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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[ 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. ]

You really want me to tell you to shut up that badly, Naruto, you’re gonna have to say something stupid first.

[ And his tone suggests that he’s not about to do that any time soon, either. As far as he’s concerned, Naruto hasn’t said anything stupid. Nonsensical, maybe, there at the beginning. Crazy, sure. But not stupid. Just because he might say something Ichigo doesn’t like doesn’t mean he’s going to tell him to shut up.

He’s expecting to be told to shut up, though. The longer the silence drags on after he’s asked his question, the more convinced Ichigo is that he’s pissed Naruto off. Not enough to stop with the healing, because he doesn’t stop until the blood stops flowing from his nose, but enough not to answer. Enough, maybe, to walk away once he’s done.

But although he steps back, he doesn’t walk away. And he doesn’t refuse to answer the question.

This way of what? he wonders, but doesn’t ask. Doesn’t want to interrupt. ]

I don’t think that. That you’re broken. [ That Ichigo can say without any hesitation. ] You’re too strong to break. I know you are. I wouldn’t… [ The word, the uncertainty about whether he should say it or not given the pain it might stir up, forces him to break off and take another path. ]

That’s not even the point. The point is that you shouldn’t have to deal with it alone. If I fucked up, then it’s my responsibility to fix it. And I will. Whatever it takes.

[ A beat, and he has to add it, because he isn’t so callous as to disregard someone’s feelings. ]

Unless you don’t want me messing around in your life. If I… If you don’t want to deal with me, if you want me to go away, then I will. But if it’s not -- if that’s not the problem, then I’m not leaving. I’m not going to abandon you. And I’m sure as hell not going to stand around and do nothing if you’re in pain.

Don't worry. You won't have to wait too long. [ After a beat and with something of a deadpan stare. To be fair, he mostly mutters it under his breath. Just as Ichigo may be accustomed to lectures, Naruto is accustomed to being told he's said something stupid. Or weird. Or both. Even from Ichigo.

He'll get there, one way or another. On the meantime, they have plenty to stumble over. Or Naruto does at least. Ichigo doesn't look like he's tripping up all that much, but the shinobi isn't at all sure of his own footing here. How to answer questions like that, like these. How to be honest without being hurtful. How to know what the hell he should say to begin with.

The truth, yes, sure but...

Naruto was kinda broken once. Except not, but it was as close as he'd ever been, to that edge. All one needs to do in order to break someone else, is to find the right weapon. If it weren't for certain people... ] You 'wouldn't' what? [ Because, somewhat contrarily, Naruto will seek out what Ichigo was going to say. Personal discomfort aside, they're already digging through the crap here, he might as well get in over his head. ]

M'not dealing with it alone. Well, I mean I'm here, but it's not like I don't have friends, back home. I do. And... [ And you. How will you fix this? Turn back time? He can think of one way, but oh hell, no, it's not an option. Too much pain down that road. ]

It wasn't you. It was that place. [ He shrugs. It's the truth. Ichigo had his memories stolen, and then he'd remembered. He didn't fuck up. He and Naruto wouldn't have worked out in any case. There had already been plenty of cracks. ]

I'd never not wanna deal with you. [ This much comes out fast, if quiet. Vehement and maybe there's a little of that old fire in Naruto's eyes. Don't you ever think I'd want you to leave. There's more he could say, wants to say, but he knows blurting out that he misses Ichigo would be the wrong route to take.

He bites his tongue. ] But I don't want you messin' around with this. You can't fix this. You can't... turn back time and-- And change what happened. I can't keep lookin' back. We all gotta move forward, Ichigo. [ He tilts his head and even chances to nudge Ichigo's shoulder with his fist. ] I'm okay. An' I'll be okay.

[ There's a beat. ] Now, weren't you buying me lunch?

Edited 2012-03-04 22:39 (UTC)

[ A huffy sigh, and Ichigo refuses to dignify that with a response. A lifetime spent looked down on and treated like he was stupid just because of his hair color has made him hesitant to do the same to anyone else. Because he isn’t stupid. He’s not a genius like some sewing-inclined people, but he isn’t an idiot, either. And unless given evidence to the contrary, he’s willing to give others the benefit of the doubt.

The silence drags on when Naruto asks him to clarify his aborted comment. Part of him wants to brush him off, tell him to never mind and ignore it. But he doesn’t because it isn’t fair. Not when he’s asking personal, no doubt painful, things of Naruto.

So he takes a deep breath. He looks Naruto straight in the eye. And he says the deep, painful stuff he’s never told anyone. ]

I wouldn’t tell you that I love you if you were weak. I don’t tell anyone that. Not anymore. Not since… [ The urge to gloss over it comes over him, but he pushes through it. ] Since my mom died. And I wouldn’t. Not unless it was someone really special. Someone who wouldn’t break. Who didn’t need protected. Who could stand with me in this world and the others I’m part of and walk beside me. Who I could trust with who and what I am. Who I could trust to fight with and without me. Who wanted me, but didn’t need me.

