Log: Bleached
WHO: Orihime, Uryuu
WHAT: Even if the town is being invaded by massive ghostly killbeasts intent on destroying everyone and eating their souls, one thing is for sure... Arts and crafts club MUST GO ON! Uryuu is still debating his father's offer, and Orihime notices he seems distant. She attempts to remedy this.
WHERE: Karakura High
At this time of year, most of the extra-curricular activities are pushing their members to strive toward a certain goal. Be it a big game, an end of year tournament, or a large showing, everyone has been working hard with some final project in mind. The sewing club is no different. Today the club's president, one Ishida Uryuu, enters the sewing room a few minutes later than the scheduled meeting time. He pauses at the front of the room, causing the usual members to look up in anticipation of his rare yet stirring speeches about the complexities and nuances of sewing, why every stitch must contain one's love and cherishing...but they won't get such a speech today.
"Everyone...please carry on." With that quiet let down, he makes his way to his usual corner and pulls out his work. He makes no comments on the work of his members. He seems not to care if anyone else is in the room at all. Murmurs might be heard to circulate that he's been like this for a few days now.
"...mmm..." There's a quiet noise from the girl sitting by the window, a cross-stitch hoop laid on her lap. There are faint pencil markings on the cloth itself, but it remains free of stitches for the time being. Her eyes rest on Uryuu's back, noting the very faint slope of the slim shoulders. While Ichigo might be her world, she's not ignorant of her friends, and she knows when they're feeling down.
They all are. The arrival of those two Espada seem to have put everyone into a melancholy mood. Tensions are high, and well should they be. Who knows when they'll come back? Who knows how many will show next time?
However, Orihime can't quite help thinking that this isn't the reason why Uryuu's been so...isolated as of late. Is it because his powers are gone? And how did he lose them, anyway? Her fingers rise to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, and the feel of the barette, missing two petals, reminds her of her own handicap. If she feels this way about lacking an offensive power, then how must /he/ feel?
Well. This can't stand! Uryuu is /not/ alone in this, she won't allow it. Her chair squeaks as she stands up, clutching her cross-stitch hoop in her fingers, and she pads across the floor to make a beeline for the solemn club president.
Is she crazy?! The looks from the others seem to indicate that this is their primary suspicion. What if he's grumpy? What if he makes one of those icy, cutting remarks that cuts to the quick? No, no, best if they tend to their own projects, it's nothing to get involved in.
"Anou... HEY ISHIDA-KUN!" Orihime suddenly exclaims, summoning forth every ounce of cheer in her body. ...And amplifying it by ten. She sliiiiiiides into view from the left side of the desk, holding the hoop in front of her. "BEHOLD! My newest project! Godzilla VS Hello Kitty! Who will win?!" She beams over the top. "My money's on the kitty."
...Well, SHE thinks it's funny.
He'd noted Orihime's sunny presence the moment he entered the room. Which is precisely the reason he'd taken his seat on the exact opposite side of the room from her. Although really, Uryuu knew better. One thing he learned about Orihime during their time together in Soul Society is that when she determines to do something, the only way to keep her from doing it is to knock her unconscious.
Therefore, hearing her shout his name like that really shouldn't have been surprising. Despite that, Uryuu's eyes widen fractionally in a sudden chill of panic. So much for avoiding his friends. Forcing the guilty expression off of his face and replacing it with his usual placid expression, Ishida looks up slowly...-
"Gah!" And all of his careful facial expression arranging is forgotten as a look of horror takes its place. "That...that's... What /is/ that?!" Catching himself, Ishida clears his throat and starts over, unwilling to hurt Orihime's feelings. "What I mean is...actually...it's so very difficult to see the pattern with pencil marks, Inoue-san. Perhaps once you've begun stitching, your plan will become clearer."
"Mm, well, it's just a rough sketch for now," she explains, tilting her head down to examine the hoop, tracing a nail over the fabric. "But here's Tokyo Tower, see? They'll be knocking it over..."
This isn't what she /really/ wants to talk about, though. Something's up! And while she really wants to know what it is, she definitely doesn't want to step over any of Uryuu's boundaries. He does what he does, and it's always for a good reason.
Still...she can't say she's not worried. "It's...it's just a silly project for fun anyway," Orihime beams, idly fanning the hoop with one hand while the other reaches for the back of her neck. "I'm sure you've got something much better, right? Or is it top secret?"
Focusing his attention to the fabric she's showing him, Uryuu gets a handle on his shock and gives her a slight smile. "Ah yes, I'm beginning to see it now." In all honesty, the pattern is as clear as day. He just can't bear to admit that it was the cause of his initial reaction. As she questions him on his own project, though, he turns aside and quickly lumps said project into an unrecognizable pile of silk and lace. "Er...it's...not exactly a secret, per se...I just...um...don't want anyone to see it until it's done." A slight blush brings a tinge of color to his pale face as he refuses to look at her. At some point, he'll have to get up the nerve to ask her...just not right now, that's all.
"Ah...so, do you mean that your final project is already finished?" Ishida scrounges for a change of subject before the silence grows too long. Glancing at the others in the room, he catches one or two stray eyes and glares them back to work.
Orihime nods, idly tucking the hoop behind her back with both hands. "Yeah," she exhales, cocking her head to the side and looking away. "I guess I was just really inspired. I went to town!" She had more free time on her hands than she would have liked, recovering from the injuries she sustained at Yammy's solitary strike. But since Uryuu wasn't there, there's really no reason to get into that. "I made a Hamlet costume with those weird, short, puffy pants, you know the ones? With the slashes of color?" He probably does. He always seems to understand what she's talking about!
Her gaze falls back to the secret project, and she blinks, looking thoughtful. Could it be...another dress for Rukia?! Ooo, wouldn't that be a wonderful surprise! No wonder he's embarrassed, it's a work of love!
Now that she fully understands (???) the situation, Orihime beams. "Is it all right if I sew over here with you, then? I promise not to look at your work! I just thought you seemed a little..."
As she pauses to contemplate his rough materials, Uryuu takes the time to respond, "Ah yes, I know just what you mean. I look forward to seeing it." Her request for invitation falls on a serene smile from the transient Quincy, though her unfinished sentence wipes that expression from his face. "A little...what? Certainly you didn't think I seemed lonely." Ah, there's the cutting remark the other members have been waiting for.
