Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Sympathy from the Vizard ( Chapter 3 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

Sympathy from the Vizard

 

Ichigo was tired of it all. Tired of the training, tired of being nagged, tired of the broken building, tired of the superior attitude of the Vizards and he was particularly tired of `Fang'. He wasn't only tired; he was frustrated with his abilities. He'd managed to beat his Hollow and to gain control, but he still could not hold the Hollow form for very long. He felt a slight twinge of jealousy for the Vizard who managed to hold Hollow form for 15 hours right from the beginning. Why was it so hard for him to learn? Why were the Vizards' being so mysterious? It really irritated him.

 

At least the Hollow's voice had stilled. He could allow his thoughts to stray as he would and the Hollow did not interrupt and remind him of his inadequacies. The Vizards could remind him of his shortcomings at any time, and they did mainly Hyori and Hirako. There was little he had in common with any of the Vizards, not that they discussed anything much except fighting and the importance of controlling the Hollow. If he had to listen to that particular lecture once more he thought his head would explode.

 

In spite of all his gripes, he felt a sense of purpose. The Hollow could no longer threaten his family, his friends and Orihime, if he maintained control. Ichigo shook his head. He didn't want to think of Orihime. She was lost to him. Rukia had probably told her everything. How could she want to know him after that revelation?

 

He wondered briefly what his family thought of his absence. Did they notice? Did they care? Maybe he should have made an excuse, but his need for control seemed to override any other consideration. School seemed irrelevant. It would not prepare him for the upcoming battle. But school was the place he had met Orihime. Orihime, the person he had hurt most as he tried to protect her. Every thought he had seemed to lead back to Orihime. He didn't want to think of her. The thoughts reminded him of his loss.

 

Instead of thinking about Orihime, he focused on the things he could think about. He was slowly gaining strength and increasing his abilities, but it was too slow. The Arrancar might return any time and Grimmjow could be with them. Ichigo yearned to defeat him, to make up for his earlier humiliation. He doubted if he could defeat him with his current powers.

 

Hyori continued to mock him constantly as she fought him. Why she called him `Baldy' was beyond him. He had trouble understanding her motivations, but he had trouble understanding all the Vizards. They seemed intent in deflecting attention from themselves and yet focussed on finding as much information about all the events which might affect them. Why did they hang out in this broken building? How did they get money? How old were they? From some of the conversations, Ichigo believed that Hirako was much older than he appeared, but how old? Who was the real leader of the Vizards? How had the other Vizards been created? Had they gone through a similar transformation to him? Even if he asked the questions, he received no answers. Just a generic answer of: `That is a Vizard matter.' He'd given up asking. He wouldn't join a group of people so intent on secrecy. Being a substitute Shinigami was enough of a problem.

 

Ichigo was fighting Hyori again, struggling to increase the time he could hold the Hollow form. Hyori yelled at him again, and he argued with her. She always had to be right. Sometimes her infuriating manner reminded him of Rukia. Thinking of Rukia made him think of Orihime and he lost his focus for the moment. Hyori took advantage of his defences being faulty and hit him again.

 

`Pay attention, Baldy. `I ain't doing this for my amusement. You came to us to ask for help. I'm helping and you go off into a daydream. There ain't time for dreaming around here. Where do you think you are? School?' Hyori yelled.

 

Ichigo shrugged and muttered, `My teacher's are better looking.'

 

`What was that? I'm hurt. Do you mean I'm not the most beautiful female you've ever seen?' Hyori demanded.

 

`I was thinking of the male teachers,' Ichigo said.

 

`Hot for guys are you?' Hyori sneered.

 

`No, I was just commenting how the male teachers at my school are more attractive than you,' Ichigo needled her. If she was going to insult him at every opportunity, he may as well return insult for insult.

 

`That's it. I'm gonna kill you, Baldy,' she shrieked and came at him, mask in place.

 

Ichigo dodged but not fast enough and she hit him.

 

`Ow, that hurt,' he complained.

 

`It's your own fault, moron.'

 

As they traded insults, Ichigo was unaware of the disturbance behind him. Suddenly he inhaled a familiar scent. `Orihime,' he thought as he turned around, sheathing Zangetsu.

