Ey yo,
So this looks to be my first story post on nTFF. Bout time too I'd say. Just hope this don't take all year like the last chapter. As always this is a very rough copy and C&C is appreciated.
That said, we hope ya'll enjoy the build to Ichigo's first Sekirei fight.
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Bleach is created by Tite Kubo and distributed by Weekly Shonen Jump, Shueisha, Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo, Adult Swim, & Viz Media LLC.
Seikirei is created by Sakurako Gokurakuin and distributed by Young Gangan, Square Enix, Seven Arcs & Funimation Entertainment
No permission has been obtained from any of the copyright holders for the use of the characters and situations from this series. This work of fiction is not
for profit and not intended to infringe on copyrighted intellectual property in any significant or harmful way.
Should they, or any of their affiliates, request it this non-profit story will be taken off line as quickly as possible. Please support the official
release.
Any original characters, however, are owned by me. If you steal them, I shall hunt you down and skewer your nuts. You want to use them? Just ask me first as
I'll probably say yes.
Feedback is encouraged. That's why I write. Also for the cookies. And The Root Beer. The sweet, nectar-of-the-gods root beer.
Flames are pointless, as the author is a flaming retard.
...hold up, that's not what I meant. Uh, let's just start the story.
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"Where is she?" Yagami sighed once again as he spun on his heel and paced in the other direction. Rias sat up from his bed and gave her Ashikabi a small sigh. Though she was just as anxious about Maiko's return she was more controlled about it. Both were in his apartment and anxious; It had been hours since Maiko had last called in, grumbling about having to show Junichi around.
"Yagami-sama," Rias called out as Aoshi continued to pace in his room. "You need to relax. I'm sure Maiko-chan will be here any minute."
"I know, it's just that. . ." He paused to run a hand through his hair, letting out another sigh as he quickly came to a stop by his bed, turned to his right and faced away and let himself fall back, slamming down onto it and causing Rias to jump slightly. His head slumped and he put both hands on his forehead, his elbows resting on his knees. "She's just not answering. She never does that. I even tried callin' Junichi but I've got nothin' but a dial tone there too. Either he and that Sekirei are screwing right now or somethin' happened and I don't know!"
Rias shook her head and leaned over to give Aoshi a quick peck on his cheek, "I know, I know. But I have faith in Maiko"
Aoshi's hands moved slighlty away and he studied the floor for a moment. "I'm just... I'm tired of this Rias. I'm tired of puttin' ya'll out there. And now I just want it to be over... I want to see her, y'know?"
"I know you are Yagami-sama," Rias replied in a soft tone and leaned into him and laid her head on his left shoulder.
The silence weighed heavy for a moment as the couple sat in anticipation and worry. Rias closed her eyes and wrapped an arm around Yagami in reassurance. Aoshi leaned into her, savoring the comfort of her warmth when a sudden click from the front door broke their quiet moment. Aoshi's head rose as he began to stand, "Mai-!"
"Hold on a sec," Rias cut him off as she immediately got to her feet faster than Aoshi could realize. Before he could blink and comprehend Rias had gotten up she was already halfway towards the front door. "Let me just check" she called back to him.
Aoshi blinked as his girl vanished, only to hear a pair of girlish screams at the door. His heart clenched as he quickly got up and ran after Rias before turning the corner and paused, feeling a massive weigth lift off his shoulders. Letting off a relived sigh a smile graced his face as he watched Rias and Maiko hugging one another. The girls broke the hug, the pair all smiles when suddenly Aoshi found himself nearly tackled by the girl.
Aoshi let out a grunt as Maiko collided into his chest. Instincvly wrapping his arms around the sekirei, he gave a soft smile as their eyes met. "Welcome home Maiko-chan," he whispered.
"I'm home Aoshi-chan..." Maiko whispered. Aoshi's smile grew as almost on instinct, he held Maiko's chin in his hand and leaned forward; pressing his lips against hers in a gentle yet passionate kiss. Rias watched with a knowing smile as Ashikabi and Sekirei were reunited and admired the wings that had spread as their lips found the other. After a moment she sighed, ready to get back into their routine when she frowned.
"Maiko."
Aoshi and Maiko parted reluctently as she turned to her elder sister sekirei. "Yeah?" She responded softly, but her eyes couldn't hide the irritation at being interrupted.
"Why do you have bandages on you- and why are some of them red?!
Aoshi frowned as he quickly inspected her and asked what happened. Several moments passed and Rias and Maiko nearly took a step back as their Ashikabi snarled and punched the wall, leaving a rather sizable crack. "That bastard!! Who the fuck does he think he is tryin' to get away with that bullshit?!?" He yelled as he stomped to his phone and quickly hit the speed dial.
Nothing after a moment.
Eye twitching, he tried again.
Nothing.
Again.
Just another voicemail.
"Goddamnit, where the fuck are you Junichi?!"
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Ghostface211 presents
In Association with Wheeljack...
A Bleach - Sekirei Crossover
Veiled Moon
Feather Seven: There Goes My Baby
Comments, Constructive Criticism, and MST 3000's can go to ghostface211@gmail.com
=========
Elsewhere...
He looked away from Uzume as he continued to slowly guide Yashima to the Inn, his anxiety intensifying when he realized that Yashima was wearing his shirt for Uzume to see. Along with Ikki...
He simply grit his teeth and made his way with the girl, coming up the gates.
"Ichigo?"
"Uzume, I..."
"Ichigo-saaama~!" Ikki chirped as she dropped her broom and rushed over to her Ashikabi.
Ichigo and Yashima blinked as Ikki all but hopped over to them. "Welcome home, Ichigo-sama! And hi to you!" She smiled at Yashima before suddenly taking a step back and straightented her back and widened her stance slightly before giving a smile and brought her right hand up, thumbing to herself. "I'm Number Nineteen, Ikki," she said a bit more suave with a smile. "And you are?"
Ichigo's mouth opened slightly and blinked at the absurd display but snapped out of it as he felt Yashima shuffle a bit and he realized she was trying to move behind him a bit. "Hey," Ichigo grumbled when Ikki suddenly blinked and her posture changed again and she leaned forward quickly taking note of Yashima's face before looking at the hammer that was still in her hands.
"Wow, that's really awesome," Ikki said almost reverantly. "Can I see?"
"Ik-" Was all Ichigo got out as Ikki took hold of it from Yashima's slackening grip, thankfully with two hands when...
"WHOA!" Ikki cried as the head of the hammer suddenly weighed a lot more than she thought. "Ku-kkk-kku-kkkk" Ikki groaned with gritted teeth as she struggled to keep the head of the hammer from falling onto the cement sidewalk before she slowly let it touch the ground and gave a heavy sigh of relief. "Oh wow..."
Ichigo sighed and was about to tell her to leave it alone when he saw Uzume out of the corner of his left eye. Turning, he saw her on Yashima's other side.
"You okay?" She asked, though not clarifying to whom it was directed to.
Ichigo's lips became a thin line as he glanced downward, not knowing what to say to his first Sekirei or how to explain things when he felt Yashima again try to meld with him. "Hey..." he said softly, getting both Yashima and Uzume's attention. "It's okay, no one will hurt you"
Uzume could see the girl look up at Ichigo, cheeks visibly flushed despite the dirt and light bruises on her. What had the girl been through? Her eyes flickered up to Ichigo as he looked at Yashima before they flicked to her. Before she could say anything he suddenly looked away, almost ashamed for some reason.
