human!AU snippets 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9
Woops I've been forgetting to post these here.
Pairing: Ichigo/Toshiro
Warnings: Swearing in snippet 9. Some serious fluff :P
If I never reply, my chemistry exam has killed me D:
He didn't expect any sort of response from Toshiro - if he had his time-zones right then it was getting late in Japan, and his friend was probably working, having dinner, or maybe even in the bath - but just a few minutes passed before his phone buzzed in his pocket. He lunged for it, discarding his text book and notes for something much, much more comforting, and snorted at the reply.
You really shouldn't be messaging me 45 mins before your exam you know.
He sounded disapproving even through a screen, and Ichigo could imagine him sighing. The thought made him grin and, feeling just a tiny bit calmer than before, he began to type back, chuckling as he did.
You're moral support, he said, and then, because the world was probably going to end when he entered the exam hall and he was feeling rather insane, he added, If I'm going to die I'd quite like you to be the last person I talk to.
If Toshiro registered how cheesy that was, he didn't mention it. And because Toshiro was a genius, Ichigo was certain the subtle flirtation hadn't escaped his notice.
I can't say I've ever spoken to someone on their death bed before.
Oh thanks, thought Ichigo, and his startled laugh drew the attention of his classmates and teacher, all of whom were going over last-minute reaction equations and chemical formula. He blushed from where he was hiding himself in the corner and lowered his head, fighting back a grin at his teacher's stern look. He knew he should be taking part in the warm up, but his brain was refusing to take in any more knowledge and skimming through his text book usually made him aware of how much he didn't actually know. He was already half-way to panicking as it was.
Omg Toshiro seriously I'm going to die. Why the hell did I take this stupid subject.
The reply was instantaneous. Because you're capable of doing it. Trust me I know how much you complain about it, but you still manage to get the right answer eventually. Just don't rush and make any silly mistakes. You've got plenty of time.
He took a deep breath, nodding to himself. He glanced over at his notes and shook his head, deciding that it wasn't worth it, and reached over with one hand to pack it all away into his bag. Okay. Right. Okay. I need chocolate.
Carbs, Toshiro suggested. And go for a quick walk or something.
Yeah, he thought, that sounded like a good idea. He had time, so he swung his bag over his shoulder and left the room, heading in the direction of the school canteen. There he bought himself a packet of biscuits, grateful that it was still lunch time for the rest of the students, and stuffed two into his mouth. He should've brought Jaffa Cakes or Bourbons - he liked those - and made a mental note to do so for his next exam. The hall was already set up a handful of people milling around by the doors with various expressions of terror on their faces, so Ichigo stepped outside to where the brilliant sunshine was beating down and the spring breeze was sweeping away the birds. The weather put a smile on his face, albeit a slightly crooked one has he munched through his packet of biscuits, and he settled himself down on the grass underneath a tree. Being able to see his phone screen again, he scanned through Whatsapp for any messages he had missed.
You could do with some Lembas bread. That'd satisfy you.
Ichigo blinked for a moment, his brain ticking for whatever movie or TV programme that was clearly a reference to. You're a LOTR fan?
Hmm, Toshiro replied, the word the equivalent of an appreciative hum. You too?
Hell yeah. I've got the extended additions. Love them to pieces. Favourite character?
Aragorn. Legolas comes in a close second though. Now that you've mentioned it I might watch them again.
Ichigo made another mental note to do the same, but only after his exams were done. They never get old :) I wish I could quote it back to back.
That's a bit of an ask.
That was a dig at his intelligence, he was sure.
Oi oi, he replied playfully, sticking his tongue out unconsciously. Just because we're not all geniuses like you...
They conversed for a little more, Ichigo's eyes darting to check the time every thirty seconds, until eventually it was almost time for his exam. He hadn't needed to worry about missing it, for one of his classmates stuck their head out of the front door and called to him, waving him over and tapping his wrist to imply a watch. Ichigo called back and then tapped out a regretful good-bye to Toshiro, hands shaking again as the impending hour of Hell dawned closer.
Tell me how it goes when you're done.
Won't you be sleeping? He was pretty sure he wouldn't be finished until the hour was nearing midnight for Japan.
