Disclaimer: I am not Kubo-sensei nor will I ever claim to be him or own his genius work called BLEACH!
A/N Hello! Long time no see! It is I SLY back from a uber long hiatus. My interest for this story/series has not died. I'm back and hopefully some of you readers/watchers will still tune in...and to any new readers/watchers welcome welcome! Long time away means long chapter. Please enjoy! =)
Warnings: AU, major OOC-ness (not forever though-in later chapters this will change) ManyxIchigo, side pairings and sub plots, cross dressing, etc…
Skirting Through Life
009 OPEN MIC NIGHT AND ALL THAT'S BEFORE AFTER AND IN BETWEEN Part 1
As soon as he arrived home Ichigo raced upstairs and locked his bedroom door.
Not that goat face was home, hell his old man probably wouldn't be home for a few more hours but Ichigo wasn't taking any chances. He needed absolute privacy for what he was about to do.
Ichigo kind of felt like a pervert as he lifted up his skirt. He'd only done this sort of thing once or twice while he'd been in the shower but according to Renji and just about every other boy in his class it was perfectly normal.
()
Abarai Renji isn't the type of guy to panic unless he has a very good reason to do so. Dreaming about someone he has no business dreaming about is most definitely a good reason to panic.
Because the dream hadn't been like previous dreams this particular dream had felt very real. So, it is for this reason that he is running out of his house half-dressed and flying through oncoming traffic on foot-not caring in the least about red lights honking car horns or angry drivers shouting explicatives at him.
()
Ichigo closed his eyes and let his mind drift away from him.
First, he thought of Ishida and how the other boy had kissed him the other night-although it had been nothing more than a mere brushing of lips Ichigo felt his face redden at the memory.
When the dark-haired teen looked at him with those intense navy-blue eyes the berry teen had felt his breath hitch and his skin prickle.
At the time he thought it had been irritation he'd been feeling but now that he was alone with his thoughts Ichigo realized he might have to rethink Ishida entirely.
Sure, at first glance Ishida seemed like nothing more than a perverted nerd with a strange obsession with sewing and fashion but Ichigo had a feeling that beneath the surface lie an animal in wait…what kind of animal only time would tell.
()
Renji is heading straight for Ichigo's house because only his best friend can help him in a time like this. Or at the very least calm him.
()()
The Kurosaki's are the kind of people who leave a spare key under the welcome mat and for this Renji is grateful.
Turning the key in the lock the redhead announces his arrival.
Then frowns when he receives no reply. He turns to leave but a muffled thumping sound catches his ear. It means even though Isshin-san isn't home Ichigo is.
()
Moving lower on the bed and adjusting his grip a bit as thoughts and images of the young fashionista fade away and, in his place, comes the delicious stranger with the feral grin (speaking of animal) Ichigo had met earlier that day in the girl's dressing room.
He tested the name out on his lips "Jock Terra" and then giggled at how ridiculous it sounded. The guy was probably from Canada or Iceland or hell even America and his real name was probably something common and basic like "Johan" or "Gunnar" or "Tony"-not that it mattered.
()
Bounding the steps two at a time Renji heads towards the berry teens bedroom.
()
Ichigo sighed. It's not like he would ever see Terra again. Especially if the older teen was as famous and popular as Keigo had claimed.
He ran his fingers through his hair with his left hand while he continued his ministrations with his right and contemplated growing his hair out.
A rapid knock on the door startled him so badly he practically fell off the bed.
"Uwaaaa!"
Ichigo growled under his breath and wiped his hand on his bed sheet then called out "What the hell? Who is it?!"
"Ichigo open up man! It's Renji and I need to talk to you!"
Ichigo glanced at the clock on the wall. The time read 6:06pm. Had he been day dreaming that long? It certainly hadn't seemed like that much time had passed.
Another knock on the door. "Ichigo, come on its urgent!"
The strawberry teen rolled his eyes. Whatever it was always urgent with Renji. Ichigo slid off his bed and went to the door to let his friend in.
"Finally. What the hell took you so long?" Renji wiggled his brows at Ichigo, "Were you watching poooorn?"
Ichigo's face bloomed red, "Shut up idiot! No, I was not watching porn I was napping."
Renji looked doubtful but just shrugged and pushed his way past. "Anyway I got to talk to you about something. I'm about to go crazy."
Ichigo sighed and closed the door. "Alright what is it?"
Renji fiddled with the fox bobble head that had been sitting on Ichigo's nightstand and paced back and forth inside the room for a few minutes before blurting out what he'd come to say. "I cheated on Rukia!"
Ichigo's jaw dropped and he blinked several times before yelling, "YOU WHAT?!"
Renji winced, "Shhh! Not so loud man someone might hear us."
For a small wimpy and in some ways rather effeminate guy Ichigo sure had some lungs on him.
Granted this is part of the reason the redhead had be friended the berry teen in the first place.
"I didn't mean to…I mean I love Rukia!"
Ichigo didn't give a damn if the whole town could hear them, he couldn't believe what his friend had just told him. Ichigo did his best not to judge-honest he did but Rukia did not deserve a cheating boyfriend. What the hell was Renji thinking? "Slow down, back up when did you-? No scratch that who else captured your attention beside Rukia?"
Renji sauntered over to the lone bean bag chair sitting in the corner of the room and plopped down, "It's not so much that someone else captured my attention…it's more like I was seduced man! I'm the victim here!"
Victim? Ha! That's rich!
"Renji, do you know how stupid you sound right now?"
"I'm serious man. I tried to fend him-er her off as long as I could but it just wasn't happening. We were in the gym and his-er her hands were so warm and I just-look it's not like we hooked up or anything but we kissed and I'm telling you man it was like tasting fire but in a good way and then the alarm clock went off and-
Wait! Alarm clock? Then Renji hadn't actually cheated on Rukia? This was a good thing.
Ichigo wouldn't have to beat one of his best friends black and blue…with Tatsuki's help of course.
And Ichigo wouldn't have to be the one to break the bad news to Rukia and watch as the petite raven rounded up her entire family and planned Renji's early funeral.
Ichigo released a sigh of relief and sat on the edge of his bed.
"Okay it was just a dream then no actual cheating occurred?"
He was pretty sure but he wanted official confirmation.
"No but it might as well have been 'cuz I was rock fucking hard man and I couldn't even concentrate on what I was doing in art class the next day man and Rukia's been texting me non-stop because her cousin has that that big concert or whatever coming up next month and she expects me to go shopping for a tux but you know I hate that shit but she's my girl so I gotta do it eventually but-
"Renji one thing at a time, please."
"What? Oh sorry. So anyway, you got to help me Ichigo."
"Help you do what?"
"Help me figure out what do man. Haven't you been listening? I'm one liquid dream away from cheating on my girl."
"Renji dreams are just dreams. I've dreamt that I was a rock star doesn't mean I'm gonna become one."
"It might but this isn't about you Ichigo. You've got enough going on with this whole "cross-dressing" experiment or whatever you're doing-fucking weird but hey I won't judge just so long as you don't expect me to paint your toes at our next sleep over or something."
Ichigo picked up a pillow and threw it at Renji's head. "Shut up! I'm not cross-dressing I just decided that I like wearing a skirt, that's all."
