{fic} las noches high - chapter thirteen
Title: Las Noches High - chapter thirteen
Author/Artist: taintedkibou
Pairing/Characters: Grimmjow/Ichigo
Rating: PG-13 (R later?)
Genre: AU; high school
Disclaimer: I own the mangas that I purchased, but Kubo owns the characters.
Summary/Notes: Forced to transfer from school to school because of something he has no control over, Kurosaki Ichigo resigns himself to expulsion, only to find out he has one last choice: attend Las Noches High.
[ chapter one ] [ chapter two ] [ chapter three ] [ chapter four ] [ chapter five ] [ chapter six ] [ chapter seven ] [ chapter eight ] [ chapter nine ] [ chapter ten ] [ chapter eleven ] [ chapter twelve ]
“Onii-chan!”
Ichigo scowled, turning his head away from the noise. Karin sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Forget it, Yuzu. He spent all day at Fuji-Q Highlands two days ago… without us. He’s still recuperating from all that exhausting fun.”
“But…” Yuzu frowned, glancing from her sister to her brother. She sighed also, silently admitting defeat. With one last glance at the occupied bed, Yuzu followed her fraternal twin out of Ichigo’s room. The door was quietly closed to allow him a few more hours of peaceful slumber.
As Karin had grudgingly stated, Ichigo and his friends had spent a day at Fuji-Q Highland and he was resting in preparation for the Fireworks Festival they would be attending when dusk rolled in. After that, he would spend the time finishing the homework he had only once attempted before a certain interruption.
One stray thought led to another and Ichigo found himself glaring sleepily at the wall below his window in an attempt to escape the scowling face of Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez that danced behind his closed lids. He sighed and rolled over onto his back, pushing himself up to sit slumped forward. He ruffled his hair, lowering a hand to beneath the hem of his shirt, idly scratching his stomach. Another sigh escaped him and Ichigo turned to stare blankly out of the window. Life had just become far more complicated. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching his arms high with a strained groan. At least his so-called “crush” was still in the first stages.
“Ichigo!”
Ichigo yawned.
Isshin was impaled on the end of his right fist; the man had walked right into it. “You’re… up.”
“Aa. I hope you’ve been sending out notices that the clinic will be closed.”
Isshin peeled his face away, bouncing back almost immediately. With a wave of his hand, he grinned. “I haven’t, because it’s not. Take your sisters and enjoy the festival. I’ve seen enough in my lifetime, and the fireworks will still be visible to me,” he added with a laugh.
“Aa,” Ichigo murmured softly, looking away as he idly scratched the back of his neck.
“Don’t ever let your guard down, Ichigo!” That declared, Isshin pulled his son into a sankaku jime-triangle choke-hold. Ichigo repeatedly tapped out, but his father showed no signs of setting him free, so he broke out on his own. Yuzu smiled at the noise from upstairs and began gathering ingredients to make a meal for her brother.
* * * * *
Calls were placed and times confirmed. Ichigo sat downstairs, waiting for his sisters to show themselves. Tatsuki and Inoue would be waiting for them at the Arisawa house. Mizuiro and Keigo would join them at Onose River, since they lived on the other side of it. Chad was already there. “Oi,” he drawled loudly. “Weren’t you two the ones rushing me out of bed this morning?” Ichigo stretched out his legs, letting his head fall against the cushioned back of the couch. He tried to recall a time when he’d worn a yukata to the festival. Even when his mom was around, he had still been dressed casually.
Donned in a pair of blue jeans-the right leg housed a deliberate tear by the knee while the left had what looked to be a “worn out” patch on the shin area-and a short-sleeved black shirt. The shirt was void of any extravagant design, save for a small skull and crossbones located at the right side of the hem. A pair of classic, black and white Converse sneakers waited for him at the tataki by the front door.
Ichigo heard movement from behind him and stood from the sofa. He grinned at the sight that greeted him. The twins were dressed in the yukatas he had purchased in Las Noches, but what amused him was the fact that Isshin brought his daughters downstairs, one cradled in the crook of each arm. He lowered himself to one knee and they both jumped down. Yuzu twirled for her brother to see. The pale pink summer kimono was decorated with six-petal white lilies that danced down the left side. The obi was also white.
Karin was a little more reluctant to show hers off. Ichigo wasn’t sure how his raven-haired sister would have reacted to flowers, so he’d gotten a midnight blue yukata filled with burst of fireworks. The obi was a pale pink. He could tell she was happy nonetheless. He held out his hands and the girls flocked to his sides. “I’ll bring ‘em back, safe, sound, and happy.”
Isshin grinned. “You better.” He walked his children to the front door, seeing the trio off.
+ + +
“Yuzu-chan! Karin-chan,” Orihime gushed after spotting the twins. She, herself, had decided to dress in printed yukata, while Tatsuki remained casual as Ichigo had done. While Orihime fussed over the blushing girls, Ichigo admired Orihime. Only Keigo would be enamored by the way Inoue’s bust filled out her summer kimono-Ichigo could already picture the exclamation that was forthcoming.
Rather than leave her hair down, Orihime had tamed the lengthy tresses into a loose bun, the ends splayed out and upward in a fan-like design, courtesy of two brown hair sticks. Gold trinkets dangled from their ends. Of course, the hair clips she had received from her deceased brother remained, but the right one had been adjusted to accommodate a side sweep bang.
“Changing sides?” Tatsuki teased after noticing the way her oldest friend ogled the not-so-newest one.
Inoue shifted her attention from the twins to Ichigo, just in time to catch his blush before he looked away to glare at Tatsuki. With his gaze still averted, he mumbled, “You look… nice, Inoue.”
