Ichigo yawned as he stepped out of his shoten.

Glad it's only introductions today or else I'd really hate my life, he thought.

The teen wore the Shujin Academy standard spring/winter uniform which consisted of a white turtleneck, Fucking annoying thing, black blazer with a white Shujin crest over his heart, and red and black plaid pants with black shoes. The blazer was a bit tight around the chest even after fitting, so he had decided to leave it undone.

He peered around the streets and didn't see too many people except the occasional older person walking around getting their early morning exercise. It actually gave him an idea of getting into early morning jogging again himself, but right now he was almost too tired to have the idea. Maybe he'd start tomorrow?

He didn't really work out in his earlier teen years and just accepted the strength that came along with puberty. Ever since he lost his powers, though, he burned off the excess energy working out when he could.

He slowly walked down the street towards LeBlanc, unexcited for whatever would happen today.

He opened the door to the Cafe to see Sojiro there wearing a white blazer himself with sleeves rolled, pink undershirt, and white pants. He looked good, ready to go out on a date if anything, but Ichigo found it fitting given that the man seemed to have a swagger to him already.

"'Mornin," Ichigo greeted, biting back another yawn.

"Good morning. I've got your breakfast there with some coffee," Sojiro returned, gesturing to a plate of curry and cup on the counter.

The only word that registered to Ichigo was coffee. He'd take anything to wake him up right now.

Ichigo sat down an sipped on the coffee almost immediately. He sighed in content, putting in back down. "Thanks. Didn't really sleep much last night since I had to iron this thing," Ichigo said with a scowl following.

The older man looked him up and down. "Well it looks alright, if that's any consolation," he grinned while Ichigo rolled his eyes.

He began to eat the curry and had to admit that the food was good as well. He sipped the coffee again before a question popped into his mind. "What is this? Arabian blend, right?" he asked, recalling the flavor. He'd made enough coffee for his dad that he'd eventually taken up the appeal behind it, branching out enough to get his own.

The older man blinked before he made an impressed face. "Yeah, it is. You know your way around a cup of joe?" He asked with interest.

Ichigo shook his head after eating more. "I've gotten a few blends before, but I really don't know half the stuff you got it in here. Except the percolator and those drips, I guess," Ichigo explained while Sojiro nodded, still impressed by his coffee knowledge.

"Anyways, hurry up. We gotta be there by 7 and I'm not taking my chances with traffic."

Ichigo rose a brow as he began to eat a little faster, trying not to inconvenience the man if he had to.

The older of the two saw the questioning look and elaborated. "I'll drive you, but just for today. Figured I'll show face as your guardian after all, plus I need to complete your transfer. After today you'll be taking the trains, though."

Ichigo nodded at that and finished his meal. He offered a lopsided grin. "You got any to go cups for coffee, old man? I'll pay this time."

Sojiro shook his head with a sigh.

….

More classy than his outfit, the old man's car was a beauty. It was an yellow, older modeled Porsche, which he guessed was from the nineties. Ichigo wasn't a car guy, but it was still a nice vehicle. A little small for his larger frame, but it seemed he'd only be riding in it for today so that was fine.

After parking, they made their way to the academy with a few minutes to spare. Ichigo contently sipped on his coffee as they stopped in front of the gate.

Sojiro had on a white hat this time, completing his classy attire and peered over at Ichigo, more specifically his uniform. "You might wanna button that up. Didn't think anything about it 'til now. You're already coming here with a record and first impressions are everything."

Ichigo looked down and shrugged. "Chest is a bit too tight," he replied while sipping on his beverage, pulling on the buttons for reference.

Sojiro grumbled, rubbing his neck. "I really do think I took in a troublemaker..."

Ichigo rolled his eyes as the two of them made their way up the stairs, the older man taking off his hat as they two entered.

The school was empty, which Ichigo expected given that it was a Sunday. He still didn't understand why they wanted him to come in and not save it til an actual school day. Ichigo figured it was so the principal could grill him, himself.

The two of them eventually found the principal's office and a woman was waiting outside along with what Ichigo guess was another student.

