Work Text:
An Unbelievable Story Pt. 2
Orihime’s P.O.V.
“Tatsuki! You should have seen my face when he told me he read my poem! I thought I was going to die!” I shouted into my cell phone with my best friend on the other line.
“Calm down, Hime. I think you’re overreacting again. It couldn’t have been that bad.” She chuckled.
“But it was! And the worst part was he didn’t even know that it was about him!” I huffed as I dropped onto my bed, feeling defeated.
“Well, let’s be honest, Hime. The guy isn’t exactly the brightest strawberry in the container.” She laughed.
“Tatsuki! That’s not nice. I’ll have you know that Kurosaki-kun is very smart, especially when it comes to English Literature. And besides, my poem was so vague that, unless you know me, no one would ever figure out who that poem was about.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that. However, if he has to think about anything outside of English Literature or fighting Hollows, his brain short circuits. Why do all the pretty girls fall for the dumb boys.” She sighed.
“You’re not helping, you know. Do you know how long I held my breath after he left before I called you? I thought I was going to pass out.” I sighed again.
“Alright, alright. I give. Come on. Tell me everything that happened after he walked you home.”
“Well, it was a normal day for us. We talked about any and everything. He even listened to me tell him about the Little Blue Men moving my stuff. We laughed, I ate dinner while he drank tea, and then we did homework together until sunset. However, when it was time for him to go, he took my poem out of his pocket and asked me about it. I quickly snatched it out of his hand and tried to hide it again, but it was too late.”
“Ok, and what did he say about your poem?”
“That it was beautiful, and he wanted to read more of my poems. Then he asked who the poem was about. I just told him that it was about someone I couldn’t be with but cared a lot for.”
“Ok, I’m still not seeing the issue here, but continue.”
“Well, we talked a little about my time at Hueco Mundo, and how he promised to always protect me. You know, his usual speech. But then, the best thing in the world happened! He got this really strange look in his eyes. I almost thought he was going to kiss me. I did everything I could to not faint in his strong arms.”
“Oh, good grief. So, did he finally grow some balls and kiss you?’
“No, he did the next best thing. He pulled me into his chest and held me close! Oh Tatsuki, I thought my heart was going to fly away! It felt like a dream. I mean, I felt his broad shoulders and muscled biceps before, but nothing like this. I cried into his chest, and he just held me there. All I could think about was the feeling of the heat radiating from his body, how hard his muscles were underneath his shirt, and how manly he smelt. If I died right then and there, I would have been the happiest girl in the world.” I dreamily sighed.
“Ew. This is kind of making me sick, Hime. But I can’t say I’m not happy for you. Too bad he doesn’t know that you wrote the poem about him. Do you ever plan on telling him?”
“I could never do something like that! It might ruin the friendship we built. In fact, we’ve never been as close as we are now. I… don’t want to mess that up. I don’t want to lose him, Tatsuki. I can’t lose him, especially with how much pain and vulnerable he seems to be.”
“What do you mean?” She asked while shifting something in the background.
“Well, after we finished our hug and I closed the door, I felt his spiritual pressure remain on the other side of my door. I thought it was a fluke, especially since he’s never had good control over it. But after a little while, it was still there. So, I used my powers and realized that he stayed against my door for a while before he finally left. That’s why I didn’t call you right away. I was scared he would hear me. It would have been endearing if his spiritual pressure didn’t feel so sad.
Tatsuki, I felt his pain. I felt his sorrows and it frustrated me. I just found out that I have the power to practically reject time and restore almost anything to their original states. However, Kurosaki-kun’s heart isn’t something that I can fix, despite how much I wish I could.” I sighed in defeat.
“Well, maybe you can.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
“Hime, I’ve watched you grow from a scared little girl who used to get bullied a lot into a strong, independent, beautiful woman. I used to be the one to defend you against regular creeps and thugs. But now you’re protecting the entire world with your newfound powers. Hell, you’re even fighting villains and going to places I’ve heard about in fiction books and manga. And obviously the idiotic strawberry thinks the same, or he wouldn’t want you to keep fighting by his side. He obviously values you and your skill. It also seems that he also cares for you to a degree far beyond my understanding. And, from what I’ve seen, he seems to have some strong feelings for you. He may not know what they are, but he knows they’re there.”
“You really think so?” I curiously asked.
“I know so. It was painful to watch you pine after an idiot boy who barely paid any attention to you before. Now, both of you entered into this ridiculous dance around the other. Both of you can’t be afraid of hurting the other when both of you share similar feelings for the other. Besides, you and I know that he would never man up and make the first move. Therefor, it rests on your shoulders. If I, were you, I would take the plunge and just kiss the idiot. He already knows that you feel that way about someone, you just have to show him that he’s that person.”
“You really think I could do that? That sounds so… bold.”
“I know it’s a lot to take in, but I know it’ll be worth it. Think on it, Hime. Just promise me that you won’t do anything until you’re sure of yourself.”
