Disclaimer: Yes I do listen to rock music sometimes when writing but my name is still not Kubo-sensei!
A/N To the select few who have shown interest in this story…I thank you for your support. ~SLY~
Warnings: AU, Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, Flashbacks, viewpoint switch, Plot-weirdness, OOC-ness, etc…etc.
Welcome to the almost finale…more notes at bottom
KanamexIchigo
()()
NYMPHS DO EXIST
3/4
(ICHIGO)
Ichigo banished his memories back into the deep recesses of his mind and focused his attention back on the man below.
Why has the chocolate beauty come here? The nymph does not know the answer but he is determined to find out. Rivaling the agility of a panther and the slinking of a snake Ichigo moves to a lower branch.
The man below shifts ever so slightly in his sleep but does not wake. His royal purple tunic and white linen pants rustle with the wind. Long lashes flutter but still the chocolate beauty does not wake.
Ichigo knows he doesn't have a lot of time and so he leaps down to the next branch hoping to get a closer look.
Something shiny catches the nymphs' eye. So shiny it is almost blinding-the berry nymph winces in discomfort and thinks it is just about as bad (if not worse) than if he had stared straight into the sun unblinking. And then the next thing Ichigo knows is...he is falling, falling, falling and crash lands into the chocolate beauties lap.
"U-waaaaaaaaaa!"
"Oof!"
Well even if the dark stranger wasn't awake before he most definitely is awake now.
Ichigo winced for an entirely different reason. Not exactly the best impression to make on someone-not that the nymph had been aiming to make an impression at all. He had merely wished to observe and-well not like he had much of a choice now.
()()
(KANAME)
Kaname blinked. A half-naked orange haired young man had fallen from out of the sky and into his lap. No correction a half-naked orange haired young man with wings had fallen from out of the sky and into his lap.
Well this was unusual. Very unusual but not entirely unpleasant perhaps this young man was some sort of tour guide here to show Kaname around on the island? And perhaps his wings were just part of a costume? Sure beat the standard polo and slacks routine.
Not that Kaname had been searching for a tour guide but it might be wise to accept if he planned to stay on this unknown island.
()
(ICHIGO)
In Ichigo's defense the dark beauty was solid and warm and it seemed all too natural to cling to the man like sap to pine-not that the nymph was comparing himself to a tree but-
"Is this how you normally greet a man when he comes to your island?"
Humor colored the man's low timbering tone-rather than sounding annoyed or disturbed or offended by the nymphs' sudden drop in the traveler was amused.
At any other time Ichigo would have scowled because he did not appreciate being laughed at but such was not the case at this point in time. He felt his cheeks grow warm but managed to meet the man's eyes.
Not what he expected. Not at all what he had expected to see.
Ichigo knew it was rude to stare but he just couldn't help himself.
He'd seen brown, blue, green, gold and on occasion red colored eyes. He did not expect…
The man's eyes were not only mismatched there were faint lines of scar tissue around his right eye, it was round with a glassy like texture, pale gray in color. His left eye was almond- shaped and the color brought to mind the image of a wide-open field covered in lilacs.
Ichigo didn't even have to search the dark beauty's soul to conclude that this man had probably suffered a great deal throughout his life. His heart ached at the thought and he finally dropped his gaze.
"Well, if you aren't going to answer my question, would you mind letting me up? My legs are beginning to go numb?"
The stranger asked nicely so there was no reason for Ichigo not to comply with the request. He scratched the back of his head, suddenly feeling quite sheepish, "Uh sorry for-well anyway uh," he quickly scrambled off the man's lap and stood up. "Let me make it up to you, show you round' get you some food. Are you hungry?"
Offering to feed the human wasn't exactly considered treading carefully per se but well…there was no taking it back now that the words were out of his mouth.
Plus, if Ichigo wished to know more about the traveler-find out why the man had come here it would probably be in his best interest to stick around. Maybe he could also find out what that shiny object that had nearly blinded him and caused him to fall earlier was?
In addition, he wished to learn the story behind the scar tissue around the man's eye.
Because even with all the time that had passed and all that the nymph had seen and done humans or the idea of humans still fascinated him greatly.
"It might help if we learned each other's names-you know so were not just shouting hey "YOU" whenever we have a question or something," the nymph retracted his wings and put out his hand "I'm Ichigo."
Dark chocolate cherry tinted lips stretched into a wide smile as the man accepted his hand and revealed his own name, "You can call me Kaname."
Noting that the dark beauty now known as Kaname was only about 2 or three inches taller than him, Ichigo felt better about the situation already.
If this human turned out to be like Aizen or worse than Aizen had been the berry nymph would be ready for it.
Ichigo felt like he had the upper hand since the dark beauty honestly believed him to be some tour guide or whatever.
()()
(KANAME)
Jet lagged and hot sun aside, Kaname knew what he saw was not an illusion or his mind playing tricks on him-the young man's wings had all but dissolved into his smooth peach toned skin.
Curious. Perhaps this Ichigo was not at all who or what he appeared to be.
