Disclaimer: BLEACH…I DO NOT OWN IT…BUT I CERTAINLY WOULDN'T COMPLAIN IF I DID!
CAS: Sorry I didn't deliver everything I promised
WARNINGS: AU, Spelling, VIEW POINT SWITCHING, UBER OOC-ness, berry chasers/admirers at every corner and I mean EVERY corner brief nudity, language, brief mention of unpleasant things, minor violence, abuse, bullying, punctuation, grammar, flashbacks, I think that covers it for the moment.
Extra note on view point switching: Ichigo is the main character and so his view point will always be shown but as for the other characters (Ishida, Inoue, etc…that will change with each chapter. I'll do my best to avoid weirdness and confusion.
THANKS/SHOUTOUTS TO CAS, VOLUPTUOUS, Narutopokefan, Rex888 and to 30 who faved this and to the 36 who are watching. THANK YOU LADIES (And perhaps a gent or two?!)
A/N I have no excuse for the delayed update…well okay that's not entirely true but I don't think you care to hear excuses from SLY so that being said I hope you will find this chapter enjoyable. Inoue sort of stole the spotlight in this chapter…err apologies I guess. LOL.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND COMPLETE SUPPORT!
Once again I ask you to show your patience and join me in a mini rewind time…shown from Ishida's POV
()()
SKIRTING THROUGH LIFE
006 APPETITE
Previously…
Ichigo had only gotten his head through the top part of the dress when slight hitch of breath and a stifled moan reached his ears, making him pause and turn to find a red flush faced Ishida with glazed over eyes, glasses askew and a lily white hand down the front of his pants.
And now…
REWIND
()
Uryu didn't fancy being rude and under normal circumstances he would have turned around and greeted his unexpected guest the proper way but the guy (whose voice sounded vaguely familiar) already proved to be enough of a distraction as it was, his weird breathing and hovering was very annoying.
Uryu felt any and all pleasantries were unnecessary since his guest was quite obviously an idiot.
Through the reflection of the mirror he took note of the military stylized jacket and skirt and could immediately recognize the fabrics as being a rare not to mention one of the most expensive in the line of fashion.
Interest piqued, because anything fashion related always drew his attention he took a moment to just study the other boy with out turning of course and felt a half smirk pull at his lips when the berry teen grew more and more impatient with each passing moment and simply decided that he'd had enough.
Not that Uryu could blame the kid since after all blatantly ignoring someone was bound to irritate and infuriate even the most patient of souls.
In an unexpected move the orange-haired teen moved to the other side of the room and decided to strip down to his underwear and not just any underwear but white underwear.
Uryu had a healthy appreciation for white underwear. The color it self represented fresh and clean and pure. All things that the bespectacled teen loved.
White against a darker canvas or surface was even more outstanding. The berry teen's skin was the color of a ripened peach. In all honesty he'd be far better suited for a sunny beach or a tropical island rather than a stuffy classroom in the middle of winter.
Like something straight up out of his inner fantasy world, Uryu shuddered and felt blood rush to his cheeks and his loins.
He adjusted his pants as best he could and then quirked a brow as the unsuspecting berry stood and grumbled to himself for a few minutes, seeming to consider something.
'What's on your mind?'
A moment's hesitation and then the orange head reached up on tiptoe and undressed one of the mannequins.
Deciding that watching the other boy through the mirror simply wasn't enough any more Uryu turned his chair and was careful not to make a sound as he did so.
It didn't take a genius to guess what was coming next but even knowing so didn't stop Uryu's excitement from sky-rocketing, he paid no mind as his favorite brush slipped out of his fingers and rolled on to the floor. He breathed in harshly and slumped lower into his chair, ignoring how the wood dug into his spine.
It suddenly seemed like time had slowed to a crawl when in actuality the scene was happening at a normal speed. And as the berry teen fiddled with the striped number Uryu did his best not to make any noise as he changed his position.
In truth the dress wasn't one of his favorites but as the berry teen went to put his head through it Uryu was quickly deciding that he might have to rethink his previous thought.
He could feel the blood rising more and more and it became quite clear to him that simply adjusting his pants wouldn't be enough he needed relief.
The other teen was the ideal height and had just the right amount of subtle curves-would with out a doubt look outstanding in the number. Red and black were most definitely his colors even if he did not know it.
Carefully, slowly Uryu moved to un-tuck his shirt and unzip the fly of his pants and touched himself, figuring a simple quick rubdown would be enough to relieve some of the pressure.
