Chapter Text
“Are you sure this will work?” a male’s voice said.
“It has to. It’s our only chance.” a second man said calmly.
The shadowed men watched from the alley as a young man with orange hair passed by them. Their eyes followed him like he was prey and they were the predators.
“Ok, I will follow your lead on this, Tsukishima, but don’t fuck it up.” the first man hissed.
The newly named Tsukishima smiled.
“Don’t worry. I won’t.”
—sSs—
17 year old Kurosaki Ichigo sighed as he rolled his shoulder, trying to work out the kinks.
“Damn woman. How many requests did she have to take? I’m one fucking person, not an army.” Ichigo muttered.
Dropping his arm, he looked up to see it was getting dark rather quickly. He scowled.
“It better not rain.” Ichigo huffed.
“Ichigo!” a male’s voice called him.
Ichigo stopped and turned to see the strange man from the other day stop in front of him. Ichigo raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
“Oh, it’s you. Jingo, right?” Ichigo said.
Ginjo’s lips twitched.
“Ginjo. Kugo Ginjo.” Ginjo said, trying not to sound angry and clearly failing.
“Right. Anyway, what do you want?” Ichigo replied, boredly.
“Well, I happened to see you walking and just thought I would say hi. I feel like we got off on the wrong foot the other day and I wanted to clear the air between us.” Ginjo said
“Yeahhh, I still don’t trust you.” Ichigo replied.
“Hey, I don’t blame you! I mean, I’m just some strange guy who came to your job, asking you about your family, right? But I thought maybe my friend could convince you differently.” Ginjo said, moving to the side.
Ichigo blinked, startled to see a tall man appear behind Ginjo. Ichigo stared at his face, eyebrow raised.
“And how would this convince me? I don’t know this guy anymore than I know you.” Ichigo replied, glancing at Ginjo with annoyance.
The tall man just chuckled.
“Are you sure about that?” he asked politely.
Ichigo scowled sharply.
“Yes, I have never-” Ichigo’s sentence was cut off when he felt something sharp entering his stomach.
Panicked, Ichigo’s eyes fell to the sword now stabbed through him.
“W-What the-!” Ichigo choked.
Ichigo stumbled back, blinked and then…
“Wait, what?” Ichigo stared down at his stomach in confusion.
Hadn’t there just been a sword in his fucking guts?! Ichigo’s hand pressed against the area, searching for a wound, but nothing. No wound, no blood, not even a hint of pain. Ichigo’s brain spun in confusion. What the fuck had just happened? Was he hallucinating? Maybe he was more tired than he thought.
“Ichigo? Are you alright?” Ichigo’s head snapped up in surprise.
His eyes locked with the other man’s and…
“Shukuro? Is that you!” Ichigo asked in surprise.
“The one and only.” Tsukishima chuckled, holding out his arms in a very “here I am” fashion.
Staring at the other man, Ichigo was both shocked and overjoyed. Suddenly, his day seemed to be a whole lot better.
“I don’t believe it! When did you come back to town?” Ichigo asked as he moved closer eagerly.
“Ah, a few days ago. Sorry that I didn’t reach out before now. I was busy settling in, you know how moving can be.” Tsukishima stated, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
“It’s alright. I just can’t believe it! You moved away so suddenly. I almost thought I’d never see you again.” Ichigo shook his head.
Tsukishima chuckled and reached over to ruffle his hair. Ichigo let it happen because why wouldn’t he! This was Shukuro! His best friend from when he was a little kid. The same guy who had always had his back and protected him from bullies who picked on him for his hair. The same man who had allowed him to cry on his shoulder after the death of his mom. The same man who had been by his side through everything with Soul Society and the war. Ichigo never thought he would see his dear friend again, not after what happened with his powers, but here he was! Ginjo suddenly coughed to remind them both he was here and they turned to him.
“Oh dear, sorry about that. Ichigo, this is my friend, Ginjo. Ginjo, Ichigo.” Tsukishima introduced.
“Ah, actually, we’ve already met.” Ichigo admitted.
“Oh? Is that so? Well, that’s good! Ginjo and I met a while back and since Ginjo moved to Naruki City recently, I hoped we could all get along.” Tsukishima placed a hand on Ginjo’s shoulder and Ichigo felt a flash of annoyance go through him before he turned back to Tsukishima.
“Right… anyway! Shukuro, I’d really like a chance to catch up with you after all this time. Maybe we can grab dinner or something?” Ichigo asked.
Tsukishima smiled at him and Ichigo felt something in his chest loosen.
“I’d be happy to.” Tsukishima agreed.
“Me too!” Ginjo piped up, excitedly.
Ichigo resisted the urge to tell him to fuck off. He really only wanted to talk to Tsukishima, but if Tsukishima wanted to bring this weirdo with them, then Ichigo would put up with him. At least, until he could speak to Tsukishima on the side, but he wasn’t interested in the other man anymore than he had been before.