It was now Orihime’s turn to blush. “Thank you… Kurosaki-kun.”
“Heee… Before they start making out, we should go.”
“Oi! Tatsuki!” Laughing, the brunette took off in a run, Ichigo on her heels.
Inoue smiled down at the children that kept her company, announcing that they should follow. As yukata-wearers, it was harder for them to keep up, but the dup ahead were waiting patiently, still exchanging jibes.
When the remainder of their group joined them, all hell broke loose. As Ichigo had predicted, Keigo lost it after seeing Orihime in her summer kimono. Tatsuki almost forced him into an unconscious state, but held back at the last second. She politely asked Chad, who had joined them shortly after their arrival, to carry the idiot until he regained his senses.
With the lights of the festival shining in her eyes, Yuzu clasped her sister’s hand and took off in an excited run.
Ichigo reached out a hand to them. “Oi! I told that old man-”
“Don’t worry, Ichi-nii!” Karin turned around to smile at him. “I’ll keep her out of trouble.”
Ichigo smiled, lifting his hand in a small wave right before his sisters disappeared into the throng of festival goers. “What now?” he sighed.
“I… There’s a booth I want to visit,” Orihime murmured, distracted. She looked to and fro, an almost eager look in her eyes. “A friend of mine is running it.”
“Somebody from that school?” Tatsuki inquired.
“You… could say.”
“I’ll stay with Ichigo,” the brunette sighed, easily interpreting Inoue’s behavior. Her friend obviously didn’t want any tag-alongs. Orihime apologized softly, hurrying away as fast as her yukata and sandals would allow. Ichigo had his suspicions, if it truly was somebody from Las Noches, but he wouldn’t follow the girl to figure it out.
The remaining group of teens wandered around aimlessly, sampling foods from various booths. Ichigo caught a glimpse of his sisters for a brief second, and then they were off again. Mizuiro broke away after several minutes, his cell phone in his hand and a smile on his face. Tatsuki reminded him of where they were meeting for the fireworks show before he disappeared.
“Kurosaki-san~” an annoyingly familiar voice sang.
With narrowed eyes, Ichigo glanced left. He took notice of the sign-Urahara Shoten-and then the energetic blond waving both arms wildly in his direction. He sighed, suggesting to the other that they visit him; there was nothing else to do.
“Kurosaki-san… and friends!” Urahara cheered, his fan moving quickly with every flick of his wrist. “Come look at my wares.”
“How much for the brunet?” Ichigo grinned, his stare fixed on Ishida Uryuu, who sat beside the wall of toys and festival accessories. Ishida glared back, but the damage was done, and his cheeks warmed in embarrassment.
“Not for sale,” Urahara chuckled, fanning the flames. “We’re tied by the red string of fate, so we can’t be separated.” Ishida snatched one of the kitchen masks from the wall, slipping it on to hide his deepening blush after seeing the grins on his friends’ faces.
Fun had, Ichigo let his gaze sweep over the other items. “I need to buy something for Nel…” What he thought was a thought turned out to have been a spoken statement, for everyone was looking his way.
“Nel?” Urahara probed, hiding the lower half of his face with the fan.
“Aa. She’s a friend I made that works at Las Noches. Not in the school, though.” Unbeknownst to the teen, the creases in his brow disappeared, a gentle look replacing the usual scowl.
Tatsuki almost felt jealous. “What does she like?” she asked, stepping forward to stand beside Ichigo.
Laughter was reflected in the deep brown eyes as he grinned. “Everything. She’s older than me, but she still acts like a kid.” Ichigo blinked, shifting his gaze from the kitsune mask to the smiling Ishida that held it.
“On the house,” the brunet stated. “She might enjoy it.” Ichigo reached out to accept it, but Urahara intercepted the trade.
“I’ll wrap it for you,” the blond declared, returning to behind the booth. With his friends’ help, Ichigo managed to purchase a few other items, some not just for Nel. Uryuu promised he would join them for the fireworks show before the small group moved away.
Led by Keigo, they moved from stall to stall, this time with the intention of sampling the wares. Ichigo had stolen the last takoyaki ball from Keigo when the sky lit up, signaling the start of the show. Following the crowd, they made their way to the edge of the Onose River. Keigo waved his cell phone around, displaying the message from Mizuiro: I saved us a spot.
Using Ichigo and his orange hair as a beacon, they welcomed Ishida and the twins to join them. As a group of eight, they sat together, enjoying the spectacular show that lit up the evening sky. Inoue hadn’t returned. Instead, she left word with Tatsuki that she would rendezvous at show’s end. The tray of takoyaki-Ishida’s “treat” again-was passed around.
* * * * *
Keigo’s farewell was a tearful one. “We should move,” he sobbed to Mizuiro. Their houses were located in the district west of the Onose River, so they were the only ones that wouldn’t be making the return trip to Karakura. “We’re being left out!” Ichigo only had one free hand, and it was used to pry Keigo off of his being.
“Let him indulge,” Chad suggested. “He won’t be seeing you for another several months.”
“What about winter break?!” Ichigo shrugged his shoulders in response to the question shrieked by a wavering voice. “Ichigo!” Keigo latched onto the orange-haired teen, rubbing his face and tears against the material of Ichigo’s black shirt.
After ten minutes, Mizuiro forcefully removed the brown-haired boy. With a wide smile, he waved to the small group. “Have fun!”
