Death and Strawberry

Chapter 5: Red bean paste

He could swear he'd punch whoever was outside banging at his front door that wouldn't let him finish the reports he needed to file in the office next week.

He swung open the door and had a ready scowl on his face, but when he saw who the culprit was the irritation was replaced with surprise.

"Tatsuki? What in hell's name are you---" Before he could finish his interrogation, the intruder pushed a ball of auburn towards him.

"Catch."The lady turned her back on him, walking towards his neighbor's door.

The dead weight almost knocked him over. He didnt have a choice but to open his arms and grab hold of the unconcious body.

What monster strength. He didnt even notice the jet black-haired woman was carrying something. Or someone.

When he had a closer inspection, he realized, who the something was.

"Inoue?"

As if in response she moved in his hold. He shifted her weight so he cold carry her more securely. She snuggled closer to his warmth and let out a sigh, her mouth slightly open. Then he caught the smell of her breath.

Alcohol.

"Why'd you let her get drunk, Tatsuki?" He asked, the scowl back in his face.

"She wasnt supposed to get drunk, okay?" She raised her hand in acquisence. "I only invited her to celebrate since the class Im teaching had won during the semi-finals of the Junior Department Tournament."

"I tried taking the bottle of sake from her, but she wont budge." Tatsuki could only shake her head at the memory. "She's stronger than me when she's had alcohol."

"She went on and on about something very embarrassing that she did." The raven-haired motioned with her hands. "But she wouldn't tell me what."

A few more seconds the woman let out a grunt. Tatsuki rummaged her bestfriend's bag but couldnt find what she was looking for.

"What's the matter?"

"I couldnt find her keys."

Ichigo shifted the blonde in his arms and pointed to the top of the door. "She always keeps a spare."

Tatsuki cocked a brow. How did he know and she didnt? She was the bestfriend wasnt she? But then again...

Tatsuki smiled knowingly.

The strawberry just shrugged.

Ichigo may not admit it, but he knew a lot way more about the girl in his arms than he'd let on.

Little things he just cant help but notice.

Like how she used to always get herself locked out. And how uncomfortable she was knocking on his door everytime for help.

"I just saw her one time take it out, is all." He muttered in defense.

"I didnt say anything." Tatsuki smirked twisting the key and opening the front door.

.

.

Tatsuki left when she was sure the blonde was going to be okay. She lived two towns away at the dojou she was working at. She had to leave early if she plans to catch the first morning train home.

He had to tuck her in. Judging from the amount of alcohol she's taken, she would have a ton of migraine when she wakes up. She'd want to be in bed by then.

Ichigo went to get her up from the couch. He lifted one of her arms when she opened her eyes and sat up.

"Tatsuki-chan?" She was still disoriented. Her eyes droopy with sleep and her voice slurred.

"Up you go princess." He encouraged. He held her in both arms and offered her support.

But her knees were too wobbly to stand so they both fell to the floor.

Could this get any worse?

She was lying on top of him. Their legs entwined. "Go-gomen~~asaiii~~~Hic." Her other knee brushing his manhood as she tried to lift her weight off of him.

Way to get a boner. Ichigo thought wryly.

He pushed himself off the floor and held her still. He mentally face-palmed when he realized their position.

She was now straddling him. Great!

He tucked the strands of her hair behind her ear to see her face. "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head. But the movement made her dizzy and nauseated.

The next thing Ichigo remembered, was the acidic smell and Inoue's vomit on his shirt.

.

.

Well, this was a sight to behold.

A drunk Inoue.

Unruly locks of auburn hair. Disheveled face. Flushed cheeks. Irregular breathing. Pouty lips. Alcohol breath. Acrid and putrid smelling clothes.

She was a sight to behold. Indeed.

He got rid off his shirt and threw it in the sink. He let the tap water run to wash away her vomit.

He took the liberty and proceeded to wipe her face with a wet towel he found on her bathroom.

He threw in next her blouse and her skirt.

Gods forbid her sisters found out about this. They'd kill him.

He couldnt possibly go through her closet drawers and sniff through her clothes and underwear.

He glanced back at her curled form on the bed. The bunny printed panties would have to stay. Not exactly sexy lingerie but it was pretty damn cute on her.

It was hard enough to get her clothes off. It fit her snugly, showing off her curves, which he liked, but it was painstakingly difficult to remove them.

He covered her with the duvet and jogged his way back to his apartment. He grabbed one of his larger shirts and returned to her unit.

Now that she's all snugged in and clothed, although his shirt only reached her thighs, he could start on with food.

What was she thinking drinking with an empty stomach?

Ichigo scoured her flat for food. He knew his way on her apartment. He's stepped foot in here for so many times that he'd lost count.

When he spotted the fridge, he had hopes of finding normal items. But with Inoue, you can never be too sure.

Unsurprisingly though, all he found was Red bean paste. And red bean paste. And another red bean paste.

She may have grown more beautifully over the years, but she hasnt changed one bit.

"Kurosaki-kun." When she found something of interest.

"Kurosaki-kun." When she was bullied.

"Kurosaki-kun." When she was in trouble and needed rescuing from the neighbor's dog.

"Kurosaki-kun." When she tried to catch his attention every morning at the school gates.

"Kurosaki-kun." When she had something to refer to his department.

"Kurosaki-kun." When she found a new lead for a case or new evidence or a new suspect.

"Kurosaki-kun." Even with years of knowing each other, he was still Kurosaki-kun.

Come to think of it, he never got to ask her why she never once called him by his given name. Why she never called him Ichigo like the rest would.

When he got back to where he left her, she was sprawled on the floor at the foot of her bed.

He smirked.

Yup, she's the same Inoue Orihime he had a crush on highschool.