Thusfar, distancing himself emotionally from his friends has been as easy as increasing the physical distance between them. Up til now, he hasn't had any reason to push against them. As much as it kills him to do it to Orihime, Ishida knows that it'll hurt her much less now than it would after he's given his father his decision. He reminds himself one more time that this is for her own good before continuing, "It matters little to me where you choose to work, Inoue-san. I'm just as fine alone as I am with your company."
Oooo, ouch...can he really mean that? Orihime blinks in surprise, regarding Uryuu quietly. It's not like she can't tell what he's trying to do. He's been avoiding all of them ever since they came back, it seems. He's been drifting further and further away.
But Orihime refuses to let him go that easily. Uryuu is a friend, and someone who kept her safe in Soul Society at his own risk. "Well, if it doesn't matter, I'll sit with you, then," she smiles, hooking a desk with her foot and pulling it closer. He /did/ say it mattered little. Then he can't object!
Orihime seats herself, smoothing her skirt under her legs, and setting the hoop on the desk. But she doesn't sew. It'd probably look more believable, she realizes, if she brought her needle and thread over as well. She'll get it later. "Ishida-kun," she lowers her voice with a glance over her shoulder. "I know I'm not exactly...you know...we've only really known each other for a little while. But... I noticed. You probably don't want me to, and if that's true, I'll pretend I never did! It's just that you're my friend. I don't like it, knowing you're down. I want to help...if I can, that is!"
Ishida actually purses his lips as she continues to press the matter. Why can't she be like everyone else and scurry away in fright when he snaps like that? Sighing inwardly, the answer comes almost immediately. /Because she wouldn't be Inoue-san if she was like everyone else./
Turning his full attention to the girl next to him, he fixes a serious, almost stern gaze on her. "Please listen, Inoue-san. I assure you, I am not sad, and I am not lonely. I simply have a lot on my mind right now. And I promise you, there's nothing you can do to help. If it was any other matter, I would certainly be grateful for your help, but not this. This is something I must take care of alone." With an outward sigh this time, Uryuu pushes up his glasses and straightens. "And telling you even that was too much. Forgive me, Inoue-san...but for now, you'll just have to trust me." Having said that, Ishida reaches into his sewing box and offers Orihime a pre-threaded needle (white thread of course), turning his large selection of threads toward her to choose from.
Too much? Oh no. No, not at all. In a way, she's relieved that he isn't offended with her or any one else. That would have been awful! But at the same time, she /does/ wonder what's occupying his thoughts like that. "I trust you," she beams. "Thanks for telling me, I really appreciate it!" And with that, she resolves not to pry. At least he knows that she's here and willing to listen. And as long as he knows that, then it's all right. She accepts the needle, grins, and bobs her head in gratitude. "Oh thank you!" Always perceptive, isn't he? And always prepared.
She doesn't exchange the thread, for Hello Kitty is white and pure as snow, the champion of justice against the city-ravaging Godzilla.
The fact that no more questions follow is no small relief to Uryuu. As it is, he's having a hard enough time not spilling his guts about the whole thing when she looks at him that way; with those caring, expectant eyes. It was so much easier to be selfish and self-sacrificing when he had no friends. But that's right...she's just trying to be his friend, after all. It's not as though she's doing all this to torture him, though it might feel like it.
Watching her for a brief moment of silence, Ishida resolves himself not to take her for granted again. Reaching over, he rests his hand on her shoulder bracingly. "...Thank you, Inoue-san," he says quietly. Opening his mouth to explain, he finds an infuriating lump in his throat that is impossible to speak through, so he simply closes his mouth again and allows his words of gratitude to speak for themselves.
Eh? ...... EH?! Orihime raises her head with surprise much too obvious to hide with a well-placed sunny smile. But that surprise gives way to warmth just as swiftly. Then maybe she /did/ help after all... And knowing that she's needed, even just a little, makes her feel warm inside. She knows how Uryuu is, and just how much it means for him to reach out like that, to actually make contact with her.
It was probably no accident that they ended up together in the Soul Society like that. How glad she is for that chance to know him better!
Reaching up to lay her fingers over his, Orihime raises the other hand...and pushes at a pair of invisible glasses. "It's nothing," she says in her best imitation of the archer. Then she grins at him. "Like that, right?"
Uryuu's eyes widen as he's suddenly shown a reflection of himself he hadn't expected. Then, gradually, he begins to chuckle softly, reaching up to rub the back of his neck self-consciously. "Do I really say that so often?" Of course, he's completely misunderstood every time. Most people think he's just being cold and aloof, but the truth is he thinks saying that makes him seem cool! But then, he does a lot of things that he thinks make him seem cool that other people might tend to disagree with. But one day he'll prove the value of capes and mantles to that blockhead, Kurosaki. Speaking of whom...
"I didn't know you did impressions, Inoue-san. I'd ask if you could imitate Kurosaki, but I'm afraid that scowl of his would give you wrinkles." Glancing up, Ishida notes that a few of the other members have taken their leave early already. Only a handful of the small club remains. "Would you like to see my project?" he asks conspiratorially.
Can she do an impression of Ichigo? CAN she ever! Only too eager to display her mighty skills, Orihime sits straight up and lays her palms together. "Oh it's okay! I'm really good at this!" she reassures him. And with that, she folds her arms gruffly beneath her chest, gives her lower lip an extra jut, and then affects that trademark scowl as she turns her head away in a 'what do I care?' sort of fashion. "If you wanna fight me, come on," she says in her deepest growl. "But don't go cryin' to me if you get bloodstains on your shirt!"
Her features relax back into her usual self. "Pretty scary, huh?" He used to be, anyway. Ichigo seems to be less and less threatening when it comes to his fellow classmates.
But there's no time to gloat! Uryuu has just offered her a glimpse of his project, and her curiosity is effectively piqued. "C-could I?!" she gasps, as though she were just asked if she'd like to see England's crown jewels. "Yes, please, if it's okay!"
Concealing his laughter behind a fist, Uryuu regains his composure before offering her performance a golf clap. "Exceedingly believable," he compliments with a knowing smirk. Gathering the pearl-colored material in one arm, Ishida pushes his chair back and stands to retrieve one of the draping forms. He purposely stands directly in Orihime's line of sight while draping the fabric onto the armless, legless, and headless model. Finally, he stands aside, revealing the silk and lace arranged into a delicately formal kimono. "It's at a rudimentary stage right now," Uryuu apologizes for himself. "I intend to have a lot more lace, and several gathers, as well as a bustle... You see, it's going to be a wedding kimono, so I'm blending the fashion of several cultures. It's the first time I've actually designed something myself, rather than copying something I've seen before."