[ He takes a breath. Shrugs a shoulder. ] So I know that you’re strong enough not to break. Because I wouldn’t love you if you were, and since I do, well, I’m not like Ishida is with math, but I think that means you’re pretty damn strong.

[ It still doesn’t sit right, this thing that’s happened between them that he can’t remember. But he takes what Naruto says at his word. And after a long pause, he nods. Because there’s nothing else he can do. And what Naruto’s said resonates with him.

Moving forward. Yeah. He can do that. ]

All right. We move forward. Just. [ He bites his lip, then says it anyway. ] Let me move forward with you. Since you don’t not wanna deal with me.

[ The smile he gives him is a tentative thing, awkward because smiling for Ichigo is awkward and he expects to be rebuffed. And he nods, slapping the back of his hand against Naruto’s shoulder and turning toward the door. ]

Yeah. It’s the all-you-can-eat Kurosaki Ichigo buffet. C’mon. I got ya covered.

Edited 2012-03-05 00:36 (UTC)

[ It's Naruto turn to wonder whether Ichigo will answer him. Tit for tat, it would be fairer if he did, but considering the tricky topic, he wouldn't begrudge the guy if he didn't. His time in Ukiyo has given him a little patience after all, so if Ichigo doesn't want to answer, then Naruto will let the question slide.

Except he does answer, but he answers with things Naruto never expected to hear from Ichigo again. Not like this, not this honesty, this strange kind of openness which he knows is always so hard for the guy. He's staring as Ichigo continues, but only because he knows this young man, and saying what he says it's...

Never easy. ] But you didn't tell me. You don't... feel that way. You don't have those memories, Ichigo. You might as well be a different person that way. [ He isn't saying it to be cruel, it's simply how he sees it. This doesn't make Ichigo less than, but the memories of Ukiyo, they led to changes in his other self, no matter how small those changes were. Ergo, they cannot be the same person if they do not have the same memories.

Naruto takes a hand through his hair. ] You don't remember leaving your window open, so I could sneak in at night. You don't remember nearly drowning in the moat the one time. You don't remember those stupid éclairs, or how I didn't know what a coconut was, or learning to play the guitar.

[ He falls quiet. Those things all sound so negative, even to himself, as though he's telling Ichigo he's less for not remembering when he's not trying to do that. ] Listen, I'm real bad at this explaining shit. M'not saying this to make you feel bad! Just that, there was a guy who knew me. And I guess because he knew me, he wasn't you, 'coz you don't know me.

I dunno if that even makes sense. S'why you don't owe me anything or why-- He loved me. But you-- [ Don't. This is confusing. And it's hard to explain. ] And it's not like I want that again! Don't go thinkin' I do! I... [ Would like it but that's. Not why he's talking to Ichigo now. Naruto growls under his breath.

Ichigo tells him about his mother and this is his response? Really? ] Where d'you wanna go, with this moving forward stuff? [ With a somewhat shrewd look in Ichigo's direction. He is all for moving forward, but he doesn't want Ichigo to have the wrong idea.

He doesn't rebuff that smile though. It's Ichigo. Every smile is still precious. He merely snorts and shakes his head, turning to follow the young man. ]

Y'know, I never turn down free food. You're gonna regret this, Ichigo. M'not finishing until your wallet is empty.

[ No, he doesn’t remember any of those things.

He leaves his window open at night, but it’s only because the shinigami will come in whether he does or not and he’d rather they not tramp through the house and wake up his family. Naruto’s certainly never come in through it. And he’s never been to a castle, much less fallen in a moat and nearly drowned. He can’t recall eating an éclair, or explaining coconuts, and the only time he’s ever tried to learn to play the guitar was in his room at home, when he was twelve and still thought maybe he’d be a rock star some day.

He isn’t the guy Naruto knows. Knew. He doesn’t know him, likely never will as much as this other guy did. This guy who wears his face and has his voice and apparently is a substitute shinigami with two sisters, the same friends, and an obnoxious father.

Me but not me, he thinks, watching Naruto as he tries to explain something Ichigo thinks is probably damn near unexplainable. Sorry you found the shitty version. I wish you could’ve found the right one.

There’s no rancor in the thought. No anger. It is what it is. He wouldn’t want the defective model either.

Naruto’s request for clarification about moving on trips him up, and he shrugs, shaking his head while he tries to figure out an answer. It’s not me that you want. So what? What’s forward from this? The problem is, there isn’t a forward. Not for him. But Naruto… ]

I help you find him. Figure out what went wrong with him, and fix it. Get his memory back. [ And that’s what he’ll do. Talk to Urahara. Figure out how to move to other realities. He’ll find the guy, fix whatever stupid shit happened to his head, and then everyone gets a happy ending. ]

Wouldn’t it suck if you found out I only had a hundred yen on me? [ Light, playful, and he smirks, the expression feeling more at home on his face than the smile. ] Don’t worry. I got paid yesterday. I have plenty of money.

[ Pushing open the door, he takes a step inside, holding it so Naruto can follow. ]

Eat as much as you want.

