Hopeless Eternal

Authors Note: This is mainly Ichigo/Tatsuki but there will be slight Ichigo/Orihime, I apologize if you don't care for the couple.I really prefer Ichigo with Tatsuki over all the other female characters, the entire childhood thing.

Warnings: angst, oral, violence, sexual situations, death and of course they are a tad underage so underage naughtyness.



Chapter One


“Just what am I to you?”


The familiar ache had her rolling on her side to once again examine the flashing clock on the bedside table. Only ten minutes had passed since the last update. What she wanted was to finally fall asleep and not wake up for days. Tatsuki groaned and turned away from the blaring light. Another night of tossing and turning due to not being able to sleep, she’d look like hell tomorrow. The throbbing of her temples threatened to make her dinner come back up. What was wrong with her? Was she that nervous? That couldn’t be it, she’d done nothing wrong. If her rampant emotions didn’t do her in then it’d be the searing pain that still lingered in her shoulder.


‘Ichigo,’ she sighed into the pillow and willed the pain away. It was worse tonight than usual but nothing she couldn’t handle. Her mind went back to that fateful day when she’d confronted her childhood friend about Orihime’s disappearance that had been the start of it all. The three of them had followed him in his shinigami form to Urahara’s store and watched as he went through a portal. From there they had been informed of the circumstances and what had happened to Orihime. So Ichigo had gone to save her best friend from wherever she’d been taken. That had eased her worry somewhat but all three of them had agreed to help in any way possible. They had indeed helped during the war by helping Kisuke Urahara protect the town from hollows but had it been the smartest thing to do? The war had been won but a lot had been lost. All of her friends had eventually returned home from this other place but things had changed.


During the fight she had been scared and unsure of what to do but had fought as best as she could. Anger towards those that had taken Orihime and were hurting those she cared for had given her the strength she needed. It hadn’t kept her from being injured though. It hadn’t been too serious at the time but the bite had bled profoundly afterwards until it had been healed. On her left shoulder blade were two inch long scars that refused to disappear. The shinigami that had healed her had said it should be completely healed in a few days but it was now a month later and it still glared at her. The fangs had done a nasty number on her limb too. After being healed her and the others had thanked Urahara and then sent home. Orihime and the others had returned almost a week ago, so far she’d only seen Orihime. It had been wonderful to hold her best friend close.


In the morning everyone would be returning to school, she wasn’t sure what to do. She’d been back for almost three weeks now and looking upon those empty desks had made their not being there all too real. It was a definite statement of how a wall had been erected between them. How would she feel to see them all sitting in those seats after everything? She didn’t know how to feel about anything. She was grateful to Ichigo for bringing Orihime back but what was this other nagging feeling? Did it have anything to do with the way he had lied to her? Or was it the way he had looked at her like she was a complete stranger?


“Oi, are you sleeping?” The harsh knocking followed the voice and she seriously contemplated pretending to be just that. She didn’t feel up to dealing with family or anyone else.


“What?” Tatsuki closed her eyes as her little brother sprinted through the now open door. “What do you want it’s after ten o’colock and I’m tired?”


“Come quick, you’ll never guess who is here.”


“Huh?” When had someone arrived? The hour was growing late and she wanted to try and sleep already. She hadn’t even heard a car pull up. Whose dumb ass would come this late in the evening? Most sane people would be going to sleep right about now. If it wasn’t someone important she was going to throttle the little brat for bothering her. Groaning she threw her legs over the edge of the bed and tried to focus on seeing who had arrived. Is it too much to ask that she be left alone for one night?


Her shoulder ached terribly and the company might catch the foul end of her temper. She had yet to undress for bed but the tank top and shorts had been cool enough to sleep in. Winter was still in the air but she’d been burning up for the last few days. Running a hand over the back of her neck she padded towards the excited laughter of her mother and brother. Why the hell were they so happy?


The last person she expected to see stood there next to her mother blushing fiercely at some unheard comment. The tall muscular form was the first thing she recognized and the way he stood as if feeling awkward. Her face lit up as the shaggy raven heard shook negatively before turning in her direction. Bright green eyes sparkled at the sight of her despite how horrible she must look. “Kazuki-san!”


