JunJou Ichi

By: Stella Caelum Lucas

A/N" They will be at the end! ^ 0 ^ This is my first fanfic ever and yes...it is YAOI! (BoyxBoy) Don't like? THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL HERE? :c

DISCLAIMER: Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo!

I personally think my writing skills are lacking...not good enough, ya know? I feel like it is devoid, bereft...Tell me what ya think? :P

Have a fun time reading!~ :3 Review if you please and feel free to leave any suggestions! If you have any! :D

Chapter 1: The predestined Misunderstanding

Couple: IchiHichi(Yes, in that order)

Shirosaki Hichigo was a twenty-five-year-old male that appeared normal except for his lack of color and the color of his eyes. The albino's long unkempt, white hair flowed gently over his clothed-covered shoulders accompanied by bangs that extended long enough to just hang in front of his exotic eyes; the usually white sclera was as dark as midnight and his irises were molten gold, a rich, warm, almost orange-toned shade with an amber sheen spilling into the gold. The young male sitting in his large office chair could be described as strikingly beautiful and many common suitors (both female and not surprisingly male) had never ceased to point out this fact. The fact that his skin and hair contrasted perfectly with his unnatural eyes only added to the male being.

Inverted eyes peered up at the female who stood patiently in front of the alabaster office worker. The woman had long, caramel brown hair that was slightly wavy that had twin clips on either side of her hair, wide silver, expressible eyes, and well-endowed breasts. A small smile graced her thin lips as she practically beamed at Hichigo.

"Yea?" he asked in his watery tone of voice.

"Shirosaki! We have a new manager today!" she chirped cheerfully. The pale male leaned back in his over sized chair while an apathetic mask glossed over his handsome features.

"Really? I neva' heard of this," he stated with no evident surprise in his distorted tone. A small lopsided grin that revealed shockingly sharp canines slowly spread on his face.

"I guess Mr. Kenpachi found someone better. Ne, Orihime?" he playfully teased. The woman now known as Orihime smiled brightly while giggling softly.

"Guess so." Anyways, his name is-" Shiro had cut her off by placing up his left index finger in an "one moment" gesture. He reached down to the ringing phone on his oak desk before answering. The caramel-haired female stood still as she glanced at the clock on the furthest back wall; the bubbly female had to squint her eyes to read the exact time.

'2:45pm' she thought.

"Wha'?" he answered into the phone. A loud crash was heard on the other end of the line as the sound of Rukia's voice entered into his ear.

"Grimmjow! Settle down this instant or else!" Kuchiki's loud voice boomed over the phone's speaker, causing the albino to pull the device away from his now aching ear drum.

"Hello?" the female asked slightly aggravated from the distinct distress Grimmjow was inducing successfully.

"Hey, Midget," he greeted teasingly.

"DO NOT CALL ME THAT, YOU IDIOT!" the hot-tempered midget screeched. "Anyways, Mr. Shirosaki, Grimmjow is acting up as always, but Ulquiorra is well just standing in the corner because Grimmjow, the brat, told him that you told him so," she paused awkwardly, "I told him numerous amount of times that he does not need to stay there, but he just looks at me blankly and continues to stand there for no absolute reason," she finished with a tired sigh. Her response was a watery chuckle. The pale office worker shook his head with a false resigned sigh.

"I's okay, Hobbit. Ulquiorra will move when I get home. Ya know tha' Grimm only listens ta meeee," he drawled mockingly. Even though Hichigo could not see it, the short female was fuming and she gritted her teeth. The uniquely-eyed man really can be an asshole when he chooses to be.

"Whatever," she growled out before a reminder popped into her head. "Hey, Shirosaki, aren't you getting a new manger today at Soul Society?" The Soul Society was a book publishing company that became highly infamous when the new CEOs and managers came into play.

The snow-haired male inclined his head closer to the phone to receive better hearing access.

"Right. Hime was jus' tellin' me about tha'. Why do ya ask?" he inquired with genuine curiosity. If Rukia did not work here, them how did she know?Not that it bothered him personally. He could careless who knew what was going on in his working area. Perhaps her brother, Kuchiki Byakuya, told her, but they do not appear close. At least to Shiro the siblings did not. Orihime's head abruptly shot up at the mention of her nickname that only Shiro gave her.

"Um, excuse me, Shiro," Inoue interjected sweetly. Gold on black eyes glanced at the big breasted assistant, silently granting her his attention. His female colleague leaned over the desk slightly and whispered softly for only her boss could hear.