Perhaps the boy was a lost and lonely wandering spirit who had been waiting for someone-anyone to hear his story and help him out? Perhaps he had been murdered here and his remains were scattered and buried on this island?
It wasn't unheard of. Stories of lost souls scattered all across the globe-tragic tales and mysterious disappearances-this boy might belong to the paranormal realm?
Or maybe Ichigo wasn't an innocent soul at all but a vengeful trickster of a demon whose sole purpose was to taunt, seduce and ensnare humans with his sinful looking body and soft rasping voice?
Kaname shook his head. What was he doing? It wasn't like him to judge others simply based on their appearance alone. Sure, he was a bit wary of others after the sham with Rangiku but that didn't mean this Ichigo would-certainly not-no his mind was getting the best of him.
This young man was nothing more than a tour guide. A not quite human tour guide-possibly a hybrid like his friend Komamura but a tour guide all the same.
And right now his guide wished to feed him. And since Kaname hadn't eaten anything since early yesterday morning he figured it would probably be best to put something in his stomach.
()
(ICHIGO)
"You're awfully quiet. Not gonna fall asleep on me again are you?"
Ichigo didn't know why he felt so at ease around Kaname but he did. There was just something likable about his personality even though he hadn't spoken much.
And the energy around him was light and pure unlike Aizen's energy, which had been suffocating and tainted with darkness and…yeah Ichigo rather not think of that bastard right now.
Still…the nymph couldn't help but notice certain similarities about the two humans-for example the way Kaname carried himself, strong, upright, regal, exuding sheer confidence-strutting with pride. Aizen had been the same way.
The same could be said about their style of dress.
Although Kaname's ensemble was more loosely fitted than Aizen's had been it was clear that the man's clothing had been tailor made from the finest and richest fabric money could buy.
"And if I did fall asleep once more, would I wake up and find you sitting in my lap or… perhaps sleeping on top of me?"
Teasing. The man was teasing him and it was harmless really and yet…
Ichigo sputtered and squawked rather uncharacteristically "I-I fell out of a tree but I'm normally not that clumsy and n-no I won't be sleeping on top of arghhhh-
The nymph trailed off at the man's raised brow. Then bristled and stomped on ahead when Kaname's laughter rang all through out the island.
'Bastard'
He might not be Aizen but he damn sure is infuriating in his own way!
()()
After what had transpired between him and Aizen, Ichigo had no desire to fall asleep in the sand. So, the nymph figured bringing Kaname to the abandoned castle would be the best way to maintain his sanity and keep an eye on the man.
Killing two birds with one stone was the smartest choice to make.
Of course, there was no mistaking a hotel and a castle since they were nothing alike but Ichigo wasn't too concerned about such a minor detail at the moment.
He'd let the dark beauty eat, shower and then sleep. He would be the perfect host and maintain the charade of being a simple tour guide/hotel assistant.
And then Ichigo would take advantage of the opportunity to search through Kaname's belongings while his new companion was making himself at home.
The nymph would not let history repeat itself. He would learn anything and everything about the chocolate beauty even if it killed the last shreds of his dignity.
()()
(KANAME)
Kaname wasn't a Grade A idiot. The hotel inn wasn't an actual inn at all it was quite obliviously a home or rather it had been at home at one point. It was about the size of a mansion or mini castle.
Decorated in bright bold colors with high arched ceilings, long winding staircases and marble floors. There wasn't a single piece of furniture that had been left unpolished nor a single portrait left unframed.
He noted that his orange-haired companion was rather quiet as they walked down the long corridors.
()()
(ICHIGO)
FLASHBACK
"Chin up and don't slouch! You want to look your best don't you, Ichigo?"
"Where are we going?"
Truthfully Ichigo didn't want to follow Aizen anywhere but he didn't have control over his own movements anymore. He had become the man's puppet.
Ichigo no longer shuddered with a mixture of disgust and delight as Aizen purred his name. Now the only thing the nymph felt was numb.
It had been a little less than a day since Aizen had shown his true colors and yet Ichigo felt as though all hope had been lost in the blink of an eye.
The smirk of the devil fully in place, Aizen replied, "We are going to your little castle of course. I must speak to the King before we can proceed any further," a slight pause, "After all the last thing I'd wish to do is start another war and shed innocent blood all because of a little misunderstanding."
His body and his mind might now belong to this man but Ichigo's heart and soul were roaring with anger-how dare Aizen-how dare this bastard speak of his home-his family!
Sure goat face was an idiot but he was still his father. Still important and if Aizen so much as dared to-
"You better not even think for one second of harming the people I love and care about or so help me Aizen I will-
Deep pools of brown flickered dangerously and Ichigo clasped his hands over his throat, suddenly finding it very difficult (impossible) to speak-
"Hold your tongue or I will rip it out," Aizen's fingers brushed against Ichigo's cheek, a mocking caress.
Ichigo wished he had the power to bite the fingers off.
"Don't make me do something I do not wish to do for I so do love the sound of your sweet voice when you cry out in ecstasy and it would be such a pity never to hear it again."