"Sure, yeah whatever like I said no judgment. If you want me to walk you down the aisle one day or something when we're like 20 I'll do it but for now can you please close your damn legs I can see your junk and I don't wanna be seein' that!"
Ichigo rolled his eyes and crossed his legs. "So, you had a dream, it was just a dream stop worrying."
Renji shook his head. "It's more than a dream man. Dreams. Plural. And it's getting worse. I was napping this time. Anyway, my great aunt Hana told me that when we dream at night, we are acting out scenes of what we desire to do during the day."
A groan, "What am I gonna do? Sure, I think h-I mean she's got wicked style and everything but that's just admiration right and there's nothing wrong with admiring someone right. I probably just wish I could dress-I mean I wish Rukia would dress like that. All skin tight leather and knee-high boots with a spike heel ya know?"
The more the redhead talked the more Ichigo was beginning to realize that perhaps there was more to the story/dreams then his friend was revealing.
And he certainly hadn't missed the he/she slip ups.
But who the hell was Ichigo to judge…he'd practically turned into a mushy pile of goo every time someone even remotely attractive came across his path?
"Erm sure Renji I mean we all know Rukia might seem a bit um more proper and strait laced compared to you in some ways but you know she comes from a prestigious family of nobles so you shouldn't try to change Rukia into being something she isn't and you damn sure shouldn't fish in another pond while you're still with her."
"I'm not going to because I've decided to drop out of S Academy."
Renji was going to drop out of school in order to avoid whoever was tempting him to cheat on his girlfriend? Yeah, that was a great plan.
"Renji you can't drop out we're only 14 what are you gonna do with your days?"
"I'll figure it out. I'm sure I can enroll somewhere else nearby like K Roads."
Ichigo shuddered. K Roads was like Juvie Institution. Filled with gang members and thieves and barbed wire fences and heaven knows what else. There was no way he could let his friend transfer there.
"Renji K Roads is full of delinquents with bad haircuts and missing teeth-they'd skin you alive on the first day."
Renji was silent for a moment and then laughed, "Ha! You don't really believe all that bullshit do ya Ichigo? K Roads is not that bad, I had a cousin who went there a few years back, she said most of the kids there are just misunderstood, it's not their fault they grew up in the system or on the streets. I'll be fine and most importantly I can focus on my studies and be the perfect boyfriend Rukia always wanted. I won't be tempted to cheat and I'll finally be accepted by the Kuchiki lot. Win-win."
It was official. Renji had lost his mind. One dream (or more than one? Whatever.) Anyway, it was sending the redhead down a very very very bad path. Ichigo needed to talk sense into his friend.
"Renji, I mean this in nicest way possible. I know you love tattoos and piercings and that your uncle "V" owns a parlor and promised to give you your first tattoo on your next birthday but you also wear designer jackets, rings and sunglasses. You own a crotch rocket that cost a couple hundred grand. You never eat anything out of a can or a plastic baggie unless its tuna or chips and your hair is longer and shinier than most of the girls in our class. You know what will happen the moment you set foot in that school?"
Rape wasn't fictional. And it didn't just happen to girls.
Now Renji was no weakling and at 14 years of age the redhead stood taller than half of the kids in the school but anything could happen because…well the redhead was a bit too trusting at times.
And it wouldn't take much for some asshole and a bunch of his goons to knock Renji over the head and drag him into some dark alley way and-Ichigo shuddered not even wanting to finish such a horrible thought.
"NOTHING GOOD!"
"Fine. Maybe I won't go to K Roads maybe I can talk to my mom about home schoolin' or something. I don't know I'll figure it out. For now, I'll just try to keep my distance and when Ba-I mean Bibi comes round I'll go the other way."
Again, the slip up? Ichigo pretended not to notice.
"Just calm down and talk to Rukia. Maybe the reason you've been looking at someone else lately and dreaming about them is because you want to take your relationship with Rukia to the next level."
He couldn't believe he was even suggesting or hinting at such a thing. Ichigo felt his ears burn.
"You talkin' 'bout sex Ichigo?" Renji laughed, "Dude where you been Rukia and I have sex all the time and its good really good well except when we're interrupted but anyway, I guess I'll get going."
"You do?"
Seriously? Ichigo's friends were the same age as him and he wasn't sure he was ready for sex.
Well…maybe he was a late bloomer but so what?
"Yeah man, Rukia was my first but don't tell Keigo or the guys 'cuz they'd never let me live it down."
"Erm its fine your secret is safe with me." Not that he really wanted to know but Ichigo was mildly curious now. Had Rukia approached Renji first or had Renji approached Rukia first and what was their first time like.
Surely it must have been a bit awkward perhaps even uncomfortable?
Who was calmer out of the two? Probably Rukia. The berry shook his head. It didn't matter Renji and Rukia's sex life was none of his business.
And technically if Renji did end up cheating on Rukia with that B.B or Buzz person or whatever his or her name was…well that really wasn't Ichigo's business either. Rukia was a smart girl she'd handle it.
'One day not any time soon but one day I'll have sex too-hmm I wonder if I'll be any good at it?'
"Cool thanks." Renji stood up and clapped his friend on the shoulder. "You're a good friend, a little weird sometimes but in the end we all are."
"Uh yeah, you're welcome. See ya soon!
"Yeah, open mic night. Can't wait! We're gonna have our selves some real fun."
()()
Scene change/View point change/Day change…
Cleaning wasn't a particularly fun activity but a certain bespectacled teen with two-toned colored hair was practically dancing as he covered every inch of the 'Smoked Boar' with a mop.
"So, you're sure he's coming?" Cloud had worn his best vest and matching top hat just for the occasion. Open mic night had finally arrived.
His favorite time of year. He loved watching random people get up on stage and either sing or rap their lungs out. It was so free and casual and unscripted.
But tonight's open mic would be even more special.
The icing on the cake.
Cloud couldn't believe he was finally going to get to introduce himself to the carrot top at last.
It felt as though several months had passed since he first set eyes on the teen in the skirt even though it had only been a few days.
Granted it probably wouldn't be a very lengthy introduction. Not like he could engage in a casual chit chat with the mesmerizing boy while working on the clock. Hikifune Kirio-sama wouldn't allow that.
"Yes, how many times do I have to say it you big overgrown idiot! Ichigo is coming to open mic night."
Ichigo huh? Fitting. Very fitting
Cloud pumped his fist in the air and upped his tempo with the mop-practically gliding across the floor by now. "Ririn, you silly girl why didn't you say his name sooner?
Ririn rolled her eyes at the taller teen's antics and continued polishing the bar glasses. "Baka Cloud! I only just found it. Sheesh."
"Even still! You shoulda said something the moment you heard it"
"Kurosaki Ichigo is his full name and apparently he is very popular or at least that is what Senna claims." Noba murmured upon entering the room.
If Cloud were a lesser man (boy) he would have jumped but he was used to his ruby-haired green eyed companion's quiet entries and exits.
"Noba when did you find this out? Why am I the last one to find out? And wait did you-what happened to your hair?"
Noba flushed a little and patted his head subconsciously. "I left my beanie at home. It's not a big deal."
He normally liked to hide behind various hats and helmets but he didn't want to hide from Ichigo. Noba couldn't quite put his finger on it but there was something about the boy in the skirt that made him want to be a little bolder-a little braver.
