Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Hollow Charm ❯ Breaking Glass ( Chapter 5 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach. I just borrowed the characters.

 

Breaking Glass

 

Ichigo was stunned. He lay there on the bed trying to understand what had happened. At last he had been naked and alone with Orihime. She'd admitted that she wanted him and they'd kissed. He believed that he'd finally convinced her that he didn't love Rukia. Sometimes he wondered where her ideas came from. Then Orihime started acting strangely. Instead of the warm eager girl who was enjoying his kisses, she became a sad woman who wanted to be far away from him. Now she was locked in the bathroom and he thought she was crying.

 

Why was she acting so strangely? Did she hate his body? She'd stared at him and Ichigo had thought she was interested. What had gone wrong? She'd let him touch her and remove her clothes and she appeared to be interested in taking it further. He'd been distracted, gazing at her body, as he anticipated how it would feel to touch her and make love to her. The Hollow hadn't stirred, not a single sign it was there and Ichigo had begun to feel hopeful.

 

Was it something he'd said?

 

He thought about the words he'd said. At first he couldn't see anything wrong with their conversation. In fact he prided himself on his honesty. Then he remembered how strange Orihime had been when she had the idea he loved Rukia. Had he mentioned any other females? Ichigo cursed loudly as he finally realised what had upset Orihime.

 

“Why can't I keep my stupid mouth shut when it's important,” he thought. “Why can't I tell her how I feel? How can I explain this? There's no point. I've already told her. She knows I've seen Yoruichi naked and I told her about Matsumoto. What can I say? It took so long to convince her that I don't love Rukia and I think this might be worse. I want to get close to Orihime and every time I try, either the Hollow interrupts or I say something, or some other idiotic thing happens. It never works. Now she's locked in the bathroom. Damn this. I'll apologise but it probably won't help.”

 

Not wishing to embarrass Orihime any further by his nudity, Ichigo grabbed the towel, and wrapped it firmly around his waist, as he walked to the door of the bathroom. He tapped on the door.

 

“Orihime,” he called.

 

There was no response.

 

Ichigo knocked. “Orihime. I'm sorry. Talk to me.”

 

Still no response.

 

“Please open the door. Let me apologise. I said something stupid,” Ichigo tried again.

 

He thought he heard a muffled sob, but no other sound.

 

“I wasn't thinking. I was distracted. Yes, I've seen Yoruichi naked, but not by choice. Nothing happened and she means nothing to me. Well she's a friend and she trained me. But you mean more to me than Yoruichi,” Ichigo said. He tried turning the handle, but felt the resistance of the lock.

 

Again no response.

 

Ichigo realised that this was not helping. If there was some way he could get into the bathroom maybe he could convince her that he was being honest. Breaking down the bathroom door would only scare Orihime and probably make far too much noise. The noise would attract too much attention. Looking at the handle, he knew that it wouldn't be easy to break. If only he could walk through walls.

 

He hit his forehead with his palm. He could walk through walls, as a Shinigami, but he needed his licence. Momentarily he felt a hint of panic. He'd left his clothes in the bathroom and the licence was on his pants. Then he remembered he'd removed the Shinigami battle licence and put it on the table earlier, because he wanted to feel comfortable after eating all the ramen. Maybe things could improve.

 

He looked at the table and could not see the licence, but the table looked much cleaner than he remembered. When had that happened? Looking around frantically, Ichigo saw something familiar on the floor. “Orihime must have tidied up while I was in the bath. Maybe she knocked it to the floor,” he reasoned picking it up. He lay on the bed and used the licence.

 

As soon as he was released from his body, he walked through the wall, into the bathroom. Orihime was sitting on the floor, tears running down her face. She looked up, startled by his presence. Quickly she rose to her feet, clutching some of his clothes to cover herself. Ichigo recognised the boxers with the fire hoses. Orihime looked down, saw what she was holding, flushed and dropped the boxers. She grabbed a towel and tried to cover herself. The towel was too small. Instead Orihime held the towel in front of her, trying to keep as much covered at possible.

 

“Please leave, Ichigo,” she said her voice wobbling.

 

“I won't leave until I explain,” he said, trying not to be distracted.

 

“You've explained so much to me already today,” Orihime said sadly. “I don't know if I can bear another explanation.”

