This is my first Bleach fic series that I started about 3 years ago lol but never wanted to post cuz my writing sucked so bad back then. Anyways i had to go hours rewriting this and then viola! I had to post this now before school starts next thursday D: hopefully i can get 2 more chapters up before then aside from thank you for reading and enjoy :D

Disclaimer: I dont own Bleach T_T but Hanabi and Tsukasa r mine!

New:

My face got warmer with each passing second. I then realized, "Morning. Ugh," I got my covers and shield my face from the sunlight. Like that would help now that I'm awake. Well, pondering gets me sleepy so I'll try that. Let's see, it's Monday. Monday…

"Crap! Freakin' school!" I pull the covers off and look at my alarm clock. Geez, 7:10. I took a quick shower as I brushed my teeth. I was the frantically ripping through my things looking for that damn uniform and finally, after 3 minutes, I found it under my bed. Luckily my cat didn't sleep on it. I dressed up and grab my school bag aiming to dash out my room but instead I stub my toe against my spiny chair. I yell and cuss at the chair.

"Is everything alright up there, Hanabi?" My jobless-at-the-moment mom, Tsukasa, called.

"Y-yeah, everything's… a-okay." I reassure her through gritted teeth. I make it out of my room, limping, and then finally making it down the stairs on both feet. I waltz into kitchen indulged in the smell of eggs and sit myself on one of the chairs at the table. My mom settles my breakfast on the table. Good, a normal one. I devour the sunny side up eggs and gulp down my orange juice. The facet's water starts running and my mom takes my plate and cup while I idly sit there lazily.

"Are you nervous?" She asks out of the blue.

"About what?"

"School," What?

"Yeah right," I glance at her; knowing her, she's nervous for me. Up until now, time had completely slipped out of my mind. "Hey, how long does it take to get to that school from here?" Without looking back, she answered, "40 minutes or so," I looked at the clock chilling on the wall and gasped.

"Arg, I gotta go!" I scrambled to the door on polished floor, nearly slipping. There at the front door were my brown shoes which I clumsily placed my feet into them and grabbed the white spotless shoes into my bag. Grabbing the door knob I was about to take my first step out until-.

"Wait! Your lunch!" I turn around and see a wrapped bento box flying towards me. My instincts kicked in and I catch the box without flinching, with ease in fact.

"Thanks! Bye!" Finally, I was out of my house and was racing towards my new school in whichever direction I was able to remember when I had last visited the God forsaken place. It took me a good while to notice that I had not seen one bus or a bus stop. This town barely has any means of transportation, huh? I turn a corner and breathe a sigh of relief as I saw a bus in all of its might and glory. However, the last passenger boarded and the doors quickly closed behind him. Panic set in and I quicken my jog into a dash for the bus as it pulled away from the curb. I banged on the windows as hard as I could in high hopes that someone would stop the driver while I yelled 'wait!' As if someone could hear me. But someone did notice my vicious banging and had stopped the driver. Thank you whoever you are! The doors hatched open and I stood in front of it with one foot inside and a hand on a door fearing it would close again.

"I'm sorry but *pant*does this go to Karakura 1st High*pant* school?" The bus driver scrunched his eyebrows, thinking it through.

"Well, two blocks away." My breathing returned to normal at last and I spoke, "Okay. Thanks." I stepped in with the doors closing behind and the bus resuming its route. I look at the fee and search the small pocket on my bag where I usually keep my change. As I paid for my ride, from the corner of my eye I could see the driver eyeing me from head to toe. I felt my eyebrow twitch and before I could plaster on a pissed off face, I turned away and sat on a single seat. I know why he was looking at me in a weird fashion…it's because I'm hot! Okay, okay I'm joking; it's because I'm too short for a high school kid. I should be used to receiving those looks but I'm not. They down right irk me. Shows how insensitive people are. But then again, they can't help their insensitivity since I don't say anything about it. Anyway, I opted to looking outside and gave out a sigh. I leaned my head against the window and closed my eyes to clear my conscience before growing tired of my head bumping and slamming on the window. I asked the man across from me for the time. 7:57. I let out a frustrated sigh. I won't make it. I close my eyes again but the bus driver called out almost instantly.