There, that's MUCH better! Catching a laugh from Uryuu is such a rare thing, it does her heart good to see it. ~Thank goodness...~ she thinks to herself, smiling at him as she claps along as well. "Thanks! Next stop, Broadway!" And she raises a fist to display her 'determination.'
When he reveals the project, Orihime's jaw drops, and she draws a slow breath of utter awe. "Oh /wow/. That's so pretty!" she gasps, leaning far forward over her desk. It must have been really expensive to make, too, the fabric is gorgeous. "But Ishida-kun, that can't be true," she points out with a smile. "Your..." She glances around, making sure no one is present. And the coast is clear! "Your Quincy uniform was pretty unique, that was all you, wasn't it? And the shirts you made for me and Sado-kun, and Kuchiki-san's pretty dress!" ...Well, so much for the theory about this project being a labor of love for Rukia. She's pretty sure he's not fixing to get married any time soon. Unless he's just that sort of guy who plans so far ahead...? No, probably not, it's too big for the tiny shinigami. Too bad...that would have been really romantic.
Tilting his head, Ishida considers Orihime's words. "I suppose you have a point... Although I'm afraid I can't claim the clothes I made for you and Sado-kun. For those, I simply copied what you were already wearing, after all. I may have added a touch of my own here and there, but the design itself wasn't mine. And as for Kuchiki-san's dress, that was the same. I remembered what style she liked to wear when she was here, and merely copied it with a fabric I thought she'd like."
Turning his thoughtful gaze back to Orihime, he attempts to hide a smile. "However, I'll tell you secret, Inoue-san. I hope to create my own business one day. Right now, I'm getting by just mending things for people, but it makes me happy is seeing people wearing things that I've made. I decided to start with a wedding kimono because they're so special, and no two are alike. Ah...but forgive me, I'm talking so much..." Is it the subject or is it the fact that he's talking to Orihime that gives him the desire to speak of his goals? Great job shooing your friends away, Ishida.
Orihime makes a mental note to wear that magenta shirt again in the near future. If that'll make him happy, she'll leap to the occasion! Besides, it IS pretty cute. Better than the original, even.
"I seeeee..." Orihime replies, tapping a finger against her cheek. "Even so, it's amazing. Being able to sew like that just from looking! You didn't even have to take any measurements, and that's the sign of a true tailor," she crosses her arms, nodding sagely. She knows what she's talking about, yes sir.
E-eh? He's apologizing for...talking so much? But it's not 'so much' at all! Maybe in comparison with what little he usually says, but even so... "Ah! No no, it's okay!" Orihime quickly reassures him with a wide grin. "I like listening! I didn't know that was your dream. It's a good one," she says, her smile softening. She'd like to see him accomplish that dream someday. Who knows? Maybe he can set up shop next to her future bakery, and she can create unique and fabulous wedding cakes to go along with his unique and fabulous bridal wear. "I think you can do it. Especially if this is your first, it really looks like something you'd see in an expensive magazine," she nods towards the ensemble.
The praise is surprising enough, but the optimistic encouragement...it just blows him away. Ishida looks up with a rare expression indeed: that of being completely dumbfounded. Soon however, that look begins to soften as he becomes obviously touched by her belief in his abilities. It's a good thing everyone else has left by now, because were there any witnesses to the look on his face they'd be shocked into unconsciousness. The expression of warmth and sheer appreciation - as though Uryuu were looking past Orihime's eyes into a part of her soul that no one had ever noticed before and he found it utterly beautiful - was one that perhaps only Orihime had ever seen before, and that would have been in Soul Society after another of those shocks. It's funny, to Uryuu, how she has a way of showing him the good of all humanity with the simplest of statements.
Without thinking, his mouth moves and he asks the question he's been wanting to ask her since he first sketched the design. "When it's finished, will you model it for me? At the showing, I mean."
Orihime gasps, holding a spread hand to her mouth. "M-me...?! Could I really wear something like that...?" What if she got it dirty? If she were to trip and fall, she would feel so /horrible/.
Her eyes move back to the kimono, admiring it once again. But it's so pretty... Her cheeks pinken at the very thought of slipping on something so fine. She's never worn silk before. Touched it, yes, and it felt wonderful and cool against her fingers. To wear an entire garment...wow. Just...wow!
"I...I-I'd be totally honored, Ishida-kun...!" Orihime breathes.
Even her stunned reaction is a precious compliment. "You're the only one who can, Inoue-san." Alright, so maybe that's not /entirely/ true. But she's the only model he's had in mind throughout the process so far, so it pretty much goes without saying that at this point, the only people he knows who it'll fit are Orihime and perhaps Rangiku. Of course, it's not difficult to take in a garment, but her agreeing to take part in the showing is much more preferable.
"I am truly grateful," he offers, by way of thanks. "It seems the club has dispersed early today," he notes. "I intend to spent another hour working, at least. You're welcome to stay or go, whichever you prefer. I won't be insulted if you go home. I'm sure it's been a long day."
Another hour, huh...? Well that's not so bad. If it went any later she probably couldn't stay. There are two hungry shinigami who depend on her for supper. (Well, one anyway. Toushirou probably lives off of hot noodle cups and sandwiches, poor kid.) And of course she'd want to make sure that Uryuu was eating, but that would put his work at risk of oil stains, or worse. So food in the classroom is out of the question.
"I think I'd like to stay," she beams. His company has become more and more pleasant. She thought it might be once there weren't as many people around. But even if that weren't the case, it's good just to be near him and seeing him smile so honestly. "Besides," she laughs, "I think Rangiku-san is working hard with Hitsugaya-taichou. I wouldn't want to get underfoot."
Though it's entirely possible that Rangiku's just watching TV while Toushirou cleans up after his lieutenant.
Taichou. The word startles him into pricking himself with a pin. Sucking a gasp of air through his teeth, Uryuu draws his hand back from his work and puts his finger into his mouth. /Hitsugaya-taichou./ Instantly, he remembers meeting the tiny captain of the 10th division during those last couple of days in which they had been guests of Soul Society, rather than ryoka. Therefore, Rangiku-san must be Matsumoto-fukutaichou.
