Hello again lovely, lovely readers! So we have Chapter Fifteen here! The latest instalment in Stolen! I hope you all enjoy it although if I am honest it takes a small break from the upbeat plot we've had in the past couple of chapters, this one is about mundane life and trying to settle Ichigo back into life as a human without Aizen. BUT! It is an important chapter as well so please do read it :)
Thank you again for your wonderful reviews! I love them and they make it soooo worthwhile PLEASE CONTINUE TO REVIEW! *on hands and knees begging*
Also, I am thinking doing a couple of those wacky little character introductions where some of the characters in the story offer their opinions on random stuff. But I'll only do it if people want it, soooo if you'd like to see that and read the humour, let me know in your review :) Thanks!
ENJOY!
Chapter Fifteen: Trying To Return To Normality:
After returning from Hueco Mundo, Renji and Rukia returned to Soul Society to give a report concerning everything that had happened while they had been in Las Noches, Byakuya remained in the World of the Living to ensure that Ichigo was well protected from a second attempt to kidnap him, should there be a second attempt.
Urahara had very kindly provided Stark, Tensa and Shirosaki with a special Gigai. Stark's one was made specially to conceal his hollow hole and his broken hollow mask, the ones that Tensa and Shirosaki had were much more simple and resembled the type that modified souls like Nova and Cloud used.
Ichigo had been signed out of High School for several months so that he could recover fully from the ordeal he had endured, and both his Goat-faced dad and Ryuken insisted that he get counselling. Something he had argued against incessantly until Tensa, Shirosaki and Stark also suggested it was a good idea. He really hadn't had much choice but to agree.
So every two weeks, Unohana made a trip from Soul Society to visit the Kurosaki household and sit with Ichigo for two to three hours each time. Ichigo was reluctant to talk to the woman, not because he was being awkward about it… It was just that he felt uncomfortable discussing the intimate details of his temporary life in Las Noches. Unohana was surprisingly patient with him thought, she never pressured him more than was tolerable and she praised him when he did open up.
On another note, Urahara had as yet been unable to find a way to return Tensa and Shirosaki to Ichigo's soul, body and mind so they had been sleeping in his room with him, he wasn't about to complain though, their company was very welcome but the bed was a little cramped, especially with Shirosaki sprawling out all over the place in his sleep.
Even more worrying was that the pair had joined Ichigo's high school as students, he was a little concerned that his inner hollow would cause trouble and ruin his family's reputation, even though Tensa had assured him numerous times that he would personally ensure the albino was tactful and controlled.
Currently, Ichigo was laid on his bed with the window wide open; he was enjoying the cool breeze which was blowing through and circulating around the room.
His eyes snapped open as he heard his bedroom door open and he sat up quickly, smiling weakly as Tensa and Shirosaki walked in, dropping their bags by the wardrobe.
Ichigo slid off the bed and walked over, giving Shiro a quickly hug before putting his arms around the black haired Zanpakto soul and resting his head on his shoulder; smiling as he felt a pair of arms around him in return.
"How was it today?" he asked sleepily, his eyes slipping closed again.
"Dull… Inoue brought in one of her home made cakes again… I think she poisoned us all though." Tensa chuckled, "However she did insist we brought you a slice home too."
Ichigo groaned, "Oh god…"
"Ya don't need ta worry Ichi… We chucked it in the canal on tha way 'ere." Shiro laughed and patted the orange haired male's shoulder comfortingly, "Like we'd eva letcha get poisoned."
"Ah… Thanks."
Ichigo pulled back from Tensa finally and reached up, tugging at the tie around his neck until it came undone, and he then unpopped the top five buttons so the shirt was open to the middle of his chest. He turned and did the same to Shirosaki, "There. That's better." He smiled weakly and sat back down on his bed.
Quickly and wordlessly, the other two joined him, Shiro sat with his back against the wall and effortlessly pulled Ichigo onto his lap, and Tensa sat beside Shiro against the wall and rested the young man's legs over his.