Wake me anyway :) said Toshiro, and Ichigo felt a bubble of pure happiness rise inside of his chest. After quickly dumping his stuff and valuable possessions somewhere safe, he followed the cluster of students into the hall feeling uplifted and confident, determined to have reason to put a smile on Toshiro's sleepy face.
Toshiro looked like a wreck. A beautiful, exotic, delicate wreck, but that wasn't the point. Ichigo probably didn't look much different, dancing on the spot with two Costa cups in his hands, but at least he hadn't been trapped in the noisy, humid confines of a plane for the last twelve hours. Flying from Tokyo to London was an excruciatingly painful journey if the passenger's shattered expressions were anything to go by, so Ichigo hoped the double espresso he'd just bought would be a welcome gift for Toshiro. He'd had a moment of doubt that Toshiro even liked coffee, but by then he'd already paid so he figured if his assumption was wrong he'd just drink it himself. The chances that he'd be singing all the way home would be quite high so perhaps he wouldn't drink it - he didn't want to scare Toshiro off within the first hour of meeting him.
The Japanese eighteen year old had his navy coat hung over one of his arms and his small black suitcase trailing behind him, and he was glancing around sharply as the sea of people desperate to get out of the airport pushed him along without a single concern for the fact that he had no idea where he was going. Ichigo felt an endearing smile creep onto his face, and he attempted to raise a hand to wave, only remembering the double espresso when it teetered dangerously and almost burned his arm.
"Oi, Toshiro!" he called instead, earning a couple of glares from the people around him. He couldn't care less about them in that moment though, for Toshiro had heard his shout and had snapped his head up in search of the familiar voice. Ichigo's smile burst apart into a open-mouthed grin, and Toshiro mirrored the expression when they laid eyes on each other, though in his usual way his complexion was far more controlled than Ichigo's sunny disarray. He weaved his way through the crowd, his suitcase tucked neatly behind him, until the two teenagers were face to face, within reach, practically touching, their expressions betraying their awed delight at finally seeing each other - actually seeing each other.
"Here," Ichigo said, stuttering nervously. "I hope you like coffee."
Toshiro put his suitcase aside and threw his coat over it, gratefully taking the steaming cup with both hands. He looked like he wanted to bow but didn't know if it would be appropriate in a culture so different from his own. "Thank you," he said, but his eyes stayed firmly on Ichigo, still processing what was before him. "I can't believe how long the flight was."
Gaze softening in sympathy, Ichigo replied, "Did you like it? Did you get some sleep?"
"It was okay," said Toshiro, shrugging slightly. "I didn't get any sleep, no. I pretty much just looked out of the window the whole time - some of the views were spectacular." He glanced down at his coffee for a second, as if admitting aloud how tired he was made him reconsider the advantages of not drinking it right away. He took a hesitant sip, and then another, and whatever he had planned to say next was washed away by the rich, soothing warmth glowing in the back of his mouth.
Ichigo had barely begun on his own coffee before he decided that he should get Toshiro to bed as soon as possible. His shocking white hair appeared to be drooping, and he was blinking many more times than necessary if he wasn't fighting to keep himself awake. He took Toshiro's coat in his free hand and lead them out into the early evening, keeping the conversation light as they ventured over to the short stay car park to where Ichigo had left his father's car. They finished their drinks, put Toshiro's suitcase in the boot, and were on their way.
It was fortunate that there wasn't much to see around Gatwick, for it had only taken ten minutes for the steady hum of the vehicle to lull Toshiro to sleep. Once he noticed, Ichigo quietened the radio and chuckled to himself. This was going to be the best week of his life, he could already tell.
"That's such an incredibly British thing to do," said Toshiro, shaking his head with an entertained smile as Ichigo shoved another custard cream into his mouth.
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with tea and custard creams," argued the ginger incredulously, grinning around the biscuit. He picked up his mug and tipped in towards the camera to emphasise his point, chuckling against the china rim when Toshiro rolled his eyes. "I should have asked dad to buy scones when he went shopping. And raspberry jam and clotted cream - oh, Heaven."
