dear_mun | (no subject)

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canon: bleach

(no subject)

All right. What's the plan now?

Or don't you have a plan? You don't, do you? Can't say I'm surprised. You never know what you're doing.

Whatever. Just don't take forever figuring it out. I've still got a lot left to do and I don't have time to wait on you.

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Mnngh. You don't like taking hints, huh? [ Naruto pauses. Snorts to himself. ] No, it's not that, you just don't wanna. [ When being subtle doesn't work, being obvious sometimes gets the job done. Even if he knows it won't in this case. Ichigo has about as hard a head as Naruto does. The shinobi scratches his neck idly and shakes his head, feeling that old amusement bleed on through.

He really hopes it never changes. Ichigo's loyalty to his friends, his temper, they're what make him, him. ]

You've got time, yeah. Least-- [ A slight hesitation. No, he's not about to go shoving his way into this person's life. ] That depends on you. [ But he returns that strong grip, appreciates it for what it is. Ichigo, not holding back.

Yes, he missed that. And he's pretty sure Ichigo has to be kidding on the tattoo thing, so there's another snort. ] How about I just get a name tag instead? [ And maybe there's a grin, though it's brief. ] Don't want you stuck with something for the rest of your life.

[ Stings to say that, to Ichigo. Ironic, perhaps. Naruto shakes it off easily. ]

I know some field medic stuff. [ He's only semi aware that he's using a combat term. Sakura is a field medic. A shinobi field medic, so it's the only phrase he knows for it, really. ] Except, I'm not a medic. [ Just a shinobi, with some chakra to spare. ] I can't fix this, but I can help it along. [ He thinks.

And falls silent then, cupping Ichigo's face but barely, letting the soothing glow of chakra suffice his fingers, then Ichigo's flesh. Bones he can't fix like Sakura could, but muscles and capillaries, he has had those things drilled into him. Those, he can work on. ]

[ It's true. He doesn't take hints. Ichigo does what he wants. Always has. Always will. The half-formed smirk curving his mouth is all the answer he thinks he needs.

And he would roll his eyes if he didn't think it might be misunderstood. Because there's hurt here. Real hurt, and he doesn't need zanpakutou to realize it. He hurt this guy, Naruto - see, I still remember - even if he doesn't know how. And everything he says, those little comments that brush his own worth aside or toss the ball back in Ichigo's court, tells him that he's expecting to be abandoned again.

So maybe the handshake is a little firmer than necessary. And maybe Ichigo looks at him a little too intensely. ]

I don't consider it "stuck" when it's people who matter. [ It's a little vehement. He doesn't need to remember anything to know that he's not feeding Naruto a line of bullshit. ] I consider it having some good luck for a change.

[ The explanation of field medic stuff is good enough for Ichigo. ] I know some clinic stuff. Can't do the stuff my dad can, but I can handle the little things. Bandages. Stitches. Heh. I'm pretty good with those.

[ With his eyes closed, he can't see what Naruto's doing. Only feel the warmth of his hand as he just barely touches him. That, and something else. Something that cools the agony and mutes the pain. ]

That feels good. Whatever you're doing... S'nice.

[ Nice enough to lean into it a little further. Nice enough to slit open his eyes and look at his healer. He lifts a hand, touching the side of Naruto's shoulder. ]

Thanks, Naruto. I owe you one. [ A pause as he searches his face. ] More'n one. Think I owe you a lot, one way or another. I'll make it right. Whatever it takes. I promise.

[ And that smirk is all the answer Naruto needs, it speaks for itself, speaks for Ichigo as well as words might. Even so Naruto shakes his head again and purposefully ignores how the shinigami (because that's what he is to Naruto) looks at him.

People who matter. It's rather pointed, isn't it? It pulls Naruto's eyes up as for a moment he meets that gaze head on. ] How do you know I matter? You don't know me.

[ It's not a reprimant, it's simpy blunt, as he often is. No, he doesn't need reassurance here. Someone you've only known for five minutes can't matter that much. At least, not for most people.

Then again, Ichigo has always been different. And Naruto isn't here to push a point. Right now, he's here to fix the mess he's made, blood and otherwise. ] You could do what he does, if you wanted. You've always been smarter than people think. [ Bandages. Stitches. Necessities, Naruto thinks, when you're prone to getting into fights. ] Kinda need to be good with those, huh. You gonna be a doctor someday?

[ He doesn't quite mean to ask it. He's asked it before after all, and he thinks the shinigami - that need to protect - is too deep in Ichigo's bones for him to take up anything resembling a normal human occupation. But then again, who knows? ]

It's not-- Uh. [ It's nothing special, but apparently it feels nice. And here, now, is the urge to withdraw, awkwardly. Especially when Ichigo leans into the contact. Nope. No. This is wrong. Naruto restrains the urge to jerk away. He's not quite finished yet.

He nods dumbly instead and least for a moment. ] You don't owe me anything, trust me. [ They were done months ago. No regrets (mostly) nothing owed and he's heard this promise before. I'll fix it. It only hurts to hear it now. He doesn't want any more promises. Pulls a smile in place and shakes his head. ] I broke your nose, least I can do is help fix it.

[ When he thinks he's done all he can, he lets the charka fade and pulls back with a head tilt. ] You don't look as messed up now, at least. Mn. S'that any better?