*
Halfway home, sleep caught up with the twins. Karin was familiar with the warmth of Chad’s broad back, and drifted off immediately after she had climbed on. Ichigo carried Yuzu. Inoue and Tatsuki were in charge of handling the purchases.
Once the twins were tucked away back at the Kurosaki Clinic’s adjoined house, Ichigo came back out to the front of the clinic, accepting their bags. “Sorry for making you go out of your way,” he apologized.
“Baka.” Tatsuki playfully ground her fist into his head. She tousled the orange hair afterwards. “There’s no need to apologize.”
“Yeah,” Chad spoke up. “I still have a bit more walking to do before I reach my place.”
Ichigo laughed. The sound slowly faded until silence surrounded the quintet. Tatsuki finally stepped forward and slipped her arms around Ichigo’s neck. “We’ll still be waiting here for you. Orihime.”
“Hai?” Orihime perked up.
“Make sure you keep an eye on him.”
She smiled, nodding, “Hai.”
Tatsuki tousled Ichigo’s hair one more time as she pulled away from him. Chad silently expressed his concern for his friend. With a grin, Ichigo bid his friends goodbye, waiting until they had all broken apart before heading back into his own abode.
`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`
Ichigo tore the index card containing his summer schedule in half, tossing it into the trash bin in his room. Three days left until he had to return to Las Noches and there was nothing to do. He was sure Keigo was still reeling from their karaoke day, where “Ichigo actually sung”. Ichigo smiled, taking a seat behind his desk. He opened the laptop, powering it up. An opportunity to do something presented itself in the form of an e-mail. Sender: zabimaru_king@shinou.edu.net. Abarai Renji. Ichigo was a little reluctant to open the e-mail, but he told himself it would help in moving forward. There was someone new in the picture; someone he had fallen for, instead of the other way around.
Hey… I know I’m probably the last person you want
to see, but… I told Rukia you were back in town and
she demanded we all get together before you leave.
I have the bruises to prove it.
My number’s changed: 080-3891-1166.
Whenever you get a chance, call me so I can get this monkey off my back.
-Hoeru!
Ichigo smiled at the familiar closing remark to Renji’s e-mails and rolled the chair across the room to where he’d left his phone. Rolling back to the desk, he copied the number, saving it as a new contact. He had deleted the old one anyway. Glancing at the digital clock in the bottom corner of the screen-it was already after noon-he decided now would be as good a time as any. Pressing TALK with Renji’s name on the screen, Ichigo lifted the phone to his ear, waiting out the ringing.
“Aa? Hello?”
“…Renji.”
“Ichigo!”
“Ichigo?!” The shout was made by a female voice.
Ichigo listened to the scuffle from the other end of the line with a lopsided smile.
“Ruki-AH!”
“Ichigo!” the female voice panted into the phone. “Seireitei, now! Renji will pay the cab fare!”
“Wha-?”
“Now!”
“Hai, hai,” Ichigo sighed.
“Now, Ichigo!”
“I have to hang up-”
“You don’t. I don’t hear any doors opening.”
He grinned and stood from the chair. “Please let me hang up, Rukia.”
“Fine,” the girl huffed. “Call back when you arrive.”
“Aa.” Ending the call, Ichigo placed the phone onto his desk and headed for the closet to find something to wear. He slipped out of the plain white tee, tossing it onto the bed, and pulled on a short-sleeved, ivory green polo shirt-sans the buttons. The collar was a darker green, as was the graphic print on the left breast and the stitching near the edges of the sleeve. After finding a suitable pair of blue jeans, he sifted through the contents of his nightstand, finding and removing the wide, black leather wristband. Ichigo finished snapping the accessory into place around his left wrist before snatching up his phone and heading out. He called for a cab while securing the house, missing Shawlong at times like this.
*
Once the mega-mall entered his sight, Ichigo placed the necessary call. Las Noches had The Village; Seireitei belonged to Shinou Academy and those in the surrounding area. Seireitei, however, catered more towards entertaining. The mall spanned at least two blocks long, four blocks wide. Ichigo had never seen the entire thing. “Can you see me?” Ichigo asked after stepping out of the cab.
“Aa,” Renji breathed. “I can. Who can miss that carrot-top of yours?”
Ichigo turned to and fro until he spotted a familiar figure moving toward him. “Ja.” He hung up, slipping the phone back into the pocket of his jeans.
Renji handed the money over to the driver upon arrival and both teens stepped back as the car pulled away. “Thanks,” he mumbled, looking at his feet, idly flipping his braided crimson ponytail back and forth. “For not ignoring my e-mail.”
Ichigo shrugged his shoulders. “It gave me something to do. Where’s the little devil?”
“Who are you-” The new voice was accompanied by a sharp kick to the back of the knee that sent Ichigo down to the concrete. “-calling a little devil?” Small arms locked around his throat, immediately cutting off his air supply.
Ichigo smacked the thin appendages several times and was released. Hands braced on the ground, he turned and glared over his shoulder at the petite brunette that grinned down at him. “Rukia…”
Kuchiki Rukia crossed her arms over her chest. “Kurosaki Ichigo.” She shook her head with a soft laugh. “It’s been a while.”
With a sigh, Ichigo rose, dusting off his knees before straightening up. “Is that any way to treat your friends?” he spat.
“Renji doesn’t mind,” Rukia mumbled, shrugging her shoulders. She glanced at the redhead, an eyebrow arched as though daring him to rebut.
With a shake of his head, Renji smirked. “Don’t mind. I can take it.” He lifted his arm, making a muscle.
“See?” Rukia chirped. “Now, let’s go!” Throwing a fist in the air, she marched forward.
