Ichigo sighed, walking beside Yoruichi as they made the trek to Urahara's shop. His father would meet them there shortly. Things were just turning out for the better, but no Ichigo felt they were going to take another turn, this time for the worse. Would they be fighting for their lives? Running for their lives? Or what? Would they be rescuing someone? Or exiling someone? He was dying to know! Yoruichi noticed his worried look, her smile reassuring him as he glanced down to the goddess.
"Just know that whatever it is, Ichigo, I'll be with you." Ichigo smiled, nodding as he squeezed her hand which he held in his firmly. One look at her and he was no longer fretting over what was going to be revealed. The beautiful dark skinned woman had confessed her love to him. Though big words weren't used, she still said those three little words that meant the most. Those three little words held so much meaning. Meaning that couldn't possibly be captured by any amount of words, yet mustered into one. Love. An emotion even Ichigo had come to accept. Yoruichi even had a hard time believing that she was capable of loving. But here she found herself deeply inlove with one Ichigo Kurosaki. She had told herself many times that it wasn't love, but her heart could no longer deny what she had felt for so long. It was impossible to keep denying it, for it was becoming more of a burden to bare. And now that everything was out in the open between them, they could take their relationship to more of a lovers level.
"Thats why I'm able to keep going, Yoruichi. Because I have you." His words were soft and soothing, feeling her body with a giddy warmth. Not even Kisuke had made her feel this way. And that was amazing because she thought what she felt for Kisuke was love. But now she knew that wasn't true. With Kisuke, she'd leave for days, months, years at a time. She would only return for a day or two then be gone once more. With Ichigo, she was around more than ever. Skipping social obligations and such to be with him. Hell, even after she had healed after the hollow attack, she remained with him. Opting to go to school with him. Nothing would stand in their way of being together. Whatever awaited them at Urahara's shop, they would face and conquer together. The bond such as love was strong. Even so that it could overcome even the toughest of battles; bring down the powerfulest of foes.
"Well, lets find out whats going on." Yoruichi sighed, stepping into Urahara's shop. To their surprise, Isshin was already there; sitting beside Urahara, the two talking in hushed tones. Ichigo raised a brow, plopping himself down and pulling Yoruichi down into his lap on the opposite side of the dubbed perverts.
"So whats so important you would drag us from our alone time?" Ichigo asked, resting his head on Yoruichi's shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Yoruichi couldn't help the smile that graced her lips as she set her arms over his, entrapping his limbs against her. She leaned back against his hard chest, taking in his warmth.
"We've discovered that a hollow has retaken its human form." Urahara began, leaning forward as he tossed a picture out into the space between them. "I believe you two know him." Ichigo and Yoruichi studied the picture for a few moments, their eye brows furrowing at the realization.
"Heerosaki Achikawa." The lovers said in unison. Their faces were blank, how could they not have sensed some sort of energy? "What do you mean he's a hollow in human form?"
"Achikawa was terrorizing the gates of Soul Society. Somehow he'd found a way to get in. Only problem was that when they sent the defense force after him, he abosrbed them into his body. they don't know how that happened, but when it did, a transformation took effect. Soul Society was extremely damaged, and General Shigekuni could only force him back into a different world. Unfortunately this one. Their too busy recovering from the incident that they couldn't dispatch a reaper.Things are pretty hectic over there right now."
"Not only that, but, from what we hear, you Ichigo are a hollow in human form." Ichigo felt his heart drop; his arms tightening around Yoruichi. She turned her head, looking back at him as his eyes grew distant. So that was the reason for the mask. That was the reason he had so much power during the fight with Byakuya. He was a hollow. A hollow, hybrid-ized with a human and shinigami.
"So what is that it? Do I have to fight this guy?" Ichigo's voice failed to mask his melancholy disposition. Not even the goddess in his arms could feel his normal cockyness radiating off of him. Such a blow to his heart, and yet she felt as if she could do nothing for him.
"Thats not even the tip of the ice berg Ichigo." Urahara stated, taking off his hat. The gesture caused both Yoruichi and Ichigo to widen their eyes. For no purpose had this man even taken off his hat. It wasn't something you seen everyday, and certainly not often. It was quite a rare opportunity to see him without it. Isshin cleared his throat, causing the attention to be focused on him.