The woman wore a reserved outfit if anything. A striped, yellow long-sleeve with a jean shirt that ended past her knees with yellow shoes with small heels. The woman had good features, small nose and lips with unruly, brown hair and eyes. She was average in height coupled with a slender build, much like the girl next to her. Both were quite a bit shorter than he was, however.

The student next to her just screamed 'prim and proper.' She had short, black hair styled in a bob cut with bangs that ended at her eyebrows. Her uniform didn't seem to be the normal one, having the same turtleneck undershirt he did but with a black halter vest overtop. She wore a black and red plaid skirt that ended at mid thigh with black pantyhose. To top it off, she wore black tassel loafers instead of the uniform heels.

Her most noticeable feature, however, were her striking, red eyes.

The woman in yellow spoke first, seeing Sojiro and Ichigo. "Good morning, I'm Kawakami Sadayo. I'll be your homeroom teacher," she ended with a small sigh, showing she wasn't too thrilled. "This is Niijima Makoto, who's a third year, like you. She's the student council president and will be showing you around after your conversation with Principal Kobayakawa. She's also in your class as well."

Ichigo nodded as his teacher finished. "Kurosaki Ichigo. Thank you, Niijima-san, and thank you for having me," he added politely while Makoto nodded back. Sojiro, meanwhile, was looking around, uninterested in this completely.

The youngest sister of the Niijima family sighed to herself. Why did she have to be here to show the new student around? Wasn't that a job usually reserved for teachers? Kawakami-sensei had mentioned that they were having third years fill in for some jobs, but it was still annoying...

Kawakami nodded back as well before opening the principal's door. She motioned for Ichigo to enter which he complied with, setting his coffee down on a desk that sat in the hallway before entering. This dog and pony show was wearing on his 'give-a-shit' meter but it'd be over somewhat soon, so he'd deal with it. Not like I got much of a choice, though.

Fat, was the first thought Ichigo had while looking at Kobayakawa. He was a large, bald, average height man in an equally as large yellow suit.

"So the troublemaker arrives," were the first words he spoke while Ichigo had to blink away a roll of the eyes, his opinion of the man dropping instantly.

Kawakami, Sojiro, and Makoto filed in behind before Makoto shut the door while Sojiro stood off to the side. His homeroom teacher stood beside the principal, trying and failing to keep the tired look off her face. Makoto stood beside the door with her hands in front of her, obediently waiting for the conversation to be over while Ichigo stuffed his hands in his pockets and stood in front of the desk.

The principal pulled some paperwork out from a drawer and sat it on his desk, motioning for Sojiro to sign something.

He turned back to Ichigo. "First thing's first, if you are to cause any trouble within this academy you will be expelled. It's only because of my good graces did we allow entry to someone of your...status here at our illustrious establishment. I really didn't want to do this, but if we reform someone like you, out reputation will only strengthen," he paused, wiping some sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. "Do not mistake my kindness for weakness. I will cut you off if you bring any bad reputation to this school. Are we clear?" he spoke while Ichigo repressed a sigh.

"Crystal clear," he spoke succinctly, not trusting himself to speak more.

Principal Kobayakawa nodded, slightly displeased by Ichigo's answer, but continued. "You might've gotten away with shenanigans back in your old town, but none of that will happen. Long absences from family issues and supposed illnesses, fights at school ruled as self defense. All of it sounds like someone was protecting you to me, really, until you got found out as the barbarian you are. But I will be keeping an eye on you thanks to Ms. Niijima here," he motioned towards Makoto of which blinked in surprise.

"W-What do you mean, Principal Kobayakawa?" she asked, cursing herself for being caught off guard like this. Of course there was more to it than just a school showaround...

"You will be reporting to me about Kurosaki Ichigo's doings throughout the school year," he looked back at Ichigo. "If you cause any trouble, I'll be aware instantly and I'll start your paperwork to get kicked out of here as fast as humanly possible."

If it's anything like your body... Ichigo thought as he bit back a smirk.

The young Kurosaki tilted his head forward. "I expect nothing less," he said, already over with the principal's spiel.

