"That's a rough score. How did you manage to pass pathology your first year?"
Ichigo scowled at his friend Hitsugaya. They were both in their second year of medial school at University of Washington in Seattle. He knew it was bound to happen at some point, but he didn't think it would suck this much. He was failing a class. Ichigo was going to school on a full ride scholarship that required him to keep his grades up, failing was not an option.
"I've been trying to see Dr. Shiba during office hours to help me, but I can't stand him. He's such a dick" Ichigo grunted.
"You shut your whore mouth!" The boys turned around to face their friend Rangiku. When he met Hitsugaya a year ago and befriended him, he didn't realize that he was also agreeing to Rangiku. Apparently they were a package deal, that was not disclosed to him prior. They had a rough friendship in the beginning, but she broke him down and now he considered her one of his closest friends.
"How dare you speak poorly about Dr. Beefcake" He rolled his eyes. Every girl in their class had a crush on him. He earned his name because he was a frequent goer at the gym power lifting. Students have also spotted him at the CrossFit gym. As you can imagine, a man that dedicated to his physique had a body like a Greek God sculpture. It also didn't help that he was over 6 feet, he was every girl's wet dream.
"You know he's a pathologist right? The only people that get into that profession are psychopaths who found an outlet for their fucked up fantasies. It's a gateway profession, before you know it their on a Netflix documentary for killing people and wearing their skin." If you couldn't tell. Ichigo really did not like pathologists.
"Geez, tell us how you really feel" It was Rangiku's turn to roll her eyes dramatically.
"Yeah Ichigo, that went real dark real quick. Even for you" Hitsugaya finally chimed into the conversation.
"It's the test, It's freaking me out" he admitted.
"You need a drink, but also study for the retake exam. I know just the place!" She looped both of their arms in hers and carried them away.
—-
"Tada!" Both boys looked at an abandoned building with no lights, no signs, just an old redbrick building on a street that was barren. They looked at each other before following their bubbly blonde friend into the alley.
"Pretty sure this is how we die" Ichigo whispered to Hitsugaya.
Once they were in the building Ichigo was in awe. It was industrial looking on the inside with open ceiling exposing beams and ventilation. The walls were covered in black and white posters. Tables scattered throughout where people could be seen doing homework, artwork, socializing, and everything in between. Near the front there was a barista running a coffee and food counter. Behind her were the cooks and grills. Stepping further in there was a full service bar and bartender, more tables. Then it broke off into different rooms, some to study in, some with sofas to lounge, another with video games to play. Music filled the place. A hot pink neon sign read 'Killer Whale Sex Club'.
"What I tell you boys, this place is hot" she left the boys behind and made her way to the bar with Hitsugaya following. Ichigo took one step towards them but was stopped by Rankigu's hand.
"No no no, not you. Go find a table and study. Unlike you, we passed our exam and have reason to celebrate! Now GET!" She shooed him away with a wave of her hand. He growled at her and did as he was told.
—-
After a few hours Rangiku celebrated a little too much. Hitsugaya offered to take her home since Ichigo was on a roll studying. Once they left, he ordered a coffee in an attempt to keep going. Rangiku was right, this place was hot. Studying usually consisted of him at home in his underwear eating take out food till he falls asleep. That's how he got through undergrad and his first year of medical school, but that was before he met his nemesis. He wasn't sure which one he would consider his nemesis, pathology or Dr. Shiba.
"Excuse me, I noticed your drink was getting low and took the liberty of getting you a new one" a male voice interrupted Ichigo's thoughts.
Glancing up from his computer he saw the man setting a cocktail on the table for the woman in front of him. He was focused on studying that he hardly noticed her. In general, Ichigo never noticed women. First he was in high school and was more focused on school and had zero interest in dating. Then he was in undergrad doing the same. He always assumed once he was done with school, he would have the time and energy to pursue dating. However, that time was not now.