Drawing his throbbing finger out of his mouth, Ishida levels a sharp gaze on Orihime. Boy has he been out of the loop. "There are taichou and fukutaichou class Shinigami here?" More importantly, why hasn't he been able to sense as much? /They must be hiding their reiatsu./ This is bad news, very bad news. "The situation must be worse than we thought previously." This decision he's been sitting on...must be made immediately.
"I-Ishida-kun!" Orihime looks alarmed as he jabs himself, hands flailing about briefly before she realizes it's...not really anything to fuss about. She doesn't have any bandages, he's the one that carries the first aid kit around with him. Still, she didn't mean to startle him like that.
"I guess I forgot..." she laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. "You weren't there when they arrived, huh? A whole bunch are here to keep an eye on things. Rangiku-san and Hitsugaya-taichou are staying with me. Madarame-san and Ayasegawa-san are staying with Asano-kun, Abarai-san is at Urahara's shop... Oh, and the best news of all!" Orihime claps her hands together.
She /knows/ Uryuu will be beside himself with joy to hear it.
"Kuchiki-san is back! Isn't that great?" she beams. "They're all wearing gigais, and they'll be attending school here most likely."
Indeed, even as she speaks to elaborate on the goings-on of the spirit world, Uryuu is already reaching into his bag for that familiar first aid kit. He sprays a tiny bit of antiseptic on the pinhole wound before covering it with a bandaid, all while taking in the information Orihime is offering. By the time she reaches the 'best news of all,' he is finished with his task and rises from his crouch beside his bag to regard her with an interested intensity.
Unfortunately, Ishida will end up disappointing Orihime, whether he knows it or not. Rather than smiling with glee at the news of Rukia's return, his frown grows deeper, and his eyebrows furrow to rival Ichigo's. "...I see."
He's not excited? What? How strange... Maybe he already knew, and he's jealous that she's staying with Ichigo...no, that can't be right. She can't picture Uryuu as a jealous sort of person.
She'll have to think about it later. He looks like he's in danger of clamming up again, just when they were really starting to open up. "Anou...if you're worried that you might be left out...y-you really shouldn't be...you can still fight, even with..." Regular arrows, is what she thought to say. But suddenly she worries if she's being insensitive. Orihime drops her gaze, drawing a knuckle to her mouth. "I know it's a little scary now, but...but I think we'll be okay, in the end. Everyone's getting ready. I don't think we'll get caught unprepared."
Pushing her words to the back of his mind, Ishida gazes on his project, which had been so important just moments earlier. Would it ever be finished now? With this news, he understands that the time for putting his normal life first is over, for the time being. Soon, people will need to be protected. Maybe even Orihime herself will need protecting. And Uryuu has no intention of letting her or any of the others down.
With a slow, deliberate sigh, he begins cleaning up his things. "Thank you yet again, Inoue-san. You've helped me make an important decision today. Everything is going to change, whether we like it or not. But...we can't control that. All we can do is our best. You're right. We all have to prepare." And for Uryuu, preparing means getting his powers back, no matter the high cost.
Pausing, he turns back to Orihime and takes her gently by the shoulders. "Promise me, Inoue-san, that you will be careful. I know how much you care about everyone, but you must also be mindful of your own well-being. Will you do that?"
An important decision? Well she's glad she could help, but she can't help wondering just what that decision might be. And the look on his face... It almost feels like he's telling her good-bye. But that can't be right. He'll be there, he always has!
It should be him promising to take care of himself. Chad remarked, not too long ago, that Uryuu was the most fragile of them all. She's not sure if he's right or wrong about that, but there's so much she doesn't know, Orihime can't help but worry.
"I...I promise. Sure, Ishida-kun! Sure thing," she reassures him with her brightest smile. It's not like she can do much anyway the way she is now. Tsubaki is gone, maybe for a very long time. It seems no matter what she does, she can't bring him back. "I'm not much of a fighter anyway, you know?" Orihime smiles crookedly, scratching the side of her head. "So don't worry about me. Rangiku-san and Hitsugaya-taichou are watching over me too, I'll be okay." Sweet of him to be that concerned, though.
Dropping his hands, Uryuu shakes his head and returns to his clean up. "That...isn't exactly what I mean. You belong on that battlefield just as much as any of us. What I mean is, please be sure to protect and heal yourself as much if not more than you do others. It's up to them to protect you so..." Slinging his schoolbag across his shoulder, he finishes his thought as he turns to face her. "Tell that captain if he fails, he'll have to face me."
Awwww... She's not sure if Uryuu even meant to cheer her up with those words, but it's nice to hear that he thinks she can fight alongside the others. She was worried that he might not feel that way, especially since he forced her /out/ of that fight with Kurotsuchi. If he believes in her now, though, that's all that matters.
Orihime draws herself upward, warming through and through. It really means a lot to her! "I'll do my best," she promises. She's always had a difficult time healing herself in the past (it's HARD!), but if there's no one else injured... Ah... That's probably breaking the promise, isn't it? She feels bad about that, since it seems unlikely she'll be able to keep it. But she /will/ try, at least for his sake.
"It's okay," Orihime chuckles, picturing the shocked look Toushirou would give her if she actually relayed that message. Then he'd probably scowl with that flat expression of his and dismiss it entirely on the grounds of having too much work to do. Poor Shiro.
Orihime dashes to gather up her things, so she can at least see Uryuu off at the school gates. "You take care too, Ishida-kun. See you Monday?"
That time...fighting against the 12th division taichou... No, that had nothing to do with his belief in her abilities. It was simply too dangerous for her there, what with the mad scientist wanting the girl for his wicked experiments. Uryuu had preferred to sacrifice himself, had it come to that, than simply hand her over to suffer endless agonies at that person's hands. Not only that, but Ishida hadn't been certain of the outcome of the battle. If he'd fallen, Orihime would be in danger. Not only that, but she'd have seen... No, under those circumstances, he couldn't let her remain.
Carefully packing the few remaining materials into a shopping bag, Ishida begins to reply, "Ah yes, see you...--" But he cuts himself short. He can't promise to see her on Monday. Or Tuesday, or Wednesday. He doesn't know how long his father's training will take. /See you...I don't know when...Inoue-san.../ But one thing's for certain. He will see her again. Failure is not an option. Not for a Quincy, and not for Ishida Uryuu.