[ It's a valid question, and it isn't like he's not used to having people question him. Silent for a second, Ichigo studies him before shrugging a shoulder. ]

Yeah I do. Not much, sure. I know your name. I know we've got some kinda past. But that's surface stuff. It's what's beneath it that's important. I know you're a guy who's not afraid to speak up. I know you're a guy who cares when he doesn't have to. I know you're kind when you don't have to be. [ He says it matter-of-factly, ticking off the points that he's noticed during their argument. ] The rest of it comes later. The little details. But the part about being a good guy? That I know already. That's all I need to know.

[ He's older than he was when he became a shinigami. He's more perceptive. And Naruto's right. He's not stupid. ]

I could, sure. I was going to be. Thought about it. Figured that's what I'd go to school for after high school. [ Another shrug, and there's no disappointment here. No bitterness. ] But that's a normal guy's life. And I'm not a normal guy. So I'm not gonna take a spot in that school that a real doctor could use, you know?

[ The urge to snort is stronger now, a denial of that assertion that he'd chance if he wasn't afraid of undoing all the medic magic Naruto's working on him. He just looks at him, instead. Refusing to back down. ]

That's the biggest 'you owe me' statement of the century. You get that right? Guy says "no man, it's cool," you know you gotta do something to pay him back.

[ Ichigo doesn't move when Naruto pulls back and the last bit of cool numbness fades away. Just chances to twitch his face a little. Doesn't wince when it pulls but doesn't burn. ]

I think I'll live. [ The smile comes easily now that his face isn't a sense-stealing ball of agony. It's a little sheepish. A little apologetic. ] And... Look, are you hungry? I know this noodle place that's pretty good. My treat?

[ It's strange, but the answer he receives from Ichigo is the answer he would be most likely to give if faced with a similar question. There is an odd sense of juxtapose, hearing such a similar outlook spring from someone else's mouth with such solid conviction - or at least, pretty damn close to similar. No, I don't know you, not well at least, but here's what I do know so far and it's good enough for me.

He finds himself staring at Ichigo in the wake of that, mouth open, silent. The little details. Is that what they are?

Clearing his throat, Naruto shakes his head, trying to dispel the oddness. ] Oi. Don't go gettin' ahead of yourself. [ A quiet murmur. Ichigo doesn't know him, and truthfully, Naruto plans on keeping it that way. It's better like this. He really does believe that. He recalls too well the pain he caused Ichigo in return. ]

Yeah. I think I get it. [ He's smiling before he quite realizes it. Not a doctor then, not anymore. Ichigo has a better idea of his path in life now. No more pretending to be normal. That's not him. It was never really him. It's not Naruto's place to be proud, either, but he is all the same. ] Got one hand on that sword, right?

[ He doesn't mean that Ichigo is violent, but rather, that his purpose lies elsewhere, that he has that need to protect, so the words are soft, unobtrusive but shrewd. And he's still smiling.

Even if he's rolling his eyes a moment later and the smile is replaced by something approaching a scowl. ] No, it's not! That's hearing what you wanna hear. You don't owe me means, you don't owe me.

[ Trust Ichigo to feel indebted to the guy who just broke his nose. Naruto huffs out a sigh, although he's paying close attention to Ichigo as the other's face twitches a little. It must hurt. He's no healer, not by a long stretch... But, as Ichigo says, he'll live. Naruto smiles at that. Finds himself returning the smile right up until -- ]

Uh. I-- [ Aw hell, seriously? Noodles? He doesn't even know Naruto and noodles?! That's not fair! Naruto's stomach gives a gurgle just as he's about to (politely) refuse, noodles or not. The shinobi looks briefly embarrassed. ] Noodles. Y'had to say noodles, didn't ya'?

[ Beneath a spiky mess of ridiculously colored hair, brown eyes are watching Naruto's face intently, gauging the nuances of his reaction to Ichigo's words. The staring. The open mouth. The quiet sound of a cleared throat. And the evasion that Ichigo's expecting. The one he's prepared for. ]

Ahead? No. I think I'm close to where I need to be. Just a couple of steps behind.

[ Does he remember telling this guy that he loves him? No. He doesn't remember that at all. But he thinks maybe he can see how he would. There's something there, in all of those little guarded comments, that speaks of hurt and pain and broken things. It's real. It's immediate. It's Naruto, and all the crazy talk and punches aside, Ichigo knows himself well enough to know the kind of people he's drawn to. His nakama. Naruto would fit in well with them. ]

Yeah. Yeah, I do. [ It's his turn to smile, a faint little thing. And he thinks maybe it's him that screwed up after all. Because Naruto's talking about shinigami things, things he wouldn't know if Ichigo hadn't told him. But if he did, well, he's always been good at cleaning up the messes that he makes. ] And this time, I'm not letting anyone take it away from me.

[ There won't be any more mugetsus. Not anymore. Once was enough. He'll find another way from here on out. ]

Sorry, man. Didn't catch that. What'd you say? [ Cheeky, yes, and kind of dickish, definitely. But the point holds. He does hear what he wants to hear. At least when it benefits his friends.

