Looking Sharp

Ichigo's choice in clothes is comfy. He prefer sweatshirt, t-shirt, and pants. He never once wear clothes that actually showcase his body. And in any event he wear one, well, there's a reason why he own jackets and hoodie. Even his school uniform is one number bigger.

No one notice this, which Ichigo thankful of. He don't like wearing nice clothes.

For one, the Price. Living in Japan is . . So damn expensive he rather saves his money for college.

For another, he is substitute shinigami. And before that, he has reputation. See. He has bright orange hair, it was impossible to own unless you're a) Kurosaki Ichigo or b) Dye it. People take one look at his hair color and immediately pegged him as gangster or something. Some idiots in school tries to bully him. Gangster and yankee and some yakuza tried to mugs him. In short, Ichigo was deeply intimated with fighting he see no need to wear nice clothes. Why bother, he once thought, if in the end they're just going to torn up?

He also is a Substitute Shinigami. He spends half of his time out of his body, chasing hollows and send Plusses to Soul Society. He has no time being picky of what he wear. As long as it comfy, fit but not too fitting, and actually look decent and has no innuendo or make him looked like idiots or fashion disaster, he could careless.

There's a reason he love sweatshirt and t-shirt. They're easy to put on.

Shinigami Standard uniform is not bad, in his opinion. Contrast to how flowy they look, they do fitting and do not hinder his movement. And rather comfy too. And easy to clean and/or repaired. They also are not form-fitting which was just bonus.

Unless you're muscular type, or well-endowed in case of female, and not afraid to flaunting it. Now, that's another story.

No one seems to notice it. It's ok. They have better things to do than paying attention to Ichigo's clothing preference. Ichigo like it the way it was.

...until someone notices it.

~X~

If someone ask Ichigo later, the orange-haired teen would scowl and said,

"It's Ishida's fault."

Even in years to come, Ichigo would still curse his friend (and after an exposition later, Cousin) fashion-conscious habit.

It start with one afternoon, with Ichigo's Spiritual aware and Shinigami friends lounging in his home, after eighteen be-damned months ignoring him. Ichigo, as much as he feels grateful they bothered to help him regained his power (and not fell prey to that bastard Ginjo's plans), still irked at them. He was really tempted to put chili on drinks just be petty.

In the end, he decided against it. Orihime might ends up enjoying it. Her taste bud is already crazy. There's no need to fanned it further.

The afternoon feel a bit chilly, or it was just Ichigo still accustoming to feeling spiritual energy in the air again after a year and half of utter nothingness. Ichigo throw up sweatshirt and casual pants and flopped down on the sofa. Expertly dodging Rukia's kicks and throwing half-playful half-biting barbs at Renji.

Ishida had just observing him with disappointment and irritation set clear on his expression.

"Kurosaki," he started, "what are you wearing?"

Ichigo blinked. Once. Twice. "Sweatshirt. Why?"

"I do not approve."

Ichigo scowled at him. "Well, fuck you too. Who give a shit about your opinion?"

"Someone who appreciate good and well-fitting clothes?" Ishida shot back. "Someone who actually has fashion taste and coordinating clothes?"

"What are you talking about? If you want to make Fashion seminar, here, your student is this one." Ichigo pointed at Renji. "This Baboon could use lesson. Not me."

He still remember the fashion disaster that Renji was, back when they're still racing against time, when Aizen was a problem. Tacky clothes. The Bandanna. And that innuendo necklace. Half the reason why Ichigo scowling so much was to cover his embarrassment being seen with The Fashion Disaster. He isn't deaf to people's gossips.

He's just glad no one took picture. Otherwise Ichigo would joined Shinigami rank, permanently.

Ishida do once over on Renji and his frown deepened. "Indeed, Abarai-san seems to lack any conscious in what was acceptable—"

"OI!"

"—but he is from Soul Society, and I do not hold high hopes from those outdated Shinigami."

"SAY THAT AGAIN, FOUR EYES!"

"Kurosaki, however, born and raised in Living World, so I hope you at least have basic idea of fashion. It seems I was mistaken."

Ichigo give him bored look. "What is your problem?" He ask. "This doesn't make me looks like dressed by druggie high on LSD. Plus, comfy."

