Log - Bleached
WHO: Chad, Orihime
WHAT: Now that Orihime's cooking for three, she asks Chad to assist her with the groceries. They discuss current events, and make plans to not become little greasy puddles in the upcoming war. CHAD BRUTALIZES A POOR LITTLE APPLE!
WHERE: The Supermarket, Karakura Town
Chad walks with hands set in his pockets and head slightly down to keep an eye on Orihime as they pass through the crowds on the street. He raises one hand long enough to try and brush the hair out of his eyes, though it doesn't last long before slipping back into place, commenting, "So umm, Orihime. You just need like a few frozen pizzas or something, right?" thinking pre-prepared food might not be so dangerous in her hands.
"Maybe for Hitsugaya-taichou," Orihime laughs, glancing back at Chad over her shoulder. "I guess he doesn't like my cooking very much." She expected that might be the case, she's aware that her tastes are...well, unusual. Rangiku's reaction was a pleasant surprise, though! It's the first time anyone's reacted favorably to her cooking.
"Anyway, thanks for coming with me," the girl beams, clasping her hands behind her back. "I'm not quite used to shopping for three. It'd be hard to carry everything on my own." Even with a backpack to assist her efforts, she knows that she'd be exhausted and trembling from shoulder to fingertip by the time she got home.
"Yeah, I guess he might not. Kids are picky though," Chad reminds, trying to soothe her feelings even if it seems it doesn't bother her, scratching at his chin as he considers his own run-ins with her cooking. Shaking his head to force the bad memories away he adds, "It's fine, not like I had anything else planned. I just hope they're not being too much trouble for ya," raising his eyes up as he sees the grocery store entrance drawing close.
"Trouble? Oh no, no trouble at all!" Orihime chirps. And she seems to really mean it! "Things are pretty busy, I suppose, but it's really nice, you know? Coming home, finding other people there, hearing their voices...it's too bad it's only temporary," she beams, pausing at the automatic doors so they can slide open and admit them entrance.
In truth, it's just nice not to feel so lonely. She always looked forward to the nights Tatsuki would visit, but when it's too quiet, Orihime just isn't sure what to do with herself. Television helps a little, but she's a people person. She needs to hear a warm voice, see a smile up close and personal. ...Not that she gets many from Toushirou, but just the same, she's glad he's there.
"What about you?" she asks, tipping her head back to blink at her taller companion. "Did you get any roommates?"
Chad of course has no such issues with the quiet at home. In fact he enjoys it. "I suppose you do like being a hostess," he agrees with a solemn nod and straight face, stopping momentarily again once they're in the store to scan the aisles. "No, nothing I've heard yet about roomates, though, I guess if they send anyone else and they need a place I can make room," he admits, considering what it would be like to have roomates again, bringing out a rumbling 'hrrm' of thought. "Maybe I'll stop over later and catch up with you all. Ahh, after dinner," he makes sure to say, the giant still following the smaller girl about drawing a few odd looks from other patrons.
Orihime snickers. Clearly Chad is not a fan of her cooking either. Then again, maybe he's just worried about her limited finances. Perhaps both! "You're welcome any time of course, Sado-kun! Even if you're feeling brave enough to try whatever I end up making," she beams, plucking up a plastic basket and hanging it on her arm. "I was thinking pancakes, actually..."
Wait, pancakes? That sounds too normal to be believed.
"We could roll them up, like crepes, and fill them with things like tuna and baked apple! With lots of butter, of course," she adds, raising a finger. Maybe some cheese, too. If it's on sale!
"So how's your arm?" Orihime asks, her brow wrinkling with concern as she tilts her head to the side, regarding her shopping companion.
Chad doesn't bother with a basket, figuring however much Orihime might get his arms are probably more than capable of carrying it. "Oh ahh, it's not that, I just, have plans already," Chad lies again, his whole dinner plans involving just what he suggested before, a frozen pizza. Though the pancakes do momentarily peak his interest until she describes the filling. "You know, Orihime, maybe you could try ahh, following a recipe? It might help you get even better," he suggests as he eyes the shelves, considering picking up a few things for himself as well. At her question, he balls up the fingers of his right arm into a fist with a slight creaking noise and glances down at it. "And my arm is fine. Still getting stronger I think it seems. What about you. How are you and your, you know, coming along?" he questions in turn, tapping at the side of his forehead where her barettes sit, unsure just what to call them since they were kinda like living things.