Sojiro clicked his pen while Principal Kobayakawa nodded and took the papers back, looking them over. "As you might already know, Ms. Kawakami here if your homeroom teacher. She'll be reporting to me as well."

Kawakami pulled something from her pocket and laid it on the desk. Ichigo looked down and saw his student I.D along with something pink and below it, almost looking like a flier of sorts. Ichigo took the I.D., not picking up the flier while Kawakami's eyes widened briefly before she took back the flier., looking at Ichigo of which shrugged lightly. Luckily, the principal didn't notice as he put the papers Sojiro signed away.

"If you cause any problems, I won't be able to protect you as you'll be responsible...right, Principal Kobayakawa?" she asked, probing the fat man.

The man nodded. "Yes, he is responsible," he responded.

Sojiro huffed. "I'm already gonna be late to open my store because of you showing him around school. Mind if we get going?" he asked as he too was done with this dress down.

"Yes, but don't be late tomorrow," the principal added while Ichigo nodded again before turning around.

Makoto opened the door for him while he, Sojiro, and Makoto left the room, the student council president shutting it behind her.

"I'll be waiting in the car," Sojiro said with a wave as he made his way down some stairs.

"Yep," Ichigo responded before turning to Makoto of which had her eyes closed with a frustrated look on her face. He walked to desk with his coffee before picking it up and taking a sip.

Ichigo sighed himself. "Hey, I get it. It's your day off. If you just wanna show me where my home room is and head home, I'd call that square," he offered which made her actually smile a bit.

She looked around before she began to head in a direction, away from the office. Ichigo followed her down the hall before they came to a stop.

"Is it odd that I might be considering that offer?" she responded, looking at him.

The orange haired teen chuckled. "Nah, it's perfectly normal, I'd say."

She laughed lightly. "No, I'll show you around the school anyways. I have to go back to the office and I'd rather not be around that demanding man any more than I have to," Makoto explained while Ichigo nodded in response.

She looked him up and down. "Aside from the uniform, I'd say you're not as bad as I expected you to be," she paused. "But because the Principal asked me to report on you, I will do so," she told him but was only met with a shrug in response.

"Eh, I understand. Not gonna have much to report on, though," he said, rubbing his neck which made her eyebrow raise.

"What do you mean? Already trying to hide things from the get go?"She glared.

Ichigo put his hands in his pockets again. "Wouldn't be telling you that if I was, Niijima. But, I just want to get this whole year over with. I won't cause trouble, so don't worry."

Makoto's eyebrows furrowed, looking for any deceit in his words or expression but was met with nothing more than a disinterested, yet honest look.

She shook her head, closing her eyes with a troubled expression. I hate this. He doesn't seem like a bad guy, but if I don't listen to the principal...

A hand was put on her shoulder, shaking her from her thoughts. "Oi, I know you're just listening to principal, but maybe if you can say you're 'reforming' me, that'd look just as good, yeah? Get the big bad dude to turn a new leaf?" Ichigo chuckled while she blinked in surprise. She'd known him for twenty minutes and was already trying to assist her.. In the long run, he was helping himself as well, but Ichigo seemed to want to get pressure off her, too. Whether or not all of this was from a good place, she didn't know. She wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth, though.

He took his hand off her as her expression softened. She smiled. "Maybe I'll actually 'reform' you, and I'll be winning in two areas then. You already look the thug part, so that helps selling you actually being a troublemaker," she laughed while Ichigo chuckled himself, glad to see his guide out of the little funk. He didn't have anything against these people, so hostility would be met with just as much hostility. That principal, though...

The two began to walk towards the practice building. Makoto had her hands behind her back accompanied with a small smile and Ichigo had his in his pockets. She looked up at him.

"Dyeing your hair orange won't help your reputation, Kurosaki. Just so you know..."

"Hey, it's natural," he huffed, looking at her out of the corner of his eye.

"And why do you have to be so tall? That won't help either."

"Did I just discover your new favorite activity of shitting on me?"

"Language...but, that is a possibility..."

"Don't you have a tour to do?"

"I'm sure you can find your own way around school while I enjoy myself."