Sick bastard. Like Ichigo needed a damn reminder of their night together. Like the berry nymph really needed to hear Aizen say such-
The nymph cursed mentally still hating himself for being so stupid on that said night-hating himself for foolishly thinking he had control over the situation 'I'm such a damn idiot!'
"Now then my little nymph, is this castle of yours north or northeast?"
()()
(KANAME)
Kaname had been enjoying a quiet lunch with his new companion when all of a sudden the muscles in Ichigo's face grew tight and strained.
The berry's brilliant cinnamon and coffee eyes turned a dull brown, his slim fingers tightened around his utensil with enough pressure to bend the metal, and he ground his teeth together so hard the man wouldn't be surprised if the youth was trying to crack walnuts.
Kaname felt both baffled and alarmed.
Although he didn't know Ichigo all that well he couldn't very well just carry on with his oyster platter and act as though nothing was happening.
And so Kaname reached across the table and placed his hand on top of the youth's shoulder, hoping to calm Ichigo down.
It was a technique that Komamura had used many times during his teen years.
After a moment or two Kaname breathed a sigh of relief (that he hadn't even realized he'd been holding) when the muscles in Ichigo's face softened and his grip around his fork loosened.
"Are you alright?"
The youth's cheeks were slightly flushed but he muttered a "yes" and smiled in thanks.
Kaname nodded, retracted his hand (at a much slower rate than was probably necessary) and returned to his meal.
()()
(ICHIGO)
'What the fuck is wrong with me?'
The nymph mentally cursed himself over and over as he led the dark-haired man through the many corridors for the second time that afternoon.
It was one thing to welcome Kaname into his home it was quite another for him to have an episode in front of the man.
Not that Ichigo had any real control-the attacks always came on suddenly and without warning-memories-nightmares slammed into him, bringing the berry a little bit closer and closer to the edge of insanity.
Thankfully Kaname hadn't made a big deal about. Thankfully the man hadn't-Ichigo shook his head-no it would be foolish to relax and to think for one minute that he could drop his guard down around another human.
Just because the dark beauty hadn't commented on his little breakdown back in the dining hall did not mean the man wouldn't ask questions-did not mean this man wouldn't try to take advantage of Ichigo's moment of weakness and-
Ichigo dared to glance at Kaname. He still couldn't get any negative readings off the man's energy but he wouldn't know for sure unless he felt it for himself.
Of course, the nymph couldn't achieve this without touching the dark beauty first so…
()()
(KANAME)
A large mirror. Easily 50 feet in height. It took Kaname a moment or two to conclude that it wasn't just a mirror but a knob-less door with diamonds encrusted around the frame. He raised a brow in question, not quite understanding why the youth had brought him here.
"You look like you could use a place to unwind. While there isn't an actual spa on this island, I'm pretty good with my hands and heating stones should help relieve any pressure or tension you might be feeling."
Was that a come on?
Dark brows furrowed together. Kaname could not be entirely certain since he was a bit off his game since the whole Rangiku-disaster and also because Ichigo's eyes were half lidded but the youth's body language practically spoke volumes so…
So, there was only one way to find out.
"Ichigo I've been here for a few hours now and you haven't even told me the nightly or hourly rate for a place like-
"Your money is no good here!" There was a bit of unnecessary bite in the youth's tone-practically snarled out the response.
This was something Kaname did not appreciate since he had given Ichigo no reason to be so hostile towards him.
Hmm perhaps this has something to do with that display at the lunch table?
Deciding to let it slide for moment Kaname tried a somewhat different approach. "Well, if you will not let me pay you then you should let me return the gesture. I've been told I'm quite skilled with my hands as well."
Okay so maybe that line was a bit bold but one fair trade deserves another.
Ichigo flinched ever the slightest but it was more than enough to make Kaname reconsider and back track. He had wrongly mistaken the youth's friendliness to be flirting. Now it was best to right the wrong.
"Please do not misunderstand. I only meant that I would cook dinner for you."
"Dinner?" Ichigo's orange brows furrowed and Kaname couldn't stop himself from thinking it was cute or rather Ichigo was cute.
He might have to break his own vow and flirt just a tad bit.
"Why would a human want to cook me dinner?"
Especially if Ichigo continued to look at him with that adorable baffled half frown/pout. Although the "human" comment was a bit odd Kaname decided to ignore it for the moment.
And offered the youth his most charming smile, "You haven't lived until you've tasted my cooking."
Rather than finding his boastful statement annoying Ichigo seemed excited-not just his eyes but the youth's entire face lit up. And the wings, which had mysteriously vanished before, resurfaced. "Will you make dessert too?"
()()
(ICHIGO)
Surrounded by Kaname's calming sky-blue aura Ichigo could temporarily forget his suspicions and really truly enjoy himself for the first time in…well a very long time. It had only been a few short hours but the chocolate beauty was easy to talk to.
Didn't seem to mind when Ichigo babbled on and on about everything and nothing. Mundane things really like how he enjoyed eating dessert without a fork-liked to lick the crumbs and icing off each fingertip.