Ishida pushed up his glasses. "If it was comfort you seek, you can always ask me."

Ichigo had premonition about this. A baaaaaaaaaddd premonition. "Don't you dare." He hissed. "Ishida. I warned you. Don't you fucking dare."

The Quincy took out a measuring tape from his pocket.

"Fucking bastard." Reiatsu began to gather on Ichigo's hand, ready to blast Ishida.

Had it not for Rukia placed well-aimed kick on his head.

"Don't be crybaby, Ichigo." The petite girl huffed. "It's just clothes. What's the harm?"

"Yeah! Ichigo-kun always wear loose or layered clothes." Inoue nodded. "I want to see Ichigo-kun wearing Ishida's Brands!"

"Make it skin tight." Added Renji. Certainly pissed about "dressed up by druggie high on LSD" comment despite not knowing what LSD was. "Sharp."

"Normally I don't accept orders from Shinigami, however," Ishida's smirk was unholy, "for once, I will comply."

Ichigo growled. "I hate you. I fucking hate you all." He declares as Rukia binds him with Bakudo, so he stood still while Ishida take his measures.

It took entire week until the clothes is finished. One week where Ichigo tried to destroy the notes or the fabric, or just randomly attracting hollow so Ishida will stop, to no avail.

Apparently his friends (traitors) told Kisuke and others, and now they are conspiring against him.

Bastard. He should have let Aizen kill them.

Ichigo wake up one Sunday morning with shiver settle on his spine. An instinct that he will be in for bad time. He pretends to be sick, alas, Isshin for all his goofiness is decent doctor, so he saw through the facade and kicked Ichigo awake.

When he comes down, the shiver had evolved into bone-deep chill.

Ishida was here. With The Clothes. Not only that. His friends all are here. His Spiritual Friends... and not quite friends. Like the some of the Captains. And Lieutenants. And the Visoreds. And of fucking course Urahara and Yoruichi.

Fuck, Ichigo thought, Fuck me sideways to hell. "What the fucl you were doing here?!" Please don't say it, please don't say it, please please please tell me Aizen breaking out or the Demons from Hell are escaping or there's a rebellion to stop or Madman to slay. Or Crazy Espada launching invasion. Please please please don't let it be—

"Why," Urahara fucking smiles, "to see Ichi-chan in impeccable suit, of course."

Oh god Ishida! Why it have to be SUIT?!

"I'm not wearing it." Ichigo took step back. "Forget it. I'm not wearing it. Nu-uh." He was about to turn around or press the Soul Badge and escape, when a strong hand clasped around his shoulder. He dreadfully turn and see Yoruichi grinned at him. In Cat-got-Canary kind of smile.

And Ichigo is the Canary.

"Don't be such a pushy, Ichi-chan." She purred and Ichigo was too busy with something else to riled up by that ridiculous nickname. "It was just a suit. Come on." With deathly strong grip, she steered Ichigo to changing booth (WHEN DID THEY SET IT UP?!), push him inside, and throw the clothes in. "Now, be a good boy and change. Unless you need some... assistance?"

Ichigo yelped and slam the door shut, locked it from inside.

Blasted catwoman.

Ichigo very contemplative to go into Shinigami form. But then he realize he have to leave his body prime for target. That... that way lies chaos and disaster. With horror and resignation, he realize he was trapped and there's no way to escape. Not even bullshitting his way out because everyone is conspiring against him and not in brainwashed way like Xcution fiasco!

Sighing in despair, Ichigo took off his casual clothes and put on Ishida's sewn ones.

It feel nice against his body but... too form-fitting.

He will punch him later. And Renji, too, for good measure.

There's a knock on the door. "Done?"

"Yeah yeah. Gimme a moment." Or eternity. I don't complains.

When the door swung open, all chatters quieted down. Everyone is staring at Ichigo with widen eyes and stupefied face.

Dressing in white dress shirt, black sleeveless vest with gold button and black and red ribbon tie, and black, form-fitting pants, Ichigo looks GODLY GOOD! The suit hung on his every curve perfectly, showcasing his sculpted body to the world, whereas before it was hidden in sacrilege that was loose shirts and shikakuso or layered clothes.