Sucking and biting into his bottom lip in order to stifle the moan that he could not fight back no matter how hard he tried, Uryu shut his eyes and let his vivid imagination carry him away.
He pretended just for a few passing moments that the object of his sudden lust was standing much closer-no not standing but kneeling before him in the dress and then pausing to turn and look over a toned shoulder, with a wink the cute little berry would hike up the dress just a couple of more inches in order to flash the pristine white underwear he was wearing underneath.
Looking 50 shades of shy and 50 shades of slutty all at once as he gazed up from beneath his pretty orange lashes.
Uryu's brows crinkled slightly as he reached out to touch his fantasy deciding it would be a lot easier to continue on if he had a name to call the other boy. He ignored as his glasses slipped down the bridge of his nose and rubbed himself more vigorously.
()()
A singular gasp quickly followed by a scream of horror reached Uryu's ears and broke the illusion.
Navy blue eyes slid open and he froze. Well this was truly an awkward what the fuck moment if there ever was one.
And to make matters worse now that the ebony haired teen was thinking more clearly he'd swear he could hear a little voice inside his head that sounded like a dead ringer for Halibel, chanting 'pervert, pervert, pervert' over and over.
Uryu winced and took his hands out of his pants. It wasn't so much the idea that he'd been caught in the act that bothered him as it was…
()()
"What the hell are you doing?!"
It seemed like forever and a century before Ichigo found his voice again and by then his face was brighter than a fire hydrant.
"Not only did you completely forget about your manners you've also become a raging pervert!"
Ishida stood up and swept his hand through his hair. Ichigo pointedly ignored thinking about where else said hand just been not even 10 minutes ago.
Wiping the slight bit of moisture off his lenses before placing it back on his face, Ishida's tone sounded bored and detached,
"Humph perhaps you should think before you undress next time."
Bastard. This bastard and his infuriating condescending nasal drip tone. What in G-Holy hell was Ishida's problem? Guy couldn't even muster up an apology or-?
"Either put on the dress or take it off, don't just continue to stand there like an idiot."
Again with the insults?
Ichigo scowled. What the hell was Ishida's problem? Not the slightest amount of shame or regret colored his tone. Hell the asshole hadn't even bothered to zip up his pants!
Instead Ishida stood there and just tapped his foot impatiently somehow managing to make Ichigo feel small and inferior even though he was a whole 2 inches shorter and 15 pounds lighter than the berry.
"I'm not an idiot!" The berry teen half snarled/half whined and then mentally kicked him self for letting "Ishida" get to him.
Dawning recognition passed over the ebony-haired teen's face and he took a step forward, "Hn, Kurosaki, guardian of the sun, so it is you?"
Ichigo pulled the dress down the rest of the way then crossed his arms and glared at Ishida.
()
Uryu was amused though he didn't show it on the outside. What were the odds that his next potential muse would come waltzing into his clubroom on a random afternoon in January?
What were the odds that said muse would be a boy from his past?
()()
Ichigo cleared his throat not liking one bit that Ishida's face was unreadable not to mention the other teen's current state of undress. At the reminder Ichigo felt his face flame and knew he was no doubt now matching the exact shade of red in the dress.
Ah the dress it was unbelievably comfortable and pleasantly cool.
If Ichigo weren't so damn irritated right now he'd probably compliment Ishida on his work and inquire how the other teen had managed to make a winter ensemble feel so light and airy.
"So tell me Kurosaki what brings you to my clubroom?"
"It's Ichigo and I already told you-
Tone now casual and slightly mocking Ishida clucked his tongue, "Well then refresh my memory Kurosaki," he paused in order to cross one leg over the other and leaned against one of the desks before continuing, "As you can see for yourself I was a bit preoccupied when you came in."
Ichigo felt the vein above his brow twitch and bit out his answer, "I was sent here to do two things. One was to deliver a message to you and the other was to hand you the skirts that you yourself told me to just casually toss some where in corner."
Navy blues flickered off to the right for a moment before meeting brown once more. "Hn, I wasn't aware the drama club was accepting new members. Hitsugaya is usually more selective in his choices."
In order to clear up confusion and hurry things along Ichigo set the record straight. "I'm not a member of the drama club. I considered it for all of 20 minutes before I decided that it is simply not for me."