*
Their first stop was a popular clothing store, Rukia’s choice. The boys were not allowed to leave until she made at least one purchase. Ichigo wanted to remind he that there were other stores in Seireitei that carried the latest fashion, but he didn’t want them banned. At the moment, he sorted through racks of clothing with little or no interest. Rukia was once again back in the fitting room and Renji had wandered away to parts unknown.
Ichigo’s fingers stilled on a blue top and he tugged it outward by the sleeve, smiling faintly. The color reminded him of Grimmjow. He released the article of clothing with a groan. ‘This is bad…’ His “crush” was gradually progressing and there was no physical way to stop the feelings that manifested within him.
“Excuse me-”
“Ichigo!”
Ichigo looked from the young man at his right to the redhead approaching him from the left. There was no nametag on the stranger, which meant he wasn’t an employee. With a nod of his head and a soft apology, he walked to the redhead.
“It’s safe to assume you weren’t thinkin’ ‘bout me.” Renji grinned at the wide brown eyes that stared up at him.
Ichigo whipped around and found that the man was nowhere in sight. Las Noches was spoiling him. He was safe within the white walls, not having to worry about unwanted surprise attacks. “Thanks,” he muttered, sighing deeply.
“No prob. Look. Whaddaya think?” Renji removed the current headgear he wore, replacing it with one from the store.
Ichigo rolled his eyes, but grinned. The cap was a pale pink, and stitched across the front in black, to make it visible, was “FUCK”. He reached up and snatched it off. “Why would this be in here?”
“For me? For style,” Renji corrected, taking it back to replace it atop his head. “I could wear this. Stitch a question mark on the end…”
“Oi! Baka!”
The redhead laughed, defending himself from Ichigo’s punches.
Rukia watched them through the crack of her ajar fitting room door with a smile. She had known about their relationship and that the breakup was one of the few reasons why Ichigo transferred out. It put her mind and heart at ease that they were able to get along again. With a soft click, the door was closed. Ichigo was glaring at Renji when Rukia finally joined them, a yellow summer dress over her arm. The reason why was because the redhead really had purchased the hat. She smiled, ignoring them as she headed for the counter.
Ichigo was the only one that walked out without a bag. That changed when they passed by a gaming store and he noticed the poster in the front window. With a lopsided grin, one he had no control over, he doubled back and headed into the shop.
Renji didn’t have the right to be jealous as he watched the clerk collect the items Ichigo asked for, but there was a slight pain in his chest knowing that he would no longer be on the receiving end of such special gifts. ‘I ended it,’ he reminded himself. His eyes widened at the light touch to his fingers and Renji looked down to see that Rukia had curled her pinky with his. He smiled, understanding the message she tried to convey: cheer up.
Ichigo returned to them with a grin and a large bag. “Let’s go.”
*
After getting food in their systems, they covered half of Seireitei before deciding to call it a day. The trio talked excitedly as they awaited the cab’s arrival. Ichigo was glad no question were raised about what school he currently attended, but he was sure they already knew and chose to deliberately steer clear of the subject. Ichigo placed his purchases into the waiting cab and faced the pair, raising his hand in mock salute.
Rukia offered up the money for the return trip with a smile. When she stepped back, Renji stepped forward. “When we’re of age, let’s go to Rukongai,” he stated. Rukongai was a famous bar and club. There was never a night it operated without almost reaching full capacity. “You can bring your new boyfriend so he doesn’t get the wrong idea.” Before the protest could be spoken, Renji stoke a kiss from the frowning lips. He hurriedly forced the orange-haired teen into the cab, slamming the door behind him.
The car rolled away with Ichigo inside, a perplexed expression on his face. “I really did let go of a good thing,” Renji sighed, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants.
“There are more fish in the sea,” Rukia sang, right-facing so she could begin the march back to where the Kuchiki family chauffeur waited. “Maybe not too many clownfish…” she added in reference to the orange mop. With a grin, Renji followed.
* * * * *
Ichigo managed to sneak back into the house once the cab had gone after dropping him off. He didn’t want a violent confrontation from his father, not until he put down his bags. Isshin must have sensed this, because he burst into his son’s room less than a second after the handles slipped from Ichigo’s fingers. “You smell like smoke!”
“Bullshit!” Ichigo spat, blocking his father’s punch.
“Alcohol?”
“Stop grasping at straws!” Ichigo pushed him back, lashing out with a high kick.
Isshin caught the appendage with a grin, flipping the boy. “I was thinking we could go to the beach tomorrow.”
Ichigo glared up at the brunet doctor from the floor. “Really…?”
“Yes, m’boy!”
“Fine…” Ichigo scoffed. He could hear the giggles from outside his door. “Get out,” he grumbled. Isshin obliged, his wide grin disappearing behind the door as he closed it. Ichigo sat up, leaning against his bed. The plan must have been for them to spend his last remaining days together as a family before they were ripped apart again. He smiled.
A/N: Fuuuah! I’ll say this now, because I really should do it at the end of every chapter. Thank you for reading my fic *bow* To those of you that comment/review, and to those of you that don’t (I stalk the stalkers and know you’re out there, kufufu).
I hope this was an enjoyable chapter. The later half was a last minute add-on, because… after tossing a certain review around in my head, I realized I really was kinna rushing things, despite my thinking I was going slow. So, even if I have to map out every day of their life…! *clenches fist* That… and I didn’t wanna get rid of Renji just yet~ x3
Happy Turkey Day, gaiz~! Enjoy ze turke~y *gobble gobble*
[ chapter fourteen ] [ chapter fifteen ] [ chapter sixteen ] [ chapter seventeen ] [ chapter eighteen ] [ chapter nineteen ] [ chapter twenty ] [ chapter twenty-one ]
Author/Artist: taintedkibou
Pairing/Characters: Grimmjow/Ichigo
Rating: PG-13 (R later?)
