Disclaimer: Bleach is Tite Kubo's work, not mine.

Chapter 6 - Front is to Back

When I saw his face in full view when he turned his head to look at me, he didn't look horrified or surprised.

It was just that face that told me to let go of his hand, for he can handle himself. I did so, feeling relief that he isn't getting suspicious or less trusting of me.

"We're not related. But I can't deny that we do look a lot alike." I reply, and Riine chuckled. "I see. Well, if it's tonight, then see you tonight." Soon she disappeared, and Ichigo cleared his throat to get my attention. He gave a knowing smirk, while crossing his arms.

"So she's your girlfriend, right?" he mused.

"In a way, yes." I admit, but she was merely someone for physical desires. Nothing was romantic between me and Riine. We're just friends who have sex once in a while for fun. And so far, I'm her favorite. "And is 'Rukia' your girlfriend as well?" I mused back.

He let out a snort, then a chuckle. I knew that meant a no, but why is he laughing? It was as if my question was so funny. "That's not gonna happen in a million years. We're just close friends for a long time now."

There was truth to his words. Why else would he laugh? But before he even started to laugh, I knew something in me would not be pleased if he answered otherwise.

Just in one night, I know that he is something that gave me excitement that is rare.

I don't get that excitement from sleeping with women, or drowning myself in alcohol, or brutalizing brats my age. I got it from the opposite of me, who has never done any of that. "Okay. But you dated anybody?" I added.

He shook his head, sitting on the stack of metal poles behind him without making the stack lose balance and roll.

"I don't know how to date. Hell, I've never kissed anybody. Anyways, why are we talking about our love lifes? I'm stuck in this world and that's the main problem. And once again, thanks for helping me out." he said all in once.

I nod in understanding. I still want to help him, but still...

"So, you never kissed anybody?" Shiro asked. I nodded a no. "With the exception when I peck my little sisters on the forehead as a goodbye or good luck."

How much I miss them right now, though it's only been one night. Seeing how happy they are whenever I arrive home, I want to see those faces once again. And I also miss my parents. I wonder how worried are they right now? That I'm not yet back.

"Ichigo, would you close your eyes for a second?" Unlike that carefree, tough tone, he sounded softer. Now what was this about? But I did what he said, and I felt warmth when I sensed a face in front of mine though my eyes are closed.

I opened them quickly when he kissed me. He actually kissed me! But, though his lips are like ice, it felt good against my lips. He did nothing else and just held my head in place, tilting it to a new angle so he can go deeper in my mouth.

Despite how odd it is, I just let myself give in. My hands, my feet, my whole body was still. Even my breathing stopped, every part of me paralyzed as if it doesn't want this moment to end.

Then he pulled back, and I regained the ability to breathe. "What was that for?" I questioned him, my fingertips touching my lips. There was still the trace of cold skin, his cold skin.

"I wanted to teach you what a kiss feels like. Since at your age, I bet you're the only one who never got to kiss anyone in dates while everyone else got lucky. So, how does it feel?"

I can't form an answer. Just one night with this guy, and I immediately get a hot kiss from him. A man.

Now I wonder which is bigger? That kiss or me being in the reverse? My head can't make a good answer to that question. It was stupid when it was supposed to be the latter. I guess I'm making a big deal about it, and I could already hear my heart.

= To be continued =