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SweetxFidelity

Chapter One | Matchbook Romance

Its been about eight months since I went to Washington, D.C. with Ichigo and my sister to visit my
fathers grave. I feel so much better after visiting my fathers grave. It took me only a couple of weeks to
jump back to my normal self, whatever normal is. My sister didnt jump back so quickly, it took her about a
month and a half, but she seems about right. Ichigo, well Ichigo made everything a little bit better. When we
got back to Karakura, I stood home a couple more days while my mother was in D.C. finally visiting my
father. Ichigo stayed over once and we spoke for hours about my father, and now he knows why I take the
week before visiting my fathers grave so seriously.

When we got back to school, I had an excuse and everyone was talking about it. Ichigo was also the
center of attention because he was gone for about five days without an excuse. They called his father and
Ichigo never told about what happened with his father. I personally never met his father so I cant really say
anything bad. Personally after being with Ichigo for days, I found out I was getting kind of closer to him,
but I couldnt really tell since I stopped hanging out with him.

Now that its July its become hotter as the day progresses, we still have school until the end of the
July so Finals have become the talk of the school. I still dont take my classes only my advance math and
physics classes, I also take Drama and Gym. With Drama it was different, I felt as if Katsu was thinking
highly of me as if he excepted me to do well. In Drama we called the teacher by his first name

Well Namie, get up there and perform your play. Katsu told me

Katsu was tall, had fair skin with green eyes, he always kept his dark brown hair messy but it
looked good. He had a tendency to wear whatever he wanted, today he just so happen to wear dark blue
jeans and a white button down shirt. Many of the girls thought he was handsome but he was a teacher and I
found that very weird.

But I only have one copy. I blinked

Oh please, save it for the stage. Takashi has another copy. Katsu looked at me with a stern looked

I looked at Takashi and felt my heart beat speed up, Takashi was a senior and damn was he hot.
Well built, had perfectly tanned skin and the cutest black hair you just want to have touch, he had cute deep
blue eyes. He got up on stage and looked at me.

I dont bite. Takashi said as he helped me up on stage

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Everyone looked at us and it started to make me nervous. Ichigo was talking to Orihime for a few
seconds until she pointed at me on stage. I quickly looked away.

Lets pick up on page 5. Katsu said loudly

Holy crap, we gotta kiss. I looked down

You dont have to you know that, right? Takashi told me as he put his hand on my shoulder.

You do have to. Katsu said

Crap, cant we have someone else on stage? I asked Katsu

Nope. Action! Katsu yelled

I sighed and looked at my play, I had wrote it maybe a few months ago and handed it in for a grade.
Katsu gave it a hundred and said hed use it in class.

Zack cant I just run away. Maybe they wont find me. I said looking up at Takashi

They found you before, this is the last time. Im not letting you run anymore. He said with a determined
look

Zack what are you talking about? I questioned Takashis character

Takashi stood quite and looked away from me, turning his back to me. I sighed and swallowed
hard.

Please Zack tell me! I pleaded

Takashi didnt respond again, I spun him around so he faced me. Please dont tell me youWHY
would you do that!? I yelled

Im sorry I had to. Takashi said to me as he took my right hand and held it.

You had a choice, why couldnt you have left it the way it was!? I yelled as tears rolled down my cheeks

You mean too much to the people of the city.

What about you!? Youre leaving me behind! I yelled

I told you before that I love you and I wont let you die. Takashis voice was deep and strong.
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I shook my head and pulled away from Takashi, taking small steps backs. Takashi grabbed my
hand and pulled me closer to him.

I love you, and I already made the deal. Please let this moment be one that we treasure. Takashi leaned in
and kissed me on the lips.

His kiss was soft, warm and inviting, Takashi wrapped his arms around me waist and pulled me
closer. I wrapped my arms around his neck and dropped the play onto the floor. I heard a chair fall to the
ground and someone walk out of the room, then I heard the door slam.

Im sorry, but I love you too much for you to just die. I would kill myself if you werent around me
anymore. Takashi kissed me softly again and walked off stage.