Orihime erks! Truth is, she can't really afford most of the ingredients that are required in recipes. So she has to keep it simple, and make sure she uses everything she's got before it goes bad. "A-ah...but I like to experiment!" she recovers, nodding ferociously. "I mean, you never know. I might invent a whole new style of cooking and become world famous! Ah ha ha ha!" And apples don't cost too much. She examines them carefully, looking for the best ones with the firmest feel and darkest skin.
The slump of her shoulders at Chad's question probably reveals the answer before she can give it a voice. "Ah...not too good, I'm afraid," she replies, her smile fading to something small and quiet. "I've been trying every night. But...there's nothing left," she admits. "I don't know what to do." She picks up a bundle of celery, turning it over in her hands, then places it in the basket. That tastes good with peanut butter and raisins.
"I suppose that's true, lots of stuff was invented by accident after all," Chad agrees, picking up an apple himself and giving a squeeze. When he lets go there are some fairly deep dents left in the apple and he looks around to see if anyone has seen before quietly setting it back down and piling a few more apples on top of it. As Orihime starts to show her despair then, he sets a hand on her back a good bit more gently than he had the apple and leans down looking at her with concern. He says gently, "Hey, it's OK. You saved everyone a lot of painful recovery up in Soul Society, and probably a few lives. That's more than a lot of folks can say they accomplished."
Awwww, Chad's so nice. "Thanks, Sado-kun," she smiles up at him. It's not that she feels worthless (yet), it's more that she can't help thinking she's let Tsubaki down. She was only able to use him once. Every time thereafter, he's been hurt. If only she were stronger...if only SHE could bruise apples like that!
Ah well. Not everyone's cut out to be strong like Chad and Ichigo. Her role is important too, even if it is a little more diminished at this point.
She breezes past the bread aisle, selecting a loaf along with a few tins of sweet bean paste so Toushirou can make a sandwich whenever he pleases. "Maybe we could train some more later on, when you've got time," Orihime suggests, making sure she smiles a little more brightly. No sense making him worry.
"Sure, we could try that I suppose. I could bring you some of my old hand-weights if you like, or hit the gym together. They're all a part of you after all so the stronger you are, maybe it will make them stronger too?" he suggests uncertainly, his own powers certainly stemming to a degree from his physical prowess, but uncertain if Orihime's would have a similiar benefit to gain. Mulling it over with another 'hrrm' his eyes catch sight of a bag of pre-made chocolate chip cookies that he quickly nabs off the shelf for himself. Staying fit didn't mean eating healthy ALL the time after all.
Orihime looks strangely thoughtful. Would that really work? It can't hurt to try, and Chad may be right! He's pretty smart, after all, and he might be onto something with this. "I'll give it a shot!" she decides. Even if it doesn't work, it might help with her karate. Best to be prepared! "I appreciate it, thank you very much!" Yeah, that's got to work!
Orihime proves to be remarkably quick with her shopping. Her eyes are sharp, skimming for sales tags or the rare and highly-treasured clearance labels. She picks out a couple of cans of tuna, and keeps cruising. "Say...has Ishida-kun or Kurosaki-kun talked to you lately? I wonder what's going on with them..." Even though she spoke with Uryuu not long ago, there's still the nagging sensation that he's hiding something.
Chad doesn't really show much enthusiasm, but then he never does show much of anything as he simply nods. "OK. If nothing else I can spot for you on the weights," he says, eyeing with some alarm as she grabs clearance items, which at the grocery store usually meant stuff preparing to expire, dented cans, and who knew what else. All enough to reaffirm his position to keep seeing her after dinnertime. Picking a few other small items for himself, leaving room for anything she might hand him, he answers, "No, I haven't seen much of them lately at all. Seems they've both been kinda pre-occupied since getting back. Uryuu especially. I'm sure if he has trouble though he'll tell his friends though," he assures her, not one to really try and pry into his friends' business if he can help it.
Will he, though? Orihime's not so sure. But like Chad, she doesn't like to pry. The last thing she wants to do is injure that Quincy pride. Ichigo, on the other hand... Well of COURSE she worries about him! This is nothing new. "I see..." she smiles, goosebumps prickling over her arms as they walk past the refrigerated section. She pauses to pick out some margarine. "They're so much alike, aren't they? Ha ha!"
Ha... Ah well, what can she do?