"It is your lunch break. But it's raining cats and dogs outside. Take cover under my Kon umbrella!" she suggested proudly as she magically pulled out a tan umbrella with a stuffed lion sporting a overly happy smile. Shiro gazed out the window, noticing the raindrops leaving streaks, almost like tears, down the cool surface of the glass. A grimace darkened his pale facial structures as he watched the liquid precipitation tap persistently at the window. Golden irises flickered up to glance at the dark gray sky.

Oh how he hated the rain.

"Shiro," Orihime called softly, interrupting his momentarily sky-gazing.

He blinked. "Yes?"

"Um, Rukia is still on the phone," she reminded him kindly with her cute smile.

"Oh! I fergot about the Midget."
"I told you to stop calling me that, you snowflake!" she retorted back fiercely. Golden orbs glinted with amusement. Oh, so now he is a snowflake? Hichigo simply rolled his eyes at the common nickname.

"Why don' ya go back ta Chappy th' Rabbit?" he pressed with a small, devious smirk.

"HEY! CHAPPY THE RABBIT IS FOR ADULTS, TO-" her obnoxious voice abruptly came to a halt and a new one came alive on the other end of the receiver.

"Oi! Socky, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques is hungry!" His small smirk widened and was near psychopathic. Of course Grimmjow would steal the phone away from the Chappy lover before her upcoming rant about the stuffed toy.

"Aww, is little blueberry hungry?" he cooed. Already knowing that the blue-haired-six-year-old boy would get furious at the nickname.

"DON'T CALL ME THAT! MY NAME'S GRIMMJOW! GRIMMJOW! GRIM-"

"Okay, Grimmjow, wha'cha doin'?" he cutted in sharply. The only hobby Grimm loved to do was-

"Destroying objects in the house and bothering the Shinigami woman!" he answered eagerly.

"Of course. I'm gonna get take out fer dinner tanight. I hafta go, Grimmie an' tell Ulqui ta get out of th' corner. Put 'Shinigami woman' on."

"Okay.." grumbled Grimm, honestly wanting to speak to his "Socky" a little longer.

"Hello?" she answered once more when she received the phone from the now sulking Grimmjow.

"How did ya know I was gettin' a new manager?" the pale Shirosaki genuinely inquired.

"Oh! Because Renji informed me. His name is Kurosaki-" Shiro pulled away from the phone to look at Orihime who was tapping his shoulder lightly to inform him about his lunch break one more time. He gave the girl a nod in affirmation when she wordlessly mouthed the words "let's go".

"-go" entered his ear once he gave his attention back to the babysitter.

"Go? Okay! I was jus' leavin' anyways!" he merrily shouted into the communicating device before hanging up with his signature smirk lighting up his features. A small cackle escaped his throat as he and his female assistant began strolling briskly down the various hallways, passing by many closed doors. The hallways were very narrow and had a vivid variety of framed pictures hanging on the walls. Occasionally, the ceiling lights would light up their attractive features as the two made their way down the halls with no intention of pausing, until they walked passed a certain CEO'S door marked with "Kuchiki" in black, neat calligraphy.

"GAH! DAMN IT!" A ruff voice screamed followed by the harsh sound of a door being flung open behind the editor and his assistant. Shirosaki's lips produced a small crazed grin as he leisurely turned around to mock the noisy distraction. The albino already knew who this certain person was by just hearing the irritable sound of his voice.

"Oh, Renji," he sighed dramatically with non-genuine worry, "are ya okay?" His grin widened as the red-haired male shot him a baleful glare. Renji had many tribal-like tattoos circling his corded arms, his "eyebrows" were zing-zag tribal marks, and he had bright red hair that was held up in a spiky ponytail that reminded mostly everyone of a pineapple.

"Shut it, you asshole," hissed Abarai Renji. Shiro abruptly broke into a burst of maniacal laughter as the realization of a certain red-head loomed upon him.

"Y-ya got k-kicked o-o-out! Y-ya stupid i-i-idiot!" he managed between his uncontrollable laughter. He could literally feel Renji's anger boiling inside his body and the hysterical albino did not even bother to try and dodge when the evidently pissed off man flung his body at him, tackling him to the ground. A very loud "THUMP" was heard and a few other workers poked their heads out their doors in curiosity. The two workers rolled around, clawing and punching each other. Well, in reality, it was only Renji who was punching whilst Shiro, who was just so recently laughing extremely hard, was currently chuckling softly and blocking the red-head assistant's violent attacks with his forearms.

"Stop blocking, you dick!" roared the "attacker" as the "victim" jerkily pulled himself out from under the other male's larger body.