I fell to my knees and cried. Okay Scene. Katsu called

Namie, would you mind go fetching Kurosaki? He asked

I got up and wiped the fake tears from my face and jumped off stage and left the room.

Ichigo? I asked as I walked around

I didnt hear an answer so I decided to stay outside for awhile. Hey. I heard a voice call

Ichigo, why did you leave? I asked as I turned around

Nothing. I gotta go, Ill see you later. Ichigo rubbed my head and walked away

No it doesnt work like that! I snapped as I pulled him back Are you upset at me? I asked

He didnt respond, I sighed and shook my head. I was acting. I pleaded

So what, you mean something to him. Ichigo told me without facing me

What are you talking about, he is a senior and Im a sophomore. I said as I let go of him

You dont hear the way they talk about you. Ichigo said

What the hell are you talking about? I questioned

Think about it, use that smart brain. What else could I be talking about? Ichigo snapped as he looked at
me
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I shook my head as I put the pieces together. Takashi wouldnt do that he is too nice for that.

But hes really nice Ichigo. I said thinking about him

Its all a faade, youre every guys dream. Ichigo trailed off

What do you mean? I question

You have everything, smarts and a great body. Ichigo looked at me with soft eyes

I bit the inside of my cheek, my heart started to race faster and faster. He walked closer to me, I
back away until I hit the school wall, and he put his hands on the wall each on either side of my head.

Listen to me Namie. Ichigo started

I already know what youre going to say to me. I said looking at him

Just listen to me! Stay away from him youll be safer. He told me

Safer, what the hell can he do? I snapped

A lot. Ichigo answered

I sighed and looked at Ichigo. Why did you start caring all of a sudden? I asked

Dont question, just be grateful. He told me You should get back to class, Im gonna go sit in outside till
class is over.

Ichigo left me standing in the hall; with so many questions left unanswered I didnt dare as any with
his attitude at the moment. Ichigo was my favorite person but for him to tell me this guy was targeting me
in school just didnt sound like Ichigo. There is definitely something wrong with him.

Chapter Two | Better Off Safe

Time passed quickly and lunch rolled by just as quick, Ichigo skipped lunch and said hell be back
by the end of the period; he said it was something important. But fifteen minutes into the class and he
wasnt there.

Do you know where Ichigo is at? Orihime asked me

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I shook my head, she sighed and looked down at her papers, she sat next to me in my History class,
and this was a class I needed to go to just for this period.

He always acts funny during June. Orihime said softly

Why does he act funny? I asked looking over at her

Orihime moved to the empty seat next to me. Ichigo doesnt talk about it much. But Tatsuki had
known him for years. She said every June around the third week in June he always has this weird attitude.
He acts strange. She said

Do you know why? I asked

Nope, Ichigo refuses to talk to me about it. You should ask Tatsuki. But if youre lucky maybe youll hear
it from him. Orihime smiled softly as she moved back to her seat.

I heard the door open and kept my eyes on my paper which was clearly empty, I didnt bother take
notes this class because I knew the material.

Mr. Kurosaki youre late. The teacher said

Ichigo didnt respond, he sat next to me and took out his notebook. I took a looked at Ichigo and
smiled softly.

Ichigo, are you okay? I asked

Yeah Im fine, why you ask? Ichigo asked in return

I shrugged when I sensed some hostility in his voice, I sighed and looked back down at my book,
and he slid a piece of paper into my hand that was on the desk. I looked at him but he was turned away
copying notes on the board. I read the note and sighed.

We need to talk, after school at your house. Okay?

I took a pen and responded with a simple okay, nothing else. He was upset and I could tell but if a
look could tell a thousand words Id have about 5 pages at this point.

The class few by quick as soon as I got out of the room Ichigo took me by my hand and basically
pushed me all the way home.

Ichigo stop! I yelled

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What is the problem? he asked

Thats what I want to know! Ever since this morning you have been acting weird! Its not normal Ichigo.
Tell me whats going on. I yelled

I dont know what youre talking about. Ichigo replied

Dont lie to me, you know I hate that. I snapped

I dont know what youre talking about Namie. Ichigo told me his grip tighten around my hands

Ichigo youre hurting me. I said feeling his grip tighten

Whats today? Ichigo asked

June 14. I said wincing at the pain

Three more days. Ichigo said softly

Ichigo let go of my hands and walked away from me. I grabbed his hand and pulled at him.