Genre: AU; high school
Disclaimer: I own the mangas that I purchased, but Kubo owns the characters.
Summary/Notes: Forced to transfer from school to school because of something he has no control over, Kurosaki Ichigo resigns himself to expulsion, only to find out he has one last choice: attend Las Noches High.
[ chapter one ] [ chapter two ] [ chapter three ] [ chapter four ] [ chapter five ] [ chapter six ] [ chapter seven ] [ chapter eight ] [ chapter nine ] [ chapter ten ] [ chapter eleven ] [ chapter twelve ]
“Onii-chan!”
Ichigo scowled, turning his head away from the noise. Karin sighed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Forget it, Yuzu. He spent all day at Fuji-Q Highlands two days ago… without us. He’s still recuperating from all that exhausting fun.”
“But…” Yuzu frowned, glancing from her sister to her brother. She sighed also, silently admitting defeat. With one last glance at the occupied bed, Yuzu followed her fraternal twin out of Ichigo’s room. The door was quietly closed to allow him a few more hours of peaceful slumber.
As Karin had grudgingly stated, Ichigo and his friends had spent a day at Fuji-Q Highland and he was resting in preparation for the Fireworks Festival they would be attending when dusk rolled in. After that, he would spend the time finishing the homework he had only once attempted before a certain interruption.
One stray thought led to another and Ichigo found himself glaring sleepily at the wall below his window in an attempt to escape the scowling face of Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez that danced behind his closed lids. He sighed and rolled over onto his back, pushing himself up to sit slumped forward. He ruffled his hair, lowering a hand to beneath the hem of his shirt, idly scratching his stomach. Another sigh escaped him and Ichigo turned to stare blankly out of the window. Life had just become far more complicated. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, stretching his arms high with a strained groan. At least his so-called “crush” was still in the first stages.
“Ichigo!”
Ichigo yawned.
Isshin was impaled on the end of his right fist; the man had walked right into it. “You’re… up.”
“Aa. I hope you’ve been sending out notices that the clinic will be closed.”
Isshin peeled his face away, bouncing back almost immediately. With a wave of his hand, he grinned. “I haven’t, because it’s not. Take your sisters and enjoy the festival. I’ve seen enough in my lifetime, and the fireworks will still be visible to me,” he added with a laugh.
“Aa,” Ichigo murmured softly, looking away as he idly scratched the back of his neck.
“Don’t ever let your guard down, Ichigo!” That declared, Isshin pulled his son into a sankaku jime-triangle choke-hold. Ichigo repeatedly tapped out, but his father showed no signs of setting him free, so he broke out on his own. Yuzu smiled at the noise from upstairs and began gathering ingredients to make a meal for her brother.
* * * * *
Calls were placed and times confirmed. Ichigo sat downstairs, waiting for his sisters to show themselves. Tatsuki and Inoue would be waiting for them at the Arisawa house. Mizuiro and Keigo would join them at Onose River, since they lived on the other side of it. Chad was already there. “Oi,” he drawled loudly. “Weren’t you two the ones rushing me out of bed this morning?” Ichigo stretched out his legs, letting his head fall against the cushioned back of the couch. He tried to recall a time when he’d worn a yukata to the festival. Even when his mom was around, he had still been dressed casually.
Donned in a pair of blue jeans-the right leg housed a deliberate tear by the knee while the left had what looked to be a “worn out” patch on the shin area-and a short-sleeved black shirt. The shirt was void of any extravagant design, save for a small skull and crossbones located at the right side of the hem. A pair of classic, black and white Converse sneakers waited for him at the tataki by the front door.
Ichigo heard movement from behind him and stood from the sofa. He grinned at the sight that greeted him. The twins were dressed in the yukatas he had purchased in Las Noches, but what amused him was the fact that Isshin brought his daughters downstairs, one cradled in the crook of each arm. He lowered himself to one knee and they both jumped down. Yuzu twirled for her brother to see. The pale pink summer kimono was decorated with six-petal white lilies that danced down the left side. The obi was also white.
Karin was a little more reluctant to show hers off. Ichigo wasn’t sure how his raven-haired sister would have reacted to flowers, so he’d gotten a midnight blue yukata filled with burst of fireworks. The obi was a pale pink. He could tell she was happy nonetheless. He held out his hands and the girls flocked to his sides. “I’ll bring ‘em back, safe, sound, and happy.”
Isshin grinned. “You better.” He walked his children to the front door, seeing the trio off.
+ + +
“Yuzu-chan! Karin-chan,” Orihime gushed after spotting the twins. She, herself, had decided to dress in printed yukata, while Tatsuki remained casual as Ichigo had done. While Orihime fussed over the blushing girls, Ichigo admired Orihime. Only Keigo would be enamored by the way Inoue’s bust filled out her summer kimono-Ichigo could already picture the exclamation that was forthcoming.
Rather than leave her hair down, Orihime had tamed the lengthy tresses into a loose bun, the ends splayed out and upward in a fan-like design, courtesy of two brown hair sticks. Gold trinkets dangled from their ends. Of course, the hair clips she had received from her deceased brother remained, but the right one had been adjusted to accommodate a side sweep bang.
“Changing sides?” Tatsuki teased after noticing the way her oldest friend ogled the not-so-newest one.