 

Orihime stood in front of him, looking concerned, but so very lovely. Instinctively his hands reached out to hold her, but he fought against the impulse. He quickly dropped his hands uselessly to his sides. After talking to Rukia and thinking about the situation he had decided it was better to give up any thoughts of Orihime. His actions had condemned him. Twice, no three times he had walked away from her when she needed him to be there, to console her. He had been selfish and inconsiderate.

 

Her face lit up as she smiled at him. He smiled slightly in return, his eyes gazing at her intently her, drinking in her appearance, trying to store her face firmly in his mind.

 

As he listened to her explanation of why she had sought him out, his mind was racing. Orihime did not seem to hate him. At first, she looked into his eyes as she talked to him. Then her eyes dropped and she looked at her hands instead. He found his eyes straying to her mouth as she spoke, remembering how it felt to kiss her. Resolutely he pushed those thoughts away and tried to concentrate on her words. As he listened, his understanding of the situation grew. It had seemed bad previously, now it was much worse. The Arrancar were just a small part in a much larger and more deadly plan. Her face was grave as she told him everything.

 

After she told him the information, she made her excuses and prepared to leave, refusing to look at him. He felt that she had become sad during their conversation. Her smile had faded as they talked and she seemed uneasy and nervous. Maybe it was the news she was conveying. He smiled at her as she was preparing to leave, but she looked away. Possibly he had hurt her too much. He wanted to find out. He had to know. Despite all the resolutions he'd made, even though he was sure that this was the wrong thing to do, he needed to talk to her. He couldn't talk to her here. There were too many people. He wanted to talk to her privately. He wanted to see if he could make her smile at him once more. As he watched her walk up the stairs, he made a decision. He wanted to talk to Orihime. He needed to see his family.

 

`I've go to go out for a while. Visit my family. Let them know I'm okay,' he gabbled quickly at Hyori.

 

`You said you would abide by our rules while here, Baldy,' she reminded him.

 

`I won't be long. Give me a break. I've done everything else you've asked, except join you,' Ichigo urged.

 

`What do you think, Hirako?' Hyori asked.

 

`I think he's lying. I think he wants to spend some time chasing my future wife,' Hirako said dreamily. `I think he should stay here. Did you see her look at me? I love her hair, her large, beautiful eyes. She is so adorable. I love how shy and polite she is, unlike some other people I know. I don't think she'd look at the `Berry' twice, but why not spare him the disappointment? Make him stay. I don't want him touching Orihime.'

 

`I'm your future wife, dummy,' Hyori said hitting Hirako hard on the side of his head. `Remember that. Get lost Ichigo. You better be back tomorrow, or we won't help you. Understand?'

 

Ichigo nodded and quickly reclaimed his body. The shield was brought down to allow him to exit. He paused, trying to sense Orihime's reiatsu. When le located it, he quickly ran in that direction. To hell with training. To hell with the Hollow. He just wanted to talk to Orihime again about something, anything else except the news she had just given him.

 

He saw her and called out to her, `Orihime, wait.'

 

Orihime paused and shook her head. She kept walking. Ichigo ran faster and caught her by her arm.

 

`Orihime, please let me talk to you,' Ichigo begged.

 

Orihime turned to him, the hint of tears in her eyes. `I wasn't sure if someone was calling my name. I delivered the message as I was asked, Ichigo. I thought you were busy. I didn't want to stay. You seemed happy with your new friends.'

 

`I'm sorry.' Ichigo let go of her arm, suddenly realising his touch might be unwelcome.

 

The words hung in the air between them. Orihime looked so sad that Ichigo's heart wrenched within him.

 

`Please, let me explain. Orihime,' Ichigo pleaded.

 

`I… I don't know,' she hesitated.

 

`I need to talk to you, but not here, not in the street. I couldn't talk to you back there. Too many people were listening. Can I come back to your place?'

 

Orihime shook her head. `Matsumoto is still staying with me, as is the Captain. I don't think it's a good idea. It would be rude to ask them to leave so we could talk.'

 

`I can't ask you back to my place. My family wants to know everything that's going on. There'd be no privacy.' Ichigo thought for a moment.

 

`What do you need to say, Ichigo? Does it have to be private?' Orihime asked reluctantly.

 

`Yes. I don't want anyone to overhear. Coffee shops and restaurants are no good. The park is too open,' Ichigo thought aloud.

 

They stood in silence thinking. Orihime opened her mouth, but thought better of it and shook her head.