Till what Ichigo? I asked

My mothers Anniversary. He said softly

Ichigo Im sorry. I said softly

I looked down and tried to breathe, but I just felt bad that I was getting upset based on his
personality.

Im sorry. I kept saying

Its okay. Ichigo kissed my head and took my hands

Maybe you should go home and relax. Ichigo said softly

Even though I wasnt feeling well I still wanted to be with Ichigo, even if that meant we were
standing outside talking. I shook my head.

Why not? You want me to go with you? Ichigo asked

I nodded looked at him; he had a soft smile on his face like he had forgotten the hurtful things. As
we walked to my house we barely talked and it made me nervous, I hated when conversations ended up
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going quite. As soon as we got to my house we went upstairs and into my room. We talked for awhile until
we talked for awhile about what he was going to do for that day but he went kind of quite.

Im sorry Ichigo. I said again

Its okay. He said softly

Um I dont think I told you the week you came with me, but thanks for coming with me. It made me feel
better. I smiled softly and kissed his cheek

Ichigo smiled a little and then looked at me, he kissed me on the cheek and he pulled away, I hated
when he pulled away, but I was grateful he did, because I heard the door to the house open. I locked my
door and looked at Ichigo who told me to keep quite.

Namie are you home? I heard my mothers voice call

What is she doing home? Ichigo asked

I dont know. I said looking at Ichigo.

Ill go, maybe she wont know I was here. Ichigo said.

The only way out of my house is through the front door. I said looking at him with a confused look

Not really. Through the windows. Ichigo said as he opened my window

I sighed and nodded. Be careful I dont want to take you to the hospital. I said with a slight
attitude. Ichigo laughed and climbed out my window. I closed my window and ignored him as he left me.

Chapter Three | Reality is Paperthin

I was outside but I wasnt sure where I was at, the sky light blue and the clouds were thick, but
there was blue crystals floating around in the sky. Whenever I touched one it would shatter into smaller
pieces, they would sparkle each time a light hit them.

I was walking around in the circular platform with bridges going in each direction but the South,
East, and West bridges were broken missing two pieces. The distances between each broken pieces was
close enough to jump but I was too scared. The only one that was whole was the North Bridge, but it led to
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water like portal. Whenever I touched it everything would fade to white and I would wake up from this
dream.

Every now and then someone would appear and talk to me; it was the same girl every time. She had
pale skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair. She didnt dress like a normal person she dressed like she was from a
different age. She wore see through light blue leggings, a lace clothe that would cover her chest over that
she wore a thin kimono, barely tied up with a white obi.

Whenever I saw her she would tell me almost the same thing.

Youre a special human; I shouldnt even call you human. She said

Who are you? I asked

The one who aids you whenever youre in danger. She said

Do you have a name I could address you by? I asked

She shook her head and went to the center of the circular platform and touched the water fountain
in the center.

Namie, do you know what I am? she asked

No I dont but can I get a hint? I asked her

This is something you have to figure out yourself, but do you remember this? She asked motioning me to
the water fountain.

The image was my dads grave in Arlington; I watched the image in the water move to a figure on
the ground.

Is that me? I asked

Yes, keep watching. She said

I saw my body still breathing trying to move but couldnt, then a black butterfly landed near me.
The motion image faded back into clear water.

Why dont I remember that? I asked

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When you visited your fathers grave you were attacked when you were going to leave. I dont mean
attacked by a human but by an evil spirit. But you were protected by someone, someone who had a good
spirit. She told me

Who is this good spirit? And how do you know if someone is a good spirit. I looked over her confused
and overwhelmed by what she was telling me

The spirit is someone you hold close, and your powers are far too young to see the difference between
good and bad spirits. She told me

My powers? I asked What do you mean?

Youll find out soon, till then its time you wake up. She walked over the portal then seemed to be made
out of water.