"We know of your dream Yoruichi. Your nightmare of Ichigo dying in your arms. It has come to our attention that.. It was not a dream, but rather a premonition."
Yoruichi felt her heart stop. Her eyes widening as she shivered slightly. She stiffened in Ichigos embrace, fear suddenly apparent on her face.
"What do you mean? I don't have that kind of power. Foresight is impossible.." She stammered, looking down as the nightmare that had once plagued her dreams now plagued her thoughts. Ichigo's dying form caused her eyes to water, though she quickly pushed her tears back down as she looked up at Urahara. "Kisuke, clarify his words for me. Please tell me that-"
"I'm afraid thats unknown to me. I can't say what will happen to Ichigo, but we know for sure this Achikawa is after Ichigo's power. He wants Ichigo's mask, and to get it, he will stop at nothing. I've had a few reapers out in the field under my wing. They say he's absorbed a few hollows as well. He's becoming stronger, and we can't allow him to get Ichigo."
"To get to me, means they'll attack my family and Yoruichi." Ichigo's voice was drawn, no emotion whatsoever showing on his face. All this was too sudden for him, and Yoruichi could tell he was struggling to cope with it all. They had finally gotten together only to be torn apart by a new threat. His heart seemed crushed from the news. Urahara continued, telling them of his plan and how Ichigo should stay in one of his chambers and train. Ichigo and Yoruichi, however, paid no mind. They listened, of course, but their eyes were locked, studying each other. Both knew what they would have to sacrifice. They were going to be forced to put their love, their relationship on hold until Heerosaki was dead.
Broken heart one more time
Pick yourself up, Why even cry.
Broken pieces in your hands
Wonder how you'll make it whole
Ichigo walked slowly behind Urahara, Yoruichi watching from the doorway as her love entered the training grounds. She frowned, holding herself as she looked down. Isshin set his hand on her shoulder as he watched his son take on his shinigami form. They couldn't make out Urahara's words, and by the blank look on Ichigo's face, they couldn't tell if it was good or bad. Turning, Yoruichi made her way into a different room; one that belonged to her when she had stayed there. She shut the door, collapsing on her bed as she brought her knees up to her chest. Her heart felt as if it were torn from her. Tears suddenly poured from her eyes. She cried softly, holding her stomach as she did so. Why did it hurt so much? She had never before felt so much pain. But Ichigo was in immense danger, not to mention they weren't going to be able to spend any time alone together. Things were going to be dangerous from now on. They were going to be on full alert. Hiding out was all they could do for now, and for that time, Ichigo had to train his heart out. Nothing mattered; fatigue, pain, heartache, loneliness, love. They were forced to bottle up such feelings, plunged into a never ending season of depressing rain. November. A month both had thought would turn out to be a great month. Boy were they fooled. While the month would have its special place in both their hearts, it would forever be counted as one of the worst times. True, the saying was. The coldness of Novembers rain was a bittersweet droplet from above.
Yoruichi continued to let her tears fall, not remembering when she had last cried. She knew it had been awhile. She was a strong woman. She was never overwhelmed by such emotions. At least not until now. Her thoughts drifted over the month. How Ichigo had constantly haunted her during her short stay in Soul Society. How she had returned to this world to see him. How she'd been attacked, only to end up on Ichigo's door step. How he'd taken her in and cared for her, gave her a place to stay until she'd recooperated. How he'd so welcomingly invited her to stay at his place instead of Urahara's. He had done so much for her, and even fallen in love with her, or rather, realized he had been in love with her. Then there was their first time together. She had felt like it was indeed her first, even though she was far from being a virgin. And although it was his first time, Yoruichi felt differently. It had seemed as if he were an expert at bonding. He got her in all the right spots, knowing just where to please her most. Yoruichi could very well say he was her best, and he will be her last. She had no intention of being separated from him. None at all. She belonged to him just as he belonged to her. Screw the danger, screw it all.
You know, You pray
This can't be the way.
You cry, You say
Somethings gotta change.
And mend this Porcelain Heart of mine.