"Hey kid! This is your stop!" Oh really? I jumped to my feet, said thanks to the driver and in response he said, "Your welcome. Just go to the right." I hopped off the bus and jogged a bit until I saw several teens wearing matching uniforms as me. Two blocks-exactly- I came face-to-face with an enormous building in which small amounts of teens piled in. I entered the double doors but stepped aside to retrieve the small sticky note which had my locker number. With the little paper I was able to find my locker and change my shoes then I took out my program from my meeting with the principle. Ugh, my first class is on the third floor. I sluggishly made my way up the stairs and kept on repeating my classroom number but was also getting easily sidetracked with the new episode of Kurokami…1-3, huh. From what little I know, this school has a bad reputation thanks to all the gang bangers. It's not that I'm scared but I gotta watch my back. Being the airhead that I was, I didn't notice the guy in front of me and, yes, I deserve it. My face slams on this guy's back, my instincts surprisingly fail me this time and I'm not able to stop myself from falling on the tiled floor. I wince at the pain in my ass and take ahold of my nose which was also suffering. Ugh, why me?

"Um, are you lost or something?" I open my eyes and see two pairs of eyes, brown and dark blue, staring right into my freakish black eyes. My face heats up slightly and I inch a bit back.

"Uh, no." Yeah, I know why he asked. I'm not pissed though, I'm flustered. Both guys eyed each other, obviously not convinced.

"Um, can I get up?"

"Sorry," they quickly said in unison just as quickly they got up from their crouches. I immediately follow and dust my skirt (while quickly rubbing my sore ass) and shirt and as I did that the brunette opens his mouth.

"I'm Asano Kegio,"

"Kojima Mizuiro," Mizuiro smiled with a light bow and Kegio flashed a white toothed grin. First impressions, huh? That won't work on me though. I smiled, however, and bowed.

"Hi, my name's Higari Hanabi. Nice to meet you." Then the clouds parted for the sun's light to shine through the window we were standing by. I don't know why until just now I notice a lean teenage guy leaning against the window with his back towards me. No, wait; I just don't know why I hadn't noticed the guy's blazing orange hair. It looks so beautiful. The light was in the perfect spot right now and so is he because the last time I had been laid in awe struck by beautiful hair such as this was-.

"Hey, Ichigo," Kegio nudged the dude in the ribs. Ichigo? "Say something." The guy named Ichigo sucked his teeth. He folded his arms, turned with eyes closed and spoke with the obvious fact he's annoyed, "Kurosaki Ichigo." He extends a hand towards me but it's right in front of my face. I awkwardly take ahold of his large hand with my smaller ones and give a firm shake. Oh, it's really tough skinned. He opens his eyes at the sudden position of our hands, the question 'what the hell' evident within his eyes. We lock eyes, my black and his brown tinted eyes, as I surpass the will to gasp. I try looking a little deeper because-.

My chest tightens in the most painful way possible. I grip onto Ichigo's hand for support and as I did so I felt him cringe.

"H-hey, you okay?" I can't breathe and sweat starts to run down my face. It hurts so much and though I'm enveloped in my own pain, I could hear the concern, twisted in his voice, for me, a complete stranger. I have to go! I let go of his hand and dash past the trio, but I was actually running away…away from this Ichigo guy. And I can hear him call after me although I was long gone from sight. I ignore the awkward stares from my peers since they're not important right now and what is important doesn't concern them. I don't know where I was going but I was glad I found a bathroom. I entered, ungracefully, lucky that no one was there to witness my moment of weakness. I wouldn't embarrass myself any further. I slam a stall door open and slam it close with my body then slide down to the floor where I bring my knees up and hug them close to my chest. Like that would ease the pain, let alone cease. I try to muffle the pain filled groans and pathetic whimpers. I really hate this feeling. Not the feeling of pain but of weakness. I hate feeling weak, I hate the way I sound and the damn walls aren't helping. I mean, I've gone through worse and this is just pathetic! But hurting my ego is one of my many concerns at the moment. Not only did I embarrass myself but I possibly ruined my chances with being friends with those guys and perhaps the vast majority of the school. And they were so nice to me! Why does this happen to me? I have such bad luck it kills me. I feel like a freak really. And it makes me kinda sad when I realize that all the things those kids said before about being a freak and all, are somewhat true. Tears threaten to spill but I quickly wipe them away.