Ichigo doesn't do broad grins often. But that gurgling stomach, and Naruto's response, drags one across his face, broken nose or no. ]

Yeah. Noodles. Why? You like 'em? C'mon. [ He's feeling reckless enough to risk a little nudge in Naruto's direction. ] They're good. Seriously. I eat there all the time. Best noodle place in Japan, and I know my noodles. [ His voice turns wheedling. ] You can eat as much as you want...

[ The frightening thing is that Naruto is almost inclined to agree. Ichigo has a knack for catching up. And it is frightening because what Naruto blurted out, he blurted out in anger, in old bitterness, in wounds that still haven't fully healed, but he never meant to tell Ichigo any of that. Ichigo, or anyone at all, and he sees the other young man watching him now and it's worrying, because he wouldn't be watching as closely as he is, if Naruto hadn't opened his big mouth. ]

No. Pretty sure you're goin' in the wrong direction here. [ Because it implies something Naruto doesn't know how to deal with. We don't walk beside each other anymore, Ichigo. And if Ichigo catches up-- Hell, the fear of that almost makes Naruto turn away for a moment. It almost sets him to walking. ] Better make a turn, sometime soon. [ It's all he'll say on this, not only because he's no good at speaking in riddles anyway but because it's hard to be harsh with Ichigo, especially when he knows the shinigami means well. He always means so damn well. The way he seeks to protect, the way he aims to fix cuts that have nothing to do with him now. He didn't do this, make this mess.

Even so, there is a moment where Naruto can meet his eyes - yes, he's proud of Ichigo, stupid, but there it is and maybe it is even a little obvious. ] I see. Took ya' long enough. S'about time. [ But the statement is merely affectionate, not caustic. Something Naruto attempts to curb half a second later.

Ichigo makes it easy. ] I can say it louder if you want! You don't owe me, damnit! Try listening next time! [ Except he knows Ichigo is messing with him, it's a little obvious and that grin, that heartbreakingly honest grin makes it impossible for Naruto to keep scowling. Makes it impossible for him to smile back. How could he? When he remembers this? When once, that smile was all he'd wanted to see?

He can't do this. No, he shouldn't do this. But Ichigo is being nice, and being himself, and offering noodles and Naruto missed the easiness of this, the camaraderie. He even missed the sound of his voice. All the little things and he knows where this will end. Ichigo going on his way, Naruto watching his back. He can't do this. ] You've never seen how much I can eat. [ A mumble. He can't. He can't.

He never was good at saying no to Ichigo. ] Tch. Fine. Alright, but you're payin'! [ Ichigo already said it would be his treat, but Naruto is aiming to be a brat. ]

What if I like the path I’m walking? [ It’s not argumentative or harsh. Ichigo’s done being angry and irritated. At least for now. At least with Naruto. So it’s calm and cool, curious instead of put out. ] What if I’m going in the direction I want to go? I learn, Naruto. Every mistake I make, I learn. And then I don’t make it again.

[ He’s speaking generally just as much as specifically. If there’s one thing he’s good at, besides wielding a sword and getting into fights, it’s learning from the past. Maybe he doesn’t know what it is he has to learn from, but he’s got a good idea. Forgetting. He’s forgotten something important. Someone important. Which means he has to get him back. This guy. Uzumaki Naruto.

Ichigo lost him. It’s up to him to find him again.

His determination to do so is only reinforced when he sees the look Naruto gives him then. Like he’s proud of him. Like he’s happy for him. I’ll find you, Naruto. Whatever it takes. I promise. ]

Huh?

[ It’s got just the right inflection to sound completely baffled, but the half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips kind of ruins it. Yeah, he’s messing with Naruto. But for all the bluster, it seems like maybe he doesn’t mind too much. And when he agrees, Ichigo just levels another grin at him. ]

S’what I said, right? My treat. All the noodles you can eat. [ The grin hikes up another notch. ] Eat ‘em all, I don’t care. Won’t change a damn thing. You’re stuck with me now, Naruto. C'mon. Wait til you try the ramen.

[ What if he does like the path he's walking? It won't end well, Naruto wants to say. And what if I don't like the path you're walking, he wants to ask. He bites down on his tongue, hard. ] You like it, 'coz you dunno where it goes, yet. [ Naruto does however, he's been there and once when Ichigo asked him if there was ever a chance they could be as they were, again, Naruto told him not to wait.

He would do as much, here and now. This is Ichigo without certain wounds, and without certain heartbreaks. Naruto isn't quite the same as he was when he first met the shinigami. ] You can't walk forward blindly. Doesn't always work out, Ichigo. And I don't mean just for you.

[ For others as well. Naruto has that same tendency. They both did it in Ukiyo. Look where it got them? But even as he says it, he hates that pessimism in himself. Not that he'll allow Ichigo to get attached. But dissuading him from picking whatever path he wants? No. He shouldn't do that either. ] Tch. You're not gonna listen to me in any case. [ With something of a wry twist to his mouth, Naruto shrugs. ]

Don't 'huh' at me! I know what you're up to! [ It's all bluster and no bite. That innocent look is endearing.

Damnit, but Ichigo is endearing. This is why he should be walking away already. This conversation needs to end, it should be over.

Except how can he walk away from that grin? Somehow he's helped put it there. When was the last time he managed to do that, for Ichigo? Naruto stares on, silent, even as Ichigo's grin grows. You dumbass. Damned if he knows who the thought is directed at. He rakes a hand through his hair. ] Ramen's my favorite food. [ Another mutter. ] But really, you had me at noodles.

