Honey Eyes A Bleach Fanfiction S . Lazic

Honey Kissed Eyes

Honey Eyes Book 1

A Bleach Fanfiction

Sarahbeth Lazic

A Thorn Publication

Honey Eyes – A Bleach Fanfiction

A Thorn Publication

Story concept / personal characters © 2007 by Sarahbeth Lazic

Bleach / all original characters / concepts © 2001 by Tite Kubo

All rights reserved.

SELazic

ISBN-13: 978-1530481033

ISBN-10: 1530481031

Cover and internal art designs © to:

Kaori Tanaka - ktanakda

This is a work of fiction and only intended for private sale through the author. The names, characters, places, and events are products of the author's / creator's imaginations, have been used in fictitious manner and are not to be considered reality. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

The author and creator hold exclusive rights to the works, characters and story line concepts. Duplication in a whole or any part of this book in print, photocopying, digitally, or any other form is prohibited without written permission from the author.

Producing or providing this book for free distribution via torrent, file sharing, uploading/downloading, or any other electronic sharing format, or adding this book to any sort of electronic storage/retrieval archive is prohibited by the author. Please do not participate in or support electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support is appreciated by the author.

This book contains extreme acts of graphic and erotic sexual situations. This book is intended to be read and enjoyed by mature, adult readers. This book is not intended to be read or purchased by underage readers. The author of this book is not responsible for the reading or purchasing of this material by underage readers, readers with sensitive sexual or ideological views, or readers with unsettled mental conditions.

From the Author

I began to write Honey Eyes back in 2007 after falling in love with Tite Kubo's character Shinji Hirako after years of watching Bleach when it originally aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. This story was a massive undertaking at the time and, for several years, took over every minute of my free time. I made friends and lost friends in part to this story, and I became enwrapped within the intense and dramatic world of Kubo's Bleach. Kubo's creation knows no bounds within his creativity and has inspired me for almost ten years to continue on with this story. From his creation were born characters that have forever been burned upon my soul, and inked upon my flesh (my tattoo dedicated to Ren and Seiji).

As I progressed with my life and in my career of professional writing, Honey Eyes was set to the side - but never forgotten. I retained friends who continued to support me with this work and who encouraged me to continue working on it. Originally, Honey Eyes posted fifty-four chapters and was still listed as incomplete. At this time, I do not know how many chapters will appear within the completed manuscript, but I know that there will be many.

There are many people I would personally thank, if I could, but the list would be too long. So a general thank you will be given to all of those who have read this story over the last nine years and who have become friends to me, especially those who have never forgotten that the story continues to survive.

Thank you. 3

Chapter Index

A Chance Meeting ~ 5

Memories ~ 29

Emerald Eyes ~ 54

Dreams ~ 81

Because I Love You ~ 116

Forgive Me ~ 137

My Captain ~ 153

What Had Been ~ 168

Tears ~ 192

The Truth ~ 210

With All My Heart ~ 231

Just Feel ~ 245

Gallery ~ 262

Public Publications / Current Publications ~ 271

About the Author ~ 273

A Chance Meeting

Shinji Hirako released a slow and drawn out groan of annoyance. "Damn," he muttered while shielding his eyes from the blazing sun as he took a peek up to the crystal clear sky. "Why does it have to be so hot?"

The temperature must have been ninety-five degrees yet to him the heat felt over one-hundred. Walking beneath the sun was beyond agitating! Besides the increasing heat bubbling a surge of annoyance within him, he was already agitated by attending yet another dull day at the human school, which drove him to the point of insanity, beyond the insanity that Hiyori laid down upon him daily. How could mortal teenagers stand all those boring and pointless classes that dragged on for hours? Math? Who really needed math in their basic life? Besides, what did a Soul Reaper need to know about math? Two plus two equaled…something, right?

So what if Shinji wasn't the greatest of students? He didn't need to excel in academia considering he had been one of the greatest Captains that the Seireitei had ever seen. Then again, that position in his life had ended a long time ago, so why was he putting up with all of this human drama - those screaming high school girls, Ichigo Kurosaki, his idiot friends, and those empty-headed teachers? Here he thought those old instructors at the Soul Reaper academy had been hard asses. These teachers at Karakura high school were demons! That's what they were - demons! Just today he was assigned over one-hundred pages to read for some science class, or was that lit class? History? Who cared anyway? It wasn't as if he was going to do the work.

A sly smirk spread across Shinji's thin lips. He never did the work assigned to him. It wasn't as if he had plans to graduate at the top of his class, or graduate at all. He just needed to get through these next few months while he trained Ichigo, that's all. Just a few more months of keeping up the illusion and sticking near the kid, then he could leave that Hell-hole called a high school.

So much trouble.

Shinji certainly was taking his time returning to the old warehouse in the abandoned section of the old Karakura industrial center. He may not have parents to go home to and who would complain to him to do his homework assignments, eat his veggies, go to bed on time, not to stay out till odd hours of the morning with cute girls but it sure felt as if he did considering he would be walking right into Hiyori's banshee of a voice screeching at him till his ears bled. Was this his life now, being assaulted at school by an endless supply of drama only to be assaulted at his temporary home by even more drama? No wonder he wanted to drag out this walk back home.

Smirking, he glanced down to his watch. He was already an hour late. He was rather surprised that Hiyori had not been sent out to drag him home by his ear, considering she had an impeccable ability of locating him at the most inconvenient time.

If it wasn't so hot…

That was his thought as he just happened to pass a new café that had just been opened a few weeks ago. Word around the school was that this shop made amazing coffees and fruit smoothies and slushies. He could go for a chilled slushy about now. Beneath the burning sun and thickening heat, his uniform was starting to stick to him. Mid-summer heat was so annoying. As he stared at the windows of the café, and the people inside enjoying the air-conditioning, Shinji made up his desperate and over-heated mind then marched himself into the wonderfully cool shop.

Heaven!

Shinji was in Heaven the moment the crisp, chilly air hit him. Not only was he greeted by the comforting environment of the establishment, he was surrounded by soft jazz playing from the ceiling speakers and the aroma of both brewing coffee and an array of freshly baked pastries: scones, muffins, cookies, and many other delicious goodies. His thin lips stretched into a bright grin as he eyed the refrigerated case of sandwiches and baked goods. Why hadn't he thought of stopping in here before? The answer was clear. The Visored muttered under his breath as an image of Hiyori's rage filled face flashed through his mind. His entire body shuddered.