She felt her stomach knot at something bothering her Ashikabi that badly. She needed to talk to him.
"C'mon," She said to Yashima. "Let's get you inside. The Landlady knows a thing or two about patching people up."
Ikki looked up, her foot on the upside down hammer in a Captain Morgen-esque pose. "That's right, she helped fix me and my sis up real good! I'll help take this in!" She said as she then rubbed her hands together and reached for the handle.
Ichigo shook his head. She was helping, at least, in her own weird little way. "Thanks Ikki" he said.
Ikki's head quickly snapped to him. "Oh! It'sit'sit'snoproblematall, Ichigo-sama!" She said before giggling and then turning to her job.
"C'mon" He said said, echoing Uzume as he gently nudged Yashima.
All three walked into Izumo as quickly and easily as possible as Ikki groaned and stressed at lifting and moving the hammer.
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As she was led up to the main doors Yashima suddenly found her head spinning. She was safe, as her Ashikabi said she was but all the same the events of the day and what she had just realized threw her for a loop. 'Stupid! Stupid!' She admonished herself as her cheeks flared in embarrassment and sudden self-consciousness.
It had been a slow, contemplative walk up to her Ashikabi's residence that had nothing but time to think about her predicaments while griting and bearing the aches and pains that had come with each step. For a time though, up until she had attempted to speak with her Ashikabi she had been walking on air. She was with her Ashikabi! Her true Ashikabi! The one she had seen in her dreams!
Despite the pain she was jubilant; being so close to him, feeling his warmth as she leaned into him and wrapped in his shirt had been overwhelming to the point she had nearly passed out. Her nightmare was finally over.
Yet as they continued to walk her Ashikabi had been quiet. Not that she was complaining as she was a quiet one herself but something had nagged at her that something was wrong and she had been taking peeks at him as they slowly made their way to his home. He looked so... neutral- yes, neutral she would guess as they walked that a part of her felt that she had somehow disappointed him when bits of pieces of her dream had come to mind.
In that weird place he had looked both resigned and accepting, abiding his time as he waited for something. There was also that bit with him in the black clothes and that massive sword he had held. She was about to ask when she could see that there was indeed something bothering him so she bit her lip and waited, not wanting to unintentionally do something wrong to make her Ashikabi upset.
And it was then that they had arrived and she felt herself feel two feet tall.
He had more Sekirei... more than one! And they were so beautiful!
She had withdrawn into him, trying to make herself inconspicuous as the short haired sekirei in the yukata greeted her loudly while the other one watched them silently. Her heart had pounded until her Ashikabi gently nudged her.
"Hey..." he said softly, "It's okay, no one will hurt you." He was right, she was safe, and now she had a home.
A home....
And with that thought echoing in her head the quiet sekirei promptly fainted as she stepped into the genkan; her body feeling safe enough to do so.
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"Hey!" Ichigo cried out as the girl suddenly went limp the moment they stepped onto the genkan. Quickly he dropped to a knee to catch her before she fell completely onto the floor and her head rolled to the side, her short hair and bangs limply hanging as Uzume gasped. Behind them Ikki quickly appeared, hammer forgotten as she heard her Ashikabi's startled cry.
Ichigo's eyes narrowed as he quickly looked his newest Sekirei over; rolling her head back towards a more natural and less dangerous looking position. He then suddenly turned to face Ikki, who involuntary took a step back, surprised at her Ashikabi's hard expression that seemingly scrutinized her. "Your room," he decided as he suddenly stood up; making sure to gently pick Yashima up in his arms as he quickly marched forward. His heavy footsteps ecoing through the hall as he made way to Ikki and Nanaha's room. His Sekirei both quickly followed; Ikki momentarily stunned before he turned his head to glance at his second sekirei out of the corner of his eye.
"Find Asama-san and tell her to come to your room!" he barked at her.
"R-right Ichigo-sama!" she said as she rushed forward ahead of them to the kitchen as Ichigo and Uzume quickly arrived at the sister Sekirei's room. Ichigo motioned with his head to Uzume and she quickly rushed ahead to open the door to Ikki and Nanaha's room.
Inside the room Nanaha blinked from where she layed and turned to see Uzume and Ichigo along with someone else in his arms burst through before his head began to whip back and forth before Uzume realized what he was after and jumped ahead to grab Ikki's futon before quickly opening and laying it out.
Nanaha hissed as she brought herself to a sitting position. "Wha-what happened?" She asked through gritted teeth.
"She fainted," Ichigo said as if it weren't obvious as he layed her as gently as possible.
"What's all this commotion Kurosaki-san?" Came Miya's familiar voice from the doorway. "I could hear you from the dining area, and we were in the-"
"Asama-san, please look" Ichigo said, not caring that he cut her off as he moved back and saw Miya's hands come to her mouth and her eyes widening. The look in her eyes then became serious before she strode towards the futon the girl layed in and kneeled down.
"Uzume, bandages, water and some clothes," She commanded in a sharp tone.
"Right!" Said girl stated as she rushed out of the room.
"Is she gonna be okay?" Ikki then said softly as she peered at them in concern before noticing Nanaha and blinked in surprise and dismay. "Nanaha-chan! You shouldn't be up!"
Ichigo ignored them as she watched Miya softly prod the comatose Sekirei; grabbing the hem of the shirt she was wearing and tugged it off her as best she could. The former shinigami let out a soft hiss at how her white clothing had been slowly stained red. 'How did I miss that?!' He thought, angry at himself. He knew she had been wounded and had been limping but to this extent?
He then caught Miya removing the rest of the girl's clothing; blinking and turning before he could get an eyeful as he then walked to the doorway and paused as Uzume rushed back in announcing what she had brought.
"Kurosaki-san," Miya then said, causing him to pause but not turn around. Miya herself had not turned either; taking the bandages from Uzume and dunking a cloth into the bowel of water Uzume had brought to wipe the now near naked Yashima.
"Yes?"
"This Sekirei, is she one of yours?"
After a beat Ichigo replied, suddenly feeling very tired. "Yes."
"You really need to stop bringing these girls in like this," she commented, though not tightly.
Ichigo stiffened and grit his teeth but held his tongue; knowing she was trying to lighten the mood. He silently nodded and softly agreed with her before making a move out of the room.
"Ichigo!" "Ichigo-sama!" Both his girls cried out as they rose to follow him.
"I need to talk to him," Uzume suddenly said aloud before turning to Ikki. "Can you stay here?"
Ikki's face twisted in confusion. "W-why? My Ashikabi needs help and I'm gonna help him," she said before her eyes then narrowed in suspicion.
Uzume noticed and fought the urge to groan. 'Damnit, not now... I don't have time for this crap!' She thought, remembering their argument and quickly cut off Ikki who was opening her mouth. "Look the best thing right now is if you help watch over her for Ichigo ok?" Uzume blurted out as her eyes scanned the room and saw Nanaha staring at them; her eyes conveying how confused she was about what was going on and pressed on something she could use. "Besides, your little sister's probably wondering what's going on; and who better to tell her than her big sister right?"
Uzume did her best to ignore how Miya was now glancing at them out of the corner of her eye.
