Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Daydreams Come True ❯ Tatsuki Arisawa ( Chapter 17 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

I did say random, didn't I? I've been planning this chapter for some time.

 

Tatsuki Arisawa

 

Tatsuki was worried. She hadn't heard from Chad. Not that she expected him to tell her all his plans, but she wanted to see him. It had been days since she'd heard from him and that wasn't normal.

 

She knew Orihime was not at home and she'd tried to visit Ichigo, who always seemed to be out, but they were not as important to her as Chad. He didn't answer his phone when she rang. It was important for her to know if he was well, that he still cared. These thoughts made her decision easy; she was going to visit him. Entering his home would be no problem. He'd already given her a key. As she left her home she realised that walking to Chad's place always brought back memories, and today she wanted to remember.

 

They'd kept their relationship secret. Schools were a hotbed of gossip and intrigue. If she and Chad were known as a couple, their friendships with others might become complicated. People would see them as a pair and not treat them as individuals. School was difficult enough, relationships were hard, but to combine the two seemed madness. If no one knew they were together, it made life so much easier. No one had guessed, yet. She doubted if anyone had seen them talk or even look at each other. They made certain that lunch time was strictly segregated: no secret lunchtime assignations, no fevered meetings in deserted classrooms, no stolen kisses in the hallway. That sort of thing was tacky.

 

They always met at his place as it added that extra layer of privacy and secrecy that was needed. She didn't want to explain to her parents or anyone else. Tatsuki felt a huge twinge of conscience at not revealing the secret to Orihime, but the relationship with Chad was too precious. Once other people knew, it would lose some of the excitement and become commonplace. No, she preferred the secret progress of falling in love. It was easier that way. Thinking about introducing Chad to her parents worried her. How would they react to this tall, strong, silent student who looked like a fully grown man? She knew he was gentle and kind, but his appearance did not reflect his nature.

 

She remembered the first time Ichigo had introduced her to his friend. She had felt overwhelmed by his size, expecting him to be a foul mouthed bully boy. Instead she had found a person who would use his strength to protect others from the bullies. It had taken her by surprise to hear him speak as his Japanese was slightly accented, but his voice was not rough or loud. It was almost musical. The contrast between his looks and the person behind the looks intrigued her. It had also made her realise that if Chad was friends with Ichigo he must have good qualities otherwise her long time friend would not wish to spend time with him. All the same, his size daunted her, as did his obvious strength. For some reason her eyes were drawn to him during class when she was bored with the lesson. She always excused her straying gaze by suggesting to herself that it was because he looked so different to the rest of the people in the class. That was the only reason she kept looking in his direction.

 

By chance, one day they had met. Tatsuki had gone to sit by the river, away from the noise and demands of her family. On that day she had learned that she had been selected to compete in the finals. For a few moments she wanted to quietly acknowledge that she had reached one of her goals. This was the first major breakthrough. Even now she smiled at the memory of her pride in her achievement. She had lain down in the fragrant grass, looking at the sky and then closed her eyes, just being there experiencing the moment and the realisation. This was an occasion she wanted to store in her memory.

 

“Hey, Ichigo's friend. Are you in trouble? Are you sick?” She heard the deep, slightly familiar voice ask the question.

 

Tatsuki had opened her eyes to see a pair of brown concerned eyes staring at her. Chad had crouched beside her a guitar case in his hand, the other reaching out, almost touching her shoulder. She sat up and smiled at him, still taking pleasure in the news she had heard earlier.

 

“I made it into the finals. I'm going to compete and I'm going to win.” He was the first person she had told outside her family. It struck her as odd that she had confided in him so quickly.

 

“That's nice. What finals are these?” Chad's question was polite and his eyes remained steady on hers.

 

“The karate finals. The national finals. I made it with the rest of the team. I want to win. It's the way I can make it to the Olympics. I can represent Japan and win the Gold Medal. We're told at school to be ambitious. Well, that's my ambition.' Hearing the words spoken aloud made it real to Tatsuki.

 

“Congratulations.” Chad did not say anything else, but did not move either.

 

“Thanks. I can't wait. I'll have to train hard for the next few weeks, but it will be worth it. I didn't know you liked music.” She thought she'd mention the guitar case and his possible interest in music.

 

“Yeah. Music interests me.” Chad's reply was again brief. Tatsuki wondered if he ever spoke more than a few words. Was he being deliberately concise, or was that the way he normally talked?