"How is everyone?" he asked after a few minutes.
"They're fine… Nothing much to report." Tensa murmured, "Ishida and his dad seem to be getting on a little better though, at least that's the impression I got when he was talking."
"We 'ad a word wit' Byakuya too… Apparently Renji might be comin' back from Soul Society ta provide some extra security. Secretly though I just think they're missin' each other too much." He grinned.
"Huh?" he frowned, "What do you mean by that?"
"Ohhh… Did we not tell you?" Tensa smirked slightly as well, "Dear Byakuya and Renji are almost an item."
His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open, "No way! I don't believe it!"
"Neitha did we when we first 'eard it!" Shiro cackled, "But it's true! Tensa and I caught 'em kissin' before Renji went back ta Soul Society!"
Ichigo sniggered, "Well I'll be damned… I would never have expected that!"
Tensa chuckled and rubbed Ichigo's legs with his hand soothingly, "I know right… I mean I had my suspicions. When we were on the Sands coming to rescue you they kept sharing glances and smiles. It's kind of cute to be honest. Especially considering its Byakuya, I mean who on earth ever gets to see him showing emotion."
Ichigo chuckled and rested his head on Shirosaki's shoulder and let out another snigger at the thought. He froze suddenly as his stomach let out an almighty rumble and his face went red.
Shirosaki laughed loudly at his expression and lifted him up, dumping him solely on Tensa's lap instead, "I'll go 'nd get us somethin' ta eat." He offered and hastily retreated out of the bedroom to go and hunt for food in the kitchen.
Ichigo smiled and called his thanks to him before looking up at Tensa, "So… How are you both now? Have your injuries healed fully?"
Tensa smiled back at him, "We're fine Ichigo, being close to you makes us heal faster."
"Aww I feel special."
"You are special." He replied with a frown.
"You would say that." Ichigo laughed, tapping the other's nose with his index finger.
Tensa smiled and reached up, taking Ichigo's hand in his own and holding it gently, "And how are you now?" he asked quietly.
Ichigo faltered for a moment but held his hand in return, sighing quietly and looking out of the window, "I don't know… It gets easier everyday I'm back here but at the same time there's a… A niggle." He sighed but smiled weakly.
Tensa frowned but brushed his hair out of his eyes, "It'll get easier." He murmured.
"I know. Thank you." He murmured, "I appreciate it."
"You don't need to thank me Ichigo… I'm here to support and comfort you, we both are." He smiled.
Ichigo smiled and nuzzled against him, not even stirring when he heard his bedroom door open again. The bed dipped beside him and the smell of chicken noodles and cherry fruit juice wafted over to him, making his stomach rumbled loudly again.
"Come on Ichi… I gotcha some food…" Shiro poked the berry head's cheek repeatedly, "Come on… Yer hungry and ya know it!"
Ichigo grumbled at him but sat up and smiled, waving off his hand as he shuffled up and leaned against Tensa, gasping as his legs were lifted and dropped over Shiro's, "Noodles?" he asked.
"I can't make anythin' else." The albino grumbled.
"I like noodles!" he protested as he saw Shiro pouted, he smiled and took one of the three bowls as Tensa took another, "It smells great too!" he smiled warmly at him.
Shirosaki's cheeks warmed slightly at the compliment to his immensely lacking cooking abilities and his smile returned to his face, he lifted his own bowl and tucked in hastily.
Ichigo glanced up at Tensa and shared a brief smirk at how changeable the albino was before both digging into the noodles as well.
Several minutes later, Tensa took all three bowls and set them on the floor and pushed them over to the desk, doing the same with the empty glasses of juice.
Then, while Ichigo was distracted watching someone walking past his house, Tensa and Shiro both crept up behind him and targeted different areas. They shot their hands forwards and started jabbing and tickling Ichigo viciously until he was practically screeching and screaming.
He started to fight back and jabbed Shiro in the ribs roughly, extracting a low cackle from the albino, he laughed loudly and squirmed as the pair set on him and he tickled them back between bursts of squeak-ish screams and giggles.