As the remaining days of November passed, the cold, icy days of December began their ascent. Snow fell freely from the heavens, the small white flakes showered the earth almost gracefully. Ichigo hadn't come out of the training center. Yoruichi knew that when he did come out, he would be much more powerful; he would appear differently. In that particular training room, time passed rather fast. No doubt Ichigo would appear older as well. Sighing, Yoruichi clutched her stomach as she became dizzy. She fell against the sink, and unfortunately for her, Kisuke just happened to be passing through.
"Watch yourself there princess." Kisuke smirked, tapping his trade mark cane on the ground. She gave him a, 'mind your own damn business look', and turned her attention to the fridge as she grabbed a carton of milk and quickly chugged it down, leaving a mustache of white over her lips. Urahara laughed, leaning on the wall as he watched her. She looked different; tired like. "Are you sure your ok?" He asked, almost concerned. The cat nodded, giving him a smile.
"I just miss Ichigo." She said softly, looking down. Her attitude had changed as well. "How much longer do you think he'll be in there?"
"Its hard to say. Ichigo has a high power level as it is, but he needs to learn how to bring out his inner hollow. I'm hoping Zangetsu can help him with that." Yoruichi nodded, walking past him towards her room. "Don't worry Yoruichi. Knowing Ichigo, he's probably already figured it out."
Yoruichi smiled faintly, nodding her head as she shut her door. Despite the reassurance, she still couldn't shake the feeling. Uneasy and unsettling, the feeling was. She didn't like it at all. She prefered to be strong and devoid of such feelings. However, her hormones seemed to be off balance. Not only was she feeling quite sick lately, but the emotion burden had hightened. Somehow everything seemed to be a blow ten times more than what it should be. Yoruichi felt weak. She couldn't stand up without becoming dizzy. And she missed Ichigo so very much. So much it was becoming unbearable. Just how long was he going to train without coming out for something to eat, or to rest? To make love to her and to hold her. She missed his embrace, as odd as it sounds. Yoruichi Shihouin, the Goddess of Flash, all around tease ached to be in the arms of a teen no less. A teen who had become a man.
Someone said "A broken heart would sting at first,
then make you stronger"
You wonder why the pain remains.
Were hearts made whole just to break?
Feeling the need to lay down for the umpteenth time that week, Yoruichi fell back on her bed, ignoring any knocks at her door. And soon the knocks stopped. She could hear faint whispers coming from Isshin and Urahara, telling others to let her be. At least those two understood her pain, her loneliness. She hadn't known how to act without Ichigo. She was always with him, for the entire month of November. In that short time, she had grown used to having him around her at all times. She'd grown used to teasing the poor boy, while also being able to open up to him. Never before had she been so free around someone. Kisuke being the exception of course; he'd known her alot longer after all. Sighing, Yoruichi closed her tired eyes, thoughts of Ichigo lulling her into a peaceful sleep.
The door to the training chamber creaked open, a very wornout and much more toned, powerful Ichigo stepped out. His clothes were battered to shreds, blood flowing freely from open wounds. Bandages covered others, which were now opened and bleeding as well. His hair was slightly longer, his appearance more manly. Urahara clapped his hands, seeing his changed Zanpackuto. The black blade was in a Bankai form, though, Urahara could tell it wasn't his Bankai. Ichigo said nothing as he headed for the shower room, his eyes down cast.
In truth, he wanted to seek out Yoruichi and spend his night with her. He would have to get back to his training soon. And he was certainly in no hurry to do that. He wanted to spend time with his goddess, not train for a battle to the death. Hell, anything was better than that. However, the thought of the dark skinned beauty being killed plagued his mind. He would never let any harm come to her. He would risk everything for her. But, he was scared to lose her. She would undoubtedly join the battle, risking her life for his. Ichigo, of course, didn't want that to be the case. Turning on the hot water, Ichigo stepped into the steaming shower, washing away the blooy and fatigue. The hotness of the water caressing his skin; massaging the aching out of his muscles.
Creator only you take the brokenness
And create it into beauty once again.