WHAT: Even if the town is being invaded by massive ghostly killbeasts intent on destroying everyone and eating their souls, one thing is for sure... Arts and crafts club MUST GO ON! Uryuu is still debating his father's offer, and Orihime notices he seems distant. She attempts to remedy this.
WHERE: Karakura High
At this time of year, most of the extra-curricular activities are pushing their members to strive toward a certain goal. Be it a big game, an end of year tournament, or a large showing, everyone has been working hard with some final project in mind. The sewing club is no different. Today the club's president, one Ishida Uryuu, enters the sewing room a few minutes later than the scheduled meeting time. He pauses at the front of the room, causing the usual members to look up in anticipation of his rare yet stirring speeches about the complexities and nuances of sewing, why every stitch must contain one's love and cherishing...but they won't get such a speech today.
"Everyone...please carry on." With that quiet let down, he makes his way to his usual corner and pulls out his work. He makes no comments on the work of his members. He seems not to care if anyone else is in the room at all. Murmurs might be heard to circulate that he's been like this for a few days now.
"...mmm..." There's a quiet noise from the girl sitting by the window, a cross-stitch hoop laid on her lap. There are faint pencil markings on the cloth itself, but it remains free of stitches for the time being. Her eyes rest on Uryuu's back, noting the very faint slope of the slim shoulders. While Ichigo might be her world, she's not ignorant of her friends, and she knows when they're feeling down.
They all are. The arrival of those two Espada seem to have put everyone into a melancholy mood. Tensions are high, and well should they be. Who knows when they'll come back? Who knows how many will show next time?
However, Orihime can't quite help thinking that this isn't the reason why Uryuu's been so...isolated as of late. Is it because his powers are gone? And how did he lose them, anyway? Her fingers rise to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, and the feel of the barette, missing two petals, reminds her of her own handicap. If she feels this way about lacking an offensive power, then how must /he/ feel?
Well. This can't stand! Uryuu is /not/ alone in this, she won't allow it. Her chair squeaks as she stands up, clutching her cross-stitch hoop in her fingers, and she pads across the floor to make a beeline for the solemn club president.
Is she crazy?! The looks from the others seem to indicate that this is their primary suspicion. What if he's grumpy? What if he makes one of those icy, cutting remarks that cuts to the quick? No, no, best if they tend to their own projects, it's nothing to get involved in.
"Anou... HEY ISHIDA-KUN!" Orihime suddenly exclaims, summoning forth every ounce of cheer in her body. ...And amplifying it by ten. She sliiiiiiides into view from the left side of the desk, holding the hoop in front of her. "BEHOLD! My newest project! Godzilla VS Hello Kitty! Who will win?!" She beams over the top. "My money's on the kitty."
...Well, SHE thinks it's funny.
He'd noted Orihime's sunny presence the moment he entered the room. Which is precisely the reason he'd taken his seat on the exact opposite side of the room from her. Although really, Uryuu knew better. One thing he learned about Orihime during their time together in Soul Society is that when she determines to do something, the only way to keep her from doing it is to knock her unconscious.
Therefore, hearing her shout his name like that really shouldn't have been surprising. Despite that, Uryuu's eyes widen fractionally in a sudden chill of panic. So much for avoiding his friends. Forcing the guilty expression off of his face and replacing it with his usual placid expression, Ishida looks up slowly...-
"Gah!" And all of his careful facial expression arranging is forgotten as a look of horror takes its place. "That...that's... What /is/ that?!" Catching himself, Ishida clears his throat and starts over, unwilling to hurt Orihime's feelings. "What I mean is...actually...it's so very difficult to see the pattern with pencil marks, Inoue-san. Perhaps once you've begun stitching, your plan will become clearer."
"Mm, well, it's just a rough sketch for now," she explains, tilting her head down to examine the hoop, tracing a nail over the fabric. "But here's Tokyo Tower, see? They'll be knocking it over..."
This isn't what she /really/ wants to talk about, though. Something's up! And while she really wants to know what it is, she definitely doesn't want to step over any of Uryuu's boundaries. He does what he does, and it's always for a good reason.
Still...she can't say she's not worried. "It's...it's just a silly project for fun anyway," Orihime beams, idly fanning the hoop with one hand while the other reaches for the back of her neck. "I'm sure you've got something much better, right? Or is it top secret?"
Focusing his attention to the fabric she's showing him, Uryuu gets a handle on his shock and gives her a slight smile. "Ah yes, I'm beginning to see it now." In all honesty, the pattern is as clear as day. He just can't bear to admit that it was the cause of his initial reaction. As she questions him on his own project, though, he turns aside and quickly lumps said project into an unrecognizable pile of silk and lace. "Er...it's...not exactly a secret, per se...I just...um...don't want anyone to see it until it's done." A slight blush brings a tinge of color to his pale face as he refuses to look at her. At some point, he'll have to get up the nerve to ask her...just not right now, that's all.
"Ah...so, do you mean that your final project is already finished?" Ishida scrounges for a change of subject before the silence grows too long. Glancing at the others in the room, he catches one or two stray eyes and glares them back to work.
Orihime nods, idly tucking the hoop behind her back with both hands. "Yeah," she exhales, cocking her head to the side and looking away. "I guess I was just really inspired. I went to town!" She had more free time on her hands than she would have liked, recovering from the injuries she sustained at Yammy's solitary strike. But since Uryuu wasn't there, there's really no reason to get into that. "I made a Hamlet costume with those weird, short, puffy pants, you know the ones? With the slashes of color?" He probably does. He always seems to understand what she's talking about!
Her gaze falls back to the secret project, and she blinks, looking thoughtful. Could it be...another dress for Rukia?! Ooo, wouldn't that be a wonderful surprise! No wonder he's embarrassed, it's a work of love!
Now that she fully understands (???) the situation, Orihime beams. "Is it all right if I sew over here with you, then? I promise not to look at your work! I just thought you seemed a little..."
As she pauses to contemplate his rough materials, Uryuu takes the time to respond, "Ah yes, I know just what you mean. I look forward to seeing it." Her request for invitation falls on a serene smile from the transient Quincy, though her unfinished sentence wipes that expression from his face. "A little...what? Certainly you didn't think I seemed lonely." Ah, there's the cutting remark the other members have been waiting for.