Of how he preferred to sit and sleep in a curled-up position like a new born-admitted it gave him a sense of security-comfort-put his mind at ease.
He didn't dare speak of his past, his friends, his family. No telling what the man would do or say. He could not risk it. Would not risk it.
And Kaname did not push. In fact, the dark beauty was growing on Ichigo more and more by the minute.
()()
Ichigo's intentions weren't entirely pure or innocent. He didn't just offer the human a massage because he wanted to cop a feel or two. Nope there was another much more important reason he had chosen to do this.
Ichigo knew that he hadn't imagined the blinding light earlier-knew that Kaname was indeed carrying-wearing something-a simple piece of jewelry would not have had the power to make a nymph like him fall from out of the tree.
'Where is it?'
Orange brows furrowed together-the human was one step away from being completely in the buff and yet the shiny piece was nowhere to be found. Ichigo began to grow frustrated but he managed to keep himself in check. After all the last thing he wished to do was alert the chocolate beauty of his "strange behavior". Still…'Did he remove it before he came in here?'
The nymph shook his head deciding to drop his search for the moment.
The man remained perfectly still lying face down (completely unaware of anything) as the nymph worked through every kink and knot in his back.
And a nice back it was, smooth and supple, yet strong, dark and finely muscled like the rest of him. Not for the first time since the nymph had set his gaze on the man that he felt the desire to dart his tongue out and sample the man's skin rise up in him.
And when Ichigo felt his face grow flush he realized that he was perhaps enjoying himself a little too much so he moved on to Kaname's arms-reasoning that it would be a safer zone to worship with his hands.
Not that the man's arms were anything to sneeze at for they too were delicious in their own right-brought to mind the image of a twin pythons and as the minutes passed and fingers traced and rubbed along tight corded muscle and dark veins the berry nymph let his mind wander away from him…
Nymphs didn't daydream much but when they did it usually felt about as real as reality itself.
()()
Only in his dream the nymph was no longer a nymph at all but a young man hiking through the deep canyons. The sun was beating down on Ichigo's face, sweat dripping from his brow, he felt like if he continued on his feet would collapse out from under him.
He needed to stop and take a rest but if he rested, he would only be prolonging the inevitable.
Ichigo wasn't alone. There was a man up ahead, most likely his guide or something as he stopped and turned and titled his head in question "Is something wrong Ichigo?"
Ichigo didn't recognize the man-what with the hood of his cloak shrouding his face and all but he seemed friendly enough and the last thing the berry wished to do was cause trouble because he was feeling a little tiered.
"It's nothing to worry about, really go on ahead I'll catch up in a bit. I just-I just need to rest for a minute."
Only a minute. What's the worst that could happen?
The man shrugged as if to say 'Suit yourself' and continued on.
Ichigo watched until he disappeared from view then he moved to find a small shaded area to rest. Suddenly the canyon shifted and changed and he was swaying side ways and then falling, falling, falling…
()
Unable to catch himself because he was without wings Ichigo started to panic-he heard a shout-assumed it was from up above-possibly his shrouded companion but he didn't really have time to think about who was shouting-he had to figure out how to land without dying and with nothing to cling to it was proving to be next to impossible…
As if to make matters worse as Ichigo continued to fall the never ending deep dark pit was suddenly filled with a bright shining light-a hissing sound reached his ears and Ichigo's panicked state worsened-he was betting it wasn't just some silly alley cat down there-not that he'd want to take his chances with a mountain lion either.
The man shouting from above could be heard again and Ichigo supposed it would be best to shout back but it seemed rather pointless especially since the hissing noise grew louder-nearer-and he was still falling…
The berry's eyes grew to the size of round satellite dishes as a gargantuan python came into view-
Ichigo didn't know a great deal about reptiles but although the python was hissing it didn't look particularly poisonous or dangerous. But it did have fangs and so yeah…he was pretty much fucked as far as he could tell.
"Hang on I'll get you out of there in a minute."
Less than a minute actually.
The man with the shrouded face rescued Ichigo almost as quickly as the canyon itself had changed shape and that was saying something.
Ichigo's sigh of relief and many thanks died in his throat as he was hoisted up and the shrouded man's hood fell, deep hypnotic brown eyes and a familiar smirk stood out on an aristocratic face, "You really should know better than to wander off by yourself, Ichigo-kun."
Ichigo felt his heart drop and his body grow cold all at once…and then he screamed!
()()
The canyons faded away and Ichigo found that he was once again a nymph and currently standing outside the gates of his home with Aizen less than half a foot away from him.
()()
(KANAME)
Something was not right. His young guide had suddenly stopped talking.
And…
Ichigo's gentle hands that had been previously performing absolute wonders on Kaname's back and arms had suddenly turned cold and clammy-soft blunt finger nails became sharp like needles-sliced into his side-aggravating an ancient scar better off forgotten.
Ignoring the pain Kaname carefully twisted his body back around and tried to make sense of things.
