Ch.2 Ishida's Entrance

The story ended with Ishida's surprising appearance after the fight between Kurosaki and Tatsuki.

"What are you doing here Ishida?"

"I was just passing by Kurosaki. Please, take it easy. Let's not quarrel everyday just for the sake of it. I just stopped by to see the very rare once-in-a-lifetime event that just unfolded before my eyes. It's not every day you see the high and mighty Kurosaki get pummeled by a girl, a rather strong one I must admit. Now Ichigo, (his expression changes to a more serious tone) mind telling me who that "her" is that Tatsuki-san has talked about with you?"

"How should I know? Please Ishida, cut the crap. I don't need your stupid fancy greeting. What do you want. Hold on, let me rephrase that, what do you need."

"Ouch, that hurts Kurosaki. I want nothing, but this, that you obtain some brains while you go squabbling about worrying about Kuchiki-san. Isn't that what you were doing just now before Tatsuki-san came along? Wondering the streets like some fool. She is safe now in Soul Society. Rest assured. She is with Renji," the Quincy archer added slyly with a satisfied grin. He, being a very sensitive and acute man himself, knows that the "high and mighty" Ichigo who usually puts up a rebellious front, has a soft spot for the little shinigami miss. Ichigo turns red and a slight shade of green with jealousy for but a mere second. That alone is enough for one day's satisfaction in the life of the cold Quincy archer.

"There are also worse things that we should be worrying about. I've felt new presences of hollows. These ones though, are a very different sensation, though equally ominous. It seems that they've somehow got stronger. I was also informed that Urahara-san has called a meeting for all of us with Orihime and Sado-san."

"Ooh, we're on first-name basis already?" Ichigo cuts in as he turns to walk the other way.

Ishida blushes furiously," What first name basis? Oh…, Inoue-san? Well, no it's just err..formality, she insists that I call her…that," Damn it, that wasn't convincing enough! And why the hell did I say her first name!

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Whatever you have between her and yourself is of no concern to me. Likewise my matters between me and Rukia are none of your business," Ichigo retorts smartly with a smile that shows the pleasure of a sweet revenge.

"Now I'm going to go to that meeting. Walk with me."

Ishida, not knowing how to rebuild his fallen "Quincy pride", follows Ichigo the whole while with no words uttered between them. That satisfies Ichigo all the same.

After the meeting…

"Inoue-san"

" Hm, oh! Ishida-kun… gomen, gomen. I was just…thinking about some…things. I didn't know you walk this way."

"Sorry to disturb you from your thoughts Inoue-san"

"Ishida, please, I told you so many times, please call me Orihime," says Inoue with no hint of exasperation in her voice. She then gives him one of her million-dollar smiles. Wait…perhaps not one million thought Ishida. This one seems to hide something…but… how can it be? This girl who has brought him endless joy through her one million thank-you's (whenever Ishida would "doctor" her after her clumsy accidents), is hiding a sadness behind that smile. He just knows it. She was somehow not the same during the whole time he saw her that afternoon. She would sit staring at the floor and seems to not hear Urahara-san at all. She didn't have a single accident, and there was no greeting at the door. She seemed cold, no, not cold, he rebuked himself, distant...yes, that's the right word. Inoue can never be cold to someone. She was just like that. She was born to melt the ice in people and warm their hearts. She has certainly done so in him, though he was very very VERY unwilling to admit it to anyone, sometimes even himself.

GAH! Why is her well being such a concern for me! I owe her nothing; I'm not even close to her! That stupid strawberry is better acquainted with her than me, and yet here I am and where is he? At home, probably stuffing Kon into one of the suits Kuchiki-san has designed for him. Why oh why did I have to sew those suits…

"Ishida-kun, there's a very beautiful park near here. Would you like to come with me?"

Surprised at this unexpected question and turn of events, Ishida quickly answered,"Yes…I'd love to."

"Thank you Ishida," once again…that smile…just what is it with that smile! And what could she possibly want in the park? Hm... guess I'll find out.