I don't own Bleach, but that should be painfully obvious...
Well this is my first fanfic; I did it because I haven't written in a while, because there are only two other stories that pair Chad with Tatsuki, and because I was inspired by Dragon of the Underworld and luvly-josie's stories. So thanks for the inspiration, you two.
Enjoy and review. I want to see if I did as well as my friends tell me; I need unbiased opinions, so review, people! Tell me what you enjoyed (or what you hated), my next update depends on how many people read this chapter.
The italics, unless they're in between quotes, represent the characters' inner monologue.
"Transcending Aesthetics"
Chapter 1: The Encounter
Yasutora "Chad" Sado is your typical teenage guy; enrolled in Karakura High, he spends his days in school and around his friends, Ichigo Kurosaki, Uryu Ishida, Keigo Asano, and Mizuiro Kojima. They partake of typical teenage activities, which include hanging out, and talking about girls. Of course, he and Ichigo have their hidden agenda as spirit conscious people who help slay hollows in Karakura Town.
Tatsuki Arisawa is not your typical teenage girl; a tomboy and karate practitioner with dreams of becoming Vale Tudo Champion, she spends most of her time with her best friend, Orihime Inoue. Her days consist mostly of training and keeping Chizuru Honshou's advances away from Orihime.
Although Ichigo and the rest of the guys had frequent encounters with Tatsuki, Chad had never actually interacted with her. In fact, the only reason Chad interacted with Orihime was due to her spirit powers and their past adventures in the Soul Society. Chad often wondered what Tatsuki was like. Since he had never said two words to her, he only knew her personality from talks with Ichigo and the gang, until today.
As the boys were eating their lunch on the roof, their usual hangout, they started talking about their female classmates
Keigo smiled curiously, "So, Ichigo, what's up with you and Rukia? You two spend an awful lot of time together!"
"Shut up, Keigo! It's none of your business, so butt out," Ichigo shot back, in his usual indifferent, annoyed tone.
"You're such a grouch! Maybe that's why the ladies stay away from you; it's like you're a leper or something! No, you're worse! You have no physical condition, so the only reason people stay away from you has to be your personality!"
"Well, it beats being a loudmouth moron who hits on anything with big breasts and a skirt!"
"That's so cold," Keigo uttered, hanging his head in shame.
Mizuiro laughed off the exchange, then proceeded to ask Ichigo the same question Keigo had been berated for asking, "So Ichigo, what is up with you and Rukia, seriously?"
"Oh, man! Not you too, Mizuiro! We're just friends! What don't you people get about that?!" Ichigo bellowed.
"He's right, Mizuiro. Besides a girl like Rukia Kuchiki wouldn't be with a guy like Ichigo anyway," Uryu chimed in, his tone quite condescending.
"What the hell's that supposed to mean, Uryu!?"
"Simply that a delicate girl like Rukia wouldn't waste her time on a guy like you, Ichigo."
"You bastard... You think you're better than me?!"
Before their squabble could go any further, Chad's brusque voice interrupted, "Stop it, you two; this is senseless." I swear, not even because they're allies can these two get along...
"You're right, Chad," replied Ichigo. He was pleased that someone had the power to quell the petty arguments that took place within their group. "Besides, who cares what Uryu thinks, anyway," he muttered to himself.
Such senseless aggression; there's no need for these petty arguments, especially among friends.
As Chad mulled over the guys' petty squabble, he failed to notice that it was ongoing once more, thanks to another comment by Keigo.
Mizuiro, being the observer and not wanting to butt in and make the argument worse, noticed Chad was lost in thought, "What are you thinking about, Chad?"
Chad's answer was a succinct (and typical), "Nothing."
"Maybe we should be asking who you're thinking about, Chad?!" Keigo blurted out.
"No one," he replied, his tone quite annoyed. "Why do you automatically assume people are fantasizing about girls every moment of their lives, Keigo? We're not all like you," Chad shot back. His uncharacteristically long and biting answer caught the rest of the group off guard.
"What?! Why are you people all so cold?! What did I ever do to deserve being treated this way?!"
"Shut up, Keigo! Come to think of it, I've never seen you give a girl a second glance, Chad. What's with that?" Ichigo asked, sincerely curious regarding Chad's indifference whenever the subject of girls came up, which was often.
"I've never noticed. I guess you're right; I suppose most girls find me intimidating due to my size, just like they find you intimidating because of your face, Ichigo."
"Hmm, that's true, I guess. Do you find any girls attractive, though, Chad?"