He continued sipping his tea as he chattered on about bourbons are pretty awesome too you know, have you ever had one? Oh and jaffa cakes - they're the best but they're actually biscuits, not cakes - the government like to confuse us - well okay, not the government but you get what I mean, and how, you know, you're kinda like a custard cream now that I think about it. You're pale and small but you're sorta pretty like the little swirls on the outside, and you have a hard layer but you're softer in the middle and you're surprisingly sweet but that's really nice actually - you'd probably taste just as good -
Ichigo plopped another biscuit into his mouth as he said this, contemplating the logistics of the metaphor and completely unaware of the daze he was causing through the screen. Toshiro had slumped back part of the way through the tirade with an expression of barely contained reverence, his eyes bright with a mirthful pleasure as he nodded and hummed along with Ichigo's philosophical comparison. He chipped in with a hesitant, "Should I be flattered or concerned?" about a two minutes in, and was assured quite firmly that he shouldn't be insulted - no no, the opposite actually, really - I wonder if I've had a little bit too much sugar today - and decided the safest move was just to relax and let Ichigo's brain run it's course.
If Ichigo noticed that Toshiro's smile was a little more radiant than normal when they bid each other goodnight he made no comment, though his dazzling grin may have suggested otherwise.
It was dark when they pulled into the driveway alongside the Kurosaki Clinic, but Ichigo knew that Toshiro, still slumbering against the car window, didn't notice. He carefully shook his friend awake, grinning at the disorientated groan, and went to get the luggage out of the boot while Toshiro collected his bearings. Isshin had ventured out of the house to greet them, and in a perfectly normal yet hugely uncharacteristic way, the elder man shook hands with their sleepy guest and guided them into the living room. Toshiro's feet were sluggish but his head was sharp, the movements of a man trying to take in as much as he could but failing quite spectacularly, so they didn't hang around for long. Karin and Yuzu were both upstairs when Ichigo introduced the guest bedroom, yet he was sure any encounter past that of the kitchen would be wiped from Toshiro's memory in the morning.
"How was the trip?" Isshin asked ten minutes later, lounged in front of the TV. Ichigo collapsed down onto the sofa next to him with a hearty groan, but after a deep breath he seemed to spring right back up as if the pillows had charged him with an electrical current.
"Dull," he admitted lightly, though his radiant smile suggested otherwise. "Toshiro slept all the way home - he said he didn't get any sleep during the flight so he's probably going to be knackered in the morning. But that's cool, I mean, I didn't have anything planned for tomorrow anyway cause I figured he'd need to recuperate." He shrugged a few times, buzzing with too much energy. "London after that though - there's so many places I want to take him. I can't wait, it's going to be amazing. God, I just can't believe he's here."
Isshin laughed and clamped his son on the shoulder, interrupting the wave of exuberant babbling. "I'm glad he is," he agreed, grinning broadly. "You've been bouncing around the house - "
"I don't bounce. That makes me sound like a girl."
A surprised eyebrow rose and Isshin stuck his bottom lip out, nodding with a stern, amused look. Ichigo blushed and turned to the TV to try and save himself the embarrassment, and realised a moment too late that he'd just proved his father's point when the man next to him exploded with laughter and thumped him on the back again.
"You really like him, don't you?" asked Karin, arms folded across her chest in the doorway.
Yuzu popped her head around the corner and added, "He's cute. And polite."
"Yeah," nodded Karin, humming approvingly. "You actually have good taste Ichi-nii." She sounded pleasantly surprised, and Ichigo blubbered out a half-hearted denial from the other side of the room. His family didn't seem to buy it though, each of them adopting a frown with varying degrees of disbelief, and together they passed a silent judgement on the mortified member of the household.
"He's probably not even gay," he tried, and this meek attempt caused both his father and Karin to snort, with Yuzu rolling her eyes in a much more subtle exasperation of his disillusionment between them.
"Oh onii-chan," she cooed, Karin stumbling out of view to try and hide her laughter. "It must be so hard to be a boy."
"What - ?"
"You said 'gay'" she continued, sighing happily. "Not 'interested'."