 

Ichigo thought about her words. He had explained, but it seemed that every time he finished an explanation, he did something to hurt her and had to try to explain again. Looking at her, Ichigo just wanted to hold her and wipe away her tears. She seemed so uncertain and so unsure but as he moved closer, Orihime backed away.

 

“Ichigo, don't come any closer, please,” Orihime requested, as her voice wobbled again.

 

Ichigo took a step back. “I'm sorry Orihime. I was thoughtless. Am I taking this too fast? Am I scaring you?”

 

Orihime nodded and then shook her head “I don't know, Ichigo. I'm not sure.”

 

“We can sit and talk. We can put our clothes on and talk. After we talk, if you really want to go, at least let me walk you home,” Ichigo said.

 

Orihime bit her lip. “I think I want to go home now.”

 

“Won't you talk to me first?”

 

“I have talked to you. You explained so much and I thought I understood. Then, suddenly, I feel like everything's changed again. First, I feel confident that you have told me what I need to know, and then I realise that nothing has been explained. It's hard to take. I feel like I'm an adult one minute and a confused child the next. I care for you Ichigo, but I don't know what to do,” Orihime was openly weeping now. She held the towel in front of her, and the tears slipped down her face without hindrance. “I hate crying,” she sobbed. “I always seem to be crying in front of you.”

 

“I said something stupid and I made you cry. I want to tell you everything. I wanted to explain about the Hollow because I know that it caused me to act strangely. I thought once you understood, there wouldn't be any further problems,” Ichigo said gently taking Orihime by the shoulders, wanting to comfort her.

 

Orihime tried to move away from him, but he didn't release her. “I know my body must be a disappointment after seeing Yoruichi's and Matsumoto's. They're both so beautiful. I think I'd better go,” she said as she tried to stop crying.

 

Ichigo almost laughed at her comment. How could he be disappointed with her body? “I thought you were disappointed with my body. I won't hurt you and I don't care about Yoruichi or Matsumoto. I thought you'd agreed that I was honourable and wouldn't kiss you if I loved someone else,” Ichigo chided her gently.

 

“Please, let me go. Please. I don't want you to touch me. It makes me so confused. Being close to you bewilders me. When you touch me it makes it so much worse,” she pleaded, her wet eyes gazing sadly into his.

 

“Do you really want to leave?” Ichigo asked quietly. He gazed at her, feeling sadness at her rejection.

 

Orihime looked into his eyes and appeared startled at their expression.

 

“Yes. I'm scared of what might happen. I think I should leave. I keep thinking you don't really want to be here with me,” Orihime admitted, and then coughed harshly.

 

“What's wrong?” Ichigo asked.

 

“My throat is dry from crying. I need some water,” she said.

 

Ichigo found a glass and gave her some water. Orihime's right hand let go of the towel to take the glass from him. She drank the water thirstily and then realised that she was standing there, naked. She dropped the glass which shattered on the floor as she grabbed the towel.

 

“Don't move Orihime. Let me clean up the glass. I don't want you to get cut,” Ichigo instructed.

 

“I feel such a fool,” Orihime said, sadly, the tears continuing. “Too often we end up in the bathroom together when something has happened. I'm beginning to feel I'm cursed.”

 

“You're not cursed,” Ichigo said as he picked up the glass. “I'm cursed. I'm the one with the Hollow and the mouth that talks without thinking.”

 

“I thought I had the mouth that talked without thinking,” Orihime admitted almost smiling at the joke.

 

“Nope. Mouth in gear, brain in neutral. At least that's what Isshin says sometimes. I think it's inherited behaviour,” Ichigo said, placing the glass carefully in the bin.

 

Caught by surprise at the statement, Orihime giggled slightly.

 

“I think I've picked up all the glass, but just to be safe, I think I'd better carry you out of here,” Ichigo said brightening at the fact he had as least made her giggle.

 

“I don't want you to do that, Ichigo,” Orihime said as Ichigo unlocked the door.

 

“I won't listen to you,” he said, picking her up in his arms. Orihime protested, but Ichigo ignored her protests and carried her out of the bathroom into the bedroom. He tried to ignore the feel of her in his arms and the fact that she was to all purposes naked, even though she was still clutching the towel. In some respects he was pleased he was wearing his uniform so her skin was not touching him directly. That would have been too enticing.