"Humph I see well then if you are nothing more than a simple messenger boy Kurosaki, what was with the skirt just now and more importantly why did you feel the need to try on one of my custom designs?"
Ichigo considered how he should answer Ishida's question and then decided that the truth was his best option. "I'm fulfilling a promise I made to my mother."
Navy blues widened and then dimmed turning an almost gray color and then in a complete 180 Ishida reached out and placed his hand on Ichigo's shoulder, his tone somber "I'm sorry for your loss."
Ichigo scowled and shrugged the hand off then snarled out, "She's not dead you idiot! She's just separated from my old man."
Hearing these words the bespectacled teen was understandably perplexed, "I'm not sure I understand what you are telling me Kurosaki. You're fulfilling a promise to your mother who is not dead but alive?"
Ichigo sighed. "Yes. Anyway it's complicated but never mind that the thing I want to know is what do I have to do in order to keep a dress like this one?"
()
While it was true that the dress wasn't one of Uryu's favorite's he couldn't just hand it over…at least not until he learned more and understood things better.
"Tell me Kurosaki-
"It's Ichigo," the strawberry boy practically spat out "I told you a million times my name is Ichigo."
Yes Ichigo of course Uryu could call the other teen by his first name at any time but there was no fun in that. "I will address you as I see fit to, now then Kurosaki tell me what is your fascination with that dress and for that matter woman's clothing in general?"
Could it be that the other teen carried a flame torch for the world of fashion and all things it entitled just as Uryu himself did?
Was it possible that he might have discovered a new muse and club member all in the same day?
The orange-haired teen jumped up and all but screamed out "IT'S NOT ABOUT HAVING A FASCINATION," a scowl, "Look Ishida I don't know why I'm about to share this with you but-
"Uryu, my name is Uryu."
A snort and sarcasm followed, "Oh is it? Well that's nice I'll be sure to use it when you start using mine."
Navy blues flickered behind designer lenses. Uryu was very amused. "Seems fair enough, now then you were saying?"
()()
"I'm fulfilling a promise I made to my mother, rather than shying away from my girly looks I'm embracing em' with open arms the best way I know how." Ichigo declared proudly though where the sudden burst of such pride had come from he didn't know.
"Yes by wearing skirts and dresses this much I grasp but what makes you think I'll agree to let you walk out of here wearing one of my designs when we've only just met?"
"But we didn't just meet today," Ichigo felt the need to remind the other teen "But back when we were kids, so that should count for something right?"
"Humph so we did. Be that as it may it does not count," with a slight smirk playing on his lips Ishida flicked off the lamp overhead and straightened his stance.
Ichigo frowned. From the sound of things Ishida wasn't going to let him wear the dress never mind that the smug pervert had all but drooled at the sight of him in it.
"Come on you've practically seen me naked and I saw you um do that thing you did just a few minutes ago so that should surely count for something."
If he could just strike some sort of deal with the ebony haired teen he'd be all set for tomorrow. "I'll borrow the dress for a few days and then return it to you next week."
Ishida looked decidedly thoughtful for a moment and then carded his fingers through his fine hair and released a sigh,
"Alright I'll tell you what Kurosaki invite me over for dinner and I'll not only let you wear my dress home, I'll give you the opportunity to try on all of the other dresses you see right here in this room."
Dinner? Dinner in exchange for wearing uber cute clothes? Ichigo knew he would be a fool if he passed up such an opportunity still…
"I'd really like to try on more skirts, as much as I love this dress I think it's a little too soon and I really don't wanna give my old man a heart attack."
()()
Uryu laughed lightly. The only skirts available at the moment were part of Halibel's collection and he knew better than to touch the older girls' belongings without her consent. He wouldn't dare or would he?
It wouldn't be an impossible feat and what the blonde didn't know wouldn't hurt her so…
"Give me a couple of days and I'll show you a whole closet filled with cute tops and skirts."
()()
A couple of days? Well that didn't sound too bad but Ichigo had been really hoping for right now. He wanted to have a different out fit for school tomorrow and even though Ulquiorra was supposed to take him out shopping in the afternoon he didn't want to wait that long.
'I suppose I can wear what I wore today a second day in a row if I wash and iron it carefully when I get home.'
Suddenly Ichigo felt a hand at his back and almost just as suddenly the other boys' lips were by his ear, "We'll talk about the finer details over dinner."