[ This isn't going well. If Naruto only knew what was going on in Ichigo's head, he'd be doing more than shaking his own, slowly. Either way, this isn't going well. He feels bad for what he's said already, for all that Ichigo has been understanding about it - and he has - Naruto knows it isn't an easy thing to hear.

He knows he hasn't been doing a good job of making Ichigo feel any better about any of this either. And it isn't about to change. Not with what he has to say next. ] Uh. No. I don't need t'look for him. [ He tilts his head, earnest and a little awkward. ] We're not. Mn. Together. [ Right. Yeah. Not awkward. At all.

Naruto shifts, uncomfortably. ]

Ah. How do I say it? I told him-- I told him we were done. So, really, I shouldn't have gotten angry like I did anyway. He'd be better off, if he forgot again. [ Anyone would. Considering.

Swallowing the dryness in his throat, he tries to move away from the subject. Move forward, as he told Ichigo. Easier said than done, of course., but he manages a snort at the idea that Ichigo could possibly not have enough money to cover his bill. ] You'd be washin' dishes for a week...

[ Because yeah, Naruto would so make himself scarce in that case. Or he'd like to think he would. Most likely he'd cave and crawl back and help the other young man out. He blinks when Ichigo kind of sort of holds the door open for him. ] Thanks... M'gonna do that! Running here got me kinda hungry.

Y'know, I don't know any places around here. [ Too casually. ] You know any good places for chocolate desserts?

Oh.

[ For a moment, that’s all he can think to say. Because he thought differently. From the way Naruto had yelled at him earlier, from the things he’d learned, he’d thought that they were together. He’d thought a lot of things, and they are apparently all of them wrong.

Fall for the guy who doesn’t want you, eh? A thin tendril of sympathy curls through him for his other self. That figures. Story of his life. It almost makes him want to laugh. ]

I thought… Yeah, well, okay. [ One awkward scratch at the back of his neck, not knowing what to do with his hands, and he nods. ] Guess that’s out then.

[ Not knowing what else to say, he dives into the change of subject. It’s less embarrassing that way. For both of them. ]

I already do. Sometimes. It’s not so bad. I don’t mind.

[ Chocolate desserts? He has to think about it, mentally running over a map of this section of town. ]

Actually, yeah, I do. There’s a bakery three streets over, four blocks up. I get cakes there for my sister sometimes. She loves raspberries and they make this torte kind of thing? I don’t know, but she likes it. [ A pause, and he clears his throat.Not cool, Kurosaki, talking about your sisters like that. ]

You thinking you’re gonna have room for dessert?

[ Oh. And really, doesn't that say all that needs to be said. Oh, you're the dick who dumped him. Oh, you're the jerk who obviously broke his heart.

Oh. He could do better anyway. All the things Naruto already knows, all in that single, two-letter word. Naruto says nothing to it, but he can feel his shoulders hunch, not defensive but resigned. Things he already knows.

He's better off. They both are. There's no need for that oh. Ichigo - the one he knows - will do better than him. Hell, he was on the way to doing that while they were together. Naruto raises one shoulder, a half shrug.

He takes a tiny guess then. ] You thought we were... still a thing. [ It's not much of a leap, given the context and the topic up until now. He could almost laugh himself. Maybe they'd still be a thing if he hadn't-- ] We were. For a long time but.

Yeah. That's out.

[ No point, and he's quick to drop the subject completely here. It's not difficult either because he is confused and so, there is a question. ] You already wash dishes? What?

[ And he almost kinda smiles a little then, both that Ichigo can recite the location of a dessert place and the fact that it's because of his sister. Scratch that, he is smiling a little. ] For Yuzu? [ It's a guess. Yuzu always sounded like maybe she'd have more of a sweet tooth, but he isn't certain. ] Heh. You're still the big brother, aren't ya'?

[ It hasn't changed. And he's glad. With a small shake of his head, he leans the way into the noodle place. glancing back to smirk a little. ] No. I was thinking you might.

[ Naruto's guess provokes a small nod. Yeah. Yeah he did. And boy does he feel stupid now. Par for the course, really. Just another day in the life of Kurosaki Ichigo.

Right, then. No attempts to get them back together. No attempts to... Ichigo doesn't even know what he was planning to do. The thought is a vague, nebulous thing that doesn't coalesce no matter how much he prods at it. Something. He was going to do something. But now he can't anymore because they're not together and it sounds like maybe Naruto doesn't want them to be.

Okay. He can respect that. ]

Not all the time. But sometimes, yeah. I do odd jobs. Anything anyone will hire me to do. Hell, I even rent myself out to the clubs at school. Did. I used to. Don't think I need to do that anymore.

[ It's a quiet, cryptic comment that, after he's said it, he thinks maybe needs an explanation. ]

For a while, I lost my powers. Turned into a normal guy. Thought I was gonna go to med school. So I started saving up. For school, for my own place, that kinda thing. [ A shrug.

But the mention of Yuzu makes him smile again. ] Yeah. Between you and me, I think she's trying to figure out how to make that thing herself. She cooks. I don't know. It's her thing.

[ Following Naruto inside, Ichigo huffs - in lieu of a snort - under his breath. ] You kidding? I always have room for dessert. Go a little easy on my wallet, oh bottomless noodle pit, and I'll spring for it afterward.