"Can I help you, sir?" asked a cheerful employee who stood patiently behind the register.

Shinji blinked his eyes and awoke from his day-terror to regard the employee. "Yeah," he mumbled, diverting his eyes to the menu panels upon the wall. "I've never been here before. What do you suggest?"

The college aged girl smiled as she glanced over her shoulder, scanning the countless combinations of drinks. She said, "If you like chocolate, we have a very nice smoothie that is a combination of mint and luscious dark chocolate. If you want something like coffee, we have a nice marzipan latte that can be served hot or cold. Either way, it's simply yummy. However, that one's a little on the sweet side. If you don't like sweet coffee, you can always go with a basic latte. We also have different smoothies and slushies."

Choices.

Shinji's right eyebrow twitched. Damn, he hated making choices. "I'll take a tall of your mint chocolate smoothie and,' he paused while glancing to the snack display, 'one of those strawberry pastries." He tapped to the glass to indicate the particular treat.

"One of the strawberry cream cheese crêpes?"

"Yeah."

"Great choice!" She took his payment as she processed the order then smiled to him and said, "You can go find a table if you'd like. Your order will be brought to you." She then offered him the receipt. "Here's your receipt."

"Thanks," he muttered as he took the thin slip of paper, shrugged his bony shoulders then moved off to find a table.

After slipping his thin body through the café's patrons, Shinji took a seat at the high counter that looked out to the street. Resting his cheek within an unturned hand, he yawned and waited for his order. Alright, so what could he do while he enjoyed the cool air-conditioned shop and his order? He glanced to his leather school-bag that he had placed next to him and scowled. Like Hell if he was going to open one of his school-book, so studying was out of the question. He thought then to his cell phone. Cell phones were always amusing while bored.

Hiyori - Hiyori - Hiyori - Ichigo - Kensei - Hiyori...

Shinji groaned while scanning the list of missed calls and messages. Four calls from Hiyori, each accompanied by her wonderful voice, and a few text messages. If he had it his way, he would block the witch from his number, but that wasn't going to happen any time soon. The moment Hiyori's harsh, high pitched voice began screaming from within his phone, Shinji regretted checking his voice messages while his phone was on speaker. What was she barking about anyway? Wait, was that a giggle? Arching a thin blond brow, Hirako glanced to his phone with a perplexed gaze. Hiyori doesn't giggle, and even if she did the giggle would sound like nails on a chalkboard. The giggle he heard was innocent and sweet.

So who giggled?

There! He heard it again - such a soft, sweet, and almost shy giggle. Curious as to where the giggle originated from, Shinji began to glance around. He looked above him, to the side, and over his shoulder before he set his eyes upon the source of the soft, sweet sound. Shinji stared openly to the young woman, in her early twenties, seated next to him and felt an instant touch of attraction. She was stunningly beautiful with waves of long and luscious chestnut touched hair that melted against her creamy skin. Though she had her attention locked upon an open book, it was obvious from the playful look upon her face that she was trying hard not to giggle again.

Tipping his head, a brow arching, Shinji continued to stare at her. She was trying to avoid his stare by tucking back a lock of her hair and, in doing so, exposed a hint of a cheek where the Visored saw a delicate scattering of freckles tickling her cheek and nose. When she finally took a quick glance to him, Shinji saw a set of almond shaped eyes, the color of pure honey, cradled in silk lashes.

For the first time in decades, Shinji Hirako felt his heart skip.

Who was this girl, and why was she giggling at him?

Suddenly, Hiyori's sharp voice began shouting words that one should never hear come from a lady's mouth. Then again, Hiyori was no lady but a demon from the icy pits of Hell sent to torment his life, both of his lives. His eyes went wide as he began to desperately try and shut the she-beast's voice off from the phone. He paused in his actions when another set of giggles fell, this time covered by the touch of a hand.

The young woman was trying hard not to break down into fits of laughter. Usually, he would be rather irritated that somebody would be laughing at him, but not with this beauty. "What's so funny?" he asked, trying hard to hide his own amusement.

She finally looked in his direction, and her eyes were sparkling with amusement. "My apologies," she said in quiet apology. "I didn't mean to overhear your message, but that voice…"

"Voice?" Shinji asked more to himself since his attention seemed to be caught by her honey touched eyes.

She nodded and pointed to his phone. "On your phone. That girl's voice sounds…"

"Like a harpy?" Shinji finished, grinning wickedly.

She blinked then chuckled softly. "That wasn't my first choice of description to use…"

"A banshee?" Shinji suggested, staring at the way her petite nose scrunched when she chuckled.

The mortal began to laugh softly, leaning back in her seat. The way her chestnut lashes dusted her cheeks when she closed her eyes was just too damn cute. Everything this girl did was cute even down to the way her slender shoulders popped up when she giggled. When she calmed, her eyes once again opened and looked to him. "That depends. Does somebody die whenever she opens her mouth?"

Oh yeah, the myth of the Banshee. Supposedly, when the supper-natural creature was heard screaming, somebody was going to die. Now that was a perfect way to describe Hiyori. Shinji chuckled then shook his head. "Fortunately no. Otherwise, most of Karakura Town's population would be dead by now."

"Excuse me. Here is your order, sir."

Shinji nearly jumped out of his chair when a male employee came right between him and the girl, shoving a tray at him. "Thanks." He grumbled within his mind, "Now get out of my way, jack-ass, before I make you get out of my way."

"Enjoy!"

"Yeah, yeah. Now go away," Shinji grumbled while waving the employee away.

At this moment, Shinji didn't want to be interrupted by another annoying person, not when his attention had been captured by the young woman next to him. What was so unusual about her anyway, besides being young and human? For one thing, she was far from being Japanese. Another note of interest was that he didn't recognize the school uniform she wore. Still, there was something else about her that marked her as highly unusual. He couldn't put a finger on what was tickling him, but one thing was for sure, Shinji was starting to feel a strong sense of Déjá vu.

"Nice choice. The crêpes made here are very delicious. You will enjoy it," she said, glancing quickly to the thin pancake-like item filled with chunks of freshly sliced strawberries and globs of cream cheese.