"Hmm, well, most of our classmates are attractive. Still, I can't say I pay special attention to any of them, so I can't really pick."
"I guess you've got a point there, Chad. Maybe you should, I mean you've got a lot to offer. I'm sure that there's at least one girl who's willing to overlook your size, just like Rukia managed to overlook my 'scary' face," Ichigo paused abruptly, realizing he'd said too much.
"Aha! I knew it! You and Rukia, eh? Ichigo, you sly dog! How could you have kept this from us?!" Keigo yelled in his obnoxious tone.
Just like that, the focus and attention shifted from Chad to Ichigo as he was bombarded with endless questions from his curious friends.
As their commotion went on, Chad immersed himself in his thoughts once again. Hmm, I really haven't paid much attention to the girls at school... could Ichigo be right? Could a girl truly look past my size and love me for what's inside? I wish I had someone to offer his wisdom. I wonder if Abuelo could've advised me on this?
As all these thoughts rushed through his head, Chad gently spun his medallion—a memento of his grandfather—between his fingers and wondered if what Ichigo said could happen to him.
Meanwhile, under the big tree, the girls were enjoying their lunch and having their own conversation...
So far, all the girls had been bombarding Rukia with questions regarding her and Ichigo, all of which were met with the same response, "Ichigo and I are just friends."
While the interrogation was going on, Orihime was daydreaming about all her friends and her competing for Ichigo's affections. As always, her imagination was quite over the top.
Chizuru, as usual, was lusting after Orihime. As she was about to embrace her, Tatsuki stepped in with a hard punch to the redhead's shoulder, "Ouch! What was that for?!" cried Chizuru.
"You know damn well what that was for!" replied Tatsuki, her patience wearing thin. "You need to give this shit a rest, Chizuru; it's getting old!"
"You're such a killjoy, Tatsuki! Maybe that's why no boy will come near you, well, that and your boyish hairdo and attitude!"
"What did you say?!" Tatsuki bellowed. She couldn't believe what she'd just heard; she couldn't fathom anyone actually saying that to her face. How dare she say that to me? In front of everyone, to boot! Boys like me, don't they? Then again, I've never been on a date or had my first kiss... am I really as unattractive as she says?
Tatsuki was visibly shaking in a combination of anger and self-doubt. The girls had stopped questioning Rukia and now had their full attention on the argument that was unfolding; even Orihime had managed to snap out of her daydream to see what was going on.
"Tatsuki, what's wrong?" asked Orihime, the only one among them who wasn't too afraid to speak up.
Tatsuki lowered her head for a second, she could feel her eyes welling up and wasn't sure whether they were tears of sadness or anger. "Nothing, Orihime. Let's go."
"Okay, Tatsuki!" answered a relieved Orihime. "Come on, Rukia, let's go!"
The three girls left without another word and made their way back to their classroom, just as class was about to resume.
The bell rang and the rest of the girls and the boys made their way into the classroom and took their seats. "Ok, students, let's pick up where we left off, shall we?!" bellowed the teacher. Tatsuki's inner turmoil, however, proved to be too much, as her thoughts drowned out the teacher's lesson
I can't believe she actually said that! She was lucky Orihime spoke up when she did or I would've killed her! I didn't think that this would bother me so much, though. I mean, while I don't have too much time for boys, I've never exactly been hit on or asked out, either. Is it due to my practice of martial arts? Could there be something to what Chizuru said about my hair and my attitude? Do boys really find me as unattractive as she said?
The bell rang with its usual cacophony, stirring Tatsuki from her thoughts; the school day was over and she hadn't paid any attention to the lesson. The students stormed out of the classroom, eager to go about their daily, non-scholastic activities.
Tatsuki left the schoolyard and headed toward the dojo, hoping that a good day's training would get her mind off things. As usual she kicked everyone's asses; no one could match her prowess at martial arts. She worked up quite a sweat, so she decided to take a shower before heading home. She undressed, her uniform falling to the floor, revealing Tatsuki's glorious curves. Tossing aside her underwear, she stepped into the shower and stood there for a while as the water made her body glisten—she was truly a sight to behold. With her 34 C Breasts, she was nothing to scoff at; the rest of her body (her legs and butt in particular) was firmly sculpted and very sexy.
Tatsuki lathered up her body with the washcloth, caressing her curves gently, making sure not to miss a spot. As she cleansed her body, her mind started to cloud with thoughts of Chizuru's insults once again...
