If that was your attempt at seduction then I'd say you failed spectacularly just now."
"It wasn't that bad. I meant every word."
"Sure, sure next time save the singing and joking for the pros."
Pros? As far as Renji could tell there weren't any professional performers at the Smoked Boar. Talented yes, but hardly pros.
And why did she think he was joking? Was it really so hard to believe that he might want to raise a kid or two-never mind that he himself was still technically a kid?
Renji mentally cursed. 'Shit now what'
"Why don't you stop pussy footing around and just tell me what you refused to tell me earlier."
Reddish-brown apple seed colored eyes frantically scanned the lounge for the very same person who might just be his downfall. Said person was busily chatting amicably with their friend, tilting their head back, thoroughly amused by whatever was being said.
"Renji!"
Renji jumped "Uh sorry Rukia what were we talking about?"
"Why are you acting so skittish? What the hell is going on with you lately?"
"N-nothing I swear!"
"Riiiight well I think I've had about all I can take of this night. Take me home."
"Home? But there's still plenty of time left and didn't you say you and Ichigo were gonna sing something together?"
A part of Renji wasn't thrilled with the idea which he knew was dumb since his berry friend wasn't even interested in Rukia in that way-and as far as he knew Rukia had never shown signs of being attracted to Ichigo either but-singing a duet was rather intimate wasn't it?
Plus, the stark contrast of Rukia's pale moonlit skin next to Ichigo's tanned peach colored skin-even Renji could admit if only to himself his two friends would look quite good together.
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind that he started gnashing his teeth together. 'Fuck that! I don't want them to see each other like that! Besides which with the way Ichigo's been chattin' up all those different guys lately he's probably well on his way to fairy-ville. Not that I care! Cuz' this ain't about him.'
Yeah Renji knew he had no right to judge since he was mentally drowning in a fire that most definitely was not the petite ravenette sitting next to him.
He slammed his knee into the table hard banishing the image from his mind and then grabbed Rukia's hand gently. "C'mon Rukia I want to hear you sing. Even if it's a duet with Ichigo I'll just imagine it's just you and me. No one else. Only one of those sexy sleek pianos and the moonlight as our company."
Renji watched as a myriad of emotions flitted past Rukia's cherubic features and gave her hand a small squeeze. "Please?"
He ignored how a bright ring of fire suddenly encircled the piano in his mind as he awaited Rukia's response.
'I'm such a bastard thinking I can have cake along with my pie.'
()
Uryu quickly came to a conclusion that he might have to completely 86 the idea of 'tongue wrestling' with Halibel's girlfriend Nel when he spotted an older male looming over his current muse/future boyfriend.
And Kurosaki was so damn clueless he didn't even have enough sense to stop it. Looking positively flushed in the face as he sucked on his bottom lip and subconsciously turned his knee towards the would-be-goateed predator.
Uryu was determined to stop things before it escalated. He'd be damned if he left some half stoned shady Coyote maul his berry!
The ebony haired teen stood up abruptly and ignored Halibel and Nel's questioning looks as he sprinted towards his intended.
()
Ichigo wasn't even sure what he and Starrk were talking about anymore. Somewhere along the way in between hearing about the older male's Spanish heritage, gun collection, and musical talents his brain had sort of flown off to the winds and he was pretty sure he was just babbling. And giggling. Like a girl! Not that the older teen seemed to mind.
On the contrary
"You have a very cute infectious laugh, Ichigo."
The berry teen knew he should be offended because being called cute by another guy, a much older guy was not normal. In anyway. And yet...
"Kurosaki-kuuuuuuuun!"
Ichigo snapped out of his dreamy daze and scowled. And then mentally kicked himself. Damn. Inoue he had completely forgotten about her. Wow what a dick move on his part.
Rather than looking even mildly miffed at being ignored for the past however many minutes it had been the cheerleader was donning a bright smile. "It's not really a big deal if they don't have any more cola left, we could always order something else? I looked at the menu while I was waiting for you and they have green curry cappuccino, that sounds good right?"
Uh no that sounded like a trip to diarrhea land actually but Ichigo wouldn't voice this thought out loud.
"Sure, sounds great."
The princess smiled even brighter and then stepped up to place the order.
Ichigo glanced up at Starrk disappointed that he would have to discontinue the little moment he was having with the goateed male. "Uh sorry Starrk I kind of promised her that I would-
The Coyote cut him off with a wave of his hang and a lazy drawl of, "Say no more. I'm not the type to get in the way of blooming teen love."
Love?! Ichigo's brows nearly disappeared into his hair line. He was not in love!
"No that's not what I meant I'm not-
Suddenly Starrk was back in his space leaning down and less than a hair's breath away from the berry's lips, voice a low murmur "Be nice to the girl, show her a good time and I'll come find you when spring rolls around."
Ichigo felt his face flame but nodded just the slightest bit.
And then the Coyote left.
Ichigo released a dreamy sort of sigh thinking spring couldn't come fast enough.