 

“What sort of music?” Maybe if she asked questions he'd answer them. It was nice to talk to someone else, not that this guy talked much.

 

“It depends on my mood. I like Pop, Rock and of course, Flamenco. Some classical guitar.” Chad smiled at her briefly as he answered.

 

“What's Flamenco? Is that a bird or something?” Tatsuki thought she'd heard the word before, but wasn't sure.

 

Chad was silent for a moment. She looked at him as he looked at the river wondering what he was thinking about.

 

“If you don't take this the wrong way, come back to my place. I'll play you some Flamenco music and some of the stuff I've written. That's if you're interested. It's only the music. You'll be safe with me. You're Ichigo's friend, I'm Ichigo's friend. You have nothing to fear from me.” Chad was not looking at her as he made the offer.

 

The length of the answer distracted Tatsuki from the words for a moment, then she realised he'd issued an invitation. He'd asked her to go to his place. Should she accept? He said she would be safe, but could she trust him? If she couldn't trust him, she could trust her karate skills. She'd beaten guys who were bigger than him.

 

“Yeah, okay. Why not?” She had nothing better to do. If she went home, her parents would make her do something they deemed important.

 

“Let's go.” Chad got to his feet and held out a hand to help her up. She took it without thinking and rose to her feet.

 

Chad led the way and she walked beside him, again impressed by his height and obvious strength. They walked in silence though the sparsely populated streets. It almost looked as if they just happened to be going in the same direction. Tatsuki hoped she wouldn't see anyone she knew as explanations were a pain in the neck and friends would want to know where she was going, and why.

 

A few minutes later they were walking up the stairs to Chad's lodging. He opened the door and stood aside to let her enter first. The room was small and mostly tidy. It was different to Orihime's place as there seemed to be music, instruments and CD's stacked everywhere. Chad put the guitar down and went to the small fridge. She walked over to a table that seemed to be kept purposely clear wondering if she should sit down or leave.

 

“Do you want a drink? I'm thirsty after the practice.” He held a can of soft drink in both hands, offering her one. “Take a seat.”

 

“Thanks. I am thirsty. I don't know how long I was lying in the grass. It felt good to know I'm finally making things happen.” She took the drink from him and opened it, sipping the cool liquid gratefully as she sat in a chair that was near the table. The drink felt good as it slipped down her throat. She continued to sip, now knowing what to say to the tall taciturn person.

 

Chad drank his can dry in a few swallows.

 

“You don't know what Flamenco is? You think Flamenco is a pink bird. That's a flamingo.” He shook his head and she noticed how his hair moved. His hair was unlike any other hair she'd seen. The slight curl, the colour, the length set him apart.

 

Chad opened a guitar case. “This is an acoustic guitar. It's better for playing Flamenco.” He pulled a chair away from the table and sat facing her as he tuned the guitar.

 

Tatsuki watched unsure if he was playing, when his fingers suddenly moved over the guitar strings unleashing a wave of sound that startled her. She knew she had never heard music like that before, full of passion and rhythm. It tugged at her imagination and she watched, fascinated as Chad, intent on the music seemed to be something more than a foreign school student who was friends with Ichigo.

 

That was the first time she visited Chad and listened to him play. He played three songs and the time passed quickly. After the third song, he glanced at his watch. Thinking he was bored she excused herself, thanking him for the drink and the music. Walking home, the music he'd played ran through her mind.

 

The next day at school she had smiled at him when they walked past each other in the hallway. He nodded in reply. For the following week they had only acknowledged each other but Tatsuki couldn't forget the music he'd played. She wanted to hear more, but didn't know how to ask.

 

One afternoon she accidentally saw him after karate practice. He had been on duty to clean and had finished shortly before. Feeling brave with the adrenalin rush after a good practice she walked toward him.

 

“Um, Sado, Chad. I really liked the Flamenco music you played. Can I hear you play again?” Tatsuki realised that with each word her adrenalin was fading fast. Chad was looking at her expressionlessly and she felt discouraged by his lack of reaction.

 

Suddenly his face creased into a smile. “Sure, Ichigo's friend. Why not now? I was going to study, but I often play before I study, to relax.”

 

He began to walk and she followed, trying to keep up with his long strides. “Do you prefer Chad or Sado?” Tatsuki was determined to start a conversation.

 

He shrugged and continued walking.

 

“What would you like me to call you? You can call me Tatsuki. Calling me Ichigo's friend sounds a bit weird.” Tatsuki decided to be persistent. He had to answer sometime.

