Confessions (Bleach, Chad/Ichigo)

Wind ruffled Ichigo’s hair as he walked out onto the school roof. He shoved his hands into his pockets to hide his nervousness as he crossed over to where the rest of his friends were waiting. Apparently he was the last one to arrive. Ichigo dropped to sit against the fence next to his boyfriend. Chad, to his credit, looked the same as normal, like this was just a regular gathering of their friends.

“What the hell are you up to, Kurosaki?” Ishida grumbled, though the anger in his tone was obviously feigned. “You wanted us all up here, and then you show up late.”

Ichigo sighed and stared down at the pavement. “Sorry. Heiji-sensei stopped me in the hall.” They’d practiced this, but now that he was finally here, he found himself unsure how to start. Ichigo shifted. Chad’s hand landed on the cement next to him, not quite touching. He wanted to reach down, but he wasn’t sure how the others would take it. “Umm…” He glanced around at the assorted faces of his friends, their expressions ranging from interest to impatience. Chad was smiling at him, offering silent encouragement.

“So, I…” His gaze shifted to Chad. “We,” he corrected, “have something to tell you all.”

“There’s more Hollows?” Ishida asked.

“You’ve fallen off the honor roll,” Keigo said with a hopeful look.

“You inherited a lifetime supply of jam.” They all turned to look at Orihime. She pouted slightly. “No?”

Ichigo blushed. “No. Chad… I mean, Chad and I are…”