"But-
"No buts Kurosaki," Ishida said ignoring the berry teen's protest as he led the other to the door, "I'm not asking for much just a little dinner and perhaps a tour of your lovely chateau?"
A tour? Wasn't that a bit much? Why was the other boy being so pushy? "You can't just invite yourself!"
At Ishida's sharp look Ichigo quickly amended, "I mean I should at least clear things with my old man first and-
"All the more reason to head there now and as it just so happens I need to have a few words with your father, so we'll essentially be killing two birds with one stone this way."
Huh? Why would Ishida want to talk to goat face?
Orange brows furrowed and Ichigo turned to his companion. "What do you want with my old man?"
Ishida clucked his tongue and shook his head. "You never mind that Kurosaki just keep walking."
()()
The duo made it down to the first floor without much of a fuss and then Ishida's nasal drip tone broke the companionable silence.
"Can you kindly pick up your feet when you walk Kurosaki," an eye roll, "I mean honestly you're worse than a bull in a china shop."
An orange brow twitched and Ichigo griped, "Well maybe if you didn't follow me so damn closely, it wouldn't be an issue pervert."
The last part was muttered lowly but he was quite sure Ishida heard it because rather than giving Ichigo the space he desired or removing his hand from his lower back, the other teen only grew bolder and more perverted, his palm now caressing the berry's behind.
"WHAT THE HELL?!"
A light chuckle, "You should consider wearing panties in the future, Kurosaki."
The hell he would. Dresses and skirts were one thing but girly panties or undergarments was something Ichigo did not even want to consider-let alone hear it from another guy-why the hell was Ishida even suggesting such a thing?
"Whatever I'm not going to do any of that. Now take your damn hand off my ass before you make me angry."
"You say this and yet you haven't made any real effort to distance yourself from me."
The hell was that little extra inflection in Ishida's nasal drip tone just now? What ever it was the berry teen did not like the effect it was having on him. Ichigo assumed he and Ishida were the same age (give or take a few months difference) and yet since when did a fourteen-year-old guy act like such a pervert?
Ichigo was about to whirl around and clock Ishida upside his ebony head when the sound of clicking heels reached his ears. He froze and felt Ishida freeze a moment later.
"Expecting someone, Kurosaki?"
"What? No! What are you-?"
"Shhh! Let's be quiet for a minute and see if they go away."
"What makes you think I'm going to take orders from y-mmmmrphh!"
Having his friends cover his mouth was one thing having Ishida cover his mouth was quite another. Ichigo glared and half considered biting the hand that was muffling him.
()()
The sound of clicking heels grew nearer and nearer and louder and louder. Uryu's navy blues widened and then he released a groan and soft curse "Shit! It's her. Not again. Why the hell does it have to be her?"
He ignored his berry companion's questioning look and dragged the other boy back with him into a corner. He was hoping against hope that he had it wrong. That it wasn't "her" but knowing it most likely was. He felt Kurosaki squirm in his hold and reluctantly decided to release the other teen.
()()
Ichigo was confused. Really truly confused. What was Ishida talking about? Her who? He watched as the other teen all but had a nervous breakdown as he slumped back against the lockers and slid down to the floor and let out a tortured sort of groan.
What on earth?
"Ishida what's going on? Why are you freaking out?"
()()
Uryu shook his head and didn't answer. Kurosaki would find out soon enough and once he did he'd feel the need to hide from "her" too. In fact rather than trying to hide, instead of sitting here, waiting for the inevitable Uryu decided that now would be an ideal time to hide inside one of the lockers-he would better his chances. He wouldn't have to face her.
"Don't tell her I'm here and please whatever you do Kurosaki, do not let her get too close to you. You should keep at least 5 feet of space from that "demon" at all times or trust me you'll regret it."
"I don't understand what you mean, please Ishida you aren't making any sense right now. Who are you so afraid of?"
Rather than giving the berry teen the answer to his question Uryu opened one of the lockers and shoved himself inside it feeling a bit guilty for not dragging the other boy with him but it was too late for that.
She was here.
()()
Ichigo tried once again to get Ishida to explain himself but all the other teen said was a cryptic "Beware of her appetite."
Ichigo frowned. Beware of her appetite? That didn't even make any sense. What was going on? Why was Ishida acting so weird? The berry teen was pulled from his thoughts at the familiar…
"Kurosaaaaaaaaaki-kuuuuun!"
Inoue?
Ichigo turned around to see that it was in fact the head cheerleader making her way towards him just then.
