Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters and make no profit from this work.
A Walk in the Park 2
Ichigo hated it when he had to explain something he did not really understand. How could he explain about Kon to Orihime, especially as he was not even sure why she was walking in the park with him? It was highly possible that Kon was taking advantage of being in the body and had decided to put some moves on Orihime. He was embarrassed about the things the mod soul may have done or said before they found him. That annoying character was capable of anything.
“Hey, Orihime, I suppose I should explain what happened just then.”
“I think I understand a little. That wasn’t you in your body, was it? I thought I saw you dressed in black, carrying a sword, but at the same time your body was there and um… talking.” Orihime stumbled over the words
Ichigo smiled a little. “Yeah, it wasn’t me in the body.”
He stopped, not knowing what else to say and they continued walking on in silence. He did not want to explain about being a Shinigami for while he was sure that Orihime knew he did not want to have to explain everything. Every so often he felt Orihime glancing at him but did not feel comfortable looking at her, especially after he had seen his body reaching out to feel her breasts.
If he was honest with himself, he’d fantasised about Orihime’s breasts and he was sure most of the guys in the school shared that fantasy and maybe one or two of the girls. But to act on the fantasy? No way, or at least not somewhere as public as a park. It would not help his reputation. Anyway it was best to keep the fantasy strictly away from reality, especially as his life had become so complicated.
Ichigo started speaking without looking at her. “I am sorry about whatever may have happened, Orihime. I know I was not in my body at the time, but I feel responsible and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable because of this. I want us to remain friends.”
Orihime’s face coloured a little. “But who was that, in your body, Ichigo? Is it an evil spirit? Had he stolen your body from you? Will it happen again?”
“No, he is not an evil spirit, well not really, well maybe. He just helps to animate my body when I have to do other things. I thought I could trust him but it seems that I was wrong. He didn’t hurt you, did he?”
“No, he hadn’t even touched me when you arrived. I don’t want to repeat what he said, because it’s embarrassing…..”
Hearing that made Ichigo feel nervous. Kon had not touched Orihime, but he had said something to her. Oh, hell, had he confessed? If he had confessed, what had he confessed? Why was Orihime walking though the park with him in the first place? He hadn’t thought about this previously because he was embarrassed about the scene he had interrupted. Why was Orihime walking through the park with him? He knew that Orihime liked him; that had been obvious when he was trying to prevent her brother from killing her. But she only liked him, like a friend, didn’t she? Didn’t she?
He thought about it while they continued to walk in silence. He liked Orihime, but as a school friend, well most of the time. When he masturbated he found his thoughts wandered to her, sometimes, but that meant nothing. He was a teenager who fantasised about a number of girls. Even if he wanted anything more he knew that Orihime would not want just sex. If she was walking in the park with him because she liked him she might want something more, maybe a relationship.
This was a bad time for getting involved. None of his friends had paired off yet, and he was still trying to understand the whole Shinigami business. A liaison with Orihime at this time was not possible. He might never want a relationship with Orihime but he would think about that later. If he started a relationship with her, it would be a relationship that he would feel forced into because of the actions of another person (Kon) and maybe pity. Pity had made him accept the work of a Shinigami and he didn’t trust it.
He had, at one time thought about confessing to Tatsuki, but that was last year and he had not pursued the matter out of fear that she would beat him up and also because it might be the end of their friendship. To declare to Orihime would close that possibility forever, and Tatsuki might beat him up anyway.
So, here he was in a situation not of his choosing, but a situation that he could not ignore. He glanced at Orihime to find that she was looking at him and embarrassed he quickly looked away. This was awkward. The silence had gone on too long and he still had no idea what to say, they had already left the park and were getting closer to Orihime’s house. He wanted it sorted before they got there, but he knew that his chances were not good. He decided to try the direct approach.
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Orihime was prey to conflicting emotions. She was pleased that Ichigo, the real Ichigo, was walking her home, through the park. At the same time she was embarrassed about the scene he and Rukia had interrupted. She had liked Ichigo for so long, but he seemed pretty oblivious. In fact Tatsuki had once said that Ichigo was pretty clueless about other people. He had trouble remembering names and faces and didn’t know many of the people in their year. Did he know her feelings?
If Ichigo was so clueless, maybe he wouldn’t understand why she was in the park with the person who she thought was him. She hoped so. She was still struggling to come to terms with her feelings for Ichigo. She wanted romance but one that was special.
She had been so happy when he had told her that he would walk her home, but during the walk he’d hardly said a word to her and appeared uncomfortable. Racking her brains, she tired to think of something she could say to start a conversation that might break the oppressive silence. Every topic she considered did not seem of any interest. She did not want to talk about school, or Rukia or any of their friends. Other topics were more difficult and she certainly did not want to talk about the earlier incident.
Glancing at him she noticed his face wore the scary expression she normally associated with concentration. She like his scary face, she even liked his scowls. His smiles were rare, but more precious to her for that. As he continued the silence she kept looking at him. Then she saw him glance at her and quickly look away. She blushed. Ichigo did not even want to look at her.
Unbelievably she wished the walk was over. Even though it was an event she had dreamed about, it was not turning out the way she had hoped. The silence had become strained and her stomach started churning. She felt nauseous and nervous. If only none of this had happened. She hated it when her dreams were shattered and her dreams had been blighted before. She wanted to be at home where she might have the chance to work out her feelings and to prepare her face for school. If only this had happened differently!
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Ichigo decided to break the silence and try to solve the problem in his normal direct way.
“Orihime, could we pretend that this didn’t happen? You know it wasn’t me who asked you for a walk. I’m sorry if you are upset or confused, but I didn’t want this to happen. I like being friends with you and I hope we can still be friends. Can we just forget about it?”
Orihime looked at him and noticed he was actually looking at her. She was immediately affected by the gaze of his brown eyes and ready to agree to anything he suggested. “I think that is a very good idea, Ichigo. I don’t think I want to mention this to anyone. Just keep Kon away from me, please. I prefer it when I know whom I am talking to.”
“Okay Orihime. You just have to cross this road and you will be home. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Ichigo ran off as fast as he could, without looking back. Maybe if he ignored the whole thing it would go away. He had tried this tactic before and while it had not worked previously, maybe it would work now.
Orihime went inside. Her thoughts became confused and by the next morning, she felt that it had all been a dream. It was easier to live with a dream than the harsh truth.
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Author’s Note:
There will be a sequel to this story.
MS