Chad grabs himself a box of Hot Pockets, true bachelor pad food and rumbles his agreement. "Well, in some ways I guess. Other than Ichigo's temper. But they're both good guys underneath it all," he agrees again, looking down on the top of Orihime's head before asking, "You think maybe we should try and get Uryuu to work out together with us? He might be kinda feeling down too after getting caught over there like all of us. He does have a bit more, mmm, pride," he puts it politely, nearly saying ego instead.
The answer Uryuu would give is pretty clear. Orihime knows he won't agree to it. But just the same, he might like it if she asked anyhow, just so he's aware that they're thinking of him. "Sure, I'll invite him!" she grins. She knows he's down, and she suspects it's probably because he lost his powers. But if there's anything they can do to cheer him up, Orihime will happily lead the charge.
She notes Chad's purchases and wonders if he knows how to cook at all... Maybe she could try to learn some sort of Mexican recipe. It might make him feel nostalgic and warm with memories of home! She surreptitiously places a bag of flour tortillas in her basket, hiding it beneath the produce. Or trying too, anyway. It can't be too hard. And it involves cheese! "Sure is hard, though, isn't it? Balancing homework with training and everything else...at least it's impossible to get bored."
Chad sure enough has the higher vantage and catches sight of the flour tortilla entering Orihime's basket, but says nothing, though his Adam's apple gives a bob. "I suppose. It doesn't help nobody else can know about it unlike the Shini-" he goes suddenly quiet as a passing customer gives the two of them an odd look, but having Chad look back has them quickly hurrying on their way. He might be a nice guy, but he was still imposing when one didn't know him after all, and he knew how to use that. He continues, "Unlike the Shinigami where they can just train in the open. If we could get ourselves a break from school for a little while we could probably learn a lot back over there." By now his arms are crossed, a small pile of foodstuffs stacked against his chest.
"You think so?" Orihime looks thoughtful, her gaze flicking briefly to the ceiling. Uryuu probably won't want to go. The only reason he went at all (as he claims) was because he wanted to show the shinigami what for. And Orihime's not entirely sure how she'd feel if she ran into someone like Captain Kurotsuchi up there. Brrrrrrr...
Still, the others were really nice. She wouldn't mind seeing 11th Division again, they'd probably have some great tips on how to get stronger! She's just not entirely sure she'd survive, eh heh heh!
"Well, it can't hurt to ask," she laughs, gathering a package of toilet paper and a pair of toothbrushes. Can't forget those! "Say, there's also Urahara-san's shop, isn't there? He's got all that space down there, it's completely wide open!"
"Well yeah, he has the space. I just don't know if he's got the time to teach us. Hmm, maybe we could get Tou and Ran, they do kinda owe you," he trails off musing, giving the food in his arms another hoist to steady it. "Think you have about all you need yet Orihime?" he asks, starting to become worried at his own impulse shopping as he looks down at the pile, slightly wide-eyed as it seems his stomach has gotten the better of him, even now giving a noisy growl.
"Just a second...!" With a faint bow towards Chad, knowing that his arms are getting full, she dashes off for the frozen food aisle once again. She comes back a few moments later, running full-tilt back towards his side. Should she really be doing that in a grocery store?
She taps a yellow box crammed into the basket with a smile. "Popsicles," she explains, just a little breathlessly. "I thought...I thought Hitsugaya-taichou might like them." She loves them, and Rangiku probably will too. Not a very popular item for winter, but when has that ever stopped her? She grins, then steps into the checkout line to begin laying out her goods. "Well, I'll ask them. Really, they don't owe me anything. I feel a lot safer just knowing they're there," she smiles warmly. "But I'm sure even if they don't feel up to it, Madarame-san and Ayasegawa-san would love to train with you. They're nuts about fighting!"
Chad can't help but smile a tiny bit at watching Orihime make a mad dash just for popsicles and tries to comb his hair back out of his eyes again. "Sure he'll love them," he tells her, laying out the little plastic divider between their two piles of food and getting his money out. "I might see about it. Lets see how things go on our own for a bit though. We still have some time after all before Aizen should be able to do anything," he says calmly as he hands the cashier his money and starts bagging everything.
"Heeeee... Sure hope so!" As tiny as it may be, Orihime appreciates that smile on his face. It makes her feel like things are going to be all right, as long as they can still find reasons to smile.