"Sc-screw those kids! I'm here to start over, right?" No answer and, of course, I expected that but it felt good to get it out in the open like that. Okay, I admit that I'm sorta freakish but that's one of my many traits! I lift my head with a grin and use my fingers to count off all the good things about me. Let's see… I can name all of the bad guys in the Batman comics, I can cook a mean curry and, oh, I can cheer myself or anybody else up just like right now…well that's what my dad told me. I always do that trick whenever I'm upset; that's what my dad taught me. I hug myself a little more tightly. I'm so grateful I had a dad like him.

A cold chill makes me shiver and I look to my right where the feeling first started. I let out a comedic yelp as I find an anorexic looking ghost with his mouth flat out open, drool starting to trickle, and eyes peered in lust. Realizing that he wanted a better look at my panties, I slam my fist on his nose. His head hits the stall's metal wall and he's shaking in pain as he holds his nose.

"What the hell are you doing in the girl's bathroom?" I boom.

"Oh, ya cab see meh?" He asks. Adding to my list of traits, yes, I can see, hear, and touch (punch) him thus meaning I have the weird ability to see ghost as clearly as people.

"Answer my question!"

"Ya loobed so sab so…" He released the hold on his nose and peered at my confused/pissed face. "So since you can touch me, let's have some fun!" I stopped him with my foot in his face making him cry in pain.

"Not gonna happen." The bell rang and, of course, that meant the impending doom awaited for all of us in this building.

"Get out if you know what's good for you," I threaten as I got up from my position to open the door and finally get to class.

"Hello Kitty?" My face flushed and I kicked the perv towards the toilet where, miraculously, his head got stuck in. I slap my face a little to help me out of my daze and exit out of the bathroom and into the hallway where at this point is empty except for the occasional cutter/hoodlum. It took me a while to find my classroom but was successful, however, my stomach feel into a pit when I saw my homeroom teacher tapping her foot impatiently just outside of the classroom door. When she caught sight of me, her face was then framed by a fake grin.

"So you're the new kid, huh? Well, let me tell you something, newbie," Why the emphasis on 'newbie'? She then put a rough hand atop my head (I think her nails were trying to dig into my brain!) and pulled me close to her now pissed off face, "so long as you're in my class I expect you to be on your best behavior. I already got enough idiots to deal with and I don't need another one. Do I make myself clear?" At this point, I'm quivering in fear under her power, almost to the point where I might crap my pants, but with a shaky voice I respond, "Y-y-yes…" She let goes of my head and her face relaxes, "So long as you get it." She puts a hand on the door but instead of opening it, she gives me one last look before hitting me on the head with her record book! Sh-she really did. What kind of teacher does that? With a finger, she points at my bewildered face.

"That's in case you do something stupid. By the way I'm Ms. Ochi." And she left it at that. The indistinctive chattering-including bickering- I heard before was abruptly silenced as Ms. Ochi entered the room and proclaims in a weird happy tone, "Sit your butts down kids!" A moment of silence passes before Ms. Ochi's voice chirps. "Good news, we got ourselves a new student! Come in will you?" on cue, I step inside and walk to the front of the classroom where Ms. Ochi hands me a piece of chalk to write my name on the board. When I had my back turned, 'quite', yet unsuccessful murmurs arose throughout the class.

"Damn, she's so short…!" One idiot whispers to the other. Yeah, I know that, baka.

"Is she really 16?" I'm no prodigy, I'm stuck here with you aren't I?

"What a tiny ass." That's it! Who said that? Resisting the urge to whirl around and kill the jackass who just said that, I only look over my shoulder with a death glare. Luck for him, the chalk in my hand sacrificed itself for him. After writing my name, I put on a fake smile and turn to my classmates to say this lame intro; "It's a pleasure being here (not). My name's Higari Hanabi." I take a small bow.

