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Undisclosed Devotion	By : horrorgal Category: Bleach > Yaoi - Male/Male > Ichigo/Ishida Views: 7352 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor the characters. I do not profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
AN: Another chapter. Prepare for some more angst and a little bit of fluff in the last part. Lot's of dialog this chapter. Sorry, it just turned out that way. I couldn't resist having Uryu and Ichigo having a fun little phone conversation. Not a lot of action this chapter either. Sorry about that, but things will happen as the story goes along. Don't worry. :D Enjoy.

Chapter 6

Ichigo looked at the bracelet on his wrist and wondered again why Urahara thought the rabbit design was necessary. I certainly didn't look like the prototype he had shown them all, and he was confident in his suspicions that Rukia had something to do with the added feature. He felt lucky it hadn't ended up with hearts, flowers and teddy bears. As long as it did it's job, he couldn't really complain. Three days had passed by now with no attacks, not even the usual random Hollow that was normal for Karakura Town. It almost felt too peaceful as he stood atop the shopping center roof looking over the area.

Urahara insisted they all go back to their normal routines to try luring out the danger that may still be lurking, but Ichigo hadn't expected Uryu to send him back home. He enjoyed being alone with him as much as he could, even if it did mean sleeping on the worlds most uncomfortable sofa. They shared kisses and snuck in warm hugs, but they had not gotten really close since Ichigo's last interrupted attempt. Maybe he could convince him to let him spend the night again. He was thinking of how to do that when he felt Hollow energy off in the distance.

"About time," he muttered and ran, leaping along rooftops to make his journey faster. He saw a cloud of dust and rock rise in the air. The sound of the impact was like a wrecking ball slamming into bricks. Ichigo could feel Renji's reiatsu and knew he must be dealing with the Hollow. He landed on the closest rooftop and looked down to see the redhead easily dodge and strike at his opponent. He decided to stay out of Renji's way since he was the lucky one that had come across the Hollow first. Still, the longer they hung around, the more work they were going to take away from him. He watched Renji's movement, admiring his skill as Zabimaru extended with a shout from it's wielder and cut through the Hollow with incredible ease. Ichigo leapt down to join him as the last bit of the toad-like looking Hollow disintegrated.

"Took your time, Ichigo."

"Looks like you had it under control."

"Won't deny that." Renji sheathed Zabimaru. "This one seemed normal. Well, normal for a Hollow. Didn't sense anything off. Has anything happened with you?"

"Not yet." Ichigo shook his head. "I don't want to give up and think it's over though. Too simple."

"The investigation hasn't turned up much. Got some dirt on Hiyosu, but so far nothing else."

"Nothing weird in Research and Development? I find that hard to believe."

"I know you're impatient, Ichigo. We all are, but it wasn't definite that anything was going on there. We might just have to face the fact that Hiyosu was working alone. If that's the case, well, that's a good thing right?"

Ichigo nodded and wanted nothing more to believe it was done, but he just couldn't relax under the circumstances. Not when Uryu had been part of the focus of attack. Something had to be going on. He hadn't known Hiyosu well, in fact he had never even talked to the man, but he did know Mayuri Kurotsuchi, and that man was what nightmares were made of. No memory he had of the Captain was comfortable. He wasn't shy about his experimentation, or to point out his dislike for those around him. In all aspects he was a mad man with a painted face. The fact that he was a genius made him far more dangerous than Hiyosu could have ever been.

He and Renji parted ways to continue patrolling the town. In the end the rest of the day was as uneventful as the past few had been. He checked in at the shop and found that nothing much had happened their side either. Urahara was still doing his own bit of investigating, but had yet to find anything they didn't already know. It felt like they were at a stand still. By the time he got home and back into his body he felt frustrated. He picked at his dinner, too emerged in thought to even taste what Yuzu had cooked.