Cloud laughed good naturedly. Noba was excited too. What a great night this was sure to be.
"Ririn what else did you find out?"
The petite blonde shrugged "Not much. He's only a little bit younger than us. What else did Senna tell you Noba, not that I trust what comes out of her mouth much anymore."
Noba frowned slightly and answered, "She said Ichigo is going on a date with the princess."
"Princess? What princess?"
"Hime something or other. She's a cheerleader and has liked him a long time."
Cheerleader? Ririn shook her head. There was no way their BOY would be into a cheerleader. Senna must have her information mixed up. Ichigo was special. He wouldn't waste his time on some big busted dimwitted trollop.
"Lies! She's lying."
"Now Ririn-chan calling Senna-chan a liar isn't very nice."
Ririn snorted.
"He has a point Ririn."
"Don't go taking his side Noba, you're supposed to be the smart one."
The vein above Cloud's brow twitched, "What exactly are you trying to imply Ririn-chan?"
Ririn ignored Cloud as she fiddled with her blouse. She wasn't really all that fond of silk and lace but it was part of the uniform so-
"Ririn I know you can hear me."
The petite blonde turned and stuck out her tongue childishly, "Course I can hear you I'm just choosing to ignore you."
"So mean. I'm her big-brother and she's always so mean to me Noba."
"Big brother my foot?! And we're not even related otherwise it would be just wrong to sleep in the same bed every night."
Noba walked over and rested his head on Ririn's shoulder and murmured, "I thought you insisted that we sleep in the same bed because you still have night terrors."
A soft smile graced Ririn's face "Well there's that but you know I also just enjoy being sandwiched between you two."
Cloud abandoned the mop and went over to join Noba and Ririn a dopey grin on his face hearts dancing in his eyes, "And just think soon we'll befriend Ichigo and he can sleep over and all 4 of us will be in one bed."
"Uh," Noba's ears went pink, "He might find that a bit forward don't you think?" Last thing the red-haired boy wanted to do was frighten Ichigo. The connection he, Cloud and Ririn had well…most people wouldn't understand it.
Not that Ichigo was like most people…probably but still. How would that even work? Could it work? What if someone got jealous? What if someone felt left out? What if the berry wasn't attracted to them?
Noba rubbed the sides of his temples. He was starting to give himself a headache.
"Noba don't think so hard. There's no fun in that."
"Well said Ririn-chan. Now listen Noba if the carrot top isn't ready to just jump right in, we'll slowly coax him into it, starting with a bubble bath, he can wash your back and you can wash his then I'll bring in the towels and-
"Oi! What am I chopped liver? What if I wanna take a bath with our BOY first? It would probably make more sense anyway since I'm a lady and I'm less likely to touch his privates and-
Noba turned beet red just then and Cloud practically had a nose bleed.
"Why don't we just start with clothes on and some friendly kissing. There is no need to rush a good thing after all."
"I agree we should get to know Ichigo first, find out if he'd even be up to a teenage orgy fest."
"Orgy?" Cloud wiggled his brows "Hehe naughty, naughty Noba. We shouldn't even consider such things until we're at least 17."
Ririn giggled. "We'll still have plenty of fun before then though."
The trio released collective sighs.
"Right, that's settled. Now how exactly do we approach Ichigo tonight?"
"How? By pouncing of course!"
"Pounce? But isn't that a tad bit extreme?
"I say we just march on over to him and pull him away from his group of friends."
"That takes too much time, pouncing is quicker plus that way Ichigo can get accustomed to our energy."
"Ririn-chan we just agreed that we don't want to traumatize Ichigo. Pouncing would do just that."
"Hah! That's what you wanted to do the first time we saw him in the drama hall."
"That's different. We're working tonight and so we need to behave in a more civilized manner."
"Are you calling me uncivilized you prima donna!"
"Prima donna? Why you-?"
Noba sighed. The peace never lasted long between Ririn and Cloud.
"Come on you guys I really think we just need to calm d-!"
"Ririn-chan, Noba-chin, Cloud-kun less running your mouths more working!"
The trio jumped at the loud booming voice before the owner appeared in full view-all 200 plus pounds of her, decked out from head to toe in rubies. "Kirio-sama!"
Hikifune Kirio, owner of the 'Smoked Boar' was a kind- and warm-hearted woman in her late 40's. She enjoyed catering to and entertaining a crowd more than anything else in the world.
She spent 15 and a half years running a grand entertainment lounge specifically designed for teenagers and young adults. The 'Smoked Boar' was her pride and joy. And the trio now bowing before her were Kirio's 3 favorite employees.
She considered herself a bit of a surrogate mother to Cloud, Ririn and Noba.
"So, what's all the ruckus? And why aren't the tables set?"
The trio spoke at the same time
"Well you see Kirio-sama/Um Kirio sama have you ever/I'm in love with a beautiful boy named Ichigo!"
It was a bit hard to follow even though she was quite used to the trio answering in unison.
Kirio smiled and help up her finger. "One at a time. Slowly this time please."
Noba (much to her surprise) spoke up first. "There's this boy named Ichigo who caught our eye and we like him even though we haven't officially met him yet."
"A boy you say? A boy who captured the attention of all three of you?", Kirio laughed lightly and patted Noba's head. "He must be something special indeed."
Indeed
()
"Hime are you excited for your big night with the Kurosaki boy?"
Excited? Excited didn't even begin to cover it. Orihime was practically bouncing off the walls in her glittery white opened-toed stilettos. Well inside her head at least.
On the outside she looked perfectly calm-her beautifully manicured hand not even shaking once as she applied mascara.
Tonight was the night life as she knew it would change. Tonight was the night Kurosaki-kun would purify her.
'I do hope he dresses in something more normal though' Not that a boy in a skirt would deter her but-it was a little bit distracting. All that peach cream colored skin on full display.
Orihime scowled at her reflection in the mirror. Not even her own skin looked as flawless as the strawberry boys.
Perhaps she should apply another layer of anti-wrinkle cream and concealer to her face before calling up Jackie and the girls?
Without turning the princess addressed her fellow cheerleader.
"Candi how much time do we have left?"
Candice Catnipp set down the curling iron, glanced at her apple green wrist watch and answered "10 minutes give or take. But even if we're a little late I doubt it will matter."
The kiwi haired girl just didn't understand why Hime worried about the silliest things sometimes.
"People will probably expect us to be fashionably late."
It had taken nearly 3 hours before the brunet had finally settled on the shimmery white back-less cocktail dress she was now wearing. What harm would 15 or 20 minutes more do?
Orihime frowned. Fashionably late was one thing but- no absolutely not! Not on tonight of all nights.
"No! Everything has to be perfect. If I'm late Kurosaki-kun will think I'm one of those uber high maintenance type of girls that takes forever to get ready. Even if he is patient and polite most of the time no boy wants to wait around forever."
Candi opened her mouth and then closed it then opened it again.
"But didn't you say he's meeting us there?"
"Yes, he is but that's still no reason to be late."
There was no point in arguing.
"Well, I guess we should be heading downstairs then."
()
"Test. Test one two one two."
"Starrk there's no need for that. Just start singing the damn song!"
Starrk ignored the screeching demand from his younger half-sister and closed his eyes. If he planned to serenade and seduce the crowd then everything had to be absolutely perfect.
