A/N: I did it, yay! And once again, it is my longest chapter yet. It took me some time to get into this chapter, but in the end, I really like how it turned out. I hope you do, too. Please be sure to leave me a review if you do, cause honestly, nothing motivates me more than feedback. 😊
On a side note, I am really happy that so many people are reading this, and I hope you will continue to enjoy the story.
I have some more questions for you guys, they're at the end, I'd appreciate some input on them. 😊
Lastly, just FYI, there is a mention of a specific type of café in this chapter. I'll explain it at the end, so I don't spoiler you here, but if you're curious, you can just google it, it's actually a thing.
Now without further ado, please enjoy.
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Chapter 7 – working
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"Kurosaki-kun!" yelled a voice that he would have recognized anywhere. He almost smiled as he watched Inoue run towards him. A couple of guys walking past shot him dirty looks. He glared back. He was used to being on the receiving end of these looks by Karakura high's male population whenever Inoue showered him with her attention. Even though there was nothing between them, people still always assumed.
Inoue had almost reached him when she suddenly tripped over her own feet. With two quick steps, he caught her in his arms. "Careful, Ino-," he tried to scold her, but his voice suddenly left him. She was pressed flush against him, her front against his, her hands resting right below his shoulders on his chest. He had his arms looped around her waist from catching her. He swallowed. What was he about to say? Damn her boobs were so soft. And she was looking at him all wide-eyed. Was she blushing? Wait, they were still standing there like lovers. That wasn't proper. And she had made no move to let him go. She smelled really nice. He should definitely move away.
It took him more willpower than he cared to admit, but he released her, took her by the shoulders and just placed her an arm's length away from him. His brain started to clear up. He tried hard to control the blush that was making its way onto his cheeks.
"Eeeh hee, thank you Kurosaki-kun," the healer said, looking up at him awkwardly. The way she said it was so typically Inoue, he had to keep himself from laughing. But then before she looked away, he swore he saw a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
"And thank you for waiting for me. Shall we go?" She turned to him again and the sparkle was gone.
He nodded and they left the school grounds.
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Heh, that worked out well. Being clumsy has never felt better. Orihime giggled inwardly. She hadn't planned that one, but she was excited by the way it had played out. She added a little skip to her step, but a hand on her upper arm pulled her back. Her heart missed a beat at the touch. It was only Monday and he was touching her again.
"You know, if you skip, it's much more likely that you'll trip," Kurosaki-kun stated flatly. She blushed. Ok, so that probably didn't count, he touched her all the time when he was being protective of her.
She pouted at him. "But skipping is fun, Kurosaki-kun. You should try it sometime!" He made an incredulous face at her, causing her to giggle. The image of her protector skipping was priceless. In a sudden bout of courage, she looped her arms around his and beamed at him. "It's ok, I'll wait until you are ready to try. Until then, I will walk slowly with you, like a boring old person."
She laughed at the sight of his scowl. He didn't pull his arm away.
"Tss, not everyone can be as bubbly as you, you… you child-woman," he retorted.
This! This was bickering. This was what he was always doing with Rukia, causing her slight pangs of jealousy. And now, he was doing it with her. This was great! And she was holding his arm, too. It was almost as if they were a couple. Although he had just called her a child-woman. That was not what she wanted to be viewed as. She couldn't have that.
"Oh, I am no child Kurosaki-kun, believe me," she purred.
Oh, holy guacamole, that came out so… so sultry! You sounded almost like Rangiku. Gaaah. That was way too obvious, he's going to think badly of you now. Wait, did his reiatsu just spike? Did he- like that?
She sneaked a glance at her crush. A smirk was forming on his face. She held her breath. Every time I think he couldn't possibly get any hotter, he goes and does just that.
"I'll believe it when I see it."
"I'll take that challenge," she replied confidently.
"Heh, you're on!" He grinned at her, and she held his glance with determination. She did a little victory dance in her head, until his face suddenly warped into a frown, and he looked away.
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What the hell? Ichigo didn't know what to think. When had Inoue started to be so- 'sexy?' The sly voice in his head suggested. He flushed. No, that was not at all what he was about to think.
When had she started to be so confident? Challenging him verbally like that, meeting his eyes without hesitation and the way she had said that she was not a child… It sounded almost as if she was…
Ichigo cursed inwardly. He was terribly oblivious to flirting. He knew it. He never picked up on it. Apparently, it happened quite frequently that girls tried their luck at him, but he would only ever be told afterwards by someone that had witnessed the whole ordeal. Once, Mizuiro had informed him smugly that the check-out girl in the convenience store in his neighborhood had practically been throwing herself at him. Naturally, Ichigo had started to go to a different store after that.