Thusfar, distancing himself emotionally from his friends has been as easy as increasing the physical distance between them. Up til now, he hasn't had any reason to push against them. As much as it kills him to do it to Orihime, Ishida knows that it'll hurt her much less now than it would after he's given his father his decision. He reminds himself one more time that this is for her own good before continuing, "It matters little to me where you choose to work, Inoue-san. I'm just as fine alone as I am with your company."
Oooo, ouch...can he really mean that? Orihime blinks in surprise, regarding Uryuu quietly. It's not like she can't tell what he's trying to do. He's been avoiding all of them ever since they came back, it seems. He's been drifting further and further away.
But Orihime refuses to let him go that easily. Uryuu is a friend, and someone who kept her safe in Soul Society at his own risk. "Well, if it doesn't matter, I'll sit with you, then," she smiles, hooking a desk with her foot and pulling it closer. He /did/ say it mattered little. Then he can't object!
Orihime seats herself, smoothing her skirt under her legs, and setting the hoop on the desk. But she doesn't sew. It'd probably look more believable, she realizes, if she brought her needle and thread over as well. She'll get it later. "Ishida-kun," she lowers her voice with a glance over her shoulder. "I know I'm not exactly...you know...we've only really known each other for a little while. But... I noticed. You probably don't want me to, and if that's true, I'll pretend I never did! It's just that you're my friend. I don't like it, knowing you're down. I want to help...if I can, that is!"
Ishida actually purses his lips as she continues to press the matter. Why can't she be like everyone else and scurry away in fright when he snaps like that? Sighing inwardly, the answer comes almost immediately. /Because she wouldn't be Inoue-san if she was like everyone else./
Turning his full attention to the girl next to him, he fixes a serious, almost stern gaze on her. "Please listen, Inoue-san. I assure you, I am not sad, and I am not lonely. I simply have a lot on my mind right now. And I promise you, there's nothing you can do to help. If it was any other matter, I would certainly be grateful for your help, but not this. This is something I must take care of alone." With an outward sigh this time, Uryuu pushes up his glasses and straightens. "And telling you even that was too much. Forgive me, Inoue-san...but for now, you'll just have to trust me." Having said that, Ishida reaches into his sewing box and offers Orihime a pre-threaded needle (white thread of course), turning his large selection of threads toward her to choose from.
Too much? Oh no. No, not at all. In a way, she's relieved that he isn't offended with her or any one else. That would have been awful! But at the same time, she /does/ wonder what's occupying his thoughts like that. "I trust you," she beams. "Thanks for telling me, I really appreciate it!" And with that, she resolves not to pry. At least he knows that she's here and willing to listen. And as long as he knows that, then it's all right. She accepts the needle, grins, and bobs her head in gratitude. "Oh thank you!" Always perceptive, isn't he? And always prepared.
She doesn't exchange the thread, for Hello Kitty is white and pure as snow, the champion of justice against the city-ravaging Godzilla.
The fact that no more questions follow is no small relief to Uryuu. As it is, he's having a hard enough time not spilling his guts about the whole thing when she looks at him that way; with those caring, expectant eyes. It was so much easier to be selfish and self-sacrificing when he had no friends. But that's right...she's just trying to be his friend, after all. It's not as though she's doing all this to torture him, though it might feel like it.
Watching her for a brief moment of silence, Ishida resolves himself not to take her for granted again. Reaching over, he rests his hand on her shoulder bracingly. "...Thank you, Inoue-san," he says quietly. Opening his mouth to explain, he finds an infuriating lump in his throat that is impossible to speak through, so he simply closes his mouth again and allows his words of gratitude to speak for themselves.
Eh? ...... EH?! Orihime raises her head with surprise much too obvious to hide with a well-placed sunny smile. But that surprise gives way to warmth just as swiftly. Then maybe she /did/ help after all... And knowing that she's needed, even just a little, makes her feel warm inside. She knows how Uryuu is, and just how much it means for him to reach out like that, to actually make contact with her.
It was probably no accident that they ended up together in the Soul Society like that. How glad she is for that chance to know him better!
Reaching up to lay her fingers over his, Orihime raises the other hand...and pushes at a pair of invisible glasses. "It's nothing," she says in her best imitation of the archer. Then she grins at him. "Like that, right?"
Uryuu's eyes widen as he's suddenly shown a reflection of himself he hadn't expected. Then, gradually, he begins to chuckle softly, reaching up to rub the back of his neck self-consciously. "Do I really say that so often?" Of course, he's completely misunderstood every time. Most people think he's just being cold and aloof, but the truth is he thinks saying that makes him seem cool! But then, he does a lot of things that he thinks make him seem cool that other people might tend to disagree with. But one day he'll prove the value of capes and mantles to that blockhead, Kurosaki. Speaking of whom...
"I didn't know you did impressions, Inoue-san. I'd ask if you could imitate Kurosaki, but I'm afraid that scowl of his would give you wrinkles." Glancing up, Ishida notes that a few of the other members have taken their leave early already. Only a handful of the small club remains. "Would you like to see my project?" he asks conspiratorially.
Can she do an impression of Ichigo? CAN she ever! Only too eager to display her mighty skills, Orihime sits straight up and lays her palms together. "Oh it's okay! I'm really good at this!" she reassures him. And with that, she folds her arms gruffly beneath her chest, gives her lower lip an extra jut, and then affects that trademark scowl as she turns her head away in a 'what do I care?' sort of fashion. "If you wanna fight me, come on," she says in her deepest growl. "But don't go cryin' to me if you get bloodstains on your shirt!"
Her features relax back into her usual self. "Pretty scary, huh?" He used to be, anyway. Ichigo seems to be less and less threatening when it comes to his fellow classmates.
But there's no time to gloat! Uryuu has just offered her a glimpse of his project, and her curiosity is effectively piqued. "C-could I?!" she gasps, as though she were just asked if she'd like to see England's crown jewels. "Yes, please, if it's okay!"
Concealing his laughter behind a fist, Uryuu regains his composure before offering her performance a golf clap. "Exceedingly believable," he compliments with a knowing smirk. Gathering the pearl-colored material in one arm, Ishida pushes his chair back and stands to retrieve one of the draping forms. He purposely stands directly in Orihime's line of sight while draping the fabric onto the armless, legless, and headless model. Finally, he stands aside, revealing the silk and lace arranged into a delicately formal kimono. "It's at a rudimentary stage right now," Uryuu apologizes for himself. "I intend to have a lot more lace, and several gathers, as well as a bustle... You see, it's going to be a wedding kimono, so I'm blending the fashion of several cultures. It's the first time I've actually designed something myself, rather than copying something I've seen before."