After several minutes Ichigo collapsed on top of Shirosaki and Tensa flopped on top of him, they were all panting and giggling in small bursts in the aftermath of their play fight.
Ichigo smiled and dropped his head down on the albino's shoulder. He stretched slightly before closing his eyes, relaxing immensely and letting out a small sigh. He gasped suddenly as he felt a pair of lips on his neck and tensed momentarily before realising it felt quite nice. He tilted his head slightly before he turned his head and met the lips that had just been on his neck.
He looked at Tensa for a moment as he kissed him before closing his eyes and shivering as another pair of lips found his neck, he guessed they were Shiro's. He pulled away from the black haired Zanpakto soul and smiled shyly before finding his mouth claimed by the slightly more aggressive lips of his inner hollow. He kissed him back as well, his cheeks slowly flooding with colour.
When they parted he looked between the two with a beetroot red face and smiled shyly at them both before he laughed and hugged them both tightly at the same time.
Over at Inoue's house, Inoue, Ishida, Chad and Stark were all busy adding the finishing touches to the surprise birthday party that had been arranged for Ichigo. The orange haired male's absence from High School had meant they had been able to plan the whole thing without even worrying about him finding out about it.
Tensa and Shirosaki had been very helpful in suggesting what Ichigo would appreciate and even more helpful in keeping the whole thing a secret.
Chad set down the long table in Inoue's front room, Ishida followed just behind him and rolled a pure white table cloth over to the top and adjusted it so it sat perfectly on the tabletop. The Quincy then returned to the kitchen and helped Inoue dish up the food he and Chad had made in the morning (Tensa and Shirosaki had insisted that they somehow prevented Inoue from doing the cooking at all costs); the Quincy then carried through several plates of all different finger foods and set them down on the table, in the very middle they set the large cake down and stuck numerous candles into the white chocolate icing.
They stood back and observed their handy work, the ceiling was littered with streamers and fairy lights and the furniture had been pushed back against the walls, as well as the food table, there was a small table with bottled fizzy drinks such as Lemonade and Coke Cola and little plastic cups in the hundreds.
"Do you think Kurosaki-kun will be happy?" Inoue asked with her usual caring smile as she looked at the other two.
"I think he'll appreciate it." Ishida nodded, "Knowing him he's probably forgotten it's his own birthday."
"Well he's had a lot going on lately…" Inoue trailed off and they shared a knowing look, "At least we ALWAYS remember July 15th!" she added happily.
Their thoughts were interrupted by the door bell, and Inoue scurried off to answer the door, her high pitched squeaking voice carried through the apartment as she greeted Stark, Matsumoto, Toshiro, Rukia, Renji and Byakuya. She returned leading them into the lounge which had been so expertly decorated under Ishida's narrow eyes.
Renji was the last one into the room and hovered near to his captain, and newly named lover, "How are you?" he asked quietly, his expression softening slightly.
Byakuya looked back at him from the corner of his eyes, "I am perfectly fine, of course." He replied as stiffly as ever, but he also flashed him a slight smile, "Yourself?"
"Not bad." He nodded and smiled slightly in return.
"I'm glad to hear it. Will you be staying in Karakura Renji?"
"Yeah, Yamamoto decided it would be best for another shinigami of captain class to join you here."
Byakuya's smile grew a little more pronounced, "Is that what you told him?"
The red head blushed slightly and smirked, "Well… I had to think of a good reason to come back and stay with you."
The noble smiled properly and slyly took his subordinate's hand and linked their fingers discreetly, "Well… Once this is over I'd be happy to accommodate you in the Kurosaki Clinic. It's where I am staying at the moment and I am sure there is more than enough room for you there as well."
"I might just take you up on that." Renji smirked faintly and squeezed his hand before letting go.
Inoue rushed to the door for a second time to let Urahara and Yoruichi in and ushered them into the already slightly crowded front room, she let them get settled in before answering her mobile as it rang.