And now here he was, 90% sure that Inoue was flirting with him. And he had gone along with it. But it couldn't be. This was Inoue. There was simply no way. But then again, she was still holding on to his arm. Did they use to do that? How was he supposed to think with her in his space, smelling all nice?
He rubbed his neck. "Speaking of grown up," he started. Real smooth, deadpanned the voice in his head. He cleared his throat. "How was your interview on Friday?"
She smiled softly and tapped her chin with her index finger, causing him to let go of some of the tension inside of him. This was more like the Inoue he knew. "You're kind to ask! Actually, it went weirdly well. They took one look at me and said I would be a great fit. They didn't even interview me. I have a trial workday on Thursday."
They took one look at her? And didn't ask her any questions? Ichigo couldn't help but frown. That sounded really sketchy.
"Say, what kind of place is this anyways?"
"Like I said, it's a café. Hey, if you want you could come by and check it out," she suggested happily.
That was a strange idea, but all his alarm bells were ringing and that way he could placate them. Maybe he was just being overprotective. He knew that he tended to be that way when it came to her. She was too sweet for this world.
"Thursday you said? Sure, I think I can make it."
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"Bend over," that sexy low voice of his ordered her and she complied. Without wasting a second, his calloused hands were on her, gliding up the back of her thighs until they reached her rear. She gasped as he started kneading her cheeks. She felt herself getting wetter and pushed back into him. He chuckled at the action and lightly spanked her with one hand. "Don't be so impatient, we have all night."
She woke up flushed. She was used to it by now.
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"Say, Kurosaki-kun." Orihime gently lay her hand on the shinigami's shoulder as she stepped beside his chair. He was still packing up his books after English class. He looked up at her curiously. Although 'looking up' was relative here. Sitting down he was still almost as tall as she was standing up. Once more she marveled at his height.
"Uhm, I've been struggling with that essay on Shakespeare that we're supposed to write. I know that English is one of your best subjects, would you maybe consider helping me with it?" She blushed. "Only if it's no trouble of course."
"Sure, Inoue, it's no trouble at all," he replied. His eyes carried that gentle expression that they sometimes got when he looked at her. She almost lost herself in them.
"How about tomorrow after school? I'll be walking you home anyways. We can do it at your place." Her blush intensified at the way he phrased that, but he didn't seem to notice. You have gotten so perverted, Orihime. Just get your mind out of the gutter sometimes. Although, you could use that…
She smiled at him. "Yes, of course, we can totally do it at my place. Thank you, Kurosaki-kun, that's really nice of you."
His eyes widened as she repeated his sentence back to him. She smirked inwardly as she let the small increase in his reiatsu wash over her.
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"So, do you think that Othello was possessed by demons?"
They were sitting side by side at Orihime's small table.
"What? No, why would you think that?" Ichigo was baffled. Had she read the book?
"Well, the way he was manipulated into killing his wife. I just think that screams demon possession. You know making you kill someone you love is totally their M.O. That, and making you eat a lot of pasta. Demons love pasta," she explained matter-of-factly.
That girl… He couldn't help but laugh as he shook his head at her. "While that is an interesting idea, I think Ochi-sensei would prefer a more traditional approach to the story. Here, let me break it down for you." He started to explain the story for her, occasionally jotting down names of characters and key scenes. She scooted closer to him to be able to read his notes.
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She scooted closer to him to press the side of her boobs against his arm. She tried to stay focused on what he was saying, but her attempt at seduction kind of got in the way. To push her breasts up against his steeled upper arms was just exhilarating. Gee, Orihime, you're not supposed to be distracting yourself, you're supposed to distract him.
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He had completely lost his train of thought. How was he supposed to focus with her boobs pressed against him? This was the second time this week that he was confronted with their abundant softness. He panicked slightly. If he paused his explanation any longer, she would surely notice something was up. He cleared his throat.
"You know, Kurosaki-kun, you smell really nice," the beautiful redhead next to him stated dreamily.
Oh, this was dangerous. This was very dangerous. The way she was so close to him, the way she was looking at him, he just wanted to grab her and pull her into his lap. But he could definitely not do that. He was not that kind of guy. And -more importantly- she was not that kind of girl. No way did she even realize the effect she had on him. He cursed his teenage hormones.
"Oh, uhm, thank you Inoue. So, did you have any questions so far?" She shook her head slowly, her eyes still locked with his. He needed to get out of this situation before he did something stupid.
"Ok, then let's take a short break, I need to go to the bathroom." He sounded pitiful, even to his own ears.
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Orihime frowned at the empty space next to her. Still not enough, huh.
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"Yo, Inoue!" Ichigo was jogging up to her and Tatsuki by the school gate.