"Kurosaki-kun our drinks will be ready in a few minutes."
"Huh? Oh! Okay sounds good Inoue."
"While we're waiting um, I actually wanted to ask you something, if you don't mind that is?"
Half dreading whatever the princess wished to ask him Ichigo hesitantly prompted Inoue to continue. "Go ahead."
"Well since its open mic night I really want to get up on stage and sing but well I worried I'll make a fool out of myself and um that's why I wanted to ask you if you could join me up on stage and we could sing together?"
A duet with Inoue? It wasn't the worst or scariest idea but-
Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck and looked around the room hoping to spot one of his friends, "Uh well I'm not really the singing type Inoue I mean I did ask Rukia earlier tonight if she wanted to sing a song with me but I've known her for years and-
Eyes not completely focused on his "date" the berry missed the flash of jealousy on Inoue's face just then.
"Ah. I understand. Of course, you'd pick Kuchiki-san I mean I'm practically a stranger and-
"Well you're not exactly a stranger Inoue but-
The princess waved her hands wildly, "It's fine it's fine no big deal I mean it was rather silly of me I suppose expecting you to sing a song with me when we've-I mean when I've never even told you-um anyway Kurosaki-kun forget I said anything-
Ichigo was getting a headache. "Listen Inoue we can sing if you really want to-I mean I'll sing with you."
"Really?" Gun metal gray eyes sparkled brighter than all of the lights in the lounge. "Oh Kurosaki-kun thank you so much!" Inoue squealed in delight and nearly suffocated the berry teen with her boobs just then.
Slightly strained from the pressure Ichigo managed to get out a "Sure, don't mention it."
Ichigo had zero interest in singing a duet with the cheerleading princess. He only agreed because he hadn't paid much attention to the girl and he didn't want to be a total jackass. Sometimes in the privacy of his own thoughts though he wished he was a bit of a jackass...or at least better at resisting demands/pleas from members of the opposite sex.
He blamed Rukia and Tatsuki mainly.
"So, what should we sing about? Originally, I was thinking off one of the songs off Yui's albums but if you're gonna sing with me maybe we should try something by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR instead?" (5)
What else could Ichigo say outside of, "Okay."
()
Uryu stopped dead in his tracks at the familiar sight of long caramel colored-locks of hair and watermelon sized tits. Damn! Why now? Just when he'd been about to swoop in and claim Kurosaki, erase any and all traces of the goateed predator an even greater predator had appeared onto the scene.
The bespectacled teen knew he couldn't just out right attack the she demon in disguise posing as a princess because then he would just look like an abusive asshole ex-boyfriend or something and the berry teen would get the wrong idea and then fists would start flying-and it would be one great big mess.
The cheerleader played her role well, damn near had perfected her flawless 'I'm just a sweet girl next door even though I have the body of a porn star' act and Kurosaki unfortunately, was still too damn dense and had yet to figure it out!
Uryu himself had only caught sight of the princess' true face by chance when he'd been walking home late one evening.
()
FLASHBACK
Not really in his nature to pry into someone else's business but he could hardly ignore the sound of loud banging and harsh cries coming from behind a boarded up abandoned warehouse. Dropping his groceries at his feet, Uryu ran towards the sound.
Not quite sure what he was walking into but determined to help what sounded like a young woman in pain, figuring she had either tripped and hurt herself or had fallen prey to some deranged perverted attacker.
()
Not quite! Not even close!
()
Jaw dropping open and navy-blue eyes practically popped out of Uryu's head at the sight of a sniveling unidentified dark-haired male with copper colored skin who was desperately trying to shield his face from view as scurried for the exit-
Less than a moment later a naked female in sparkling open toed stilettos came into view, her messy caramel locks of hair covered her gun mental gray eyes but there was no way he would ever mistake that radiant pageant queen like smile or the giant rack that she tried to pass off as boobs.
When Uryu finally found his voice "I-Inoue-san?"
The princess froze but only for a minute or two. "Ah Ishida-kun. Looks like you've found out my secret," Then the smile on her face widened (damn near demonic looking) and she stalked towards him with intent, "Not exactly hungry since I just finished a full course meal but-," here she licked her heavily glossed lips, "There's always room for dessert."
Feeling as though he had suddenly stumbled into some sort of fucked up alternate universe Uryu did the only thing he could do in that moment. Knocked the girl out with a well-practiced and perfectly aimed blow to her neck, then he set her down gently, murmured an apology and left.
()
'What to do? What to do?' Uryu asked himself. Would it be too bold to grab Kurosaki and just kiss him senseless? Doing so should at the very least stop the cheerleader from sinking her claws in deeper, right? Or would it? Maybe kissing wasn't the way to go maybe groping would be a better option?
Yes, that might very well be the best way to claim the berry teen as his boyfriend, not to be confused with a perverted ass grab, no more like a loving squeeze to let Kurosaki know just how much he'd been missed in the past few days.
Mind made up the bespectacled teen moved forward...