Lilinette knew this better than anyone. She herself was a guitarist. Everyone with in the entire Coyote-Gingerback family knew that music wasn't truly music unless it came from the heart and soul.
Starrk hummed softly as Lilinette strummed a few cords on her Spanish guitar getting lost in the tune, his mind drifting away to thoughts about a certain delectable berry.
A little birdie had told him that said berry was going to make an appearance at the 'Smoked Boar' and Starrk was very much looking forward to it.
His first encounter with the cross-dressing boy had woken the Coyote up in more ways than one.
The amount of fire that had brimmed in the berry's brown eyes ignited a fire in the goateed senior.
A fire that Starrk had believed had died out after his break up with Yadomaru Risa.
During there time together Starrk had done everything he could think of to make the young woman happy. He had practically worshiped the ground Risa walked on, endlessly showering her with lavish gifts and compliments. He had always put her needs before his own even when he had been at his horniest.
Had obediently attended every single dinner party her parents had hosted, let everyone within hearing range know how lucky he was to be her man. But in the end, it hadn't been enough. Risa had always wanted more.
"Let's blow off third period and run over to the manga convention in the next town over."
Or…
"I don't see what the big deal is Starrk, your hair is already pretty long what's the harm in putting on a wig, a little bit of makeup and shaving your face?"
Starrk was plenty secure with his masculinity but he had absolutely no interest in cos play and shaving his goatee was out of the question. So, he put his foot down.
"No."
And Risa had gone completely berserk, turquoise eyes flashing angrily behind pink designer flames, she'd thrown her entire collection of shojo manga at him.
That had been the finally straw. Starrk walked out the door and did not turn back.
Love was such a complicated messy thing. Too many demands and emotions. Starrk had no real desire to experience it again – even with fire flower like Ichigo.
Lust on the other hand? Flirting? Playing around a bit.
Well, that was something else entirely.
()
Ichigo was cold.
He was so cold his teeth were chattering. Wearing a skirt to school or a trying on dresses and girly outfits at a shopping mall was one thing-but maybe he should have thought twice before wearing a skirt in the middle of winter while riding a bicycle.
With every harsh gust of cold air his skirt would fly up and he was practically giving whoever he passed a free-view of the bright orange-colored briefs he was wearing underneath.
And Keigo, who had insisted on riding on the back pegs of the bicycle was not helping. "Faster Ichigo go faster Quill's probably there already!"
"Shut up Keigo! And stop calling Ulquiorra that dumb nick name."
Keigo laughed and paid no mind to his own brown hair whipping violently in his winter goggled covered face.
"Chill bro Quill and I are way past the kill you with one glare stage he doesn't mind if I call him that now."
Really? When had that happened?
Ichigo pedaled faster and Keigo threw his hands in the air and waved them up and down like a child, "Wooooo-hoooo!"
()
Ulquiorra stood in the entrance doorway of the 'Smoked Boar' and tapped his leather boot clad foot impatiently as his new friends dismounted the old-fashioned red bicycle and walked towards him-well the berry was doing more of strut rather than a walk but-details details.
The duck was bouncing on the balls of feet and waving wildly. "Quiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil!"
Ulquiorra nodded at the brunet "Asano,"
Keigo, either oblivious or a little bit stupid laughed jovially and slapped the black-haired teen on his shoulder. "Quill, Quill no need to act like we're strangers anymore. We're friends now."
Emerald green eyes narrowed, "Do not touch me so casually, Asano."
Keigo retracted his hand and bowed his head a little. "Sorry Quill I'm just-
Ichigo cut him off
"Yo Ulquiorra! Sorry if you were waiting long."
Ulquiorra raised a fine brow and turned his attention towards the orange haired teen "Kurosaki Ichigo why on earth did you leave your house dressed liked that? Are you trying to catch cold?"
Ichigo scowled. "No, I just thought it would be a great opportunity to wear one of my new outfits. I guess I should have worn pants underneath but-
"Say no more. It just so happens I have a second set of leg warmers."
Ulquiorra reached in to the pocket of his long black coat and pulled out a rolled-up orange ball.
Leg warmers? Ichigo had never heard of such a thing. He reached his hand out in order to take the item but Ulquiorra would not let him have it.
"Not here. Let's go inside and you can put them on in the bathroom."
Ichigo's cheeks went flush and it was not because he was still freezing his ass off. "Erm well I don't need you to accompany me to the bathroom I can dress by myself and-
"Not once did I ever imply that you were incapable of dressing yourself Kurosaki Ichigo. I just thought it would be best to get out of the cold."
"Yeah, Ichigo don't go putting words in Quill's mouth."
"Shut up Keigo! I'm not putting words in his mouth."
"I do not understand what either of you mean by this comment. Kurosaki Ichigo has not put anything in my mouth."
Ichigo felt his face flush even more.
Keigo laughed. "Bahahahaha!"
"Shut the hell up Keigo!"
The brunet laughed even harder he started clutching his side, "I'm sorry Ichigo but you gotta admit it's pretty funny not to mention you should see your face right now. Priceless!"
"I fail to see what is funny here. Asano control yourself please."
After a moment or two Keigo's laughing died down. "Sorry Quill. Anyway, I'm totally psyched for tonight, aren't you?"
"Psyched? That is another way to describe excitement is it not? Yes, then I suppose I am psyched as well so long as we don't ahead of ourselves."
We? Since when were Ulquiorra and Keigo a we?
Ichigo couldn't understand it.
While he was glad that Keigo and Ulquiorra no longer seemed to hate each other he couldn't figure out their bond?
"Now then let us waste no more time. Asano while Kurosaki is getting dressed why don't you go speak to the owner and find out if we can set up the keyboard?"
Keyboard? What keyboard? Ichigo felt like he was missing something.
"Sure thing Quill," Keigo saluted Ulquiorra and then set off into a run.
Weird. Just weird. "Uh Ulquiorra?"
"Yes Kurosaki Ichigo, what is it?"
Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck, not sure how to ask what he wanted to ask, "Is something going on that I should know about between erm you Keigo and a keyboard?"
The berry dimly recalled that the green-eyed teen with the china doll like face played an instrument but he just assumed it was a violin or something.
And then it happened. Ulquiorra's mouth twitched very slowly upward and his response was almost cryptic sounding, "You should prepare yourself Kurosaki Ichigo because you never know what might happen tonight."
Erm what?
()
Uryu sighed and fidgeted while he stood in front of the full-length mirror inside his bedroom. He was nervous- no not nervous he was anxious. Tonight, was the night he was going to move in on one Kurosaki Ichigo and claim the berry for his own.
Because clearly brushing his mouth against the other boy hadn't been enough.
Kurosaki was almost painfully dense. It was any wonder Uryu was falling for him at all. He normally preferred intellectual types like himself.
But there was something about the berry that was so enticing.
A sharp rap on the door pulled Uryu from his thoughts.
"Come in."
The knob turned and Ishida Ryuken stepped inside, impeccably dressed in his suit, tie and patent leather dress shoes, brief case at his side. Off to an all night shift no doubt. The man never changed. Uryu bit back a sneer and bit out a curt, "Did you need something father?"
"I should be asking you that question. Where are you going at this hour?"
This hour? Clearly the man must be joking it was only a quarter to 7.