He slowly opened the door, smiling when he saw Yoruichi sound asleep. Her back was turned to him, so it was easy for him to slip on a bare of pants without being noticed. Ichigo eased onto the bed behind her, pulling up the covers as he got comfortable, laying his head in the crook of her neck while wrapping a protective arm around her mid drift. Yoruichi stirred, her eyes opening slowly. The warmness around her; the feeling of safety filled her body. Her heart lept for joy as she grabbed his hand, holding his arm against her. He smiled, kissing her neck as he lifted up. She rolled onto her back, looking up into his eyes. Her golden orbs glowed with happiness once more, her smile causing his heart to flutter. He'd missed that. Her eyes, her smile; her.
"Ichigo.." She whispered, lifting her hand and caressing his cheek. She could tell he'd aged a bit while training. His hair was shoulder length, still spikey at the top. He looked more like a young man instead of a boyish teen. Tears lined her eyes, his lips quickly crashing down on hers. Yoruichi moaned, opening her mouth to his seeking tongue. Thier kiss was passionate and heated, full of desire and restless lust. God, had she missed his lips. He may be inexperienced at the whole kissing thing, but he wsa on hell of a fast learner. The moment his warm lips touched hers, she was already dazed and aching for more. Heaving for air, the two lovers gazed into each others eyes once more, Ichigo's hand wandering her body. "I've missed you."
"I missed you too." Again, their lips met, Ichigo almost fully on top of her now. "When this is all over; when Heerosaki is dead, and your premonition is laid to rest, what do you say we get our own place together." With any other couple, under different circumstances, the pace they were moving at would've been too fast. But, Yoruichi and Ichigo could both tell that what they felt for each other; the love they had, was endless. Yoruichi knew there wouldbe no other for her, and likewise, Ichigo felt the same. So many firsts had been shared with her. She knew him through and through. She knew his pain, his struggle. And he knew hers. They understood each other perfectly.
"Sounds like a plan to me." She smirked, running her hands through his hair. She always knew that chamber progressed time. But just how much older was he now? She slowly slid her hands down his toned back, feeling the scars he had. She'd noticed that his wounds had been healing quickly, telling her that he had indeed learned how to control his hollow form. But just how had he done it? As she looked into his eyes, she decided she'd ask in the morning. For now, all she wanted was to spend time with him. "What will we do now, Ichigo?" Her voice was slightly unsure, the moons light failing to conceal her worried expression.
"Right now," Ichigo leaned down, kissing her neck softly, introducing his tongue to the bare skin he found. She gasped in pleasure as his hand slid up under her shirt to cup her breast. She said his name softly, her body aching for his. "All I want to do is you, Yoruichi." His low voice was husky, highly arousing her. She chuckled, the old Yoruichi returning as her signature smirk graced her lips.
"I'm all yours Ichigo." She nibbled on his ear lobe, hands sliding down his pants as he worked on stripping her of her clothes. The two lovers made love into the early morning, wanting to make up for lost time. It had only been a couple weeks at most, but to them a couple weeks apart was a long time. "I love you.."
"I love you too."
Yep, they wanted to relish in their free time, wanting to touch every part of each other. Yoruichi came for the umpteenth time as she screamed his name in pleasure, her hot flesh contracting around his length as he came for his last time. Collapsing on her, he made no attempt to remove himself from her depths as he rested his head in between her breasts. Breathing laboredly, Yoruichi tightened her arms and legs around him, her eyes opening slowly as he lifted himself up to look into her golden orbs. Her face registered her pleasure, and he knew he wore the same expression. "Mm, did I forget to mention that you are on hell of a love machine Ichigo?" Her playful tone caused him to smirk, and chuckle softly.
"Only for you, Yoruichi." Lazily, he rolled them over so she was on top. Grinning, she rolled her hips, arousing him once more as she leaned down and pressed herself against him. Ichigo wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding her to him.
"Ichigo, will you promise me something?"
"Anything." Ichigo said, kissing her head as he finally gathered his breathing under control. Yoruichi lifted up, her face inches from his as she searched his eyes.
"Promise me that, no matter what happens from this point, that you'll stay alive." He couldn't help but laugh dryly at her words, bringing his hand up to brush her bangs away from her sweaty face. He gently caressed her cheek, pulling her down for a deep, sensual kiss.