I walked through the portal and seem to be back in reality, but I still wanted to know what exactly
was going on in my dream.

I looked at my clock and saw the time 9:54am the clock read, I cursed under my breath. I quickly
took a shower and put on my school uniform. I grabbed my bag and phone, I ran out the door and locked it
behind me, I looked at my phone and saw seven missed calls; two from Ichigo, three from Orihime and 2
from Tatsuki. I shoved my phone into my pocket and ran to school.

I was two hours late, I checked in with the main office and dropped off my late slip in my teachers
mail box. I went to the library and sat on the floor, I had an hour before I actually had to go to class, so I
might as well relax before going. When fifteen minutes passed I decided to do some research about my
dream. I sat at the computer table and logged on to Google. I typed in people with powers. At first Djinn
popped up, then something called soul reapers came up. I clicked on links and read information on them.

What are you doing? A male voice asked

Nothing. I minimized the page and looked back and saw Ichigo.

Let me see. Ichigo said putting his hand over mine controlling the mouse.

No. its nothing. I said pushing him away

It didnt look like nothing, is it a project for class? Ichigo asked trying to get to the web browser

Yeah. I lied completely

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Youre such a liar. Ichigo said trying harder to get to the web browser window.

Shut up! Im going to bite you! I growled

So what. Ichigo fought back

I drove in and bit Ichigos arm, he didnt say anything. He finally let go of my hand and the mouse
and looked at me. I stopped biting him and glared at him. He quickly took the mouse and opened the web
browser, I tried to take it back but he already opened the page.

Why are you looking at this? he asked me

Cause, I had this dream about something. I said timidly

So you see this spirits? He asked

Yeah.

I heard footsteps get closer to where Ichigo and I were arguing. Ichigo, are you going to lunch? I
heard Orihime ask. Ichigo let go of my hands and looked over at Orihime.

Whats going on? Orihime asked

Nothing. Ichigo and I said at the same time

She tilted her head and got a good look at the computer screen. So youre interested in soul
reapers? Orihime asked with a smile You know they really exist right? One saved me before. Orihime
commented

Orihime! Ichigo snapped

What? She is gonna find out anyway. Orihime looked at Ichigo with a soft smile They are the good
spirits; they are the ones who protect the souls who still wander around on Earth. Orihime replied

You sound as if you know a soul reaper. I said as I looked at Orihime

You can say that. Orihime replied with a smile Have you ever seen a Black Butterfly before? Orihime
asked me

Orihime. Ichigo said loudly looking at Orihime

Why cant I tell her Ichigo? she asked

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Just drop it Orihime. Ichigo said looking to Orihime

My head started to hurt, I had flash backs of a black butterfly when I was at Arlington Cemetery. I
closed my eyes and by then my vision started to get a little blurry and thats when I blacked out.

I was back in my dream, everything still the same as it was in my dream this morning. I walked to
the center platform and looked around.

So your back? the girl said as she appeared out of nowhere

Yes. I said timidly

Do you know what a Soul Reaper is? she asked

Yes. I answered

Do you know who I was talking about and who saved you? She asked

I shook my head, she waved her hand over the pool of water and the same motion appeared.

I already saw this. I said looking at her

Watch. She said calmly

I watched and saw a black butterfly appeared and then someones foot, the view switched up to
someone else. This person has orange hair and looked like Ichigo.

So its Ichigo? I asked

Yes. She answered

Why doesnt he want to tell me? I asked

I am not sure. Now its time for you to wake up. She walked me over to the water portal I walked through
and looked back at her

Dont worry I think hell talk. She said

Chapter Four | Dont Worry

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I woke up with the bright lights of the nurses office shining in my face; I groaned and shifted to
my left to lie on my side. Ichigo looked at me and raised his eyebrow, I growled and shifted to lay on my
right side, I saw Orihime, she smiled.

Are you okay now? Orihime asked

Yup. I lied halfway

Really? She asked in a serious tone

Yup, Im pretty sure Im fine. I replied with a long sigh

She pointed at Ichigo and then got up and left me alone closing the curtain so we could be alone.
Before she left I looked at her with puppy eyes.

