Ichigo soared above the Seireitei, arms behind his head, the breeze brushing through his orange hair. He wasn't in a rush. Just drifting, thinking about who he could mess with next. Then he sensed something odd—Rangiku's spiritual energy flaring wildly, like a flame caught in the wind.
"Huh… that's not normal," he muttered, adjusting course. He followed the unstable reiatsu to a small tavern tucked between two squad buildings.
"A bar? They've got bars here too?" he blinked, stepping inside.
The scent hit him immediately—sharp, thick with alcohol. And there she was. Rangiku Matsumoto, sprawled across a chair like a passed-out queen, her cheeks flushed and her outfit even more disheveled than usual.
'Man, I hate the smell of booze…' Ichigo thought, holding back a grimace as he walked over and took the seat beside her.
Her eyes fluttered open, blurry and unfocused. She looked at him, then blinked harder, suddenly straightening and reaching for her zanpakutō.
Ichigo casually caught her wrist. "Relax. I'm not a Ryoka anymore, remember?"
She paused, recognition slowly dawning. "Oh yeah…" she mumbled, then dropped back into her chair with a sigh.
"Rough night?" he asked, signaling the bartender for a soda.
Rangiku gave him a deadpan look. "Really? What gave it away?" Her hair was a mess, her shihakushō hung loose, and her generous cleavage was more visible than usual—enough to test anyone's focus.
Ichigo tried to look away. He failed. 'Damn.' He glanced… just for a second. Luckily, she didn't notice.
"Just a hunch," he replied with a smirk.
His drink arrived. He took a sip, eyes flicking back to her as she studied him through her half-lidded gaze.
"So why're you here again? Thought you'd be gone by now," she said, swirling her sake before throwing it back.
Ichigo shrugged. "Wanted to meet the famous Rangiku. Y'know… see if the rumors about your tits were true."
The bar fell silent.
The bartender casually disappeared into the back.
Every patron froze in their seats, praying not to be noticed.
Nobody talked about those in this place—not after the last poor bastard tried. The guy had vanished. No one ever found his body.
Of course, Ichigo had no idea. This wasn't canon.
Rangiku leaned forward, the ghost of a smirk on her lips. "Oh really? And what's your opinion?"
Ichigo met her gaze without flinching, eyes dropping openly to her chest. "I've seen bigger."
'That's a lie…' he thought, keeping a straight face.
The entire bar tensed. One guy even stopped breathing.
But instead of an explosion of fury, Rangiku laughed. Soft at first, then louder, a musical laugh that warmed the room.
Ichigo smiled, taking in the sound. 'She's bloody hot.'
"Wow… been a while since someone made me laugh like that. I think I'm starting to like you, Ryoka." She gave him a flirtatious glance. "What's your name?"
"Kurosaki Ichigo. This your squad's territory? Mind showing me around?"
"Now don't push your luck," she said, wagging a finger. "You'll have to get as strong as Captain Yamamoto before I go on a date with you."
Ichigo chuckled. "Oh? Guess I've got some training to do, then."
He finished off his drink, stood up, and stretched. "I've got a date tonight, so I'll see you around. If you ever find yourself in Karakura Town… look me up. I'll give you the tour."
He turned to the bartender on his way out. "Put that on her tab. Thanks."
As he disappeared through the door, Rangiku leaned back in her chair, smiling to herself.
"Kurosaki Ichigo… nice name," she murmured, the warmth in her chest unfamiliar, but not unwelcome.
.....
'I would visit Nanao… but that lame-ass Shunsui would be hanging around, sipping sake and ruining the mood,' Ichigo thought with a sigh as he soared through the air. 'Yeah, I'll see her some other time. Let him keep being a third wheel.'
With a quick shunpo, Ichigo vanished from the skies and reappeared at the Kuchiki manor courtyard, landing softly beside Orihime. She was perched on a bench, her legs swinging lightly as she enjoyed a slice of watermelon under the warm afternoon sun. The elegant garden behind her bloomed vibrantly, and the soft rustle of wind through the trees made everything feel unusually peaceful.
The moment he appeared, Orihime yelped in surprise, nearly dropping her watermelon. "Ichi—! W-Why do you always do that?" she gasped, holding her chest as her heartbeat raced.
Ichigo chuckled. "When will you get used to that, huh?"
"Never!" she pouted, puffing her cheeks as she took another bite of her fruit.
He sat beside her, snatching a slice from the tray without hesitation. "Damn… this is good," he said mid-chew, his eyes lighting up at the flavor.
Orihime nodded. "Right? I thought you'd like it. The fruits here are weirdly delicious. I think it's because of the spirit energy in the soil or something. Everything tastes richer here." Her voice was light and cheerful, that same dreamy, curious tone she always carried.
"Yeah, makes sense. Even the air feels different," Ichigo said, relaxing back on his palms.
There was a short pause where they both just stared out over the courtyard garden. Orihime's eyes sparkled as a gentle breeze rustled her hair. She looked completely at ease.
Then Ichigo glanced at her, his expression turning a little more thoughtful. "Hey, Hime…"
"Ahmm?" she answered softly, tilting her head toward him, her signature sweet smile tugging at her lips.
"Let's go on a date after this," he said casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Her face flushed almost instantly, the slice of watermelon freezing halfway to her mouth. "R-Really?" she asked, blinking rapidly, her voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"Yeah," he confirmed with a grin. "And no Tatsuki tagging along this time. Just you and me."
Orihime's heart practically exploded in her chest. She turned her face quickly to the side, hiding the full-force smile growing on her lips. Her fingers clenched her dress softly, trying to play it cool—but inside, she was screaming with joy.
'YESSSS!!' she thought, fireworks going off in her mind. Her blush deepened, but she nodded shyly. "O-Okay… I'd like that a lot."
Ichigo leaned back, satisfied, enjoying the breeze and the sight of Orihime glowing like the sun itself.
TO BE CONTINUED