 

`Can you tell me, here?' she asked.

 

`No. It's too complicated and, and I er, well,' Ichigo faltered to a stop. He had been about to tell her he wanted to spend some time alone with her. In light of previous events, he thought he should not mention that. It might scare her and she would reject his request. `Orihime, I owe you an explanation for some of the things I've done. You deserve an explanation. It won't be easy to explain, and I feel embarrassed about some of the events that have happened. If you don't want to listen, tell me now. I want a chance to apologise, properly.'

 

`Like last time,' Orihime whispered, her face colouring.

 

Ichigo shifted uncomfortably at the reminder, and shook his head. `Not like last time. Do you know a place we can go?'

 

`Well…' Orihime hesitated.

 

`You have an idea?'

 

`A hotel,' she whispered.

 

Ichigo looked at her, surprised. `A hotel?' He thought for a moment. If they took a room, it would be private, but it would cost money. Why was she suggesting a hotel? Something tweaked in the back of his mind from one of the repeats, but he couldn't capture the thought. Was the idea that bad? He didn't dare hope that they would do anything but talk. Orihime was a very modest girl, except that one time… Ichigo quickly dismissed that thought. Nothing would happen. `Um, okay, I suppose. Which one?' he asked.

 

Orihime blushed deeper, opened her mouth and then closed it again. Finally she said, `You choose, please Ichigo.'

 

`Somewhere quiet and discreet. I don't know any hotels. I've never needed to use one. Do you know any hotels that don't ask any questions? Even better would be a place that's completely anonymous?'

 

Ichigo did not think it was possible for Orihime to blush even deeper, but she did. Reluctantly she nodded but didn't say anything.

 

`Well?' Ichigo asked.

 

`One of those hotels,' Orihime said, her voice barely above a whisper and her eyes on the ground.

 

Ichigo felt his face redden. His ears became hot, but his heart began to beat faster. A sex hotel? Was she suggesting this for any reason aside from… It would be private and quiet and if they were careful no one would know. Nothing would happen. They'd just talk. `I've hurt Orihime too much for her to allow anything to happen', he thought with a pang of regret.

 

`It's a bad idea,' Orihime said quietly.

 

`No, it's not,' Ichigo said louder than he meant.

 

Orihime glanced at him and blushed again.

 

`I have to go home and see my family,' Ichigo said. `We'll meet in an hour in the park, near the swings. Orihime, I just want to talk to you privately. Please say you'll meet me.'

 

Orihime nodded slowly. `I'll meet you, Ichigo.

 

Ichigo ran home, quickly. He needed money and a few other things. Mostly he wanted a shower and a change of clothes.

 

As he entered the door Isshin grabbed him. `Where have you been, boy? You've worried your sisters into tears. I think you should apologise.'

 

Ichigo sighed, wondering why his father hadn't attacked him. It seemed strange, as if his father had been expecting him. When he had asked to have some time away from the Vizards, coming home had seemed like a good idea. Now it was obvious he'd made a mistake. He saw Yuzu standing in the doorway.

 

`Sorry Yuzu,' he said perfunctorily.

 

Yuzu ran up to him and hugged him tightly. `You left without telling anyone. I was so worried about you, Ichigo. Rukia kept assuring me you were alright, but you left without saying a word,' she said and began crying.

 

Feeling very guilty at making his sister cry, Ichigo patted her clumsily on the back. `I am okay,' he assured her.

 

`Never go away again without telling me,' she sobbed.

 

`I have to go away again, very soon, in the next hour,' Ichigo said, feeling uncomfortable. Maybe he should ring Orihime and change his plans.

 

Yuzu clung to him tighter. `Why?'

 

`I have something I need to do,' Ichigo explained.

 

Karin came into the room and saw Ichigo and Yuzu. She folded her arms and scowled at Ichigo. `Where have you been? You've made Yuzu worry.'

 

`I'm doing something important,' Ichigo said. How many times would he need to explain?

 

`Great answer, brother. Something more important than your family? We didn't know where you were. You might have been dead for all we knew. You could have left a note, or called, or something,' Karin scolded him. Her voice had an edge to it Ichigo had not heard before.

 

`I didn't think I'd be gone so long,' Ichigo said, trying to placate her.