Ichigo looked to the woman to see her reaction. He was surprised that this man thought it was a good idea to approach this woman, she had a major case of resting bitch face. She had short pixie hair, one side tucked behind her ear revealing her multiple gold ear piercings. Black nails with multiple rings. Large oversized jean jacket over a plain black shirt. He heard her take a deep breath, remove her black rimmed reading glasses, and place the book she was reading on the table and shot the man a menacing glare.
"If I wanted another drink, I would have ordered one" her voice did not match with her looks. She was small, petite, porcelain skin, huge eyes, and delicate features. But her voice was stern, demanding, and direct.
"That's true, But then you would have robbed me of the opportunity to approach you." He flashed her a sly side smile, her expression stoic and unchanging. Ichigo looked down at his laptop, trying very hard to pretend he wasn't listening.
"Did I look like I wanted to be approached? If so, I must be losing my touch"
"Well, now that we're here we might as well get to know each other" he took a step forward, placing a hand at the edge of the table leaning down slightly to hover over her.
"Hard pass" she picked up her book, to signal that she was done with the conversation and for him to remove himself. If he was a smart man, he would have walked away.
"You think you're better than me? Is that it? Think you're hot shit" his voice dramatically changed from charming and kind to deep and threatening. She continued to look at her book, ignoring him. Something in him snapped. He reached down and grabbed her chin roughly and pulled her to face him.
"Fucking look at me when I'm talking to you" Ichigo finally looked up from his laptop, ready to jump up and remove the man. But he didn't have too.
She reached up to the hand on her chin and gripped a finger and in a quick motion she roughly pulled it and slammed it on the table. With her other hand she grabbed the back of his neck and slammed it next to his hand. The impact knocked Ichigo's drink, soaking his shirt. But it didn't phase him, he needed to know what happened.
"Fucking bitch." He growled through his teeth, trying to get out of her grip but unable to shake her off.
"I'm going to let you go, and you are going to walk out of here. If I ever see you here again." She paused. Twisting his finger further, earning a groan of pain from him. "I'll rip this finger off with my bare hands, do I make myself clear?" He ignored her, unwilling to admit defeat. She twisted his finger more, it was near ready to snap.
"Yes! Yes!" He shouted, she let go of his finger but kept her firm grip on his neck.
"Good. Let me help you out" she tighten her grip on the back of his neck and yanked him off the table, keeping his head low and walked him out the front door.
With the intense drama now over, Ichigo was fully aware of his alcohol drenched shirt. He got up and went to the bathroom to remove his shirt and put it under the hand dryer. After a few minutes he realized the shirt will never get dry, it was too soaked. He groaned. All he wanted to do was study, and now he had to go home in his soaked shirt.
There was a soft knock on the door.
"Occupied!" Ichigo replied in annoyance. The knocks continued, he huffed and went to open the door with the intention of telling them to fuck off so that he can continue to try and salvage his shirt. Unlocking the door he pulled it open.
"Hey" it was the petite woman. Her eyes drifted to his shirtless chest and abs for a moment before looking back up at him, remembering she was here for a reason.
"I'm sorry about your shirt. I wasn't sure what your size was, so I hope it fits" In her hands was a t-shirt. She took a step closer and raised it signaling him to grab it. Message received, he grabbed the shirt and muttered a thank you under his breath. He was really confused. She nodded and left.
He closed the door and looked at the shirt. It was black with a small killer whale patch sewed onto the right side on the chest. The shirt matched the ones worn by the staff. The shirt was a perfect fit. That was really I kind of her, she didn't have to do that. It was an accident after all. Could it be possible she wanted to start a conversation with him? He was always so oblivious when it came to woman, he wouldn't notice if a girl was interested. Walking back to his seat he was pleased to see that she was still there, sitting across from him at the table. Once he sat down he noticed a drink next to his laptop, it was the same drink he ordered but didn't get the opportunity to enjoy.
"It's to replace the one I spilled"
He took a moment, looking from the drink and then up to her stoic face.
"Didn't you just rip that guy a new asshole for getting you a drink you didn't ask for?" Pointing out that she was a hypocrite. He saw an almost smile peek from the corner of her lips. She was amused.