"Tensa and Shiro-san are on their way with Kurosaki-kun!" she exclaimed to the rest of the room, "He has no idea what is going on!"
"You mean the idiot really has forgotten his own birthday?" Ishida smirked slightly.
"Yep!" she nodded and laughed slightly as she hung up her mobile and pocketed it.
Ishida chuckled, "I said as much!"
The lights were dimmed in the room, the front door left on the catch so the three final guests could get in and everyone stood at one end of the room.
After only about ten minutes, the sound of the door opening sent everyone into a deathly hush and they watched as Tensa and Shirosaki lead Ichigo into the room with their hands over his eyes and ears. A moment later and the duo released him from their grip and there was a chorus of: 'SURPRISE!'
Ichigo looked shocked for a second, then confused and finally flattered, "Wow… Guys you shouldn't have…" he smiled and chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, "Thank you…"
"If you want to thank someone… I'd take a look at those two devils on your shoulder." Ishida pointed.
Ichigo's eyes widened momentarily before he took a glance left and right at Tensa and Shirosaki, "You guys!" he laughed and smiled, "Thank you."
Inoue flicked on the stereo and it started playing random tunes, Ichigo smiled at his two companions and headed forwards as everyone broke apart and started mingling. Ichigo spent several minutes talking to Inoue, Ishida and Chad as it was the first chance he had had to catch up with them since escaping Las Noches.
"So… This is incredible…" he smiled, "I am guessing you managed the decorations Ishida."
"Of course, Kurosaki. I had to offer my expert opinion."
"Of course you did." a faint smirk twitched on his lip before he clapped Chad on the shoulder, "How have things been Chad?"
Instead of really replying he simply lifted a hand and gave Ichigo the thumbs up, "Good."
The berry head felt his sweat drop at the almost word lacking reply but smiled and nodded, looking down at Inoue, "It was nice of you to use your home for this party, Inoue. Did you do the cooking?" he asked, concealing his fear of food poisoning easily.
"Oh no! It was nothing Kurosaki-kun! I was more than happy to." She smiled and waved her hands like a hyper-active child, "Oh no… Chad and Ishida did all the food. I just went out and bought supplied like streamers and drinks."
He sighed inwardly in relief at this news, "Well you've all done a great job… I'm really grateful… Can you believe I forgot it was my own birthday." He laughed and rubbed his neck.
"It's funny you say that-" Ishida was cut off by Inoue standing firmly on his foot and yelped, glaring at her momentarily before smiling again, "No… No I can't believe it at all." He chuckled.
Shortly after Ichigo left his classmates alone, decided to get a small plate of food, his plate soon consisted of smoked salmon sandwiches; sausage rolls and spring rolls. Not overly to his surprise, Tensa and Shirosaki appeared beside him with plates of identical food.
"So… You devils arranged this huh?" he asked as he bit the end off a spring roll.
"Of course… We thought maybe you needed something the cheer you up and we didn't want to just let your birthday go without a mention." Tensa smiled and swallowed a mouthful of sandwich, "Are you happy?"
"Yeah. I am." He nodded and smiled at them both, "Thanks."
"No need." Shiro chuckled and patted him on the back, "You earned it."
"I don't know about that." He argued and smiled weakly.
Tensa took the plate from his hand and set it down, followed by his own and he reached out, taking Ichigo's hand and dragging him closer to the stereo and wound an arm around his middle and took his right hand in his left and pulled him against him as the music changed to 'Autumn Waltz'.
Ichigo looked up at him in utter bemusement before feeling his knees being knocked gently by Tensa's, he glanced down before finding himself being spun gently on the spot before they started moving around the small open space together, when they reached the kitchen door they came to a fluid and natural stop, Tensa extended their arms above their heads and nudged Ichigo into a twirl.
With no warning a new pair of arms snaked around his waist and turned him, Ichigo found himself waltzing around the room once more with Shirosaki instead of Tensa. He felt a quiet bubble of laughter rise in his chest and the most natural smile he'd worn in days spread on his lips as they settled into a comfortable pattern of simple turns and twirls.