 

`That's no excuse. The school rang wondering where you were, your friends have been calling, asking about you. I can't believe you were so thoughtless,' Karin replied.

 

`Stop scolding him, Karin,' Yuzu pleaded still holding onto Ichigo. `He's home, he's safe. Oh, Ichigo, I missed you.'

 

Rukia entered the room. `I see you're back,' she said coolly, looking at Ichigo as if trying to see if anything had changed.

 

`Not for long. I've only got an hour, no 45 minutes,' Ichigo said looking at his watch.

 

`You worried your family,' Rukia pointed out. `You worried your friends. No one knew where you were. Orihime looked so unhappy at school.'

 

`Stop trying to guilt me out. I said I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have come home at all,' Ichigo said, becoming irritated.

 

Yuzu clung harder to Ichigo and began to cry again. Ichigo hugged his sister. He hated seeing her cry with him as the cause. Why couldn't he live the life of a normal teenager? Why did all the weird events happen to him?

 

`Now look what you've done,' Karin said.

 

`It's not his fault,' Yuzu said, still crying.

 

`Stop fighting,' Isshin said calmly.

 

Four pairs of eyes turned to look at Isshin.

 

`If Ichigo is only here for a short while, why waste the time arguing?' Isshin said reasonably.

 

`Dad, you're acting sensible. Stop it. You're scaring me,' Karin said.

 

`He's right though,' Yuzu said, wiping away her tears. `I'm sorry Ichigo. Will you be away for long?'

 

`I'm sorry too, Yuzu, Karin. I'll try to be back as soon as possible,' Ichigo assured her. `I need some clothes. Could you help me choose?' he asked. He didn't really need her help, he just wanted to reassure her.

 

`Let's all help,' said Rukia, a spark of mischief in her eyes.

 

`I'll let the girls help,' Isshin said. `I need to make a phone call.'

 

Yuzu, Karin and Rukia accompanied Ichigo to his bedroom. Rukia immediately began poking through his underwear drawer. Ichigo tried to close the drawer, but Rukia wouldn't let him.

 

`I don't need help choosing underwear,' Ichigo said quickly.

 

Rukia raised her eyebrows. `Really? Are you sure? I thought we were going to help choose your clothes. Underwear comes under that definition.'

 

Ichigo sighed. `Okay. If it appeals to your perverted tastes, please, choose my underwear.'

 

Karin did not help in the clothing selection. She stood in the doorway her arms folded looking worriedly at Ichigo. Yuzu meanwhile chose clothes. In a few minutes she had nearly all of Ichigo's clothes on the bed.

 

`I don't need that many,' Ichigo protested. `I'm only going to be away a few more days.'

 

Yuzu looked at the pile and sorted through it again selecting a few items here and there. Meanwhile Rukia chose the underwear that Ichigo never wore and had hidden in the back of the drawer. Most of them were in extremely bad taste and made of the fake satin so beloved by manufacturers of cheap joke underwear

 

`Kinky underwear, Ichigo,' she murmured. `Where did you obtain such an interesting selection?' She was looking at a pair of boxers that had a pattern of large fire hoses printed on it. Other selected items included red boxers with pink and blue hearts and a few with near obscene messages printed on them.

 

`I didn't buy them. Keigo gave them to me. You know Keigo's sense of humour. He thinks it's funny to give these things to his friends,' Ichigo protested.

 

`Keigo gives underwear to guys?' Rukia said, her expression displaying her thoughts. `Is he…'

 

`He's too scared to give any to girls,' Ichigo broke in before Rukia could ask the obvious question.

 

`I think there's something seriously wrong with that guy,' Karin said. `He cries too much and keeps trying to hug people. Once he tried to hug me,' she shuddered in disgust at the memory.

 

`You think there's something seriously wrong with all Ichigo's male friends, except Chad,' Yuzu said distractedly as she packed the clothes in a bag.

 

Karin flushed at Yuzu's words.

 

Ichigo opened his mouth to question the last statement, but Rukia trod heavily on his foot.

 

`What was that for,' Ichigo said holding his foot and hopping. `That hurt.'

 

`Oh, sorry, Ichigo. It was an accident. I was just trying to get past you,' Rukia said, smiling sweetly.

 

Ichigo missed the grateful look Karin gave Rukia.

 

Looking at his watch Ichigo remarked, `I have enough clothes. Can I have some privacy to get changed?'