Ichigo groaned but laughed while Makoto did as well.

Maybe this won't be so bad after all...

Sunday, Apr 10th 20XX, Daytime

"So you're telling me that you left me because I was taking too long?" Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose as he held a phone to his ear, fighting the urge to throw it. He was standing outside the school gates with a displeased look on his face. He had received a call not long after the tour ended which ended in this current predicament. He figured Sojiro got his number from his papers so he wasn't surprised to pick up and for him to be on the other end. He'd also gotten Makoto's information, or 'Chat I.D.' so that she could send him some of the work they'd done as well as his class schedule, but that was aside the point.

"You were in there for an hour and a half, brat, and I have a business to run. I wouldn't have been back 'til at least 8 if I got caught in traffic. Bet you were getting real chummy with that classmate of yours, huh?" Sojiro spoke suggestively.

Ichigo groaned loudly over the phone, having dealt with too many perverts in his life.

"Damn, take a joke, brat. Anyways, just take the subway back."

"Yeah, yeah," Ichigo sighed as he discarded his coffee cup in a nearby bin, walking down the street with his other hand in his pocket. This was still an asshole thing to do so he was slightly annoyed.

Sojiro sighed over the phone, feeling Ichigo's displeasure. "Alright, I'll cut you a deal, kid. Take a train over to Shibuya and look around for a little. I guess it was a little uncouth of me to leave you like that. Stretch your legs, get familiar with the area or something. But when I call you again, you better come running, clear?" Sojiro ceded, then ended with a stern voice.

"Got it, thanks, I guess," Ichigo responded with a huff before Sojiro ended the call.

As soon as the call ended Sojiro grumbled to himself. "Brat better be grateful. Wasn't gonna let him go out for at least a couple weeks," he said to himself as he drove down the highway.

….

Getting to Shibuya actually wasn't that difficult via train. It was a little awkward for kids his age to be looking at him in his school uniform, but he didn't really care.

Ichigo had to admit, he thought Sojiro would've told him to come straight home, but letting him explore a bit was nice. May the brownie points worked, he chuckled to himself. Ichigo was by no means taking advantage of the man, after all, he still could have told him to come home and Ichigo would've had no choice but to obey.

Ichigo really did want to look around, but he had a few things that he wanted to do for his temporary home.

I could get cable, but most stuff is on the internet nowadays. I've got my laptop in my stuff, but I kinda want a T.V., too. I also want to get groceries. Don't want to eat curry every morning. Wouldn't mind the coffee, though.

And at the thought of coffee, he was reminded that he was tired and groaned at the feeling. He'd stayed up late before, but he really only got a little less than four hours of sleep. There was also that really weird dream...

Ichigo shook his head just as the crosswalks turned green and began to walk across Shibuya Square beside Central Station and entered the Shibuya Central Street. There was a book store, a DVD store, and arcade up ahead. There was an open street which lead to another road with an advertisement for a gym which he guessed was on that little alley.

The teen continue to walk, still put off by the amount of people there were and saw a few restaurants, including a famous 'Big-Bang Burger' to his right.

I know that place. They started building one in Karakura right before I left, he thought as he peered down a street to his left and noticed it turned to the right. He didn't see a store there, though. Ichigo shrugged before he stopped right in front a theater.

He turned around, not wanting to go any deeper than that.

Ichigo made his way back to the entry of the central street and looked back at the DVD store which seemed to sell televisions as well along with a conveniently place internet provider station inside. Ichigo groaned at the thought of paying for internet. Maybe Kisuke could help him out? It was Urahara's old home, after all. He also had other questions for him.

Isshin had given his son a little parting gift of a little over 160,000 yen which came from his college fund, something he couldn't touch until he was eighteen. His father claimed that because Ichigo wouldn't be living with him, he could fill the money gap easily, so Ichigo figured it was okay but was still a bit uneasy for taking money from his old man.

Ichigo knew the money wouldn't last forever so he hoped he could get a part-time job somewhere, but that thought was for another time.

Ichigo pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts to kind Urahara's name. He called him up and the phone ringed a few times before a jovial voice answered on the other line.