“Tatsuki-chan, I’m not disturbing you am I?” His smile widened taking in the tousled hair and the wrinkled clothes. He had wondered why she hadn’t shown up for the last competition. Her mother had said she was feeling under the weather. He’d been hoping to speak to her and share his news.


“Nah, but I’m surprised to see you here and at this late at night.” She was glad to see him but was still peeved about being disturbed. She’d met him over three years ago at one of the tournaments; he’d won the last one in the men’s division.


“Ah sorry about that but we just got into town today and I came over as soon as I got the chance.” He hoped this wouldn’t upset her. They always hung out together during a meet and it was the main reason he’d been looking forward to moving to Karakura Town. The decision had been made over a month ago and they had arrived today. His first thoughts were to come over and see her. “We finally made the move and I wanted to speak to you before tomorrow morning. I’ll be going to Karakura High School and I was thinking maybe you could walk with me in the morning. I’m kind of nervous about not really knowing anyone.”


“I see, when did your parents decide to move?” Tatsuki was sure he hadn’t mentioned it last time they had hung out together. But her mind had been on other things during that time so it was indeed possible for her to have forgotten. Not that she found his presence here distasteful in any way but it was sudden. He had a wonderful sense of humor even when he lost a match and was always ready to fight again. Not to mention he had a way of getting her to talk. She had confided in the growing distance between her and Orihime the last time they had been together.


“Ah, right before the last match but you didn’t attend so I didn’t get a chance to tell you. I’ve already been enrolled and start in the morning.” He could have easily gone on his own but he wanted to go with her. He was sure she had plenty of friends but he had always felt a connection with her. “If I’m imposing I’m sure I can find my own way.”


“Nah, it’s okay. We have a lot to catch up on but it’s getting late. Why don’t you meet me here in the morning and we can walk together. If we get there early enough I’ll show you around.” Tatsuki could see that her mother was thrilled by this turn of events. If the woman nagged her one more time about getting a boyfriend she would turn lesbian just to prove a point.


“Thank you that would be wonderful. I’ll see you then Tatsuki-chan.”



Was there no end to her suffering? Tatsuki wanted to punch the next girl that suddenly ran up to her and demanded introductions. They hadn’t been here for ten minutes and half the female population had wanted to know who her friend was. That was a tad exaggerated but that’s what it felt like as the last giggling female darted off after learning Kazuki’s name. She was perfectly aware of what they saw in him. Sadly he could give Ichigo a run for his money when it came to looks. Add in that he had the smile and personality that would charm the socks off most girls. Tatsuki just liked his round-house kick.


“Sorry about this Tatsuki-chan. I don’t think it was even this bad at my old school.” Kazuki sighed as the brunette skipped happily away as if she’d just won the grand prize. He knew that girls liked the way he looked and being built only added to that appeal it seemed. He was fit due to loving competing but it caused unwanted adoration most of the time. He wasn’t fooled; they were only looking at his appearance. This was why he had only dated one person at his last school. Most chicks didn’t think eye candy should have a brain. Besides he had his bad points and none of them would think him so cute if they got a dose of it.


“No problem, I guess it can’t be helped. This is even worse than being around Ichigo.” Speaking of which, would the shinigami return to school with the others? Tatsuki hadn’t seen any of her friends yet but it was still kind of early. She was kind of enjoying the tour but her stomach was starting to knot up in anticipation.


“Ichigo? He’s the one guy you told me about right. The childhood friend that Orihime-chan is in love with?” He was sure the guy had been mentioned a few times. He often wondered what this Ichigo meant to her. Was he just a friend?


“The one and the same, he should be here today.” She felt dismay fill her as a group of girls spotted them and started eyeing Kazuki. If they came rushing over she might be tempted to flee or scream at them. Couldn’t they wait until the day had ended? She was kind of glad now that he was a grade ahead of her and she wouldn’t be hounded with questions all day long.


“I’m looking forward to meeting all of your friends. Although, I was wondering if we’d be able to walk home together afterwards.” He smiled at the group they passed and quickly looked back down at his company. He much preferred her company. It was a shame he was a year older and would be forced to spend all day with strangers, perhaps he’d make a few new friends.


