After two more days of rest, Ichigo was released from Squad Four's infirmary.
He was offered a place to live in Kaien's, which he begrudgingly accepted in the end.
The ginger himself was currently resisting the urge to punch Kaien in the face.
'This guy won't shut up for at least five f***ing seconds!'
Kaien kept talking about his younger siblings Kukaku and Ganju.
At first, it wasn't very irritating....but then Kaien started to squeal like a little fangirl and made cooing noises at the simple memory of them! Ichigo also resisted the urge to facepalm himself.
Also....it hurt to be reminded of those two....
Kukaku and Ganju really started to treat him like family when they found out that he was related to them.
'Oi, oi, oi! It's raining in here, King!'
Ichigo shook his head slight and blinked his tears away.
'Sorry.'
"Ichigo? You alright?"
The ginger snapped his gaze up and noticed that they had stopped walking; Kaien was frowning with concern at the hybrid.
"Are you okay? Do ya' need to sit down for a bit?"
Ichigo dully shook his head.....before sending a small, amused smirk to the other.
"Nah. But I'm getting a headache from your incessant chatter."
Kaien blinked in surprise before pouting childishly.
"'Incessant chatter'!? I'm just tryin' to strike up a conversation, Strawberry-chan!"
Ichigo sighed exasperatedly at the nickname.
"I thought I told you not to call me that."
Kaien merely smirked widely, lips nearly reaching from ear to ear.
"Ohohoho~? Are you maaaaaaaaad~?"
Ichigo deadpanned the other before walking past Kaien; the ravenet let out a whining sound before skipping behind Ichigo, prodding playfully at the ginger's shoulder.
"Aw, come on Ichigo! What do you want me to call you then? Ichi-kun? Go-kun? Ichigo-kun? Ichigo-san--?"
"Wah~Ichigo-san, you're a really scary kid, ya' know."
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!"
Kaien was stunned by the sudden outburst.
He was further surprised when he saw a pain in the hybrid's eye--dark shadows haunted the brown iris--before it was hidden by his orange bangs.
"Don't....Don't call me....'Ichigo-san'........."
The ginger took a shuddering breath as he slowly started to walk ahead of the ravenet, keeping his gaze set firmly on the ground; his shoulders were tenser than usual.
"It....It brings back bad memories."
Kaien watched Ichigo's slightly shaky frame; the ravenet swallowed.
YOU ARE READING
Black Moon
Fanfiction"Abandon your fear. Look forward. Move forward and never stop. You'll age if you pull back. You'll die if you hesitate." - Zangetsu