"Alright alright," Ikki sighed in quick resignation, surprising Uzume. "I'll stay." Uzume nodded, turning then to follow Ichigo before feeling herself yanked backwards and saw Ikki holding onto her forearm. "But don't think you'll keep me away from Ichigo-sama; you get me?" she said, looking directly into Uzume's eyes, the happy-go-lucky-girl momentarily gone as her eyes held Uzume's with a sharpness she had not seen before.
Uzume broke Ikki's hold and took a step back to get some space; eyes still locked with Ikki's until a throat clearing broke the tension and both noticed Miya softly rubbing her throat, yet not looking directly at either of them. Uzume's lips became a thin line as she turned and left the room; Ikki shaking her head at her sister Sekirei before turning around to sit next to Nanaha.
"What was that about?" Nanaha whispered in confusion.
"Later," Ikki replied; concern on her face as she looked at her newest Sekirei sister being patched up. She then suddenly blinked; looking up at the ceiling with an eyebrow raised now remembering something from a moment ago when she had been in the dining room.
"Ikki-neechan?" Nanaha whispered, wondering what was going on as Ikki then began counting her fingers, one finger going down with each count until she got to three.
"Hey landlady-san," Ikki began. "How many Sekirei did that Minato guy have again?"
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Uzume closed the door behind her and noticed Ichigo halfway up the stairs, facing her. His lips were thin and his eyes unreadable as he nodded to her, Leaving Uzume to stare at him as he walked up the rest of the way. Concerned, Uzume followed him up and into his room, shutting the door behind her. "Ichi-"
"I'm sorry," he let out with a rasp, facing her but looking away. "I'm sorry... Uzume it happened so...," he trailed off and his head looked upwards as he huffed. "I wasn't- It just -" He stopped as she suddenly hugged him and felt his shoulders drop as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry," he said again, gritting his teeth at the role reversal from a few days ago.
"Ichigo..." she started as she looked up to him. "What happened?"
========
"You did the right thing," she said as he finished.
"Did I?" Ichigo replied as he leaned back in his swivel chair, glaring softly at the ceiling. The lights were on and the window was open, with the last vestigas of light of the day slowly dimming.
"Of course you did," Uzume sighed out, folding her arms under her breasts. "You're not questioning that are you?"
"Never," Ichigo replied as he shook his head. "She needed my help from that ass clown, and I'm not regreting that. It's just..."
"That you winged her," Uzume finished in understanding.
Ichigo nodded in agreement. "I did it without thinking... I just... that bastard was goin' on an' on about takin' her and makin' her kill me and shit and I just... I lost it." He turned his gaze from the ceiling to Uzume, his glare softening, "I'm sorry."
"Ichigo... Is this about us? From what you said the other day?"
"Yes!" He then blurt out. "Why wouldn't I be? I... Dammit I said I didn't want more and..." he trailed off, feeling like scum as he swivled away from her and looked downward, letting out another tired sigh.
Slowly, he felt Uzume's arms wrapped around him from behind and he felt her breasts press into his back as she leaned onto him. "It's okay Ichigo," she cooed, as if a mother to a lost child. "It's okay."
Ichigo blinked, not missing how that felt as a sudden wave of nostalgia filled him and he slowly straightened in his seat; not leaving it as Uzume continued to press into him as she layed her head atop of his and nuzzled him. "How could you be so accepting of all this? After... after the other day with Ikki and now this... I..." he trailed off as she squeezed him slightly before loosening back but still holding him.
"Because I'm your wife," she stated gently as her eyes closed. "And I love you. I know how you want to handle this and I support you; but as your wife... in times like this I need to play the devil's advocate too. Do you remember what I told you?"
His eyes darted around, mulling over their conversation the other day after Ikki was winged as she told him more and he frowned. "It's gonna get worse from here, ain't it? 'An Ashikabi with more Sekirei becomes stronger and can attract more Sekirei.'" he quoted with a grimace. He sighed as he felt her head nod in affirmation. "This... this isn't what I wanted, dammit," he muttered miserably.
"I know." Uzume softly replied.
He then tilted his head up a bit to look at her out of the corner of his eye with an eyebrow raised. "And why are you suddenly so accepting of it?"
"I'm not," she stated and continued. "But I was prepared for this. I had been prepared for this," she corrected. "I'd forgotten but Ikki slapped me upside the head with the reality we're in," she whispered softly. She then snorted and gave a small giggle as a thought came to her head. "Ichigo... my Ichigo. You really know how ta throw a girl for a loop, y'know?"
Ichigo continued to look at her in askance at her sudden change in demeanor. "Uzume... That don't explain-"
"I'm not human, remember?"
He went silent at that; unconsiously bringing his right hand to cover where one of hers laid atop the left side of his chest. "I don't care. None of that matters to me," he whispered back.
"I know," she said, once more serious. "And it's one of the many reasons why I love you so much. But I was just thinking now on how much I've changed because of you." Ichigo's head turned slightly at that, and she squeezed him again. "When I was at MBI for my tuning, I would spend hours afterwards thinking about my Ashikabi," she said wistfully, nostalgically with her head tilting upwards.
It felt like a million years ago now.
"I'd daydream and wonder what he might be like... what she might be like-"
Ichigo blinked. Wait... "She?" He blinked once more, his stomach beginning to tie up at what she was saying and his body went still. "Uzume, you're-"
"Hush," she said firmly as a she gave Ichigo a small grin and a small squeeze. "I'm bi Ichigo; or I was," she said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Not like that matters anymore," she said as she lifted her head and kissed his brow softly; laying it back against him and feeling him relax again as she continued.
"I'd wonder what he might be like... what she might be like. And in the end you were nothing like I had ever imagined. You blew all of it away; greater than anything I could ever hope for. So much so that I almost forgot what I was because I wanted to be the best for you."
Ichigo frowned slightly at that, still not liking how she imprinted herself onto him. And now Ikki and Yashima? They would be too, wouldn't they? And he just couldn't see him-
"That's... that's also why I was so frustrated with you when you acted that way with Papa... You were so unlike the man I love I didn't understand what was going on." He looked away again and she shook her head. "Hell... I still don't..." She then sighed before continuing. "Even then though I had about lost sight of what I am. The Game was still there and it was important but I wanted you so much I it had lost a lot of the luster I had for it; I had wanted to protect my Ashikabi and win the Game for them. I wanted to show everyone that my love was the greatest by winning. And it ended up all taking a backseat to you. You changed me," she said with a soft smile.
Ichigo found himself chuckling at that. "'Changed me,'" he quoted her as he looked at the wall and found himself smiling too. "You changed me too, y'know. This..." he trailed off as he squeezed her hand again. "I think about how things are and sometimes I still can't believe it. Talkin' to you like this... hell; talkin' and bein' like this period. I never really gave much thought on relationships. Expected it; somewhat," he elaborated. "But never thought 'bout anything like this."
She giggled and let him go to move in front of him; her right arm still touching him as it slid from his neck to his shoulder as then sat on his lap, her legs both over right leg and his chair squeaked slightly at the added weight. And silently, both kissed, his arms going around her waist and hers over his shoulders. After a moment both pulled away from each into a contemplative silence. A few minutes would pass before Ichigo spoke.
"It is going to get bad, isn't it?"
"Hm?"
"More Sekirei." He clarified.
Uzume shrugged, "I dunno Ichigo, it's possible but it depends on how many are left unwinged now."