Inoue and Rukia were blushing. Hard. And was that droll?! Ichigo would have been worried if Byakuya might took Senbonzakura out and start chopping him into piece... if not for said captain was giving Ichigo deep, appreciative look that make Ichigo internally freaked out. Renji is stuck somewhere between them.

"Dayum~" Rangiku licked her lips. Suddenly feeling thirsty. "Did you do work out, Ichigo?" Next to her, Toshiro staring intensively on Ichigo's long, toned legs. Ichigo really, really, really hoped it was just jealousy and height angst.

"I think we were too busy about Aizen we miss this." Sighed Love. "What a shame."

"Dang. Ichi-chan. You should've told me ya are eye candy." Shinji grinned appreciatively, mentally undressing Ichigo by his eyes.

Urahara snap the fan open. "Fufu~ I know you're toned, I've patch you enough times after all. But this is a pleasant surprise, yes."

Lisa say nothing. Her nose is bleeding and she writes something on her notebook. Or drawing. Knowing her reading material... Ichigo is scared.

"My, oh my..." Ukitake flushed and that ain't good thing. "Who knows Kurosaki-kun could be this... charming?"

Kyoraku whistles and it made Ichigo feels like cornered lamb. "It's the clothes." He declared. "The Shinigami Shikakuso leave very little to the world. We have to overruled it."

Ichigo shivered. He knew. HE FUCKING KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN! There's a reason he hate form-fitting clothes! "Can I change back?" He gritted out, and instantly meet with

"NO!"

"Ichi-nii!" Yuzu come up to him. "Please wear the clothes for today. Please!" She begs. "It looks good on you!" Yuzu! Not you too! Karin! Goat Face! Say Something!

"Kaa-san would love to see Nii-san like this."

...

...

...

...

Fuck. That was not fair. That's low blow. Ichigo is weak against Kaa-san. Kaa-san is his weak spot. Karin you're cruel cruel little sister. How could you...?

"Please."

"...fine."

"YAY!" Ichigo don't know who were shouting... frankly he doesn't care so let's say, everyone's shouting.

"Now Ichi-nii, smiles!" Said Yuzu. "Big smile! For Kaa-san!"

For kaa-san huh...

Ichigo think about his mother. Sweet, loving, kind Kaa-san. And his mouth tugged upwards and...

THUD!

The blush come twice as strong and someone fell face first, blood pooling on the floor.

ONE HIT K.O.!

(Later, Ichigo finds out that Rangiku had capture a picture of Ichigo smiling, in suit, and distributed it to SWA, and become front cover of next magazine release. It quickly becomes HOT Item among shinigami.

He finds out when he come visit and find many shinigami were blushing at sight of him. And find out the damned magazine.

The damage was done.

Worse still, his friends conspiring against him, again. They steal and hide his clothes and replaced it with new ones. Ones that not as tight as The Suit, but still form fitting. And he can't find hoodie or sweaters or jacket to act as layered clothes.

Bastard.

He hates them all. He fucking hates them all)

~OMAKE~

Ichigo was 13. He was among early bloomers, with sudden growth spurt and voice breaking earlier than his classmates. He was teased and bullied for it (and retaliate).

The class has drama show, and Ichigo happens to play act as Main Male Lead. A Prince Charming.

The Costume team grumbled that no matter what they cooked up, it won't be good because Ichigo always scowling. Ichigo, feels bad, decided to not scowling for entire drama duration. Instead, he put up a sweet smile. Add with the costume is amazingly awesome (a glasses kid from next class offer his help in that regards), you have one very handsome early bloomers.

And you know... Fan girls ensues.

Poor Ichigo was found hours later, hiding in closet. Traumatized for life. Swearing he will never wear form-fitting clothes again.

A/N: In which Ichigo hates form-fitting clothes for reasons and hides his body. Even during beach he will buttoned up his beach shirt. Obviously, everyone disapprove.

Ichigo: *wear loose / layered clothes*

Everyone: That's Illegal

Ichigo: *forced to wear suit*

Everyone: WHY YOU HIDES YOUR BODY

Ichigo be like: I hate you all.