How can boys not want me? I'm not ugly, or in bad shape, for that matter. How would she even know what she's talking about? It's not like she even likes boys, and I sure as hell haven't seen any guys asking her out... not that she'd agree, either way. Besides, what's she being so high and mighty about? I seem to recall that perverted lesbian peeking at me in the showers after gym as well. What a hypocritical bitch. Ugh, I don't know why I let her words affect me so much anyway; she's just trying to faze me so that she'll be able to make moves on Orihime without me running interference. Clever plan, Chizuru, but it's done for now that I know your angle. As of now, I shall stop worrying about your words!
Tatsuki finished her shower, dried off, got dressed and started to walk home. Not all girls have boyfriends! Even some of the most girly ones are single, I mean just look at Orihime! She's beautiful and girly, yet Ichigo doesn't (well, didn't) return her feelings; he's with Rukia.
Tatsuki kept walking, too indulged in her thoughts to notice that a hollow was eying her from a nearby rooftop.
Mm, she looks delicious... thought the hollow, as it began to swoop down toward Tatsuki at full speed.
On a nearby park bench sat Chad, busy pondering Ichigo's words, when his eyes caught sight of a hollow swooping down on someone. Uh oh, a hollow! I don't sense Ichigo or Rukia around to take it out, either. I guess I'm going to have to deal with this one.
Chad got up off the bench and started to run toward the person the hollow was about to attack. He called forth his Brazo Derecho del Gigante and his Brazo Izquierdo del Diablo as he dashed toward the potential victim, and as he drew closer, he noticed it was Tatsuki. Oh no, it's Tatsuki! And she hasn't sensed it!
"MOVE!" Chad shouted as reached Tatsuki's position.
"Huh, isn't that Chad? What's he so worked up about? Actually, what the hell's up with his arms?"
Chad's thick, somewhat unwieldy arms wrapped around Tatsuki's waist just in the nick of time, taking her safely out of the hollow's path. He set her down on the ground gently as the hollow hovered above them, "Stay back, I'll deal with the hollow," Chad ordered.
"The what?!" yelled Tatsuki as Chad stood his ground against the grotesque aggressor.
"You'll pay for that, punk!" barked the hollow, livid that its meal had been interrupted.
The hollow approached and Chad braced himself, shielding his body with his Brazo Derecho del Gigante. As the hollow collided with his shield, Chad pushed back and sent it flying in the opposite direction, leaving the assailant stunned.
"Lucky break, human, but this time I won't be denied!" it screamed, diving toward Tatsuki once again. Chad had already anticipated the hollow's move and had stepped in front of Tatsuki, prepping his Brazo Izquierdo del Diablo for a quick, decisive blow.
Bewildered at the sight before her, Tatsuki exclaimed, "Chad, what the hell is that thing?!"
"Hollow. Don't worry, I'll deal with it," he answered in a soft tone. She wasn't quite sure just what was happening, but Chad's words reassured her.
"LA MUERTE!" shouted Chad, thrusting his left arm forward in one powerful motion. The hollow had a horrified look on its face as a skull indentation showed up around him, but before it knew what had taken place, it was gone.
Tatsuki stood in awe at the event that had unfolded before her. What is this guy?
"Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?" asked Chad, concerned over the rough grab he had to make on Tatsuki to get her out of harm's way.
"Of course I'm all right! Though I probably wouldn't be if you hadn't come along, so, thanks, Chad."
"You know my name?" Chad was visibly confused, as most people outside of his circle addressed him as 'Sado.'
"Well, yeah! I mean you're Ichigo's friend; he always goes on about what a great guy you are. From the looks of it, it seems he was telling the truth."
Chad wasn't too shocked to hear that Ichigo talked about him, since they had been good friends for a while. "Sorry I had to handle you so roughly, Tatsuki, but you looked like you were on another planet."
Tatsuki looked amused, flashing a friendly smile at the boy in front of him before responding, "Rough? That was nothing compared to what I deal with in the dojo every day. Still, it could've been worse. You saved my life, thank you so much, Chad."
Wow, she's beautiful... and she's smiling at me. "Uh, no problem, Tatsuki. I couldn't just stand by and let a beautiful girl like you get hurt." ...Wait, did I just say that out loud?! Chad panicked, realizing what he'd just said.
Did he just call me beautiful?
Tatsuki couldn't help but blush at the unexpected compliment, her cheeks turning slightly rosy. "Did you just say I was beautiful, Chad?"
Oh, man! I did say it out loud... and she heard me! What do I do now?! "Uh... yes, that's what I said."
Wow, he actually said it. I thought I might've been my imagination. "Do you really mean that, Chad?"