Please dont leave me alone with him. I pleaded

Youll be fine he wont eat you alive. Orihime pranced away and left me alone

I sat up in bed and looked over at Ichigo and let out a long sigh, it wasnt as bad as I made it seem
but it was exhausting when Im suppose to be alone with him. Why do I really have to be alone with Carrot
Top.

Whats up? I asked acting a little bit more normal.

I should be asking you that question. Ichigo got up and looked at me

What are you saying exactly? I looked at him and fake smiled

Cut the act, we are alone and we need to talk. He told me

Tch, Im offended. Its unfortunate that you dont believe me. I said with an attitude

Ichigo studied me, shook his head and turned his back to me. I sighed and closed my eyes bracing
myself for the upcoming tense conversation.

The way you spoke to Orihime earlier, made me question your acts. I said loud enough for him to hear
me. Maybe Im a little crazy, maybe I hit my head when I fell off the bed this morning but you and
Orihime are best friends. With the heavy hints she was dropping Im pretty sure there is something youre
not telling me. Whether you want to tell me is up to you, but I know what youre about and I know your
acts. I remember the day you went to D.C with Rin and me. If you would have asked me early I wouldnt
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know what the hell you were talking about, but I think I know now. The symbol for living long is a Black
Butterfly, then with the information I looked at this morning I noticed a Soul Reaper can live for years,
some hundreds of years older than me, some 4 times older than me and still look young. But I never head of
a human who can turn into a Soul Reaper at will. I looked off into the distance and continued. The duties
of a Soul Reaper are to send the souls who still wander around Earth to Heaven, and kill the bad souls and
send them to Hell. Am I right? I asked

Yes you are Namie. A girl said

I looked over to a short girl with short black hair, who had gray eyes; she was also kind of pale.

Rukia. Ichigo said looking over at the girl

Shes a gifted human Ichigo, cant you tell? Rukia asked Ichigo

Not really. Ichigo kept his back to me as he spoke with the girl

She has an abnormal amount of Sprit Pressure. Rukia said as she walked over to be looking at me in the
eye

Yeah, this is getting kind of weird for me. I took out my phone and saw a text message from Takashi

Namie, lets grab lunch, I hope you can get away from Kurosaki.

I put my phone away and got off the nurse bed and opened the door to leave. Where are you
going? Ichigo asked as he finally turned around to look at me

To have lunch with Takashi. I said as I rolled my eyes and left the room with my bag.

I saw the flash of anger in his eyes before I left, I quickly ran to the entrance of the school and
looked outside and saw Takashi. I took a few deep breathes, and exited the school. Once Takashi saw me he
flashed a perfect smile. I smiled back and looked down shyly.

I heard you went to the nurse, what happened? Takashi took my hands and looked at me making me melt

Um- I just fainted. I answered trying to act normal

Will you be okay? Takashi asked with a soft smile

Yup. I answered with a soft smile

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Takashi wrapped his arms around me and hugged me, I smiled the soft scent of cigarettes on his
uniform, and I got kind of nervous but started to feel that nervous way of feeling melt away. We broke
away and he took my hand and led me to secret spot on the school campus.

Where are we? I asked looking around nervously

Somewhere secretive. He answered with a cute smile

We were behind the school in an abandon staircase. Takashi sat me down on his lap, we kissed
once a then broke away and I saw him take out a cigarette, I sighed. I never tried that but I didnt want to
look lame.

You smoke? He asked

Nope. I answered honestly playing with the zip to my sweater.

You wanna try? He asked

I shrugged and kept playing with my zipping, watching it go up and down as I pulled it and tugged
it.

Its an acquired taste. He added

I reached for the cigarette and took it into my hand. Namie! Someone called my name

Damn it. Takashi said Why does Kurosaki always have to come.

Its not fair, its like hes watching me. I mumbled You should go.

No, Im not going to go. He kissed my lips then my neck.