[ Outside of that nod, Ichigo doesn't say much. Though in the end, he doesn't have to. The air is suddenly more awkward than it was, stifling in that sense and Naruto can guess why. Ichigo is probably even more uncomfortable talking to the guy who ditched him once.

Naruto wouldn't blame him. There isn't anything else to say, at the least, which is probably for the best. Talking about what happened has never - will never - be easy for Naruto. It's easier to stick to other topics. Topics like how, apparently Ichigo has rented himself out to--

Naruto pales a little. In his shock (and near horror) he almost does a double take. ] You rented yourself out to-- What kinda-- [ What kinda school was it, that they'd allow that? Naruto had no idea. Ichigo had never told him this. ] I mean I... if it's something you like then that's... but Ichigo, you're better than that! Damnit, you know that!

You're smart and-- I know... okay, I know that you got a good body-- [ Okay. He has to amend this. ] --you got a great body and it's great that you don't mind showing it off I. Guess? [ He trails off for all of half a second. ] I mean, you can really move. [ Vaguely, Appreciative. Before stumbling back to the point. ] B-but you're better than that! You are! You don't need to do that anymore, damn straight! Don't go doin' that anymore, alright?

[ Under his breath he adds. ] What the hell kinda school do you go to anyway. Saving up or not. That's. Not okay.

[ He only barely manages to swerve back to the subject of Yuzu. Still unsettled. He nods though, and feels his lips curve as well. ] I see. So that's what she likes, huh? Haha, once she figures it out, she'll bake 'em for you though! I mean... she will, right?

[ Another educated guess. She seems like the type who would. And who would insist everyone have one. As he glances back, Ichigo huffs, which is better than the alternative, less pain and no possibility of blood. Naruto meanders his way to a seat while laughing under his breath. He'd hope Ichigo would say something like that.

With a grin, he slides into a booth. ] Sit your ass down, and I'll show you how to really eat noodles. [ He reaches for the menu. ] If you're treating me to dessert, I'll even go easy on that wallet of yours.

[ Naruto's reaction is baffling, to say the least. Completely bewildering. Ichigo watches him, eyes wider than normal, as he splutters through some kind of inexplicable shock and outrage. Even when he subsides into silence, Ichigo isn't sure what to say. But Naruto's clearly upset, so it's down to him to assuage him. Somehow. ]

Listen, it's not that bad. I mean, the first time I volunteered, so it isn't like anyone forced me into it. It was just a dumb idea, I didn't think anyone would take me up on it. But they did, and I guess they were impressed by my performance, because word got around and suddenly everyone wanted me.

[ He can't quite help the smirk, confident but not quite arrogant. His tone's too matter of fact for arrogance. And really, Naruto's the one who brought it up. He's the one who mentioned the condition of Ichigo's body. ]

I don't really blame them. I'm the best in the school, everyone knows it. Because of the shinigami thing. All that training. It makes me faster, stronger, have better endurance. Put me in the best shape of my life.

[ Ichigo still doesn't see what the big deal is. The school doesn't object, and for the first time, the sports teams actually win a few games. At least while he's on the team. That sparks an idea. Maybe if Naruto sees firsthand that no one's working him to death... ]

I'm done with it, yeah. Well, after tonight. I told the soccer team they could have me for one last night. Y'know, a last hurrah before my retirement kinda thing. [ He nudges Naruto with his elbow. ] You should come. Check it out. I promise it'll be fun, and -- [ He winks, remembering one of Naruto's previous comments. ] -- I'll even break out a few moves you've never seen. Just for you. If you come.

[ Oblivious to the misunderstanding that he's in no way cleared up, Ichigo nods. ] Oh yeah. She'll make it and then frown at me until I eat it. She's a good kid. Takes care of the rest of us. Dad's always so busy, and me and Karin aren't really domestically inclined. It works out.

[ Taking a seat opposite Naruto, Ichigo slips a menu from the little holder at the end of the table and glances over it. He knows what he wants, having a tendency to get the same thing when he comes in. But he looks anyway. Just in case they've gotten something new. ]

Eat up, though. Really. I've got plenty. Dad's trying to make up for being a jerk about the whole power loss thing and gave me cash to go "have fun." So if you empty the wallet, I've still got some in reserve. [ He tips his chin in the direction of Naruto's menu. ]

What're you getting?

[ Clearly Ichigo needs assuaging lessons because what he says to Naruto to calm him, isn't calming in the slightest. No bad, he assures, but all Naruto can hear is that Ichigo volunteered to becomes a stripper? In a club? Or maybe it's worse than that. And he talks about performances and Naruto's head drops to the table, as he gurgles out a despairing sound.

Performance --- Never mind that he has images of Ichigo doing just that. Never mind that he think the guy would be really fucking good at it, once he tossed aside his shame. Oh god. What if he tossed aside his shame?! ] ...please don't throw away your shame... [ A quiet wail, into the table. He could see why everyone would want Ichigo but. Really.