"Well, we're running late so you'll just have to take a seat next to the orange haired punk." Everyone laughed and I would have, too, but I'm not because my eyes scan the room for said punk. He stares at me as I stare back and instantly the pain from before grips onto me. I break into a cold sweat and I swear I want to bail but my pride wouldn't let me so I swallow hard before walking to my desk. I avoid eye contact along the way, fearing that the pain would worsen. Ms. Ochi began her lesson while I took out a new notebook out and open to a new white page. I furiously scribble down her words, word by word, all the while trying to focus on something else other than the pain in my chest. During class, I would constantly bite down on either my tongue, inner cheek or pencil whenever I felt Ichigo's stares. I don't usually have the ability to tell when someone is staring and, honestly, I had never cared but it was just that his stares were burning me like paper, slowly and painfully. That's how it was for the remainder of the class. His eyes were always on me. In the hallways, in the following classes whether he was behind me or across the room and it's just my luck that he practically is in most of my classes. I'm only left to relax when I don't have a class with him however I end up thinking of his stares and I just get nauseous.

The bell rung again and I was glad to hear the damn thing because it meant lunch time. When Ichigo left the room, I let out an exaggerated sigh lift my head up from my desk. God, I'm so relived! I could eat my lunch in peace…all alone. I sigh sadly. I'm so lonely I don't even want to eat and that's only when I'm depressed, refuse to eat my mom's weird-ass cooking, or a combination of the two. Already having my bento bow out on my desk, I surpass yet again another sigh and rest my chin on top of it.

"Um, excuse me, Hanabi-chan," I jump a little at the voice and turn to find a classmate of mine. "I couldn't help but notice you look upset." She looked at me with pity but was positive about me being upset. Normally, I don't like pitted looks but I'm not ruining my chances instead I responded with a chuckle, "That obvious, huh?" She hesitantly gave me a smile and nods. I'm beginning to like this girl.

"Um, Hanabi-chan, I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me and some friends of mine."

"S-sure, uh…"

"Inoue Orihime," she chirped in the happiest way possible.

"Inoue-san," I breathe out the name although I would prefer 'Orihime' but I'm being formal.

"Well, let's go." And with that I was lead outside, by the wrist, to a small shaded patch of grass where some girls were chattering and eating. Only when Orihime and I come into hearing distance did all the girls cease their business to look up at me.

"Tatsuki-chan, is it okay if she joins us?"

"It's not really up to me but I'm okay with it," 'Tatsuki-chan', the black haired tomboy looking of the group, spoke nonchalantly then she looked over to the others who shrug or nod their approval. Orihime pulls me to sit next to her while she sits next to Tatsuki. I thought I should introduce myself so I open my mouth but a short haired brunette puts her hand up and said, "Don't. You're Higari Hanabi. I'm Natsui Mahana." I'm astonished that she remembered my name but stupefied that I just realized that they're all in my homeroom. I mentally kick myself. Mahana then used her hand to point out the girls and their names.

"Ogawa Michiru," She's a small, pink cheeked, shy looking brunette. Dammit, she's still slightly taller than me. She waved a little.

"Honosho Chizuru," Chizuru's a red head with glasses and OMG! I'm being visually raped! Tatsuki spoke up with her voice filled with caution, "Watch out, Higari. The first chance she gets, she'll rape you." I could tell. I shiver while Chizuru looks over at Tatsuki in disbelief. The two broke into a fit but no one made an attempt to stop them. Mahana continued, "Kunieda Ryo," Kunieda is really tall and her long ebony hair makes her face look longer, however, she looks pretty plain. She only glanced up from her book at me and said nothing.

"And Kuchiki Rukia," Rukia has short black hair, a thick piece of it going across her small face, and has violet eyes that look right into me. A numb feeling passes through me. The girls chat with me about whatever came to mind. It was nice of them to be so friendly. We had some good laughs about such and such and they were too good I barely touched my food. They're such a weird group of friends.