Find out what had happened. Once again Ichigo's face looked pinched-pained-haunted and the youth was grinding his teeth almost violently as his blunt fingernails sliced deeper into Kaname's tender flesh.
It was his own fault he supposed for letting his guard down so easily with the youth.
The boy clearly had some…issues of some sort and-
Despite the pain he was feeling Kaname could not find it in his heart to be truly angry-not when it was clear that something was torturing his berry guide.
()()
(ICHIGO)
DREAM HORROR/FLASHBACK
Why here? Why now even during what should have been a silly day dream did it have to become as dark and twisted as Aizen himself had been…why couldn't the man just stop haunting him?
It was all in his mind. All in his mind. He should be able to banish such horrible nightmares and yet…they continued to come-continued to play out as though it were taking place in the present.
The nymph snarled like a beast as the man ran his fingers along the glittering gold bars-his deep eyes shining with greed. One would think Aizen had never seen gold before.
Of course, Ichigo knew this not to be true for he had seen the other items in the man's bag.
()()
Aizen pushed the gate open and Ichigo had no choice but to follow.
()()
(KANAME)
Simply placing his hand on Ichigo's shoulder wouldn't be enough to calm the youth this time.
Kaname realized he would have to do something else…something that would have a deeper impact and snap Ichigo out of whatever horror daze he had fallen into.
Shaking the berry would lead to something even more unpleasant-the youth had already literally lashed out-so Kaname did not think shaking Ichigo would be a productive way-he decided on a gentler approach.
Granted he might wind up with a black eye or swollen jaw but…it was better than watching such a sweet young man fall apart and lose himself so completely.
()()
(ICHIGO)
FLASH RESUME
Ichigo wasn't sure what Aizen had planned-didn't know what the man was going to say-what lies would spill past his lips.
He had no real way of alerting goat face of the potential danger the entire kingdom might be in.
The berry nymph could only hope that his father would rely on instincts for once and let that be his guide. He could only hope that his father would be ready for whatever the conniving human threw at them.
Ichigo hoped that whatever happened next wouldn't end in some kind of tragedy.
()
From the sound of things it seemed everyone had gathered in the throne room.
Aizen seemed to find it amusing. "Seems we have quite the audience."
Ichigo did not. He would have preferred to just have his immediate family members present rather than the entire kingdom.
Apparently his little 3 day disappearing act had caused quite the stir.
()
Ichigo wasn't sure how he would do it but somehow some way he would have to convince the entire kingdom that he had willing bound himself to Aizen-that he was in love with the man and swear that no harm would come to their home so long as they did whatever the devil in white asked them to do.
It would be the single greatest and most important performance in the berry nymph's life.
Easier said than done. Ichigo was burning with so much rage right now he wasn't even sure he could bring himself to smile.
()()
"Ichi-nii where have you been?"
"Onii-chan we were worried."
Karin and Yuzu were the first to run towards him-his mother only a step or two behind.
"Oh, Ichigo thank goddess you're alright."
Ichigo's close-knit group of friends hot on her heels.
"Kurosaki-kun what happened? We thought you had locked yourself in your bedroom again like you did the last time but-
Inoue trailed off and searched his face. Ichigo looked away.
Only to be met with Rukia's sharp silver-blues and angry hiss of, "Ichigo what the hell is wrong with you? How could you just leave without telling anyone?"
Renji shoved the little raven-haired nymph none too gently to the side and barked in Ichigo's face "Especially me I mean what the hell I'm your best friend, what's the big idea huh?"
It was expected. The questions. The comments. The looks of shock, surprise, concern, annoyance, relief, disapproval.
If only it had been something as simple as leaving the castle for a few days to spread his wings-if only he could embrace each of his family members and friends in turn and-Ichigo shook his head. Nothing was simple. Not anymore. He ruined that the moment he revealed himself to Aizen.
Cinnamon and coffee brown eyes searched the front of the throne room. Goat face hadn't said a word. Something that was extremely unusual because he was well…normally the biggest loud mouth in all the land.
Ichigo felt confused. He'd thought surely, at the very least the King would 'welcome him home" with a kick or punch as was his normal way of greeting the prince.
But Isshin did not. The goat looked serious. Too serious. Not once could Ichigo ever recall seeing such an expression on his father's face.
()
"Ichigo you mind explaining why you have brought a human into our home?"
Ichigo opened his mouth to explain but Aizen beat him to it.
The man stepped forward in all his evil glory and bowed his head low-so low that it was clearly mocking rather than one of respect.
Of course, a man with a soul as black and twisted as Aizen's was clearly incapable of showing respect to anyone or anything.
The berry nymph quickly concluded that the mad man's true purpose for coming to the castle was in order to flaunt his new powers. "Your majesty, I hope you'll pardon the sudden intrusion but let me assure you that this will not take long. Just a few moments of your time."
The King of Nymphs didn't offer an immediate response. Rather he turned to his most trusted advisor, the elders and the grand council before reaching a decision.
And although in truth it didn't take very long at all Ichigo could sense Aizen's impatience. Not good. Not good at all. Something needed to be done. ASAP.