When a knock came from the door, Ichigo was the first one up to answer it. Maybe it was Uryu. It turned out to be Orihime. He froze a moment before he let her in. He hadn't really had a chance to talk to her with his endless patrol schedule. She thanked him and tried to smile a little, but her attempt to keep the mask up was visibly wearing thin. He felt uncomfortable, but pushed down his own unease and welcomed her properly.

"You want some tea, or something to eat?"

"No, thank you. I'm good."

"Okay." He led her upstairs, calling to Yuzu he was finished eating. He didn't have much of an appetite anyway. He shut his bedroom door behind them and offered her his desk chair to sit. She took it quietly, looking tired and withdrawn.

"Sorry for coming over this late," she said, not quite looking at him.

"It's not late, and you know you're welcome here." He sat on his bed awkwardly, not sure what else to say. He never imagined he would have this much trouble communicating with people he cared about, but that had been happening a lot lately. Several thing were going through his mind, but he didn't voice any of it. She had to be here for a reason, so he just waited. When he finally heard what she had to say, it was not what he was expecting.

"Chad knows," she said softly.

"Huh?"

"Chad. He knows about you and Uryu."

Ichigo felt his body tense up. "Did you tell him?"

"No, I wouldn't do that, Ichigo!" She reacted like she'd been slapped. "I know it's private, and you'll tell everyone in your own time."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to accuse you, but how did he find out about it?"

"He was walking by Uryu's apartment building the other day. He saw you two kissing outside his door," her voice trembled a little as she spoke.

Oh man, Uryu was going to be pissed. This was the third time they'd been caught kissing, and one of the times Uryu wasn't even aware of. Even after Orihime walked in on them, Ichigo just couldn't resist kissing him when he got the chance, and when he thought back, he did embrace him before he went home that day. Uryu had resisted as usual before he just gave in and did it, complaining afterward that they had just done their goodbyes inside. As much as he hated it, he would just have to calm down the affection with his boyfriend in public for now until they decided to start telling their friends and family about their relationship. He heard Orihime sniff and saw she was struggling not to cry.

"Oh, hey.." He got up and knelt in front of her. "I'm sorry. I'm not mad at you. Please don't cry." That only made her do exactly that and she sobbed soft, hands twisting together on her lap. He looked for a tissue and stood when he spotted the box on his desk. Empty. He tossed it in the small trash can next to his desk and felt incapable of giving her any kind of comfort. She was shaking with uncontrollable sobs and she had moved her hands to cover her tear streaked face. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "Orihime."

"I'm..a...horrible..person..," she gushed, breath hitching and cracked in the only way a person can talk when crying so deeply.

"No, you're not."

"Yes,... I am. I keep..trying to be happy..for you..and I can't." She pulled her legs up on the chair and hugged them, face pressed against her knees. "I even hoped Uryu would reject you so I'd have another chance." Her shame came through hiccups and sobs, her body curling up so tight that it looked like she wanted to disappear. Ichigo knelt back down before her and tried to get her to uncurl her body, coaxing her like he would with Yuzu when she was younger and distraught about something. This young woman who was usually so full of dignity had been reduced to this. Her confession on her feelings about he and Uryu only proved how human she really was.

"Hey, look at me, Orihime." Her legs were down and slack now, but he was having a time prying her hands off her face. He sighed, and nibbled at his lip, trying to be as gentle as he could to peel her fingers away. She made a muffled sound of protest and clamped them down tighter, turning her head to the side, making his job that much harder. "I didn't want to have to do this." He used another trick that always got Yuzu. Her grabbed her sides and tickled. Orihime yelped and laughed, batting at his arms as she squirmed in the chair.

"No..stop..no tickling, not fair!" She squealed, her legs jerking up into his chest, but he wouldn't stop, not until she calmed down enough to let him talk to her. He saw her cheeks wet with tears, her eyes red and puffy, but the smile on her face, forced by his attack or not, was better than seeing her sorrow. "Please, no more..no more, I'll listen," she gasped between burst of laughter.