"Of course I do. I would never lie about something like that." No use in denying it, since she clearly heard me.
"Well, aren't you honest!" Tatsuki laughed. "Still, why do you look so flustered? It's not like you don't talk to any beautiful girls; you talk to Orihime, after all."
"We've been allies in the past, so it's not as personal as this conversation is. You know, we just talk shop."
"Fair enough! I can't believe we've never interacted, though, especially since I talk to that idiot Keigo! Well, it's nice to meet you, Chad; I'm Tatsuki Arisawa," Tatsuki said as she extended her hand to Chad.
Chad followed her example, "Yasutora Sado, and the pleasure's all mine," he replied as their hands met. Her grip was firm and her hands were rough, but it was a warm embrace, nonetheless.
"Uh, can I walk you home, Tatsuki? You never know when another hollow might show..."
Tatsuki blushed slightly, still not used to this kind of attention, "Um, sure! That would be great, Chad."
Chad stood there for a moment, happy, yet confused. A tap of Tatsuki's elbow on his arm snapped him out of his confusion. "Oh! Uh, shall we?"
As they started walking, neither could believe the spark that was currently coursing through their bodies—it felt incredible.
After a few minutes of walking side by side, Tatsuki broke the silence, "Just what the hell was that thing, Chad?"
"You mean you could see it? It's called a hollow, and they attack humans to suck out their souls. They are more partial to souls with spiritual power, so since you could see it, I guess that made you the perfect candidate."
"I see. In any case, I might've been a goner had it not been for you. Thank you, Chad."
"You're welcome, Tatsuki," Chad replied, his face reddening as he spoke. This is nice... he thought.
A conversation with a guy is this easy, huh? I have to get attacked by monsters more often.
Tatsuki held back a chuckle, amused by her train of thought. "So, Chad, what's with your arms? How do you transform them like you did back there? Is that a side effect of your trip from Hueco Mundo?"
"You could say- Wait, how do you know about our trip there?" asked a baffled Chad.
"Mizuiro, Keigo and I watched you guys leave, actually. Afterwards, Mr. Urahara explained to us what was going on."
"I see. What did he say, exactly?"
"Well, he told us you guys were going to rescue Orihime from the Arrancars. He also told us the reason why you guys are usually ducking out of class at the same time; you exterminate any hollows that show up. He also told us how you trained with Renji to become stronger in order to help Ichigo out. I'm so glad you guys brought Orihime back safe and sound, thank you."
"You're welcome... but I didn't do much, it was mostly Ichigo and the Captains who came to back us up. Actually, the rest of us were in pretty bad shape, for the most part," Chad confessed, feeling slightly ashamed.
"Don't talk like that; I'm sure you did plenty to help out, Chad!"
"Thanks for that. Ichigo said the same thing, but I guess it's nice to hear an unbiased opinion."
"Ichigo always goes on about what a great guy you are Chad, so you shouldn't doubt yourself."
"Thanks, Tatsuki. I'll keep that in mind."
They continued their walk to Tatsuki's house, carrying on their conversation the whole way there, and before they knew it, they had arrived at her doorstep.
"Well, this is me... Thanks for everything, Chad; saving my life, and walking me home, too bad there aren't more guys out there like you."
"It was no big deal, I'm sure you would've done the same for me," Chad replied modestly. "Uh, do you maybe want to... hang out... sometime?"
Hang out? I wonder what that would actually entail? What if this conversation was just a fluke? Oh, forget it! I'll gain nothing by stressing over this, so I'll just say yes and hope for the best.
"Sure, Chad, I'd like that."
Wow, she actually said yes. Now all I have to do is plan out what we should do... Movie? No, too forward. A cup of coffee? No, too cliché! Something simple, like a walk in the park? ...Actually, that could work. Uh oh, the silence has gone on too long, even for me, time to say something.
"Cool, do you want to go for a walk sometime?"
"That sounds great. Well, my parents are probably worried sick, so I should head inside. Bye, Chad!"
"Yeah, I'll see you later, Tatsuki."
I hope you liked it, and as I said up above, the next chapter will come depending on the reviews I get, so review!
(12/6/2012: I've updated this chapter to improve on some rather glaring grammatical errors, as well as to tone down some of the more groan-worthy writing. Honestly, I don't know what I was on back in 2007, but yikes. I didn't change the chapter too dramatically, though, so I hope you still enjoy it. Also, I'll be doing the same for chapters two and three and after I finish, I'm planning to start writing chapter four—after more than a year without updating!—so look forward to that.)