A/N Well… Hello there, my pretties! It's been quite some time… hasn't it? Well… not as long as normal for me anymore! I hate to admit that I've been working on a few other stories, but before I post them up I want to get a few chapters done so that I don't have to stress about them all the time like I do with F&F. Hopefully I get enough chapters soon so I can post them!
Also, finally got Word! Hallelujah! That means fewer mistakes! :D In fact, it just fixed less to fewer in that last sentence. XD True fact right there! Alright, on with the story!
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Day Three ( Wednesday )
Karakura High School
Shiro's POV
I quickly wipe away the tear that escapes my eye while I watch Ichigo walk away from the school and me. Everything seemed to be turning out for the better and I was happy and excited that I had been able to talk with the orangette and make him feel better, but it seems like it had the opposite effect after all. Three words later, the boy's face had changed drastically, transforming from happy to depressed in the blink of an eye, and I was sure it had something, or everything to do, with me, since there had been nobody else around us at that time.
I shuffle over to my seat and slump down at the same moment the bell rings, but I hardly notice it since everything feels so far away. If Ichigo didn't want to be around me I could accept that and bear with it, but I wouldn't be able to take the guilt I would always feel if for some reason I had made him cry. He didn't deserve that. Making my decision to ask Shinji and Renji about it, I watch the door for the first sign of them. I should have known that the first person I would see wouldn't be them, but that blue haired bastard.
Grimmjow walks in with his phone glued to his ear, yelling at some poor, probably innocent, victim.
"I told you to leave me the fuck alone and to stop calling me! Asshole!" He slams his index finger on his touch screen phone and I snicker despite my horrid mood. I would have to thank Ulquiorra later.
"Who was tha', Grimm?" I ask, unable to stop myself and wanting to see him just as pissed as I was depressed. I'll give him hell for giving Ichigo hell.
He growls at me. "I don't fucking know! Some unknown caller started to call me at the beginning of lunch and no matter how many times I tell them to fuck off, they continue to call me!" He glares at his phone, apparently expecting the person to call again.
I immediately put on my poker face so that he doesn't see my amused expression. Damn, he was really too much fun to fuck around with. It's then that Shinji and Renji walk in with smirks on their face. They look over to me and to the chair next to me, their faces falling into a frown in time with each other.
Grimmjow stares at Ichigo's empty seat, shrugs, and then falls ever so gracefully into his chair without a second glance at our group. The other two, though, walk by me and Shinji grabs the collar of my shirt, pulling me backwards with him. I yelp in surprise, but quickly catch my footing and turn around to glare back at the two idiots.
"Wha' do ya want? I'm really not in ta mood ta deal wit' ya two," I snap, my irritation in full force.
"In all honesty, I couldn't care less, because I'm more than positive that the last person Ichigo was with was you. We," the furious blonde places one hand on his chest and pokes the red head quite harshly on the chest, "know that Ichigo would never leave without telling us so you better tell us what the hell happened," Shinji snaps at me and I clench my teeth in anger.
"I didn't do anything ta hurt or upset Ichigo, if tha's wha' yer talkin' 'bout. All tha' happened was we talked, he ran, I chased after 'im, I caught 'im," their eyes grow wide, but I ignore it and continue on, "I say tha' I caught 'im and 'is face falls and he walks out. Tha's all, so don't blame me," I spit back, my mood only worsening at their faces full of pity. "Why are ya two lookin' at me like I'm out on some big secret tha' can explain everything?"
Renji sighs and runs his hand over his face. "Because that is exactly what's wrong," he looks at the other boy who nods in agreement at something unspoken. "You see, when Ichigo was younger, maybe eight or nine, his mom and he were attacked on the streets," my eyes grow wide at this information. "They were chased down the street before the guy caught up to them and he said the same three words you did. But, normally, this wouldn't happen with just that," his nose scrunches in thought and before I can ask what he means his eyes widen comically. "Shinji, what day is it today?"
"Um… Well… All I know it's the second week in August…" his eyes flash in understanding. "Ah… so THAT'S why he took it so bad. It's that time of the year again…" he trails off and my patience snaps.
"Wha' ta hell are ya talkin' about?" both turn to look at me and Shinji speaks up.