After everything is bagged and ready to go, Orihime pauses, glancing up at Chad. "Actually...would you mind if I tried to carry it all for a while?" she grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "It would SORT of be like weight-lifting, and if I can get a little stronger, even if it's just a bit, it might help!" She's already looping the bags onto her arm, sliding them back until they reach the crook of her elbow.
Chad seems about to disagree, being raised a gentleman by his grandfather and feeling slightly foolish as a few older customers who can't hear Orihime are giving him somewhat cross looks, the giant young man holding nothing while the little redhead girl struggles. But he pushes down his embarassment like he does most emotion and says, "Sure. Just be careful OK? You don't wanna drop anything, or hurt yourself for that matter" he cautions as he follows closely behind, eyeing the bags warily in case any start to tip, or Orihime herself.
"I'll be okay!" Orihime grins, her excitement mounting as she hefts a bag carefully, then slips it over her left arm. "As long as I balance things...mmf, there we go...I should be fine!" And with great effort, she smiles over her shoulder and raises her arm to salute her companion. She feels sort of bad, asking him to come help, and then deciding to do it on her own in the end. Hopefully he's not mad! ...He doesn't look mad. Just concerned! What a nice guy. "You're sure you don't want to have dinner with us?" Orihime offers. "I bought a lot of Noodle Cups too for Taichou. Just in case." She'd be more than happy to share them with Chad.
"Maybe another time. We could even all go out together to a nice restaurant or something," he says, following Orihime back up the street to where their paths cross. There he finally takes the bag holding his own stuff back from her, showing no strain of his all as he easily hefts it in one arm and tells her, "Take care Orihime. I'll call you soon about when we can meet at the gym," before he turns around and starts to plod away with a final wave over his shoulder.
Orihime surrenders the bag without a fuss. "Oh, I bet they'd love that! I bet they've never had a chance to eat exotic food before..." Maybe she should invite Tatsuki. They used to go out for all kinds of new culinary adventures, it's been way too long since they've taken the opportunity to do it again. And she's worried, too, she seems so down... Not that Orihime can blame her, after losing her entire karate team. Poor Tatsuki...
"All right, sounds like a plan!" Orihime snaps out of her thoughts with a cheery wave. "Thanks for coming with me, Sado-kun. See you!" She turns on her heel, chestnut hair settling about her shoulders, and she begins her trek back to the apartment.
WHAT: Now that Orihime's cooking for three, she asks Chad to assist her with the groceries. They discuss current events, and make plans to not become little greasy puddles in the upcoming war. CHAD BRUTALIZES A POOR LITTLE APPLE!
WHERE: The Supermarket, Karakura Town
Chad walks with hands set in his pockets and head slightly down to keep an eye on Orihime as they pass through the crowds on the street. He raises one hand long enough to try and brush the hair out of his eyes, though it doesn't last long before slipping back into place, commenting, "So umm, Orihime. You just need like a few frozen pizzas or something, right?" thinking pre-prepared food might not be so dangerous in her hands.
"Maybe for Hitsugaya-taichou," Orihime laughs, glancing back at Chad over her shoulder. "I guess he doesn't like my cooking very much." She expected that might be the case, she's aware that her tastes are...well, unusual. Rangiku's reaction was a pleasant surprise, though! It's the first time anyone's reacted favorably to her cooking.
"Anyway, thanks for coming with me," the girl beams, clasping her hands behind her back. "I'm not quite used to shopping for three. It'd be hard to carry everything on my own." Even with a backpack to assist her efforts, she knows that she'd be exhausted and trembling from shoulder to fingertip by the time she got home.
"Yeah, I guess he might not. Kids are picky though," Chad reminds, trying to soothe her feelings even if it seems it doesn't bother her, scratching at his chin as he considers his own run-ins with her cooking. Shaking his head to force the bad memories away he adds, "It's fine, not like I had anything else planned. I just hope they're not being too much trouble for ya," raising his eyes up as he sees the grocery store entrance drawing close.
"Trouble? Oh no, no trouble at all!" Orihime chirps. And she seems to really mean it! "Things are pretty busy, I suppose, but it's really nice, you know? Coming home, finding other people there, hearing their voices...it's too bad it's only temporary," she beams, pausing at the automatic doors so they can slide open and admit them entrance.
In truth, it's just nice not to feel so lonely. She always looked forward to the nights Tatsuki would visit, but when it's too quiet, Orihime just isn't sure what to do with herself. Television helps a little, but she's a people person. She needs to hear a warm voice, see a smile up close and personal. ...Not that she gets many from Toushirou, but just the same, she's glad he's there.
