Disclaimer: Hell yeah they are finally making a BLEACH videogame for PS3…bout bloody time. I do not own Ichigo and Co because my name is not Kubo-sensei.
Written and dedicated to: BonneNuit, I miss you these days.
Warnings: AU, OOC-ness, plot holes, AiIchi, othersIchi and everything but m-fing kitchen sink that you can find in SLY's wirtings.
Shades Of Orange
Part 14
Things That Children Do and Say
(Ichigo)
Last time…
Ichigo rolled his eyed. "Fine oh great wise brother o' mine tell me the story."
()()
Now…
"I was 16 years old when I fell in love. I don't use that term loosely and neither should you Ichigo."
Ichigo was really sick and tiered of being lectured by everyone. And who the hell said anything about love.
"I don't love anyone except for my family."
An image of a grinning goat came to mind just then.
'Well most of the time.'
"Good. Now then on with the story…
()
"Like most 16 year old boys there was really only one thing I cared about back then: Being independent. So when the opportunity to become a part of exchange student program came along I was the first one to jump on that ship.
The thing that separated this particular program from all others was that they would not tell us what our destination would be."
"Where did you end up?"
"You know til this day I'm still not sure but with all the ancient artifacts and sand I'm guessing Egypt or somewhere close to Egypt."
"And that's where you met her-the love of your life?"
"Yes. Although Sakanade didn't want to have anything to do with me at first since she was far more interested in her studies. It was her dream to succeed where all other women had failed in a world dominated by men.
You would not know it at first glance-cherry red locks, eyes like black pearls found at the bottom of the sea, face resembled a cherub, innocent and a bit naïve, she worked her child-like looks to her advantage.
There was no tomb she would not wander into, no mountain she would not climb, no desert she would not cross and she would never take no for an answer.
I was charmed almost instantly but she didn't even notice me up until the sand storm."
"Sand storm?"
"You'd think we would have been prepared especially since we basically lived in sand but one can never truly prepare themselves against nature's harsh winds."
"So let me guess some uber dramatic cliché accident occurred and the two of you were buried underneath mountains of sand with no way out. On the verge of dying, she lowered all of her defenses, fell into your arms and wept."
Shinji's face turned completely serious for a few minutes before that stupid grin resurfaced on his face.
Ichigo scowled when the blond ruffled his hair.
"You've been reading too many novels Ichigo, way too many."
Ichigo smoothed his hair back into place (well as well as one could smooth unruly orange spiky locks that is) and crossed his arms.
Which only made Shinji grin wider.
And this only irritated Ichigo further. If the stupid blond didn't get on with his damn story the orange haired youth would get back on his skiis and leave.
"…"
Ichigo filled in the blanks. "Fine. So she still couldn't stand the sight of you. And in reality it was you who broke down and started bawling like a baby. She took pity and wrapped you in her arms as she tried to think of a way out."
"Give me some credit I'm a man!"
Ichigo snorted. "Then hurry up and tell it."
"She asked me if she could borrow my straw."
Ichigo blinked. "Beg pardon?"
Did Shinji really expect him to believe-?
"You'd be surprised how useful smaller items can be from time to time."
"Right," a raised brow "So she what then? Dug her way out of the sand."
"Not even close. She started drawing designs in the sand-it took me awhile to figure out what we were playing but eventually it dawned on me," completely unnecessary pause-We played pictionary-desert style."
"Let me see if I get this straight. You were running out of oxygen, probably counting down the last minutes on earth and instead of thinking of a way out you played childish games?"
"Who said anything about running out of oxygen. Silly Ichigo, don't you know anything?"
"You said you were trapped didn't you?"
"Yes we were-
"Then-
"There was no need to panic. I knew we would be rescued eventually."
"How could you know?"
"Because I was born under a lucky sign," a wider grin "And so was she."
Lucky signs? And Ichigo thought the man couldn't get any more ridiculous.
"I see so what does your love life have to do with me and the choice I have to eventually make?"
"Take a moment and think about it."
()()()
44 hours earlier…
(Ulquiorra)
Ulquiorra was not a religious person but he was all out of options at this point.
And so he found himself going to confessional at the very same Catholic church he used to attend when he was a young boy and his mother (the shameless hussy) that she had been would go there to hit on the choirboys.