"Every year this happens. Normally it's not this early, but after what you said unknowingly, it seems to have triggered it. Around this time he goes through two or three stages, depending on how bad it is. The first one that always comes first is depression. He goes home and wallows in sadness all by his lonesome self and only lets one person near him and every time it's someone different. That means it can't be me, since it was me last year, or Renji, who was the year before," Shinji sighs in defeat. "It's normally someone who makes him feel safe or comfortable…" both look at me suddenly and grin.
"Yer thinkin' it's me, aren't ya?" both nod their head and I groan. Just fucking perfect. I know this kid all of, what, three days and I'm already stuck comforting him? "Che. Whatever. Might as well go now," I mutter as I stalk out of the classroom, ignoring the two snickering idiots behind me.
I barely register anything aside from walking. No thoughts run through my head. My mind just pulls up a blank. I have no clue what I'm supposed to do, what to say, or how to go about this. It sure doesn't help that I have a crush on the boy, either. Oh, and let's not forget the fact that I'm the reason he's like this.
The building looms in the distance, and I involuntarily cringe. I really don't want to deal with a depressed Ichigo, if what happened earlier was any indication of what he would be like. Slowing my pace to prolong the inevitable, I soon find myself standing in front of the door. I knock three times and wait for someone to answer the door. Time ticks by.
Well I guess nobody's home. That's really too bad… I begin a brisk pace away from the house, when the door opens. I curse under my breathe but turn around to see Yuzu, I believe that's her name, standing in the doorway with a sad look in her eyes. When she sees it's me, she smiles sadly.
"I'm guessing you're here to see Ichi-nii?" She asks shyly, meeting my eyes.
"Yea. I am," I mentally slap myself for acting like a school girl with a crush, although I guess that's technically correct in one way or another.
"Come in then," the brunette moves out of the way and I follow, shutting the door behind me. "I'm baking some cookies, so I'll send some up when they're done," I hear her say from the kitchen and I gulp. Guess it's my time to shine.
I take the steps one at a time, not exactly eager. I take a deep breath before I knock on the door.
"Ichi? Can I come in?" I asks hesitantly, and listen for any sound from the other side of the door.
"Yea. Come in, I guess," a sigh reaches my ears and I shiver, either from lust or from pity.
Pushing the door open, I see Ichigo sitting on his bed turned to look out the window. A slight breeze I never noticed before brushes past him, causing his hair to whip around his face. He turns his head to look at me and smiles a sad smile and I feel my heart stop.
"I'm guessing that Shinji and Renji told you the story?" Ichigo asks as he pats a spot next to him on the bed.
"Yea. I'm sorry. I had no idea-" I'm interrupted mid-sentence when he shakes his head sadly.
"Don't apologize. It's not your fault. If anyone's to blame it's me. Here I am, wanting to protect people that I care about, and my mom died protecting me," he laughs once humorlessly. "I'm pathetic."
"It's not yer fault, Ichi," he looks at me with an expression that can only be described in one word: exhausted.
"Ya, it is. If I hadn't insisted on going that day, even in the pouring rain, it would have never happened. It's my fault and I know it. No matter what anyone says, it'll always be my fault. My mom is dead because of me. Because of me," Ichigo takes a shaky breathe, fresh tears falling from his hazel eyes.
"Let's say tha' we agree tha' it is yer fault," Ichigo looks at me in shock," which, don't get me wrong; I don't think it is, but just hypothetically. Wha' is sittin' here blamin' yerself gonna accomplish. Would yer mom want ta see ya like this? I'm thinkin' she wouldn't. She would want ta see ya happy and smilin' right?" He nods, listening and clinging to my every word like it was the key to save his soul. "Then why do ya do this knowin' that? Isn't tha' bein' selfish? And runnin' away from people tha' care and want ta help ya is bein' selfish, too," I snap my mouth shut, sure I went too far with the last comment, and look away from Ichigo's dumfounded and shocked expression.
I hear a deep intake of breathe and it being exhaled. To say I'm surprised when I hear a laugh would be an understatement. I snap my attention back to the laughing teen, who is now wiping tears away from his stained face.
"Your right. I am being selfish. Mom wouldn't want to see me like this," he smiles at me and my heart sails at his breathtaking smile. "Thanks, Shiro. I won't run anymore from my friends, or my family," he takes my hand, "or you. I'm sorry that I made you worry. It won't happen again," I smile, but hit him upside the head with my free hand. "Ow! Why'd you do that, asshole?" he pouts while rubbing the wound.