Stop. I kept telling Takashi

Takashi! I heard Ichigo yelled

I felt something dig into my neck; I screamed out in pain, I pushed Takashi away. He stopped biting
me and got up. I looked up at him and watched him leave in a flash.

Namie are you okay!? I heard Rukia yell as she got closer to me.
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I blinked a little and touched my neck, I felt the wound and then looked at my hand, and it was
cover in blood, MY BLOOD! I started to breathe heavier as I stared at my blood even more; I was
homophobic so one look at my blood made me dizzy.

Stay with me, I got you. Ichigo said to me

Im sorry. I looked over at Ichigos face as he picked me up

I should be saying Im sorry, I let my guard down and let my anger get the best of me. Ichigo moved my
hair out my face

Ichigo wasnt wearing his own school uniform but a black Kimono, and what looked like a sword
hilt on his back.

Take her to Kisuke; shell be safe from Takashi there. I heard Rukia order

My vision faded to black from there, everything else was a blur to me, and I couldnt grasp the
situation of anything going on around me.

Chapter Five | Complications

When I usually wake up its to my ceiling not to people talking in my living room, I tried to move
but my neck seem to hurt a lot more then what it did before. I had no memory of what happened yesterday
or even how I got in my PJs. This was going to be a problem.

Are you okay? Rukia smiled as she got on to her knees beside me

Ichigo stood in the background leaning against the wall, he seem to look depressed.

Im fine thank you, but my neck it hurts really badly. I answered sitting up

Dont strain yourself relax, if you want to sit up please dont do it quickly. Rukias eyes were soft

Thank you again Rukia. I looked over at Ichigo once again. Um Rukia can you please tell me why
Ichigo seems really depressed.

He actually needs to go now; Ill talk to you about it later. Rukia quietly whispered

Im glad shes up, but I need to go. Ichigo looked at me and walked out my door
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Rukia sighed as Ichigo left; she looked tense as if she had some heavy burden on her shoulders.

Namie, I thought Orihime or Tatsuki told you. But today is June 17th the Day Ichigos Mother died. Rukia
said looking off in the distance. I learned about it last year but I know so little about his past, only that he
loved his mother a lot, he was always with her. She died when Ichigo was nine years old, how she died is
something he has to address with you. But ever since her death he protects everyone he holds close with his
life.

I feel so bad; I never knew that today was the day. Ive put so much stress on Ichigo. I started

Namie, Ichigo told me that he doesnt seem to understand why you take the blame for some many faults
that werent yours to take the fall for. Maybe Ichigo already told you when a girl steps into his life he vows
to protect them, and it seems like your number one on his list. Rukia smiled as she got up off the floor.

Rukia was wearing dark blue skinny jeans and a purple V-neck t-shirt; she pulled it off quite well.

Doesnt Orihime like Ichigo? I asked timidly as I moved to sit up on the sofa

Yes she does but I think she had stepped down, she has taken note that Ichigo seems to be caring for you
more. Rukia answered

Oh no, I didnt want that to happen. I looked down at my purple sheet that I was covered with

Namie, she understands what is going on with you and she understands that Ichigo seems to like you more
then he likes her. Its just a matter of time and if Ichigo decides to man up and ask you out. Rukia smiled

I blushed slightly when the last sentences came out of her mouth. I didnt realize the friendship I
had with Ichigo was so open that it was morphing into a relationship.

Plus his number one priority is protecting you from Takashi. After the event yesterday we all realized that
your powers are advancing at an extreme pace. Rukia sat down next to me

My powers, oh right. I remember now, but what did Takashi do? I asked looking over at Rukia as I sat up
more

I cannot go into grave details but he hurt you badly. Rukia looked at me her face hard to read

Rukia got up and went into the kitchen, a few minutes later she came out with some Orange Juice
and pills.
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I know your still in pain, so here are some Sleeping Pills. If youre hungry Ill make you something before
you take a nap. Rukia offered kindly

Rukia is a good friend, no matter how mean she was to Ichigo at times. Even though we had just
met maybe a day ago I felt like Ive seen her somewhere or I know her from somewhere.

No thanks, Im actually just going to go back to sleep. I said as I took the pills she offered to me and
drank the orange juice.