There, that's MUCH better! Catching a laugh from Uryuu is such a rare thing, it does her heart good to see it. ~Thank goodness...~ she thinks to herself, smiling at him as she claps along as well. "Thanks! Next stop, Broadway!" And she raises a fist to display her 'determination.'
When he reveals the project, Orihime's jaw drops, and she draws a slow breath of utter awe. "Oh /wow/. That's so pretty!" she gasps, leaning far forward over her desk. It must have been really expensive to make, too, the fabric is gorgeous. "But Ishida-kun, that can't be true," she points out with a smile. "Your..." She glances around, making sure no one is present. And the coast is clear! "Your Quincy uniform was pretty unique, that was all you, wasn't it? And the shirts you made for me and Sado-kun, and Kuchiki-san's pretty dress!" ...Well, so much for the theory about this project being a labor of love for Rukia. She's pretty sure he's not fixing to get married any time soon. Unless he's just that sort of guy who plans so far ahead...? No, probably not, it's too big for the tiny shinigami. Too bad...that would have been really romantic.
Tilting his head, Ishida considers Orihime's words. "I suppose you have a point... Although I'm afraid I can't claim the clothes I made for you and Sado-kun. For those, I simply copied what you were already wearing, after all. I may have added a touch of my own here and there, but the design itself wasn't mine. And as for Kuchiki-san's dress, that was the same. I remembered what style she liked to wear when she was here, and merely copied it with a fabric I thought she'd like."
Turning his thoughtful gaze back to Orihime, he attempts to hide a smile. "However, I'll tell you secret, Inoue-san. I hope to create my own business one day. Right now, I'm getting by just mending things for people, but it makes me happy is seeing people wearing things that I've made. I decided to start with a wedding kimono because they're so special, and no two are alike. Ah...but forgive me, I'm talking so much..." Is it the subject or is it the fact that he's talking to Orihime that gives him the desire to speak of his goals? Great job shooing your friends away, Ishida.
Orihime makes a mental note to wear that magenta shirt again in the near future. If that'll make him happy, she'll leap to the occasion! Besides, it IS pretty cute. Better than the original, even.
"I seeeee..." Orihime replies, tapping a finger against her cheek. "Even so, it's amazing. Being able to sew like that just from looking! You didn't even have to take any measurements, and that's the sign of a true tailor," she crosses her arms, nodding sagely. She knows what she's talking about, yes sir.
E-eh? He's apologizing for...talking so much? But it's not 'so much' at all! Maybe in comparison with what little he usually says, but even so... "Ah! No no, it's okay!" Orihime quickly reassures him with a wide grin. "I like listening! I didn't know that was your dream. It's a good one," she says, her smile softening. She'd like to see him accomplish that dream someday. Who knows? Maybe he can set up shop next to her future bakery, and she can create unique and fabulous wedding cakes to go along with his unique and fabulous bridal wear. "I think you can do it. Especially if this is your first, it really looks like something you'd see in an expensive magazine," she nods towards the ensemble.
The praise is surprising enough, but the optimistic encouragement...it just blows him away. Ishida looks up with a rare expression indeed: that of being completely dumbfounded. Soon however, that look begins to soften as he becomes obviously touched by her belief in his abilities. It's a good thing everyone else has left by now, because were there any witnesses to the look on his face they'd be shocked into unconsciousness. The expression of warmth and sheer appreciation - as though Uryuu were looking past Orihime's eyes into a part of her soul that no one had ever noticed before and he found it utterly beautiful - was one that perhaps only Orihime had ever seen before, and that would have been in Soul Society after another of those shocks. It's funny, to Uryuu, how she has a way of showing him the good of all humanity with the simplest of statements.
Without thinking, his mouth moves and he asks the question he's been wanting to ask her since he first sketched the design. "When it's finished, will you model it for me? At the showing, I mean."
Orihime gasps, holding a spread hand to her mouth. "M-me...?! Could I really wear something like that...?" What if she got it dirty? If she were to trip and fall, she would feel so /horrible/.
Her eyes move back to the kimono, admiring it once again. But it's so pretty... Her cheeks pinken at the very thought of slipping on something so fine. She's never worn silk before. Touched it, yes, and it felt wonderful and cool against her fingers. To wear an entire garment...wow. Just...wow!
"I...I-I'd be totally honored, Ishida-kun...!" Orihime breathes.
Even her stunned reaction is a precious compliment. "You're the only one who can, Inoue-san." Alright, so maybe that's not /entirely/ true. But she's the only model he's had in mind throughout the process so far, so it pretty much goes without saying that at this point, the only people he knows who it'll fit are Orihime and perhaps Rangiku. Of course, it's not difficult to take in a garment, but her agreeing to take part in the showing is much more preferable.
"I am truly grateful," he offers, by way of thanks. "It seems the club has dispersed early today," he notes. "I intend to spent another hour working, at least. You're welcome to stay or go, whichever you prefer. I won't be insulted if you go home. I'm sure it's been a long day."
Another hour, huh...? Well that's not so bad. If it went any later she probably couldn't stay. There are two hungry shinigami who depend on her for supper. (Well, one anyway. Toushirou probably lives off of hot noodle cups and sandwiches, poor kid.) And of course she'd want to make sure that Uryuu was eating, but that would put his work at risk of oil stains, or worse. So food in the classroom is out of the question.
"I think I'd like to stay," she beams. His company has become more and more pleasant. She thought it might be once there weren't as many people around. But even if that weren't the case, it's good just to be near him and seeing him smile so honestly. "Besides," she laughs, "I think Rangiku-san is working hard with Hitsugaya-taichou. I wouldn't want to get underfoot."
Though it's entirely possible that Rangiku's just watching TV while Toushirou cleans up after his lieutenant.
Taichou. The word startles him into pricking himself with a pin. Sucking a gasp of air through his teeth, Uryuu draws his hand back from his work and puts his finger into his mouth. /Hitsugaya-taichou./ Instantly, he remembers meeting the tiny captain of the 10th division during those last couple of days in which they had been guests of Soul Society, rather than ryoka. Therefore, Rangiku-san must be Matsumoto-fukutaichou.