"Tha's fer bein' selfish and stupid. But I'm glad ya feel better. Tha' reminds me, Yuzu is bringin' up some cookies soon," Ichigo's face brightens.
"Really? Thank God! I'm starving since I didn't get to eat lunch because of Shinjiii-" he yawns suddenly, stretching out the 'i' in Shinji's name out.
"Yer tired from all tha' cryin'. Ya should get some rest. I'll be takin' my leave now…" I feel the need to get away. From what Shinji and Renji had said, his breakdown should have been a lot worse than what it was and I didn't know whether to be happy or get the hell out before the storm really hit.
Standing up, I'm stopped when the hand moves to grab my wrist and I turn around in shock to see Ichigo looking away, scratching his head nervously.
"Um… if you want, you can, uh, stay a while," his eyes widen and he lets go of my wrist.
I smirk. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if I stayed. Just until I get some of those cookies. I stroll over to the bed and sit next to Ichigo, leaning forward, causing him to lean away from me in surprise.
"Don't mind if I do," I breathe and he blushes, looking away and I laugh. "After all this male bondin' and yer still so shy?" I laugh again when he glares at me.
"S-shut up!" He shoves me in the shoulder and I raise one pale brow and push him back, causing his eyes to narrow. "Are you challenging me?" I grin, showcasing all my teeth.
"And if I am? Wha' ya gonna do 'bout it?" He grins and I back up unconsciously. You see, I'm not use to people challenging me back.
Ichigo doesn't give any warning before he lunges. I yelp in surprise, but manage to dodge in time. He twists around and shoves me, causing me to lose my balance and fall off the bed. Before he's safe, though, my hand strikes out and grab the collar of his shirt, pulling him down with me. His eyes widen comically wide and I laugh as we land on the floor with a thud.
He goes to stand up, but before he can I grab his arm and pull. Squeaking in surprise at my sudden action, he falls over to the side and I scamper away to stand up. I don't get very far when I feel a hand on my ankle. It tugs harshly and I'm pulled back, and I go to grab the bed to stop myself from being dragged back even more. I hear a malicious and victorious laugh from behind me, and I have an idea.
He continues to pull with all his strength when I let go of the bed. Surprised, Ichigo lets go and I dart away to stand up. It's not three seconds later when that hand clasps onto my leg again and pulls. Falling, I twist my body to lessen the impact. I land right next to him to see that he's grinning like a mad man. Trying to collect myself from the harsh fall, I see him going to stand up. I let him, but the moment he's standing straight I pull the same trick, causing him to come crashing down once more.
My body freezes when Ichigo falls flush against me, not being able to correct his landing. But that's only part of the reason. Full pink lips crash onto mine and open in a silent gasp at the fall. Ichigo's eyes widen and he seems too much in shock to be able to move. Half a second later, the door opens and I hear something drop and shatter as it hits the floor.
"I-I'm sorry! I d-didn't know! U-uh!" The door shuts again and I hear footsteps running as fast as they can away from the door.
Ichigo finally gathers what the hell is happening and sits up straight, rolling off me and I take a deep breathe from the extra weight disappearing, slightly happy at the loss of weight, but mostly sulking from the feel of his lips on mine. Looking over, I see Ichigo sitting there with an absolutely horrified expression on his face, fingers on his lips and I frown. Even if he was straight, was it really that bad accidently kissing me?
"I-I-I… Uh… Wha-" The orangette seems at a loss for words and I know that I need to fix whatever he's thinking before it gets out of hand.
"Let's just forget 'bout it. Ok? Nothin' either of us can do ta fix it," well... Half of that was right. He could forget about it, but I know I wouldn't anytime soon.
He takes a deep breath once more and sighs, running a hand over his face.
"Yea. Just forget about it. Shit like that happens," he looks at me, eyes begging me to not mention this to another soul.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Nothin' in it fer me," I mutter the last part and before I know it, arms wrap around me.
"Thanks. I owe you one. Maybe two… Wait, would that one time count…" he trails off, deep in thought, while I contain myself from kissing him for real this time. With him so close, the scent of strawberries true to his name wraps around me, and it becomes extremely difficult to not give in to what my body is screaming at me to do. "I guess it would be three then…" he mumbles once more, and I bite back a moan as cool air runs over my heated skin, the orangette unintentionally teasing me.