As usual the princess was smiling brightly and waving.
After a short jog she stopped right in front of Ichigo and the berry did his best to ignore the strange chill that ran through his body.
"I'm so happy I ran into you Kurosaki-kun, cheerleading practice ran a bit late today so I was sure everyone else would have left already and yet here you are." Inoue paused and swept her eyes over his body.
It was at that exact moment when Ichigo remembered he was still wearing the dress. He felt his face grow hot and stumbled over an explanation, "Uh Inoue I know this might seem a bit-or rather I might look a bit weird right now but uh it's not what it looks like."
Gunmetal gray eyes flickered back up to cinnamon and coffee brown. "No worries Kurosaki-kun I mean I'm not the kind of girl to pass judgment I mean it is a bit weird and it'll take some getting used to but," she stepped a little closer and tucked stray lock of caramel colored hair behind her pierced ear. "Um what made you want to dress up like a girl so suddenly?" (1)
Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck. "Eh um well its kind of a secret."
"A secret oh you mean like a dare or something?"
Ichigo shook his head. "No it's more of a personal thing, no offense Inoue but it's not something I want to talk about."
A slight frown marred Inoue's flawless features and Ichigo felt a bit guilty.
"Look Inoue if I tell you something do you promise not to share it with anyone else?"
And just like that the frown was gone and once again the brunette was beaming up at him. (2)
Ichigo dimly wondered if Inoue even knew how to smile normally and then shook his head and continued, "I'm doing it for my dad, he's been really down lately and I just want to do what I can to make him laugh."
It was a lie that came to him out of nowhere. A ridiculous lie but Inoue didn't have to know that.
"I see erm um well that's very nice of you wanting to bring a smile to your father's face and all."
"Yeah my oyaji's a little weird but when it's all said and done I love the idiot."
Well that part was at least true.
"So anyway Kurosaki-kun about Saturday night, we're still on right?"
Ichigo really wished he could get out of open mic night but he was already committed and so all that was left for him to do was reaffirm his answer, "Yep I'll be there unless uh you want me to pick you up or something?"
In all honesty he doesn't fancy the idea-doubts there is anything remotely cool about picking up a girl on a bicycle but Ichigo is only 14 and a bus would be even tackier. And there not a chance in hell he'd ask goat face to play chauffeur so…bike it is but hopefully Inoue will have her own form of transportation.
Perhaps if things were different and she was in fact his girlfriend and if he was in fact interested in having her as a girlfriend they'd look kind of cute on twin bikes but…such was not the reality that was Ichigo's life.
"No need because a bunch of us are riding with Jackie, she just got her license you know?"
No Ichigo did not know. It wasn't his nature to keep tabs on other students-let alone a senior girl.
"We could come pick you up if you like?" Inoue's tone was once again hopeful and Ichigo felt more guilt creep over him as he declined.
"No thanks I mean I'll meet you there although I might be a little late because Keigo always takes forever to go anywhere."
Well that was only the half-truth to Ichigo's reason for declining.
The second part and the more important part was the berry teen didn't think traveling with a bunch of cheerleaders would amount to anything good-if things got out of hand or unpleasant at the karaoke bar he wanted a quick escape.
He does not want to have to rely on any one else in order to get home.
A brief flash of annoyance shined in Inoue's eyes and then disappears just as quickly. So quickly Ichigo convinced himself that it is just his imagination.
It's been a long day and his eyes are playing tricks on him. Yes surely that must be it because Inoue isn't the type of girl to get angry.
The princess released a small giggle and then placed her hand on his arm, "You're such a good friend, Kurosaki-kun."
Ichigo shrugged. He's known Keigo since his diaper days so he was used to the other boys' antics.
"So anyway about the dress, its totally cute and all but your boots don't really match with it."
Ichigo opted not to say anything because he doesn't know what to say.
The princess pressed forward "If you want I have another pair of heels in my locker and-
"Uh thanks but no thanks Inoue like I said this is just-I'm just cheering up my old man. That's all. I think if I walked in with heels on it would be over doing it."
Inoue laughed nervously just then "Oh yes of course! Um how silly of me let's just forget I said anything and um," she fiddled with the ruby ring around her pinky finger and then looked up at him from beneath her heavily lined lashes. "I guess I better head home now but um like I said I'm really I happy we got to have this chat, Kurosaki-kun."
What else could Ichigo do/say outside of, "Yeah Inoue, me too."