"Good." He moved back to let her breathe. "I'll use that again if I have to." He got up and opened his closet to find a cloth for her to wipe her face. She looked calmer now when he turned back to her and handed it over. She took it and sniffed, wiping at her eyes and nose, face slightly averted to avoid looking directly at him.

"I'm sorry I broke down like that on you," she said. Her voice was stuffy and thick.

"It's alright. You shouldn't try to hide how you're feeling. It will only make you feel sick inside."

"But it's not fair to you," she insisted, blotting at her eyes. "I'm just a bitch," she said meekly.

"You..um.." He couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled up from the pit of his stomach. Orihime blinked and looked at him, head tilted like a curious kitten. That only made him laugh harder. Her lips twitched and she smiled. Not a mask, or something forced, but a true smile that lit up her face.

"You should laugh more," she said. "Makes you not look so serious."

"Maybe you're right," he said. "And you're not a bitch. Don't say that, it's just weird."

"I guess so," she said and chewed at her thumbnail a little and looked at him, her expression going serious once more.

"What you're feeling is nothing to be ashamed of, Orihime. You're hurting and you have every right to be upset and think things like that. You're a good person that cares about her friends. You're not being selfish, or petty. If you were you wouldn't be worrying about it upsetting me so much."

"You're so sweet," she whispered. "Why do you have to be so sweet to me?"

"You're my friend, so you'll just have to deal with that."

"Ichigo..." She got up and hugged him tight, face crushed against his chest. He was sure he felt fresh tears soaking his shirt, but she wasn't sobbing anymore at least. He held her in his arms and wished things could be different for her sake. His hand brushed her hair gently until her tight grip loosened around him. Her head tilted back and her lips were against his so fast that it didn't register for a few moments. Her kiss was warm and soft, timidly moving against his mouth that remained unresponsive. He could blame the shock for his reaction, or lack of, but he just didn't feel a spark or slightest want to kiss her back. Yet he let her have her moment, hands resting soft on her shoulders to push her back gently. She broke the kiss herself and stepped back before he got the chance.

"Am I a bitch now?" she asked, standing there in the middle of his room with her head bowed and arms around herself.

"Orihime."

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to see what it was like. Just once, because I missed my chance before. All because I was too scared and stupid."

"You're not stupid. Stop putting yourself down at every turn."

She looked at him and all he saw was pure innocence. "You didn't feel anything, did you?"

He shook his head. "No," he answered softly.

"It's strange. I'm still sad, but I'm relieved."

"Relieved? How do you mean?"

"You didn't kiss me back the way you were kissing Uryu that day after our meeting. You really do love him. I could see it, even in the way you were holding him in your arms."

"I do, very much," he said. Orihime nodded and sniffed, wiping her face again. She still radiated beauty, even with red puffy eyes and a runny nose. Any guy would be lucky to have her. "You going to be okay?" he asked.

"Yeah." She put the cloth down and picked up her purse. "Don't worry, I'll get through it." She took his hand. "Thank you for putting up with me. I know this has to be a nightmare for you."

"What did I say before? You're my friend."

She smiled soft. "I better go."

"Want me to walk you home?"

"No, it's okay. I'll be fine." She kissed his cheek. "Thank you again, Ichigo." And she was gone in seconds, the soft sound of his door clicking closed like finality. He stood numbly for a moment then let out a long breath and sat on the chair. He put his hand to his mouth and sighed, hoping she'd gotten that out of her system. At least she hadn't tried to slip him the tongue like he had Uryu that first time. She definitely had more finesse. He felt something slick on his lips and licked curiously. Lip gloss. She'd left him with the taste of strawberries.