"Like Nanaha?"
Uzume nodded and Ichigo gave an irritated sigh, "I don't want this, Uzume. I'm not some sleaze trying to collect girls for his harem. I"m... I'm happy with you," he got out and felt his face heat up; grimacing before continuing (and ignoring Uzume's wide smile). "I just can't see myself actin' with more girls the way I do with you."
She blinked in thought and turned to him. "Do you find them attractive, Ichigo? Ichigo, I'm not going to get mad," she added when she saw his face twist.
"It don't matter," He groaned "But yea they're pretty."
Thoughts of Ikki and their argument now filled her thoughts. "Even Nanaha?"
Ichigo just stared at her. "Devil's advocate?" He echoed her from earlier.
"Pretty much," she said seriously, causing Ichigo to blink in surprise.
He sighed again and shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, she's pretty. But like I said, it don't really matter. And what sucks is that they're going to be expecting me to be like how you and me are y'kno?"
Ikki's words rang her head and her mouth became a thin line and nodded.
"Che," Ichigo snorted out. "One woman for one man," he said. "That's how its supposed to be right? And I got two with a possibility for more," he said distastefully. After another moment his head came up. "Here's a thought... what if I just ignore 'em?"
"Ichigo!" Uzume chided wide eyed. Though not happy with the current arrangements she didn't want him to do that with them in the slightest.
"For any others," he hastefully clarified. "I mean... you said I might cause others to react; right? What if I just ignore 'em so they could react to someone else?"
Uzume turned her head slightly, and from how her eyes were unfocused Ichigo could see she was thinking. "I'm... I'm thinkin' that wouldn't be good at all; hon," she said solemnly.
"Why?"
She clasped his hand and closed her eyes, "It... it wouldn't be good. When... when we react its because we know that person would be the best for us. We know. To be denied that... To be denied..." she trailed off and Ichigo straightened in his seat in concern.
Her Ashikabi frowned, concern entering his eyes. "Uzume..."
"Do.. do you remember that first day? That morning, when you had to leave?"
Ichigo nodded softly as the memories of their first meeting replayed in his head; casuing him to look away as he remembered how miserable Uzume looked when he had left Izumo to return home.
"It... it was really bad, Ichigo. You had winged me but it had been really, really bad after you left. I found the person I was meant to be with and he had to leave; and I couldn't go after him. I was finally complete yet I was denied being in his presence and the closest I could get to it was sleeping in the futon you used for awhile. I think I spent that whole day wrapped up in there after you left."
Ichigo looked away, scowling as he recalled Kagari mentioning something about that when he visited afer that first time.
Her eyes shimmered as she opened them, the memories and emotions flowing freely now. "I didn't know if you'd come back or not; and my stomach kept tying into knots when I would thought that you might not come back at all. Nothing really mattered then... tv, food, talking.... I had so much time to think of all the what ifs that I thought that if you wouldn't come at all then I didn't want to live anymore."
"Uzume!" he hissed, his arms now back around her.
She sighed as she grasped his hands and gently kissed him, "I know... but I didn't know then. I just knew that if you didn't want me then it wasn't worth living at all." She then looked at him, her eyes somewhat watered. "And that was after being winged. I can't think of how it would have been if I hadn't been winged but knew you were the one. I... I might not even be here."
Ichigo kept his eyes on her, boring into them as he fought down the urge to throw something. Goddammit this was such a fucking mess. "I'm sorry," he said through gritted teeth.
She leaned into him and kissed his cheek and nuzzled him. "There's nothing to be sorry about. You came back and here we are..."
He nodded at that, squeezing her with his arms. "Gotta admit... it does creep me out, y'know."
"Hm"?
"How ya mention all this; how Sekirei act with or without the person they love."
"Did I... Do I creep you out?"
"It threw me for a loop in the beginning, yeah..." he muttered a bit bluntly.
"And if I were human?" She then asked and grew a bit nervous as he went quiet.
Ichigo's eyes looked up towards the ceiling before his head tilted back, thinking. After a moment he replied. "The truth?"
She nodded.
"I would've ditched you after that first day," he said and felt her tense. "Anyone who acts like that, that's human that is, is either up to somethin' or just plain nuts. I wouldn't have any part of it."
"Then," Uzume said as she smacked her lips, "I'm glad I'm not human."
Ichigo looked at her and gave her small smile that caused her heart to flutter. "Me too." Another moment would pass in silence. "So what happens now then?"
Uzume mulled over her thoughts. "I think I may have someone to talk to," she began, "in regards to finding out how many more Sekirei are left."
"Oh?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, interested.
"Yeah, but I wanna talk to her alone. I told you about her, remember?"
Ichigo's brows furrowed in thought. "The one you helped?" He haphazared a guess and she nodded.
Uzume gave a sharp nod in confiration, "Yeah, she can probably give us an idea of how many are left." Ichigo nodded, hoping to get some good news. "I can probably talk to her in a bit, if that helps."
"It's late," Ichigo then said. "You can ask tomorrow." Uzume then opened her mouth and Ichigo cut her off. "Tomorrow, Uzume. At the moment I'm too tired. I just want to grab some food, eat, bath and get some reading done before turning in."
Uzume then leaned into him once more and nodded. "Okay, Ichigo." She spoke again in a soft voice, "I know I sounded a little strange just now, Ichigo," she said quietly. "But I was alone for a long time. And I don't want to be, ever again."
"You won't be, Uzume," he said firmly. "No matter what happens... I'm here for you I promise."
"I know," she sighed as she reluctenly left his arms. "I'm... I'm gonna go talk to my friend now ok?"
"Tomorrow," Ichigo said with finality. "I don't want any of us to be out at the moment, with what's happening below. You can go see her tomorrow."
"But she's-" She started before Ichigo's eyes narrowed. "Tomorrow, gotcha." She then snapped her fingers. "Tell you what, why don't I grab dinner downstairs and bring it up to you? You can continue to stretch out here and get up to reading to help take your mind off things as you eat."
Ichigo mulled it over and looked at the clock. It was still early evening despite the darkness that was outside but then shrugged, right now not feeling like dealing with everyone else at the moment. "Sure Uzume, sounds good, thanks."
"No problem, Ichigo. Be back in a flash!" She said as left the room, softly closing the door behind her.
As he heard her footstep softly grow all the more distant Ichigo let out a sigh as he raked his hand through his hair. Tomorrow. He hoped that tomorrow would bring good news. Uzume was one thing when it happened, and it had ended up turning out better than he ever though possible. Ikki had been an accident but he had though he had a way to deal with her. Yashima... Yashima was his responsibility. He grimaced as he replayed what had happened. He didn't even ask her and he took away her chance in his anger.
He sighed as he wondered how to go forward with them. And he most definitely didn't like that there might be others, but what to do? The way Uzume mentioned about how she had been even after being winged... what might one do if she wasn't winged? What to do?
What was the right thing to do?
This wasn't fair.
Not fair at all.
=========
Below, Uzume wandered into the dining area to check up if dinner was ready and came to a halt as she noticed the extra occupant.
"M-Matsu?"
Said Sekirei was at the table next to Musubi with Minato across from them. Kuu was staring from over Minato's shoulder as she turned to look at Uzume before turning back to growl at the hacker Sekirei.
"H-hi Uzume-tan! Guess what?"
