Label Me Not

Shuuhei knew he must look pretty odd to the living people, that they probably stereotyped him as punk, rebel, and vagabond just from his appearance. Someone like Orihime on the other hand would be categorized as bubbly, cute, and innocent. He had to admit that even he had fallen into the trap of trying to put a label on the girl when he had first met her. Of course, after spending some time with her, everything had changed for him. She was just so different than anyone else, so uniquely herself that she could not be tagged as anything other than…Orihime.

But still he knew what people would think of her and they then would be thoroughly surprised when it was this 'innocent' girl instead of the 'punk' who came up with the idea that they should go to a rock concert.

He could no longer be fooled in this way for Shuuhei knew Orihime well enough by now to know he should never classify her as anything for she would surely surprise him and turn out to be the opposite.

After a brief layover in the living world, Orihime had taken it upon herself to make sure Shuuhei enjoyed his stay. This of course is where the rock concert idea came into play. She had heard that such things were fun, and it just so happened that a local band would be performing on a night in which they were both free.

Now, being a shinigami, Shuuhei didn't really know what this 'rock concert' business was. For all he could tell, people enjoyed watching rocks (or perhaps even throwing them? Shuuhei shuddered at the thought of Orihime being anywhere near an experience like that). But Orihime had looked so excited about her idea that he didn't have the heart to turn her down so he agreed to go see the rocks with her.

Upon arriving, Shuuhei had been quite surprised to find a rock concert really had nothing to do with rocks at all but instead a mass of people mulling about in front of a stage and a lot of noise.

"Oh! They started performing already," Orihime said excitedly upon their arrival, while catching Shuuhei's arm and tugging him further into the crowd.

Blinking, the shinigami paused and looked to the stage, finally realizing the noise was actually supposed to be music. Looking around him, he noticed some people seemed to be clapping, others jumping, a few dancing, and more nodding their heads in an odd way. Either way, the people around them seemed to be enjoying themselves and he wondered if he was missing something. To him it didn't seem all that exciting; though, watching everyone else could be seen as slightly entertaining.

Leaning down, Shuuhei felt the need to point out the obvious and spoke into Orihime's ear, "It's really loud!"

What he got was a loud "What!" in return and he shook his head helplessly.

The noise could almost be compared to a hollow's scream, which sent his whole body ablaze with adrenaline to begin fighting. Closing his eyes briefly, Shuuhei tried to calm his vibrating nerves but found the loud pulsing music would not allow it. What was already ingrained in his body couldn't be changed now.

Opening his eyes once more, he turned to say something to Orihime only to find the space she had been occupying a moment ago was now empty. He stared at the spot of a moment before it really hit him. His confusion was quickly replaced by worry and he swiveled his neck around looking around him while trying not to panic. The crowd had grown much thicker since they had arrived and Shuuhei found himself bumped and pushed from all sides as he tried to navigate the mass to find Orihime.

Finally, a flash of bright orange hair caught his attention and looked to see a rather confused Orihime being pushed along by the crowd. Her trip was cut short however when she was pushed right into a pair of creepy looking men with odd hair and many piercings.

"Hey you, get off!" on of them yelled, pushing Orihime back with so much force she fell to the ground with a surprised squeak.

"Heh," the other snickered as wobbled to her feet once more, "You must be lost little girl. You better run on home before you get hurt."

In seconds Shuuhei stood between Orihime and the two men, his face contorted in annoyance as he looked at them.

"You two want someone to pick on, then pick on me," Shuuhei spoke flatly, jabbing a thumb at himself as his eyes flashed threateningly.

The leers of the two men fell as they took in Shuuhei's scars, tattoos, and biceps and they visibly faltered.

"No?" Shuuhei continued when the two made no move to challenge him, "Then get lost!"

Almost eagerly, the two turned and disappeared into the crowd, glancing briefly over their shoulders as they went.

Shuuhei snorted and turning back to Orihime he found the girl smiling apologetically.

"Sorry Shuuhei-kun, but I don't think I like this concert very much. How about we go to a movie instead?"

Nodding in complete agreement, Shuuhei boldly took Orihime's hand and led her out of the crowd. Feeling better now that things were quiet allowed his grip to loosen so he held her hand casually. Stopping a safe distance away, Shuuhei felt the need to say something without really knowing what he should say.

Looking down at Orihime who was rubbing her ear with her free hand, he finally realized what it was he had wanted to say.

"Er, arigatou Inoue-san, for spending time with me," he voiced awkwardly, running a hand through his hair while keeping a hold on Orihime's other hand.

The girl blinked up at him for a moment with an odd look on her face and Shuuhei opened his mouth to say something but stopped when he saw her lean in closer. Stiffening, Shuuhei gulped and couldn't stop a slight blush from beginning to show on his cheeks.

When her face was only a few inches from his own she stopped and turned an ear towards his mouth and exclaimed loudly: "What!"

Flinching from the loud question, Shuuhei looked down helplessly at the apparently deaf girl.

"…Nevermind." he replied, his eye twitching uncontrollably before he hung his head in surrender.

Once again the girl had reminded him of the number one rule when dealing with her.

Never underestimate Inoue Orihime's ability to completely do the opposite of what you expect in any given situation.

A/N: I finally was able to write a ShuuheiHime, I'm so happy! Special thanks to my friend Lotus Blossom who gave me a push in the right direction with the rock concert idea. Not sure what pairing I will try next... Please don't forget to review!

--Miss Soupy