"Ichi… I really think ya should move before yer sister comes back," the heat disappears and I restrain a whine at the loss although I was the cause behind it.
He's blushing and mumbles a quick apology. We make our way over to the broken plate and begin to pick up the pieces when Ichigo chuckles next to me. I glance over at him and raise my eyebrows in questioning, causing him to giggle some more.
"Wha's so funny?" I ask while I pick up another piece of the plate and frown at the ruined cookies. Such a waste…
"After getting over the shock at what was happening, the look on Yuzu's face was actually quite funny. Her eyes were probably the size of this place," his smile looks forever plastered on his face and I laugh.
"We probably scarred her fer life. I'm sure tha' was definitely not wha' she was expectin' ta see," I snicker in unison with the orangette.
"I can only imagine what was running through her mind," he contemplates deep in thought, his nose scrunching at the effort.
I look out the window and finally realize how late it is. The sky outside is already dark, stars shining brightly in the sky.
"Well, I think it's about time I leave. I'll see ya at school tomorrow, ne?" Ichigo smiles at me and nods.
"Yea. I'll be there, no worries. See you then!" I smile back at him and walk out the door and down the stairs.
I reach the living room to see Karin sitting on the couch, who turns to look at me. She stares at me and I cringe at her obvious evaluation. Nodding once, she brings her attention back to the T.V. Yuzu is staring at me from the kitchen, but quickly looks away when she sees that I caught her. A pink blush tinges her cheeks and I snicker. Ichigo will have to be the one to tell her the truth, since I don't have the guts to. Waving goodbye, I stroll out into the cool night breeze. I sneak a peek up at Ichigo's window, to see him waving at me and I return the gesture while I walk away.
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Day Four ( Thursday )
Karakura High School
Normal POV
Shiro drives to school the day after his encounter with Ichigo as probably the happiest man on earth. He sings along with whatever plays on the radio, whether it be his, Grimmjow, or Tensa's music. He had arrived home the night before and acted like a teenage boy after the first date with the love of his life, which is exactly how he felt. All his employees had steered clear, wary of this new happy Shiro.
Grimmjow felt much the same way, although for a much different reason. He's wearing his best clothes that hugged all the right places in all the right ways. The bluenette had one goal to accomplish today… to get Ichigo to go to the party with him. He intends to ask him at lunch and is nearly exploding of pent up excitement.
The two walk to class, ignoring one another as usual. Shinji and Renji immediately tackle the albino, demanding to know what happened. After explaining everything, minus the kiss, of course, they just stare at him in shock. Never before has anyone been able to help Ichigo get over it so fast and without a full on emotional breakdown like Shiro apparently had.
"Hmm… I guess that stage two will have kicked in early this morning… so that means…" Shinji looks at Renji, the two of them sharing a knowing look.
"Means wha'?" Shiro asks impatiently, hating to be out of the loop.
Renji looks at Shiro. "Stage one is always depression. Stage two is…" he's interrupted when the door is thrown open and all Shiro and Grimmjow can do is stare at Ichigo in the doorway.
He's wearing ripped and hardly appropriate black skinny jeans that allows sun-kissed skin to show through with a black studded belt that really didn't help keep his pants up, as they settled dangerously low on slip hips, causing the two men to lick their lips in lust. A black and orange graphic t-shirt so tight it should be illegal to wear clings to him, his abs clearly visible. Orange hair shines under the artificial lighting and it seems that it had just been washed, as a drop of water drops from the tip of it and disappears under the waist of the jeans, resulting in the bluenette and the albino moaning deep in their throats, unable to control themselves. A feral and playful smirk graces Ichigo's features as he stares back at the entire class who is ogling him in all his glory.
Shiro and Grimmjow barely hear Renji as they're so caught up in the delicious and irresistible scene before them
"The second being rebellion."
A/N You all hate or love me right now, I'm sure of it XD I leave it on that after the kiss and then the party is coming up… The next chapters should be quite interesting… *Smirk* I've never been good at leaving cliffhangers, but I know if I was reading this story, that right there would piss me way the fuck off. During all those little cute scenes, I was fangirling out. No joke. It was horrid XD ( Just to add to that as an afterthought… I was going through this after watching Pirates of the Caribbean two, checking for mistakes, and the cliffhanger nearly killed me. I was just staring at the screen, fighting back tears. I LOATHE cliffhangers! Yet, I write them XD )