[ No. That's a lie. Ichigo had him long before that. Shoving those hands into his pockets, Naruto nudges the taller boy's shoulder, distinctly awkward. ] Get walkin', Kurosaki. If you're payin', then I got an appetite to build. [ The surname is just a tease. Albeit, it's also a little awkward. ]

I know.

[ And what he really means is I know I hurt you. I know it’s my fault. I know you don’t have any reason to trust me again. I know I screwed up. But he doesn’t say that, because he thinks maybe he’s said it all before. If it was him – and he’s really starting to believe that it was – he knows that he said something like it. He had to have done that. And even then, he failed.

So he doesn’t say it now. But it’s in the resolution he makes to heal the wounds he’s caused Naruto. It’s in the set of his shoulders and the too serious, too keen look in his eyes. I failed you before. I won’t do it again. ]

But sometimes it does, Naruto. And I’m not blind anymore.

[ Because now he knows what he’s done. He’s seen what his actions have caused. This time, he vows, the end will be different. ]

Probably not. S’a good try though. Really. [ He winks. ] Next time I will.

[ It’s hard to look innocent with a busted nose, but he tries his best. And when Naruto admits that ramen is his favorite food, he laughs. ]

Ha! See? I’m learning. [ He nudges back, a sideways lurch that isn’t the least bit awkward on his part. How can it be, when he’s actually smiling like this? ] What, you wanna race me there, Uzumaki?

[ The sad thing is, Naruto gets the impression that Ichigo does know, or that, at the least, he has an inkling of what Naruto might be implying. Even still, he is not dissuaded. But then Naruto has never known how to steer Ichigo aside from something he's set his mind on. That much hasn't changed one bit, and he's also out of practise.

So he looks at the taller boy - young man, he's no boy anymore - and he holds those eyes in silence for a few breaths. Thinks, you're gonna regret this, with something akin to sadness, or remorse.

I don't wanna hurt you again. This won't end well.

When did he become so fatalistic? Well, never, but with regards to this, it's more experience that speaks up. Pain, determined not to let him fall into that old routine again. ]

I dunno about that, Ichigo. [ Maybe he's not blind to some things, but Naruto is willing to bet that certain facts have still escaped Ichigo's notice. Ichigo is who he is, after all. ]

Next time? [ ...what makes you think we'll know each other that long? Naruto manages not to say it, somehow. Even manages a quiet smile, but he doesn't say anything further. ]

Yeah, yeah, you always were a fast learner. Too damn fast, really. [ Some of that uncertainty and awkwardness thaws in the face of Ichigo's ease. He can't help it. He likes this. Misses this. Wants this. Ichigo isn't in pain here -- physical ache aside, and god, but how long as Naruto yearned for that?

This is a bad idea. It's a bad idea. A bad, bad idea. Even so... ] Tch, what. You got those beanpole legs, you already got an advantage! [ Grumbling, not meaning it at all. A tiny, tiny beat and that old competitive streak rears its head. ] Y'know what? Yer on.

[ He faces that scrutiny calmly, without fear or uncertainty. He’s never been a good actor. Lies always ring hollow on his tongue. He believes he can do this, however impossible it might be. Just like he believes that Naruto’s worth the effort. ]

I do. [ Trust me, he’d say in any other situation. In this one, he can’t. ] I won’t let you down again.

[ Broken nose or not, Ichigo rolls his eyes. ] Yeah. Next time. What, you think you’re just going to saunter in here, say “hey man, used to know me but now you don’t” and I’m gonna let it go? Let you mosey off back to wherever the hell you came from? Tch. Fat chance. Said it already, didn’t I? You’re stuck with me.

[ He shrugs, smirking just a little. ] Here or there, I don’t care. You sneak off, I’ll just track you down. I don’t turn my back on my nakama.

[ Which Naruto evidently is, given the stuff he’s said and the fact that he knows Ishida. Guy’s gotta be a saint to put up with that sew-happy idiot.

He jerks his thumb at his nose. ] Broken nose’s a handicap. Okay, go.

[ And then, because he’s Ichigo and what the hell, broken nose or not, he’s having fun, he takes off down the sidewalk. ]

[ You've gotta stop saying things like that. Naruto thinks this, looking away for a moment, eyes distant. Every time you do, it just hurts.

Which is probably why he chooses not to respond to the almost-promise at all. I won't let you down? That isn't what Naruto wants. He holds no expectations here, all Ichigo is doing is setting himself up again. For what, Naruto isn't sure, but there is no need for such promises. ]

That's not what I-- [ Naruto starts. Then stops. Tries to start again but ends up staring, spluttering a little. ] Hey, don't I get a say in this?! [ Mosey off- He wasn't going to mosey off anywhere! Well, okay, yes he was, eventually, but that was because Ichigo has things to do. He has a life to live here. Naruto has no part in that life. ] Don't be a dumbass! It's not turning your back on me!

[ For the first time, some genuine anger sneaks in, albeit it's still tame to his earlier rage. ] It's-- You got your own life, Ichigo. You don't need to go stopping for some person who ... who says you knew 'em once.