"What about you?" she asks, tipping her head back to blink at her taller companion. "Did you get any roommates?"
Chad of course has no such issues with the quiet at home. In fact he enjoys it. "I suppose you do like being a hostess," he agrees with a solemn nod and straight face, stopping momentarily again once they're in the store to scan the aisles. "No, nothing I've heard yet about roomates, though, I guess if they send anyone else and they need a place I can make room," he admits, considering what it would be like to have roomates again, bringing out a rumbling 'hrrm' of thought. "Maybe I'll stop over later and catch up with you all. Ahh, after dinner," he makes sure to say, the giant still following the smaller girl about drawing a few odd looks from other patrons.
Orihime snickers. Clearly Chad is not a fan of her cooking either. Then again, maybe he's just worried about her limited finances. Perhaps both! "You're welcome any time of course, Sado-kun! Even if you're feeling brave enough to try whatever I end up making," she beams, plucking up a plastic basket and hanging it on her arm. "I was thinking pancakes, actually..."
Wait, pancakes? That sounds too normal to be believed.
"We could roll them up, like crepes, and fill them with things like tuna and baked apple! With lots of butter, of course," she adds, raising a finger. Maybe some cheese, too. If it's on sale!
"So how's your arm?" Orihime asks, her brow wrinkling with concern as she tilts her head to the side, regarding her shopping companion.
Chad doesn't bother with a basket, figuring however much Orihime might get his arms are probably more than capable of carrying it. "Oh ahh, it's not that, I just, have plans already," Chad lies again, his whole dinner plans involving just what he suggested before, a frozen pizza. Though the pancakes do momentarily peak his interest until she describes the filling. "You know, Orihime, maybe you could try ahh, following a recipe? It might help you get even better," he suggests as he eyes the shelves, considering picking up a few things for himself as well. At her question, he balls up the fingers of his right arm into a fist with a slight creaking noise and glances down at it. "And my arm is fine. Still getting stronger I think it seems. What about you. How are you and your, you know, coming along?" he questions in turn, tapping at the side of his forehead where her barettes sit, unsure just what to call them since they were kinda like living things.
Orihime erks! Truth is, she can't really afford most of the ingredients that are required in recipes. So she has to keep it simple, and make sure she uses everything she's got before it goes bad. "A-ah...but I like to experiment!" she recovers, nodding ferociously. "I mean, you never know. I might invent a whole new style of cooking and become world famous! Ah ha ha ha!" And apples don't cost too much. She examines them carefully, looking for the best ones with the firmest feel and darkest skin.
The slump of her shoulders at Chad's question probably reveals the answer before she can give it a voice. "Ah...not too good, I'm afraid," she replies, her smile fading to something small and quiet. "I've been trying every night. But...there's nothing left," she admits. "I don't know what to do." She picks up a bundle of celery, turning it over in her hands, then places it in the basket. That tastes good with peanut butter and raisins.
"I suppose that's true, lots of stuff was invented by accident after all," Chad agrees, picking up an apple himself and giving a squeeze. When he lets go there are some fairly deep dents left in the apple and he looks around to see if anyone has seen before quietly setting it back down and piling a few more apples on top of it. As Orihime starts to show her despair then, he sets a hand on her back a good bit more gently than he had the apple and leans down looking at her with concern. He says gently, "Hey, it's OK. You saved everyone a lot of painful recovery up in Soul Society, and probably a few lives. That's more than a lot of folks can say they accomplished."
Awwww, Chad's so nice. "Thanks, Sado-kun," she smiles up at him. It's not that she feels worthless (yet), it's more that she can't help thinking she's let Tsubaki down. She was only able to use him once. Every time thereafter, he's been hurt. If only she were stronger...if only SHE could bruise apples like that!
Ah well. Not everyone's cut out to be strong like Chad and Ichigo. Her role is important too, even if it is a little more diminished at this point.
She breezes past the bread aisle, selecting a loaf along with a few tins of sweet bean paste so Toushirou can make a sandwich whenever he pleases. "Maybe we could train some more later on, when you've got time," Orihime suggests, making sure she smiles a little more brightly. No sense making him worry.