Inoue shifted her attention from the twins to Ichigo, just in time to catch his blush before he looked away to glare at Tatsuki. With his gaze still averted, he mumbled, “You look… nice, Inoue.”
It was now Orihime’s turn to blush. “Thank you… Kurosaki-kun.”
“Heee… Before they start making out, we should go.”
“Oi! Tatsuki!” Laughing, the brunette took off in a run, Ichigo on her heels.
Inoue smiled down at the children that kept her company, announcing that they should follow. As yukata-wearers, it was harder for them to keep up, but the dup ahead were waiting patiently, still exchanging jibes.
When the remainder of their group joined them, all hell broke loose. As Ichigo had predicted, Keigo lost it after seeing Orihime in her summer kimono. Tatsuki almost forced him into an unconscious state, but held back at the last second. She politely asked Chad, who had joined them shortly after their arrival, to carry the idiot until he regained his senses.
With the lights of the festival shining in her eyes, Yuzu clasped her sister’s hand and took off in an excited run.
Ichigo reached out a hand to them. “Oi! I told that old man-”
“Don’t worry, Ichi-nii!” Karin turned around to smile at him. “I’ll keep her out of trouble.”
Ichigo smiled, lifting his hand in a small wave right before his sisters disappeared into the throng of festival goers. “What now?” he sighed.
“I… There’s a booth I want to visit,” Orihime murmured, distracted. She looked to and fro, an almost eager look in her eyes. “A friend of mine is running it.”
“Somebody from that school?” Tatsuki inquired.
“You… could say.”
“I’ll stay with Ichigo,” the brunette sighed, easily interpreting Inoue’s behavior. Her friend obviously didn’t want any tag-alongs. Orihime apologized softly, hurrying away as fast as her yukata and sandals would allow. Ichigo had his suspicions, if it truly was somebody from Las Noches, but he wouldn’t follow the girl to figure it out.
The remaining group of teens wandered around aimlessly, sampling foods from various booths. Ichigo caught a glimpse of his sisters for a brief second, and then they were off again. Mizuiro broke away after several minutes, his cell phone in his hand and a smile on his face. Tatsuki reminded him of where they were meeting for the fireworks show before he disappeared.
“Kurosaki-san~” an annoyingly familiar voice sang.
With narrowed eyes, Ichigo glanced left. He took notice of the sign-Urahara Shoten-and then the energetic blond waving both arms wildly in his direction. He sighed, suggesting to the other that they visit him; there was nothing else to do.
“Kurosaki-san… and friends!” Urahara cheered, his fan moving quickly with every flick of his wrist. “Come look at my wares.”
“How much for the brunet?” Ichigo grinned, his stare fixed on Ishida Uryuu, who sat beside the wall of toys and festival accessories. Ishida glared back, but the damage was done, and his cheeks warmed in embarrassment.
“Not for sale,” Urahara chuckled, fanning the flames. “We’re tied by the red string of fate, so we can’t be separated.” Ishida snatched one of the kitchen masks from the wall, slipping it on to hide his deepening blush after seeing the grins on his friends’ faces.
Fun had, Ichigo let his gaze sweep over the other items. “I need to buy something for Nel…” What he thought was a thought turned out to have been a spoken statement, for everyone was looking his way.
“Nel?” Urahara probed, hiding the lower half of his face with the fan.
“Aa. She’s a friend I made that works at Las Noches. Not in the school, though.” Unbeknownst to the teen, the creases in his brow disappeared, a gentle look replacing the usual scowl.
Tatsuki almost felt jealous. “What does she like?” she asked, stepping forward to stand beside Ichigo.
Laughter was reflected in the deep brown eyes as he grinned. “Everything. She’s older than me, but she still acts like a kid.” Ichigo blinked, shifting his gaze from the kitsune mask to the smiling Ishida that held it.
“On the house,” the brunet stated. “She might enjoy it.” Ichigo reached out to accept it, but Urahara intercepted the trade.
“I’ll wrap it for you,” the blond declared, returning to behind the booth. With his friends’ help, Ichigo managed to purchase a few other items, some not just for Nel. Uryuu promised he would join them for the fireworks show before the small group moved away.
Led by Keigo, they moved from stall to stall, this time with the intention of sampling the wares. Ichigo had stolen the last takoyaki ball from Keigo when the sky lit up, signaling the start of the show. Following the crowd, they made their way to the edge of the Onose River. Keigo waved his cell phone around, displaying the message from Mizuiro: I saved us a spot.
Using Ichigo and his orange hair as a beacon, they welcomed Ishida and the twins to join them. As a group of eight, they sat together, enjoying the spectacular show that lit up the evening sky. Inoue hadn’t returned. Instead, she left word with Tatsuki that she would rendezvous at show’s end. The tray of takoyaki-Ishida’s “treat” again-was passed around.
* * * * *
Keigo’s farewell was a tearful one. “We should move,” he sobbed to Mizuiro. Their houses were located in the district west of the Onose River, so they were the only ones that wouldn’t be making the return trip to Karakura. “We’re being left out!” Ichigo only had one free hand, and it was used to pry Keigo off of his being.
“Let him indulge,” Chad suggested. “He won’t be seeing you for another several months.”
“What about winter break?!” Ichigo shrugged his shoulders in response to the question shrieked by a wavering voice. “Ichigo!” Keigo latched onto the orange-haired teen, rubbing his face and tears against the material of Ichigo’s black shirt.
After ten minutes, Mizuiro forcefully removed the brown-haired boy. With a wide smile, he waved to the small group. “Have fun!”