 

“Glass cuts are unpleasant. They can be very deep and bleed more than you would think. I don't want you to have that sort of pain as well today,” he said to the quietly protesting girl.

 

Ichigo hesitated once they were in the bedroom, unsure what to do next. If he put Orihime on her feet, she might run into the bathroom again. If he placed her on the bed she might think he had plans. Shaking his head at his thoughts, he placed her, not very gently, on the bed. As he leant over her, looking down, the attraction was too great. He bent down and kissed her gently on the lips.

 

Orihime gasped slightly as he kissed her. She did not try to push him away, but neither did she respond. Ichigo stopped kissing her and looked at her. Her eyes were open and she was frowning. At least she'd stopped crying.

 

“I'm sorry,” he said. “I shouldn't have done that.”

 

“No.” Orihime wiped her face with her hands.

 

“May I kiss you again?” he asked hopefully. Orihime sighed at the question. She closed her eyes for a moment, as if lost in thought.

 

Feeling unnerved by the sight of his body next to hers, Ichigo took this opportunity to get back into his body. With the experience he had, it took little time and he lay there wondering what to do next. When Orihime opened her eyes, she seemed surprised, and a little scared, to find herself lying next to Ichigo.

 

“May I kiss you?” Ichigo asked again not wishing to force the issue, but wishing for a response of some kind.

 

Instead of replying, Orihime turned to Ichigo and kissed him. Ichigo felt relief as her lips met his. He embraced her and returned her kiss.

 

“Can we pretend I didn't say anything stupid? Now you know about the Hollow and where I've been. You know I don't love Rukia or Matsumoto or Yoruichi or anyone else. Before you say anything, I'm not attracted to any of the Vizards, either. I care about you,” Ichigo said once they paused to draw breath.

 

“I like you, Ichigo.” Orihime seemed startled by her unwitting confession and bit her lip.

 

He smiled at how sweet she was. “I like you too, Orihime,” Ichigo said and kissed her on the forehead. They lay there, holding each other. Ichigo did not know what to say next. He'd finally told Orihime he liked her. Would he tell her how he really felt?

 

“You're such a wonderful person

But you've got problems,” Orihime said.

 

“What?” Ichigo had trouble understanding what Orihime was talking about.

 

“They're some of the words of a really old David Bowie song called Breaking Glass. This evening just made me remember the lyrics,” Orihime explained.

 

Ichigo shook his head and moved his head to kiss Orihime on the cheek. Orihime shifted and Ichigo found his lips once again pressed to hers. Not wishing to waste an opportunity, Ichigo parted his lips to find that Orihime had already parted hers. The next second he was kissing her, his tongue exploring her mouth as she her tongue touched his. Reluctantly Ichigo drew his mouth from hers.

 

“I didn't mean for that to happen,” he explained. “It was an accident.”

 

“Don't apologise, Ichigo. I liked it. I like you kissing me,” said Orihime in a small voice. “I moved my head on purpose. I wanted you to kiss me.”

 

Realising this was an invitation Ichigo kissed Orihime again, holding her close. The towel had fallen from her body and he felt her soft breasts pressed against his chest. He felt his body react to her proximity.

 

“This time I won't say anything stupid,” Ichigo promised himself as he kissed her deeply, relishing how she felt in his arms.

 

When the kiss finished, Ichigo looked into Orihime's eyes. Her eyes seemed unfocused again, but she was smiling at him. Her fingers traced his cheek and trailed onto his chest. With his fingertips he touched her lips and she kissed them. Stroking the curve of her cheek seemed like a revelation as he experienced the smooth texture of the skin. Ichigo drew a breath of surprise as Orihime's hands touched his stomach and found his hands were moving of their own accord to her breasts. Hesitating, he touched them, rubbing his palms gently over them. Orihime meanwhile was touching his chest, running her hands over the muscles and planes. She grazed a nipple and Ichigo almost gasped. Hearing his reaction, Orihime continued to touch him, gently, but firmly. His body reacted even more strongly and he began of stroke Orihime's nipples, teasing them with his fingers.

 

Orihime shut her eyes as he continued to stroke her breasts. Noticing this, and concerned that she was embarrassed, Ichigo stopped.