But he wasn't here to think about his late mother-rarely thought of the woman these days.
No Ulquiorra had come here for one reason and one reason only.
()()
"Forgive me father for I have sinned it has been well over 255 days since my last confession."
"…"
"Are you listening father?"
"I am, my child go ahead and speak."
"I've been having these thoughts-impure thoughts about another man's bride and-
"Yes?"
"The man is no ordinary man but the very same man who has been my guardian for as far back as I can remember."
()()
(Hinamori)
She was going to show them-show them all that they should have listened to her when she spoke. They would quickly learn not to ignore her-learn to never whisper behind her back when they thought she wasn't listening.
The group of scum who dared to call her they're sibling-who dared to call her Aizen-sama their father.
Thought they could waltz in and out of the mansion whenever they felt like it-never once inviting her to come along. Never once asking her if she'd like anything.
It was difficult for Hinamori-hard to say which one she hated the most.
The seagreen-haired retard with watermelons for tits, the self proclaimed golden child who tried to slice her own throat at age 13 and now insisted on going around with that hideous scarf 24/7/ The half Canadian asshole who growled in his sleep and never showed a single ounce of respect towards Aizen-sama. The emotionally-challenged emo freak who wore more eye shadow than a damn drag queen, the narcoleptic idiot who still was afraid of the dark at 22 years of age.
The two outcasts. One who needed some serious dental surgery and the other who-well truthfully she only met Lilinette once but she hated her because-well just because.
Last but certainly not least-the newest addition to their sickening circle.
That stupid strawberry slut who actually thought he would worm his way into Aizen-sama's bed-into Aizen-sama's heart-the stupid WHORE! Oh yes it was decided Ichi whatever his last name was had to go-he was on the top of Hinamori Momo's shit list.
()()
It was at times like these when the young school girl really did just love herself.
Hinamori loved how she had that moron Urahara and that feline-addict Yoruichi wrapped around her perfectly polished finger.
()()
She stepped out into the grand living room where the duo sat waiting for her.
Genuine smile perfectly in place, practiced curtsey. "Afternoon Kisuke-san, Yoruichi-san."
"Hina-chan it's so good to finally get to see you. Come sit down and chat with us."
The blond patted the empty spot next to him. "Sit, sit tell us what you've been up to. And while we're at what would you like uncle Kisuke to bring you for Christmas huh?"
"Ah well you see I-there's not much I would want for Christmas except-she trailed off, eyes falling to the carpeted floor, blinking repeatedly, creating false tears before looking back up at the duo "Oh Kisuke-san, Yoruichi-san it's horrible f-father he's-here she sniffled-
"He's what Hina-chan?"
Hinamori grinned inwardly at the slight hint of hysteria in Yoruichi's voice.
"He's been seduced by the she-devil-but he doesn't know it because she is posing as a naïve college boy but-but I saw her eyes-she must-we must DESTROY HER!"
As if on cue the woman with mocha colored skin reached for Hinamori, pulling the young girl into her arms, smoothing down her hair, trying to calm her down. "There, there Hina-chan I'm sure it was just a nightmare-your father i-
"NO!" Hinamori screamed and the shook her head violently "I'm telling you it's not-the man who left late last night was not my father-my father would never whistle and dance down the hall way-more sniffling "He would nev-
"Calm down Hina-chan I'm sure it's all a big misund-
"NO!" Hinamori stomped her foot and let the water works really out this time "She-He I mean He said he'd kill me if I didn't kill myself first."
"Who said?"
"Aiz-I mean the she devil."
Hinamori's façade nearly cracked when she saw the way the duo were no doubt twisting her words. She had planned it that way.
"It's not his fault. Father doesn't know-I mean the she-devil has poisoned father's mind-he doesn't know what he's doing and I-
'Forgive me Aizen-sama but this is the only way I can ensure that I'll have you all too myself.'
Hinamori pushed up the sleeve on her blouse to show her two temporary house guests the large red welt on her arm "His eyes-and even his voice-please don't be angry Aizen-sama would never intentionally hurt me."
()()
BACK TO THE PRESENT
(Aizen is still visiting his mother)
(Aizen)
The small group of three of had moved their conversation from the garden and into the living room.