 

“Call me Chad. I'm used to it.” Chad continued walking and Tatsuki realised that she wasn't even looking at the people they passed. Last time she had been shy about being seen with Chad. This time was different. Trying to make this stalwart youth talk to her was intriguing.

 

“Do you study a lot? I've noticed that you're ranked high in the year?” She was determined to make him talk, even if it was about school or the weather.

 

“Not as well as your pretty friend. Pretty and clever.” Chad said the words as a compliment.

 

For a second, Tatsuki felt a flicker of jealousy at the words. Chad thought Orihime was pretty and clever. Quickly she chided herself for her reaction. She should not feel jealous of Orihime because this guy had expressed his admiration for her.

 

“Yes, she's very pretty and very smart. I'm so proud of her. She never lets anyone drag her down. Do you think she's brave?”

 

“I wouldn't know. I like strong women.” Chad imparted the information carelessly. They were now walking up the stairs to his apartment.

 

“Does that mean he likes me? He knows I do karate. That means he must know I'm strong. Is he paying me a compliment? How do I find out? Do I care?” Tatsuki's thoughts were running along very unusual paths and it surprised her.

 

Chad indicated she should sit down. Going to the fridge he again removed two cans of soft drink and handed one to her without asking. Quickly drinking his, he removed the acoustic guitar from its case and after tuning it, played her a song she remembered from the previous time.

 

She watched, entranced as his fingers moved over the strings, drawing music from the instrument that seemed more complicated and interesting than any other music she had heard. Listening intently, she found she was breathing very shallowly, as if frightened that any deep breaths might break the spell that the music had cast over her. Until now she had not realised how music could touch her.

 

When the song was finished, Chad glanced at her and smiled. “I seldom have such an enthusiastic audience.”

 

Tatsuki noticed that her hands were grasping each other tightly. Without meaning to, she started to request something she wanted. “Chad, will you teach me to play? I'll pay you. I want to learn to play music. I know I'll never be as good as you, but hearing you play makes me want to learn.”

 

Chad stared at her, his eyes wide in disbelief. “Why?”

 

“You've opened my eyes to a new music. I've always been content to listen, but it's like karate. Once I was happy to watch, then I had to learn. I have to learn to play music, but I want it to be kept secret. Please, teach me.” Tatsuki realised how sincere she was in her newfound aspiration.

 

“To play well, you have to practice.” Chad seemed dismissive of her request.

 

“I'll practice. I'll buy a guitar. I'd offer to teach you karate, but I don't think you'd want to learn.” Tatsuki looked at him imploringly. If she'd known how to look wistful, or how to use those feminine wiles other girl's employed, she would have. She couldn't produce tears like Rukia did.

 

Chad continued staring at her. His expression was impassive, and she couldn't guess what he was thinking.

 

“Okay. I'll teach you because you didn't act like a girl and try to manipulate me. A lesson every two day and then you practice.” His voice was measured.

 

“Every two days? Why so often?” Tatsuki thought once a week was enough.

 

“Your fingers will be soft. You will need a short lesson every two days to make your fingers stronger. I want to make sure you are learning properly.” Tatsuki realised that he was thinking about her and how he could help her.

 

“What made you decide to teach me?” The words were out of her mouth before she could prevent them.

 

“I told you. I like strong women.” His white teeth flashed at her as he smiled.

 

Tatsuki suddenly felt hot. She wondered if she was getting a cold, because she couldn't be blushing. She never blushed. Her hands went to her hot cheeks. Thinking she would distract him she asked, “How much will it cost?”

 

“Nothing, as long as you practice and try hard. If you do neither, the lessons will finish.” The warning in Chad's voice was unambiguous.

 

That was the beginning. He had taught her. As time passed they became more relaxed with each other and she began to learn. Before she realised it, she began to look forward to the lessons, not just because of the music, but because of Chad.

 

Tatsuki knew her friends and family would be surprised to discover she had a romantic side to her nature. It had come as a shock to her. These feelings were foreign to her and until recently she had congratulated herself on her strength and her ability to remain emotionally detached from most situations. Now she wanted to spend more time with Chad. The lessons lengthened and sometimes she studied with him after the lessons. The time spent together increased.