 

The girls looked at each other.

 

`Why do you need to get changed,' Rukia said laughing.

 

`Do I have to explain everything?' Ichigo asked, exasperated.

 

`Do you want something to eat before you go,' Yuzu asked hesitantly.

 

`I'm sorry Yuzu. I don't have the time,' Ichigo replied gently.

 

`I'll make something you can take with you,' she offered.

 

`That would be really nice'

 

`I'll help,' said Karin firmly.

 

`So will I,' Rukia grinned.

 

They left the room together discussing the food they would prepare. Ichigo quickly went through the bag, replacing the underwear Rukia had chosen. He then had a very quick shower and changed into clean clothes, not really paying attention. As he was fastening his jeans he noticed he'd accidentally put on the boxers patterned with fire hoses. He thought of changing and shrugged. `Who will see them?' he asked himself. `I'll throw them out after today.' He finished dressing.

 

Zipping up the bag he seized some money out of his drawer. `How much money will I need for a room? Better take a fair amount. I hope Orihime does decide to meet me. If I explain everything, will she forgive me?'

 

Another glance at his watch made Ichigo hurry. Grabbing his bag he left the room and ran down the stairs. His family and Rukia were waiting at the door.

 

`Take care, Ichigo and hurry back,' Yuzu said hugging him tightly.

 

`See you soon, or else,' said Karin.

 

`Don't do anything I wouldn't do,' Rukia said smiling.

 

`Remember your family,' Isshin said seriously, patting Ichigo on the shoulder.

 

Yuzu handed him a bag. It was surprisingly heavy.

 

`I packed your favourites,' she explained.

 

`Thanks,' Ichigo smiled at her. `I'll try to be back soon.'

 

He left the house and began to walk quickly in the direction of the park.

 

`And where are you heading in such a hurry, substitute Shinigami?' said a voice.

 

`I'm busy', Ichigo said walking fast. `No time to talk.'

 

`It's been a while since I've seen you,' Urahara said falling into step beside Ichigo. `Are you keeping well?'

 

`Fine. Just fine,' Ichigo said speeding up.

 

`Walking toward the park? I hear you've been missing from home.'

 

`It's none of your business,' Ichigo said heatedly.

 

`Maybe not, maybe not. But then, how can I tell what is my business and what is not my business? I am a simple man who just requires some help on occasions.'

 

`Do you have to keep following me?' Ichigo snapped.

 

`No. I just happen to be walking this way. Just a coincidence. Tamed the Hollow yet?' Urahara asked, suddenly.

 

`Yes. Mostly,' Ichigo answered.

 

`Still training?' Urahara persisted.

 

`Yes. Why the sudden interest? You avoided talking to me about the Hollow when I needed help and now you want to know all the details? Again, I don't think it is any of your business.'

 

`I'm hurt at your answer. Don't you want to help me satisfy my scientific curiosity?'

 

`No, not now. I told you, I'm in a hurry. I'll talk to you later,' Ichigo said, wishing the man would leave him alone.

 

`I look forward to that. Give the lovely Miss Inoue my best wishes,' Urahara said as he stopped walking beside Ichigo.

 

`Yeah, okay,' Ichigo called back, breaking into a run.

 

Running with his eyes on his watch, Ichigo wondered about the last comment and dismissed the idea. It didn't matter what Urahara knew. Who would he tell?

 

Ichigo arrived at the park panting heavily. He was 10 minutes late. Cursing he looked around. He could not see Orihime anywhere. He let his shoulders slump. He'd disappointed her again. Damn it! Damn it! He'd lost her, he knew it. She'd waited and then left thinking he wouldn't turn up. He knew it. Stupidly he'd allowed himself to hope that she would let him explain, that maybe they could work things out. He'd wished that she would forgive him. Now there was no hope.

 

The situation was unendurable. He felt something he'd felt before when he'd hurt Orihime and thought he's lost her. The pain was back; more intense than before. He dropped his bags and rubbed his face hard, trying to rub away the pain he felt in his mind. Then he felt a soft hand touch his shoulder.

 

`Are you okay, Ichigo?' Orihime asked.

 

Hearing her voice, feeling her touch made all the hope he'd abandoned surge back. He dropped his hands and tried to respond normally, `I'm fine.'