Drawing his throbbing finger out of his mouth, Ishida levels a sharp gaze on Orihime. Boy has he been out of the loop. "There are taichou and fukutaichou class Shinigami here?" More importantly, why hasn't he been able to sense as much? /They must be hiding their reiatsu./ This is bad news, very bad news. "The situation must be worse than we thought previously." This decision he's been sitting on...must be made immediately.
"I-Ishida-kun!" Orihime looks alarmed as he jabs himself, hands flailing about briefly before she realizes it's...not really anything to fuss about. She doesn't have any bandages, he's the one that carries the first aid kit around with him. Still, she didn't mean to startle him like that.
"I guess I forgot..." she laughs awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. "You weren't there when they arrived, huh? A whole bunch are here to keep an eye on things. Rangiku-san and Hitsugaya-taichou are staying with me. Madarame-san and Ayasegawa-san are staying with Asano-kun, Abarai-san is at Urahara's shop... Oh, and the best news of all!" Orihime claps her hands together.
She /knows/ Uryuu will be beside himself with joy to hear it.
"Kuchiki-san is back! Isn't that great?" she beams. "They're all wearing gigais, and they'll be attending school here most likely."
Indeed, even as she speaks to elaborate on the goings-on of the spirit world, Uryuu is already reaching into his bag for that familiar first aid kit. He sprays a tiny bit of antiseptic on the pinhole wound before covering it with a bandaid, all while taking in the information Orihime is offering. By the time she reaches the 'best news of all,' he is finished with his task and rises from his crouch beside his bag to regard her with an interested intensity.
Unfortunately, Ishida will end up disappointing Orihime, whether he knows it or not. Rather than smiling with glee at the news of Rukia's return, his frown grows deeper, and his eyebrows furrow to rival Ichigo's. "...I see."
He's not excited? What? How strange... Maybe he already knew, and he's jealous that she's staying with Ichigo...no, that can't be right. She can't picture Uryuu as a jealous sort of person.
She'll have to think about it later. He looks like he's in danger of clamming up again, just when they were really starting to open up. "Anou...if you're worried that you might be left out...y-you really shouldn't be...you can still fight, even with..." Regular arrows, is what she thought to say. But suddenly she worries if she's being insensitive. Orihime drops her gaze, drawing a knuckle to her mouth. "I know it's a little scary now, but...but I think we'll be okay, in the end. Everyone's getting ready. I don't think we'll get caught unprepared."
Pushing her words to the back of his mind, Ishida gazes on his project, which had been so important just moments earlier. Would it ever be finished now? With this news, he understands that the time for putting his normal life first is over, for the time being. Soon, people will need to be protected. Maybe even Orihime herself will need protecting. And Uryuu has no intention of letting her or any of the others down.
With a slow, deliberate sigh, he begins cleaning up his things. "Thank you yet again, Inoue-san. You've helped me make an important decision today. Everything is going to change, whether we like it or not. But...we can't control that. All we can do is our best. You're right. We all have to prepare." And for Uryuu, preparing means getting his powers back, no matter the high cost.
Pausing, he turns back to Orihime and takes her gently by the shoulders. "Promise me, Inoue-san, that you will be careful. I know how much you care about everyone, but you must also be mindful of your own well-being. Will you do that?"
An important decision? Well she's glad she could help, but she can't help wondering just what that decision might be. And the look on his face... It almost feels like he's telling her good-bye. But that can't be right. He'll be there, he always has!
It should be him promising to take care of himself. Chad remarked, not too long ago, that Uryuu was the most fragile of them all. She's not sure if he's right or wrong about that, but there's so much she doesn't know, Orihime can't help but worry.
"I...I promise. Sure, Ishida-kun! Sure thing," she reassures him with her brightest smile. It's not like she can do much anyway the way she is now. Tsubaki is gone, maybe for a very long time. It seems no matter what she does, she can't bring him back. "I'm not much of a fighter anyway, you know?" Orihime smiles crookedly, scratching the side of her head. "So don't worry about me. Rangiku-san and Hitsugaya-taichou are watching over me too, I'll be okay." Sweet of him to be that concerned, though.
Dropping his hands, Uryuu shakes his head and returns to his clean up. "That...isn't exactly what I mean. You belong on that battlefield just as much as any of us. What I mean is, please be sure to protect and heal yourself as much if not more than you do others. It's up to them to protect you so..." Slinging his schoolbag across his shoulder, he finishes his thought as he turns to face her. "Tell that captain if he fails, he'll have to face me."
Awwww... She's not sure if Uryuu even meant to cheer her up with those words, but it's nice to hear that he thinks she can fight alongside the others. She was worried that he might not feel that way, especially since he forced her /out/ of that fight with Kurotsuchi. If he believes in her now, though, that's all that matters.
Orihime draws herself upward, warming through and through. It really means a lot to her! "I'll do my best," she promises. She's always had a difficult time healing herself in the past (it's HARD!), but if there's no one else injured... Ah... That's probably breaking the promise, isn't it? She feels bad about that, since it seems unlikely she'll be able to keep it. But she /will/ try, at least for his sake.
"It's okay," Orihime chuckles, picturing the shocked look Toushirou would give her if she actually relayed that message. Then he'd probably scowl with that flat expression of his and dismiss it entirely on the grounds of having too much work to do. Poor Shiro.
Orihime dashes to gather up her things, so she can at least see Uryuu off at the school gates. "You take care too, Ishida-kun. See you Monday?"
That time...fighting against the 12th division taichou... No, that had nothing to do with his belief in her abilities. It was simply too dangerous for her there, what with the mad scientist wanting the girl for his wicked experiments. Uryuu had preferred to sacrifice himself, had it come to that, than simply hand her over to suffer endless agonies at that person's hands. Not only that, but Ishida hadn't been certain of the outcome of the battle. If he'd fallen, Orihime would be in danger. Not only that, but she'd have seen... No, under those circumstances, he couldn't let her remain.
Carefully packing the few remaining materials into a shopping bag, Ishida begins to reply, "Ah yes, see you...--" But he cuts himself short. He can't promise to see her on Monday. Or Tuesday, or Wednesday. He doesn't know how long his father's training will take. /See you...I don't know when...Inoue-san.../ But one thing's for certain. He will see her again. Failure is not an option. Not for a Quincy, and not for Ishida Uryuu.