"Hello Kurosaki-kun," Orihime beamed at her hero. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Tatsuki roll her eyes.
"I just meant to ask you; you have that thing today, right? That trial work thing? When does it start?"
She was pleased that he remembered. "Actually, it starts soon, I'll just drop my things at home and head right over there." She tried to keep herself from fiddling around with her fingers. She was nervous about today. No going backwards, only going forward. If only she didn't embarrass so easily.
She saw Tatsuki narrow her eyes at her. Her best friend sure was perceptive.
"Ok, so I'll just go home and change out of my uniform and then I'll come by, alright? Can you text me the address?"
A picture of Ichigo taking off his uniform flashed before her eyes. Her latest dream had involved a school supply closet and some urgent kissing and some very dirty words. She felt that familiar rush to her stomach. Oh, how she wanted it to come to pass. She just wanted to touch him everywhere. But now was not the time, she had to focus on the plan.
"I will, Kurosaki-kun. See you soon."
He briefly touched her upper arm and a jolt of electricity coursed through her. "See you soon."
And with that, he turned and walked in the opposite direction. Orihime's eyes lingered on him until Tatsuki lightly punched her arm.
"So, Ichigo is coming to your trial work thing? Is that why you're so nervous?" As expected, her best friend read her like a book. Orihime blushed.
"That's part of the reason."
"Is this part of your big plan?"
"It is," Orihime admitted. She quickly explained today's plan to Tatsuki, who whistled at her explanation.
"That is a ballsy plan, I didn't know you had it in you, Hime!" She laughed. "But I do have to admit, it seems like so far, your plan is working out quite well. The way he just was just all up in your space to say good-bye… Maybe you're onto something."
"Tatsuki-chan! He was not 'all up in my space'," Orihime objected indignantly, but she was secretly quite pleased at her friend's observation. She had really come a long way since she had started this thing. Just not nearly far enough. She wanted him, period. And she still wasn't as close to that goal as she intended. It seemed like she still needed to be bolder. Usually, audacity wasn't her strong suit. She sighed. If it got her Kurosaki-kun, she could be bold.
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Orihime stood in front of the dressing room mirror and took in her reflection. That uniform sure was something. She felt exposed. Did these skirts have to be so short? Her heart rate increased. Everyone would see her like that. Yes, and that includes Kurosaki-kun. You want him to see you like this, don't you? She did, but she felt uneasy. These uniforms obviously weren't made for someone with her bust size. The fabric stretched way too tight across her boobs. Combing her fingers through her hair, she tried to gather her courage. This was part of the plan. Be bold! She wanted to break down his image of her piece by piece. But at the same time, it was mortifying.
"Orihime-chan, are you ready?" yelled the manager outside the door. "Yes, I'll be right outside!"
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Ichigo arrived at the address Inoue had texted him. This couldn't be it. He double checked it. There was no mistake. Oh hell no. He was standing in front of a maid café. She can't be serious?
Already on edge, he stepped into the café. He spotted her immediately and his blood went south. Now this is something to get up for, said that annoying voice in his head appreciatively.
I'd sure like to have her as my maid. Too bad you're such a loser, King, you can't even take a fruit that's right in front of you and ripe for the picking. Hey, just let me take over, I can show you how to do it. Or rather her. The smirk in his voice was infuriating.
These days it was rare for his hollow to speak up, but when it came to Inoue, he was annoyingly opiniated. 'Shut your dirty mouth, or I'll stuff it for you!' he threatened him angrily. His hollow just laughed that crazy laugh.
Ichigo swallowed. He hated to admit it, but they were right. Inoue looked- she looked hot. There, he said it. Like the other waitresses she was dressed as a maid – well, as a maid that worked in a strip club that is. Her tiny black skirt ended just below the crotch, showing miles of her creamy legs before they were covered by dainty white over-knee socks. The top part of the dress was tight, perfectly accentuating her tiny waist, while the blouse spanned tightly over her ample bust.
A fire ignited in his belly. He desperately wanted to do something, although he wasn't entirely sure what it was. Idiot! Scoffed the hollow.
He noticed he was staring at her and quickly turned his head away, spotting a group of men who were leering at Inoue completely shamelessly. The heat in his stomach turned to anger. With new determination, he walked towards her.
"Welcome, customer-sama. Oh, it's you, Kurosaki-ku- Kurosaki-sama." Something knotted in his lower abdomen again at the way she addressed him.
"No," he simply said.
"What no?"
"You can not work here." His voice left no room for an argument. She argued anyways.
"Why not?"
"It's totally inappropriate."
"Huh, why? It's just a café?"
"The uniform! It's inappropriate."
"Heh, don't you think it's cute? Everyone has been telling me that I look really cute!"