"That's different. I never met that prick. But me and you, we have history" he raised his brow in confusion, signaling her to say more. "We've been sitting across each other for the past hour. I feel like I've known you my whole life. Thus, making it not creepy" she broke his scowl, he smiled at her.
"Oh yeah? If that's true name 5 things you know about me" she straightened up and scooted her seat closer, placing her forearms on the table to lean in. The music was getting louder and she wanted to make sure he heard her, he also leaned in.
"I know you like Radiohead, I saw you mouthing the words to 'Karma Police' earlier. Your lactose intolerant, I asked the barista to remake your drink and she used oat milk. You're a big brother, the minute that man got closer to me you clenched your fits as if it was your responsibility to protect me. That's something a good brother would do. You like Dragonball Z, you have a sticker on your laptop with Goku's kanji. Did you know that it translates to 'wisdom' or 'enlightenment'?" She stopped and continued to scan him up and down to try and find another tell. Her long pause indicated that she was fresh out.
He couldn't hide the grin on his face.
"4 out of 5 is commendable. But, without one more I guess it looks like I win" she squinted a glare at him, she wasn't known for her humbles or being a gracious loser.
"You got into a lot of fights growing up"
"And how would you know that?"
"Your hair. Its annoying, flamboyant, and ridiculous. Even I kinda wanna kick your ass right now"
He just glared at her in response.
"I knew it! That means I win and I am not a creep" she hummed in victory.
"You noticed that much about me within an hour? I think that makes you more of a creep".
"No, it just means I have a pair of eyes and notice things, unlike you. I could have been topless this entire time and you wouldn't have noticed" he blushed at the thought but continued.
"I don't normally pay attention to people. I also don't get out enough to meet people" he admitted. Why was he telling her this?
"I respect that. I'm not the best at meeting new people". He huffed in response.
"And when you do, you smash their face against tables" she laughed. He wasn't wrong.
"That's fair" they stared at each other for a moment. Trying to see if the other would continue the conversation.
"Your reflexes were quick, where did you learn to do that?" Ichigo asked referring to her moves on the man from earlier.
" I have done Jeet-Kune-Do for almost 10 years now. It's an eclectic martial arts philosophy. It directly translates to 'The Way of the Intercepting Fist' because it focuses on responding to an attack using instant judgements to determine the best response. It was cultivated by Bruce Lee who compared the style to 'being like water'." She was so passionate about her martial arts it was down right adorable to see her eyes shinning and her words coming out faster with excitement.
"What does 'be like water' mean?" There is that gleam in her eyes again, eager to educate him.
"One day he struck water out of anger and realized he couldn't hurt it. Water is formless which makes it adaptable and resilient. In martial arts, it means to be empty minded and present. Focusing on the present attack and respond to it, just as the water changes it's shape upon impact and doesn't break."
"I take it you are a big Bruce Lee fan?"
"Through Bruce Lee, all things are possible. Amen" she put her hands together in prayer and bowed her head. Ichigo laughed in response.
"What sport do you participate in?"
"Who says I that I even have a sport" he asked raising an eyebrow.
"Those washboard abs. That's who. Don't think I didn't see them when you opened the bathroom door"
His face was boiling red hot. He placed his hand over his mouth, elbow on the table and grumbled for her to shut up. She snickered at his bashfulness.
"What a perv. If you must know, I like to box" her eyes had a spark of interest in them. She stayed silent and tilted her head, signaling him to continue.
"I spent a lot of my youth fighting. At first it was in defense, and then I just enjoyed it. Boxing became an outlet to keep me out of trouble"
"Good to know you're not a menace to society anymore"
"Must I keep reminding you that you were the one who physically assaulted a man just moments ago. The only menace here is you".
She smiled at him. Which was odd, since they have been talking she had a witty comeback for everything. He watched as she put on her reading glasses and flipped through her book. Initially he thought she was ending the conversation to return to her reading. Watching for a few seconds he realized she was flipping through the pages, looking for something. He knew the moment she found it when her eyes beamed. Clearing her throat, she read a passage from the book:
"Who I was before the accident is just a story now. Everything before now, before now, before now, is just a story I carry around. I guess that would apply to anybody in the world. What I need is a new story about who I am"
That was a beautiful passage, and very relevant to their conversation. Everything before meeting him is her story that he knows nothing about, it's one that she carries with her. Just as he carries his story that belongs to only him. But in this moment, they can decide who they want to be moving forward. They could find their new stories. Or, they could share a new story together.