"Out with some friends. I'll be back around 11 or so not that it should make one bit of difference to you."
"Watch your tone."
Uryu scoffed and reached for the small bottle of cologne on his dresser.
"Eleven is a bit late even for you, Uryu."
Tch. As if Ryuken gave one damn about him.
"Whatever it's only a few blocks away. If you're that worried, I'll ask Sasume to pick me up."
"Very well then. That will be sufficient." Ryuken turned on his heel, "I'll be going then."
"Yeah what else is new." Uryu grumbled half bitterly under his breath.
It was during times like these that the dark-haired bespectacled youth wished he had a father more like Kurosaki's father Isshin.
Lively and carefree not rigid and uptight. Isshin-san was an interesting man to say the very least. He'd only met the man once or twice but those had been fleeting and without proper introduction.
And yet when he entered the Kurosaki house the other day the man had greeted him with a wide smile and a bear hug. His tone and face had only grown serious when Uryu passed the envelope…
()
Flash back a few evenings prior…
Isshin stood up abruptly after skimming through the contents in the manila envelope that Uryu passed to him, "Let's head to my office its right down the hall, Ichigo you stay here and start eating."
Orange brows furrowed. It was difficult to tell if Kurosaki was annoyed or confused. Probably a mixture of both.
"What are you talking about? What the hell is going on goat face? How do you know Ishida? What do you mean you've been expecting him?"
Uryu saw no reason to keep it a secret. The berry should know at least the bare minimum. "He's an old friend of my father's, well calling them friends is perhaps a bit of a stretch. But in short, they attended college together. And your father is in need of some assistance regarding-
"Ishida-kun don't say any more than that. Ichigo stop being so nosy, eat your dinner. We'll be back in 10."
The berry scowled. "Don't talk to me like I'm a child."
Isshin ignored him. "Let's go Ishida-kun."
A part of Uryu felt a little bit guilty but reasoned that Isshin-san must have a good reason for keeping certain information from his son.
He felt tempted to kiss the other teen on the temple or the cheek just then but resisted. "Be right back."
The orange haired teen said nothing just crossed his arms and continued to scowl.
()()
Uryu followed Isshin down the hallway and into his office and closed the door behind him.
Isshin slumped into the loan beaten up arm chair behind the cluttered desk top. "Sorry, there's nowhere for you to sit Ishida-kun. I've been meaning to clean but…well anyway thank you for bringing me this." The goat patted the manila envelope. "It will really help cover next month's expenses."
But what about the following month and every month after that? Uryu wanted to ask but did not. He did not want to embarrass the man. Everyone ran into financial troubles from time to time.
"Give Ryuken my thanks."
Uryu released a small snort. "Thank him yourself. My father and I barely talk. It is only because of my mother's insistence that he agreed to lend you money in the first place."
"Oh?" Isshin frowned. "Well then thank Kanae for me please." A pause, "Does this mean your parents are reconciling?"
Ha! There was a laugh. While Uryu knew his parents didn't exactly hate one another his mother was much happier with her boyfriend, Muramasa, 15 years younger, not a single ounce of fat on him and an underwear model.
"My mother is enjoying the dating life right now. My father does as he has always done, drowns himself in work."
Isshin opened one of the desk drawers and dropped the manila envelope inside. "Right well. Thank them both for me. It's hard to find genuine friends in this day and age."
Uryu could only nod. Not knowing how else to respond.
Isshin rubbed the back of his neck. "Anyway, let's head back to the kitchen before that hot headed brat of mine decides to retaliate and burns down the place."
()
Watermelon casserole was an interesting dish to say the least- certainly not the worst thing Uryu had ever tasted.
"You don't have to finish it, Ishida."
The berry's voice was a low murmur just then and since they were sitting right next to each other it felt almost intimate.
Uryu wondered just a moment or two if it would be too bold to just lightly caress the other boys' knee under the table. Isshin didn't really seem to be paying attention.
"Boys if you're going to mess around then at least do it in the privacy of your own bedroom."
What? How did-? Uryu had only slid his hand like a micro inch under the table-hadn't even reached his target and yet somehow Isshin-san was on to him.
'And here I thought he wasn't even paying attention.'
The bespectacled teen felt his face burn a little. How embarrassing. The berry's face burned more than just a little-he was so red he almost looked like a cooked lobster.
"What the hell-shut up goat face! Why are you even-don't make up some embarrassing ass shit? All we're doing is sitting here and trying not to choke on this concoction you call dinner!"
Isshin laughed long and hard and got up from the table.
"Listen seishounen if you're going to insist on experimenting with one another, then at least own it. Especially you Ichigo. If you wanna be gay be smart about it."
The orange berry bristled just then.
"I'm not gay not that there's anything wrong with being gay but stupid goat face just stop talking!"
Isshin rose to his full height "Oi Ichigo in all seriousness if this is the path you're choosing to walk down. You need to be careful. Your mother would never forgive me if something bad happened to you," tone now completely serious the goat turned and zeroed in on Uryu, "You seem like a good kid but if you ever hurt my boy in anyway- the rest remained unsaid.
But the bespectacled teen got the picture. When it was all said and done Isshin loved his son very much.
"Rest assured Isshin-san I won't let anything bad happen to Ichigo."
"Oi don't treat me like a chick! I don't care if I'm wearing a damn dress right now, I'm a guy just like you two."
"…"
"Well anyway thank you for dinner. I'll be heading home now."
"The hell you will-
And quite unexpected-suddenly the berry was grabbing Uryu by the arm and racing out of the kitchen and upstairs ranting and raving, "lecturing me about wearing a dress and dishonoring Kaa-san then he turns around and treats me like some damn little kid then he accuses me of being gay and doing perverted things- I'll show him-I'll show you both." The rest was inaudible grumbles.
Uryu wasn't quite sure what to make of it. On the plus side he was now standing inside Kurosaki's bedroom.
"So, what now?"
In Uryu's opinion the possibilities were endless. The mountains of plush toys taking up half of the room didn't deter him in the least.
"What do you mean what now? Stop looking at me like that Ishida I only dragged you up here to shut goat face up."
The berry teen stomped over to the corner of the room and plopped down on a bean bag chair. "I'm tiered. Do what you want. I need a nap."
A nap? "Surely you don't expect me to just watch you while you sleep Kurosaki?"
A snort. "In your dreams. There's plenty of stuff in this room you can entertain yourself with."
"I've got a better idea."
"I don't care to hear it. I'm tiered and I've had all the perverted attacks I can take for one day."
"I'm not going to do anything perverted Kurosaki. I just want to get to know you a little better." Uryu took a seat on the carpeted rug and patted the spot next to him.
Technically it wasn't a lie.
The berry teen looked suspicious but after a moment or two he relented and came over and sat down. "Fine. What do you want to know?"
A slight smirk pulled at the dark-haired teens lips, "What's with all the plush toys? You got some sort of fetish?"
"Shut up I don't wanna hear that from someone who carves little dolls and talks to them like their alive."
The vein above Uryu's eye brow twitched. "Those aren't dolls their one-of-a-kind figurines carved out of stone and marble. In other words, art, something you clearly know nothing about."
The two teens glared at each other as silence fell between them.