Her accent! That was the other point that confused Shinji. She spoke fluent Japanese but there was an unknown accent behind her words. Wait, what did she say? Shinji looked to the crêpe then smirked and stated, "I hope so. I can't remember the last time I had one of these."

"They're very delicious when done correctly. Of course, if you want a proper and perfected crêpe, you must go to France."

"France, huh?" smirked Shinji as he took a bite. "That country is a bit off my walk home."

She smiled a smile that was tender and gentle - a smile that had Shinji wondering when he had last seen such an honest expression. Before he could stop himself, he inquired of her, "Do you mind me asking you something?"

The young woman tipped her head and turned her curious attention to him. "That depends on the question," she said carefully as she closed her book. "Is your question one of those questions that is only asked after we are on a first name basis so that slapping you will not get me into trouble?"

"Slap me?" How much abuse must he take at the hands of women? Shinji was tempted to take a quick look to see if her shoes were tied on tight enough.

She chuckled then shook her head gently. "I'm only teasing you. But sure, you can ask me a question."

A slow smile curled Shinji's thin lips. Ah, sweet mortal humor. "Alright," he said after swallowing another bite then turned to face her completely, leaning his thin frame to the chair-back. He studied her for a moment then asked, "You're not from around here, are you?"

Amusement lit her pretty features, and her lips tucked up in a faint grin. "You are a smart one."

Shinji shrugged after he cast her a teasing wink. "I try."

"You're correct. I'm not originally from this area, or Japan for that fact."

"No kidding? Your Japanese is very good."

"Thank you."

Shinji leaned a bit closer while offering her his typical cocky grin. "Now, how about that first name basis?"

Beneath his personal question, she blushed, and Shinji found the tickling color of rose hue dusting her cheeks very attractive. Clearing her voice gently, she tucked a stray lock of her chestnut hair behind a single pierced ear. Everything she did was…attractive. "You're blushing," Shinji pointed out.

She blinked her slender eyes in surprise then touched a set of delicate fingertips to her warming cheeks. "Oh…" she said in a soft breath only to have her cheeks darken. "That's embarrassing."

'Embarrassing? It's adorable,' Shinji thought to himself as he watched her try to hide her blush. "So tell me, where are you originally from? There's an accent to your voice, but I can't put my finger on the nationality."

After taking a sip of her chai tea latte, she turned her eyes back to him. "I'm surprised you caught that. Not many do till they know me for a little while. I'm originally from Shrewsbury. It's a town near the border of England and Wales."

Ah, now that made sense. British. He has never met anyone from England before. Shinji smirked to himself. "How long have you been in Karakura Town?"

"About twelve years now. My father moved my mother and me here when he was named the new CEO of the Japanese division of his company." That's when she motioned to the label upon the chest pocket of her white blouse. "I'm in my first year attending Saint Bridget's."

"Saint Bridget's?"

"It's a private women's university."

"Isn't it an international university for smart, rich girls?" Shinji couldn't help but cast her a wink as he took a sip of his drink.

"Yes," she answered with a soft laugh. "It is not a very large school so not many people know it even exists. I believe our student body is just over three-hundred this year."

"That is small."

"Small isn't bad. It means we have smaller class sizes, closer personal relations with our instructors, and a greater classmate bond. I prefer an academic atmosphere and institution that way." After taking another sip, a soft relaxing sigh fluttered past her lips. "I have seen the Karakura high school. That place is huge and rather intimidating."

Shinji scoffed while taking another sip of the chocolate mint smoothie. Not too bad, rather tasty. "It's not that bad of a place, if you like mental institutions," he said, licking his lips. Through the corner of his keen eyes, the Visored caught a glimpse of the book she was reading. It was a text book. "Psychology and the study of human emotions," he read the lettering off the text book cover.

"Pardon?"

"Your text book."

"Oh…yes," she chuckled with a slow nod her head. "I'm taking a graduate level class that focuses primarily on the psychological impairments of emotions."

"You're in your first year but already taking a graduate class? Damn." Shinji now regarded her in an entirely new light. Not only was she beautiful but she was smart and intelligent. "Brains, I like that in a girl."

"They're not just for eating," she teased past a little snicker.

Shinji blinked, arching a brow.

Seeing the confused look upon his face, she waved a hand. "Sorry. I couldn't help that comment. I'm a big fan of zombies and horror movies."

Shinji tipped his head.

"You know? Zombies eat brains. Ever seen the Night of the Living Dead movies? They're cult classics."

He shook his head in silence.

"Such a shame. You're missing out."

Their conversation was broken by the sudden chime of a cell phone alarm clock going off. It wasn't his, so it must have been hers. She quickly pulled her phone from her pocket to turn the quiet alarm off. With a sigh, she tucked the phone back in her pocket then began to gather her belongings.

"It's time for me to go," she said with a bit of a frown to her luscious lips. She offered one last look to Shinji before giving him a polite bow. "Thank you for the conversation. I have really enjoyed it. Have a good day." She went to walk away but stopped before looking back to him.

He took note of the apprehensive look that crossed her face.

"My name is Juliana Stanford."

She left Shinji gaping at her as she quickly departed the café. In a split moment, he had gone from being depressed at the idea of coming face to face with Hiyori's shoe to enjoying time spent with a beautiful stranger. Sadly, as Juliana disappeared out of sight, he found himself slipping back to the depressed state knowing that, now, all he had to look forwards to was trying to avoid the insane Visored. That would be a challenge till he found the device the little witch stuck on him that tracked his every move. Shinji shook his head as he turned back to enjoying his smoothie and crêpe. Why should he allow the thought of Hiyori to destroy the happiness that Juliana Stanford had brought into his life, if even for a fleeting moment? With a disgruntled mutter, he set his cheek into an upturned palm while he lifted his smoothie with his other hand, turning the plastic cup before his view.

"Well, hello Juliana Stanford. Such a pleasure to meet you," said Shinji Hirako with a devious grin.

When was the last time he experienced a daydream anyway? Oh yeah, just the other day. It seemed that his mind was always in the clouds over something. Then again, this something was different. This something belonged to a set of stunning honey touched eyes, eyes that belong to Juliana Stanford. He had left the coffee shop with his trademark grin settled upon his handsome and sharp face and was clearly in a state of daydreaming. Was he whistling?