Within a matter of minutes I fell into a deep asleep, where the whole world seems to be blocked
out.

I woke up about two hours later and looked around, Rukia was gone and Ichigo wasnt back. This
couldnt be good. I went up to my room and got dressed in black skinny jeans and a white tang top. I pulled
out a black hoodie and put it on. I heard drops on my window and then decided to put on my black rain
boots that had white polka dots.

I quickly took an umbrella and left the house; I took my phone out and looked at my one missed
message from Rukia,

Im sorry I left but something went wrong, I went to the cemetery in Karakura. If Im not back then
please head to the cemetery its not safe in your house.

I opened my umbrella and ran to the bus stop two blocks away from my house. I waited for three
minutes until it came. The bus was nearly empty except for two or three people. I sat down and let my
closed umbrella drip dry. As soon as the bus got to the stop near the cemetery I got off and looked around.
The rain drops were coming down harder and harder and in bigger drops. I ran up two blocks and to the
cemetery.

As soon as I arrived at the entrance of the cemetery I heard fighting, I ran to the fighting and saw
Ichigo dressed in a black Kimono, he was dressed as a soul reaper fighting some kind of monster.

Rukia! I yelled

Namie get back! Rukia yelled as she ran toward me

Whats going on? I asked looking at Ichigo fighting the monster with a sword
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That Hollow attacked him and his sisters when they were visiting their mothers grave. Rukia answered
as she held me back

I felt scared, worried and nervous all in one, seeing Ichigo fight gave me a tiny panic attack. That
urge to yell his name tried to take over but it subsided.

Will he be okay? I asked with a hint of fear in my voice

Ichigo has fought many hollows before, hell be fine. Rukia assured me

I watched Ichigo fight, each time he swung I thought it would be the last blow but it wasnt. Each
time the hollow swung his claws my muscles would tighten, sometimes Ichigo would dodge the claws but
then there was those times were Ichigo was taken off guard and it would wound Ichigo.

Where are Ichigo are little sisters? I asked

They ran to find Isshin. Rukia answered Dont worry too much; Ichigo has too many people to protect to
die now.

How did Ichigo become a Soul Reaper anyway? I asked Rukia as I turned away from the fight

It was my fault, when a hollow attacked Ichigos family I was to careless and got injured pretty badly.
Ichigo wanted to protect his family so I attempted to give him a small dose of my powers so that he could
kill that one hollow, but for some reason Ichigos body took almost all my power. Leaving me with only a
little bit of power, and stuck in a human body. Rukia explained

I was stuck with so many questions running through my mind but I couldnt ask them there was a
good place for that and that place wasnt here. I looked back to the fight and saw Ichigo deliver the final
blow to the hollow; cutting off white mask it wore to hide its face. Ichigo looked at me and quickly ran over
to our hiding spot.

IchigoAre you okay? I said reaching out to touch his face where I saw a wound

Yeah. He answered

Ill leave you two alone. Rukia took her umbrella Ill be waiting. Was the last thing Rukia said before
she left Ichigo and me alone.

Im sorry. I said looking down at the ground

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For what? Ichigo asked You didnt do anything today.

I know butIm sorry for everything that I put you through. Honestly if I wasnt a gifted human or
anything I wouldnt be here now, I wouldnt be stressing you and other people out. Im sorry about your
mother, Im sorry that I was hard on you yesterday. Im sorry that I disobeyed you and got myself into
trouble. Im sorry for even

Namie, youre sorry for so many things that arent your fault. One youre not the reason my mother died,
and two youre not stressing me out other things are. You need to stop apologizing. Ichigo replied softly

Im sorry. I let it slip out by accident.

Listen; even if you werent a gifted human I would still go out of my way to protect you. I would still be
your friend; youd probably even be standing here now. Ichigo looked at me with a soft look in his eyes

But Ichigo... I started but stopped

I felt my heart skip beats whenever Ichigo would look at me, now I feel like my heart is going to
stop beating. It was getting hard to even look at him.