Seconds ticked by…then minutes…gradually they moved closer and closer towards one another-like magnets-there was a sudden pull-no push-no pull-
Maybe it was the friction from the rug or maybe it was something else-but the instant Uryu's lips met the berry's …there was a definite spark. A slow sliding and pressing-mouths meshing together.
It didn't last long and when two teens parted neither spoke a word at first-navy blue locked on cinnamon brown.
Kurosaki's cheeks were flushed and Uryu had no doubt that his cheeks probably were flushed as well.
Not his first kiss but a memorable one all the same. But he wouldn't let the other boy in on this.
Running his fingers through pin straight bangs, Uryu smirked once more,
"If you were that pent up Kurosaki, you really should have said something much sooner."
"Wha-?! You bastard!" It was hissed lowly. For a moment it looked like the berry teen might want to hit him. Wiping at his mouth roughly and jumping to his feet, "How dare you try something like that when my old man is arghhhh!"
()
The sound of a ring tone pulled Uryu from his little trip down memory lane.
He smiled at the number that popped up on the screen.
()
Kuchiki Rukia can always tell when her boyfriend is keeping something from her. It's not so much that Renji is an open book it's more like the redhead has a bad habit-he rambles a little too much, laughs a little too hard and agrees with her opinion on something a little too quickly.
He's been doing it for the past half hour since they boarded the train. The ravenette is glad that it is virtually empty she doesn't exactly fancy getting into an argument in front a crowd.
"Alright Renji, out with it! What aren't you telling me?"
"Nothin' you look really hot tonight by the way."
Dressed in an off the shoulder cream colored blouse and a pair of russet brown corduroy pants Rukia would admit she looked nice-even pretty but far from hot. Renji was so full of it.
Rather than sighing dreamily or going a little pink in the face Rukia narrowed her silver blues at her boyfriend. "You already said that 3 times tonight but you won't even look me in the eye."
Renji laughed nervously "What are you talkin' bout Rukia? I'm lookin' at ya right now."
No, he was looking at her chin or her mouth or the right past her ear but he hadn't met her gaze once and Rukia wanted to know why.
Now being a Kuchiki the ravenette wasn't the jealous type nor was she kind of girl to jump to the worst-case scenario possible just because her boyfriend was acting a bit distant. But Rukia's radar was definitely up. Something had happened to Renji or Renji had done something that he was embarrassed about.
"Renji didn't we agree when we first started going out that we wouldn't keep secrets?" She grabbed hold of his hand and laced their fingers together. "You know you can trust me, don't you?"
Trust. Yes of course Renji could trust Rukia. He just didn't trust himself much at the moment. Choosing his words carefully now, that was key. "Rukia when you dream at night, what do you dream about?"
"What do I dream about, that's kind of personal but since it's you I guess I can tell you. Not every night but many nights I dream about death."
Death? That was kind of morbid and definitely not the response the redhead had been expecting. Renji frowned. Why would his girl be dreaming about something so dark and depressing? Swallowing the invisible lump that formed in his throat he looked the ravenette straight in the eye. "Why are you dreaming about shit like that? You're not ill or something are you?"
He hoped not. The thought of Rukia dying was too horrible to even imagine. Her moonlight skin turning a sickly green, her big silver blue irises turning gray and lifeless, her cherubic face becoming sunken- he shivered and shook his head violently and banished the images.
"No, I'm perfectly healthy. I can't honestly say why I dream about death," a shrug, "maybe I find it a little fascinating or something. Stop getting off subject Renji! I'm not a moron you've been off for a while now. At first, I thought it was just because Byakuya-nii-sama was giving you a hard time again but it was just the two of us tonight-well Sen was there too but he was more interested in his own date. Anyway, you barely said a word. Well, you said plenty but nothing of real substance."
Rukia paused and gnawed on her bottom lip, "Are you bored with me? It's okay if you are I mean we're only 14 it's not like I expect you to marry me one day or something. If you wanna take a break or date someone else-?"
"D-date someone else?! Don't talk crazy Rukia I love you-or well maybe not love-love because you know I think I'm too much of an idiot for that just yet but you're my girl and look I know I haven't been the perfect boyfriend but I can be better. No, I will be better or my name isn't Abarai Renji!"
Such a passionate declaration. So totally and completely Renji.
Rukia giggled. Giggling wasn't something she did often.
It reminded her of something very important something she had almost forgotten-a major reason (not the only reason) but one of the major reasons she was with the redhead in the first place was because he made her laugh.
Grasping Renji's hand a little more firmly the ravenette sat back and enjoyed the rest of the train ride. She realized that their relationship might not last forever-might not even make it another year so for now she was going to ignore what was practically smacking her in the face and pretend that everything was perfectly fine.
If Byakuya could see her now, he'd call her a fool. And her grandfather would probably threaten to disown her.
Ah well at least Sen was finally back from overseas and he wouldn't judge or critique her.
Ah Sen-arguably the most laid-back member in the whole Kuchiki family.
Sometimes it was surprising that he was Byakuya's twin.
Renji released a small sigh of relief. For a minute there he thought Rukia might dump him. That would have really sucked. He wasn't ready to break up with her. It would have been too soon. Much too soon.
He shut his eyes only to regret a moment later.
Fiery. Hot. Dangerous. Definitely not his girlfriend.
Renji bit his tongue hard!
Welcomed the pain. Banished the images of a certain person from his mind.
Liquid dreams be damned. He was not giving up on Rukia! He was not giving up on the best damn thing that ever happened to him.
He would become the kind of boyfriend the ravenette deserved or he would die trying.
()
The thumping sound and the weird way the S.U.V. was vibrating should have been the first clue. She should have pulled over right then and there but she was trying to be optimistic chocking up the noises to be the road and nothing more.
There was no mistaking the loud flapping noise that was soon to follow. Long acrylic nails scratched the steering wheel and the S.U.V. screeched to a halt.
Jackie Tristan cursed under her breath.
"Well ladies we are officially fucked."
Fucked? What did that mean?
Orihime had been having the most wonderful dream about frolicking out in wide open meadow with picnic basket and a certain orange haired berry before she had been rudely awakened.
"What's going on Jackie? What happened."
"Flat tire. Which means we're going be stuck here for a while. Probably an hour or two."
Orihime felt like punching someone.
She never punched a single person in her life and was quite opposed to violence. (Kicking her late-night fuck toys to the curb didn't count) But the certain urge to inflict bodily pain on her fellow cheerleader was rising up in the princess like hot lava.
Flat tire. 2 hours until the tow truck would arrive. It had to be joke. There was no way Jackie could have seriously gotten a flat tire on open mic night. Just no way!
"Maybe you could call up that lesbian friend of yours Hime, what's her name Tatsu something or another?" Candi suggested. The kiwi haired girl probably thought she was being helpful but all she did was further annoy the princess.
"I am not gonna bother Tatsuki-chan. Don't be stupid Candice."
Not that Tatsuki-chan wouldn't have readily agreed of course she would have but that would have also complicated things. And Orihime didn't do complicated.
Candi bit back a snarl. She absolutely loathed her full name. But she wouldn't dare lash out at Hime. If she did, she'd probably be kicked off the squad. And then they'd let that nerd from Class 3B join. And that would just not do.
"Well maybe the Kurosaki boy could come get you. You are supposed to be going on date tonight after all so-
'Shut up! Just shut up!'