Pain.

Sudden pain tore through his body the moment he walked into the dimly lit warehouse. The pain struck without warning and to the right side of his face sending him flying backwards. He landed flat on his back with one of Hiyori's sandals plastered to his face. He should have known - damn it! Shinji should have known pain was coming as he made his way into the worn down structure, but his mind was locked within his pleasantly wandering imagination.

"Where have you been?" screeched the pigtailed Visored at the top of her lungs while standing over him, fuming and with eyes filled with a mixture of annoyance, anger, and blood lust.

Shinji groaned.

"Get up!" she yelled, running her foot into his side.

With lips thinning, Shinji growled towards his short comrade. "What was that for?" he shouted. His eyes narrowed dangerously towards her as he slowly stood. Damn, his face stung and now his side was throbbing! Shinji instantly regretted questioning her as he saw her right eyebrow twitch and the sides of her lips thin.

"What did you just say?" Hiyori growled, her fists tightening at her sides. She took a threatening step forward.

With a laugh, Shinji waved his hands before him. "Nothing!" he barked.

"That's what I thought. Where have you been? You were supposed to be back over two hours ago! Why can't you take anything seriously, you big idiot?"

That was a damn good question. Rubbing a hand against his sore hip, Shinji pondered his answer. In the end, he rolled his eyes and shrugged of his thin shoulders. "Can't answer that," he stated casually. He smirked as he gave the shorter woman a pat on her head just as he began to stroll past her. His hands went into his pants' pockets as his head ducked down so the raging woman couldn't see his smirk. Shinji so enjoyed tormenting her even if it did get him hurt - very hurt.

Hiyori's entire body cringed beneath the pet. That jerk! Turning about, she glared daggers into his retreating back. Why is it that she was the only one annoyed with the fact that Shinji refused to take his duties seriously? Hiyori groaned as she looked upon a few of the other Visoreds who were just lounging around as if they had nothing better to do

"They're all hopeless," she groaned as her shoulders slumped.

Glancing up, she saw Shinji leap over the couch to flop lazily onto his back, preparing for one of his signature naps. She wouldn't be surprised if it was Shinji's laziness that had caused Sōsuke Aizen to start his war with the Seireitei over a hundred years ago. After all, Shinji had been Aizen's Captain before the glasses-wearing bastard had gotten Shinji and the other Visoreds excommunicated and labeled traitors to the whole of the Soul Society. One would think that Shinji would have learned a lesson from everything that had occurred, that laziness was not acceptable.

Shinji didn't care about the past. Concerning himself with events that could not be changed took too much time. Besides, there were more important matters that he would be facing that would, eventually, remind him of the pain of history. He had too much on his mind concerning the coming future to dwell on the activities of everyday life. He had to deal with the coming destruction of the world and the Soul Society that Aizen was planning. And not just that, it was Shinji's primary responsibility to get Ichigo up to par so when the young Soul Reaper faced Aizen, and his horde of freaks, Ichigo would be ready for the battle. Speaking of the orange haired thorn in Shinji's side, Ichigo was supposed to be here later to start another session of training.

Sighing, Shinji turned his eyes upwards to the high ceiling of warped metal. His lips slowly fell with a heavily weighted frown as he found his attention and thoughts turning back to the honey eyed Juliana. Never before had a girl filled his mind to such a degree. Sure, he loved to flirt and poke fun at the easily flustered human women, but Juliana was different. Oddly enough, he found no interest in teasing her, only discovering more about her.

He groaned thoughtfully from under the cover of a thin arm that settled over his eyes. He breathed out one word, "Damn."

Later that day, during the entire time he was training with Ichigo, Shinji's mind continued to wander back to Juliana. Her giggle would dance through his ears amid the crashing sound of clashing blades and of battle, and before he knew what had occurred, he had lost all concentration. If Kensei had not called out a warning to him, Ichigo's current attack would have struck him clean. What was wrong with him? It was not as if his mind was doing naughty things to the image of that chestnut haired girl. No, it was like his thoughts were trying to remember something about her, that little something he could not fully captured back at the café, yet all he could remember were pointless flashes of blurred images within his mind's eye. Obviously, his subconscious wanted to delve deeper into his interaction for Juliana and root around for some hidden meaning as to what was irking him.

Just what was going on?

When the training session was over, Ichigo was flat on the ground, panting and muttering every promise of retribution he could muster at the Visored's 'leader'. Sadly, Shinji wasn't paying much attention anymore. When the sparing was over, Shinji turned away and retired into his thoughts. Not a word was spoken to the stunned group as he made his way into the depths of the old building, wanting to be left alone. By the time he found himself sinking into the depths of sleep, the hour of the night was turning over to the early hours of morning. Juliana had kept him up all night! His mind haunted him from within his erratic dreams of remnants of their brief introduction. He couldn't stop thinking about her eyes, the focal point of his attention. The harder he tried to remove her from his mind, the more impossible the process became. She was just some human girl. No, she was a beautiful young human woman with a giggle that was Heavenly. The way she had smiled at him, the way her eyes had slightly squinted when she giggled, and the way her scent had been laced with the subtle and hypnotic allure of flowers…damn it! Shinji groaned, rolling over in his bed, and pressed his face into his pillow. If he couldn't get the images of her out of his mind, he would let the lack of air do it for him!

By late morning, sadly, nothing he tried worked. He woke with such a wave of exhaustion that even standing from his bed was an act he could hardly accomplish. During breakfast, he sat in a daze while listening to Hiyori and Kensei bicker over some random topic of argument while he poked his fork at his breakfast. With time quickly slipping him by, Shinji quietly recused himself to begin his day by dragging himself back to school. One more day of sitting in class and listening to the dull instructor preach out lessons of pointless knowledge. One more day of Orihime's aloof personality bugging him to an early grave. And one more day of Ichigo griping to him about Sōsuke and the looming war. Shinji ended up sleeping through most of the class periods till somebody slapped him upside the head when the lunch bell rang. Even within his sleep, Juliana's honey eyes haunted him! When the lunch bell tolled, Shinji turned his eyes out the window as the thought of ditching class twisted about in his mind.

"Hello, Shinji!"