"Oh, hey, Higari, I noticed that Ichigo was staring at you non-stop. Did you notice?" Tatsuki asked and everyone's eyes are all on me. I look towards my left at nothing in particular and give a shaky smile.

"Y-yeah, I noticed,"

"Well, do you have any idea why he was staring?" I hear Mahana ask.

"Not really. I just met the guy in the hallway." Wait, I shouldn't have said that. Now they'll hound me with questions.

"And what happened?" Asked Chizuru. I was right.

"I just got a little sick and ran to the bathroom," I shrug. "I must have embarrassed myself." It stayed quite like that for a few seconds until there was a low chuckle. 'A Tatsuki chuckle' I thought to myself as I, along with everyone else, look over at her.

"That Ichigo scared you?"

"No."

"Oh, well, don't stress about it. Get to know him, okay? He's not such a bad guy," Tatsuki's face softens along with her voice despite her tomboy façade. "I should know. We've been friends since we were 4." Damn, 12 years. I stare at her in disbelief.

"Speak for yourself, Arisawa-san! You just can't understand how scary looking he is!" Michiru cried out. And then they all started to talk all at once about this and that. Yeah, this is one messed up group. I think I'm okay with it.

Someone had once said time flies when you're having fun. Well, today, during lunch, it was proven. Everyone was happy within each other's company but maybe I was the happiest; so happy and alive that I hardly touched my food. So when the bell rang I wanted to murder it…I'll save the killing for later. I had P.E with some of the girls which one of them happen to be Chizuru and recalling Tatsuki's warning I guarded my back at all times. Thank God, Ichigo didn't have my P.E class cuz at any given moment I could've had a heart attack! After P.E, guess who was there? Yup, of course, Ichigo. The pain immediately returned the second I entered in what seems like his atmosphere. I'm lucky that only an hour and 45 minutes were left until school finishes. In my seat, I would bite down on my tongue and give death glares at the clock, mentally damning it to hurry the hell up. But because I wasn't paying attention to the lesson, the teacher called me out and let me tell you that sucks cuz as the new kid that's the type of crap you should avoid. However, I only got a warning that sounded so much like a threat. A threat I tell you! What kind of sick school is this? The school day ended on a good note as Ichigo had abruptly rushed out the door a millisecond before the bell tolled. I let out a heavy sigh once the pain in my chest was gone. I gathered my things in my bag before getting up and stretching my arms out in front of me. Before leaving, I waved to the only friends I have in this class goodbye only to notice that Tatsuki and Rukia are gone, however, I resist the urge to ask. I want to let the Ichigo-free air fill my lungs. God, it feels so good without Ichigo around! Wow, that sounds harsh but who cares! I merrily make my way downstairs and out the doors to the early April air, enjoying this feeling like freedom. Nothing can kill my joy. Ah…I'm lonely. I sigh sadly and though I really want to lie on the ground, I begin walking without having the slightest idea as to where my house is.

"Hanabi-chan!" Amongst the sea of students a voice calls out and although I don't need to turn around to see who it is, I did so anyway. I grin happily at Orihime who made her way to me. She returns my grin with a smile.

"I thought you'd be lonely walking alone." She could read me like a book.

"You shouldn't worry about me. I'll be okay." She blinks.

"Really? Well, do you know your way home?" Sweat drop.

"Uh, no. Not really." She giggles this giggle that makes me feel like a two year and which also makes me blush in embarrassment.

"Maybe I could help. Just tell me your address." I look at her as I try to remember my address. I tell her my address and something sparks in her that makes her smile grow.

"I live near there."

"Really?" I said that too eagerly, and once I realize it, Orihime is softly laughing at me as I cover my mouth and blush…again.

"C'mon, let's go." And with that, she began walking, taking the lead, as I followed.

"Hey, Inoue-san-"I stopped myself. "Wait, can I call you 'Orihime?'"

"Sure, go ahead," she's so nice.

"I noticed Tatsuki and Rukia missing when I said bye. Uh, so, where'd they go?" Urges.

"Tatsuki-chan has karate practice after school. She's training really hard for this year's nationals."

"Oh, really? I heard last year's competition was tough so what place did she get last year?" In a nonchalant voice did the most frightening thing was said.