*
Halfway home, sleep caught up with the twins. Karin was familiar with the warmth of Chad’s broad back, and drifted off immediately after she had climbed on. Ichigo carried Yuzu. Inoue and Tatsuki were in charge of handling the purchases.
Once the twins were tucked away back at the Kurosaki Clinic’s adjoined house, Ichigo came back out to the front of the clinic, accepting their bags. “Sorry for making you go out of your way,” he apologized.
“Baka.” Tatsuki playfully ground her fist into his head. She tousled the orange hair afterwards. “There’s no need to apologize.”
“Yeah,” Chad spoke up. “I still have a bit more walking to do before I reach my place.”
Ichigo laughed. The sound slowly faded until silence surrounded the quintet. Tatsuki finally stepped forward and slipped her arms around Ichigo’s neck. “We’ll still be waiting here for you. Orihime.”
“Hai?” Orihime perked up.
“Make sure you keep an eye on him.”
She smiled, nodding, “Hai.”
Tatsuki tousled Ichigo’s hair one more time as she pulled away from him. Chad silently expressed his concern for his friend. With a grin, Ichigo bid his friends goodbye, waiting until they had all broken apart before heading back into his own abode.
`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`
Ichigo tore the index card containing his summer schedule in half, tossing it into the trash bin in his room. Three days left until he had to return to Las Noches and there was nothing to do. He was sure Keigo was still reeling from their karaoke day, where “Ichigo actually sung”. Ichigo smiled, taking a seat behind his desk. He opened the laptop, powering it up. An opportunity to do something presented itself in the form of an e-mail. Sender: zabimaru_king@shinou.edu.net. Abarai Renji. Ichigo was a little reluctant to open the e-mail, but he told himself it would help in moving forward. There was someone new in the picture; someone he had fallen for, instead of the other way around.
Hey… I know I’m probably the last person you want
to see, but… I told Rukia you were back in town and
she demanded we all get together before you leave.
I have the bruises to prove it.
My number’s changed: 080-3891-1166.
Whenever you get a chance, call me so I can get this monkey off my back.
-Hoeru!
Ichigo smiled at the familiar closing remark to Renji’s e-mails and rolled the chair across the room to where he’d left his phone. Rolling back to the desk, he copied the number, saving it as a new contact. He had deleted the old one anyway. Glancing at the digital clock in the bottom corner of the screen-it was already after noon-he decided now would be as good a time as any. Pressing TALK with Renji’s name on the screen, Ichigo lifted the phone to his ear, waiting out the ringing.
“Aa? Hello?”
“…Renji.”
“Ichigo!”
“Ichigo?!” The shout was made by a female voice.
Ichigo listened to the scuffle from the other end of the line with a lopsided smile.
“Ruki-AH!”
“Ichigo!” the female voice panted into the phone. “Seireitei, now! Renji will pay the cab fare!”
“Wha-?”
“Now!”
“Hai, hai,” Ichigo sighed.
“Now, Ichigo!”
“I have to hang up-”
“You don’t. I don’t hear any doors opening.”
He grinned and stood from the chair. “Please let me hang up, Rukia.”
“Fine,” the girl huffed. “Call back when you arrive.”
“Aa.” Ending the call, Ichigo placed the phone onto his desk and headed for the closet to find something to wear. He slipped out of the plain white tee, tossing it onto the bed, and pulled on a short-sleeved, ivory green polo shirt-sans the buttons. The collar was a darker green, as was the graphic print on the left breast and the stitching near the edges of the sleeve. After finding a suitable pair of blue jeans, he sifted through the contents of his nightstand, finding and removing the wide, black leather wristband. Ichigo finished snapping the accessory into place around his left wrist before snatching up his phone and heading out. He called for a cab while securing the house, missing Shawlong at times like this.
*
Once the mega-mall entered his sight, Ichigo placed the necessary call. Las Noches had The Village; Seireitei belonged to Shinou Academy and those in the surrounding area. Seireitei, however, catered more towards entertaining. The mall spanned at least two blocks long, four blocks wide. Ichigo had never seen the entire thing. “Can you see me?” Ichigo asked after stepping out of the cab.
“Aa,” Renji breathed. “I can. Who can miss that carrot-top of yours?”
Ichigo turned to and fro until he spotted a familiar figure moving toward him. “Ja.” He hung up, slipping the phone back into the pocket of his jeans.
Renji handed the money over to the driver upon arrival and both teens stepped back as the car pulled away. “Thanks,” he mumbled, looking at his feet, idly flipping his braided crimson ponytail back and forth. “For not ignoring my e-mail.”
Ichigo shrugged his shoulders. “It gave me something to do. Where’s the little devil?”
“Who are you-” The new voice was accompanied by a sharp kick to the back of the knee that sent Ichigo down to the concrete. “-calling a little devil?” Small arms locked around his throat, immediately cutting off his air supply.
Ichigo smacked the thin appendages several times and was released. Hands braced on the ground, he turned and glared over his shoulder at the petite brunette that grinned down at him. “Rukia…”
Kuchiki Rukia crossed her arms over her chest. “Kurosaki Ichigo.” She shook her head with a soft laugh. “It’s been a while.”
With a sigh, Ichigo rose, dusting off his knees before straightening up. “Is that any way to treat your friends?” he spat.
“Renji doesn’t mind,” Rukia mumbled, shrugging her shoulders. She glanced at the redhead, an eyebrow arched as though daring him to rebut.
With a shake of his head, Renji smirked. “Don’t mind. I can take it.” He lifted his arm, making a muscle.
“See?” Rukia chirped. “Now, let’s go!” Throwing a fist in the air, she marched forward.