That voice! That bright and always obnoxiously cheerful voice suddenly snapped him from his thoughts. Groaning, he turned about and came face to face with Orihime's Bambi-like eyes. She was leaning way too close to him with that stupid, innocent smile upon her face. Instantly, her presence prickled his skin.

"Do you have anything to eat for lunch? If you'd like, you can share some of mine!" she chimed, shoving a container into his chest.

Shinji stretched his back and muttered, "No. I'm fine."

Orihime pouted as if she had actually been hurt.

"Hey," growled Ichigo as the Substitute Soul Reaper came to Shinji's desk.

Shinji groaned as he stretched his arms and with his lean fingers lacing behind his head. He turned to regard Ichigo with a look of annoyed temperance. "Can I help you?"

That's when the Ichigo leaned heavily to Shinji's desk. "What was that yesterday? You were so far off into space that our fight can't even be considered a fight!"

Shinji flinched as Ichigo slammed his hands down to the desk. Ichigo was furious, and with good reason. For weeks now Shinji had been pushing Ichigo harder and harder to improve and to go for the kill, yet yesterday it seemed that Shinji had gone a full turnaround from his own teachings. Ichigo was right. He had gone soft during their spar. Ichigo was training with all his soul and determination and with great passion, so it was safe to say that the way Shinji had fought was a slap to Ichigo's honor and pride.

Shinji leaned his chair back with his pale brown eyes turning up to the ceiling. "Yeah, sorry about that."

"Is that all you have to say?" Ichigo barked out. The chatter in the rest of the class room instantly hushed as all eyes turned towards them. All Ichigo had to do was glare towards the rest of the students and the unwanted attention turned away. He then leaned towards the Visored to whisper with a tight voice of anger, "You're not one to go soft, Shinji."

Their eyes met, flat and narrowed. Ichigo was waiting for an answer, and Shinji was trying to find an answer. In the end, Shinji stood, his chair scraping against the floor, and both of his hands went instantly to his pockets as he turned to walk around Ichigo. "You wouldn't understand."

"Wouldn't understand? Hey, wait!" Ichigo called out to Shinji as the Visored walked out of the class room.

"Is something wrong with Shinji, Ichigo?" Orihime asked, her lips tucking in a frown. "He's not acting like himself. He's usually much more…"

"I don't know what is wrong with him, Orihime." He shook his head then sighed heavily and said, "He wasn't himself yesterday, and he's not himself today either."

Orihime looked up to her friend with worry showing in her eyes. "What do you think is wrong with him, Ichigo?"

He groaned and ran a hand through his spiky orange hair. "How should I know?"

Orihime's frown suddenly brightened, and she pointed a finger to the ceiling. She barked happily, "I know! I'll go talk to him!" Then she and her one-tracked mind were off and following after Shinji.

Shinji thought he had found solitude beneath one of the trees within the school yard where he could be alone with his uneasy thoughts. If he couldn't nap inside, he would try and rest outside. At least out in the open he would be able to enjoy the summer breeze, so he stretched out upon the ground and turned his eyes to the sky where the thick cotton-like clouds drifted lazily by. One was a rabbit. One was a…what the Hell was that anyway? Shinji tipped his head with his nose scrunching as he looked to the bizarrely shaped cloud.

Shortly, the cloud was forgotten and replaced with a sense of peace. Sighing, Shinji laced his hands at the back of his neck, dipped his head down, and let the brow of his flat cap shield his eyes. Peace, however, was short lived as suddenly a shadow came over him. "Wha..?" asked the sleepy Visored as his subconscious awoke to the disappearance of sunny warmth. Through his curiosity, Shinji bumped the rim of his cap up with a thumb only to come face to face with Orihime's dopy smile.

"Shinji!" she cried out jovially.

In response to her greeting, he groaned and tugged his cap as far as it would go over his eyes. "What do you want?" he muttered under his breath.

"I just wanted to know why you're being so grumpy today. Is everything alright? Ichigo is sure mad at you for some reason. He thinks that there's something bothering you, and he really wants to know what that something is."

"So he sent you out here to bait me to explain myself?"

"No, not really." Orihime leaned down with her overly exaggerated smile plastered to her face. "I told him I would see if you're alright because nobody likes it when somebody's grumpy."

"What is wrong with you?" Shinji asked, looking up to her.
"Are you on drugs or something? Why are you always so happy? It's humanly impossible to be as happy as you are every damn minute of the day."

Instead of taking his words as an insult, Orihime smiled brighter, and the smile made Shinji groaned. Orihime was even crazier than Hiyori.

Orihime shrugged but continued to smile to him. "Ichigo has said the same thing at times,' she paused while tapping her cheek as her features turned to ponder her bouncing thoughts, 'so has Renji and Uryuu, and …"

Shinji grumbled loudly, trying to keep the noise that was her voice out of his ears as he pressed his palms tightly to the sides of his head. His sanity could only last so long before it would crumble under her torture. "Enough!" Shinji barked. "Just shut up!"

"Yay!" Orihime tittered, clapping excitedly. "So tell me,' she inquired, coming to kneel down next to him, 'what has you so upset."

"I doubt you would understand."

"Why wouldn't I? Tatsuki says I'm a great listener, and I seem to know how to sort out problems." She nodded vigorously then blinked while glancing up to nothing particularly. "Or…was it that I know how to get into problems?"

Shinji cursed under his breath.

She chimed, "It doesn't matter. I want to help you."

"If you want to help you can go…" Shinji was about to curse her when she turned her puppy eyes on him. Unable to finish the threat of his statement, he found himself slumping against the tree trunk behind him with a breathy sigh. "Honestly? I don't even understand what's going on."

"Why don't you start by telling me what happened between you and Ichigo?"

"He's annoyed because yesterday, during our training session, I wasn't focused so the spar was half-assed."

Orihime nodded quickly. "Mmhm, Mmhm. Go on."

"Look, Orihime,' he sighed softly, 'I appreciate you wanting to help but I just feel awkward speaking to you about this. Can't you go bother somebody else and leave me to my nap?"

"Nope." She shook her head sending her brown hair in violent waves about her. "I told Ichigo I would come talk to you."

"You need help."

She chuckled silly and said with a proud declaration, "Captain Zaraki told me the same thing once."