“Well,” Tatsuki paused in thought. For so long she’d always walked home with Ichigo but that had changed in the last few months. What would it hurt to agree? If she didn’t she’d be walking home alone because Orihime went in the other direction unless they had plans. “Okay, just meet me out front after school.”


“Tatsuki-chan!”


Their conversation was stopped as Tatsuki turned to see the small group strolling down the hall. Her smile lit up seeing Orihime in the front and Keigo right beside her. Ishida-kun was reading as he walked and behind him was a sullen looking face. Her chest twisted seeing that the orange head was bent down, the floor must have become interesting. So they had come back today after all.


“Oh my, it’s Kazuki-kun.” Orihime rushed forward seeing the tall male standing next to the small brunette. She’d only met him twice while going to a competition with Tatsuki. She had liked him from the first time they had spoken. What was he doing here and in a school uniform?


“Orihime-chan, it’s good to see you again.” Kazuki beamed a grin as the large bust broke into a run. The girl was a ditz but had a sweet disposition. He was curious about the guy that had won Orihime’s heart. Was it one of the three coming towards them? As long as none of them had managed to win over Tatsuki-chan then he didn’t care. He hadn’t heard her speak of someone special so he was sure she was still unattached. He could handle a little competition though; it was what he was best at.


“Did you transfer? Tatsuki-chan didn’t tell me you were here.” Orihime was sure it hadn’t been brought up during their conversation which had lasted hours. They had spoken about everything including her captivity and her rescue. Perhaps with everything else this had been overlooked.


“We arrived yesterday so she didn’t know until last night.” He saw that the three males were close enough now to listen in on the conversation. He tried not to squirm or react as two of the three turned their attention to him. What were they? The one with the orange hair had the hairs standing up on his arms in anticipation.


“Hai, so you went right over to see Tatsuki-chan?” Orihime saw the pink flush enter her friend’s cheek. Had she said something wrong? She thought it was sweet that he had went straight to see the brunette. This was the guy Tatsuki-chan would always hang around when she went away. It would be nice to have another friend.


“Something like that since I asked her to show me around today.” Kazuki laughed as Tatsuki flushed over the underlining implication. He wasn’t going to deny that he had immediately wanted to visit her. She was unlike any other girl he knew and he wasn’t above having others know that she was special to him.


Tatsuki wanted to kick Orihime in the teeth for the comment. She made it sound like he had rushed right over to see her like it had been important. She didn’t want the others thinking he was anything more than just a good friend. Her face fell as she glanced towards the three males that just stopped in front of them. Keigo was looking at Kazuki like he was an oddity. Ishida was eyeing him over the rim of his glasses and Ichigo was squinting his eyes menacingly. Had she woken up in another dimension?


Uryuu was sure why Keigo was stuttering and acting like an idiot. For the same reason the group of girls had suddenly stopped nearby and were looking. He sighed as he examined whoever the tall guy was. He knew he was tall but this one had him beat. The only one that could surpass the new guy was Sado-kun. The built was of someone that liked to be active and even he had to admit he could see why the girls were gawking. What had him staring was the reitsu surrounding that guy, it was unlike anything he’d seen before. “Tatsuki-chan, is he a friend of yours?”


“Hai, this is Newa Kazuki.” Tatsuki made the introductions the best she could around the glares. “Kazuki-kun, this is Ishida Uryuu, Kuros...” her words slammed to a halt in her throat as a loud and rude scoffing sound echoed around them and Ichigo proceeded to turn around. Without saying anything he strolled away from them.


“Kurosaki-kun?” Orihime watched in disbelief as he left them standing there in shock. What had that been about? He had looked alright on the way to school so what was wrong? He had assured them that he was perfectly fine with how things had turned out. The war had been hard on them all and he had suffered the most. Soul Society had much to do to recover from the many losses but things were safe again, to an extent. Was he getting depressed again after coming home? Or was the idea of handling things in Kuchiki-san’s absence bothering him?