“I promise. Thank you for everything, Tatsuki. I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
And with that, we said our goodbyes and hung up the phone. I leaned over and plugged my phone into the charger before snuggling under my covers. Thoughts of what Tatsuki said and today’s events played in my head. A huge smile stayed on my lips as I diffed to sleep and dreamt of Kurosaki-kun saving me from the Little Blue Man while riding a white horse named Jack.
…
…
…
The next day was pretty uneventful. Tatsuki teased me about our conversation last night and laughed every time Kurosaki-kun was confused by the joke. Throughout the day, I daydreamt about the two of us and debated if I should follow my gut, or back out and keep my secret forever. The longer the day dragged on, the more I felt my tummy twist into knots.
It also didn’t help that my cheeks would brightly blush every time I caught him staring at me. At one point, Tatsuki passed me a note that said he did the same thing when he caught me staring and called us cute. My face really lit up than as I tried to hide the note before Sensei saw it. Finally, the finally bell rang and class was dismissed. I drowned out the homework for the night, said goodbye to Tatsuki after her last words of encouragement. When I met Kurosaki-kun at the school gates, I saw he was writing something before he hurried and put it into his bag, I tried to question him about it, but he brushed me off and walked me to my apartment.
Like normal, we laughed and joked about today’s events. It was as if the awkwardness of today eases away, and it was just the two of us again. After we got to my house and started homework, we eventually stopped in favor of just talking. The homework wasn’t due until Monday anyway.
“Kurosaki-kun. You were supposed to be focused on the lessons, not trying to balance a pencil on your nose.” I giggled behind my hand.
“I know, but can you blame me? I mean who the hell cares about calculus anyway? I sure as hell don’t.” He huffed as he leaned back against the edge of the couch.
“Well, what about those scientists and other careers that require it?”
“Inoue, do I look like the guy who will become any of those things?”
I giggled again before answering, “No. I suppose not. But then, what do you want to be?”
I watched his face twist as he thought about my question. He sighed when he was ready to answer, “I don’t honestly know. I might take over the clinic for my dad, but I’m not sure yet. Right now, protecting the town from Hollows is all I have going for me. That’s kind of what I want to focus on for a while, ya know?”
“Yes, I understand. I, on the other hand, want to be a baker! I would like to one day own my own shop and bake a bunch of delicious desserts for people!”
He smiled at me. I love when he smiles at me. “Are you going to put in that weird red bean paste in all of your desserts too?”
“Well, I was at first. It was going to be my secret ingredient. But Tatsuki talked me out of it since not everyone likes red bean paste as much as me. So, I’ve been trying out new recipes. I’ll have to show you some time.” I smiled.
“Yeah. That’ll be cool. I wouldn’t mind being your taste tester.” He grinned.
I felt a blush dust my cheeks as I looked away and tucked stray hairs behind my ear. The air around us was thick with intimate tension. Suddenly, the thought from earlier popped into my head.
“Hey, Kurosaki-kun, can I ask something?” I started. He raised his eyebrow to let me know that I had his full attention. “What were you writing about earlier?”
Suddenly, his body stiffened as he looked off to the side with a brighter blush. “Nothing! I told you to drop it. It was nothing.”
“Oh, come on.” I pouted with my hands on my hips. “That's not fair. You read one of my poems, so why can’t I know what you wrote?”
“Because it’s stupid.” He mumbled.
I smirked as I leaned closer with a hand cupped behind my ear. His whole face turned strawberry red the closer I got and made me laugh. “What was that Kurosaki-kun? I didn’t quite hear you.”
“I said it was stupid! There, are you happy?!”
I stood to my full height with my hands on my hips and a mischievous smile on my face. “Nope. I won’t be happy until you read me what you wrote.”
He looked up at me with nervous eyes. Even though I stood tall and proud before him, both of us had blushes over our cheeks. “You’re really not gonna let this go, huh?” He asked.
I shook my head. Finally, after a few more moments, he sighed in defeat and motioned for me to join him. I silently cheered as I sat on the couch beside him with my hands in my lap. I excitedly watched as he fished out a crumbled-up piece of paper and smoothed it out.
“Ready whenever you are.” I sang with a bright smile.
“Promise not to laugh?” He asked. I nodded. He sighed for the last time before he read off the paper.
Unbelievable
Your voice is like a sweet melody for a mother to sing-
Your beauty can only be revived by the kindness within your heart-
If I had not met you, I would have never thought angels existed-
You excite me-
Intoxicate me-
And, no matter what happens-
You’re who I run to when I need security-
You are an unbelievable entity-
However, is it too unbelievable for you to be with me?
Ichigo Kurosaki
I was at a loss for words after he finished reading. I felt tears streaming down my face as I lifted my hands to wipe them. However, I wasn’t aware how he felt as he uncomfortably watched me cry.
“Oh, my gods you hate it. See, this is why I didn’t want to read it. I knew it was lame.” He groaned with his blush still on his cheeks and ears.
“No, Kurosaki-kun. You don’t understand. I wasn’t crying because I hated it. I was crying because it was so beautiful! I loved every word from it. You’re so sweet and talented. You have to tell me more about it. Who did you write it for? A special girl?” It hurt to ask the question, but I had to know.