"He needs help too."

"Please tell me what's wrong, Shinji."

What was he supposed to tell her, that he met a beautiful woman at the coffee shop and now he can't get her out of his head? If he did tell her, she would go right to Ichigo and then he would never hear the end of this entire confusing situation. No way. Shinji couldn't handle Ichigo finding out about the mysterious encounter with Julian that has left him with an unsettled mind. Shaking his head, Shinji stood with his hands stuffed into his pockets. He turned about and began to walk away.

"Shinji! Where are you going?" Orihime called.

Shinji stopped, canting his head over his shoulder to her. "I know you just want to be nice, it's your nature, but sometimes people need to figure out the solutions to their problems by themselves." He shrugged his overly thin shoulders and said, "It's a pride thing."

Orihime frowned an honest frown of disappointed.

Shinji was about to turn away and continue his walk when he stopped. He glanced over his shoulder once again and said, "Actually, I do have a question you may be able to answer."

When he mentioned needing her help for a question, her bright eyes went wide with excitement. "I'll try my best! What is your question?"

"Do you now the private university called Saint Bridget's?"

She snapped her fingers. "Oh, yes! Tatsuki knows a girl who goes there."

"Do you know where it is exactly?"

"No, but Tatsuki does. I can find out for you if you want."

"Do that." He turned, walking away with a wave of a hand to her. "Thanks, Orihime."

Class resumed within an hour, the bell softly chiming across the school yard with a call to all students. Once class had started, Shinji had to wait to find out if Orihime had gotten any information on the directions and address he requested from Tatsuki. The hours clicked on by slowly till the sound of the clock's abrasive clicking drove him crazy!

As he sat at his desk, staring at the chalkboard, he began to question his own rationality as to why he asked Orihime if she knew of the school. Just what had he been thinking? What was he planning to do, go walking to Saint Bridget's just to find Juliana? What would he do when he found her? She'd probably think he was stalking her! So why was there an overwhelming intensity building within him that was pushing him to see her again?

All those questions running through his head were making a well-defined headache develop. When the final bell sounded, he nearly fell out of his chair from surprise since he had become so lost to his thoughts. Not but a minute after the chime sounded, Orihime appeared at the front of his desk. She was holding out a small piece of paper.

"What's this?" Shinji asked, taking the paper.

"It's the address and directions to Saint Bridget's. I told you that I would ask Tatsuki, so here you go."

Blinking, Shinji opened the folded paper and there upon it was address to the school. "Thanks, Orihime. I really appreciate this."

"You're welcome, Shinji. I hope you find the solution to what's troubling you."

The Visored gave a slight nod of his head and tucked the paper into his shirt pocket. "So do I, Orihime, so do I."

Shinji moved quickly from rooftop to rooftop as he raced across Karakura Town, following the directions to Saint Bridget's. If he hurried, he would make it before the school cleared out after the last bell. He had no idea when the academy released its students, but as long as he used Shunpo he would arrive and wait for the bell.

Finally, the educational institution came into view, a building of gothic architecture sticking out amongst the modern buildings that surround it. As he neared the school, Shinji slowed his pace then landed gracefully into a walking stride in an alleyway a block from the school's front gate. He couldn't just appear out of nowhere, now could he?

As he rounded the corner of the alley, the school bell chimed, releasing onto the world a multitude of students all in matching uniforms. Shinji took a position where he could see the line of students walking through the iron made gate while chattering, laughing, and waving to each other their farewells. Shinji scanned the crowd with hopes of not missing Juliana as she departed, and for a moment his mind began to question his motives that put him at the gates. He thought back to Orihime and Ichigo's questions - what was wrong with him?

Nope, that wasn't her or that one. That girl was cute - hips too small though. Damn, that girl was thinner than he was! Where was she? Shinji casually made his way down the sidewalk while flashing a charming grin to the young women who giggled as he walked past the gates. His charming magnetism never failed - never. Usually, he would stop and flirt but this time around his mind would not allow him to do so. Both his mind and his body were on a single path to find Juliana, and no other girl who looked at him would distract him. As he took to leaning against the wall, some students would offer their own flirtatious smiles, and though he felt flattered, he honestly did not care for their attention.

He had been standing near the gate for close to twenty minutes, according to his watch, when all of a sudden he heard the call of Juliana's name from across the courtyard.

"Thanks again for the help, Juliana! I really appreciate it!"

Shinji's eyes flashed open and he quickly glanced over his shoulder towards the direction the call had sounded. There she was! Though her back was to him, there was no mistaking the recognition of her flowing hair.

"You're welcome, Claire. Don't worry about the chemistry test. Mrs. Mikado gives plenty of extra credit so, if you miss anything, you can regain some extra credit later on. I'll see you tomorrow! Have a good night!" Juliana offered another wave to Claire then turned and came walking towards the gate.

Shinji felt his heart slam against his chest with a wild thump and felt his throat go dry as he watched her move gracefully. Growling, he forced himself under control. "Get a grip," he muttered under his breath.

Time began to slow, playing out the scene before him in slow motion. Watching Juliana walk across the yard should be nothing of importance to the Visored yet he could hardly keep his eyes off of her. While he stared at her, a tightness coiled within his chest, swelling to the point of discomfort. Within seconds, Shinji made a rather disturbing realization that he wanted nothing more than to rush to her and sweep her into his arms. Also, why was he staring at her? Once again he found himself entranced by her. His eyes captured every move, every step and every sway of Juliana's curved hips, but mostly the way the dark hem of her skirt kissed along her fair skinned thighs.

"Damn…" Shinji groaned as he pushed himself from the wall.

He dragged a hand down his face in frustration. There was no way he was going to allow his imagination to entice him. He should just turn around and take to the rooftops again before she noticed him. Shinji could return to the warehouse in time to take his frustrations out in a hard spar with Kensei. Yeah, sparing with that man would set Shinji's mind straight, after the concussion cleared of course.

Too late! Before he knew it, Shinji heard the caress that was Juliana voice.

"Well, look who is here," Juliana chuckled from next to him.

Slowly, Shinji turned and set his eyes on Juliana's warm smile. With all the terms of acknowledgement that floated within his mind, all he could say was, "Hey."