*
Their first stop was a popular clothing store, Rukia’s choice. The boys were not allowed to leave until she made at least one purchase. Ichigo wanted to remind he that there were other stores in Seireitei that carried the latest fashion, but he didn’t want them banned. At the moment, he sorted through racks of clothing with little or no interest. Rukia was once again back in the fitting room and Renji had wandered away to parts unknown.
Ichigo’s fingers stilled on a blue top and he tugged it outward by the sleeve, smiling faintly. The color reminded him of Grimmjow. He released the article of clothing with a groan. ‘This is bad…’ His “crush” was gradually progressing and there was no physical way to stop the feelings that manifested within him.
“Excuse me-”
“Ichigo!”
Ichigo looked from the young man at his right to the redhead approaching him from the left. There was no nametag on the stranger, which meant he wasn’t an employee. With a nod of his head and a soft apology, he walked to the redhead.
“It’s safe to assume you weren’t thinkin’ ‘bout me.” Renji grinned at the wide brown eyes that stared up at him.
Ichigo whipped around and found that the man was nowhere in sight. Las Noches was spoiling him. He was safe within the white walls, not having to worry about unwanted surprise attacks. “Thanks,” he muttered, sighing deeply.
“No prob. Look. Whaddaya think?” Renji removed the current headgear he wore, replacing it with one from the store.
Ichigo rolled his eyes, but grinned. The cap was a pale pink, and stitched across the front in black, to make it visible, was “FUCK”. He reached up and snatched it off. “Why would this be in here?”
“For me? For style,” Renji corrected, taking it back to replace it atop his head. “I could wear this. Stitch a question mark on the end…”
“Oi! Baka!”
The redhead laughed, defending himself from Ichigo’s punches.
Rukia watched them through the crack of her ajar fitting room door with a smile. She had known about their relationship and that the breakup was one of the few reasons why Ichigo transferred out. It put her mind and heart at ease that they were able to get along again. With a soft click, the door was closed. Ichigo was glaring at Renji when Rukia finally joined them, a yellow summer dress over her arm. The reason why was because the redhead really had purchased the hat. She smiled, ignoring them as she headed for the counter.
Ichigo was the only one that walked out without a bag. That changed when they passed by a gaming store and he noticed the poster in the front window. With a lopsided grin, one he had no control over, he doubled back and headed into the shop.
Renji didn’t have the right to be jealous as he watched the clerk collect the items Ichigo asked for, but there was a slight pain in his chest knowing that he would no longer be on the receiving end of such special gifts. ‘I ended it,’ he reminded himself. His eyes widened at the light touch to his fingers and Renji looked down to see that Rukia had curled her pinky with his. He smiled, understanding the message she tried to convey: cheer up.
Ichigo returned to them with a grin and a large bag. “Let’s go.”
*
After getting food in their systems, they covered half of Seireitei before deciding to call it a day. The trio talked excitedly as they awaited the cab’s arrival. Ichigo was glad no question were raised about what school he currently attended, but he was sure they already knew and chose to deliberately steer clear of the subject. Ichigo placed his purchases into the waiting cab and faced the pair, raising his hand in mock salute.
Rukia offered up the money for the return trip with a smile. When she stepped back, Renji stepped forward. “When we’re of age, let’s go to Rukongai,” he stated. Rukongai was a famous bar and club. There was never a night it operated without almost reaching full capacity. “You can bring your new boyfriend so he doesn’t get the wrong idea.” Before the protest could be spoken, Renji stoke a kiss from the frowning lips. He hurriedly forced the orange-haired teen into the cab, slamming the door behind him.
The car rolled away with Ichigo inside, a perplexed expression on his face. “I really did let go of a good thing,” Renji sighed, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants.
“There are more fish in the sea,” Rukia sang, right-facing so she could begin the march back to where the Kuchiki family chauffeur waited. “Maybe not too many clownfish…” she added in reference to the orange mop. With a grin, Renji followed.
* * * * *
Ichigo managed to sneak back into the house once the cab had gone after dropping him off. He didn’t want a violent confrontation from his father, not until he put down his bags. Isshin must have sensed this, because he burst into his son’s room less than a second after the handles slipped from Ichigo’s fingers. “You smell like smoke!”
“Bullshit!” Ichigo spat, blocking his father’s punch.
“Alcohol?”
“Stop grasping at straws!” Ichigo pushed him back, lashing out with a high kick.
Isshin caught the appendage with a grin, flipping the boy. “I was thinking we could go to the beach tomorrow.”
Ichigo glared up at the brunet doctor from the floor. “Really…?”
“Yes, m’boy!”
“Fine…” Ichigo scoffed. He could hear the giggles from outside his door. “Get out,” he grumbled. Isshin obliged, his wide grin disappearing behind the door as he closed it. Ichigo sat up, leaning against his bed. The plan must have been for them to spend his last remaining days together as a family before they were ripped apart again. He smiled.
A/N: Fuuuah! I’ll say this now, because I really should do it at the end of every chapter. Thank you for reading my fic *bow* To those of you that comment/review, and to those of you that don’t (I stalk the stalkers and know you’re out there, kufufu).
I hope this was an enjoyable chapter. The later half was a last minute add-on, because… after tossing a certain review around in my head, I realized I really was kinna rushing things, despite my thinking I was going slow. So, even if I have to map out every day of their life…! *clenches fist* That… and I didn’t wanna get rid of Renji just yet~ x3
Happy Turkey Day, gaiz~! Enjoy ze turke~y *gobble gobble*
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