Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ A Walk in the Park ❯ A Walk in the Park 2 ( Chapter 2 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

A Walk in the Park 2

Ichigo hated it when he had to explain something he did not really understand. How could he explain about Kon to Orihime, especially as he was not even sure why she was walking in the park with Kon? He was embarrassed about the possible things Kon may have done or said before they found him. Kon was capable of anything.

`Hey, Orihime, I suppose I should explain what happened just then.'

`I think I understand a little. That was not you in your body, was it? I thought I saw you dressed in black, carrying a sword, but at the same time your body was there and um… talking.'

Ichigo smiled a little. `Yes, it was not me in the body at the time.'

He stopped, not knowing what else to say. They continued walking on in silence. He did not want to explain about being a Soul Reaper. He was sure that Orihime knew, but he did not want to have to explain everything. Every so often he felt Orihime glancing at him. He did not feel comfortable looking at her, especially after he had seen his body reaching out to feel her breasts.

If he was honest with himself he had fantasised about Orihime's breasts. He was sure most of the guys in the school had that fantasy and maybe one or two of the girls. But to act on the fantasy? No way, or at least not somewhere as public as a park. It would not help his reputation. Anyway it was best to keep the fantasy strictly away from reality, especially as his life had become so complicated.

Ichigo started speaking without looking at her. `I am sorry about whatever may have happened Orihime. I know I was not in my body at the time, but I feel responsible. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable because of this. I want us to remain friends.'

Orihime blushed a little.

`But who was that, in your body, Ichigo? Is it an evil spirit? Had he stolen your body from you? Will it happen again?'

`No, he is not an evil spirit, well not really. He just helps to animate my body when I have to do other things. I thought I could trust him but it seems that I was wrong. He didn't hurt you, did he?'

`No, he hadn't even touched me when you arrived. I don't want to repeat what he said, because it's embarrassing…..'

Ichigo felt nervous. Kon had not touched Orihime, but he had said something. Oh, hell, had he confessed? If he had confessed, what had he confessed? Why was Orihime walking though the park with him in the first place? He hadn't thought about this previously because he was embarrassed about the scene he had interrupted. Why was Orihime walking through the park with him? He knew that Orihime liked him, Ichigo. That had been obvious when he was trying to prevent her brother from killing her. But she only liked him, like a friend, didn't she? Didn't she?

He thought about it while they continued to walk in silence. He liked Orihime, but as a school friend. He did think about her in relation to sex and when he masturbated he found his thoughts wandered to her sometimes. He knew that Orihime would not want just sex. She was walking in the park with him because she liked him and wanted something, maybe a relationship.

No, he did not want a relationship at this time. None of his friends had paired off yet, and he was still trying to understand the whole Soul Reaper business. A relationship with Orihime at this time was not possible. He might never want a relationship with Orihime but he would think about that later. If he started a relationship with her it would be a relationship that he would feel forced into because of the actions of another person (Kon) and maybe pity. Pity had made him accept the work of a Soul Reaper. He did not trust pity.

He had, at one time thought about confessing to Tatsuki, but that was last year and he had not pursued the matter out of fear, mainly fear she would beat him up, but also that he would lose her friendship. To declare to Orihime would close that possibility forever, and Tatsuki might beat him up anyway.

So, here he was in a situation not of his choosing, but a situation that he could not ignore. He quickly glanced at Orihime to find that she was looking at him. He quickly looked away. This was awkward. The silence had gone on too long and he still had no idea what to say, they had already left the park and were getting closer to Orihime's house. He wanted it sorted before they got there, but he knew that his chances were not good. He decided to try the direct approach.

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Orihime was prey to conflicting emotions. She was pleased that Ichigo, the real Ichigo, was walking her home, through the park. At the same time she was embarrassed about the scene he and Rukia had interrupted. She had liked Ichigo for so long, but he seemed pretty oblivious. In fact Tatsuki had once said that Ichigo was pretty clueless about other people. He had trouble remembering names and faces and didn't know many of the people in their year. Did he know her feelings?

If Ichigo was so clueless, maybe he wouldn't understand why she was in the park with the person who she thought was him. She hoped so. She was still struggling to come to terms with her feelings for Ichigo. She wanted romance, but she also wanted time to understand other people.

She had been so happy when he had told her that he would walk her home, but during the walk he had hardly said a word to her. She racked her brain, trying to think of something she could say that would start a conversation that might break the oppressive silence. Every topic she considered did not seem of any interest. She did not want to talk about school, or Rukia or any of their friends. Other topics were more difficult. She certainly did not want to talk about the incident in the park.

She kept glancing at him. His face wore the scary expression she normally associated with concentration. She like his scary face, she even liked his scowls. His smiles were rare, but more precious to her for that. As he continued the silence she kept looking at him. Then she saw him glance at her and quickly look away. She blushed. Ichigo did not even want to look at her.

She suddenly wished the walk was over. Even though it was an event she had dreamed about it was not turning out the way she had hoped. The silence had become strained and her stomach had started churning. She felt nauseous and nervous. If only none of this had happened. She hated it when her daydreams were shattered. Her dreams had been blighted before. She wanted to be at home where she might have the chance to work out her feelings and to prepare her face for school. If only this had happened differently!

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Ichigo decided to break the silence and try to solve the problem in his normal direct way.

`Orihime, could we pretend that this didn't happen? You know it wasn't me who asked you for a walk. I'm sorry if you are upset or confused, but I didn't want this to happen. I like being friends with you and I hope we can still be friends. Can we just forget about this, please?'

Orihime looked at him. He was actually looking at her. She was immediately affected by the gaze of his brown eyes.

`I think that is a very good idea, Ichigo. I don't think I want to mention this to anyone. Just keep Kon away from me, please. I prefer it when I know who I am talking to.'

“Okay Orihime. You just have to cross this road and you will be home. I'll see you tomorrow.'

Ichigo ran off as fast as he could, without looking back. Maybe if he ignored the whole thing it would go away. He had tried this tactic before and while it had not worked previously, maybe it would work now.

Orihime went inside. Her thoughts became confused and by the next morning, she felt that it had all been a dream. It was easier to live with a dream than the truth.