"I wasn't expecting to see you here," she smoothly stated in Japanese that was caressed by her English accent. "Coming here is a long walk from your school, yes?"

Shinji shrugged his thin shoulders as he cast her a teasing grin. "What can I say?" he asked with a wink. He then added, "My mind is a frightening place."

"I can only imagine." Juliana chuckled softly, "What are you doing here? Are you waiting for somebody?"

"You could say that."

There was a tone to his voice in the way he smoothly answered her that teased a shiver down Juliana's spine. He was looking at her with such intensity that she felt her cheeks warming. His eyes were locked on her causing her a flitter of uncomfortableness. There was a strange shadow she saw within his eyes, a shadow that had her taking a step back from him. "Well,' she said with a soft smile upon her lips, 'I need to be going."

Shinji blinked as she began to walk past him. Was he just going to allow her to walk away from him that quickly? He had just found her. Shinji couldn't get his tongue and mouth to form any words as Juliana waved to him before disappearing around the brick wall at the gate.

There she goes, walking away again. Before Shinji's rational thinking caught up to him, which happened often, he was calling as he ran after her, "Juliana! Wait!"

Juliana stopped and turned to look back to him curiously.

"Would you like to get a coffee? My treat." Was that all he could think of to say, asking her to get a coffee with him? How cliché.

Juliana stared at him as if in thought. After a short moment, a smile touched her lips followed by a shy nod. "I would like that. After all, you did walk all the way here so it would be a shame if you went through such trouble for nothing. The café is on my way home."

"No,' he thought to himself as he smiled warmly to her, 'it's not for nothing." He said as he motioned towards the gate, "Lead the way."

"Ido miss my home back in Shrewsbury, my old friends and school." Juliana explained once they were in a conversation focused on her life back in England.

The two were seated in the café and, surprisingly, in the same seats they had sat in at the other day. The conversation flowed easily between the two, often changing from amusing topics with blushes settling upon Juliana's cheeks whenever Shinji opened his flirtatious mouth. She seemed to enjoy it, his subtle flirts, or so he thought. The way her laughter would soften in to shy giggles kept a constant grin upon his lips. The way she lowered her honey colored eyes was captivating, and the way she pressed her lips around the straw of her iced-coffee twisted a sensual yet perverted image within Shinji's rather overactive brain. Shinji found every shy act of hers a delight. He was completely enraptured by her, listening to every word she said and loving the way her accent added an exotic caress to her Japanese. Juliana had poise, etiquette, and charm - points of her character he found very refreshing. She was classy and sophisticated, and Shinji found such traits rather attractive.

It wasn't a surprise to him that after an hour of talking with Juliana that Shinji found himself more relaxed, more so than he had been in a very long time. Shinji felt every muscle in his body soften, or maybe his relaxation was the over use of sugar in his banana chocolate smoothie. The longer they chatted and laughed over random and enjoyable topic the quicker he came to realize that spending time with her was making him feel as if they had sat in these same seats before, sipping coffee and laughing. Being with her felt natural to him.

"It must be hard," he said in comment to her speaking on missing her homeland. "I know what it feels like to be away from people you have known your entire life. I had to leave my home, but the departure was not done on good terms with people I used to know. From what you're telling me, you left your friends on good terms."

"I suppose so, considering the move was for my father's job." Juliana arched a slender brow while looking to him. "I would have thought you have lived your entire life here in Karakura Town."

"Karakura Town is my second home." He shrugged, picking at the half eaten lemon spice scone on a plate before him.

"Oh, I see. Is your family in the military?"

Shinji chuckled and shook his head. "No, nothing like that. Moving has just been the way of my life."

A gentle frown settled upon her lips in response to the disappointed tone to his voice, a sign of discomfort even though he chuckled. "I find it odd that you walked all the way from your school to mine, and, by looking at the time of your arrival, I would guess that you skipped your last class. That's not very academic of you."

Shinji snorted with a roll of his pale eyes.

"How very deviant of you," she said with a little tsk.

He flashed her a cheeky grin, "You don't know how deviant I can be."

Julian chuckled with a blush touching her cheek, and she turned her eyes to the vegan mint brownie she was nibbling upon. "I still do not know your name," she said in random thought.

Shinji blinked his eyes. "Really?"

Juliana nodded.

He gave her a lopsided grin. "My name is Shinji Hirako."

"Shinji." She repeated the name with a soft nod. "I like that name. It sounds intelligent yet playful. My name is rather plain."

"Are you kidding me?" Shaking his head, Shinji smiled to her. "I think your name is eloquent and proper, in a very English sort of way."

A heated blush tore along Juliana's high cheekbones as she tried to hold back a giggle. She cleared her throat with a little cough then looked away as she brushed back a lock of chestnut hair behind a single pierced ear. "Shinji?"

"Hmm?"

"Tell me the truth. Why did you come to my school today?" She glanced to him with a quizzical look, a look accented by a delicately raised brow.

Shinji swallowed a lump that had found itself lodged within his throat. There was a tiny grin playing her lips thus accenting the side glance of narrowed eyes from beneath sets of thick, long lashes that she cast him. The look in her eyes was heated and playful and it sent a shudder down the Visored's spine that made him melt. There was an expression he saw within her eyes that remind him of somebody.

"Well?" Juliana asked, tipping her head as a more playful smile replaced the grin.

Shinji shrugged nonchalantly. "Honestly? I came looking for you."

Juliana didn't seem surprised at all. In fact, she had the look of 'I knew it' shadowing her eyes. "You skipped class and walked all the way to Saint Bridget's just to see me?"

He took a quick glance to her and asked, "Is that so strange?"

"A little, yes. Why would you skip class to come see me? You're going to get in trouble."

"I'm not a very educationally bound individual. Classes bore me, so I decided to leave early today and peruse other extra-curricular activities."

"Really?" She pursed her lips in an amused snicker. "You played hooky to come see me? I'm flattered."

"You should be," he said in play as he tossed another bite of his scone into his mouth then dusted off his hands to get rid of any crumbs that may have stuck to his fingers. "Plus, I have been rather distracted all day. Staying in class would have been pointless."

"I see." She gave a soft chuckle and reached towards his scone with a sneaky grin. "May I? I have always wanted to try this particular scone."