 

“Please don't stop, Ichigo,” Orihime said. “I like the way you're touching me. It feels nice.” She sighed deeply.

 

Determined not to talk, Ichigo bent his head to her breasts and licked first one nipple, then the other. Orihime moaned at the contact. Encouraged by her reaction Ichigo drew a nipple into his mouth. He remembered that she had enjoyed that previously, and it was much easier to do this when they were lying down.

 

Orihime sighed again as Ichigo's mouth enveloped her nipple. Ichigo sucked a little harder, using his tongue at the same time. He liked the taste of her skin and the thought that this was pleasing her. He was becoming more aroused by the contact. He shifted on the bed, to try and find a more comfortable position.

 

He switched to sucking the nipple of the other breast. Orihime's breathing was becoming heavier, and she was sighing gently as he licked her nipple. Ichigo felt his heart rate increase even further. Moving upward, Ichigo kissed Orihime on the mouth again. She responded with more passion than he expected. He returned the passion and their tongues entwined as his hands strayed back to her breasts.

 

Then he felt her hands undoing his towel. “Orihime?” he said, startled removing his mouth from hers.

 

“Yes Ichigo?” was the quiet reply.

 

“Are you sure you want to do that?” he asked. Maybe he should not have asked, but he wanted to make sure she was making these choices. He wanted her so badly, but he needed her to want him in return.

 

“Yes,” her voice held no hint of hesitation.

 

It was Ichigo's turn to gasp as Orihime touched him, gently at first, as if curious about his reaction. He closed his eyes, lost in the sensation. Her hands were soft and warm and felt so good and when Ichigo opened his eyes he saw her staring at him.

 

“I didn't expect it to feel like this,” she said, looking at him with curiosity and something else. She stroked him gently.

 

Ichigo felt himself flinch at the words, but respond to her touch.

 

“Not that it feels bad or anything,” Orihime said hurriedly, apparently noticing the flinch. “It's just different to what I expected.”

 

As Orihime continued to stroke him, Ichigo felt he could take things a little further. Capturing Orihime's lips with his own, one hand travelled down, stroking her breasts, then her stomach, then further down.

 

Orihime tensed a little as Ichigo reached his destination. He tried to touch her tenderly; amazed at the heat he could feel emanating from her skin. Ichigo kept kissing her becoming more aroused, not knowing if he should try anything further, but wanting to, so much.

 

Pulling her mouth from his, Orihime moved her face away. He could see the flush in her cheeks and her eyes were both unfocused and bright. “Please, be gentle, Ichigo,” she said.

 

Very reluctantly, Ichigo stopped touching Orihime. He did not know how he could touch her more softly. He was restraining himself, but maybe he wasn't retraining himself enough.

 

Orihime shook her head. “I mean, please be gentle with me, when you, um,” she blushed unable to say the words.

 

Ichigo was thunderstruck. “Do you mean it?” he asked the wonder evident in his voice. She couldn't mean it. He didn't believe that after all that happened tonight, Orihime would allow this to progress any further.

 

Orihime nodded shyly. “I want you, please.”

 

“Are you sure? You know it will hurt.” Ichigo wanted to give her the chance to change her mind. He didn't intend to force her or hurt her, but he desired her so badly.

 

Orihime bit her lip and nodded. Her determination was clear and he felt a thrill of excitement pass through his body.

 

“Stop talking and just stick it in. Come on you're wasting time. You could have had her five times by now, King,” said a familiar and very unwelcome voice in Ichigo's mind.

 

Ichigo became taut at the sound of the voice. “Not now! Not now. Go away,” he thought angrily at the Hollow.

 

“Yes now. Come on. Do it. I've been waiting for this. You let your guard slip and gave me a chance,” said the Hollow.

 

Ichigo go off the bed fast, turning his face away from Orihime, fearing she would see the tell-tale black staining his eyes. He had assured her that the Hollow was under control, believing it to be true, but the Hollow had been waiting for that momentary lapse, probably manipulating his emotions so that the lapse would occur. He had to get back to the Vizards; he had to gain control of the Hollow again. If he stayed with Orihime any longer, the Hollow might overwhelm him.

 

“What's wrong, Ichigo? What's happened?” Orihime asked with a slight touch of fear in her voice.