"What?" Ichigo repeated, turning a flabbergast expression towards his sister. "I don't understand how that means - "
Yuzu tutted in a typical teenage-girl way and started to make her way towards the sofa, most likely to offer a lecture for his ignorance, but Isshin beat her to it by pulling out a packet of condoms from somewhere and throwing it into his son's face, exclaiming loudly that he 'better do something about this soon' as he danced around the room emptying the rest of the condom box like confetti at a wedding.
Luckily their commotion didn't wake Toshiro. Though, Isshin argued, if it had then the dilemma might have been solved a little bit sooner.
Doing anything interesting in the summer holidays?
It was a lame conversation starter but Ichigo didn’t mind. If neither of them were doing anything then that was cool - they’d have more time to talk, he supposed, even if they had less to talk about. Since he wasn’t expecting a reply straight away he almost missed the message as he wandered into the school canteen, but there was nothing he could do as his phone flashed away until he’d decided on what to eat for lunch. He almost got out his phone to ask Tōshirō if he should have chicken or macaroni, but the dinner lady standing opposite him was looking a bit impatient so he randomly pointed at one the dishes.
Ichigo nearly dropped his plate when his phone vibrated again. Silently cursing himself for starting a conversation at such a stupid time, he hurriedly paid for his meal and dashed off to class.
I’m going on a plane for the first time next month, said Tōshirō’s reply, once Ichigo had settled himself down. Little bit excited.
Oh, he typed back, glad for his friend. Where are you going? England? :P
Got it in one.
He dropped his bottle of water all over the desk.
What.
What.
What???
Some of his classmates laughed and the girl sitting behind him raided the teacher’s desk for a box of tissues: he thanked her and mopped up the mess, but his hands were shaking and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from his phone. Heartbeat like thunder inside of his head, he prayed to God that Tōshirō wasn’t playing a cruel joke on him and typed back, deleting the message three times because of his atrocious spelling:
omg I was kidding!
He didn’t want to read the reply.
I’m not :) You said you didn’t have any plans for the second week of August…?
You’re serious, he said calmly, but inwardly he was screaming.
Completely.
I - his hands hovered over the keypad - don’t know what to say.
He couldn’t fathom his thoughts into something eligible. He was probably coming across as disinterested at the idea of meeting up and he needed to right that immediately, but for the life of him he couldn’t get his brain to work. His heart was pounding and he must have looked like a nervous wreck for his teacher was suddenly standing by his desk, peering down at him.
“Do you need to get some air, Ichigo?” she asked, concerned. “The lesson hasn’t started yet.”
He took the opportunity to escape without a second’s thought. “Yes - yes, thank you,” he gasped, honestly sounding like he was on the verge of hyperventilating. “Sorry,” he added a moment later, but by that point he was half out of the door and she undoubtedly didn’t hear him.
You could start by telling me if they’re any cheap hotels near where you live, said Tōshirō once Ichigo had worked up the courage to see what he’d written. If that won’t bother you.
He sounded so hopeful that Ichigo actually had to sit down in the middle of the path to stop himself from jumping up and down like a lunatic.
Bother me? fuck you’re staying with us. We’ve got a guest bedroom omfg you’re actually coming over holy shit
His grammar deteriorated as he typed, and he knew that Tōshirō would be able to deduce his overwhelming exuberance through it.
Are you okay?
“Prick,” Ichigo grumbled - a passing student jolted in offence.
Jesus Christ Toshiro how am I meant to do math now I can’t omg shit
I’m sorry, should I have waited till later?
NO no omg thank you. my teacher thinks I’m having a panic attack she actually sent me out
He laughed and laughed and suddenly he couldn’t stop. He’d never felt so amazing and relieved before - at this rate he was going to work himself up so much that he was probably going to be sick with sheer excitement later, but he couldn’t find it in himself to give a damn. He knew he should probably return to class and eat his lunch but nothing, nothing was more important at that moment than Tōshirō and their plans for the summer. So he stayed outside, curled up against the Maths building, and gushed until he was exhausted with it, and then gushed some more.
When he got home they were going to Skype, no matter how late it was in Japan, and he was going to let Tōshirō hear just how happy he was.