And with that Inoue turned to leave, her caramel colored locks practically whipping him in the face.
If Ichigo were a boy in love he would have sighed dreamily just then but he was not a boy in love.
So instead he just frowned slightly and watched the girl disappear from view before turning back to the locker, knocking on it twice to get Ishida's attention.
()()
Once Inoue Orihime was away from the strawberry boy the radiant pageant queen like smile she always donned slipped off her face and transformed into something far more dark and devilish.
Kurosaki-kun was truly too sweet and naïve for his own good. He didn't have the slightest idea of what her true intentions were. Didn't have the slightest clue about what her long-term goal was.
Kurosaki-kun was the one. The one who would succeed where all others had failed, he would satiate her ravenous appetite once and for all.
And by appetite the princess wasn't referring to her love for food though she could easily eat enough food fit for 20 grown men and still have room left for dessert.
But no she was referring to another type of appetite. Her insatiable appetite for the members of the male species, that is.
It wasn't Orihime's fault really-life had simply dealt the princess a shitty hand. Perhaps if she hadn't developed at such a rapid rate already filling out a B cup before she even reached her 12th birthday-perhaps if her parents had just listened and sent her to a private boarding school instead of dumping her off on the footsteps of Sora-nii-san's cabin up in the mountains her appetite never would have come about.
Or more accurately maybe if her parents hadn't been so neglectful and her older brother hadn't wasted every hour of every day high as a kite on drugs he wouldn't have thrown that damn house party! If only Sora had been a good brother-a fiercely protective brother, his sleazy band mate would have never made a move and her virginity would still be intact.
What ifs and if Only? Constant questions that Orihime asked herself when she looked in the mirror everyday-when she pulled up her soiled panties and climbed out of the backseat of trucks and vans-when she kicked the poor bastards to the curb with her sparkly stilettos and sneered down at them and announced in a haughty, belittling sort of tone,
"You're nothing more than food. I need you to survive-to carry on but once I've had my fill you're no longer needed."
The fat, the scrawny, the nerdy, the brawny, the weak, brave, socially awkward and sexually confused, these were the kind of guys Orihime sought out, seduced and bedded.
And why? Because they were desperate, damaged fucked up little puppies and she was doing them a favor.
Poor bastards would do just about anything to get 15 minutes in heaven with the cheerleading princess.
This was all a secret of course. No one knew about this side of Orihime-well no one that mattered knew anyway. Those that did know (or more accurately the willing participants) were too scared or proud to tell.
At the end of the night when it was all said and done Orihime hated her self. Hated the story that was her life. Sometimes she wished for an early death-an easy out-blissful, wonderful perfect silence.
But bringing about her own death was not the answer because she was fully convinced that if she dared to take her own life the moment she entered the after life her existence would be a million times worse.
And so she continued to rise each and every day and told herself that everything would be fine. NO things would be better than fine because Kurosaki-kun was going to save her.
Orihime was tainted, soiled and damaged-she was everything the strawberry boy was not.
He would purify her.
Shyer than most but twice as intelligent, well with the exception of when it came to seeing a person's true face but it wasn't the strawberry boy's fault.
Kurosaki-kun had so many worries-worried for his friends-his family-his enemies-he never stopped to think about himself.
That was okay though because Orihime would help her strawberry boy.
She would teach him to be selfish and she would show him what a perfect couple they could be.
Ahhh Saturday night couldn't get here quick enough.
()()
The following afternoon…
"Kurosaki Ichigo you look like you haven't slept a wink."
Ichigo looked up. Honestly he had been in a bit of a daze all morning and couldn't even remember getting on and off the bus and heading towards downtown Seirei. Didn't even know how he wound up standing right in front of the ice skating rink and he probably would have remained in the zone if the familiar voice hadn't called out to him.
"Hmm? Oh hey Ulquiorra, sorry I'm a bit late. I had to take care of something."
"It is fine. I've only been waiting for ten minutes, here I bought you something." At these words the green-eyed boy shoved something cold into Ichigo's hands.
Ichigo looked down. Frozen yogurt and a spoon? "Uh Ulquiorra it's a bit cold for this I mean-
He trailed off at the sight of his new friend making a very human like expression. It was the closest thing to puppy eyes and since Ulquiorra's eyes were already fairly large the sight looked even more sad and pitiful.