Ichigo had never mastered the art of telepathy but now was a good a time as any to try. He had to get the message across to goat face-
"This man is no ordinary human. If we are not careful, he will destroy us all."
Isshin rubbed his beard "What is your name, human?"
"My name is Aizen Sousuke," cue dramatic pause-Aizen used this moment to reach into his pocket…"Behold my power. Bow before me."
Ichigo sucked in a harsh breath and watched in horror as his entire world was demolished right before his eyes.
()()
(PRESENT DAY)
Ichigo felt something warm and soft brush against his lips. It tingled. It wasn't an unpleasant sensation but a bit strange to be experiencing it at the moment. Another one of Aizen's tricks or?
The castle, his friends, family and the bastard Aizen faded away as orange lashes fluttered open…
"GAAAAAAAAH!"
()()
(KANAME)
The kiss didn't work quite as quickly or effectively as Kaname had hoped it would but it worked and that was all that mattered.
"W-Why did you do that?"
Kaname could answer Ichigo's question or he could avoid the question entirely and pretend like nothing had happened.
Baring the one time with the tiger Kaname had never been the type of man to run. "Do you want know the honest truth or would you prefer me to lie?"
"The truth. Of course, the truth. Always the truth."
"Then I will tell you," Kaname took a moment to inspect his wounds before continuing, "Although we have only been in each other's company for a short time and know very little about one another I find myself strongly attracted to you."
Brown eyes widened
"But this is not the only reason I kissed you just now," another pause, "I cannot stand the sight of another's pain."
"Ah I see so that's uh well um thank you I guess er I mean- Ichigo scratched his head, clearly confused and slightly embarrassed.
"If I have made you uncomfortable, I can leave."
Kaname did not bother to point out that the youth had reciprocated just for a second-less than a second really but still-
"No don't be-that's ridiculous!" Ichigo rushed to say. "It's just I um I that is I don't er-I mean you promised me dinner and yeah you still owe me dinner!"
Kaname chuckled rich and deep and then planted a chaste kiss on Ichigo's lips before pulling away.
He wanted to say more. Do more. Learn more but first he had to tend to his injuries.
"Where is your bathroom?"
His guide looked positively dumbfounded for the first few minutes, then took notice of the deep scratches, a look of guilt crossing over his boyish features, voice hesitant, "Did I-Did I do-I did that to you didn't I?"
Kaname nodded. "You did but I won't hold it against you since it is quite clear that you seem to be dealing with some inner demons."
Ichigo snorted humorlessly, "Issues, yeah somethin' like that."
Another moment of silence and then…
"You're not completely human, are you?"
()()
(ICHIGO)
This was it thought Ichigo. The end of the pointless charade.
"…"
"And the wings…your wings are real?" as if to confirm what he had already more or less concluded the man reached out to touch the delicate feathers lightly.
Ichigo felt a bit fuzzy around the edges of his brain and quickly-almost violently retracted his wings and moved as far away from the human as possible. Guard now up, brown eyes narrowed, the nymph growled out, "If I told you I wasn't who I said I was what are you going to do?"
Kaname would either turn out to be a total and complete insane bastard or-?
"Let me answer your question the best way I know how."
The nymph didn't know what to expect as he watched the dark-skinned man remove his glass eye just then.
"…"
"Do you find my appearance unsightly Ichigo?"
Unsightly? Hmm. Not really. After all there had been a few members in the kingdom with a missing organ or another.
But it never seemed to affect how each nymph went about his/her daily task so…no in all honesty the berry nymph didn't think much of it. In a way Ichigo had a great deal of respect and appreciation-was almost in awe of imperfect creatures.
Not that a human was considered a creature exactly but-
"No."
"And if I told you that I spent most of my life living in darkness, would you think any less of me?"
It wasn't even something the nymph had to think about. His second "NO" came out much more quickly-firmly than the first one had.
Perhaps it was because Ichigo had noticed the scar tissue around Kaname's eye earlier and concluded that the man only had one eye and he had mentally prepared himself for-
The man broke into his thoughts, "I judge a person based on the purity of their soul not on their appearance so if you stand there and ask if my opinion of you has changed simply because you are a different species, then my answer is a definite no."
A slight smirk pulled at the chocolate beauties lips, "Believe it or not, you are not the first other worldly creature that I have come across."
Ichigo felt his skin prickle and braced himself for the man's next words.
Could this be the moment when Kaname admitted to his real reason for coming to the island?
"I once met a man many years ago during my youth and although I could not decipher what separated him from everyone else around me, I could sense there was something different-special about him."
Another smirk "Then after a series of events, both fortunate and unfortunate I learned his secret."
"I'm a hybrid." As Komamura revealed his secret the muscles in his face moved and his face shifted, his nose and ears stretched and he sprouted a tail. "There aren't that many of us left in the world but we do in fact exist."
()
"Even as a boy it was quite unusual for me to be struck speechless and as a grown man it occurred even less but I had been…struck speechless that is for a good 15 minutes or so."