=========
So this looks to be my first story post on nTFF. Bout time too I'd say. Just hope this don't take all year like the last chapter. As always this is a very rough copy and C&C is appreciated.
That said, we hope ya'll enjoy the build to Ichigo's first Sekirei fight.
======================
Bleach is created by Tite Kubo and distributed by Weekly Shonen Jump, Shueisha, Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo, Adult Swim, & Viz Media LLC.
Seikirei is created by Sakurako Gokurakuin and distributed by Young Gangan, Square Enix, Seven Arcs & Funimation Entertainment
No permission has been obtained from any of the copyright holders for the use of the characters and situations from this series. This work of fiction is not
for profit and not intended to infringe on copyrighted intellectual property in any significant or harmful way.
Should they, or any of their affiliates, request it this non-profit story will be taken off line as quickly as possible. Please support the official
release.
Any original characters, however, are owned by me. If you steal them, I shall hunt you down and skewer your nuts. You want to use them? Just ask me first as
I'll probably say yes.
Feedback is encouraged. That's why I write. Also for the cookies. And The Root Beer. The sweet, nectar-of-the-gods root beer.
Flames are pointless, as the author is a flaming retard.
...hold up, that's not what I meant. Uh, let's just start the story.
=========
"Where is she?" Yagami sighed once again as he spun on his heel and paced in the other direction. Rias sat up from his bed and gave her Ashikabi a small sigh. Though she was just as anxious about Maiko's return she was more controlled about it. Both were in his apartment and anxious; It had been hours since Maiko had last called in, grumbling about having to show Junichi around.
"Yagami-sama," Rias called out as Aoshi continued to pace in his room. "You need to relax. I'm sure Maiko-chan will be here any minute."
"I know, it's just that. . ." He paused to run a hand through his hair, letting out another sigh as he quickly came to a stop by his bed, turned to his right and faced away and let himself fall back, slamming down onto it and causing Rias to jump slightly. His head slumped and he put both hands on his forehead, his elbows resting on his knees. "She's just not answering. She never does that. I even tried callin' Junichi but I've got nothin' but a dial tone there too. Either he and that Sekirei are screwing right now or somethin' happened and I don't know!"
Rias shook her head and leaned over to give Aoshi a quick peck on his cheek, "I know, I know. But I have faith in Maiko"
Aoshi's hands moved slighlty away and he studied the floor for a moment. "I'm just... I'm tired of this Rias. I'm tired of puttin' ya'll out there. And now I just want it to be over... I want to see her, y'know?"
"I know you are Yagami-sama," Rias replied in a soft tone and leaned into him and laid her head on his left shoulder.
The silence weighed heavy for a moment as the couple sat in anticipation and worry. Rias closed her eyes and wrapped an arm around Yagami in reassurance. Aoshi leaned into her, savoring the comfort of her warmth when a sudden click from the front door broke their quiet moment. Aoshi's head rose as he began to stand, "Mai-!"
"Hold on a sec," Rias cut him off as she immediately got to her feet faster than Aoshi could realize. Before he could blink and comprehend Rias had gotten up she was already halfway towards the front door. "Let me just check" she called back to him.
Aoshi blinked as his girl vanished, only to hear a pair of girlish screams at the door. His heart clenched as he quickly got up and ran after Rias before turning the corner and paused, feeling a massive weigth lift off his shoulders. Letting off a relived sigh a smile graced his face as he watched Rias and Maiko hugging one another. The girls broke the hug, the pair all smiles when suddenly Aoshi found himself nearly tackled by the girl.
Aoshi let out a grunt as Maiko collided into his chest. Instincvly wrapping his arms around the sekirei, he gave a soft smile as their eyes met. "Welcome home Maiko-chan," he whispered.
"I'm home Aoshi-chan..." Maiko whispered. Aoshi's smile grew as almost on instinct, he held Maiko's chin in his hand and leaned forward; pressing his lips against hers in a gentle yet passionate kiss. Rias watched with a knowing smile as Ashikabi and Sekirei were reunited and admired the wings that had spread as their lips found the other. After a moment she sighed, ready to get back into their routine when she frowned.
"Maiko."
Aoshi and Maiko parted reluctently as she turned to her elder sister sekirei. "Yeah?" She responded softly, but her eyes couldn't hide the irritation at being interrupted.
"Why do you have bandages on you- and why are some of them red?!
Aoshi frowned as he quickly inspected her and asked what happened. Several moments passed and Rias and Maiko nearly took a step back as their Ashikabi snarled and punched the wall, leaving a rather sizable crack. "That bastard!! Who the fuck does he think he is tryin' to get away with that bullshit?!?" He yelled as he stomped to his phone and quickly hit the speed dial.
Nothing after a moment.
Eye twitching, he tried again.
Nothing.
Again.
Just another voicemail.
"Goddamnit, where the fuck are you Junichi?!"
=========
Ghostface211 presents
In Association with Wheeljack...
A Bleach - Sekirei Crossover
Veiled Moon
Feather Seven: There Goes My Baby
Comments, Constructive Criticism, and MST 3000's can go to ghostface211@gmail.com
=========
Elsewhere...
He looked away from Uzume as he continued to slowly guide Yashima to the Inn, his anxiety intensifying when he realized that Yashima was wearing his shirt for Uzume to see. Along with Ikki...
He simply grit his teeth and made his way with the girl, coming up the gates.
"Ichigo?"
"Uzume, I..."
"Ichigo-saaama~!" Ikki chirped as she dropped her broom and rushed over to her Ashikabi.
Ichigo and Yashima blinked as Ikki all but hopped over to them. "Welcome home, Ichigo-sama! And hi to you!" She smiled at Yashima before suddenly taking a step back and straightented her back and widened her stance slightly before giving a smile and brought her right hand up, thumbing to herself. "I'm Number Nineteen, Ikki," she said a bit more suave with a smile. "And you are?"
Ichigo's mouth opened slightly and blinked at the absurd display but snapped out of it as he felt Yashima shuffle a bit and he realized she was trying to move behind him a bit. "Hey," Ichigo grumbled when Ikki suddenly blinked and her posture changed again and she leaned forward quickly taking note of Yashima's face before looking at the hammer that was still in her hands.
"Wow, that's really awesome," Ikki said almost reverantly. "Can I see?"
"Ik-" Was all Ichigo got out as Ikki took hold of it from Yashima's slackening grip, thankfully with two hands when...
"WHOA!" Ikki cried as the head of the hammer suddenly weighed a lot more than she thought. "Ku-kkk-kku-kkkk" Ikki groaned with gritted teeth as she struggled to keep the head of the hammer from falling onto the cement sidewalk before she slowly let it touch the ground and gave a heavy sigh of relief. "Oh wow..."
Ichigo sighed and was about to tell her to leave it alone when he saw Uzume out of the corner of his left eye. Turning, he saw her on Yashima's other side.
"You okay?" She asked, though not clarifying to whom it was directed to.
Ichigo's lips became a thin line as he glanced downward, not knowing what to say to his first Sekirei or how to explain things when he felt Yashima again try to meld with him. "Hey..." he said softly, getting both Yashima and Uzume's attention. "It's okay, no one will hurt you"
Uzume could see the girl look up at Ichigo, cheeks visibly flushed despite the dirt and light bruises on her. What had the girl been through? Her eyes flickered up to Ichigo as he looked at Yashima before they flicked to her. Before she could say anything he suddenly looked away, almost ashamed for some reason.