[ Even as he finishes, he has a feeling that Ichigo won't buy it. It's going to fall on deaf ears. And so instead for a few moments, he just look at the young man, as though he can somehow enunciate it this way instead. Not gonna end well. Don't be stupid. You don't owe me a damn thing.

...I don't know why you're doing this.

(But he does. He would be doing the same thing, if he were in Ichigo's place.)

With a sigh, he relents. ] A broken nose isn't a handicap. [ Not to a shinobi at least, though Naruto is familiar with how the vibration of every foot that lands on the ground can send lancing pain along a broken limb - even a nose. ] That's- OI! I don't even know which way we're-- Damnit!

[ He has to move, because Ichigo is already running. So he does, full tilt as well, glaring a little at the shinigami. ] I don't even know the way! How is this a race when I dunno where th'hell to run? [ Kind of a moot point, he's sprinting anyway. And unless Ichigo picks up some speed, Naruto is going to overtake him. ]

Nope. Sorry. You want to lodge a complaint, you’re gonna have to take it to the complaint department.

[ It’s the first thing that comes to mind. More than likely, he heard it on TV once. Usually, he can’t come up with even remotely clever stuff in the heat of the moment. And maybe it’s a little calculated too. Because it’s not heavy. It’s kind of goofy. And Ichigo’s trying to do a balancing act between somber enough that Naruto knows he’s serious and easy-going enough that he doesn’t feel pressured by anything.

The hint of anger he hears in Naruto’s voice swings him from slightly silly to serious in the blink of an eye. ]

My life’s whatever I choose to make it, right? Well, I choose to share it with you. Like it or not, I got your back. No matter what.

[ And then it’s time to stop talking and start running. Contrary to what Naruto says, the broken nose is a handicap. Every step makes his eyes water, and he wishes that he could slip into shinigami form and run on the air instead. Or at least ditch the body and let it heal without him. No such luck, though, so he grits his teeth and deals with it.

Deals with it so well that he can spare a grin at Naruto, who’s – damn it - gaining on him way too easily. ]

Down the street three blocks, make a left, and it’s on the right. [ He calls it out in a rush, then shuts up and focuses on running. He’s not going to win. The nose will see to that. But damned if he won’t give Naruto a run for his money. Either that, or pass out trying. ]

[ Needless to say, Naruto isn't expecting this reply, and in the wake of it he merely blinks, then blinks again, opens his mouth and-- ] Well, where's that? [ And yes, it's a genuine question. What. Ichigo might be kidding but Naruto isn't about lodging that complaint! This is serious business! And if Ichigo won't listen to him directly then Naruto is more than willing to take it to someone who will! Except Its about then, half a minute too late, that he realizes the other young man was cracking a joke.

His expression flatlines. ]

Oh. Haha. Funny.

[ That's not a twitch of his lips. It isn't. And if anyone sees it, well, it's their imagination. Complaint department, his ass. ]

You already did that. Didn't work out. [ He doesn't mean it to come as blunt as it does, but he genuinely cannot think of a way to sugar-coat it. He's also saying more than he should though, and aware of that - yet again - he growls under his breath. ] No. Forget it.

[ He'll figure something out, lose Ichigo later. It won't be too hard he thinks. He's a shinobi, and Ichigo isn't all that great at sensing chakra - reiatsu. Either or.

Truthfully, it's easier to run. Whether Naruto would be willing to admit it or not, is a different story but as soon as he is moving, worries over Ichigo and what to say to him and how to turn the guy down a different road all flit away, left behind as sure as the pavement below him.

Action has always been Naruto's forte. But speed is Ichigo's and well he knows it.

It becomes immediately obvious however that the nose is hindering Ichigo's speed. Ichigo can move faster than this, he's built for it, and Naruto who draws abreast with the young man, casts him a glance, not smiling, not saying anything at all. He has the directions in his head, but what he wants to see is whether Ichigo is sporting a nosebleed, which would mean more ruptured blood vessels

He isn't. So Naruto takes off. ...and takes the lead. ]

C'mon, Ichigo! I know you can move faster than that!

[ To his credit, Ichigo doesn’t laugh when Naruto takes him seriously. He just waits patiently for it to sink in. Because it will. He knows it will. And when it does and Naruto’s expression flattens into disapproval, he smirks. ]

I know. Regular laugh riot, aren’t I?

[ Yeah, he can be full of himself sometimes. Mostly though, he’s just teasing. Good-natured banter that he thinks maybe Naruto could use a little more of.

He shoots him a sideways glance at that rebuttal, and softly, very softly, murmurs a correction. ] I didn’t.

[ But that’s the end of the argument. He doesn’t press the point. He doesn’t need to. Maybe the guy Naruto speaks of did try that before, and maybe he failed. Maybe he really is Ichigo. But Ichigo hasn’t tried it yet. And he won’t let himself fail.

More determined than ever, Ichigo loses himself in the race. It’s easy once he gets moving. Between the nose and Naruto’s obvious speed, all of his focus gets bent toward keeping up. Keeping his stride as even as possible. In trying not to land too jarringly.