()
Kaname blinked his new seeing eyes repeatedly and opened and closed his mouth wishing to say something-anything really but could not. It was just so very strange. So very…
()
Ichigo didn't quite understand why Kaname was telling him this and he had no way of knowing if any of the man's words were actually true but he let his "guest" continue.
()
And when Kaname finished his story Ichigo chose his own words very careful.
"This isn't the same thing. I'm not-I'm not a hybrid."
Mismatched eyes sparkled and Kaname chuckled, sounding almost melodic as he did so, "Yes I gathered as much since you are lacking both a tail and fur."
()()
(KANAME)
Cooking and anything related to cooking had always come naturally to Kaname.
He could create a delicious mouthwatering meal with just the basic and simplest of ingredients. Take something completely ordinary and turn into something truly extraordinary.
Kaname could find his way around any kitchen no matter how disorganized it might be.
Not that he would have to worry about such things inside a palace kitchen. Everything was neat and tidy-properly sealed and labeled. From exotic spices to fresh herbs and beyond-it was the closest thing to a true chef's idea of paradise.
Kaname grabbed one of the aprons hanging on the hook above the counter and tied it around his waist before turning to Ichigo, instructing the nymph to do the same.
"So, what are you in the mood for?"
Ichigo shrugged, "I'm up for anything so long as it's sweet."
Sweet? How incredibly vague. Kaname could make just about any dish sweet and while there was certainly nothing wrong with that he was more interested in creating something that would excite the youth.
"Let's try something a little different. List off some of your favorite foods."
"I like all kinds of things." Ichigo insisted," Really whatever you cook will be delicious, isn't that what you promised?"
"Indeed, I did-however I would like you to list at least 3 of your favorite foods?"
"Hmm," the nymph looked thoughtful for a moment and then answered, "Raisins, apricots, pork."
"Those are your three favorites, are you absolutely certain?"
An affirmative nodding of the head, "Yep I mean I know it sounds kind of strange but-
"Not at all." Kaname smiled at Ichigo.
()()
(ICHIGO)
"Using the apricot, I will create a glaze and drizzle it over the pork which I will first season and then roast. Next, I will garnish the pork with raisins and finely chopped walnuts. For a side dish we will have grilled asparagus seasoned with lemon, pepper and olive oil and as finally for dessert I will make-
And suddenly the man stopped talking. Ichigo did not understand why. "You will make?"
Mismatched eyes twinkled again, "That will be a surprise."
The nymph frowned. He didn't care much for surprises. Surprises usually spelled trouble. As if a light bulb going off in his head-a reminder of what he needed to do Ichigo removed his apron and excused himself.
"I'll return in a while."
Rather than looking at him with suspicion Kaname merely nodded and then immersed himself in his cooking.
()()
Ichigo almost felt guilty for leaving the kitchen right when things were about to start. But he refused to let the promise of a delicious meal made by an equally delicious human distract him from his search.
()
It wasn't just his imagination. And it wasn't paranoia or fear taking over-whatever Kaname had been wearing underneath his tunic earlier it held some sort of tie to Aizen-Ichigo was certain of it. Well 90 percent certain of it.
10 percent of the berry nymph was holding on to the hope that Kaname would turn out to be a pure soul.
()()
Ichigo felt like he'd been punched in the gut. 'I should have just stuck to my original plan and kept my distance.'
His fist curled around the item that only confirmed that Kaname knew or was somehow connected to Aizen and he cursed. 'Damn it!'
This changed things didn't it?
Or did it?
Maybe it didn't have to change-maybe Ichigo could put the necklace back in the suitcase and forget it was there. He could carry on and pretend like nothing happened.
After all it wasn't that serious-it was just a shard-not the entire orb-just a piece of the Hogyoku. What could a mere human do with a shard? Not much. Even a man with the darkest and most twisted soul wouldn't be able to squeeze much out of it right?
Yes, so Ichigo could ignore the shard and-
NO! WHO THE HELL WAS HE KIDDING?
Right ignore what was in front of his face because that worked out REAL well last time.
Ugh! This was so damn frustrating.
It had only been a short time. Yes, not even a full day had passed and yet-Ichigo can't ignore how natural it felt to be around Kaname-how completely at ease and happy? Yes, happy he felt around the man. Surely that must count for something right?
With the exception of the kiss Kaname hadn't overstepped his bounds-the man hadn't pawed and grabbed the nymph like that bastard Aizen had done.
Hmm so yes perhaps instead of jumping down the man's throat Ichigo would ask Kaname to-
"Would you care to tell me why you are searching through my personal belongings?"
Like a thief in the night caught red-handed Ichigo froze and then slowly turned to face the very same man who had just been preoccupying his thoughts.
When had the man come upstairs? How long had he been standing there? Was it possible he had some sort of special super-human powers and Ichigo shook his head at how ridiculous he sounded to his own ears-well in his mind-whatever.
It didn't matter-the only thing that mattered was getting answers and staying on guard.
()
(KANAME)
"Ichigo?"