“Actually, Ginjo, would you mind if it was just us? Ichigo and I haven’t seen each other in a while and I would love a chance for us to just talk.” Tsukishima explained.
Ginjo seemed a little put out, but Tsukishima talked to him quietly and eventually, the man accepted it and walked off. Ichigo watched this happen and when Tsukishima turned back to him, Ichigo gave him a smile.
“Shall we?” Tsukishima asked gently and Ichigo nodded.
“Yeah, I know just the place.” Ichigo agreed.
—sSs—
Uryuu pushed his bangs back as he looked around. It had been a rather quiet night, which meant Uryuu hoped to get home and study for the big test this week without any issues. Doing one final scan of the town, Uryuu was confident that all the hollows had been handled for now and he started walking home when he noticed a familiar orange haired man in a nearby restaurant window. Uryuu paused, startled to see Ichigo talking, rather excitedly he might add, with another older man he had never seen before.
Uryuu watched as Ichigo said something that made the other man laugh, which in turn made Ichigo smile. Uryuu’s bag almost fell from his shoulder in surprise. Ichigo hadn’t smiled like that in… well, Uryuu had no idea. In fact, he was pretty sure he had never seen Ichigo smile like that before, even before everything with the Shinigami had happened. This wide, bright smile that made his face light up and his eyes twinkle brightly. A smile that was so warm and carefree that it almost looked strange on Ichigo’s usually serious face. Uryuu swallowed hard, feeling sorrow in his chest as he watched the two continue to talk, clearly at ease with each other in a way Ichigo had never been with him.
Uryuu forced his attention away from Ichigo to his companion and took note he was clearly older than Ichigo and anyone in their small friend group (any shinigami excluded). He was tall with long wavy black hair and brown eyes. He was handsome, Uryuu would give him that, but Uryuu was positive he had never seen this man before, at least not around Ichigo. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he snapped a quick picture before he turned away. He needed to find out who this man was and what connection he had with Ichigo. They seemed way too close for people who had just met.
He never noticed the dark eyes watching him leave.
—sSs—
Tsukishima sipped from his soda, idly watching as the blue haired teenager disappeared around the corner with faint amusement.
“Shukuro? Is everything ok?” Ichigo asked, causing Tsukishima to turn back to his dinner companion.
“Ah, yes. Sorry. Thought I saw a stray dog.” Tsukishima said, putting his drink down.
“Always the animal lover.” Ichigo teased lightly, which made Tsukishima smile.
“Of course. You know me. I can’t help, but try to protect the small and vulnerable." Tsukishima replied easily.
It, of course, was a total lie, but Ichigo wouldn’t know that. In his memories, Tsukishima was the kind, gentle, older friend who had protected him and cared for him when he was a child and again when they got older. He had no idea that Tsukishima was nothing like the man in his memory. Tsukishima hid a smirk as he ate his fries.
“So, how have you been?” Tsukishima asked gently.
Ichigo stopped and then sighed, hands wrapping around his drink just to give him something to hold on to.
“I’m ok. I mean, it hasn’t been easy since I lost my powers, but I’m trying to make the best of it.” Ichigo admitted.
Tsukishima’s face fell into a gentle, sad frown.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Ichigo. I wish I could have done something.” Tsukishima said, “sadly”.
“Hey! Don’t you blame yourself!” Ichigo reached over and grabbed his hand, giving it a little squeeze.
Ichigo’s eyes were so kind and earnest. Tsukishima wished he felt bad about lying to him, but Tsukishima didn’t care enough about him to feel that way. Ichigo was just a means to an end and that’s all he would remain.
“I’m sorry. I just feel so horrible that I had to leave right after you had to go through that and couldn’t keep in contact. You just know how things are in my family.” Tsukishima said.
Ichigo’s eyes drifted away.
“Well, at least you have a reason for leaving.” Ichigo stated.
Tsukishima frowned as he squeezed Ichigo’s hand back.
“I’m sure they had their reasons too, Ichigo.” Tsukishima said gently.
Ichigo huffed and pulled his hand away, slumping into his seat.
“Maybe if one of them would talk to me, I would be more willing to understand!” Ichigo stated sharply before he picked up his soda and took a large sip.
Tsukishima let him stew for a moment before he changed the topic.
“So you’ve met Ginjo before, have you?” Tsukishima asked.
Ichigo winced.
“Yeah… though I can’t say it was the best first impression.” Ichigo admitted.
Tsukishima chuckled. Ginjo had said the same thing. In fact, Ginjo had seemed really annoyed that Ichigo hadn’t just listened to him right away.
“Ginjo can be a little… odd at times, but I promise you, he’s a good guy. So try to give him a second chance? For me?” Tsukishima gave Ichigo his best puppy dog impression and Ichigo groaned as he slid down in his chair.
“Not the puppy dog eyes! Ugh, you are killing me here, Shu-chan!” Ichigo rolled his eyes.
Tsukishima was a bit startled, but rolled with it. Sometimes, things like this happened when he changed people’s memories.
“Shu-chan? My, I thought you were too old for nicknames like that anymore.” Tsukishima teased.