REALLY. ] An' you say it so easily too. [ Best in school. SCHOOL FOR WHAT?! Better endurance. Naruto doesn't quite moan, it's too quiet for that. More like a whimper.

He manages to hold it all in until. That. That! Which is when he raises his head and-- ] NO! NO GANGBANGS! I'M NOT GONNA WATCH THE SOCCER TEAM HAVE YOU ONE LAST NIGHT! [ It's loud enough to turn more than a few heads. Raise more than a few eyebrows, but Naruto is oblivious, he is appalled. ] I don't care how much money you need, or if you think it's okay, it's not! You're way better than that! An' what kinda school d'you go to anyway?! You're supposed to learn stuff, but not that stuff!

DONT WINK AT ME! [ Spluttering! Go! ] It's just--- Giving a guy ideas-- Saying things like 'if I come'! You got stamina and everyone wants you, but that don't mean you're gonna do this anymore! No more weird shit! [ He's on a roll, taking this massive miscommunication and going with it. ] I never thought you were that kinda guy! No, you're not that kinda guy, did you hit your head?! Maybe it's a genjutsu! I dunno, but you can't do this anymore, Ichigo! No way!

[ He pauses then. Panting, looking somewhere between earnest and still horrified. He tries to get back on track, talking about Yuzu, who sounds like a good kid, but oh god is it hard. ] She takes good care of you, don't reward her by takin' off yer clothes for people. [ As his face meets the table again. ] Poor Yuzu! Her big brother's fallen so far, but he still gets her cupcakes.

[ With a low rumble of sound, he tilts the menu toward his face, which is still level with the table, and eyes it, looking like his will to live has evaporated. ] M'gonna have to put you back on the straight an' narrow... But, I'll probably have the tonkotsu ramen, until then.

[ Naruto's forward slump head-first into the table is perplexing. The noises that he starts making are even more so. Ichigo shoots him a concerned look, then glances behind him to the restaurant at large. One or two looks have been casually thrown their way and he smiles awkwardly and shakes his head. Nothing to see here. Go back to eating.

He hears something that sounds suspiciously like "shame" drifting up from the table, and his brow knits briefly, wanting to point out that the only one here with no shame - who lays all over a table?! - is Naruto. But he doesn't really focus on it, too concerned with how the guy's attitude has taken this weird, inexplicable turn, and really, if he would just sit up Ichigo could...

Could...

Blink, jaw dropping into a slaw, uncomprehending stare as Naruto starts bellowing things that sound never be said at high volume in a public place. Too blind-sided by the shouting, Ichigo doesn't quite comprehend what he's yelling about. Just that he's yelling obscene things in the restaurant. Until he mentions Yuzu and taking his clothes off and suddenly, with the inexorable horror of an avalanche, Ichigo realizes that there's been a most unfortunate misunderstanding. ]

WHAT?!

[ It's his turn to yell, the abrupt blossoming of heat in his face telling him that he's gone redder than he's ever been in his life. ]

YOU THINK I'M -- YOU -- I'M NOT -- GANGBANGS!!!!

[ That's a shriek, one from which he immediately cringes away, and he sinks like a stone in his seat. His hand lifts, palm almost slapping over his eyes before he remembers that yes, his nose is broken and touching it would be bad. The sound he makes comes precariously close to a whimper - dying from mortification is not, unfortunately, possible - and he slips down further, shoulders hunched, eyes focused on the table, waiting for the world to swallow him or a hollow to attack or something, anything, to get him out of this. ]

You think I'm a whore. [ It's soft, stunned, a tangled mix of offended hurt and angered dignity. ] You think I'd -- That I'd sell -- [ He can't even get the words out. But his head snaps up and he fixes Naruto with a furious glare. ]

SCHOOL CLUBS. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Like soccer? I PLAY FUCKING SOCCER FOR THEM. THEY PAY ME TO GO TO A GAME AND KICK THE OTHER TEAM'S ASS. I PLAY SPORTS!!!

[ He runs out of steam, realizing that yes, again, he's shouting. ]

I don't -- I'm not a whore. I don't -- For fuck's sake, Naruto, I've never even kissed anyone, let alone fucked a goddamn soccer team.

[ Really, the way Naruto sees it, Ichigo has no right to be indignant! To begin with at least, he's not, but then Naruto sees the horror and he almost points, almost barks out a sharp: Yeah! See, that's what I mean! See how terrible it is?! As though Ichigo merely didn't realize the depth of his own depravity up until now and Naruto's mindless ranting has somehow helped him see the light!

What. Wouldn't the first time that has happened with Naruto. Except. This time, it isn't exactly what happens. ]

What? WHAT WHAT! DON'T SHOUT AT ME! YOU'RE THE STRIPPER HERE! [ Naruto is quick to meet like with like, he's vaguely mollified that at least Ichigo has the decency to look mortified! ] That's good! You should be goin' all red after the things you're been doin'!

[ Then there's the denial. Ah, sweet, sweet denial. In spite of the volume, Naruto squints at Ichigo, not quite convinced at first. Even when Ichigo freezes and shrinks back down in his seat, Naruto isn't convinced. ] Yeah, yeah GANGBANGS! [ Just in case there are some patronage left in the place who haven't heard that word yet! ] I heard what you said! About the team and doin' it with you! You ought'a be ashamed of yourself, y'know!