"My oh my, hello Kurosaki-kun. Did you miss me already?" Kisuke asked which made Ichigo roll his eyes.

"I'd be dead before I missed you, Urahara," he responded with a deadpan which made the other man laugh.

"As crass as ever. How may I be of service today?"

"Gonna get a television for the place and some internet so I don't kill myself of boredom. I was wondering if you could help me out for the internet part," Ichigo asked, getting straight to the point.

Kisuke laughed. "You seem needy. Call me your sugar daddy and we'll call it a deal."

"I think I'll just pay for it myself."

"I was kidding, Kurosaki-kun! Take a joke. Sure, I'll have some money sent for the first few months based off of average ISP ratings. Did you really just call me to ask for some money? I am letting you live there rent and utility free, after all."

Ichigo sighed, feeling bad for asking in the first place. "I know, I know. I'm gonna need to get a part-time job soon. I appreciate it, though," he said sincerely.

"Mah, I was kidding. It's the least I could do for you, really. I really wish I could've done more for your case without seeming suspicious but it seemed that judge and jury had their minds made up before I could even make a move," Kisuke said, his tone softening.

Ichigo smiled softly. "Thanks hat n' clogs. Yeah, all of it was fishy from the get-go," he said. "But I did have another question," he paused while Kisuke listened. "Have you ever heard of an 'Igor' and a...'Velvet room?'" he asked, trying to recall information from his dream the previous night. It all seemed so real so he couldn't really write it off just yet. People were bustling around him, not really paying attention so he could speak on most anything he wanted.

Kisuke 'hmm'ed' over the phone. "I actually don't think I have, but I could look into it for you. I'll let you know if I come across anything."

Ichigo nodded. "Thanks, I appreciate that, too."

"Of course. Anything else you need? I could have some more money sent over if you'd like. I imagine it's hard trying to fill in that little home with things that could alleviate boredom or some good ol' fashioned spending money for your extended vacation," Kisuke asked, wanting to help his friend and student.

"Nah, I think I'm good for now. Thanks. Tell the others I said hi, alright?" he asked the other man. Of course Kisuke knew that Ichigo really didn't like asking for help, but he also knew that Ichigo currently had abandonment issues thanks to the Soul Society, so at least an olive branch thrown in his direction would go a long way.

"Of course, Kurosaki-kun. Take care!"

Ichigo hung up the phone and received a bank notification saying that some money had been deposited. That was quick, he thought, thanking Urahara again in his head. He looked back over to the store.

Really hope they aren't expensive, he groaned as he stepped inside.

He looked to the counter and the cashier bowed lightly. "Greetings. Do you have a membership here?" the man behind the counter asked politely while Ichigo shook his head.

"No, I don't. I was just wondering if you guys had any televisions on sale?" he asked and the cashier nodded.

"Yes, we do. There's currently a sale for the 43" televisions for only 15,000 yen," he said which made Ichigo blink.

"Wow, that's...really cheap. Something wrong with them?" he joked which made the cashier shake his head.

"No, there's nothing wrong with them. Just the sale we have going on currently," he replied politely, pretty much saying 'I don't know man, I just work here.'

"Is it internet compatible?" Ichigo asked making the man nod.

"Yeah, I'll take whatever model you recommend and an internet plan for a year," Ichigo said, noting that this was where they did internet contracts as well.

The cashier nodded and wrung him up for the television before pulling out the internet provider documents. Ichigo signed them before paying for the television. He wrote down the address for the shoten and took the modem and router before the cashier spoke again.

"We can deliver the television to that same address tomorrow if you'd like?" He asked while Ichigo nodded. The cashier wrote a few more things on another piece of paper before Ichigo was good to go.

The teen left the store and then felt his phone begin to vibrate. He picked it up seeing it was Sojiro.

"Start making your way back, brat. You've had enough time on your own."

"Gotcha. Is there a grocery shop in Yongen?" Ichigo asked.

"Yeah, down the street from your shack. You got the money for that?"

"Wouldn't be asking if I didn't, old man."

"Tch, cheeky brat. Get your groceries and head to the store."