She felt her stomach knot at something bothering her Ashikabi that badly. She needed to talk to him.
"C'mon," She said to Yashima. "Let's get you inside. The Landlady knows a thing or two about patching people up."
Ikki looked up, her foot on the upside down hammer in a Captain Morgen-esque pose. "That's right, she helped fix me and my sis up real good! I'll help take this in!" She said as she then rubbed her hands together and reached for the handle.
Ichigo shook his head. She was helping, at least, in her own weird little way. "Thanks Ikki" he said.
Ikki's head quickly snapped to him. "Oh! It'sit'sit'snoproblematall, Ichigo-sama!" She said before giggling and then turning to her job.
"C'mon" He said said, echoing Uzume as he gently nudged Yashima.
All three walked into Izumo as quickly and easily as possible as Ikki groaned and stressed at lifting and moving the hammer.
=========
As she was led up to the main doors Yashima suddenly found her head spinning. She was safe, as her Ashikabi said she was but all the same the events of the day and what she had just realized threw her for a loop. 'Stupid! Stupid!' She admonished herself as her cheeks flared in embarrassment and sudden self-consciousness.
It had been a slow, contemplative walk up to her Ashikabi's residence that had nothing but time to think about her predicaments while griting and bearing the aches and pains that had come with each step. For a time though, up until she had attempted to speak with her Ashikabi she had been walking on air. She was with her Ashikabi! Her true Ashikabi! The one she had seen in her dreams!
Despite the pain she was jubilant; being so close to him, feeling his warmth as she leaned into him and wrapped in his shirt had been overwhelming to the point she had nearly passed out. Her nightmare was finally over.
Yet as they continued to walk her Ashikabi had been quiet. Not that she was complaining as she was a quiet one herself but something had nagged at her that something was wrong and she had been taking peeks at him as they slowly made their way to his home. He looked so... neutral- yes, neutral she would guess as they walked that a part of her felt that she had somehow disappointed him when bits of pieces of her dream had come to mind.
In that weird place he had looked both resigned and accepting, abiding his time as he waited for something. There was also that bit with him in the black clothes and that massive sword he had held. She was about to ask when she could see that there was indeed something bothering him so she bit her lip and waited, not wanting to unintentionally do something wrong to make her Ashikabi upset.
And it was then that they had arrived and she felt herself feel two feet tall.
He had more Sekirei... more than one! And they were so beautiful!
She had withdrawn into him, trying to make herself inconspicuous as the short haired sekirei in the yukata greeted her loudly while the other one watched them silently. Her heart had pounded until her Ashikabi gently nudged her.
"Hey..." he said softly, "It's okay, no one will hurt you." He was right, she was safe, and now she had a home.
A home....
And with that thought echoing in her head the quiet sekirei promptly fainted as she stepped into the genkan; her body feeling safe enough to do so.
=====
"Hey!" Ichigo cried out as the girl suddenly went limp the moment they stepped onto the genkan. Quickly he dropped to a knee to catch her before she fell completely onto the floor and her head rolled to the side, her short hair and bangs limply hanging as Uzume gasped. Behind them Ikki quickly appeared, hammer forgotten as she heard her Ashikabi's startled cry.
Ichigo's eyes narrowed as he quickly looked his newest Sekirei over; rolling her head back towards a more natural and less dangerous looking position. He then suddenly turned to face Ikki, who involuntary took a step back, surprised at her Ashikabi's hard expression that seemingly scrutinized her. "Your room," he decided as he suddenly stood up; making sure to gently pick Yashima up in his arms as he quickly marched forward. His heavy footsteps ecoing through the hall as he made way to Ikki and Nanaha's room. His Sekirei both quickly followed; Ikki momentarily stunned before he turned his head to glance at his second sekirei out of the corner of his eye.
"Find Asama-san and tell her to come to your room!" he barked at her.
"R-right Ichigo-sama!" she said as she rushed forward ahead of them to the kitchen as Ichigo and Uzume quickly arrived at the sister Sekirei's room. Ichigo motioned with his head to Uzume and she quickly rushed ahead to open the door to Ikki and Nanaha's room.
Inside the room Nanaha blinked from where she layed and turned to see Uzume and Ichigo along with someone else in his arms burst through before his head began to whip back and forth before Uzume realized what he was after and jumped ahead to grab Ikki's futon before quickly opening and laying it out.
Nanaha hissed as she brought herself to a sitting position. "Wha-what happened?" She asked through gritted teeth.
"She fainted," Ichigo said as if it weren't obvious as he layed her as gently as possible.
"What's all this commotion Kurosaki-san?" Came Miya's familiar voice from the doorway. "I could hear you from the dining area, and we were in the-"
"Asama-san, please look" Ichigo said, not caring that he cut her off as he moved back and saw Miya's hands come to her mouth and her eyes widening. The look in her eyes then became serious before she strode towards the futon the girl layed in and kneeled down.
"Uzume, bandages, water and some clothes," She commanded in a sharp tone.
"Right!" Said girl stated as she rushed out of the room.
"Is she gonna be okay?" Ikki then said softly as she peered at them in concern before noticing Nanaha and blinked in surprise and dismay. "Nanaha-chan! You shouldn't be up!"
Ichigo ignored them as she watched Miya softly prod the comatose Sekirei; grabbing the hem of the shirt she was wearing and tugged it off her as best she could. The former shinigami let out a soft hiss at how her white clothing had been slowly stained red. 'How did I miss that?!' He thought, angry at himself. He knew she had been wounded and had been limping but to this extent?
He then caught Miya removing the rest of the girl's clothing; blinking and turning before he could get an eyeful as he then walked to the doorway and paused as Uzume rushed back in announcing what she had brought.
"Kurosaki-san," Miya then said, causing him to pause but not turn around. Miya herself had not turned either; taking the bandages from Uzume and dunking a cloth into the bowel of water Uzume had brought to wipe the now near naked Yashima.
"Yes?"
"This Sekirei, is she one of yours?"
After a beat Ichigo replied, suddenly feeling very tired. "Yes."
"You really need to stop bringing these girls in like this," she commented, though not tightly.
Ichigo stiffened and grit his teeth but held his tongue; knowing she was trying to lighten the mood. He silently nodded and softly agreed with her before making a move out of the room.
"Ichigo!" "Ichigo-sama!" Both his girls cried out as they rose to follow him.
"I need to talk to him," Uzume suddenly said aloud before turning to Ikki. "Can you stay here?"
Ikki's face twisted in confusion. "W-why? My Ashikabi needs help and I'm gonna help him," she said before her eyes then narrowed in suspicion.
Uzume noticed and fought the urge to groan. 'Damnit, not now... I don't have time for this crap!' She thought, remembering their argument and quickly cut off Ikki who was opening her mouth. "Look the best thing right now is if you help watch over her for Ichigo ok?" Uzume blurted out as her eyes scanned the room and saw Nanaha staring at them; her eyes conveying how confused she was about what was going on and pressed on something she could use. "Besides, your little sister's probably wondering what's going on; and who better to tell her than her big sister right?"
Uzume did her best to ignore how Miya was now glancing at them out of the corner of her eye.