"Second." S-second place? Only second…then what kind of monster did she face! A tranny? Note to self: never pick a fight with Tatsuki, the second strongest girl in Japan. Putting that aside, I went on to ask about Rukia.

"Oh, Kuchiki-san left with Kurosaki-kun." Huh, call me rude but I didn't think Ichigo would be the type 'to steal a girl's heart' so that's kinda weird unless Rukia likes the always-pissed-off-at-something-or-not-at-all type. I blinked when I had a question that required answering. "Are they dating?"

"No! What-! Oh, uh," whoa, unexpected much. I wasn't expecting that kind of negative reaction…but that sort of reaction would mean…blink! So it's like that. I look over at a flabbergasted Orihime deviously.

"Orihime, don't tell me you like I-." she practically slaps her hand over my mouth.

"Okay you figured it out but please keep this as a secret." She was at eye level with me, pink and wide eyed, pleading me in a low voice as if someone would over hear her secret. I nod my head. She releases me and sighs in relief before looking down at me with a shy smile. "Is it that obvious?" Oh, shit I'm an idiot.

"Um, well, I just put two and two together and it was a pretty far-fetched guess." Although I look at her apologetically she stares at me in horror.

"Two and two," she takes ahold her head and practically yells out to the sky, "I might as well tell the whole world then!"

"Uh, no, don't do that! Like I said it was a far-fetched guess, I happen to figure it out is all," I tippy toe (D:) and place my hands on hers in order to pry them off her head, "c'mon, I'll give you my word: I won't tell a soul shit." I smile broadly then sigh and apologize. We stand there for a while though since I figured she needed some time to calm down. However, it wasn't long that she commenced walking, facing downwards of course. I waited a while until I thought it was okay to bring up Ichigo.

"So, I suppose you and Ichigo are friends, right?" she nodded but looked at me. A good sign I guess.

"I've decided take Arisawa's advice into account so I was wondering you could, uh, give me a few pointers on Ichigo." Orihime taps her chin in thought for a bit before coming to a conclusion.

"Believe me or not he's more of a shadowed knight. He may not look like it but he's very protective of he's friends and family, he cares about them more than himself. He can be blunt and somewhat narrow-minded but," she smiles sweetly at the precious thought of her crush. "He has his heart in the right place." She stays silent for a bit, her mouth slightly agape and her soft brown eyes looking somewhere in the distance. She blinks as she realizes that she's not alone.

"Oh, I'm sorry if I got carried away."

"Nah, it's okay." I was mentally kicking and screaming at myself for being a complete idiot for even thinking there was ever something terribly wrong with Ichigo. I'll admit I'm convinced but i can't help but think just how much room is there in his heart. I wonder if there would be a place for me and call me insane but I felt an invisible connection the moment our hands touched…but I wonder if this is the right town for me at all. These sad thoughts linger in my head for a bit but the voice of Orihime pops every ugly thought and welcome me into her kinship that feels a lot like warmth. We talked for a bit and I swear I was liking this girl a lot (no homo). She and I have similar tastes in comedy but the laughter was short lived as I noticed the familiar white gate with the sole indented bar. Automatically, I pull to a stop. My new house looks nice but my old house looked far more beautiful, that old abandon house I had spent my childhood years contains unbearable memories I don't want to recall, however, I miss it with every fiber in my being, soul included.

"It looks nice," Orihime admires. I cock my head at her, "You think so?" she nods and I almost let my thoughts slip. Like I said I don't want to recall those memories.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow, Hanabi-chan." She starts to walk away. My arm outstretches towards her like a child wanting its mother and exactly like one I wanted to cry out to her (yes, I can be a pussy). Crap don't go. Blink! goes the light bulb in my head.

"Hey Orihime," I wait for her to turn "you think we could walk to school tomorrow?"

"Sure, I'll come by at 7:25. Bye!" I wave goodbye to her and sigh in relief. I'm glad that today was as crappy as I once thought it might be. I walk to the white front door where I fish for my keys. Once I find them, I open the door where my cat and the silence welcome me.