When the song ended they came to a stop, Ichigo chuckled and breathed a little heavier than before, looking between the two souls, "I had no idea you could dance the waltz."
"Of course we do. You do after all." Tensa smiled as he took Ichigo's hand and squeezed gently, "And you dance the female's part very well." He added with a smirk.
Ichigo blushed and glared playfully at him, "Anyway." He grumbled and stuck his tongue out at him, "I'm just going to get a drink." He told them and smiled before walking over to the drinks table.
He pulled a plastic cup from the stack and set it down, unscrewing a bottle of lemonade and pouring himself a much needed cupful. He set the bottle down and twisted the lid back on.
He sipped the drink and sighed gently, looking at everyone enjoying themselves. He smiled slightly before jumping as his mobile vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and flicked it open, frowning as an unknown number came up as having sent him a text. He opened it and his frown deepened as he read the text:
Mantle Piece
He looked up slowly and walked over to the fireplace, looking over at the cluttered mantle. He picked up and elegantly wrapped box, the paper was white with black swirling patterns over it, to the touch the black doodles felt like velvet and the whole box had a black ribbon tied around it with two silver lines on the outer side.
He tilted his head and pulled the ribbon undone, not wanting to really rip the pretty paper he gently tugged the sellotape off and pulled the small box out from inside the paper. He hesitated before slowly taking the lid off the box. He dipped his thumb and forefinger into the box and pulled out a black cord bracelet, he dropped it into his hand and looked at it for a moment before noticing that there were two silver cube-beads and a circular silver bead separating the two squares.
Ichigo turned the two cubes slowly on the cord so he could see what was written on them. His stomach clenched suddenly.
A . I
He swallowed and ran a finger over the two letters. No… Initials. A… For Aizen and I for Ichigo. He bit his lip and pulled out a small note that was in the bottom of the box.
The strawberry haired male glanced around quickly to ensure no one was specifically watching him before he pocketed his mobile and the bracelet and disappeared into the kitchen, he leaned against the counter and unfolded the paper and read it slowly.
Happy birthday, Ichigo. Perhaps I will be able to wish you many happy returns in person before long. See you soon, Aizen Sousuke.
Ichigo's mouth went dry and his heart rate shot up slightly, his hand trembled and he walked swiftly towards the bin, he was about to drop it when a strong and warm hand wrapped around his wrist and pulled his arm up. His head snapped around and he looked up into Stark's glittering and mysterious eyes. He swallowed and watched him pinch the letter from his hand.
He watched as Stark's eyebrows knitted together and his expression slowly morphed to concern, the former Espada looked up suddenly and smiled, cupping Ichigo's cheek, "Don't worry Ichigo. We won't let him get to you." He told him confidently but softly before he turned and strode out of the kitchen with the letter.
His eyes widened and he followed him to the door and peeked around, he watched the tall male approach Byakuya and Renji and swallowed, the knot in his stomach not letting up for even a moment.
The last thing he wanted was for anyone to get hurt trying to keep Aizen away from him. After all, if Aizen wanted him… No one would be able to stop him.
Ichigo watched as Byakuya's eyes flicked over to where he was stood before moving away at double the speed, he sighed a little self-consciously and rejoined the party with slightly deflated enthusiasm.
He was unsurprised when a few minutes later Byakuya moved over to the food table and stood right beside him. He ignored him for several long minutes as he collected several sandwich triangles, a fistful of sausage rolls and three cheese twirls.
"Kurosaki…" Byakuya murmured finally, nibbling a bread stick expressionlessly, "… Are you alright?"
Ichigo looked at him from the corner of his eye, "Wow it must be bad for you to be asking me how I am Byakuya." He chuckled without any real feeling behind it.
"Not at all. Stark merely noted that you appeared a little shaken. I have been stationed to protect you from Aizen so it is necessary for me to know how you are." The noble rebuked easily.
Ichigo swallowed, "Let's talk outside." He offered hopefully.