 

`Sorry I'm late. I had to persuade Matsumoto that I needed to go out. She wanted to come with me. Eventually I had to ask the Captain for permission to leave and he told her to let me go. She's rather protective of me,' Orihime explained.

 

Ichigo looked at Orihime. She had changed out of her school uniform into a dress and was carrying a small bag. He gazed at her until she put her hands to her face worriedly.

 

`Have I got food on my face or something?' she asked.

 

`I like looking at you,' Ichigo said.

 

Orihime blushed.

 

`Where is this hotel?' Ichigo asked.

 

`There's one two streets from here,' Orihime replied.

 

She started walking in the direction of the hotel. Ichigo picked up his bags and caught up with her.

 

`How come you know where they are situated?' Ichigo asked with curiosity.

 

`It's a nice night,' Orihime said appearing uncomfortable.

 

Ichigo shook his head. `You don't want to tell me. Have you been to one before?'

 

`No!' The strong denial was convincing. Orihime seemed even more on edge.

 

They walked in silence. Arriving at the hotel, they entered the lobby. Ichigo read the instructions. It seemed quite straight forward.

 

`Do you want to stay the night?' he asked Orihime.

 

She blushed again and looked intently at her bag.

 

`I promise, I won't try to do anything other than talk,' Ichigo said, realising too late what she was thinking.

 

`I'll stay the night with you Ichigo,' Orihime said quietly.

 

Ichigo made his selection, paid his money and received the key.

 

`Room 96,' Ichigo said. `We'll need to take the lift over there.'

 

Once they reached the room, Ichigo closed and locked the door. The room contained a very large bed made up with red sheets, a television and a bathroom through another doorway. There was little other furniture except a small table and two chairs. Orihime stood near the doorway, seeming very uncomfortable.

 

`Are you hungry, Orihime? Yuzu gave me some food. We could share.'' Ichigo placed the bag of food on the table and looked inside. `I think she went a little over board. There's enough food here for four people.'

 

`I'm not very hungry, Ichigo,' Orihime replied quietly.

 

`Do you mind if I eat? I'm pretty hungry and I've missed Yuzu's cooking,' Ichigo said sitting down at the table and removing the food from the bag.

 

Orihime sat on the other chair. Her posture indicated that she was far from relaxed.

 

Ichigo opened a container. `Ramen, and it's still hot. Do you want some?'

 

Orihime shook her head. She was staring at the table. Ichigo found some chopsticks which Yuzu had thoughtfully supplied and ate the ramen, enjoying the flavours and textures.

 

`Please eat something Orihime,' Ichigo requested. He hoped that if she ate something it might help her relax a little. `I think there's some cake.'

 

`Okay, Ichigo,' she sighed. Orihime found the cake and took a piece. She nibbled at it, not very enthusiastically.

 

`Is it nice?'

 

`Yes, it's very nice, but I really am not very hungry, Ichigo.'

 

Ichigo finished the ramen. He felt full. Uncomfortably full. He wanted to lie down. He went over and sat on the bed, took his shoes off and lay down. `May as well be comfortable,' he said.

 

Orihime slowly moved over and sat on the other side of the bed. She sat stiffly. It was obvious to Ichigo that she was ill at ease.

 

`Was this a bad idea? Do you want to leave?' he asked gently.

 

`No, Ichigo.'

 

`I only want to talk, Orihime,' Ichigo reassured her.

 

`I know,' Orihime whispered.

 

`Please, look at me, Orihime,' Ichigo requested.

 

Orihime took off her shoes and then knelt on the bed facing Ichigo. Her eyes were wide and she looked terrified. Forgetting all his assurances, all his good intentions and his full stomach, Ichigo moved close to her and put his arms around her.

 

`I won't hurt you again, Orihime,' he murmured in her ear.

 

She allowed his arms to remain around her, but she did not relax. Feeling that he was scaring her even more, Ichigo let her go and moved away from her, a little.

 

`I wanted to explain some things I did which hurt you. I want to apologise,' Ichigo began.

 

`You don't need to apologise for anything, Ichigo. I understand,' Orihime said.

 

`Did Rukia tell you?' Ichigo asked looking curiously at Orihime.

 

`No. I worked it out myself,' she said, looking away.

 

`How did you do that? Was it that obvious?'

 

`It was obvious to me,' Orihime said sadly.