Okay I guess Ill admit it first, there is something good going on between us. I wish I knew what to else to
say to make you believe me. Ichigo sighed I should get back in my body, go wait with Rukia at the
entrance. Ichigo told me

I nodded and looked down and started to walk to where I saw Rukia standing, in his own way I
think Ichigo just told me he liked me. I wasnt quite sure maybe Im hearing things but I hope Im right. As
I walked away I looked at the graves and saw one that had a familiar surname.

Masaki Kurosaki

Amazing Mother and Wife

Ichigo. I said softly under my breath. She must have meant so much to him.

Chapter Six | Lifeless

June 17th was behind us, Ichigo was slowly going back to normal, everyone seemed to notice that
he was going back to normal and school was going back to normal.
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Summer was here and it was time to say goodbye to everyone in class till September, it was now
June 25 the last Friday of the school year, we would come back on the 28th and get the grades that made
th

out average. There was a list of the top 50 students in the 10th grade, I was first with a kid name Ishida
second, Ichigo was the 23rd, I couldnt wait for school to be over so that I could finally relax and take a
break from the stresses of school.

Back in class, the teachers seemed to be more relaxed about homework, finals were over and the
teachers didnt want to make the effort so they let us talk almost all of the period.

How have you been Namie? Ichigo asked

Good I guess. I shrugged

Ichigo and I kept a pretty good distance between for really good reason; we didnt want to talk
about a possible relationship just yet.

Hey its been pretty quite between you to, the couple arguing with each other? Orihime asked

We both looked away from each other and kept quite; I felt my cheeks get warm. I made a fist with
both hands and tried to relax.

Wrong time? Orihime asked

Not at all. Ichigo answered looking at Orihime

During the week we didnt talk there was a tension between us that kept building up, known of us
cared to address it. Rukia tried to address it but failed because we didnt want to talk about it, now it seems
Orihime wants to talk now.

So school is almost done, what are you guys doing for the summer? Orihime asked as she pulled up a
chair and sat down.

Not much probably going to help with the clinic. Ichigo answered

That seems so great! Tell your father I said Hi. Im going to be hanging out with Tatsuki, during the
summer. She answered

I kept quiet and tried to keep my attention off the conversation I was suppose to be in.

Well what are you going to do for the Summer Namie? Orihime asked me
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Not much, family is kind of boring. I said looking at her with a fake smile

Ichigo looked at me and smiled, I looked away and out the window. I dont understand why
everything was getting a little weird between us.

How about we have a sleep over every two weeks. Orihime replied

Sure that sounds fun. I answered

It was quite between us, and then Orihime let out a long sigh. Well it seems you guys need to
talk. Orihime left us together.

Well what should we talk about? Ichigo asked

I shrugged and left Ichigo hanging. I made an invisible line with my finger.

Im sorry. Ichigo said looking at me But after everything that happened and for us to be ignoring each
other is really ridiculous.

I dont know whats going on, I think every since we talked about it we just started to ignore our feelings.
I responded

My phone started to vibrate, I didnt know if I was imagining it but I look for it anyway. My sister
was calling me.

Who is it? Ichigo asked

My sister. I replied taking a deep breath before answering the phone.

Namie! Rin yelled through the phone

Whats wrong Rin? I asked as I started to panic

I dont know where I am! I was going home to pick up my project and then, and then some guys took me!
Rin started to cry my heart sank.

Describe the place where youre at. I told Rin as I felt tears roll down my cheeks.

Im in a van, but the van doesnt have any windows. Rin cried more and more.

Okay look Im gonna call the police. Keep your phone on! I said
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I love you Namie, Im sorry for being such a brat. I love you! She hung up the phone

I dropped my phone on to the floor when she hung up, Ichigo looked at me and grabbed my hand,
and he led me outside.

Whats going on? Ichigo asked

Someone, someone took Rin. I said through the tears

Do you know where she is? Ichigo asked

I covered my face and started to blame everything on myself, I should have went home with her.
This wouldnt have happened.

No, she was in a van and the van didnt have windows. I replied

Look well call the police. Ichigo hugged me its okay, well find her. He told me

I hope so. I replied