It seemed that Fergus hadn't completely changed his mother's way of living when a petite blonde walked into the room carrying a fresh pot of tea and scones.
"Thank you Vika, now come sit down I want you to meet Arelia's son, Sousuke. Sousuke this is my daughter Vika, she's visiting me for the holidays."
OR NOT!
The young girl scrunched up her nose and then turned to her mother. "Are you sure? He doesn't look anything like her."
'That's calling the kettle black,' thought Aizen 'The little wretch doesn't look at all like her mother. At least I have my mother's nose, can she say the same?'
Fergus glared at her daughter before turning to Aizen. "Forgive her Sousuke, Vika has lived with her father for the past 11 years and I have yet to properly reeducate her."
Vika scrunched up her nose again. "I chose to visit you, not the other way around, bitch!."
Ridiculous. What did his mother see in these-these people? Aizen looked over at the woman who had brought him into this world, noting that the fond smile remained on her face.
"They're always like this. Come Sou-kun let us continue our conversation up stairs, you can help me fold the bed sheets."
()()
"Tell me more about this Ichigo. Where did you meet? Does she have a large family? How ol-
"19 years old and we didn't meet under usual circumstances, he was running late and I offered him a ride. And as for his family I-
Lilac eyes grew wide and Arelia cut him off "You're in love with a male hooker Sou-kun?"
"No mother Ichigo-kun is not a street hooker he was accompanying his female companions to a fashion show."
"Oh a fashion show, so he's a famous celebrity then?"
Aizen felt like rolling his eyes. It seems the sheep woman's stupidity had also rubbed off on his mother.
"No Ichigo-kun is not a celebrity although he has the potential to be one if he should choose to take that particular route."
'And I would see to it that he would rise to the top and stay there. My modern day Strawberry Queen.'
"Now Sou-kun you should know better than to lie to your mother. Be it a hooker or an actor love is love and I would never deny you of your happiness. One can not help who they fall for. Why just look at Fergus-her ex husband used to be a racecar driver up until he fractured his collarbone and was forced to retire early. Nowadays he builds model trains and cars so you see-
No Aizen did not see. And he really didn't appreciate the way his mother was comparing a lovely gem like Ichigo to a sloppy thorn like Fergus.
"Ichigo-kun is-he is quite unlike any other I have ever come across. I feel myself actually wanting to be honest with him in every way-
"You should be honest with everyone Sousuke."
The woman wasn't getting it. It was incredibly annoying.
"It's more than that. The boy-it is almost as though he can see far beyond what others can. Things like kind gestures and flattery doesn't work on him, partially because I don't think he knows how to except a compliment but also-
"Enough Sou-kun. There is nothing to figure out. This Ichigo-kun is your perfect match-hurry up and make it official."
There was a certain twinkle in her eye.
()()
(Toshiro)
Working for a man like Aizen Sousuke only had one true perk-it gave him the chance to be close to the man's daughter Hinamori.
Hinamori was a troubled 16 year old. She had a short temper and a nasty habit of manipulating others-playing them for fools.
She was the grand puppeteer and everyone over 20 would quickly fall for her 'I'm just an innocent school girl' act.
He had seen her do it more than once.
Playing the victim was Hinamori's favorite past time.
Quite a few times Hitsugaya Toshiro considered exposing the girl for what she really was-A LIAR but he could never bring himself to harm the rosy cheeked girl because in the end it wasn't really Hinamori's fault.
He had seen her medical records-unfortunately insanity ran through her bloodline.
At first Toshiro blamed Aizen-if the man had cared for his daughter properly perhaps she could have turned out normal.
But then he had seen her birth records and discovered that the man really wasn't her father.
Not entirely uncommon. Especially during these times.
Toshiro himself didn't know much about his own back round or if he had any relatives.
Sometimes he would dream of a taller male with eyes so very much like his own-and thought maybe the guy might be his older brother but he wasn't sure.
The majority of his life was a blur-only scrambled bits and pieces-
Things of no real concern to him-things he was better off not even thinking about.
There was a tap on the window.
It was Hinamori.
She had an all too familiar look in her eye-the look that meant she was planning something.
Beaming at him and addressing him in that silly nickname
"Shiro-chan since father is out of town and won't be back for a few days I was thinking you and I should go on a little adventure."