 

Somehow, Chad had broken through her emotional obstacles, without even trying. She could not identify the time when he had become more than a student in the same class and her guitar teacher. Most of the time they spent together alternated between periods of intense conversation, quiet contemplation, playing guitar and listening to music. She appreciated the fact that Chad did not need to fill every moment with idle conversation. He was restful. Chad allowed her to time to calm her spirit and never tried to overtly protect her, so used was she to being the protector.

 

She smiled at the memories. Tonight it was time to visit him. He didn't know she was coming and she wasn't even sure if he would be home. If he wasn't home, what would she do? Missing him was painful. She had thought she would see him more during the holidays, but for some reason she seemed to see him less. He would ring her; arrange to see her in the evenings, not during the day. Her hopes of spending long lazy summer days being with Chad were not realised.

 

As she walked, her memories of the first time they'd kissed played through her mind.

 

He'd given her a key, saying it was easier if she didn't have to wait around. Fearing the questions from her parents, she left her guitar at Chad's place, as this was the only place she felt she could practice. She hadn't arranged to see him that day, but she became bored at home and decided to go for a walk. Without thinking about it, she walked and found that she was standing outside Chad's home.

 

“I'll see if he's home. We can talk for a few minutes. I won't stay long,” she thought. She had missed not seeing him today. Not that she would tell him that if she saw him

 

Opening the door, she'd entered the apartment to find Chad clad only a pair of jeans. His hair was wet from the shower he'd just finished. It was the first time she'd seen him even partially undressed. She knew he was fit, but the sight of his bare chest attracted her. It was as smooth as she expected and the muscles were well defined. His face expressed shock, but also pleasure at seeing her. Without examining her motives she quickly went to him, pulled down his head and kissed him. The touch of his lips on hers shook her more than she could believe. Until now they'd never kissed, never touched. She'd waited for him to take the initiative except he had remained friendly but distant.

 

He smelt of shampoo and soap, a fresh clean smell. His back felt warm under her hands as she wrapped her arms around him. In response he hugged her to him and returned her kiss.

 

“Tatsuki, I didn't expect to see you today.” Chad's deep voice rang in her ears when she finally finished the kiss.

 

“I wanted to see you. I've missed you.” Tatsuki felt shocked at her actions and her words, but Chad didn't seem to mind. He did not release her, but continued to hold her.

 

“That's nice.” Chad smiled at her. “You should miss me more often.” This time he kissed her and Tatsuki knew that she had not made a mistake. He did like her, didn't he?

 

She felt something prodding at her lips. She parted them slightly. Chad's tongue flickered inside her mouth. Tatsuki immediately pulled her mouth from his.

 

Tongue kissing? She'd talked about it with her girlfriends. None would admit to trying it, but she'd noticed a few sideways glances. They'd all agreed that the idea was gross, and Chad was trying to kiss her like that.

 

Chad didn't say anything, just looked at her. His eyes had a sparkle she hadn't seen before.

 

“I don't do that.” Tatsuki decided to be blunt.

 

Chad didn't say anything. He just looked at her and then leant forward and licked her lips, slowly. Tatsuki moved her head away from his. Hadn't she told him she didn't do that? Wasn't he listening?

 

Chad again moved his mouth to hers and just kissed her sweetly. Tatsuki relaxed, kissing was fine. She expected him to kiss her; she wanted him to kiss her. She liked the feel of his body pressed against hers. Realising the way her thoughts were moving she broke the kiss again and moved slightly apart from Chad.

 

“You can beat me up if I hurt you. Does the kissing hurt?” Chad asked the question, an amused smile on his face.

 

“No.” Tatsuki did not want to admit to the truth. That would be a sign of weakness, but she liked kissing him.

 

“Then, kiss me.” Chad pulled her close once more and touched her lips with his. Tatsuki resisted for a few nanoseconds and began kissing him. As she kissed him, she thought about the sensation of when he licked her lips. She had liked it, but thought she shouldn't. Tentatively she poked out her tongue and licked his lips. Chad's mouth opened to her tongue and she found that her tongue was in his mouth. She pulled her head back immediately. That was not what she had expected.

 

“Now you are shy?” Tatsuki opened her eyes to see Chad looking at her, his brow wrinkled in confusion.

 

“I've never done this before. I don't know what to do. Why use tongues?”

 

Tatsuki's question was cut off as Chad kissed her open mouth, his tongue immediately entering her mouth and gently licking her. She tried to draw her mouth from his, shocked and slightly disgusted by the sensation. Chad would not let her and she began to think of using some karate to make him let go, then he licked the side of her mouth and she gasped. It felt nice, no better than nice. It felt real. Without realising is she began to kiss him in return, trying to obtain the same reaction from him.