“Ichigo.” Tatsuki wasn’t sure what to make of the abrupt departure. He hadn’t been very talkative before he had gone away. This was the first time she’d seen him since that day. She had Orihime’s account of what happened but what else happened to Ichigo? Was there a reason he hadn’t even spared her a glance? He had said he’d apologize to them all once he returned but he had yet to speak to her. From the looks of it he was back on good terms with Keigo so what was going on?


So that was Ichigo Kurosaki, Kazuki wasn’t impressed. That was the childhood friend that used to attend classes with Tatsuki-chan? The only thing decent on the guy was that raging aura he had noticed. Just because the guy had it didn’t mean he knew how to use it. But he could see why Orihime liked the guy, she appeared to be the type to like them moody. Whatever floated her boat in his opinion.


“Sorry Kazuki-kun, he’s usually not that cranky.” Orihime felt bad for the guy since he was new to school. She hoped he wouldn’t take it personally since Kurosaki had a habit of being moody at times. Maybe she should go speak to him and see what was bothering him. Would he confide in her?


Uryuu was disappointed in the shinigami’s reaction greatly. For someone that had befriended Arrancar easily he had almost given the new guy an undeniable cold shoulder. Was he still fretting about something? Or was the guy still pissed about being ordered about by Soul Society? What did he expect? They had gone against what the Captain Commander had said but things had turned out for the best in the end. Almost Aizen’s entire group had been exterminated or defeated, things were returning to normal. Rukia-chan was needed in Soul Society until things got situated. It was only understandable that they would expect Ichigo to continue doing the dirty work. There was no time for a thank you when there was still work to be done.




“There you are Tatsuki-chan,” Orihime took her attention off of her bento to notice the girl walking towards them. It was lunch time and she wanted to share what she’d brought. Ichigo had politely turned down the food before going over to lean against the tree. He wasn’t the only one being unsociable, Ishida was also reading while relaxing against the other side. Sado was listening intently to something Keigo was saying.


“Orihime,” she took a seat next to the girl. Tatsuki wanted something for the pounding in her temples. So much for believing that she’d be safe in class. How much longer would she be questioned about Kazuki? Three days had passed since he had arrived but the girls were taking bets on who would be the lucky girl to land him. She just wanted it to end, along with the pain in her shoulder.


“Is Kazuki-kun meeting you after school again today? I wanted to ask if you’d come over and help me with my paper.” Orihime just wanted to spend time with her friend. The last two days the guy had been there waiting on Tatsuki. Was she the only one that noticed that he liked their friend? She was pretty sure that was the case and had believed it for a long time. It was in the way he would often glance down and watch with adoring eyes. It would be nice if her best friend could find a boyfriend. Now that they were back she was going to see about furthering things with Kurosaki.


“Hai but I can let him know that I’ll be going to your place instead..” She would love a change of pace right now. Walking home with Kazuki meant being followed by a bunch of silly females. The ones from yesterday had been from her class and those were the ones responsible for her migraine. If they wanted to know so much about him then they should just bug him. It wasn’t like she was the inside source of knowledge with it came to him.


“Hmph,” Ichigo snorted as a dozen questions started being thrown at Tatsuki. Even Chizuru wanted to know how long their friend had known the transfer student. What did it matter? He wasn’t the first transfer student to arrive at their school. What was so special about him? He didn’t see anything that made all the girls go crazy about the guy. He wasn’t even sure why he was in such a horrible mood. He hadn’t had to work in the last week so maybe he was getting antsy. What were the chances of all the hollows wising up? When would Rukia be returning? He wanted to speak to her about the anxious feeling that just wouldn’t go away. He leaned back against the tree narrowing his eyes at the group. Even Orihime was getting into the discussion.


He noticed how the heat rose in Tatsuki’s cheeks as Chizuru asked if she was interested in the guy. Now wasn’t the time to worry about this. His brow twitched at the simpering giggle from Orihime. Was he the only one that found the conversation disturbing? Or was he the only one paying attention to it? A nagging feeling pierced his gut as Tatsuki turned in his direction. Guilt had him frowning under the gaze. He had already spoken to everyone else and apologized but for some reason he was finding it hard to say anything where she was concerned. The last conversation they had was still etched into his memory. Or maybe it was the prickling in the back of his skull. He had deserved her anger at the time and he wasn’t sure how to go about making amends. Would she accept a simple apology? She probably would but he couldn’t bring himself to do it because he felt like he owed her more.