[ Does he think Ichigo is a whore? ] No. Hell no. [ Even if he were gangbanging every soccer team the world over, Naruto wouldn't think he was one of those. ] You'd never be that. Wouldn't matter what you did, you'd never be that.

[ Not to Naruto at least. He can sell his body around all he likes. He's no whore to Naruto! Though the shinobi does wish he wouldn't... He's about to add this, maybe plead for Ichigo to find his morals once more - Naruto can totally help him! When... ]

Eh?

[ There follows some furious, clueless blinking upon Ichigo's (totally uncalled for what!) outburst. Naruto leans back in his seat, slightly taken aback by that vehemence. ] You play soccer with them too? [ No wait. For them. ] What?

[ What? Oh. Wait. Really? He gets paid by the soccer team to-- Naruto 'ohhhhs', softly, as suddenly this all makes a lot more sense. ] So you're not being paid to sleep around. [ Way more sense, when he says it like that. Still blinking at Ichigo, the shinobi braces his elbows on the table and leans in a little. ] Well, why'd you think I was so pissed off! That's not you! I know that already! I just-- Maybe there were some weirdass reasons for it? I dunno, they teach some people back home how to do it-- [ Shinobi. Who specialize in assassinations. Still. Staying on topic, kind of, he titls his head. ]

You've never kissed anyone? Or done any of that stuff? Really? ...why not? People gotta be lining up for a chance with you. [ Which is the god's honest truth, from Naruto's perspective. ]

Edited 2012-03-05 22:42 (UTC)

I AM NOT A STRIPPER!!!!

[ Just in case there is anyone in the restaurant, or halfway down the block, who might be laboring under the assumption that he is, that scream probably clears it up. But he’s too flustered to care. He just won’t come back for a few weeks. Months. Maybe a year. After a year, and wearing a wig, no one will be able to recognize him.

Naruto isn’t listening. Or at least it seems like he isn’t, because he’s talking about doing it with the team and just no. Ichigo whimpers again, cringing in his nearly horizontal slump in the seat. ]

Playing soccer. Playing in a game! I’m not doing -- doing that -- with anyone! [ And then, with one last outburst that’s half pleading for sanity and half aggravation, he tries again. ] There are no gangbangs!

[ He’s said this word too many times already. More than he’s ever said it in his life, and it’s all been this day and where the fuck are the hollows? There’re always hollows. Are they on some kind of vacation now or what?!

Finally, he gets through to him. It’s that blinking. It’s the confused look. It’s the quieter tone and the no longer scandalized expression. ]

No! I’m not being paid to s-sleep around. Or… Or strip or do anything else! If you know I’m not like that, then why did you think that I’d….

[ It’s Ichigo’s turn to blink, catching that last bit. They teach people in Naruto’s home how to sleep around. Is that why he asked? Because he was taught that? He blinks, shakes his head, drags his attention back to the matter at hand.

And then winces again. ]

No. Why would I? There’s no one here that… [ Scratching at the back of his neck, he glances away. The skin on the back of his neck is still hot. He’s still flushed. Still embarrassed. This isn’t helping. ] No one’s interested in me. And I’m not interested in them.

[ He shrugs. ] Besides, it should be special right? Kissing people? [ Now he sounds like a damn girl. Sighing, he rakes his fingers through his hair. ] If I do anything, I want it to be because I’m with the person, you know? Not just for the hell of it. I’m not… I’m not like that.

Edited 2012-03-05 23:05 (UTC)

OKAY! OKAY! Just! [ Naruto pauses. ] You're not! If you say so! ... I mean it's okay, if you are! I DON'T CARE! Except your poor family, man. Just think of them before you ever take up stripping, alright?[ Who said he ever had to make sense. He is totally the voice of reason here. Level headed, calm, telling Ichigo he has more options than prostitution! That he is better than that. Naruto might have a sneaking suspicious the guy doesn't always recognize his own worth but he'll be damned if he'll allow a friend to sleep around for cash either! ]

No gangbangs. Got it! [ He does too, for the most part. Ichigo seems pretty obstinate on this score, as well as embarrassed. As well as annoyed. Naruto doesn't want him blowing another blood vessel here. ] Even if you were, it's not a horrible thing an' all. Well, okay, it kinda is because you're better than that. I just meant. Uh.

But. Okay. No gangbangs. Got it. [ He does. Totally. Sits up a little straighter and tries to look attentive. He's not sure he can explain to Ichigo the whys behind his assumption. I know you're not like that, but you kinda fooled around on me. In a way. So. Maybe.

Naruto shakes his head, clearing his throat. ] Sometimes I guess, people can do all kinds of things they don't wanna. Maybe it was something I didn't know about. Some weirdass part of your life. I dunno. [ It doesn't sound like truly a solid explaination even to himself, because it's only half of his reasoning. Shrugging again Naruto slides away from that topic and sort of on to another. There's Orihime, he thinks, if Ichigo would just look at her and see for himself...