Pairing: Ichigo/Toshiro
Warnings: Swearing in snippet 9. Some serious fluff :P
If I never reply, my chemistry exam has killed me D:
He didn't expect any sort of response from Toshiro - if he had his time-zones right then it was getting late in Japan, and his friend was probably working, having dinner, or maybe even in the bath - but just a few minutes passed before his phone buzzed in his pocket. He lunged for it, discarding his text book and notes for something much, much more comforting, and snorted at the reply.
You really shouldn't be messaging me 45 mins before your exam you know.
He sounded disapproving even through a screen, and Ichigo could imagine him sighing. The thought made him grin and, feeling just a tiny bit calmer than before, he began to type back, chuckling as he did.
You're moral support, he said, and then, because the world was probably going to end when he entered the exam hall and he was feeling rather insane, he added, If I'm going to die I'd quite like you to be the last person I talk to.
If Toshiro registered how cheesy that was, he didn't mention it. And because Toshiro was a genius, Ichigo was certain the subtle flirtation hadn't escaped his notice.
I can't say I've ever spoken to someone on their death bed before.
Oh thanks, thought Ichigo, and his startled laugh drew the attention of his classmates and teacher, all of whom were going over last-minute reaction equations and chemical formula. He blushed from where he was hiding himself in the corner and lowered his head, fighting back a grin at his teacher's stern look. He knew he should be taking part in the warm up, but his brain was refusing to take in any more knowledge and skimming through his text book usually made him aware of how much he didn't actually know. He was already half-way to panicking as it was.
Omg Toshiro seriously I'm going to die. Why the hell did I take this stupid subject.
The reply was instantaneous. Because you're capable of doing it. Trust me I know how much you complain about it, but you still manage to get the right answer eventually. Just don't rush and make any silly mistakes. You've got plenty of time.
He took a deep breath, nodding to himself. He glanced over at his notes and shook his head, deciding that it wasn't worth it, and reached over with one hand to pack it all away into his bag. Okay. Right. Okay. I need chocolate.
Carbs, Toshiro suggested. And go for a quick walk or something.
Yeah, he thought, that sounded like a good idea. He had time, so he swung his bag over his shoulder and left the room, heading in the direction of the school canteen. There he bought himself a packet of biscuits, grateful that it was still lunch time for the rest of the students, and stuffed two into his mouth. He should've brought Jaffa Cakes or Bourbons - he liked those - and made a mental note to do so for his next exam. The hall was already set up a handful of people milling around by the doors with various expressions of terror on their faces, so Ichigo stepped outside to where the brilliant sunshine was beating down and the spring breeze was sweeping away the birds. The weather put a smile on his face, albeit a slightly crooked one has he munched through his packet of biscuits, and he settled himself down on the grass underneath a tree. Being able to see his phone screen again, he scanned through Whatsapp for any messages he had missed.
You could do with some Lembas bread. That'd satisfy you.
Ichigo blinked for a moment, his brain ticking for whatever movie or TV programme that was clearly a reference to. You're a LOTR fan?
Hmm, Toshiro replied, the word the equivalent of an appreciative hum. You too?
Hell yeah. I've got the extended additions. Love them to pieces. Favourite character?
Aragorn. Legolas comes in a close second though. Now that you've mentioned it I might watch them again.
Ichigo made another mental note to do the same, but only after his exams were done. They never get old :) I wish I could quote it back to back.
That's a bit of an ask.
That was a dig at his intelligence, he was sure.
Oi oi, he replied playfully, sticking his tongue out unconsciously. Just because we're not all geniuses like you...
They conversed for a little more, Ichigo's eyes darting to check the time every thirty seconds, until eventually it was almost time for his exam. He hadn't needed to worry about missing it, for one of his classmates stuck their head out of the front door and called to him, waving him over and tapping his wrist to imply a watch. Ichigo called back and then tapped out a regretful good-bye to Toshiro, hands shaking again as the impending hour of Hell dawned closer.
Tell me how it goes when you're done.
Won't you be sleeping? He was pretty sure he wouldn't be finished until the hour was nearing midnight for Japan.