He isn’t surprised when Naruto pulls ahead. That comes when he calls out the encouragement to speed up. And quietly, under his breath, Ichigo chuckles. Looks like you’ve got my back, too. ]

Gotta give you a fighting chance, right? [ It’s bullshit and he knows it. Naruto probably knows it too. But whatever. He’s having fun. So he pushes it. Even when he knows that he shouldn’t, he grits his teeth a little harder, clenches his fists, pushes the pain away, and runs. Really runs. Like someone’s life is depending on it. Maybe it does. Just not in the way he’s used to thinking about it.

He gains on Naruto. Doesn’t pass him, but manages to finally keep pace with him. And once he does, he flashes him a grin. Guess you’re right, that grin says. Turns out I am. ]

[ Nonplussed at that smirk, Naruto's deadpan expression doesn't budge, for the most part. If he's surprised that Ichigo hasn't laughed at him yet (and yes, maybe he is) he doesn't exactly show it. ] Laugh riot, huh? I could think of another name for ya'.

[ Delivered with just the vaguest hint of a smirk in return. The alternative name is one he politely doesn't offer up. He's teasing. Or at least, he's trying to tease, if some of that old bitterness lingers, then he's trying desperately not to let it show. It has no place here, not with this person who really has nothing to do with the old life.

Which is a point merely driven home at Ichigo's correction. No, he didn't. So why is Naruto still here? Holding those dark eyes the shinobi offers no response to that. Really, what could he say? He inhales quietly, and slides his eyes away.

It's easier to run.

Even if, in this case, he's not running away. Some nostalgia too then, to be moving with Ichigo, instead of away from him. To be monitoring his motions like he used to, measuring them, then matching them, catching up to the shinigami but only because he's injured. Naruto knows he could move better than this, though whether he can manage it without injury-- well, Ichigo is a fast learner.

A fighting chance-- Naruto laughs, low and genuinely amused, for a moment. It's true though, in a way. Ichigo's noise has impeded him. This may be one of the few times Naruto is in with a fighting chance as a result. He takes off, refusing to slow even with the young man catches up. A side-glance and-- ]

Longer strides. Your nose'll hurt less. [ With a returning grin. Or, it should at least. Even so, he's not about to lose this race, with the end already in sight, he narrows his eyes and concentrates on speed. No chakra here, no cheating. ]

Yeah, yeah. I’m a dick. Old news.

[ He says it huffily, with a snort and a roll of his eyes, but the tiny grin gives away the amusement he’s taking from this. He knows it’s true. He really can be a dick. But half the time, most of the time, it’s all an act. The banter and the trade of barbless insults is kind of fun if done with the right person. It’s easier too, though on a conscious level, he doesn’t quite realize that. Easier to express caring with harmless, light-hearted jabs than serious words. Easier later, to brush off painful, yet well-meaning, condolences when those people are gone.

Nearly nine years later, and he still hasn’t begun to get over that night by the river.

And Naruto’s an easy guy to talk to. To let go around. To be himself. Even if, as far as Ichigo’s concerned, they’ve only just met. Even if there’s something muddled and painful between them. He’ll fix it. He can fix anything. See if he doesn’t.

Maybe this is the first step. This impromptu race for noodles. He should be heading back to the clinic. He should be getting his nose treated, though he knows there’s not that much that can be done for it, and taking some painkillers. Not running down the sidewalk like a lunatic. Not planning to stuff his face with food.

But there’s the smart thing to do, and the smart thing to do, and Ichigo thinks he can tell what’s what here.

Knows he can a minute later, when Naruto offers him advice and a grin. Advice he takes, loosening his stride, stretching his legs, trying his damnedest to go easy on himself. He’s going to lose. There’s the noodle place and he can’t do any more than this. Can’t go faster, can’t run harder. Naruto’s going to win, but that’s okay. It isn’t about winning or losing anyway. Not to Ichigo.

Who, upon reaching the place, immediately stops and slumps against the wall, breathing hard. His face is on fire, he can feel a tiny trickle of blood leaking from his nose, and his hand, when he lifts it to wipe the blood away, is shaking. But he’s grinning when he looks at Naruto, and there’s admiration in his voice just as clearly as there is the thrill of having a good time. ]

Don’t suppose you can fight as good as you can run?

[ Naruto doesn't respond to the first, because in spite of his demeanor and how it might claim the contrary, he doesn't believe for a second that Ichigo is a dick. He knows he isn't a dick, he's had more than enough proof of this young man's kind nature to ever believe otherwise. Everyone makes mistakes. Ichigo is no different in that regard. It does not and will never make him a dick. Not in Naruto's mind at least.

Four months on, and that hasn't changed. It could be two years, and it still wouldn't have changed. Ichigo left something of a lasting impact on him. For better and for worse.

He's not surprised when Ichigo picks up speed - he might be a little surprised the other man took his advice, but it was sound advice, and as a result Ichigo is moving faster. Still has to hurt, Naruto knows. The pain won't disappear completely, not so soon after having his nose broken, but Ichigo is working through it, past it, and unseen Naruto ducks his head, grinning as he runs.

He's not about to hand over the race in sympathy though. Hell no. He runs and while he doesn't run as fast as he could - no chakra, wouldn't be fair, Ichigo can't use his reiatsu like this - he runs as fast as he should, as a human. They both do.

And when they reach their destination, Naruto might not be breathing quite as hard as Ichigo, but only because he might be more accustomed to running in his human body, over long distances, through different terrain. He's done it since he was twelve after all. Still, he is breathing hard. Long distance lopes are different from all out sprints, they lack that clean exhilaration of the gallop.