"Sure, gramps. I'll see you in a bit."

….

If Ichigo was tired before, he was downright exhausted by the time he made it back to Yongen.

The teen blinked his eyes slowly as he made his way back to his shoten, dropping off the equipment for the internet for him to setup later...or maybe tomorrow. Ichigo was feeling particularly lethargic today thanks to the lack of sleep.

He shook his head. Can't have to-do's stack up so soon, he thought with a groan following.

Afterwards he made his way to the small grocery shop, picking up some food which didn't hit too hard on the wallet, thankfully. He realized that Kisuke sent a bit more money than the first few months of the contract and was again, thankful to his teacher and friend.

As he organized his groceries in the cabinets and fridge, he frowned to himself. He really did not like to ask for help, especially such a sleezy thing as asking for money, but he recognized that money would be an issue here soon if he had to pay for random stuff all the time. Thankfully, Kisuke was more than willing to help him.

Ichigo made a mental note to start budgeting his money more effectively until he got a job of some sorts. The city was big, so there was bound to be something available.

He finished organizing his stuff and made his way to LeBlanc. The sun was beginning to set and he had promised to check in with Sojiro.

Ichigo entered the cafe which had quite a number of patrons about with Sojiro behind the counter, washing dishes.

The older man turned to see Ichigo enter, having heard the bell to the shop ring. "About time. I thought you skipped town at this point," he said with a small smirk.

Ichigo shrugged, feeling snarky. "Eh, I thought about it. Your coffee's not half bad so I decided to stay," he said making Sojiro pause before he laughed lightly.

"Whatever, kid. You mind helping me out? I need to wash some dishes but have a lot of orders to make," the older man asked. Having known him for less than a day, Ichigo really did remind Sojiro of his younger years. The orange-haired teen was snarky and an asshole, but he seemed alright.

Ichigo tossed the thought around in his head for a moment before he shrugged. He controls my life sort of, need more brownie points to actually be an adult around here, he thought to himself. "Need me to take over?" Ichigo said, walking past the booths to the back before taking off his blazer.

Sojiro flicked his hands to rid the water before tossing him an apron, not wanting the kid to ruin the rest of his uniform. "Yeah, just wash the dishes and I'll take care of the rest."

Ichigo nodded and put the apron on before getting to work.

Sunday, Apr 10th, 20XX, Evening

Ichigo sighed as he finished washing the last dish. Apparently Sunday was one the busiest days for Sojiro as a number of old folk and locals came in for dinner and evening coffee.

He rubbed his eyes. It was getting late and he could feel his eyes threatening to close on themselves as he leaned against the sink with his arms crossed.

Sojiro's voice tore him from his semi-sleep state. "I didn't work you that hard, did I?" He said making Ichigo look at him tiredly.

"Nah, just didn't get much sleep last night, remember?" He said while Sojiro nodded.

"Sorry about having you work for me. I didn't realize I was that busy until all the booths were full," he said making Ichigo shrug.

"Don't worry about. Anything for brownie points with the landlord, ya know?" He said followed by a yawn.

"Heh, thanks kid. What were you doing all day anyways?" Sojiro asked while he put some silverware away.

"Had some things I wanted for the old shoten. Ended up getting internet for the place and a T.V for my off days," Ichigo explained. "Plus I had to get groceries, too. Curry for breakfast everyday probably isn't healthy," he explained while Sojiro made an impressed face.

"You really seem to have your ducks in a row, I guess. Mighty grown up of you," he paused. "Ya know, I wasn't going to have you be able to go out for a while, but seeing as how you don't really live under a roof of mine, I guess I can let you explore Yongen at night and the rest of the city after school. Don't go anywhere outside of Yongen after dark, though. Anything happens and it's on you. Got it?" Sojiro ended with a harsher note, practically reiterating the fact that Ichigo was on probation.

Ichigo nodded back. "Yeah, I gotcha, gramps. Anything else or am I free to sleep?" Ichigo asked as he stood fully.

Sojiro sighed before he looked around the cafe. After a moment he shook his head before he remembered something. He reached under the counter and pulled out a small notebook. He tossed it on the counter before looking back at Ichigo.