A fresh breeze had him closing his eyes for a moment. What would he do now that he was back home? There was no telling when he’d be needed to work again. He didn’t have a desire to fight at the moment but a strong sense of need had settled in his soul since the other day. There was the option of training some more since they had free time. There was nothing wrong with keeping in shape and getting stronger. He had almost failed everyone during the war. The only reason he had won in his fight with Ulquiorra was because his hollow side had interfered. He felt like he was still in control but how long would that last? Perhaps he should go speak to Urahara soon, it never hurt to be sure. It would also give him an excuse to spend time alone. As Chizuru commented on Orihime needing someone special as well he felt eyes turn to him.


Instead of acknowledging the gaze he pretended to be dozing. Before going to Heuco Mundo he had been unsure of her feelings for him but now he was fully aware of just how much Orihime cared about him. Being a shinigami left little time for pursuing a relationship, much to his father’s displeasure. He didn’t doubt that she was hoping for more now that they were home. Did he want to try for more? He cared about her greatly as a friend and companion but did he want to try for a deeper connection? Was that his problem? Was it because he knew of her feelings and wasn’t sure how to act on them? What would he do if she suggested it?


Tatsuki didn’t like the way Ichigo had suddenly gone still or that he had avoided her gaze. Why was it just her? She wanted to scream at him for the attitude but what would it help? Even after she had struck him in anger and demanded answers he had ignored her request and said it was none of her concern. How were her friends being in trouble not her concern? Urahara-san had assured her it had been his way of protecting them but she wasn’t so sure. If he should have confided in anyone, she felt that it should have been her. Ever since he’d become a shinigami she’d been given the cold shoulder. All they’d been through together as children had meant nothing. A complete stranger had been the one to tell her the truth. Ichigo had left her with a lie. It stung if she thought about it. How distant had his feelings become? She was too afraid to ask, the answer might be too painful.


Her thoughts were interrupted when Orihime suddenly stood up and ran over towards the tree happily. She bristled hearing the girl invite Ichigo to walk home with them as well. It was the last thing she wanted since they still weren’t on speaking terms. That was something else that was bothering her. For months she had been behind Orihime’s pursuit of Ichigo but now it aggravated her. It was easy to conclude the worst as the orange head lifted and he graced her friend with his attention. He smirked as he turned the offer down but he kept looking at Orihime. Tatsuki could see the soft emotions in that expression. It was proof that soon they would be doing more than hunting hollows together. Why did that thought make her sad? Was it because she was lonely?


“I have plans already,” he didn’t want to deal with the awkwardness of being around Tatsuki today. Going to Urahara’s was the perfect excuse to get out of the ordeal. Maybe in a few more days he’d be ready to apologize or something. ‘What a wonderful scent.’


The voice made Ichigo almost jump to his feet. He hadn’t heard it for weeks, so why now? He wasn’t in any kind of mortal danger. Was it possible? It was just a nagging voice, the eerie feeling of losing control didn’t follow. The last thing he needed to do was lose control again. What did it want? ‘You should really stop denying us. Don’t ignore me you pathetic bastard. Do you think you’ve won? Remember my warning and need I remind you that even the horse has needs, King?’


What the hell did that mean? Was it trying to tell him something? The bastard sure was annoying as all hell. All that talk about being King and the horse was frustrating. What kind of needs did it have? He wasn’t going to make any kind of decision on what that meant. Just as quickly as it had appeared it was gone. What was he being denied besides a good night’s sleep?


“Kurosaki-kun, are you okay?” Orihime was almost positive that the strange glint had been there. Almost like the time he had been fight with Ulquiorra. The fear that scorched her veins quickly eased as he nodded. He wouldn’t hurt her and he was in control now. “So how about tea tonight?”


Did he want to spend the evening in her company? It might be better than sitting home and dealing with his father’s antics. “Sure, I guess I can make it.”




Please read and review... please.. my net time is very limited and I'd like to be working on something that readers will want me to update. Thanks for reading!!!