“Well, actually,” He started as he started the back of his head. “I wrote it while thinking of my mother.”
“You’re mother?”
“Yeah. My mother… she was everything to me and my family. She was the glue that held us together, and my best friend. I’m still coming to terms with her death, and poetry was how I coped. After a while, I stopped and started acting out. But, after reading your poem yesterday, it made me want to write again. So, thank you for inspiring me, Inoue.”
“Oh wow. That… wasn’t the answer I was expecting, but I’m glad I could help. It was beautiful. You’ll have to read me the final version of the poem when you’re done editing it.”
“You really want to hear it again?”
“Of course! And any other poems you’ve written. Maybe we can get together and read each other’s poems sometime?” I nervously asked.
“Yeah… maybe…”
There it was the intimate tension was back. As I stared into his deep, brown eyes, I felt my heart beat out of my chest. The blood rushing through my veins filled my ears as my body overheated. Before I knew it, our faces were mere inches away from each other. His thin lips were parted enough that I felt his sweet breath on my lips. I don’t know what I was thinking when I reached up and grabbed the front of his uniform shirt. He gasped at my actions but didn’t move away. This was the moment. If I was going to take my best friend’s advice, then now was the time.
I pulled his a little closer, and with a whisper of his name on my lips, I closed my eyes and brought our lips together. Despite his rough and chiseled exterior, his lips were softer than my pillow. I felt him stiffen against me, but I only pressed harder into him. It wasn’t until I didn’t feel him moving at all, that I slowly pulled back and looked into his face.
His pupils were dilated and everything around us stopped. A shocked expression was plastered on his face as he continued to stare at me. It was almost every one of his braincells died at once. I started to panic as I covered my face and turned my back towards him.
“I’m so sorry, Kurosaki-kun! I didn’t mean to just kiss you like that! I don’t know what came over me! I feel so ashamed and embarrassed! I understand if you never wanted to see me again! I’m such an idiot. Stupid Little Blue Men always making me do stupid things. If only~”
“Inoue.” He suddenly called out.
I quickly turned around to see his serious expression. Dread filled my senses. Did I make a terrible mistake? Did I ruin everything? My mind ran a mile a minute as I thought about the possibilities before he stopped my world. Suddenly, he reached towards me, grabbed my face, and kissed me back. My system was overloaded, and I felt myself short circuiting. However, it didn’t take long before automatically responded and leaned further into the kiss. His strong, intoxicating scent filled my lung and made my head feel like it was spinning. I don’t know how long we kissed for, but I do know that when we finally pulled apart, we moved further onto the couch to where I was practically straddling him with his arms around my waist and hair.
“That was… wow…” I panted.
“Yeah… Oh shit!” He suddenly shouted as he got up, making me fall to the ground. Once he realized what happened, he leaned down and helped me up. “I’m sorry, Inoue. I don’t know what came over me.”
“You don’t have to be sorry, I kissed you first. I’m the idiot. But, for the record, I also blame the Little Blue Men.” I sighed.
“I guess we’re both unbelievable idiots.” He chuckled as he continued to hold onto me. “So… that poem you wrote… I’m just gonna take a leap of faith and assume it was about me?”
I nervously nodded. “Yeah, but you weren’t supposed to see it.”
“Yeah, I figured that out. So, where do we go from here?” He cautiously asked.
“I’m… not sure… I don’t want to ruin our friendship, but I don’t think we can ignore what just happened either.”
“I agree. This might sound crazy, and I’m probably going to screw this up, but I have a plan.”
“You actually have a plan? I never thought I would hear those words.” I giggled.
“Ha ha. No, seriously. What if we take things slow and let them happen naturally. That way we don’t jump headfirst into something serious and ruin what we have. But, if things work out, then they work out.”
“I think I’d like that.” I smiled.
We both stayed standing while holding the other until we realized we were still in that position. Slowly, we detached ourselves and stood in my living room.
“Well, I better be going. I’ll catch ya tomorrow?”
I nodded with a smile and walked him to the door. I watched him cross the threshold as he’s done before. He spun around so we could face each other with bright, shy smiles on our faces. I said goodnight and closed the door but stopped when he used his hand to hold the door.
“Hey Inoue. If you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing Saturday?”
“Nothing that I can think of. What about you?”
“Well, I don’t have to work. So, I was wondering if we could… hang out… just the two of us… alone… without doing homework…?”
I giggled a final time behind mu hand before rising on the tips of my toes and kissing his cheek, “I would love too.”
It took everything in me not to laugh at how red his face got as I shut the door. With dreamy eyes and a sigh, I leaned against the door and waited for his spiritual pressure to finally fade from my doorstep. It was at the moment that I realized that I agreed to a date with Ichigo Kurosaki! I wanted to jump, cheer, scream, faint, and everything in between. But there was one thing I need to do first.
I pushed off my front door and ran into my bedroom to make a phone call.
“Hello?”
“Tatsuki! You’ll never guess what happened!”
…
…
…
The End