"And who is that everyone? Those leering perverts in the back? I'm telling you, no way I will let you work here."
"Kurosaki-kun, I appreciate your concern, but it's not really your choice to – Oh. Welcome, customer-sama," she greeted a man that had just walked in and waved at him sweetly.
"Oh, look at you cutie, aren't you a sight for sore eyes." The new customer's eyes were almost popping out of their sockets as he greedily took in Orihime's appearance.
"Inoue, I will literally drag you out of here and carry you home if you don't go change right now."
"Kurosaki-kun, you can't be serious!" "I'm dead serious" "It's my trial work day, I've only been here for 20 minutes, I can't possibly-" Without another word, he just scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder, like he'd done in hueco mundo, completely ignoring her protests. He would not let her work in a place where all the customers were perverts. No way. He owed her that, he owed her brother that, he owed Tatsuki that. Plus, you can't stand the thought of all those men gawking at her dressed like that. Although it is nice to hold her in that outfit. Have you noticed your hands are on her bare thighs? They are so soft…
"KUROSAKI-KUN!" He snapped out of his thought process and suddenly became aware of Inoue's tiny fists drumming on his back.
"You can't carry me this way, the skirt is too short for that, everyone will see," she yelled at him.
Oh. Right. He slowly repositioned her so he was carrying her bridal style. She looked up at him, embarrassed. "You know, I can walk," she tried. "Nope, you'll just run right back to that place and I'm not having that."
She flushed but didn't protest.
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It took all her willpower to keep her face from showing the exuberant satisfaction she was feeling. It had worked out exactly the way she had wanted it to. Sure, it had been embarrassing that all those other men had seen her like that, but with the way Kurosaki-kun had gaped at her, it had totally been worth it. His reaitsu had flared up like crazy, alternating between anger and - something else. She had recently started to be able to tell the two emotions apart. At first, they had felt surprisingly similar. But now she knew, it was the something else she was aiming for. And now, as an added bonus, he was carrying her. She was sure they were a strange sight to behold. A young bright-haired man with a scowl, carrying an equally bright haired woman in a maid costume through the streets of Karakura. She couldn't bring herself to care. She never cared about anything when she was in his arms.
She shivered and snuggled closer to him. On the outside she kept her indignant expression, but inwardly she loved it. She closed her eyes and inhaled contently. If she could make a candle of his scent, she would light it every day.
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He cursed himself when he realized she was shivering. Of course she'd be cold, it was almost freezing and she was only wearing that flimsy maid costume. He stopped abruptly and put her down. He tried not to look at her too much as he took off his jacket and wrapped it around her. He was pretty sure he'd caught a glimpse of her nipples pushing through the thin fabric of the uniform and that was not a thing that a friend should notice and also not a thing that a friend should find oddly exciting. So he quickly closed the jacket. It almost reached her knees. He was very satisfied with his work.
She had quietly observed his actions. "You're going to be cold," she stated now with a frown. "I could just go back to the café; my coat is there."
"You are not going back," he said resolutely and picked her up to carry her again. He would have laughed at her incredulous expression if the situation had been different.
"Kurosaki-kun, I can walk!" She emphasized the last word.
"Inoue, I know you can walk, but if I let you go, you're going to want to go back and as I said, I'm not having that. Besides," he grinned at her, "you were just worried that I would be cold. This way, I'm not." Somehow, he found her blush exquisite.
"And don't worry about your stuff, I'll get it later. I honestly don't want you to step a foot in that gross place again."
"You are really overreacting," she mumbled against his chest. It didn't sound very argumentative.
Ichigo squeezed her a little tighter and then lifted his eyes off her to watch where he was going. He was quite pleased with himself.
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A/N: Here are my questions for you guys:
Is it difficult to keep up with the change in POV? I know I jump back and forth between Ichigo and Orihime a lot. Is that confusing?
Also, is it hard to tell apart the voices in their heads?
I've been requested to give Ichigo's hollow an appearance, but I am a little torn. The reason is that in a lot of M-rated stories Hichigo (/Shirosaki) is the one with the strong sexual side. Now don't get me wrong I'm all for sexy Hichi, but for this story I had kind of planned to let Ichigo have his own sexuality that he slowly comes to terms with. I know right now it probably just seems like another split personality in his head, but it's leading somewhere. And while hollow Ichigo is very much on board with what Hime is doing, I am hesitant to give him a bigger role in this story. I'm interested in your input on this, though. 😊
Maid café: It's an actual thing in Japan and in some other cities around the world, where the waitresses are dressed up as cute/sexy maids and also act as the customer's maids. Seriously, google it, it's weird, but also fun. Gotta love Japan.