Naruto shakes his head, eyes on that trickle of blood. ] Knew it. Pushed yourself too far. As expected of Kurosaki Ichigo.

[ No castigation there, just good humor and some resignation. ] Gonna take another look at that before we go inside. Unless they're alright with you bleeding into your food. [ It's a small trickle of blood, not a big deal, but Naruto is accustomed to worrying over Ichigo. That part at least hasn't faded in the slightest. On moving closer to the boy though, he pauses.

Fight. Can he fight as good as he--? ]

What... d'you think? [ After a deliberate pause and a head tilt. Maybe he's smiling. A little. If Ichigo thinks about it, he might know the answer already. Could he be with someone who didn't know how to fight? Who wasn't a fighter, who couldn't take care of themselves? ]

In any case, I only won that 'coz of your nose. You're faster than I am. [ With a shrug that says he doesn't mind this fact, but that it is, well, fact. ]

S’what I do. Always pushing. [ He chuckles quietly. ] Can’t get stronger if I don’t. Literally. S’the only way I learn.

[ Definitely going to have to do something about the nose. Ichigo can just imagine the server’s face when he walks in, punky hair and a bloody face. His appearance alone is likely to get them thrown out if he doesn’t clean himself up. He nods. ]

I think… [ He trails, taking a moment to actually do just that. What does he think about Naruto? He barely knows him, has only seen him run and do his magic fingers thing on his nose. But what he said – “tell a guy you love him” still rings in Ichigo’s ears. Words that would never come easily now. Words he might think but would be so hesitant to say. A guy I loved enough to tell him so. What do I think? Who would I love?

The answer’s easy enough. Someone I didn’t have to protect. Someone who could stand at my side. Someone as strong as me. Someone I could trust with the lives of my friends and family. Someone I could trust with myself.

He looks right at Naruto, trying to hold his eyes. ] I think there’s not a guy anywhere I’d want at my side in a fight as much as you.

[ He considers that assessment of his abilities. His response is just as honest. ] As a shinigami, yeah. S’what most of my power is. Speed. But not like this. When I’m human, I’m just a guy. Guy who plays some soccer and stays in shape, but still just a guy.

[ A beat, and as much as he would hesitate to ask anyone else for help, he thinks he can do it here. ] Hey, think I can get you to use your magic fingers on me again?

S'the best way to learn. [ Ichigo has the right idea of it. In spite of Naruto's initial comment, it wasn't a remark designed to criticize. Merely an observation. ] Gotta find those limits, then beak 'em.

[ He's done as much himself, down in the dirt, dragging tried limps upright, forcing shaky legs to stand. It's always worth it. For the things they're trying to protect, for the people who matter. He knows this is especially true for Ichigo. When Naruto moves to take a second look at his nose, it's something done on automatic; the old comfort he used to feel around the young man, entirely an unconscious thing, easily brought back to life. Then Ichigo pasues though, and so does Naruto.

He's not really expecting an answer. Certainly not one so forthright or. Blunt? No. Just... ] Don't go gettin' ahead of yourself. [ It's a mumbled almost-rebuke. He doesn't know what to do with that statement. As much as you-- And Ichigo has no idea how much that hurts. If you really felt that way, if he had, then why did he--

No. Not a thought he's going to finish. ] For all we know, that guy wasn't you at all. In which case, you're... uh-- puttin' the cart before the horse. [ Is that how it goes? ] Besides, your nakama, they're fighters too.

[ Don't forget them. He also knows he's being contrary, argumentative when he shouldn't be, but suddenly he is terrified of Ichigo getting attached. Or even potentially attached. He really should leave. Ichigo is jumping to conclusions putting 'Naruto' in where it should be everybody but him. ]

They're not magic. S'just chakra. Mn. But yeah. C'mere. [ Despite all his reservations there is still no hesitation when it comes of helping Ichigo. As Naruto raises careful hands and takes Ichigo's face between them, letting the chakra flow once more, he considers. ]

Y'know, you're not just human. Uryuu, he can use his... reishi? Without needing to become a shinigami. M'not a shinigami, but I can do this. All it is, is spiritual and physical energy. You have that already. In fact, you have a lot of it. You... leak the spirutal part. Kinda. [ Canting his head to one side, eyebrows raised. ] You could do this as well as anyone. As 'just a guy.'

[ The way they learn is another thing they have in common. It’s another reason for Ichigo to feel comfortable around him. Little things. Tiny details. Proof that Naruto wasn’t lying about those things he said earlier. Not that Ichigo thought that he was. It was too surprising, too impossible to believe, for it to be a lie.

Just like he knows that Naruto’s going to reject what he’s said. And maybe this time he gets it a little better than he did before. Not the same guy, Naruto tells him, and he wonders if maybe now that they’ve spent some time together, he’s finding out that Ichigo isn’t what he expects. Isn’t what he remembers.

Sorry to disappoint you. A sobering thought, though it’s a common one. Ichigo’s used to letting people down.

But it doesn’t dampen his spirits. He doesn’t let it. Still, he lets the subject drop. He doesn’t want to cause the guy any more stress, and he kind of gets the feeling that he is. ]

Seems like magic to me. I can’t do it. [ Kidou’s like that too. Slightly more comprehensible because he knows what it is, but it might as well be magic for all that he’s wholly useless at it.