And bit back a small chuckle when the berry let out a yelp "Gahhh!" and whirled around so fast he nearly sent the buxom cheerleader flying.
Cheeks aflame and scowling viciously Kurosaki hissed out, "What the hell Ishida! Did you just grab my ass in public? Again?"
"Hn. I merely gave you a friendly little pat on the butt as a way of saying hello. No need to get so worked up Kurosaki."
"I-I'm not getting worked up damn you!" Brown eyes burned fiercely not that Uryu minded. Infact, he didn't mind one bit. "How long have you been standing there any way?"
"Long enough to appreciate you in those orange leg warmers although I still prefer you in white."
()
Not that Ichigo would admit it out loud but he was secretly glad for Ishida's little perverted stunt.
()
Orihime felt the sense of irritation and the sudden urge of inflicting bodily pain on another person slowly begin to creep up on her again but stomped it down.
It would not do her any good to lose face now! Sure Ishida-kun was an unwanted presence (especially since he knew about her appetite) but he was no real threat. Certainly not competition either with his odd fashion sense and condescending nasal drip sounding voice. There was no way her strawberry boy would be interested in another boy in the first place. And even if he was, it still wouldn't matter. The moment of purification would still happen once she figured out how to get Kurosaki-kun somewhere quiet and secluded.
Patience. She just had to show a little more patience. Yes, because patience always paid off in the end.
"Kurosaki-kun I had no idea you and Ishida-kun knew each other."
Her strawberry boy looked a bit uncomfortable as he tried to explain "We don't know each other all that well, actually we only met recently and-
"There's no reason to pretend Kurosaki, not when your father has already given us his blessing."
Brown eyes widened to comical proportions and Kurosaki-kun's cheeks burned even brighter than before "Given his bles-what the hell are you?! Don't say shit like that! You're gonna give everyone the wrong idea, idiot!"
A teasing smirk pulled at Ishida kun's lips as he patted the orange berry's butt once again, "Well good I want everyone to know that I'm your boyfriend."
Kurosaki-kun sputtered "B-boyfriend?!," and then rounded on Ishida-kun once more, "Now listen here you damn perverted bast-
"Ah, ah not in front of the lady Kurosaki." A gentle smile, "Forgive us Inoue-san we got a bit ahead of ourselves."
Orihime seethed on the inside but on the outside, she beamed brightly at the pair and chirped, "Boys can be friends, there's nothing wrong with that."
()
TBC
Se que son malas tus intenciones
Por mi ventana, más de mil rumores
Se que son malas, malas tus intenciones. (1)
I have no idea why I picture Starrk as having some sort of Spanish heritage back round I just do. I mean yeah sure the Espada all have spanish numbers and release forms and what not but I don't really care about all that. It's more about the way his character was designed. Shrugs. Anyway...this song kept playing in my head while I was drafting open mic night. Malas Intenciones (Bad Intentions) by Erik Rubin...great song very catchy.
2) short glossy dark hair-all but the one long chunky moss-green colored bang that partially covered her one eye from view and her face-gah her face was like an exotic jackal.
I wanted to write a version of an older!Lilinette but since she still is a lot smaller than Starrk rather than making reference to her as being/looking like a Coyote too I chose Jackal instead...similiar to gray wolves which a smaller. Plus jackal just sounds cool. She may or may not give Keigo a chance, haven't decided yet!
"Will you love me? Don't you want to love me?"
Even if I repeat these words
My glass wings are cold and wet, and I shiver with loneliness
If I can sever the darkness of my memories
Even if I can't speak it
I've grown to want to live like I'm broken (3) Love is Dead Psycho Le Cemu
Shiro (Hollow!Ichigo) would make an awesome music star in an ultimate universe wouldn't he? I think he would. Anyway I selected this song not so much for the song itself but rather the group...their style...especially the fashion sense costumes wild hair colors is very fanfiction-shiro-esque. The band Psycho Le Cemu has an awesome sound. Insanely talented. Technically the group might be disbanded but whatever, check out their music if you haven't.
Gata-gata gotaku wa iranee mono goto no
junretsu toka jamakusai dake
Ore ni wa HAATO ga aru dake
da sono hen no yasumono to wa chigau
HAATO daJama suru yatsu wa
kiru ze kiritai yatsu wo kiru dake
My hope is standing to defend you itsumo itsudemo (4)
Of course a bleach fanfic was eventually gonna lead to music from the actual series...whether its character albums or opening or ending songs. Plus I did try to search for a song that Renji could sing but nothing grabbed my attention like this one. Even though I poke fun of it I really like this song. I think its cool. I think most BLEACH chara songs are cool.
"So, what should we sing about? Originally, I was thinking off one of the songs off Yui's albums but if you're gonna sing with me maybe we should try something by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR instead?" (5)
BLEACH awesome music. Enough said. But...in the end Inoue and Ichigo probably will not be singing together. At least I don't think so.
…. Whew...off to work on the final part of open mic...
Thanks for reading!
~SLY~