He finds his eyes lingering on that blush. Another old habit. One he can't help. ] There's plenty of people interested in you. You just gotta see that. Trust me. There'd be a line around the block if people thought you were looking for that kinda thing. [ With a tiny smile.

He chins one hand and lays his menu on the table, though his eyes remain on Ichigo all the while. ] Mnn. It should be special. But, it feels real good so if you found someone you-- [ --maybe not a direction he should be heading in. Trying to think of a way to assure Ichigo, what he comes up with is this: ] Well, if it helps at all, you're an awesome kisser. You do this thing, with your tongue and... [ Naruto trails off, looking monetarily distracted. ] I mean, when you do find someone, you don't have to worry!

[ He nods, staunchly. ] You'll blow them away.

I’m not -- [ He bites his tongue, about to start yelling again. Because apparently, out of everyone in the place, Naruto failed to hear the bit about not being a stripper. Or a gangbang aficionado. He grits his teeth, counts to ten, and then keeps counting until the urge to throttle Naruto fades.

Sitting up a little, Ichigo leans against the edge of the table, tilting his head in Naruto’s direction. His voice is quiet hiss. Pointless, perhaps, given that everyone’s already heard their business. But he’ll be damned if he’s going to keep shouting. ]

Stop talking about stripping and gangbangs, all right? I’m not a stripper. I’m not a… whatever the hell they’re called. If they’re called anything. Why am I still talking about this? Just drop it. Unless this is some kinda weird attempt to talk me into stripping for you. Helpful hint? Embarrassing me isn’t the way to go.

[ Settling back, he rubs idly at the top of the table with his fingertips. It’s a nervous gesture. Awkward. He still wants to crawl under the table and never come out. ]

The weird times of my life start with an “S” and end with a “hinigami.” The rest of it’s pretty normal. Really. No kinky weirdness, okay?

[ He doesn’t even need to think about what Naruto’s saying. He just shakes his head. ] No they wouldn’t. And it doesn’t matter. Remember what I said earlier? [ He hopes so, because he isn’t going to repeat it. ] That counts. And I don’t want them to be interested. They’ll only be disappointed, because I’m not that kinda guy. I’m not just gonna date around.

[ A blink. Than another. Ichigo feels like he’s been doing a lot of this today, but that’s an odd thing for Naruto to say. Although if they were together, maybe it makes sense that he knows. Ichigo, for his part, knows that asking would be bad. But his curiosity is piqued, and he can’t let it go. ]

What thing with my tongue?

[ Naruto feels his expression thin into something more precarious when Ichigo tells him to stop talking about-- Well, yeah, okay, he can get that. But the stripping thing-- ] It's not that! [ He scowls, slouching back in his seat, eyebrows lowered into a glower. ] Didn't take ya' long to tell me to shut up after all. [ Okay, that is petty but he doesn't care. Seems it's par for the course either way. He says something stupid, Ichigo tells him to shut up, in some way. Justifiable, totally, but it still stings. Months after the fact. ]

M'not trying to get you to strip for me. If you think that's all I'm here for then you can take this meal and shove it up your ass. [ It's about as blunt as ever. Naruto's intentions aren't that low. It's not his problem is Ichigo is easily embarrassed! ... which is a lie. It is. It's certainly his fault.

He stares elsewhere for a while. At the little noodle place at large. People are still staring at them. Naruto turns his scowl on one of the patrons, until the turn their eyes anywhere but him. And Ichigo. ]

You were never really normal. S'why you're not gonna be a doctor. [ It's just a murmur, barely an answer really, he's hardly thinking as he says it. But it's kind of true. Ichigo can't really chalk all the weirdness in his life down to the shinigami. His life would have been weird anyway. Or maybe extraordinary would be a better term.

Kinky weirdness. The other Ichigo he knew used to be like that too. Didn't understand a kink? It was weird. Naruto was weird. The ninja nods, sullenly and doesn't say anything. ]

So. You think the perfect person is gonna fall into your lap one day? [ He takes the chopsticks - Ichigo's too, and pointedly starts building a fort out of them. Shut up, he's feeling restless now. This is how he covers those nerves. ] S'not how it works. If you want someone, you gotta go after 'em. If you stand around waiting for them to come to you...

S'like letting chances pass you by.

[ He pauses, balancing those chopsticks, oh-so-carefully. and then glances up as Ichigo says that and. ] Uh. [ There goes the chopsticks! Naruto grumbles under his breath, picks them back up and resumes building. Except it's rather distracted now. ] It's. A thing. You do. When you kiss. It feels. Mn. Really good. Like-- Like, uh. ... [ He tries searching for the words but really, he's a doer, not a talker in that regards. ] Ah, I dunno how to explain it! I can do it, but I can't explain it!

Edited 2012-03-06 01:05 (UTC)

[ And somehow it’s become his fault. Again.

He doesn’t have the right attitude. A guy’s yelling about personal, embarrassing things that he doesn’t do, and he’s the jerk for getting mad. His sense of humor’s shitty too. Because now he’s the asshole who apparently thinks people might actually want him to get naked. But hey, maybe it’s just because he isn’t normal. Never was, never will be. His beliefs are wrong, his values are wrong, hell, he’s wrong too.