Above everything else Toshiro was a chauffer "I'll take you where ever you would like to go so long as it's with in reason, Hinamori."
Brown eyes narrowed "What did I tell you about calling me by that vile name?"
Toshiro forced him self not to snap at the girl-it was not her fault she associated her last name to be something bad. "Where would you like to go Momo?"
"Oh nowhere special just a certain ski lodge up in Viso."
()()
(Ulquiorra)
Neliel was still a child so Ulquiorra couldn't really blame her for asking him so many questions when he showed up at the 'Cabin' door with out calling first.
Bottle green eyes narrowed when they took in her puffy and reddened eyes-she had been crying again.
It was so wrong. She looked better when she was laughing.
As her brother he would do his best to cheer her up but first things first…
"Get your coat Neliel, we will talk while we walk."
When Halibel moved to protest Ulquiorra silenced the blonde with a swipe of his hand.
He did not care if she was older than him-he had neither the time nor the patience for her stupid power trips.
"Neliel go and get your coat." He softened his voice a little-trying to make the sea-green haired woman understand that it was not her he was angry with.
Halibel knew better. Grimmjow knew better. But they simply did not care. They were ungrateful brats trapped in the bodies of a young man and woman.
They would soon learn their place. This was Ulquiorra's long time vow.
He had fallen off track for a short while-got wrapped up in things-or rather a certain person he had no business getting wrapped up in.
But that time had come and gone.
And now it was time to refocus him self.
He had one purpose and one purpose only.
To ensure the absolute happiness of the man who had raised him as though he were his own.
It was quite simple.
Aizen-sama would have a happy holiday or heads would roll.
()()()
(Ichigo)
"So basically what you're telling me is so long as I am with someone there is no reason to panic because at least I won't have to worry about dying alone?"
"Now you're getting it!" Shinji began putting his clothes back on-we've been out here long enough I think it's time to head back and warm up."
Ichigo did admit sitting in front of the fireplace drinking a hot cup of java sounded pretty damn ideal right about now.
()()()
But it wasn't the main lodge Shinji had been referring to but a private hot tub, which was about the size of Ichigo's living room back home.
Hiyori and her posse looked all too happy to see him.
"Bout time you showed up-hurry up and strip berry face!"
Well sort of.
Ichigo didn't feel like discussing anything but the pigtailed girl didn't seem to care what the orange haired youth wanted. With a snap of her fingers a naked Mashiro and an equally naked Risa jumped out of the hot tub and advanced on him.
Ichigo was not nor would he ever be interested in looking at the female body so he averted his gaze and willed himself not to blush like the virgin everyone knew he was.
As if the fates decided to further entertain them selves by adding to his humiliation Kensei's gaze locked with his own just then.
Although the silver-blond was wearing a poker face Ichigo felt his face grow warm.
Hearing the inner voice inside his head cackle just then damn sure didn't help.
"You really are too pretty for your own good berry-tan."
"I think next Halloween I shall dress you up as my little dolly-put ribbons in your hair and everything."
"And Mashi, Mashi will be there to snap the pictures."
Seriously how old were these two again? Ichigo looked to either Kensei (who still hadn't changed his face) or Love who still continued to bury his nose in his comic book, not caring that it might get wet-hoping one of them would take pity on him and convince the shameless women to leave him alone.
No such luck.
Strength coming from deep down (could only be channeled when a poor unsuspecting male such as himself was about to be mauled by banshees aka the female population) Ichigo managed to break away form the duo, forgetting the fact that he was now just as naked as his companions and stepped into the hot tub.
Making sure to distance him self as much as possible from the rest of the group.
He let out a relieved sigh when neither Hiyori nor her posse made any further move to crowd his limited personal space.
"I'll let you off for now but later on you and I are chatting."
"Yeah, yeah."
For fuck sake why was every single woman in his life so damn pushy.
No wonder he was gay.
()()()
/ DREAM /
Surely by now Ichigo would be able to make sense of his dreams and maybe he could if they didn't become weirder and weirder each time around.
He found himself wandering down a long hallway with freshly polished floors and glistening white doors. The soft sound of violins could be heard from beyond the main doors, which he now found himself standing in front of.