"That's a journal. I'm supposed to report on what and how you're doing 2 times a month, but I don't have time to write all that shit. You make an entry for every day, got it?" He said while Ichigo walked around and picked up the small, black notebook before putting in his pocket.

"Of course," Ichigo nodded his head tiredly.

"Good. Other than that, you're free to leave. You need to check in with in the morning around 7 A.M before you go to school at 8 and I expect you to check in with at nights, too. I mean physically be in front of me no later than 7 P.M. Understand?" He said and Ichigo nodded again and began to take off his apron. Ichigo thought that was fair, having only known the man for a day. He honestly thought he was having an easier time than he thought he would, but he guessed showing good face was paying off.

He grabbed his blazer and made his way to the door. "See ya tomorrow, pops," he said with a backwards wave while Sojiro nodded himself.

Sojiro stood there for a moment before he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. "Weird kid. Makes me think what really went down with him...bah, I don't care," he finished flippantly as he began to close up shop.

….

Ichigo flopped down on his comforter of a bed. The teen groan. Fuck I forgot to look for a bed... he groaned to himself as he turned over.

The teen sighed. "One step at a time. It was a good first day if any," he said to himself as he logged into his WiFi. He had remembered to set it up and there were no issues there. The connection was a dream, too.

He flipped through some new articles, most about the accidents going on in Tokyo before he felt his eyes get very heavy. Definitely not going running in the morning. I'll start Tuesday, Ichigo thought lethargically as he set his alarms.

Sleep overcame him not a moment later.

Monday, Apr 11th, 20XX, Early Morning

Ichigo walked out of his shoten dressed in his uniform, just as yesterday with the buttons undone. He'd eaten a small breakfast of eggs, rice, and ham before beginning his day.

He yawned loudly and adjusted his leather satchel that was slung around his shoulder and went to his hip. It was an old memento from his mom's college years and his dad had given it to his him as a small gift, saying it was her old good luck charm.

He smiled thinking of him mom before he frowned. Wonder if she'd approve of what I've gotten myself into now, Ichigo thought with a scowl.

The teen looked down the street and made his way to LeBlanc, checking in with Sojiro as promised. He had to say, though, he was definitely not as tired as yesterday. He wouldn't mind some of that good coffee, though.

He opened the door to the cafe and there was Sojiro, garbed in his usual attire of an apron, pink shirt with the sleeves rolled, and cream colored pants.

The man was reading a newspaper and sat it down when Ichigo entered. "You ate breakfast, yeah?" he asked while Ichigo nodded. He huffed before he put a to-go cup of coffee on the counter.

Ichigo looked at with a raised brow. Sojiro crossed his arms. "What? I'm not feeding you and you seemed to like the coffee."

Ichigo chuckled and grabbed the coffee. "I appreciate it old man," he said honestly as he turned to leave.

"Flip the sign out there, yeah?" Sojiro called.

Ichigo smirked. Of course there's a catch, he thought amusedly as he left the cafe, turning to flip the sign to 'open' before making his way to the station.

Sojiro flipped the television on and put it to the news channel.

"...For weather today, there is a strong chance of rain and slight gusts..."

The old man blinked. "Probably should've asked if he had an umbrella..."

….

Ichigo huffed as he felt rain pelt his jacket, walking over to an overhang to get out of the rain.

If anyone had ever taken an angry sip of there coffee before, it wasn't as angry of a sip as Ichigo had just accomplished.

"Why's it always, fuckin' gotta be the goddamn fucking rain."

Maybe swearing up a storm would scare the current one away...

….

If any of you were bored by this chapter, I really just wanted one before the action ya know?

I used this to show another premature meeting between Makoto and Ichigo as well as showcase the fact that Ichigo is, well, mature.

He's used to thinking about things around the house and what he needs and expenses and whatnot, something the P5 protag didn't really have to do. Not that he had to as Sojiro covered it, but since Ichigo has his own place, he has to think about these things.

Mature Ichigo, I guess.

Really all I got.

Deuces.