Orihime did not voice her thoughts out loud. It was time for a new game plan. Plastering a brilliant smile on her face she addressed the brown eyed girl donning a designer white cap with gold trim sitting in the front passenger seat.
"Hey Bambi is that cousin of yours still driving the delivery truck at this time of night?"
Bambietta Basterbine looked up from her glittery pink cellphone long enough to answer, "He's working until 10 but since I'm his favorite cuz so he'll totally make a detour and come pick us up."
Good. Perfect. The night wasn't totally shot.
'I'm on my way Kurosaki-kun just wait for me!'
())
Ichigo didn't think he had been in the restroom that long but once he emerged from it the Smoked Boar was heavily packed and it seemed open mic night was officially underway...the sound of an electric keyboard playing the beginning of what arguably could be called one of the best songs ever.
At least in his opinion.
Not wasting any more time, the berry teen sprinted towards the noise…
His mouth dropped open when he saw who was up on stage…Ulquiorra's previous words coming to mind…
"You should prepare yourself Kurosaki Ichigo, because you never know what might happen tonight."
Owarimomeizuhashinukeru
Yasurakitookusugatamonaku
Kodokuwofuujikometetozashikakeru
Manazashi
Still nothing could have quite prepared the berry teen for this. Not only was Ulquiorra on stage playing his heart on the electric keyboard but Keigo-freaking Keigo (since when could his long-time friend sing like that anyway?) was nailing every note like he had practiced it a million times.
As Ichigo neared closer to stage he noticed that Keigo and Ulquiorra were not alone. Kiyone and Sentaro were up on stage too, Sentaro pounding away on the drums while Kiyone's nimble fingers flew over the cords on her base guitar.
Likethebirdsthatflyuptothebluesky
Withoutfearofbeingpinneddown
Orcontrolledbyany
We'llfighttochangethedarkworld
Intoourshiningutopia
Ichigo also noted that the 4 some on stage almost looked like a real band too with their matching crimson-colored headbands and black t-shirts-large silver shaped hourglasses emblazoned on the front.
It was a little weird and also kind of awesome. When he was invited to open mic night he expected a dry comedian or two or some really bad but down right hilarious karaoke style singing. Clearly the Smoked Boar was more of an entertainment lounge than anything else.
Dare mo yurusazu ni doko e yukerudarou?
When did they have time to do all this? And when did Kiyone and Sentaro meet Ulquiorra exactly? Was Keigo thew mastermind behind all this? While the squawking brunet wasn't the total idiot Ichigo often teased him of being there's no way he could of-
Ichigo's thoughts flew from his mind as something knocked into him from behind
"Oouf ouch what the he-?!"
"Oi Ichigo how many times do we gotta call your name? Rukia and I have been trying to get your attention for like 15 mins."
Make that someone. Ichigo glared at Renji. "What the hell was that for? You don't nearly send me crashing to the floor just to get my attention."
Renji only looked slightly apologetic. "My bad, but anyway Rukia found a great spot for us to sit at, perfect view of the entire place-come on!"
Darknessisbornonlyfromlight
Andit'sonlyfakewarmth I feel
Fromthedoubtfulthoughtthatwe
Mighthavereachedourdream
Mynewvowcamewithachangeofmyheart. (1)
Ichigo let Renji lead him (drag him) to the table that Rukia had selected.
()
The ravenette was sipping some sort of bright golden liquid from out of straw and grinned at the pair of them when they approached the table, giving her berry friend a once over.
"Ichigo, finally took you long enough."
"I've been here for a while Rukia. First I was in the bathroom-
At his words Rukia smirked and commented "Yes I noticed your outfit. And I'm sure everyone else has too."
The berry teen had donned a cable knit sweater, a black mini-skirt, orange leg warmers and the same john deere boots he'd had worn on the first day back from winter break.
Ichigo shrugged. "I'm not doing it for them. I'm doing this for me."
Rukia raised a brow, "Hmm well maybe it started out that way Ichigo but I heard from someone who heard from another certain someone that you were quite busy during these past couple of days."
A certain someone what or who the hell was that supposed to be? Ichigo decided he was better off not knowing.
"Look Rukia I don't know what you might have heard nor do I really care. All I can tell you is what I keep telling everyone else I made a vow and I'm keeping it!"
"A vow? What vow?"
The berry teen shook his head quite tiered of having to explain himself.
"Anyway, enough about Ichigo's sudden urge to be a girl let's order some nachos!"
Ichigo's face turned red. "Shut up Renji!" Deciding to try his luck at punching once again, the snarling berry aimed for his friends' ribs and was quite pleased with himself when the other teen complained.
"Ow! What the hell was that for? You know I don't really think you're becoming a girl Ichigo. And uh even if you were wouldn't faze me none."
"Whatever. Nachos is a good idea. You're buying!"
"Best thing I heard all night! Go get us some nachos Renji and a couple bottles of cola too!"
"What? Why me?"
"Duh it was your suggestion."
Renji was ready to protest but decided against it when he remembered that he was trying to be the kind of boyfriend Rukia deserved. "Fine. Be right back."
Ichigo shook his head in bemusement and then slid in the seat next to Rukia noting that the ravenette was dressed a little differently than normal. "You look really nice tonight."
Rukia shrugged. "I look alright, I guess. This best part about this outfit is the blouse. I mean just look how perky my boobs are!"
Ichigo hadn't noticed. Or even if he had noticed he hadn't given it much thought. Not for the first time he wondered if there was in fact something wrong with him.
He studied his friend for a moment. Rukia was pretty.
Not in an unconventional way kind of pretty nor was she plastic barbie doll pretty rather she was pretty in a traditional sense.
Her most striking features were her eyes.
Like the shadow of a moonlight on a dark crystal blue lake. Not just any crystal blue lake. But the lake that his mother would often take him to when he was a child.
If he were the type to do so Ichigo would have written a poem about Rukia.
Wait? What? Where had that come from?
Ichigo frowned and decided put a little bit of distance between his friend and himself.
"Anyway, are you and Renji planning to sing some love song up on stage?"
Rukia snorted, "A duet with Renji pftt no way! I would never do something that cheesy."
"How about a duet with me then?"
The idea had suddenly just sprung to Ichigo's mind.
A specific tune was playing in his head now too. While his ravenette friend didn't exactly have an angelic sounding quality to her voice something told the berry teen that it would work.
"A song my mother used to sing to me. I would like you to sing it with me. Will you?"
Rukia eyed Ichigo strangely. It was a strange request. She felt like she was missing something but wasn't quite sure how to come out and ask.
She knew her berry friend was very fond of his mother-knew that even though the woman had walked away she held a special place in his heart. For Ichigo to request something like this must mean he was feeling nostalgic or just missing his mother terribly.
As much as she loved to tease Ichigo at times she wouldn't feel right declining his request. "Uh well let me think about it."
"Think about what?"
Renji had returned just then only rather than having a tray full or plate full of greasy cheesy goodness he returned empty handed.
"Nothing. Where are the nachos?"
"On the way. Move outta the way Ichigo so I can sit next to my girl."
Ichigo complied and as soon as Renji sat down he draped his arm around Rukia. "So, what did I miss?"