 

“I think I'd better go,” Ichigo said, not daring to look at her. Dressing as fast as he could, Ichigo grabbed his possessions with the exception of the embarrassing boxers. In his mind they had become a symbol of yet another disappointment. Would he ever gain permanent control of the Hollow?

 

All the time, the Hollow taunted him telling him that he was a fool to pass up this opportunity again. “Come on, just a quick one. It won't take long. You're still ready. I'm sure she is. It will give you something to think about while you're training. Think about how she tastes, how she feels pressed against you. At least let me try. I need a bit of diversion.”

 

Ichigo tried to shut out the voice of the Hollow. He knew he was hurting Orihime again, but it was for the best. The Hollow, he thought subdued, had again become a problem when he was near Orihime. A few more minutes and what might have happened?

 

“A few more minutes and I could have taken over,” the Hollow yelled. “Why did I open my damn mouth? That's something we have in common. Both of us open our mouths at the wrong time.”

 

“I'm sorry this didn't work out, Orihime. It's not your problem. It's mine. I have to go,” he said when he was ready. He couldn't look at her. If he saw her he might give into the Hollows demands, or he might want to stay for how own reasons.

 

“Do you, do you really have to go? Is it something I did, something I said?” Orihime tearfully asked.

 

“It's nothing you did. It's me. I can't talk about it,” he said tight lipped, fearing to say too much. The Hollow might want to take control of his mouth and the words he would utter to Orihime might hurt her or shock her. “See you later.”

 

Without a backward glance, Ichigo left the room, shutting the door firmly behind him. He needed a cold shower and some poison. Maybe the poison would be enough. If he was dead, the cold shower wouldn't be necessary.

 

“You're not going back to those Vizard losers, are you? Turn around. Knock on the door. Make some excuse to the girl. She's hot for you. You're hot for her. I want some sex. I want to feel that body against me,” the Hollow shrieked. Ichigo left the hotel and began to run. All the time he ran, the Hollow kept insisting that he return to the hotel.

 

“8 times 9 is 72, 9 times 9 is 81,” Ichigo thought in desperation as he ran.

 

“Not the 9 times table, again,” the Hollow moaned. “I hate multiplication unless it's related to sex. Maybe we could try to multiply the human race with the girl. Or maybe we could have sex with her multiple times.”

 

“9 times 10 is 90,” Ichigo continued.

 

“Give me a break, King,” said the Hollow. Ichigo ignored him. After completing the 9 times table, Ichigo continued with the 8 times table. By the time he finished, the Hollow had retreated and Ichigo was once again outside the Vizard hangout. The barrier was not in place and he quickly walked in.

 

“I thought you were gone for the night,” said Hirako appearing quickly in front of him. His voice conveyed his amusement at Ichigo's speedy return. As usual, his eyes seemed guarded.

 

“Something happened,” Ichigo said panting. “I need your help.”

 

Hirako ignored Ichigo's words and was looking at the bag that Yuzu had given him. “Is that food? Home cooked food?” Ichigo had never heard that level of yearning in Hirako's voice before.

 

“Yeah,” Ichigo replied distracted. Why were they talking about food? Food wasn't important. The Hollow was important.

 

“Hey come on, everyone. The Berry's brought us some goodies,” Hirako yelled as he grabbed the bag from a startled Ichigo.

 

The other Vizards appeared quickly.

 

“But, I need to talk to you,” Ichigo began.

 

“We eat now, talk later. It's been a long time since I've tasted home cooking,” said Hyori trying to grab the bag from Hirako. He held it high above her head.

 

“Stop grabbing,” Hirako said to Hyori. “You'll take all the best stuff and just leave the scraps. Why don't you learn to cook?” He waved the bag above her, just out of reach.

 

“Hirako,” Ichigo said only to be ignored while Hyori and Hirako continued their insults. Ichigo began to feel desperate. He didn't know if the Hollow would return and if the multiplication tables would continue to work. Should he learn more tables? Maybe the 18 times table would bore the Hollow even more.

 

“I do cook, we all do. You just like to complain and why don't you learn to cook properly? Or at least do something useful?” Hyori retorted to Hirako, as she tried to bite his arm.

 

“I'm hurt. Are you saying that I'm not useful?” Hirako pouted. Hyori poked her tongue out at him and he glared at her in return.