"Alright alright," Ikki sighed in quick resignation, surprising Uzume. "I'll stay." Uzume nodded, turning then to follow Ichigo before feeling herself yanked backwards and saw Ikki holding onto her forearm. "But don't think you'll keep me away from Ichigo-sama; you get me?" she said, looking directly into Uzume's eyes, the happy-go-lucky-girl momentarily gone as her eyes held Uzume's with a sharpness she had not seen before.
Uzume broke Ikki's hold and took a step back to get some space; eyes still locked with Ikki's until a throat clearing broke the tension and both noticed Miya softly rubbing her throat, yet not looking directly at either of them. Uzume's lips became a thin line as she turned and left the room; Ikki shaking her head at her sister Sekirei before turning around to sit next to Nanaha.
"What was that about?" Nanaha whispered in confusion.
"Later," Ikki replied; concern on her face as she looked at her newest Sekirei sister being patched up. She then suddenly blinked; looking up at the ceiling with an eyebrow raised now remembering something from a moment ago when she had been in the dining room.
"Ikki-neechan?" Nanaha whispered, wondering what was going on as Ikki then began counting her fingers, one finger going down with each count until she got to three.
"Hey landlady-san," Ikki began. "How many Sekirei did that Minato guy have again?"
=======
Uzume closed the door behind her and noticed Ichigo halfway up the stairs, facing her. His lips were thin and his eyes unreadable as he nodded to her, Leaving Uzume to stare at him as he walked up the rest of the way. Concerned, Uzume followed him up and into his room, shutting the door behind her. "Ichi-"
"I'm sorry," he let out with a rasp, facing her but looking away. "I'm sorry... Uzume it happened so...," he trailed off and his head looked upwards as he huffed. "I wasn't- It just -" He stopped as she suddenly hugged him and felt his shoulders drop as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry," he said again, gritting his teeth at the role reversal from a few days ago.
"Ichigo..." she started as she looked up to him. "What happened?"
========
"You did the right thing," she said as he finished.
"Did I?" Ichigo replied as he leaned back in his swivel chair, glaring softly at the ceiling. The lights were on and the window was open, with the last vestigas of light of the day slowly dimming.
"Of course you did," Uzume sighed out, folding her arms under her breasts. "You're not questioning that are you?"
"Never," Ichigo replied as he shook his head. "She needed my help from that ass clown, and I'm not regreting that. It's just..."
"That you winged her," Uzume finished in understanding.
Ichigo nodded in agreement. "I did it without thinking... I just... that bastard was goin' on an' on about takin' her and makin' her kill me and shit and I just... I lost it." He turned his gaze from the ceiling to Uzume, his glare softening, "I'm sorry."
"Ichigo... Is this about us? From what you said the other day?"
"Yes!" He then blurt out. "Why wouldn't I be? I... Dammit I said I didn't want more and..." he trailed off, feeling like scum as he swivled away from her and looked downward, letting out another tired sigh.
Slowly, he felt Uzume's arms wrapped around him from behind and he felt her breasts press into his back as she leaned onto him. "It's okay Ichigo," she cooed, as if a mother to a lost child. "It's okay."
Ichigo blinked, not missing how that felt as a sudden wave of nostalgia filled him and he slowly straightened in his seat; not leaving it as Uzume continued to press into him as she layed her head atop of his and nuzzled him. "How could you be so accepting of all this? After... after the other day with Ikki and now this... I..." he trailed off as she squeezed him slightly before loosening back but still holding him.
"Because I'm your wife," she stated gently as her eyes closed. "And I love you. I know how you want to handle this and I support you; but as your wife... in times like this I need to play the devil's advocate too. Do you remember what I told you?"
His eyes darted around, mulling over their conversation the other day after Ikki was winged as she told him more and he frowned. "It's gonna get worse from here, ain't it? 'An Ashikabi with more Sekirei becomes stronger and can attract more Sekirei.'" he quoted with a grimace. He sighed as he felt her head nod in affirmation. "This... this isn't what I wanted, dammit," he muttered miserably.
"I know." Uzume softly replied.
He then tilted his head up a bit to look at her out of the corner of his eye with an eyebrow raised. "And why are you suddenly so accepting of it?"
"I'm not," she stated and continued. "But I was prepared for this. I had been prepared for this," she corrected. "I'd forgotten but Ikki slapped me upside the head with the reality we're in," she whispered softly. She then snorted and gave a small giggle as a thought came to her head. "Ichigo... my Ichigo. You really know how ta throw a girl for a loop, y'know?"
Ichigo continued to look at her in askance at her sudden change in demeanor. "Uzume... That don't explain-"
"I'm not human, remember?"
He went silent at that; unconsiously bringing his right hand to cover where one of hers laid atop the left side of his chest. "I don't care. None of that matters to me," he whispered back.
"I know," she said, once more serious. "And it's one of the many reasons why I love you so much. But I was just thinking now on how much I've changed because of you." Ichigo's head turned slightly at that, and she squeezed him again. "When I was at MBI for my tuning, I would spend hours afterwards thinking about my Ashikabi," she said wistfully, nostalgically with her head tilting upwards.
It felt like a million years ago now.
"I'd daydream and wonder what he might be like... what she might be like-"
Ichigo blinked. Wait... "She?" He blinked once more, his stomach beginning to tie up at what she was saying and his body went still. "Uzume, you're-"
"Hush," she said firmly as a she gave Ichigo a small grin and a small squeeze. "I'm bi Ichigo; or I was," she said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Not like that matters anymore," she said as she lifted her head and kissed his brow softly; laying it back against him and feeling him relax again as she continued.
"I'd wonder what he might be like... what she might be like. And in the end you were nothing like I had ever imagined. You blew all of it away; greater than anything I could ever hope for. So much so that I almost forgot what I was because I wanted to be the best for you."
Ichigo frowned slightly at that, still not liking how she imprinted herself onto him. And now Ikki and Yashima? They would be too, wouldn't they? And he just couldn't see him-
"That's... that's also why I was so frustrated with you when you acted that way with Papa... You were so unlike the man I love I didn't understand what was going on." He looked away again and she shook her head. "Hell... I still don't..." She then sighed before continuing. "Even then though I had about lost sight of what I am. The Game was still there and it was important but I wanted you so much I it had lost a lot of the luster I had for it; I had wanted to protect my Ashikabi and win the Game for them. I wanted to show everyone that my love was the greatest by winning. And it ended up all taking a backseat to you. You changed me," she said with a soft smile.
Ichigo found himself chuckling at that. "'Changed me,'" he quoted her as he looked at the wall and found himself smiling too. "You changed me too, y'know. This..." he trailed off as he squeezed her hand again. "I think about how things are and sometimes I still can't believe it. Talkin' to you like this... hell; talkin' and bein' like this period. I never really gave much thought on relationships. Expected it; somewhat," he elaborated. "But never thought 'bout anything like this."
She giggled and let him go to move in front of him; her right arm still touching him as it slid from his neck to his shoulder as then sat on his lap, her legs both over right leg and his chair squeaked slightly at the added weight. And silently, both kissed, his arms going around her waist and hers over his shoulders. After a moment both pulled away from each into a contemplative silence. A few minutes would pass before Ichigo spoke.
"It is going to get bad, isn't it?"
"Hm?"
"More Sekirei." He clarified.
Uzume shrugged, "I dunno Ichigo, it's possible but it depends on how many are left unwinged now."