"Sure, we could try that I suppose. I could bring you some of my old hand-weights if you like, or hit the gym together. They're all a part of you after all so the stronger you are, maybe it will make them stronger too?" he suggests uncertainly, his own powers certainly stemming to a degree from his physical prowess, but uncertain if Orihime's would have a similiar benefit to gain. Mulling it over with another 'hrrm' his eyes catch sight of a bag of pre-made chocolate chip cookies that he quickly nabs off the shelf for himself. Staying fit didn't mean eating healthy ALL the time after all.
Orihime looks strangely thoughtful. Would that really work? It can't hurt to try, and Chad may be right! He's pretty smart, after all, and he might be onto something with this. "I'll give it a shot!" she decides. Even if it doesn't work, it might help with her karate. Best to be prepared! "I appreciate it, thank you very much!" Yeah, that's got to work!
Orihime proves to be remarkably quick with her shopping. Her eyes are sharp, skimming for sales tags or the rare and highly-treasured clearance labels. She picks out a couple of cans of tuna, and keeps cruising. "Say...has Ishida-kun or Kurosaki-kun talked to you lately? I wonder what's going on with them..." Even though she spoke with Uryuu not long ago, there's still the nagging sensation that he's hiding something.
Chad doesn't really show much enthusiasm, but then he never does show much of anything as he simply nods. "OK. If nothing else I can spot for you on the weights," he says, eyeing with some alarm as she grabs clearance items, which at the grocery store usually meant stuff preparing to expire, dented cans, and who knew what else. All enough to reaffirm his position to keep seeing her after dinnertime. Picking a few other small items for himself, leaving room for anything she might hand him, he answers, "No, I haven't seen much of them lately at all. Seems they've both been kinda pre-occupied since getting back. Uryuu especially. I'm sure if he has trouble though he'll tell his friends though," he assures her, not one to really try and pry into his friends' business if he can help it.
Will he, though? Orihime's not so sure. But like Chad, she doesn't like to pry. The last thing she wants to do is injure that Quincy pride. Ichigo, on the other hand... Well of COURSE she worries about him! This is nothing new. "I see..." she smiles, goosebumps prickling over her arms as they walk past the refrigerated section. She pauses to pick out some margarine. "They're so much alike, aren't they? Ha ha!"
Ha... Ah well, what can she do?
Chad grabs himself a box of Hot Pockets, true bachelor pad food and rumbles his agreement. "Well, in some ways I guess. Other than Ichigo's temper. But they're both good guys underneath it all," he agrees again, looking down on the top of Orihime's head before asking, "You think maybe we should try and get Uryuu to work out together with us? He might be kinda feeling down too after getting caught over there like all of us. He does have a bit more, mmm, pride," he puts it politely, nearly saying ego instead.
The answer Uryuu would give is pretty clear. Orihime knows he won't agree to it. But just the same, he might like it if she asked anyhow, just so he's aware that they're thinking of him. "Sure, I'll invite him!" she grins. She knows he's down, and she suspects it's probably because he lost his powers. But if there's anything they can do to cheer him up, Orihime will happily lead the charge.
She notes Chad's purchases and wonders if he knows how to cook at all... Maybe she could try to learn some sort of Mexican recipe. It might make him feel nostalgic and warm with memories of home! She surreptitiously places a bag of flour tortillas in her basket, hiding it beneath the produce. Or trying too, anyway. It can't be too hard. And it involves cheese! "Sure is hard, though, isn't it? Balancing homework with training and everything else...at least it's impossible to get bored."
Chad sure enough has the higher vantage and catches sight of the flour tortilla entering Orihime's basket, but says nothing, though his Adam's apple gives a bob. "I suppose. It doesn't help nobody else can know about it unlike the Shini-" he goes suddenly quiet as a passing customer gives the two of them an odd look, but having Chad look back has them quickly hurrying on their way. He might be a nice guy, but he was still imposing when one didn't know him after all, and he knew how to use that. He continues, "Unlike the Shinigami where they can just train in the open. If we could get ourselves a break from school for a little while we could probably learn a lot back over there." By now his arms are crossed, a small pile of foodstuffs stacked against his chest.
"You think so?" Orihime looks thoughtful, her gaze flicking briefly to the ceiling. Uryuu probably won't want to go. The only reason he went at all (as he claims) was because he wanted to show the shinigami what for. And Orihime's not entirely sure how she'd feel if she ran into someone like Captain Kurotsuchi up there. Brrrrrrr...
Still, the others were really nice. She wouldn't mind seeing 11th Division again, they'd probably have some great tips on how to get stronger! She's just not entirely sure she'd survive, eh heh heh!