It pisses him off. It hurts his feelings, although that isn’t something he’ll readily admit. No matter what he does, who he becomes, he’ll always be the punk everyone looks down on. Always be that brat with the stupid hair.

His voice is low, very quiet, and his eyes lift from the table. ]

You know, Naruto, for someone who claims that I’m such a great guy, you sure are quick to make sure I know I’m not good enough for you. And you know what, that’s fine. I’m not asking anything of you. I’m not expecting anything of you.

[ Shrugging, he sits up a little further in the seat. He can’t feel the eyes on him anymore. Now that the show’s over, the other patrons have problem gone back to their meals. ]

You wanna blame me for the shit that other guy did to you? Okay. That’s fine. I can take it. You wanna take your anger and hurt and whatever else out on me? Go ahead. I won’t break. [ His eyes narrow in a sudden spark of temper. ]

But don’t sit there and play the victim. Don’t act like I’m judging you. I’m not telling you to shut up. I’m not thinking you’re some kind of freak out to take advantage of me. I’m trying to talk to you. Trying to get to know you. Be your friend. And that’s not going to change. So go ahead. Do your worst. Because I’m not leaving, and I’m not such a coward that I’m going to be scared off.

[ The rest of it hardly seems to matter now. So he watches Naruto build his little chopstick sculptures and he listens to something he doesn’t really need to know. He’s not going to be kissing anybody. And it wasn’t even him that could do it anyway. Just a guy with his face. Some kind of twin he never even knew he had. ]

It’s all right. You don’t have to. Just because he could do it doesn’t mean I can. And there’s no point trying to learn something I’m never gonna use.

[ He casts a glance at the menu, spies something he hasn’t ever ordered here. ]

Currynanban. That’s what I’m having. [ He arches an eyebrow at Naruto. ] You seen the server around or have we scared her off?

[ Like nothing happened. Like hadn’t just been snapping at each other. ]

I think ...we might've scared her off. [ This is where he starts, strangely enough, slowly, carefully, rendered silent up to this point by Ichigo's all too accurate assessment. Naruto has stopped playing around with those chopsticks. No, he stopped a little while and has been staring at the table ever since.

When did he start turning into a person he couldn't stand being around? He genuinely cannot remember. But he does not like it. Has never liked sullen and borderline bitter criticisms falling from his mouth. He's thought--

No. He'd known. Wasn't it why he'd councils himself against coming here? All those of ghosts, better left in their graves. All those wounds too slow to heal. All that he's lost right here, staring him in the face, telling him, you still make me feel like shit. Ichigo is right. That's not the part that cuts the most. It's the notion that he could make Ichigo feel just as Ichigo had once made him feel.

Like dirt. Like something less than. Like he wasn't good enough. He remembers that poison. He still has it inside him. Maybe that's why there's a bitter taste in the back of his mouth. Maybe that's the cause.

He sets his hands onto the table, palms flat. Takes a breath. What is he doing here. Really? What did he hope to achieve? Regain a friendship lost? Rekindle something else? The part of him that is utterly honest whispers of that hope but upon it, he realizes how laughable it is. How wrong it is.

Moving forward means no looking back, doesn't it? Here, now, he'll end up dragging this young man back to that place. It's inevitable. He did it before, he remembers all too well the pain in Ichigo's eyes then. Here, now, he's already managed a cut or two. He's already managed to wound someone who was only aiming to help.

I never got to say goodbye last time, he thinks. I never got to say thank you. It's a swift and it's desperate and as soon as he thinks it, he knows he's already made a decision.

So he takes another breath. Manages a smile, quiet, but honest. ] Yeah. You're right. M'being a dick. Would ya' look at that. Nothing's changed. [ Delivers it somewhat sheepishly and without rancor. Pauses upon it and raises one hand to watch the attention of a passing waitress. She nods, but her hands are full and he watches her head for the kitchens first.

No looking back.

But he does look up, over, to Ichigo. ] You were always the better person. [ And maybe he can lay at least one ghost to rest with that, solid in the assurance that this is right. ] You were always good enough. You always could'a done better than me. I always wondered, why you settled.

[ Another ghost laid to rest with that one. There's just one more, as Naruto stands, that one hand still on the table as he uses it to brace himself so that he can lean and--

This isn't fair. He knows it. You don't thieve a young man's first kiss like this. You don't take what isn't freely offered, but, he thinks it's a perfect example of why Ichigo is the better man. Thinks, you're wrong, you'll learn it. You'll use it. Sometime. You'll get there.

As he presses his mouth to Ichigo's briefly, fiercely. Pauses long enough to murmur out an apology. ] Sorry. Had to. One last time.

[ The goodbye he never claimed in Ukiyo, he steals here. Then moves his hands through the seals of the kawarimi technique. When he disappears, the only thing he leaves as evidence of his existence is a small, deceptively innocent shuriken, lodged rather firmly in the seat of his chair. ]

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