Author's Note: I love this pairing, it's one of those pairing that ring so true for me in this series. The interaction between Ichigo and Chad leave you feeling that Chad is in a near constant state of awe with his friend, and it's not hard to understand.
We all sort of fell in love with him at some point or other. Orihime for is stoic realism, Rukia for his perseverance, Ishida for his sheer audacity. Me, for his strength, his heart, and his compassion. For a person so young with a life as hard as his, one would think he'd be little more then a street punk. Instead, he became a protector. He took the world onto his shoulders with little complaint, and no serious, honest qualms when it comes down to it. He's made it his career to protect those around him, and he does it with so much determination it's truly hard not to love him.
Kurosaki Ichigo simply glows, radiating with sheer, magnificent power beyond that of my wildest dreams. Indeed, if it wasn't for him, I would never have realized my full potential, I wouldn't be able to protect people as well as I can now. And still, he does it infinitely better.
Indeed, he glows. He glows with the light of purity, power, and love. And to be allowed to stand within just an inch of that light, I would be satisfied. That he would find me acceptable enough… worthy enough… to allow me to stand right next to him, fight next to him, and lay next to him, skin touching his, astounds me. In fact, it baffles me. That he would choose me over the rest makes no sense to me. What do I have that they don't? I'm not a beautiful person, nor am I charismatic, or charming. I can survive being struck by things that would kill any normal person. But we're not normal. Ichigo is the most powerful of all the Death Gods, far surpassing any of the Captains of the Soul Society. Comparing myself to him is like comparing the light of the moon to the Sun. The sun could eat this entire solar system if it wanted, why would it dwell on the insignificant little object.
Why does he dwell on me? Why does he allow me to see so deep into his soul? Why does he allow me to touch him like I do, caress his skin in a way that makes my heart ache for him, yearn for more? He allows me to kiss him, lick him, stroke him, and yet he barely smiles at anyone else.
I'm nice, I suppose. But aren't the nice guys supposed to finished last? They're not supposed to win the prize, or have the people they'd spend their lives following through the afterlife and back.
If I were stronger, I'd leave him. I'd leave him so he could find someone who truly deserves him. Not me, a grunt. But someone like Rukia or Orihime, or even Ishida. The strength of their hearts far surpass mine.
But I'm not, so I can't. I can't imagine even a day without at least once being able to touch him, love him.
So, I suppose, the best I can do is wrap myself around him, fight with him, and better myself until I can deserve what he's so willingly given me.