IC CONTACT

[cutupthemoon]

Hey, uh, if you need to reach me, leave a message. Just make sure it's important. I can't be doing phone calls and shit all the time. But if it's important, I'll get back to you ASAP. Promise.

Comments

voice;

[shockshot]

Hey Ichigo! It's me. I haven't seen you around lately. I hope you're okay because...

Well, I'd really like you to be okay.

Give me a call when you get a chance?

[cutupthemoon]

[It takes him a while to get up the nerve to respond, but eventually, he does.]

Hey, it's... it's me. I'm here. I'm... I'm okay, I just. Haven't been around much.

[Because guilt and shaaame.]

I didn't mean to worry you. Sorry.

[shockshot]

[At least he does. She had been about to sic Urahara on him.]

It's fine. I'm just glad you're okay. Do you have everything you need? Like food?

[She pauses.]

We don't have to talk about what happened, if you don't want to.

[cutupthemoon]

I've still got some. I don't eat that much. I think I'm going to explore the city soon, anyway, so I'll do... something.

[He pauses, too, much longer. Almost long enough that it seems he won't say anything at all. But finally: ]

I don't even know what to say. I'm just... sorry.

[shockshot]

You don't? Well...all right.

[This feels...strange, and she's not sure how to make it right. Maybe it's best to wait. Although...]

Sorry? No, you don't have to say sorry. It's my fault.

[cutupthemoon]

Yeah. Gotta keep my girlish figure.

[There's that defense mechanism. Snark at people, keep them pushed back, then no one can get hurt.

But he's hurt. And he figures she has to be hurt.]

No, it isn't. I knew that... that I was weak, and I shouldn't have let you in. I can't believe I...

[His voice breaks and then he just gives up.]

[shockshot]

If you get any skinner, I'll be able to tip you over. With my pinkie.

[Snark, meet sass. Half hearted, but an attempt to show she's not hurting.

...even if she is.But he's worse off in her mind.]

Ichigo, I'm the veteran. I knew something could have happened and I still...

[She doesn't know how to end that sentence without making one of them feel bad. They can't win this.]

The city does that. It clouds peoples judgment, and that was one of the worst times. You weren't the only one. And you're not weak.

[cutupthemoon]

[He scoffs, a noise that's supposed to sound huffy and indignant, but honestly, there's a part of him pleased she's being so... light. Maybe things aren't so bad.]

I'm tougher than I look.

[Which is why he's hiding in his apartment. Wait.

And while what she says makes sense, it's hard to totally believe it. He's still disgusted with himself, and only more disgusted that he enjoyed it so much, and even now there's a part of him wondering if it could happen again.]

I just... I want to be able to trust myself around you. You, of all people. I should be close to you. I want to.

[shockshot]

Ah, you're right. I'll have to flick, not poke you over.

[She keeps her voice light and teasing, joking around. Everything will be okay, even if they had been a little...surprised due to the city.]

I want to be close to you too. And...I do trust you. I knew you wouldn't hurt me when we...did that.

[She sighs. This conversation is...making her feel vulnerable.]

And if I didn't want it, or thought you were going to do something I didn't like, I would have thrown you across the room. I promise.

[cutupthemoon]

A little bit better.

[That's clearly not a fight he's going to win, so he'll just dryly accept her barbs.

It's good to know, at least, that she doesn't hate him after that. She still wants to be... something to him, even though he can't put a name to it himself. But she does give him pause for a moment.]

So you really wanted... me?

[Wow why did he even ask that, what answer is he even looking for here?]

[shockshot]

Picky.

[Naturally he won't win. But it's fun to see him try.

And no, she doesn't hate him, and yes, she wants a part in his life. It's just the...well...awkward question. She clears her throat.]

Yes. I really did.

[Thank god there's no video. Her face feels like it's on fire.]

[cutupthemoon]

[At least she's not the only one feeling awkward and flustered right now. There's a part of him that's pleased by her answer, but he's not sure that he should be. It's not like he wants her to want him or anything.

Right?]

Oh. Good.

[His way with words is truly legendary.]

I mean. I'm not saying we have to do it again, or anything, but I just. I'm glad you liked it. That it was okay.

[Wow he needs to stop.]

[shockshot]

[His skill with flirting is legendary as it doesn't exist.

Ichigo just. No more talking.]

We might have to, if you don't do anyone within the time limit. I don't want you to ever go to re education.

[Tiny pause.]

Urahara would help you too. If that makes you more comfortable.

[cutupthemoon]

[That was a good point, and he at least trusted her. She was one of the only people, at this point, that he really felt comfortable with, and considering the situation, that was really, really saying something.]

No, I... I don't want that.

[At her other suggestion he couldn't help himself from grimacing a little. Yes, he's sure that Urahara would offer his help, but that was one bargain he didn't know that he was prepared to make.

Plus, he still isn't sure how he feels about doing... that kind of thing... with guys. Welcome to bisexuality, strawberry.]

Um. I'll... keep that in mind.

[shockshot]

No. You really do not want to go there.

[She's grim when she says it, but after a few moments, her voice lightens. Welcome to the world of possibilities, little strawberry.]

Or you could go to Keigo! I'm not sure how much help he'd be, but he's very enthusiastic.

We'll keep you safe. I promise.

[cutupthemoon]

[It's surprising to hear such intensity from her, but that just proves how true it is. He's heard the horror stories already, and he knows she isn't lying.

And while she's trying to be helpful, he knows, she just keeps hurting him more.]

I... I'll take your word for it.

[Enthusiastic isn't even the half of it.]

I know you will. And I'll... do what I can for you, too.

[shockshot]

[She's terrified of going in. She's pretty sure there's been a couple of times where she just missed being taken in.]

I know you will. Because...you're a really great person.

[And she really wishes he didn't have to go through this because...this must be hell for him.]

Text

[asano_san]

You're Invited!

Birthday Party for Keigo

Townhouse 16

4/3


[OOC Disclaimers: Keigo is inviting everyone he knows. No obligation to attend. No, there's not a time. Keigo's bad with invitations.]

Forward dated 4/5; voice;

[shockshot]

Hey Ichigo.

Um, you're not going to see me around, but don't panic! I'm still in the city, not in re-ed or anything. I'm just taking some lessons, and they're very...anyway, I'm staying at the place where I'm getting them.

If you need me for anything, just call. Okay? Don't mind mine, I'll be fine. Have fun with the Carnival!