Wake me anyway :) said Toshiro, and Ichigo felt a bubble of pure happiness rise inside of his chest. After quickly dumping his stuff and valuable possessions somewhere safe, he followed the cluster of students into the hall feeling uplifted and confident, determined to have reason to put a smile on Toshiro's sleepy face.
Toshiro looked like a wreck. A beautiful, exotic, delicate wreck, but that wasn't the point. Ichigo probably didn't look much different, dancing on the spot with two Costa cups in his hands, but at least he hadn't been trapped in the noisy, humid confines of a plane for the last twelve hours. Flying from Tokyo to London was an excruciatingly painful journey if the passenger's shattered expressions were anything to go by, so Ichigo hoped the double espresso he'd just bought would be a welcome gift for Toshiro. He'd had a moment of doubt that Toshiro even liked coffee, but by then he'd already paid so he figured if his assumption was wrong he'd just drink it himself. The chances that he'd be singing all the way home would be quite high so perhaps he wouldn't drink it - he didn't want to scare Toshiro off within the first hour of meeting him.
The Japanese eighteen year old had his navy coat hung over one of his arms and his small black suitcase trailing behind him, and he was glancing around sharply as the sea of people desperate to get out of the airport pushed him along without a single concern for the fact that he had no idea where he was going. Ichigo felt an endearing smile creep onto his face, and he attempted to raise a hand to wave, only remembering the double espresso when it teetered dangerously and almost burned his arm.
"Oi, Toshiro!" he called instead, earning a couple of glares from the people around him. He couldn't care less about them in that moment though, for Toshiro had heard his shout and had snapped his head up in search of the familiar voice. Ichigo's smile burst apart into a open-mouthed grin, and Toshiro mirrored the expression when they laid eyes on each other, though in his usual way his complexion was far more controlled than Ichigo's sunny disarray. He weaved his way through the crowd, his suitcase tucked neatly behind him, until the two teenagers were face to face, within reach, practically touching, their expressions betraying their awed delight at finally seeing each other - actually seeing each other.
"Here," Ichigo said, stuttering nervously. "I hope you like coffee."
Toshiro put his suitcase aside and threw his coat over it, gratefully taking the steaming cup with both hands. He looked like he wanted to bow but didn't know if it would be appropriate in a culture so different from his own. "Thank you," he said, but his eyes stayed firmly on Ichigo, still processing what was before him. "I can't believe how long the flight was."
Gaze softening in sympathy, Ichigo replied, "Did you like it? Did you get some sleep?"
"It was okay," said Toshiro, shrugging slightly. "I didn't get any sleep, no. I pretty much just looked out of the window the whole time - some of the views were spectacular." He glanced down at his coffee for a second, as if admitting aloud how tired he was made him reconsider the advantages of not drinking it right away. He took a hesitant sip, and then another, and whatever he had planned to say next was washed away by the rich, soothing warmth glowing in the back of his mouth.
Ichigo had barely begun on his own coffee before he decided that he should get Toshiro to bed as soon as possible. His shocking white hair appeared to be drooping, and he was blinking many more times than necessary if he wasn't fighting to keep himself awake. He took Toshiro's coat in his free hand and lead them out into the early evening, keeping the conversation light as they ventured over to the short stay car park to where Ichigo had left his father's car. They finished their drinks, put Toshiro's suitcase in the boot, and were on their way.
It was fortunate that there wasn't much to see around Gatwick, for it had only taken ten minutes for the steady hum of the vehicle to lull Toshiro to sleep. Once he noticed, Ichigo quietened the radio and chuckled to himself. This was going to be the best week of his life, he could already tell.
"That's such an incredibly British thing to do," said Toshiro, shaking his head with an entertained smile as Ichigo shoved another custard cream into his mouth.
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with tea and custard creams," argued the ginger incredulously, grinning around the biscuit. He picked up his mug and tipped in towards the camera to emphasise his point, chuckling against the china rim when Toshiro rolled his eyes. "I should have asked dad to buy scones when he went shopping. And raspberry jam and clotted cream - oh, Heaven."