"We already told you. Nothing well accept Ichigo wants to get up on stage and sing."
"No shit really?! That's the spirit Ichigo! What you gonna sing?"
"Uh well-Ichigo started to explain but was interrupted-
"Excuse me did you order the nacho tower and 3 colas?"
"We sure did!" Without so much as a thanks Renji grabbed the tray and started shoving nachos in his mouth-up until Rukia smacked him over the head. "Slow down idiot! You're gonna choke."
"Ouch! Damn it Rukia stop hitting me!"
"I hit you for your own good now stop being such a pig and give me some of those-!"
Ichigo couldn't help it. He laughed at the couples' antics before turning back to the waiter?
Yes, he was quite sure the guy must be a waiter even though he did look a bit young.
16 perhaps? His jade green colored eyes were quite pretty and his soft murmuring tone was pleasant to listen to. Ichigo mentally kicked himself for his thoughts and then cleared his throat and smiled a little.
"Uh sorry about my friend, he doesn't always have the best manners."
A light pink dusted the older boys' cheeks as he set the 3 bottles of cola down. "Not a problem. If there is nothing else I will be going to my next table." A slight bow and the waiter left.
Ichigo frowned and went to reach into his pocket of his skirt. Then cursed when he remembered his skirt didn't have pockets. Damn. "Uh hey Rukia can I borrow like a 20 from you and pay you back on Monday?"
The ravenette didn't answer right away as she was a bit preoccupied at the moment.
But after a moment or two Rukia broke away from her impromptu make out session with Renji long enough to pass Ichigo a rolled up bill that was clearly more than twenty. "Here, don't spend it all in one place."
"It's not for me it's for-
But Rukia was no longer listening-she waved her hand (the universal hurry up and leave sign) and Ichigo not really desiring to watch his friends suck face with one another anyway, got up from the table.
Keigo, Ulquiorra, Kiyone and Sentaro were stepping off the stage and he decided to meet them.
()
Noba could hardly breathe.
He was surprised that he even managed to get a complete sentence out when he had finally approached the orange berry in the skirt.
Was so glad that he hadn't done something embarrassing like trip and drop the tray.
Equally glad that he hadn't fainted when Ichigo smiled at him.
He hadn't been expecting that. Not at all. That small smile had made the already breathtaking boy even more attractive in his eyes.
Noba released a sigh and almost felt like he was floating on air as he went about his duties.
()
Ririn hadn't missed the brief exchange between Noba and Ichigo.
She had a perfect view of just about everyone in the lounge from her place at the bar top.
Rather than being irritated she felt her excitement rising. Now it was up to her and Cloud to introduce themselves to their BOY.
Where had the big overgrown idiot run off to anyway?
()
"Are you sure you don't want me to wait around for you, young master?"
Uryu resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his nanny-that's right at 14 years of age soon to be 15 he had a nanny.
Not because he needed one but because his neglectful father insisted upon it.
"I'll be fine Sasume. And I thought I told you to stop calling me young master."
It's not like he was some spoiled rich prince who lived in a mansion. The whole thing was ridiculous.
Uryu smoothed out the slight crease in his pants and pushed his glasses (which much like always had slipped down) up on to the bridge of his nose and opened the car door and stepped out. He paused and turned back to Sasume. "You should head on home and rest now. My mother is meeting me here in a little while and she'll drive me home."
Sasume didn't look entirely convinced but knew it was pointless to try and argue. "Just promise me you won't get in trouble. I really don't want to have to pull your father away from his work in the middle of the night, young master."
Uryu bit back a snort. "I am going to listen to a little music and spend some time with a friend, that's all so you can rest easy." With these words the bespectacled teen shut the door and made his way into the 'Smoked Boar'
()
"Ichigoooooooooo!"
"Damn it Keigo please stop yelling right in my ear you're gonna make me go deaf!"
The brunet laughed, "What did you think of our little surprise? Did you it like huh? Didya, Didya?"
"It was good. You were good. All of you were great actually. But when did you-
"It happened the other day, bit of a funny story actually. We were at the record store and just like bumped into each other," Kiyone began.
"Not just any record store mind you we were at Division records," Sentaro continued, "but anyway as Kiyone was saying we were getting into a friendly debate over who is a better musician-guitarists or drummers.
Naturally I said drummers because technically you don't even need a drum set to make a drumming noise and drums have been around since the beginning of time and-"
"But I argued that of course guitarists are better musicians because it requires more skill and finesse and playing slow or fast doesn't matter you can totally win over a crowd with a kick ass guitar solo-" Keigo cut Kiyone off-
"Quill and I happened to walk in right in the middle of their debate and Quill pointed out that a guitarist and a drummer sound better together rather than as soloists and then in a total and complete genius move, he suggested we all perform together." A wide grin "And so we did. And we totally rocked didn't we Quill?"
Keigo, Kiyone and Sentaro exchanged high fives just then but when they went towards Ulquiorra the china-doll faced teen held up his pale hand and shook his head.
"It was a mediocre performance at best. You were flat on the last verse Asano. As for you Kiyone you were behind by half a beat and Sentaro-well you didn't do anything wrong during the actual performance but that cave man shout at the end was entirely unnecessary."
Kiyone looked a bit crestfallen. Sentaro a bit sheepish and Keigo-well Keigo-
"What the hell Quill?! Why do you gotta be so cold and matter of fact about everything? Can't you just say that it was fun. Can't you just-
Ulquiorra's bottle green eyes narrowed. "Cold? Is that what you truly think of me Asano? That I am unfeeling? That I am nothing more than an emotionless ice block?"
Ichigo shivered. He'd only known Ulquiorra a short time and sure the guy's tone was usually very monotone sounding but this-it was literally like a frozen tundra had blown in.
"Uh Ulquiorra don't take it to heart you know Keigo is kind of an idiot and-
But Ulquiorra wasn't listening to the berry. His attention was focused solely on the brunet. "I was under the impression that we had reached an understanding Asano, I even invited you to my house the other day and this is how you repay me?"
Keigo turned pale and started backing up a little. "Uh well Quill-er Ulquiorra look the thing is-I mean I don't really think you're unfeeling it's just come on admit you had fun. Even though it wasn't perfect it was fun right? You like hanging out with us right-well not us but me? I'm a cool guy, right?"
Ulquiorra looked thoughtful. And then his lips twitched upward. "Cool guy. Yes, Asano you are cool." Green eyes twinkled, "But I'm cooler."
There was a pause.
And then the unlikely duo started laughing. In sync. It was a little-no not a little it was very disturbing.
Orange brows furrowed. Ichigo felt more baffled than ever. He glanced at Kiyone and Sentaro but the other two looked just as lost and confused.
TBC
A/N Yes I have divided the chapter into parts.
(1)
Darkness isbornonlyfromlight
Andit'sonlyfakewarmth I feel
Fromthedoubtfulthoughtthatwe
Mighthavereachedourdream
Mynewvowcamewithachangeofmyheart.
Loosely translated lyrics from an awesome song called Doubt and Trust by Access. I originally heard this song years back when I was watching the anime D. Gray man. Awesome song. If you haven't heard it then you need to.
Next time: Starrk, Inoue and Ishida all try to grab Ichigo's attention in one way or another. More musical performances. An unexpected kiss between two people. And more. See you then! Thanks for reading