 

`Was it when Rukia said something about the Hollow that you began to understand?' Ichigo was beginning to wonder why Orihime would not look at him. Was she disgusted at the thought of the Hollow? He began to feel worried.

 

`Hollow? No. It was how you looked so pleased and relieved when Rukia returned. How happy you were to see her again. I knew then.'

 

`Knew what? How could Rukia returning make you understand about the Hollow?' Ichigo was becoming increasingly confused by this conversation. Why was Orihime talking about Rukia?

 

`I knew you were in love with Rukia,' Orihime said her voice cracking on Rukia's name.

 

Ichigo looked at Orihime stunned. `What?'

 

`You're in love with Rukia. You now want to explain that the kissing and other things were a mistake and you just want to be friends. That's why you kept leaving me. You kept realising I wasn't Rukia. I was a substitute,' Orihime said slowly, her voice full of pain.

 

`I don't love Rukia,' Ichigo said.

 

`I've seen the way you look at her. She's living in your house. You went to Seireitei; and you risked your life to save her.'

 

`That doesn't mean I love her. I don't love Rukia,' Ichigo protested.

 

`Matsumoto explained everything. She told me I should talk it over with you and make certain we understand each other. I think this was a mistake,' Orihime said quietly her eyes fixed on the bed covering. She was tracing her finger over the design.

 

`Orihime, look at me, please,' Ichigo requested.

 

`I can't. Please don't ask me to look at you,' Orihime pleaded.

 

`Please, will you let me explain? Please,' Ichigo asked.

 

Orihime nodded reluctantly.

 

`When Rukia was taken back to Seireitei by her brother and Renji, I no longer had any Shinigami powers. Rukia's brother removed Rukia's powers from me. I was just an ordinary human. I couldn't help or protect anyone. Urahara offered to assist me in regaining those powers. You know all this don't you?'

 

Orihime nodded again.

 

`The way I regained my powers was to nearly turn into a Hollow.'

 

A gasp escaped Orihime at these words.

 

`At first I though everything was okay, because I became a Shinigami. I thought I had defeated the Hollow by turning into a Shinigami. What I didn't know was the Hollow still lived inside me. He still lives inside me.' As he spoke Ichigo watched Orihime's face carefully for signs of disgust or fear. He saw none, so he continued. `The Hollow is strong. He has tried to take over many times. Sometimes he nearly succeeded.'

 

Orihime was now gazing at Ichigo, her eyes wide as she listened to his explanation.

 

`The Hollow has tried to take over when I have been with you,' Ichigo said awkwardly. He stopped, not wishing to go into detail.

 

`I don't understand, Ichigo,' Orihime said.

 

`The Hollow likes you, Orihime. When I get close to you, he tries to take over,' Ichigo confessed.

 

Understanding began to show on Orihime's face.

 

`That is why I kept leaving you so abruptly,' Ichigo said. `The last time was very difficult. He nearly gained control. I was scared that he would hurt you. I had to leave. I didn't feel I could explain.'

 

`You would never hurt me, Ichigo,' Orihime protested.

 

`No physically, but I have emotionally. I've hurt you each time I left you without an explanation. But the Hollow is not me and he would hurt you, physically and emotionally. He is cruel.'

 

`Why are you telling me this, Ichigo? Why now? Why not before?'

 

`Those people I was with, the Vizards, they have the same problem and they've been teaching me. They want me to join them, but I won't. I've now got the Hollow under control. I am the king, he is the horse.'

 

Orihime looked confused at the analogy.

 

Ichigo shook his head remembering the conversation with the Hollow. `I am in control now. He won't try to take over, if I stay strong.

 

Orihime smiled at Ichigo. He felt relieved. This was the first time she had smiled at him for so long. He smiled back.

 

`I am so pleased for you, Ichigo.'

 

Ichigo breathed a sigh of relief. Orihime was pleased for him and not disgusted by his revelations. Maybe she would forgive him.

 

Author's note:

 

I know Chapter 2 of Hollow Charm was not very creative. It was necessary in Chapter Two to lay the groundwork for this and possible future chapters.

 

I am uncertain how many chapters there will be at present. It depends on inspiration and reviews.

 

Ichigo and Orihime, alone, in a hotel room for a night. Seems ripe with possibilities doesn't it? You'll just have to wait for the next chapter to see what happens.

 

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review.

 

MS