The music was beautiful-the one playing-calling out to him. Why deny a musician his/her audience?
()()
Ichigo pushed the grand doors open and stepped inside-
Of all the things he might expect Kenpachi being the one responsible for the lovely sounds was not one of them.
The man seemed so entirely focused on his the music he was playing.
Ichigo was sure he had his mouth open-no doubt gaping like a fish and blinking repetitively but he couldn't help it-Kenpachi the violinist? What were the odds?
In the back of his mind Ichigo knew he was making a rather unfair judgment-just because the wild haired man didn't slick back his hair or where stuffy tailored suits did not make him a complete barbarian.
Everyone had a softer side. Even Kenpachi.
Still it was difficult for Ichigo to wrap his mind around.
()
The man beckoned the berry to come and sit with him.
Naturally Ichigo couldn't protest-still he felt confused -
()()
Kenpachi set his violin down to the side and surprised Ichigo once again when he began singing. It wasn't unpleasant, just strange and totally and completely out of character.
Then the man leaned over and kissed him.
Ichigo expected the Kenpachi he was more familiar with to resurface just then-was certain the man would start biting at his skin and ripping off his clothes-a part of him even wanted it-
But no the kiss was smooth and gentle-the only hint that the Kenpachi Ichigo knew and might one day come to love was there was when the man squeezed his ass-but even that seemed less aggressive then the berry was accustomed to.
Not that it was unpleasant. Not by a long shot.
But different. Sometimes different is good.
Still why here? Why now?
VROOM VROOM
As if things couldn't get any weirder-
The purr of an engine-no not a purr-a roaring engine-
Coming from right behind the doors that he stepped through just a few short minutes ago.
VROOM VROOM
The sounds continued-growing louder and louder-
It shouldn't have been but Ichigo was having a bit of a difficult time concentrating on kissing the tamed beast at the moment.
()
And now something else was demanding his attention-
No someone else-
When the doors flew open Ichigo's mouth dropped for the second time.
He certainly hadn't been expecting to see Aizen waltz in just then-
Well actually the man wasn't waltzing at all-he wasn't even on foot.
No he was the one behind the Harley?
Ichigo blinked.
What the fuck was going on?
Had Aizen-no Sousuke-no Aizen-whatever had the aristocrat and Kenpachi switched places?
Hair flying in his face-shirt un-tucked, sleeves on his leather jacket ripped off, fingerless gloves-
It was bizarre in every sense of the word.
Aizen didn't own a motorcycle.
Didn't own leather-hell if the man did own leather Ichigo was sure he would have seen it during that afternoon they had spent together.
Okay so possibly maybe Aizen-er Sousuke-whatever owned leather gloves (real genuine Italian leather) in order to keep his hands from getting blistered in the harsh wind-or maybe a leather recliner in his main office.
But actually wearing leather?
It was highly unlikely.
()
The scene became even more ridiculous and unlikely when the brunet got off his bike and started laughing like some mad villain out of one of those cheesy and cliché movies about superheroes as he made his way towards Ichigo.
The icing on the cake-Kenpachi started shaking beside Ichigo-not with burning rage or barely controlled blood lust like Ichigo would have expected-
No the man looked scared-scared because of Aizen?
Wow how much more backwards and disturbing could his dreams get.
'Think happy thoughts King and ya will be right where you want ta be.'
'Right now I'd like to get back to the land of reality but thanks all the same.'
Shirosaki just cackled and the dream shifted.
()()
Ichigo awakens to find himself in a bed-something about this bed seems familiar-he doesn't think on it too much for the scent of charcoal reaches his nose.
As if in a trance of some sort the orange haired youth leaves the bed and goes down stairs.
()()
He is being lead into the backyard-the scene is far more normal than the last.
Back turned, spatula in hand, white and black apron tied around his waist.
Spiky black hair held back by a bandana.
It is Kenpachi. At least this is the man Ichigo is used to seeing unlike that-he rather not think-much rather enjoy the more realistic Kenpachi whose back is still turned.
"Stop hovering in the door way and bring your ass here Ichigo."
Ah the fine guttural grunt is TRUE music to Ichigo's ears.
Because this is dreamland he feels no need to protest against the command-here is free to act like a total uber uke without shame.
()()
TBC