He continued sipping his tea as he chattered on about bourbons are pretty awesome too you know, have you ever had one? Oh and jaffa cakes - they're the best but they're actually biscuits, not cakes - the government like to confuse us - well okay, not the government but you get what I mean, and how, you know, you're kinda like a custard cream now that I think about it. You're pale and small but you're sorta pretty like the little swirls on the outside, and you have a hard layer but you're softer in the middle and you're surprisingly sweet but that's really nice actually - you'd probably taste just as good -
Ichigo plopped another biscuit into his mouth as he said this, contemplating the logistics of the metaphor and completely unaware of the daze he was causing through the screen. Toshiro had slumped back part of the way through the tirade with an expression of barely contained reverence, his eyes bright with a mirthful pleasure as he nodded and hummed along with Ichigo's philosophical comparison. He chipped in with a hesitant, "Should I be flattered or concerned?" about a two minutes in, and was assured quite firmly that he shouldn't be insulted - no no, the opposite actually, really - I wonder if I've had a little bit too much sugar today - and decided the safest move was just to relax and let Ichigo's brain run it's course.
If Ichigo noticed that Toshiro's smile was a little more radiant than normal when they bid each other goodnight he made no comment, though his dazzling grin may have suggested otherwise.
It was dark when they pulled into the driveway alongside the Kurosaki Clinic, but Ichigo knew that Toshiro, still slumbering against the car window, didn't notice. He carefully shook his friend awake, grinning at the disorientated groan, and went to get the luggage out of the boot while Toshiro collected his bearings. Isshin had ventured out of the house to greet them, and in a perfectly normal yet hugely uncharacteristic way, the elder man shook hands with their sleepy guest and guided them into the living room. Toshiro's feet were sluggish but his head was sharp, the movements of a man trying to take in as much as he could but failing quite spectacularly, so they didn't hang around for long. Karin and Yuzu were both upstairs when Ichigo introduced the guest bedroom, yet he was sure any encounter past that of the kitchen would be wiped from Toshiro's memory in the morning.
"How was the trip?" Isshin asked ten minutes later, lounged in front of the TV. Ichigo collapsed down onto the sofa next to him with a hearty groan, but after a deep breath he seemed to spring right back up as if the pillows had charged him with an electrical current.
"Dull," he admitted lightly, though his radiant smile suggested otherwise. "Toshiro slept all the way home - he said he didn't get any sleep during the flight so he's probably going to be knackered in the morning. But that's cool, I mean, I didn't have anything planned for tomorrow anyway cause I figured he'd need to recuperate." He shrugged a few times, buzzing with too much energy. "London after that though - there's so many places I want to take him. I can't wait, it's going to be amazing. God, I just can't believe he's here."
Isshin laughed and clamped his son on the shoulder, interrupting the wave of exuberant babbling. "I'm glad he is," he agreed, grinning broadly. "You've been bouncing around the house - "
"I don't bounce. That makes me sound like a girl."
A surprised eyebrow rose and Isshin stuck his bottom lip out, nodding with a stern, amused look. Ichigo blushed and turned to the TV to try and save himself the embarrassment, and realised a moment too late that he'd just proved his father's point when the man next to him exploded with laughter and thumped him on the back again.
"You really like him, don't you?" asked Karin, arms folded across her chest in the doorway.
Yuzu popped her head around the corner and added, "He's cute. And polite."
"Yeah," nodded Karin, humming approvingly. "You actually have good taste Ichi-nii." She sounded pleasantly surprised, and Ichigo blubbered out a half-hearted denial from the other side of the room. His family didn't seem to buy it though, each of them adopting a frown with varying degrees of disbelief, and together they passed a silent judgement on the mortified member of the household.
"He's probably not even gay," he tried, and this meek attempt caused both his father and Karin to snort, with Yuzu rolling her eyes in a much more subtle exasperation of his disillusionment between them.
"Oh onii-chan," she cooed, Karin stumbling out of view to try and hide her laughter. "It must be so hard to be a boy."
"What - ?"
"You said 'gay'" she continued, sighing happily. "Not 'interested'."