"That goes without saying."
"Just promise me."
"Nothing will-"
"Ichigo." Yoruichi's eyes boared into his. Her saw her love, her fear. She was terrified to lose him, that he could tell. Sitting up, causing her to straddle his lap, he hugged her, kissing her neck as he did so. Her arms snaked around his neck, tightly returning his embrace as she made sure there was no space at all between them. Their bodies clung together, sweating as if they had just finished running a marathon.
"I promise." He whispered softly, tightening his arms around her. "But you have to do something for me in return."
"And that is?" Her arms tightened around his neck, her breathing calm and collect. It felt good to be with him again.
"When I fight Heerosaki, don't interfere." Yoruichi was silent. She couldn't promise that. She knew she would jump in if things started looking bad, regardless of the promise. "Yoruichi, I mean it. If something were to happen to you, I don't know what I'd do."
"And if anything happened to you, Ichigo, I don't know how I would cope. I have to be with you. I need to be with you." Pulling back slightly, Ichigo kissed her softly, easily spilling his love for her into the sweet kiss.
"Then you understand how I feel. Just don't go playing the hero. Leave that glory for me." He smiled. "The hero always gets a reward later for his victory." Yoruichi's tention eased as she melted back into him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Its a promise." She whispered. Who knew what awaited them in the future. But one thing was for certain; Yoruichi and Ichigo were inseparable. Not only were they fighting for everyone, they were fighting for each other. For their lives, for their love. Despite the horror that Heerosaki Achikawa was creating, their courage came from one heart; the heart that they now shared.
A/N: Yay. Long chapter, finally. A little bit of angst, little bit of sorrow, little bit of romance, hell this chapter had it all didn't it? I had to rack my brain to come up with a song that would fit the emotion of the thought of finally getting together only to be torn apart once more. The song by the way is Porcelain Heart, heh name for my next YoruIchi fanfic, by Barlow Girl. Check it out, its a pretty good song. Anywho, I tried to make this chapter revealing. Tis the reason I brought in Heerosaki Achikawa and Yoruichi's nightmare, well, premonition. That way, I have training chapters, then the battle chapters, then the aftermath chapters, then Yoruichi's premonition chapters, and then finally the ending to Cold November Rain. I'm actually amazed I was able to get this chapter this long. Being that I had a 4 day weekend, my cousin was no picnic, practically begging me to play my PS2 and running in and out of the computer room, "Come look at this! Its awesome!" Ten minutes later. "NIKKI! Beat this part for me." Talk about a headache. The whole thing went as quoted:
Cousin: Can I play your game?
Me: Is not hooked up.
Cousin: Hook it up.
Me: You've got arms and fingers, do it yourself.
Cousin: It takes too long.
Me: Like its gonna go any faster when I do it.
Cousin: Your fast with your hands. See, you type a mile a minute.
Me: This is a keyboard douche bag now get out and leave me alone.
Cousin: What are you writing?
Me: A fanfic.
Cousin: Which one?
Me: Chapter 13 to my Cold November Rain.
Cousin: Thats the Bleach one right? With the flash chick and Ichigo?
Me: Yoruichi and Ichigo, yeah. Now, do you mind? I can't type with you hovering over my shoulder.
Cousin: I'll just sit here and watch.
Me: Ugh, fine. I'll hook the game up.
Ten damn minutes later.
Cousin: Nikki, you so have to see this.
Me: What is it?
Cousin: Dart just turned into a dragoon.
Me: I know, I've only beat that game a million times.
Five minutes later.
Cousin: Nikki..
Me: What now?
Cousin: I can't beat this guy.
Me:Your a real pain in my ass you know that?
Cousin:Yeah, but I'm your cousin so you gotta love me.
Me: Maybe so but that doesn't mean I have to like you.
Me-3, Cousin-0
The game being played was The Legend of Dragoon.
R&R Pwease :3
Btw, Credit for idea help during the "confession" scene for YoruIchi goes to Kohryu. Thanks alot, i know the scene was dull-er than imagined, but hey, thats not the only "love" confession scene. Dramatic one comes a few chapters from now heh.