~*~

He called Uryu after his shower, but got his voice mail after a few rings. He left a quick message and hung up, unable to help worrying just a little. It wasn't unusual for Uryu not to answer right away. It didn't mean he was in danger or anything. He sat on his bed, bath towel around his shoulders. His foot started to tap on the floor and he forced himself to stop. Uryu was right, that was an annoying tick to have. He sighed and dried his hair a little more and looked at the clock on his desk. The blue lit numbers said it was 9:18 P.M. Maybe he was just taking a shower too. He went back in the bathroom and hung the wet towel back on the hook. He turned around and jerked when he saw his father filling the doorway.

"Shit, why are you just standing there like that?!"

"Caught you off guard. That's strange."

"Whatever." He folded his arms defensively. "What is it?"

"Is Orihime alright? Karin said her eyes looked a little red when she left earlier. Was she crying about something?"

Oh great.

"Oh, yeah. She's fine."

"You sure?"

"Look, dad, it's personal." He moved past him to get back to the privacy of his room.

"My boy is breaking hearts already."

Ichigo didn't dignify it with a response and just grit his teeth and shut the door hard behind him, locking it for good measure. He wasn't in any mood to explain anything, even if his father's intentions were good. He still wasn't even sure how to tell him about Uryu. He grabbed the gaming magazine off his desk and lay back on the bed to flip through it. He stared at the same page for ten minutes without even taking any of the words in. His phone went off and he'd never been so glad to hear the ring tone from Hell. It was Uryu.

"Hey."

"Sorry, I just got in and was showering when you called. I was training with my father today. I'm disgusted with myself that I let that Hollow get the better of me that night. I'm not about to let that happen again." Ichigo heard it in his voice and the sound of water running. "Any news your side?"

"Well, not as far as the Hiyosu situation goes, no."

"You sound strange. What did happen?"

"Orihime came by. We had a bit of a talk. You're right, she's still pretty upset, but I think she's doing better now." He left out the part about the kiss and a few other points. What he didn't know couldn't hurt, as the saying went. Maybe not. He'd let him hear it all later, just not over the phone.

"Well, as long as she is feeling better about it. I don't really like that we are causing her so much stress."

"Oh, there was one other thing," Ichigo said and paused.

"Yes?"

"Chad kinda saw us kissing the other day. Orihime told me. It's one of the reasons she came by."

*Silence*

Ichigo grimaced. "Uryu?"

*A slow sigh*

"You're pissed, aren't you?"

"Which time was it?"

"Outside your apartment when I was leaving the other day."

"Dammit, Ichigo, I told you, but you kept on about it."

"I know, I'm sorry. Please don't be mad. I'll stop with the lovey stuff when we're out in the open until we start telling everyone. Okay?"

"Fine," he muttered. "Why can't I stay mad at you for more than a few minutes?"

Ichigo smiled. "Can I ask you something?"

"What?"

"Are you wearing those cute pajamas?"

"They are not cute!"

"Adorable?"

"Ichigo!"

"Are you?"

"Yes."

"Wish I could see. I want to spend the night again. Can I?"

"...Tomorrow. I'm really tired tonight. I was training since early this morning. All I want to do is drink my cup of tea and go to bed."

"Alright. Crush me with disappointment."

"You'll live."

"Can you do something for me though?"

"What?"

"Take those pajamas off and sleep naked."

"..Your pervert is showing again."

"Please."

"Absolutely not!"

"Why?"

"Why would I sleep nude when you're not even here! That's just weird!"

Ichigo sat up on his bed. "Say that again."

"Don't go thinking anything. That just slipped out because I'm tired."

Ichigo lowered back on the bed with a happy sigh. "Sorry, you already said it. The memory is hidden safely away in my mind and you can't take it back."

"You're such an idiot," he said, the embarrassment in his voice so obvious Ichigo could imagine his blush.

"I love you."

"I....know. I'll see you tomorrow, Ichigo. Bye."

"Bye, Uryu." Ichigo smiled as he snapped his phone shut. He could wait for him to say it back when he was ready. What was a little more time after he had been pining over the Quincy for so long?
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Undisclosed Devotion