Chapter 8

Flashback chapter

Ichigo stood on the ledge of a building, his eyes closed as he tried to focus on the feeling of the wind against him, on the feeling of it running through his hair, hoping it would help clear his thoughts. It was nearly three A.M. now and he was out on patrol, but all he could think about was Orihime. His tongue ran over his lips against his better judgement, and he bit on his bottom lip as he thought back to the kiss she'd surprised him with earlier in the day. Something in his chest tightened and he squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose. Orihime's face was the only thing he could see even through closed lids and he couldn't understand what the feelings that were suddenly overflowing in his chest meant. What anything meant right now.

"Fuck." He whispered into the wind. She kissed him, she pulled him into her and kissed him! And he kissed her back! Kami, he held onto her hips to pull her closer, her kiss sent tingles from his lips to the tips of his toes and back to the tips of his ears! And she had felt amazing, not just her body pressed against his but her entire energy was radiating a heat that made him feel safe and so content that he hadn't wanted to let her go! Did that mean he had feelings for her as well? What the hell was he supposed to tell her now, how would things be between them now?

Ichigo ran a hand through his hair in frustration, he knew these were normal teenage problems but with everything that had been going on in his life and having to save the world he had never spared a second thought to having a relationship. He groaned in frustration once more, stepping away from the ledge to pace the roof of the building, his hand coming to his chin as he thought.

Is that what she wanted from him now? Would she no longer want his friendship if that was all he could give her? Was that all he could give her?

He paused mid step, looking up at the sky once more, how did he really feel about Orihime? It seemed like a stupid question, he cared about all his friends but even he knew sometimes he treated her different; he knew he was softer with her at times, as if he were speaking to his sisters, but he didn't see her as a sister, she didn't fall into that category in his head, but he knew that on some level she was one of his closest and most important people, so then what category did she fall into? His head throbbed and his scowl came into place with a deeper intensity than usual. He hated having to think about these things, the last thing he wanted to do was hurt someone like Orihime, but something in his stomach was twisting at a different question running through his head.

Would she leave him?

If he couldn't return her feelings would that be the end of their friendship? Would she no longer speak to him? No, she wasn't like that, he thought to himself, and he kept himself from rolling his eyes, she also wasn't someone who went around kissing people so maybe he didn't know her as well as he thought. Ichigo cursed out loud, deciding it would be best to make his way home and try to sleep on things so he could make a decision. A thought occurring to him as he jumped through the sky. He may have to talk to his dad about this.

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"She kissed you!" Isshin said surprised, nearly spitting out his coffee as he looked over at his scowling son. "Are we talking about the same Orihime Inoue here?"

"Yes damn it!" Ichigo said in frustration. He'd managed to catch his father awake when he got home, and the man instantly knew there was something serious bothering him because he didn't even attack him as he walked down the hall.

"Damn, I knew she liked you but I never thought she'd make the first move, at least not without some help." He said sitting back in his chair and Ichigo stared at him, wide-eyed.

"What the hell do you mean you knew she liked me, since when?"

"Of course she likes you idiot! Do you think she just hangs around you because she likes fighting Hollows all the time? Everyone knows she likes you but you!" He said rolling his eyes.

"The real question is, how do you feel about her?" Isshin said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the desk, his chin resting on his thumbs.

"I don't know." Ichigo said and his father chuckled.

"You like her." He said, rolling his eyes.

"What?"

"Ichigo, did you kiss her back?" Isshin asked, his tone serious, and the orange haired man felt his ears burn, nodding his head in response.

"If someone like, let's say Tatsuki, had kissed you, would you have kissed her back?"

"Hell no!" Came Ichigo's immediate response and Isshin chuckled once more, leaning back in his chair once more.

"That's a sign it wasn't just your instincts responding to a kiss Ichigo." His father said, a small smile on his lips. "Still, this could be a step in the right direction, if you're thinking about it so hard there must be a reason."

"Damn right there's a reason I don't want to hurt her if I can't share her feelings." Ichigo said through clenched teeth; his fist resting on his knee.

"Well Ichigo, does the idea of being with her disgust you? Are you repulsed by it?"

"Of course not!" Ichigo yelled.

"Then what are you really worried about?" He asked, his tone was serious once again, he wanted his son to genuinely think this over before he answered, and for a few minutes it seemed Ichigo did.

"Have you met her dad? Inoue is like the embodiment of good! She has the potential to be with someone who isn't going to cause her trouble, someone who doesn't get into fights all the time, who won't pull her into battles where she'll run the risk of dying all the time! She can have anybody else, she'll be safe and able to have a normal life with anybody else, why the hell would she want me? What the hell can I give her?" Ichigo sighed, burying his head in his hands.

"Are you really worried about her Ichigo? Or are you worried you won't be able to protect her?" Isshin said after a few minutes of silence. He could see Ichigo's shoulders stiffen and he knew he'd hit the nail on the head.

"You're probably right when you say she can be with anybody else, but nobody else will go to the extent's you've gone to in order to keep her safe like you will son." He said, rising to stand beside him, resting his hand on his shoulder. "Ichigo don't let your fear of repeating the past keep you from experiencing your future. If you have even one ounce of feeling for her, then tell her, live your life Ichigo, without fear of what may go wrong."

And with that Isshin walked out of the room, leaving Ichigo with his thoughts.

(PAGE BREAK)

Ichigo awoke the next day close to noon, his muscles ached, his head was throbbing and he was shocked and thankful his father had left him to sleep in peace. Thoughts of Orihime were the first to swarm his mind and he grunted as he lay back, his arm over his face.

What the hell was he going to do?

Something in his chest tightened and one thought shot through his mind so loud he wondered if he'd said it out loud or really just thought it. He couldn't lose her, he wouldn't. No matter what he felt, he needed her in his life, Ichigo grunted as he stood, making his way to the shower, steeling his resolve. He'd tell her, even if he couldn't share her feelings now, he wasn't opposed to spending time with her and seeing where things went, if she'd have him.

Today, would be a long day.

A/N: OMG THIS CHAPTER! Where did it come from? Why did I write it? Does this even go with the story so far? I'm struggling guys, struggling so much but I want to finish this without taking another year to upload a chapter. I'm already working on the next one so I hope you guys enjoyed this, please leave a review.

Also, Guest, for the sake of the rest of the story, I will continue to use Kami as I believe it would be weird if I suddenly changed it. Please just replace it with God if it bothers you too much.

Daianapotter me encanta que te gusto el capitulo! Quiero que Hime se defienda y no necesite mucho de Ichigo por que ella si es fuerte y es hora que lo vea verdad? A penas estamos empesando con los abrazos! Te veo en el proximo capitulo. :)

Suzaanoelofse01, Carefreeberry, . , Thank you guys for your kind words! It makes me so happy to know you're enjoying the story so far! Fluff is on the way!