"Then get your own!" Shinji only laughed when he smacked at her hand gently. When she stuck out her tongue and quickly broke off a little corner, he laughed and reached over to snap off a rather large piece of Juliana's brownie. She gaped at him. He just shrugged and said over the large bite, "Turnabout is fair play."

Juliana laughed brightly. "You have no manners, Shinji Hirako!"

"That's not the first time I've been told that." Shinji cast her a wink and she winked back, twice. The double wink took Shinji's laughter right from him. He stared at her as she went back to her coffee and treat. There was something too familiar about that wink, that single action that sent a wave of Déjà vu that struck him like a brick.

He swore that this very moment had happened in the past, not in a coffee shop and not in this city but in a similar way they exchanged teasing gestures and jibes. He couldn't put his finger on the exact point of the sensation, but it sure was nagging at him.

"Shinji?"

He blinked his eyes as if doing a double take. Juliana was looking to him but with a more curious look to her eyes. His sudden silence had not gone unnoticed.

"Are you alright?"

He answered in a breathy exhalation, "Yeah." He then broke the remaining scone in half, offering her one part. "Here."

The action was intimate in its own way. Their eyes locked, passing between the two a steady look that acknowledge that the sense of Déjá vu was not only felt by him but by Juliana as well who was also sensing the familiarity. She took the piece of scone with an innocently shy smile. "Thank you."

Why did all of this seem so familiar? The question kept tumbling about within his mind. He wasn't one to dwell on this or that or this sensation or that thought, but he couldn't shut his mind off from highlighting parts of this point in time.

"So,' her voice chimed, 'tell me about yourself, Shinji."

"What's there to tell?"

"Your hobbies, your interests, your school work, activities, and friends. The usual topics chosen in order to learn more about another individual."

Shinji cast her a playful grin and inquired, "Want a DNA sample?"

Juliana chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"There's nothing much to me. I'm your everyday high school student." - 'who happens to be a spirit being forced to live in this human world.' The edition to the answer caused him to shrug his shoulders. "I skip classes, cause trouble, and get into as much deviant activity as I can."

"So you're the everyday bad boy." Juliana smirked as she let one slender leg of hers slip over the other to cross, and in perfect view of Shinji's keen attention.

Shinji groaned inwardly as his eyes went right to the exposed inches of her skin between the hem of her skirt and the start of the counter top. He took the few seconds to watch how the slender muscles of her leg shifted beneath smooth, fair skin. "I guess." He had to force those words from his mouth; otherwise, he would stutter like an idiot.

"My mum always said I had a thing for the bad boys."

She was teasing him now as she cast him a crafty look, a devious look - a look he liked. Shinji was caught watching the way her lips wrapped about her straw when she took a sip. There formed that lump again in his throat, swelling in to a tennis ball.

Sadly, the afternoon came to an end with one look to her watch. Juliana's honey kissed eyes went wide as she let out a squeak. "Oh, no!" she yelped as she began to gather her belongings.

"What's wrong?" he inquired.

"I didn't realize how the time had gotten away from me. My mum's going to worry if I don't get back in time for supper." She stopped in her hurried motion to look to him. Was he pouting? "I'm sorry, but I must go. Thank you, Shinji, for inviting me out. It was a really nice treat."

Just when he was enjoying himself. Shinji sighed but offered a half smile and a nod. "It's not a problem. I understand. In fact, I need to be heading home too. If I end up late again, there's going to be pain and suffering, my pain and suffering." The frightening thought that Hiyori would harm him greatly for being late, again, caused a shudder of ice to drag down his spine.

Juliana chuckled as she saw the evidence of that shudder. His body shook for a moment as his features twisted as if some horrific memory was replaying within his mind. She smiled then did something that not only felt natural to them both yet, at the same time, came as a complete surprise. The action was a delicate act that completely floored Shinji. A kiss, a soft and caste kiss, was touched upon his right cheek. The kiss was one of innocence that meant nothing more than a heartfelt thank you. Juliana drew back first with her lips parting ever so slightly. Their eyes locked, and Shinji's chest tightened.

Then he grinned. "What about tomorrow?"

Juliana paused in her action of placing her backpack about her shoulders. She looked to him curiously. "Tomorrow?"

"Coffee again?" Shinji leaned his cheek to his palm, a position that was becoming the norm for him, and waggled his thin brows suggestively.

She mused, "I'm not sure…"

Before he could stop himself, Shinji reached his other hand forwards as his body straightened in his seat. His fingertips, fingertips that so many times had driven his Zanpakutou to kill, were as gentle as any lover's as he touched her cheek. He saw her honey colored eyes darken to an almost amber color, luscious and thick. He also felt her body shiver delicately beneath his touch.

He whispered as he trailed his fingers along her jaw, "The answer is simple. Say yes."

Juliana felt her lips press thin and her throat tighten. Thinking of a reply was nearly impossible with his touch skimming along her cheek. She was about to decline his offer, thinking that meeting him again was moving them in a direction that was improper for two people who had just met too fast, but what direction could that be? She couldn't deny that she felt a wonderful and warm attraction to him dancing around within the pit of her stomach. If he would refrain from touching her like this, departing would be much easier with a flirtatious smile. So what was wrong? Why couldn't she walk away? The answer was simple - she had kissed his cheek. What had gotten into her? He was a complete stranger to her yet she felt drawn to him on a level that was unusual.

After a thoughtful moment, which seemed to have drawn itself out, Juliana nodded to him in agreement. "Alright."

Shinji grinned and finally drew his touch from her. "Great. Same time?"

"Planning to skip class again?" She asked.

"If it means getting to spend time with you, yeah."

She shook her head, casting him one last look. "I'll be waiting at the gate."

Once again Shinji was left sitting in his seat with nothing better to do than watch Juliana walk away. Shinji smiled to himself as he raised his coffee cup to his lips. She was waving to him from across the street so he offered her a wave in return, then she disappeared into the passing crowd. When he could no longer see her, Shinji finished off his coffee then began the trek back to the warehouse. He was in no rush. He wanted to keep the memory of her kiss, which he still felt upon his cheek, before Hiyori's infliction of pain would replace the delicate tingle from Juliana's lips.

As he walked down the streets of Karakura Town, Shinji glanced up to the cloudless sky in a moment of reflection.

'Thank you, Saint Bridget…'

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