Closing his eyes when Naruto brings his hands to his face again, Ichigo relaxes into the warm, soothing touch of what he’ll continue to think of as Naruto’s magic fingers, chakra explanation or not. ]

No I couldn’t. [ One eye opens as he lazily mumbles the objection. ] M’hopeless at that kinda thing. Shinigami’ve got kidou. They’re spells that use reiatsu, or something, I don’t know. I’ve tried it. Nothing happens. I’m too… I don’t know. My reiatsu drowns it out or something. They told me once, but I can’t remember.

Don't say stuff like that. What's this 'can't' bullshit? [ If Ichigo didn't have a broken nose, Naruto would be smacking hi upside the head, just on principal. As it stand he fixes the other young man with a glower. ] Since when were you the kinda guy who says 'I can't do this', and then gives up? [ It's not an insult - or at least it's not meant to be - but Naruto knows that Ichigo is not the type to throw in the towel. The idea that he can't do this, when Naruto is so certain that he can, just kind of pisses the shinobi off a little. Or more than a little. ] Y'know how many times I got told I couldn't do this shit when I was learnin' it?

Tch. Well, it was a lot.

[ He drops one hand and briefly taps Ichigo in the stomach. Lightly enough. ] You don't learn this with your head. You learn with that. Your gut. If I can do it, you sure as hell can.

It's not magic. S'not kidou. It's movin' and learning as you move. No spells. The more you fight, the better you get at this. That's where the physical part comes from.

[ Realizing he's rambling a little, Naruto resumes what he was supposed to be doing to begin with, helping heal those damaged blood vessels. Ichigo is leaning in, unless it's his imagination. Naruto snorts as one eye slivers open, but he's said his piece. Mostly. His hands, his touch, remains gentle. ]

You can do anything you put your mind to Ichigo. [ Though his voice is softer now, there is little outside of solid conviction in the quiet tenor. He knows this. He trusts it absolutely. Ichigo is one of the few people that Naruto would think to follow without question. He knows the guy's morals, his judgment and most of all, that his skills are sound. ]

I believe that.

[ The last thing he’s expecting is a lecture.

Well, no, that’s not entirely true. He gets a lot of lectures. From his sisters, from Ishida, from Rukia, hell, even Chad gives him looks sometimes that speak volumes. Lectures are as intrinsic a part of his life as his ability to interact with the dead.

What he isn’t expecting is that Naruto’s is one of belief. Belief in him. That gives him pause. That makes him listen more closely than anything else might have.

It makes him take it to heart.

Naruto taps his stomach, and he thinks maybe he understands it. Instinct. Action and reaction. Not fancy mental maneuvers. Not thinking about it until he screws it up. Just doing. And he’s always been better at doing than standing still. ]

Okay. I’ll try.

[ Why not? Maybe he’ll fail, but Naruto’s right. There’s no harm in trying, and how will he know for sure unless he makes the attempt?

The second eye opens, and for a moment he’s still and silent, letting Naruto’s words settle in his mind. In his gut. Letting himself find the strength to broach a touchy subject. ]

Anything, huh? [ Don’t chicken out now, Kurosaki. ] Even heal the hurt I’ve caused you?

[ I'll try. Naruto tilts his head, paused, poised for a moment as he listens and looks. Trying won't be enough. Ichigo has to do. But he will do, he'll succeed, and it's not just Naruto's faith talking here, it's experience. He knows that Ichigo can succeed. Hell, he'll probably even manage it faster than either of them can imagine, in the end.

So with a quirk of his lips, Naruto nods, accepting that. ] Kinda surprised you haven't told me to can it, yet. [ A quiet admission, vaguely rueful. Ichigo didn't invite him out to be lectured, that's for sure. Naruto wouldn't be offended if he had been told to shut up before now.

He'd have been expecting it.

Allowing the soothing warmth of the healing chakra sink in, Naruto is nearly finished when Ichigo slivers open that second eye and looks at him. Naruto feels something stumble in his chest at the weight in that look. Something's coming. Something he won't want to hear.

Don't, he thinks, a thought which is almost feverish in its desperation. Whatever it is, don't. Just--

But Ichigo is no mind reader and when he asks, the shinobi's face turns a little pale, because it's a question Naruto doesn't know how to answer. It's one he doesn't even know how to hear.

He has to hand it to this young man, however, it takes a lot to broach a question like that. Refusing to answer immediately, he merely concentrates on stemming that bloodflow, gently, instead, working until he is sure Ichigo won't suddenly start bleeding all over his food.

When, eventually he does release Ichigo's face and steps back, his face is pensive. He speaks slowly. ]

You could. Because you're you, and you got this way of... [ Making my life better. Making me feel like I'm worth something, to someone. You fix things. You fixed me. He drops his gaze, still thinking. ] ... you could. But I ...don't want you to. This. It's not your problem. S'not your problem to fix.

[ You have better things to be doing. Important things. You don't want to waste your time on this and I'm okay. I'm okay. ] Besides, m'not exactly broken. [ With a small, crooked grin and a half shrug. ] I can deal. I've been dealing for months.

[ You didn't end me when you left, Kurosaki Ichigo. I'm stronger than that. ]