"Like Nanaha?"
Uzume nodded and Ichigo gave an irritated sigh, "I don't want this, Uzume. I'm not some sleaze trying to collect girls for his harem. I"m... I'm happy with you," he got out and felt his face heat up; grimacing before continuing (and ignoring Uzume's wide smile). "I just can't see myself actin' with more girls the way I do with you."
She blinked in thought and turned to him. "Do you find them attractive, Ichigo? Ichigo, I'm not going to get mad," she added when she saw his face twist.
"It don't matter," He groaned "But yea they're pretty."
Thoughts of Ikki and their argument now filled her thoughts. "Even Nanaha?"
Ichigo just stared at her. "Devil's advocate?" He echoed her from earlier.
"Pretty much," she said seriously, causing Ichigo to blink in surprise.
He sighed again and shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, she's pretty. But like I said, it don't really matter. And what sucks is that they're going to be expecting me to be like how you and me are y'kno?"
Ikki's words rang her head and her mouth became a thin line and nodded.
"Che," Ichigo snorted out. "One woman for one man," he said. "That's how its supposed to be right? And I got two with a possibility for more," he said distastefully. After another moment his head came up. "Here's a thought... what if I just ignore 'em?"
"Ichigo!" Uzume chided wide eyed. Though not happy with the current arrangements she didn't want him to do that with them in the slightest.
"For any others," he hastefully clarified. "I mean... you said I might cause others to react; right? What if I just ignore 'em so they could react to someone else?"
Uzume turned her head slightly, and from how her eyes were unfocused Ichigo could see she was thinking. "I'm... I'm thinkin' that wouldn't be good at all; hon," she said solemnly.
"Why?"
She clasped his hand and closed her eyes, "It... it wouldn't be good. When... when we react its because we know that person would be the best for us. We know. To be denied that... To be denied..." she trailed off and Ichigo straightened in his seat in concern.
Her Ashikabi frowned, concern entering his eyes. "Uzume..."
"Do.. do you remember that first day? That morning, when you had to leave?"
Ichigo nodded softly as the memories of their first meeting replayed in his head; casuing him to look away as he remembered how miserable Uzume looked when he had left Izumo to return home.
"It... it was really bad, Ichigo. You had winged me but it had been really, really bad after you left. I found the person I was meant to be with and he had to leave; and I couldn't go after him. I was finally complete yet I was denied being in his presence and the closest I could get to it was sleeping in the futon you used for awhile. I think I spent that whole day wrapped up in there after you left."
Ichigo looked away, scowling as he recalled Kagari mentioning something about that when he visited afer that first time.
Her eyes shimmered as she opened them, the memories and emotions flowing freely now. "I didn't know if you'd come back or not; and my stomach kept tying into knots when I would thought that you might not come back at all. Nothing really mattered then... tv, food, talking.... I had so much time to think of all the what ifs that I thought that if you wouldn't come at all then I didn't want to live anymore."
"Uzume!" he hissed, his arms now back around her.
She sighed as she grasped his hands and gently kissed him, "I know... but I didn't know then. I just knew that if you didn't want me then it wasn't worth living at all." She then looked at him, her eyes somewhat watered. "And that was after being winged. I can't think of how it would have been if I hadn't been winged but knew you were the one. I... I might not even be here."
Ichigo kept his eyes on her, boring into them as he fought down the urge to throw something. Goddammit this was such a fucking mess. "I'm sorry," he said through gritted teeth.
She leaned into him and kissed his cheek and nuzzled him. "There's nothing to be sorry about. You came back and here we are..."
He nodded at that, squeezing her with his arms. "Gotta admit... it does creep me out, y'know."
"Hm"?
"How ya mention all this; how Sekirei act with or without the person they love."
"Did I... Do I creep you out?"
"It threw me for a loop in the beginning, yeah..." he muttered a bit bluntly.
"And if I were human?" She then asked and grew a bit nervous as he went quiet.
Ichigo's eyes looked up towards the ceiling before his head tilted back, thinking. After a moment he replied. "The truth?"
She nodded.
"I would've ditched you after that first day," he said and felt her tense. "Anyone who acts like that, that's human that is, is either up to somethin' or just plain nuts. I wouldn't have any part of it."
"Then," Uzume said as she smacked her lips, "I'm glad I'm not human."
Ichigo looked at her and gave her small smile that caused her heart to flutter. "Me too." Another moment would pass in silence. "So what happens now then?"
Uzume mulled over her thoughts. "I think I may have someone to talk to," she began, "in regards to finding out how many more Sekirei are left."
"Oh?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, interested.
"Yeah, but I wanna talk to her alone. I told you about her, remember?"
Ichigo's brows furrowed in thought. "The one you helped?" He haphazared a guess and she nodded.
Uzume gave a sharp nod in confiration, "Yeah, she can probably give us an idea of how many are left." Ichigo nodded, hoping to get some good news. "I can probably talk to her in a bit, if that helps."
"It's late," Ichigo then said. "You can ask tomorrow." Uzume then opened her mouth and Ichigo cut her off. "Tomorrow, Uzume. At the moment I'm too tired. I just want to grab some food, eat, bath and get some reading done before turning in."
Uzume then leaned into him once more and nodded. "Okay, Ichigo." She spoke again in a soft voice, "I know I sounded a little strange just now, Ichigo," she said quietly. "But I was alone for a long time. And I don't want to be, ever again."
"You won't be, Uzume," he said firmly. "No matter what happens... I'm here for you I promise."
"I know," she sighed as she reluctenly left his arms. "I'm... I'm gonna go talk to my friend now ok?"
"Tomorrow," Ichigo said with finality. "I don't want any of us to be out at the moment, with what's happening below. You can go see her tomorrow."
"But she's-" She started before Ichigo's eyes narrowed. "Tomorrow, gotcha." She then snapped her fingers. "Tell you what, why don't I grab dinner downstairs and bring it up to you? You can continue to stretch out here and get up to reading to help take your mind off things as you eat."
Ichigo mulled it over and looked at the clock. It was still early evening despite the darkness that was outside but then shrugged, right now not feeling like dealing with everyone else at the moment. "Sure Uzume, sounds good, thanks."
"No problem, Ichigo. Be back in a flash!" She said as left the room, softly closing the door behind her.
As he heard her footstep softly grow all the more distant Ichigo let out a sigh as he raked his hand through his hair. Tomorrow. He hoped that tomorrow would bring good news. Uzume was one thing when it happened, and it had ended up turning out better than he ever though possible. Ikki had been an accident but he had though he had a way to deal with her. Yashima... Yashima was his responsibility. He grimaced as he replayed what had happened. He didn't even ask her and he took away her chance in his anger.
He sighed as he wondered how to go forward with them. And he most definitely didn't like that there might be others, but what to do? The way Uzume mentioned about how she had been even after being winged... what might one do if she wasn't winged? What to do?
What was the right thing to do?
This wasn't fair.
Not fair at all.
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Below, Uzume wandered into the dining area to check up if dinner was ready and came to a halt as she noticed the extra occupant.
"M-Matsu?"
Said Sekirei was at the table next to Musubi with Minato across from them. Kuu was staring from over Minato's shoulder as she turned to look at Uzume before turning back to growl at the hacker Sekirei.
"H-hi Uzume-tan! Guess what?"
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