Byakuya glanced at him properly and took notice of his expression before nodding, "Of course. Wait for me by the door, I'll just let Renji know."
As suggested Ichigo walked into the hallway and waited by the front door for Byakuya to return, he only had to wait about five minutes before he was joined by the noble and the two walked down the stairs silently and outside.
Ichigo leaned against wall and looked blankly onto the street and rested his hands behind his bottom as he leaned back against the wall more comfortable.
"What's troubling you… Ichigo?" Byakuya asked quietly.
"How… How did you get over it so quickly?" he asked, frowning slightly, "I… I mean what Aizen did to you?"
Byakuya faltered at the question and his cheeks flooded with colour, "Ichigo." He paused and opened and closed his mouth, "I… It isn't as simple as getting over it." He swallowed, "I won't forget easily what happened. It's something I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life. I can only hope that over time it won't be as raw."
Ichigo swallowed and looked around at him slowly, "I see…" he hung his head and slid down the wall until he was sat down, to his surprise Byakuya sat next to him.
"Ichigo. What is bothering you?" he asked again.
"I… Miss him." He breathed, gripping a fistful of his hair, "I don't understand why… At the end I was so angry at him… I hated him at the end for everything he'd done. But I do… I miss him. And it makes me sick."
The noble looked around at the younger man in surprise but as soon as he saw he was indeed distressed by what he was saying his expression changed and he sighed, reaching over and rubbing his back comfortingly, "It makes sense Ichigo. He… Is a very cunning and convincing man. But that is all he is. At the end of the day… He is just a man Ichigo. A man can be forgotten. And you can do that." He showed a rare smile to the strawberry haired man and squeezed his shoulder gently, "Alright?"
Ichigo looked around at him as he spoke and rested his head on his knees as he listened, he swallowed and nodded, returning his smile, "Thanks Byakuya."
"Shh. We never had this conversation." He smiled again before hiding it and standing, holding a hand out to him and pulling him to his feet. He dusted him down, "Now. Kurosaki, go and enjoy the rest o your party before your friends start to worry. I will make sure no one comes near your house tonight. You have my word. And my word is my pride."
Ichigo returned to Inoue's apartment feeling strangely comforted. He had never imagined in a million years he would find comfort from talking to that usually stuck up ass, but perhaps he had been more wrong about Byakuya than he'd first thought, the noble wasn't so bad after all.
He smiled fleetingly and headed inside the room, instantly being pounced on by Tensa and Shiro again, he was hastily yanked into the middle of a round of Twister with Toshiro, Urahara and a cat version of Yoruichi.
Across the street and concealed by Kyoka Suigetsu's ability, Aizen Sousuke himself watched and listened to Ichigo and Byakuya's conversation. He was glad Ichigo missed him, but furious at Byakuya's suggestion that he was forgettable.
'We'll see about that Byakuya. How can you keep the devil out without a priest?' he thought murderously, 'You can't.'
He watched the windows carefully as he observed the flashing lights and shots of colour that snuck past the curtains and sighed, "I will see you soon Kurosaki Ichigo. Sooner than you think."
Ichigo felt a cold shudder run down his spine and he glanced towards the window for a moment before cackling as Rukia clambered onto the Twister mat underneath him and hooked one of her legs over his and pressed her dainty foot onto the yellow circle.
A/N: So I hope you enjoyed Chapter Fifteen! It was a little bit different, a bit jam-packed and full of random but lovely stuff that has no real importance. Also, I would like to add I specifically looked up the date of Kurosaki Ichigo's birthday and it is July 15th. But I will never specify Ichigo's age because he is not the teenager he appears as in the anime/manga he is the Ichigo who emerges from the fight with Tensa Zangetsu and Shirosaki Hichigo in the search for the Final Getusuga Tenshou, the long hair; immense power; calm nature; taller than before and overall GOD DAMNED SEXY BEAST ON LEGS! Yeah, that Ichigo ;)
Anyways… I hope you enjoyed and PLEASE review! Thank you
~13