 

Minutes later, Chad took his mouth from hers. “We should stop now.”

 

Tatsuki, her eyes half closed looked up at Chad. “Why? I'm still learning. I want to kiss you some more. You started it. Kiss me again.”

 

Chad released her from his embrace and then went and retrieved his shirt, which he quickly donned. “Slowly. It's like learning the guitar. One lesson at a time. Short regular lessons to build on what you have learnt. Do you want to practice your guitar?”

 

Tatsuki stared at Chad. Short regular lessons in kissing? What was he talking about? Why did she need a lot of lessons?

 

“Am I that bad?” she asked in a small voice, unsure of herself in this area.

 

Chad smiled at her. “No.”

 

“Then why?” If she wasn't bad, why did he stop kissing her?

 

Chad looked at her, as if he was wondering what to say. “Kissing can lead to other things.”

 

Tatsuki stared at him and nodded. “Yeah?” She knew that.

 

“We're still a school.” Chad was trying to explain. Tatsuki wondered where he was going with this.

 

“I know we're still at school. I know kissing can lead to other things.” She hoped that he would spit out the problem sometime soon.

 

Chad frowned and pushed the hair off his forehead. “Do you want to sleep with me today?”

 

The question was asked with a studied thoughtfulness that she knew was meant to focus her attention. Tatsuki looked at Chad, shocked, and shook her head. “No.” For a moment the idea held appeal, but she knew she would regret it.

 

“Good. Then we stop kissing. Do you understand?”

 

Tatsuki thought for a few moments. Chad was being obtuse. “How can I understand? Why can't we continue to kiss? Nothing more will happen.”

 

“Tatsuki, why won't you understand?” Chad grasped her by her arms and pulled her close, kissing her hard. His tongue immediately entered her mouth and touched the places she'd liked last time. Tatsuki found her tongue was touching his as she gave up and joined in the kiss. Her pulse rate increased and she began to think of taking off Chad's shirt. She hugged him against her, beginning to comprehend what he meant.

 

Chad stopped the kiss and picked up his guitar. “Now do you see?”

 

Tatsuki realised what Chad was trying to say. If he kept kissing her, he would want to take things further, but for some reason he didn't want to. She felt uncertain. “Do you want to sleep with me?”

 

“Yes, but not today.” Chad's voice was gentle as he smiled at her lazily.

 

“I like you Chad,” Tatsuki finally uttered the words she wanted to tell him.

 

Chad seemed pleased to be told. “I like you too, Tatsuki. Now let's practice.”

 

That had happened a few weeks ago. Since then they kissed and practiced the guitar together, but nothing more had happened. Tatsuki wondered at Chad's restraint. Maybe today something else would happen.

 

She walked up the stairs, key in hand and opened the door. Chad was not there. The disappointment she felt was strange, it was almost as if she had expected something important to happen today and now it was unlikely it would. She wandered around and then noticed a piece of paper on the table. It had writing on it in Chad's unmistakable hand.

 

The words written on the note dashed Tatsuki's hopes that Chad would return soon. He had written:

 

`Tatsuki.

 

I didn't want to tell you in person, because you would have asked questions I couldn't answer. I have gone away but hope to be back when school commences. Take care of yourself and keep practising the guitar.

 

Love, Chad.'

 

Disappointment soured the day and made her feel annoyed. Why hadn't he told her to her face, even though she might have asked questions? It hurt that he hadn't confided in her or even hinted that he had planned to leave. Tatsuki almost threw the note away and was beginning to crumple it, but then she realised the second last word meant something. She looked at the letter again. Love, he'd said love.

 

She wondered if he meant it. Suddenly she was waiting for school to resume, and then she could see Chad again.

 

 

Author's Note:

 

Why this chapter at this point? It seemed to fit. I still haven't written the Chad chapter and this is the closest I can get now. I know pairing Chad and Tatsuki is unconventional but the idea appealed to me. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.

 

Please review.

 

Next chapter. Which lucky character will be featured? Momo Hinamori? (Now? I want to use her later.) Yamamoto? (Now there's a thought). Jirobo Ikkanzaka? (A really minor character? Interesting.) The Clown Captain, oh, sorry, I mean Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi? (A cunning plan.) Ganju? (I can promise it will not be him).

 

MS