(REWRITE 2023) An Angel's Lips

Chapter 40

Wow! And just like that, we're back! Okay, first off I need to thank you guys for reading even though I've been on hiatus. Writer's block is disgusting and I hate it. It's a pretty short chapter, I apologize but I wanted to get something in. I want to thank everyone who really pushed me to get back to writing, it helped. You guys were sweet and sooooo patient! Enjoy, Excuse the lack of smut there will be more in the next chapter!

His breathing was ragged as he ran down the street toward the complex in his sights. His mind was racing with various questions, but above all else, he needed to see Yuri. To see if she was safe. When he got to the stairs of the complex his legs began to shake. Was it fear for the concern of her wellbeing? Was it anger from being threatened? Ichigo swallowed and started to step up the stairs. His heart pounded in his chest just as he raised his fist to beat on the door. With a deep breath, he did, his fist pounding on the door, he was sure the other tenants could hear it.

After what seemed like forever the door opened slightly. Ichigo's breath hitched in his throat when Yuri popped her head out when she saw him she smiled. God, he loved that smile.

"Yuri!"

"Hello, Ichigo, what are you doing here? It's unexpected," She glanced around him, searching for probably Rukia and the others. He was alone.

"I know, I'm sorry but...," He looked around before turning to her. Making sure no one was watching them. "Can I come in, please?" She frowned at him. As he got a closer look at her, he could see her hair was damp, and she looked like she was dressed for bed. "Please, I just want to talk," Yuri pursed her lips before stepping back to hold the door open for him.

He walked inside, and his eyes darted around before he took his shoes off. "It's a bit late, what's going on?"

"I just wanted to see if you were okay,"

Yuri stared at his back, giving him a funny look. "I see, well do you want some tea?"

"That sounds good,"

"Okay, make yourself at home," Ichigo made his way to the living room, he sat down on the couch. Yuri watched him do so from the kitchen with a raised eyebrow.

She grabbed the black kettle of hot water and poured it into a mug. "So, what made you think I was not okay?" Yuri asked from the kitchen. Ichigo cleared his throat nervously before speaking. "I heard some bad people had moved into the neighborhood, a gang,"

"Really? That's terrible," She muttered.

"Yeah, so I came to warn you, and I also wanted to ask if you wanted me to walk you to school tomorrow," She came from the kitchen holding a tray of tea in mugs and a plate of mini chocolate chip cookies.

"Wow, that's so nice of you...But I'm fine, so don't worry about me," Ichigo watched her place the tray on the small table in front of him. Her white top that was slightly too big on her exposed the flesh of her chest. His eyes narrowed to the many, many red marks displayed over her collarbone. He turned his head as she stood back up and sat across from him. "Are you sure? It's no trouble,"

"Ichigo, really thanks for the thought but I can handle myself," She smiled at him, dropping sugar cubes into his tea. "Honestly, I used to be rather weak, but after a life-changing experience I learned how to handle difficult situations, and if I need you I'll give you call,"

"Promise?" He sighed, picking up a cookie. Ichigo shoved it into his mouth. "I'll leave if you say promise me," He said with a mouthful of cookies.

"Promise," She laughed. Yuri leaned over to hand him the mug. His hands wrapped around hers in a hard lock. Their eyes met, she could see something in them that was strange. Something she couldn't read. Irritation, probably?