Ichigo immediately flushed and looked away. It was actually kind of cute the way that even his ears turned red.
“Ugh, it was a slip of the tongue. I know how much you hate that old nickname.” Ichigo mumbled.
“Oh, I don’t think I hate it. I just thought I was too old for it, but I could get used to it again if it’s coming from you.” Tsukishima replied easily.
Ichigo looked at him, startled, before he smiled.
“If you say so, Shu-chan.” Ichigo said.
Tsukishima looked outside and then stood up.
“Come on, it’s late and I’m sure your sisters will be worried if you aren’t home soon.” Tsukishima stated.
Ichigo blinked as he looked outside and cursed. He had totally lost track of time.
“Shit!” Ichigo quickly got up and they threw some money on the check for their food.
Stepping outside, Ichigo turned to Tsukishima, sheepishly.
“Sorry for taking up your whole evening, Shu-chan. I’m sure you had more important things to do than listen to me yap.” Ichigo said, rubbing the back of his neck, embarrassed.
Tsukishima just chuckled.
“I don’t mind at all. It was nice catching up with you.” Tsukishima replied.
“Well, I should get going. I’ll see you around.” Ichigo stated.
“Here, let me walk you home.” Tsukishima said.
“Ah, ok, sure." Ichigo was thrown off, but was also happy to spend more time with the other man.
Tsukishima and Ichigo walked across town, talking as they went. Ichigo told him all about how his classes were going and how he would be able to graduate on time after all the hard work he had done. It was so easy to talk to Tsukishima and Ichigo had missed the ease of their conversations when he had left. When they got to the Clinic, Tsukishima turned to Ichigo.
“Here we are, but before you go, can I see your phone? I had to change my number recently and want to make sure you have the new one.” Tsukishima held out his hand.
“Oh, sure! Here.” Ichigo handed over his phone.
Tsukishima added his number to Ichigo’s phone before handing it back with a smile.
“Good night, Ichigo. Sweet dreams.” Tsukishima said.
“Night.” Ichigo nodded to him before disappearing inside the Clinic.
Tsukishima heard some fighting from the other side of the door, but according to the information they had, that was normal. With a smirk, Tsukishima flashed away. Appearing next to Ginjo on the other side of town, he sighed.
“It’s done.” Tsukishima stated.
“Hmph, so step one is done, but we have plenty of steps to go, so don’t get cocky.” Ginjo snapped.
“Hmm, sounds like someone is jealous.” Tsukishima mocked.
“I’m not jealous! I just don’t understand why he has such an attitude with me!” Ginjo snapped.
Tsukishima rolled his eyes as he pulled out his book.
“Fine, if it bothers you so much, I’ll change his memories again to add you.” Tsukishima replied.
“Nah, it’s fine. As long as he trusts you, we’ll just roll with it.” Ginjo crossed his arms.
“If that’s what you want.” Tsukishima shrugged.
For a second, it was silent between the two before Ginjo spoke again.
“Tsukishima, I need you to make sure you don’t get too close to this kid, alright?” Ginjo demanded.
Tsukishima raised an eyebrow.
“Come now, Ginjo. Do you really think I would ruin our plan over one kid? Please.” Tsukishima chuckled.
“Don’t laugh. Remember what we learned about his connection with the Gotei 13. I’ve dealt with them before and they aren’t exactly warm and fuzzy. The fact that they backed this kid…” Ginjo let that sentence hang.
Tsukishima sighed deeply.
“For all you know, the shinigami were using him like they used you. Besides, I know what the plan is and that he is the key component. I recognize this and won’t fuck it up. You can rely on me.” Tsukishima stated.
“Alright. I’ll leave this to you.” Ginjo nodded.
They fell into silence.
—sSs—
Ichigo laid on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. It was dark out and his family was definitely in bed by now, but Ichigo found himself still awake. Yuzu had been really upset with him for staying out late and missing dinner, but when he had told her he had met up with an old friend, she seemed pleased to hear it and just reminded him to let her know next time he wouldn’t be home for dinner. He promised to do so before heading off to his room. Now, an hour later, Ichigo was done with his homework and was able to relax a bit before getting ready for bed.
“Shu-chan.” he muttered.
He still couldn’t believe that Shu-chan had come back! There was a giddiness in his chest that he hadn’t felt in… well, months. After the war, the world had seemed duller and darker, to lose his powers had felt like losing a limb; no, like losing a part of himself. He still felt the yawning emptiness in his chest every morning when he woke up and every night before he fell asleep. Sometimes, it was almost unbearable and he wished he had just died during the war. On top of that, Shu-chan having to leave due to family issues had been just as painful.
Ichigo rolled over and curled into himself. It hadn’t helped that his other friends had abandoned him around the same time, so he didn’t even have them to rely on. To lose all his friends on top of his powers had caused him to spiral, but now, Shu-chan was back! Closing his eyes, he had to hold back a smile. Maybe now, he wouldn’t feel so alone.