Kaname wasn't the type of man to jump to conclusions and he certainly hadn't meant to startle the nymph but he didn't appreciate the youth rummaging through his suitcase either.
What had prompted Ichigo to do so?
Kaname studied the boyish face in front of him hoping to get some sort of answer or draw some type of conclusion.
But Ichigo was wearing a perfect poker face. Not even his eyes that told a story on their own were moving now.
Kaname shifted his attention from the youth's face to the youth's hand.
Dark brows furrowed into a tight line. Kaname did not understand. Why had the nymph taken his necklace out of the suitcase? Why was Ichigo gripping the necklace hard enough to turn his knuckles white-hard enough to make his claws resurface?
Kaname didn't know much about nymphs outside of what Ichigo had shared with him (which wasn't much) but he was beginning to think that perhaps nymphs or a nymph like Ichigo held a strong attraction for shiny things?
Kind of like a leprechaun coveting gold-not that leprechauns existed but-
It wasn't just any old necklace found in an average jewelry store-the necklace was a gift from Aizen-a special gift that Kaname carried on him at all times. He usually only removed it when he showered-
()
After a long-drawn-out silence-too long in Kaname's opinion Ichigo's mouth moved, his fingers only loosening their grip just the slightest bit "How did you get this?"
Accusatory? Yes, the youth's tone was one filled with accusation. Ridiculous. Kaname wasn't the one sneaking around and touching items that didn't belong to him.
"It is a gift from a friend of mine. Now tell me why you went into my suitcase without asking?"
()()
(ICHIGO)
The man's voice remained calm, perfectly even. Ichigo felt the muscles in his face relax a bit and slackened his hold on the shard and snarled when Kaname reached for it- "This doesn't belong to you or any human for that matter."
"Beg your pardon?"
The man looked completely baffled. Ichigo wasn't going to buy it for one damn minute. He would not be a fool again.
"It was him wasn't it? The devil in white with the perfect smile and the smooth baritone he gave this to you, didn't he?"
The question was…how?
How did Aizen figure out how to break the Hogyoku into shards without destroying its power?
The nymph wracked his brain and searched the chocolate beauties face but the man's expression of complete and utter bafflement had not changed.
"Ichigo what are on earth are you talking about?" The man took a couple of steps towards the nymph and slowly, carefully removed the necklace from the youth's slackened grasp. His voice remained as calm as ever, "I have just told you that this is a gift given to me by a good friend of m-
"Friend? Friend?! Are you really gonna stand there and try to tell me that you consider that psychotic BASTARD a FRIEND?"
"Ichigo, maybe you'd better sit down. You seem to be confused."
()
The man's approach was as gentle and as calming as ever but Ichigo didn't care. He wasn't falling for it! He slapped the man's hand away and let out another vicious snarl, "I'm not confused HUMAN!" he spat while his brown eyes flashed fiercely, his claws elongating even more, his wings slashing out "I know all about your tricks-your false charm-your lies!"
Was that traces of pity mixed in with bafflement on the human's face now?
Ichigo felt his blood boil. And began pacing back and forth-back and forth-trying to figure out the best way to deal with this human.
The human who considered a devil like Aizen a friend-the human who had come to the island-entered his family castle-touched his shoulder and kissed his lips had the audacity to-
Ichigo snarling turned into low barely uncontained and certainly inhuman growls-
Why was this happening? How was this happening? It shouldn't even be possible-none of this should be-
Aizen must be near by-yes somehow some way the bastard had somehow crawled his way out of the volcanic pit he'd willingly jumped in and found his way back to the island-back to finish what he started-
"Ichigo I understand you have some demons you are dealing with but I can assure you I am not the villain here."
LIES! LIES! ALL OF IT LIES!
Ichigo refused to crumble pathetically underneath a man for the second time-once was bad enough.
"SHUT UP!" He roared, "Just shut up and maybe instead of skinning the flesh from your bones with my teeth and dumping your corpse into the sea I'll just throw you off the castle's tower and let you limp your way home with a few broken bones."
()
(KANAME)
If Kaname was a foolish man he would have lowered himself to the floor and pleaded for mercy. If Kaname were a stubborn man he would have put his foot down and informed Ichigo that he was not leaving until he received a better explanation for such an outburst/accusation.
But Kaname was neither foolish nor stubborn and so he calmly excused himself with a polite, "We will discuss this matter after you've had some time to collect yourself." And set off down the stairs and made his way back into the kitchen.
()
(ICHIGO)
Somehow through the fog of his wild rage Ichigo managed to make sense of Kaname's final words-well final for the moment anyway-and felt the anger slip away from him once more.
Not completely but-now the nymph felt a sense of confusion and mild irritation more than anything.
Even if Kaname did in fact know Aizen-was in fact friends with the bastard devil it was becoming quite clear that the two humans were cut from two completely different cloths.
Why the hell did that excite Ichigo more than it should?
()()
It should not come as a surprise that that the length of this story has grown…this tends to happen with all my fics. So with that said please join me next time for the REAL CONCLUSION.
THANKS FOR READING/WATCHING!
~SLY~