"What?" Ichigo repeated, turning a flabbergast expression towards his sister. "I don't understand how that means - "
Yuzu tutted in a typical teenage-girl way and started to make her way towards the sofa, most likely to offer a lecture for his ignorance, but Isshin beat her to it by pulling out a packet of condoms from somewhere and throwing it into his son's face, exclaiming loudly that he 'better do something about this soon' as he danced around the room emptying the rest of the condom box like confetti at a wedding.
Luckily their commotion didn't wake Toshiro. Though, Isshin argued, if it had then the dilemma might have been solved a little bit sooner.
Doing anything interesting in the summer holidays?
It was a lame conversation starter but Ichigo didn’t mind. If neither of them were doing anything then that was cool - they’d have more time to talk, he supposed, even if they had less to talk about. Since he wasn’t expecting a reply straight away he almost missed the message as he wandered into the school canteen, but there was nothing he could do as his phone flashed away until he’d decided on what to eat for lunch. He almost got out his phone to ask Tōshirō if he should have chicken or macaroni, but the dinner lady standing opposite him was looking a bit impatient so he randomly pointed at one the dishes.
Ichigo nearly dropped his plate when his phone vibrated again. Silently cursing himself for starting a conversation at such a stupid time, he hurriedly paid for his meal and dashed off to class.
I’m going on a plane for the first time next month, said Tōshirō’s reply, once Ichigo had settled himself down. Little bit excited.
Oh, he typed back, glad for his friend. Where are you going? England? :P
Got it in one.
He dropped his bottle of water all over the desk.
What.
What.
What???
Some of his classmates laughed and the girl sitting behind him raided the teacher’s desk for a box of tissues: he thanked her and mopped up the mess, but his hands were shaking and he couldn’t tear his eyes away from his phone. Heartbeat like thunder inside of his head, he prayed to God that Tōshirō wasn’t playing a cruel joke on him and typed back, deleting the message three times because of his atrocious spelling:
omg I was kidding!
He didn’t want to read the reply.
I’m not :) You said you didn’t have any plans for the second week of August…?
You’re serious, he said calmly, but inwardly he was screaming.
Completely.
I - his hands hovered over the keypad - don’t know what to say.
He couldn’t fathom his thoughts into something eligible. He was probably coming across as disinterested at the idea of meeting up and he needed to right that immediately, but for the life of him he couldn’t get his brain to work. His heart was pounding and he must have looked like a nervous wreck for his teacher was suddenly standing by his desk, peering down at him.
“Do you need to get some air, Ichigo?” she asked, concerned. “The lesson hasn’t started yet.”
He took the opportunity to escape without a second’s thought. “Yes - yes, thank you,” he gasped, honestly sounding like he was on the verge of hyperventilating. “Sorry,” he added a moment later, but by that point he was half out of the door and she undoubtedly didn’t hear him.
You could start by telling me if they’re any cheap hotels near where you live, said Tōshirō once Ichigo had worked up the courage to see what he’d written. If that won’t bother you.
He sounded so hopeful that Ichigo actually had to sit down in the middle of the path to stop himself from jumping up and down like a lunatic.
Bother me? fuck you’re staying with us. We’ve got a guest bedroom omfg you’re actually coming over holy shit
His grammar deteriorated as he typed, and he knew that Tōshirō would be able to deduce his overwhelming exuberance through it.
Are you okay?
“Prick,” Ichigo grumbled - a passing student jolted in offence.
Jesus Christ Toshiro how am I meant to do math now I can’t omg shit
I’m sorry, should I have waited till later?
NO no omg thank you. my teacher thinks I’m having a panic attack she actually sent me out
He laughed and laughed and suddenly he couldn’t stop. He’d never felt so amazing and relieved before - at this rate he was going to work himself up so much that he was probably going to be sick with sheer excitement later, but he couldn’t find it in himself to give a damn. He knew he should probably return to class and eat his lunch but nothing, nothing was more important at that moment than Tōshirō and their plans for the summer. So he stayed outside, curled up against the Maths building, and gushed until he was exhausted with it, and then gushed some more.
When he got home they were going to Skype, no matter how late it was in Japan, and he was going to let Tōshirō hear just how happy he was.