"Well, it can't hurt to ask," she laughs, gathering a package of toilet paper and a pair of toothbrushes. Can't forget those! "Say, there's also Urahara-san's shop, isn't there? He's got all that space down there, it's completely wide open!"
"Well yeah, he has the space. I just don't know if he's got the time to teach us. Hmm, maybe we could get Tou and Ran, they do kinda owe you," he trails off musing, giving the food in his arms another hoist to steady it. "Think you have about all you need yet Orihime?" he asks, starting to become worried at his own impulse shopping as he looks down at the pile, slightly wide-eyed as it seems his stomach has gotten the better of him, even now giving a noisy growl.
"Just a second...!" With a faint bow towards Chad, knowing that his arms are getting full, she dashes off for the frozen food aisle once again. She comes back a few moments later, running full-tilt back towards his side. Should she really be doing that in a grocery store?
She taps a yellow box crammed into the basket with a smile. "Popsicles," she explains, just a little breathlessly. "I thought...I thought Hitsugaya-taichou might like them." She loves them, and Rangiku probably will too. Not a very popular item for winter, but when has that ever stopped her? She grins, then steps into the checkout line to begin laying out her goods. "Well, I'll ask them. Really, they don't owe me anything. I feel a lot safer just knowing they're there," she smiles warmly. "But I'm sure even if they don't feel up to it, Madarame-san and Ayasegawa-san would love to train with you. They're nuts about fighting!"
Chad can't help but smile a tiny bit at watching Orihime make a mad dash just for popsicles and tries to comb his hair back out of his eyes again. "Sure he'll love them," he tells her, laying out the little plastic divider between their two piles of food and getting his money out. "I might see about it. Lets see how things go on our own for a bit though. We still have some time after all before Aizen should be able to do anything," he says calmly as he hands the cashier his money and starts bagging everything.
"Heeeee... Sure hope so!" As tiny as it may be, Orihime appreciates that smile on his face. It makes her feel like things are going to be all right, as long as they can still find reasons to smile.
After everything is bagged and ready to go, Orihime pauses, glancing up at Chad. "Actually...would you mind if I tried to carry it all for a while?" she grins sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "It would SORT of be like weight-lifting, and if I can get a little stronger, even if it's just a bit, it might help!" She's already looping the bags onto her arm, sliding them back until they reach the crook of her elbow.
Chad seems about to disagree, being raised a gentleman by his grandfather and feeling slightly foolish as a few older customers who can't hear Orihime are giving him somewhat cross looks, the giant young man holding nothing while the little redhead girl struggles. But he pushes down his embarassment like he does most emotion and says, "Sure. Just be careful OK? You don't wanna drop anything, or hurt yourself for that matter" he cautions as he follows closely behind, eyeing the bags warily in case any start to tip, or Orihime herself.
"I'll be okay!" Orihime grins, her excitement mounting as she hefts a bag carefully, then slips it over her left arm. "As long as I balance things...mmf, there we go...I should be fine!" And with great effort, she smiles over her shoulder and raises her arm to salute her companion. She feels sort of bad, asking him to come help, and then deciding to do it on her own in the end. Hopefully he's not mad! ...He doesn't look mad. Just concerned! What a nice guy. "You're sure you don't want to have dinner with us?" Orihime offers. "I bought a lot of Noodle Cups too for Taichou. Just in case." She'd be more than happy to share them with Chad.
"Maybe another time. We could even all go out together to a nice restaurant or something," he says, following Orihime back up the street to where their paths cross. There he finally takes the bag holding his own stuff back from her, showing no strain of his all as he easily hefts it in one arm and tells her, "Take care Orihime. I'll call you soon about when we can meet at the gym," before he turns around and starts to plod away with a final wave over his shoulder.
Orihime surrenders the bag without a fuss. "Oh, I bet they'd love that! I bet they've never had a chance to eat exotic food before..." Maybe she should invite Tatsuki. They used to go out for all kinds of new culinary adventures, it's been way too long since they've taken the opportunity to do it again. And she's worried, too, she seems so down... Not that Orihime can blame her, after losing her entire karate team. Poor Tatsuki...
"All right, sounds like a plan!" Orihime snaps out of her thoughts with a cheery wave. "Thanks for coming with me, Sado-kun. See you!" She turns on her heel, chestnut hair settling about her shoulders, and she begins her trek back to the apartment.