The thought of having a new story with her. Didn't sound that bad.
"I didn't realize how late it was. I have somewhere to be" she gathered her things, pushed her chair in, stood up and smiled at him. He willed his body to do something, anything, before she left. Ask for her name, tell her his, ask her to stay, ask for her number, when will he see her again, anything! But, he froze and just gave her a small smile.
"I'll see you around"
That was the last thing he said before she left. He didn't catch her name. His heart sunk, it wasn't until she left that he realized how much he enjoyed her company.
—
Once she was home, fed, and showered the petite woman threw on a pair of panties and an oversized band shirt. Brushing her teeth her mind drifted to the man she met. She didn't want to admit it to herself, but she enjoyed his company. He was handsome, kind, shy, and adorable. It was strange, she puts up a cold exterior to keep people away. But, he was able to break through her walls instantly. Not only that, she welcomed him in with open arms. That's why she left. In reality she didn't have anywhere to be, she just couldn't be there with him. It was dangerous.
All washed up and ready for bed she grabbed the comforter to jump into bed but halted.
"That's strange. I don't remember hiring a prostitute for the night"
Under her comforter was a tall muscular man. He was wearing nothing but black boxer briefs, giving her a full view of his chest muscles, abs, and thick well defined legs. Every inch of his right arm was covered in tattoos. He ran a hand through his spiky black hair, aqua green eyes staring directly at hers with a crooked grin.
"Prostitute? That's vulgar. The proper term is 'sex worker'" he looked her up and down and patted the spot next to him in bed. Beckoning her to bed.
"Hopefully you're not expensive" looking in her vanity mirror she started removing her earrings and dropping them one by one in a gold bowl.
"Oh, you definitely couldn't afford me" she smiled and shook her head, he was as playful as ever.
"Bummer" she responded. The man raised himself off the bed and stood behind the petite woman to wrap his arms around her. Leaning down he planted soft kisses on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, this one is on the house. You earned it" the kisses started trailing up her neck, one hand drifting from her shoulder down her back to squeeze her juicy bottom.
"Oh yea? Why's that?" She finished removing her jewelry and caught his eyes in the mirror. He looked down at the dresser in front of her, urging her to follow his gaze, she grin when her eyes landed on her graded exam.
"You were the only one that got a perfect score" his other hand grabbed her waist to turn her body around and press it against his. One hand on the small of her back to push her into him further, the other on one grabbing and handful of her ass.
"I must've had a good teacher" she grinned, referring to him. He leaned down to gently kiss her lips.
"Don't be modest, that was all you. We both know you don't even come to my classes. It's because I'm too much of a distraction for you isn't it? Damn my handsome face and nice ass. That's probably why all my other students are struggling".
"Every medical student calls you Dr. Shiba the Student Slayer because of his reputation for being ruthless and cruel. Ever think that might have something to do with your failing students?" she teased, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Nope, it has everything to do with this face and ass." He brought his other hand to her ass and lifted her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist in return as he carried them to bed. With a hand moving up to her lower back, pressing her into him so he could crawl into the bed placing her underneath him. Propping himself up on his forearms he pressed his hips into hers and leaned down to kiss her. Something felt off. He recognized it instantly.
"Rukia?" He called her name but she seemed like she was somewhere else. Looking back and forth between both of her eyes he could see they were looking elsewhere and appeared hollow, lost in thought. What could she be thinking of during a time like this?
In her mind, she was sitting across the table from an orange haired stranger. Thinking about his smile, his bashfulness, and his golden amber eyes. A small smile peaked out of the corner of her lips, a warm feeling filled her chest. She wanted to see his face again. Hear his voice. Did she already like him?
Oh fuck. That complicates things.