 

While they were distracted, Ichigo tried to grab the bag back. Both Hirako and Hyori turned and glared at him.

 

“Get your hands off, Ichigo. I'm hungry. Think of it as a partial payment for services rendered,” Hirako snarled. He pulled the bag further from Ichigo's reach.

 

“Let me share it,” Hyori demanded. “I'm hungry. I want food now.” She lunged at Hirako as he dodged her quickly. He waggled his tongue at her again and she snarled at him, revealing her oddly shaped tooth.

 

“Give it to Hachi to share. He's the fairest,” Rose said. She appeared tired of their game. Quickly, she retrieved the bag from Hirako who was hopping on one leg after being kicked by Hyori and gave it to Hachi who quickly assessed the goodies.

 

“Do you want some of this, Ichigo?” the big man asked, kindly before he began to portion it out.

 

Still stunned, Ichigo shook his head. He was still full from the ramen and distracted by the return of the Hollow. He wanted to talk to Hirako, or even Hyori. He didn't want to wait but he had no influence or control.

 

Hachi shared out the food and the Vizards ate.

 

“This is really good,” Lisa commented as she swallowed some vegetables. “I like the crunchy texture of the vegetables with the noodles.”

 

“Pity there's no ramen,” Love complained. He was still eating very fast, and seemed to be enjoying his meal. For a very brief moment, Ichigo felt guilty about eating all the ramen. The moment passed very rapidly. Guilt? He was still feeling guilt about the situation with Orihime.

 

“I need to talk to you, now,” Ichigo said urgently to Hirako. Maybe now he had eaten something, he would be prepared to listen, maybe even to help.

 

“I'm busy. You're not the centre of my world. Go and do something else. Practice. Whatever. Leave me alone. I'll talk to you when I'm finished,” Hirako said through a mouth full of food. “Leave me some of that cake,” he demanded of Hyori.

 

Ichigo stood there, watching the Vizards eat, waiting until they were finished. What other choice did he have?

 

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Watching the door close behind Ichigo, made Orihime ache with a sadness she could recognise. She did not cry because the pain was too deep for tears. It was not pain for herself, but for Ichigo. She guessed why Ichigo had left. Remembering their earlier conversation she recognised his reaction from previous times. The Hollow was talking to Ichigo, trying to take over. She remembered how Ichigo had reacted the last time. He had suddenly moved away and left quickly. The realisation that Ichigo had not completely conquered the Hollow that made her heart ache.

 

He had seemed so pleased when he told her that he'd conquered the Hollow and he seemed so certain. Then, after only a brief time together, the Hollow had returned. It was obviously her fault that the Hollow had interrupted and that made her feel so guilty about the situation. Thinking back she remembered that being close to her roused the Hollow, Ichigo had explained that to her.

 

“How can I apologise? I caused the Hollow to try to take over. Maybe I should avoid Ichigo from now on. It's obvious that I'm the problem but he'll never tell me that. At least I think it's the Hollow that made him leave so quickly.” Wondering about the situation, slowly Orihime rose from the bed and began to dress. There was no point in remaining in the hotel. Ichigo would not return, she knew and staying in the hotel was not an option.

 

Before she left, she noticed the pair of boxers laying on the floor of the bathroom the ones she had picked up and dropped. Picking them up she realised she was reluctant to leave them behind, even though she thought they were in bad taste. “I'm surprised that Ichigo has anything like this,” she thought looking at them. “They don't seem the type of thing he would buy, but he must have been wearing them. Should I keep them? Wash them and give them back to him, perhaps.” Without thinking about it further, she placed them in her bag. Nothing she did really mattered anymore.

 

The only thing that mattered to her now was how she could help Ichigo. She would train hard to get stronger just as he was training for that purpose. If she became stronger maybe she could help Ichigo gain control over his Hollow. Making sure she had left nothing behind, Orihime left the room, a new resolution forming within her. She would try to be brave, to become stronger. That was her goal.

 

As she hurried home, she saw a black cat stalking toward her, tail held high. Suddenly the cat changed shape and approached in human form. Orihime stopped walking as she recognised the person. Why did it have to be Yoruichi? Why now?

 

Author's Note:

 

Thank you to all the people who have reviewed. I'm so pleased you like the story and I like reading your reviews.

 

Please review.

 

MS