Ichigo quickly decided that he couldn't stand the sight and so he pulled the plastic tab off and dipped the spoon into the tiny half frozen tub and scooped some of the frozen yogurt up and then shoved it in his mouth, only to let out a scream a moment later. "Gah, brain-freeze!"
Ulquiorra looked the closest thing to alarmed a guy like him could look and then blinked owlishly at the berry teen. "Should we head to the nearest hospital if your brain is freezing up?"
What?
Ichigo held his second and middle finger to his head willing the "freeze" to subside and when Ulquiorra's words fully registered in his brain he let out a barking laugh. "Ha! That's you're-ha-ha you're such a funny guy Ulquiorra."
Ulquiorra pinned him with his unblinking stare and Ichigo swallowed hard.
"Uh-?"
"There is nothing funny about what I have just said, Kurosaki Ichigo. I am genuinely concerned for you and I do not appreciate your laughter right now."
Sheesh talk about a buzz kill not that Ichigo was actually buzzed but- He clapped the shorter boy on his slim shoulder and said, "Listen Ulquiorra I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings just now but you've got to learn to lighten up man, you're too serious."
"I weigh one hundred and thirteen pounds Kurosaki Ichigo, any lighter and I would surely fly away."
Ichigo couldn't help it he just-Ulquiorra was too much-he broke out into a fit of giggles. "Hahaha Ulquiorra haha you're ha-ha really killin' me right now ahahahaha."
"Once more you speak of me as though I am inflicting some sort of bodily pain on you and yet your face is all lit up and you are laughing," Ulquiorra paused and pressed the back of his palm to Ichigo's head. "Are you sure you are felling okay, Kurosaki Ichigo? Perhaps we should postpone this shopping trip for another day?"
At the unexpected question, the berry teen stopped laughing. "What? No! I've been thinking about this all day and I know you blew off your recital in order to take me shopping so why would I want to cancel."
Ulquiorra said nothing for a few minutes and only took the time to study Ichigo, looking at him as though he was equally the strangest and most interesting person all at once.
For reasons the berry teen couldn't explain he felt his face warm and looked away.
'What is this? What the hell is going on with me? Why am I suddenly blushing around other guys like this? Could it be that Rukia sensed something in me that I've been denying from the start? Ulquiorra does look really huggable in that fuzzy down jacket right now and his cheeks seem even paler now that we're out in the sunlight.'
Ichigo shook his head fiercely as the series of thoughts entered his mind. Then he scowled deeply and then cursed at himself.
'Stop! Stop! This isn't me! No I'm not-there's no way I could be-this is all Ishida's fault, putting all those thoughts in my head yesterday.'
Ichigo was pulled from his mini berating session at the sound of a loud ear-grating squawk that could only belong to…
"OI! ICHIGOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Ichigo squinted his cinnamon and coffee brown eyes into the sunlight as one of his long time friends crossed the street and waved wildly.
He held up his hand by way of greeting and called out to the other teen, "Yo, Keigo!"
()()
TBC
Bottom Notes: Yes I am well aware that I shouldn't have ended the chapter there. I also am well aware that now that the cat's basically out of the bag what with the nifty new true pairing feature added I should hurry up and bring "HIM" into the story…but alas he isn't going to show his face quite yet. I also am well aware that I hinted at Ichigo possibly being attracted to Ulquiorra even though I said they would probably just be friends…in my defense it came about randomly. Sighs…anyway on wards…
I've always referred to Inoue as a brunette in all of my fics. I was once criticized for doing this…which is stupid but anyway…Inoue is technically a brunette…caramel (the color that Kubo-sensei uses with his manga is more brown then red…however there is a certain reddish hue or shine too it but still I consider her a brunette. Most fans consider/call her a redhead…because in the anime she has sun burnt reddish-orange hair. Whatever. In my mind…my preference the only TRUE orange head is Ichigo. You don't like the way I do things/write things…move on to a different story/author/
Ironically or whatever…it is the exact opposite when it comes to the princess' eye color…I prefer writing/describing her eyes as silver/gray or some variation of the two because that is how she is shown in the anime…I'm pretty sure that her real eyes are brown though but again…brown is just…whatever…its not exciting enough…LOL…I have brown eyes but I wish they were green…lalala blah blah blah…anyway it is what it is…don't like it…imagine something else or move on.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
APOLOGIES FOR POINTLESS RAMBLING AT THE END.
HOPE TO SEE U AGAIN SOON
~SLY~