"Good Job, Pineapple," the smaller male jeered. "I thought I was gonna be a goner. Anyways, me an' Orihime were about ta go ta lunch. Do ya wanna join?" he offered as kindly as he could possibly muster. Shirosaki was not a rude fellow, but he was quite guarded and he did have his sadistic side. But he was not rude to his friends and family; he just highly enjoyed pestering them.

Orihime watched the oddly kind exchange apprehensively; the female knew this is how Shiro and Renji's friendship was, but those two caused so much disturbance when they are together. The two strongly-willed males draw unwanted attention to themselves. Renji's angered expression faltered as his companion offered the kind gesture and aided him from the ground by offering his hand. A mumbled "thanks" was given to specifically to the albino as Renji and Shiro shared both a rare and small smile with each other.

"So, are ya goin'?"

"Yeah," replied the bigger male. Strong, muscular arms folded themselves over an obvious broad chest as Renji Abarai openly stared at his alabaster-skinned friend and Orihime, his newest of friends.

Hichigo's lips curled up in a mischevious grin as he could read Renji's filtered expression like an open book.

"Do ya even have a break, taday?" Ashen eyebrows rose slightly in amusement. Renji's arms dropped and rested along the sides of his body with his hands tucked carelessly into his pants' side pockets.

"Nope," the tattooed male snorted. "Byakuya still has that large pole shoved up his ass."

Orihime blinked owlishly while her boss was a laughing frenzy, unable to control his breathing properly.

"O-oh God! G-g-good one, Pineapple! I could not agree more tha' he's a stiff!" Shiro said through laughter.

The only female of the group scanned the area and noticed that the small crowd throng the area were still watching anxiously, knowing that this would probably be the only sort of entertainment throughout their dull day of work. Orihime bit her lip nervously as Shiro and Renji were calling Byakuya all sorts of names even though they were located right in front of aforementioned's office door.

"Guys, if you keep wasting time, then you two will not be able to have lunch..."she trailed off as her silver eyes landed on a certain male with a spiky pony tail. "Well, Shirosaki would not anyways." she interjected. The careless male assistant threw an offended look before giving her an insouciant shrug of his broad shoulders. Wordlessly, the pair continued their way down towards their destination before they were interrupted by Renji's theatrics and were now accompanied with the Byakuya's assistant. The bystanders who were just watching the scene before them closed their doors and continued to bury themselves deeply into their work. No eyes had followed the particular three, for they knew that if they were caught dilly dallying that they would have to face severe consequences.

The workers made their way progressively towards the elevator; what seemed to feel like an eternity, the three man squad finally reached the elevator. A colorless hand was held up and was so close to pressing the button , so close until-

"Um, Shirosaki," Orihime called softly. Golden orbs sharply glanced over a shoulder to glance at the female in questioning; his hand paused in his current task to press the "down" button. "What if giant ninjas attack us?! We are unprepared! We should really take the stairs!" she smiled nervously and Orihime hugged her umbrella close to her large chest. The female felt her heart beat rapidly and her mouth ran dry from the nervousness of her conclusion. Renji could only gape. Are you fucking serious? Ninjas? What possibly goes around in this girl's mind is certainly unknown to Abarai Renji.

With quick speed that a cheetah would be jealous of, Shiro turned around and gently grasped Orihime's hand. Renji just stood, completely puzzled at what just occurred. His mouth was ajar ed and his eyes were slightly widened due to his downright bewilderment. He observed as his pale friend waited for him to tag along and was still holding Orihime's hand tenderly. Renji groaned in frustration and wished that they would take the elevators like normal people who worked on the thirty first floor. He felt his shoulders sunk ever so slightly as he grumpily trailed behind the other two.

"Thanks, Shiro..." Orihime said quietly. Hichigo gave her a lopsided grin before nodding.

"Oi! Pineapple, pick up th' pace!" The uniquely-eyed man shouted towards the sulking Renji. Ebony eyes found their way quickly towards the back of the albino and glared daggers, but not as fiercely as they should have. In fact, if one looked deeply enough into the dark irises, would have noticed the softness deep in the dark depths. Renji knew that underneath Hichigo's shitty attitude, he was a softie towards his close ones. In the simplest of terms, Shirosaki Hichigo was a rare type of person to come by.

"You're a softie, Shiro," Renji poked fun at Shiro. Said male abruptly ceased in his stride and halfway turned around at the waist to half-heartedly glower at the tattooed-covered man. Orihime stopped in her current task and started at her boss for a fleeting second before her eyes flickered to her friend, Renji.

"A softie?" Shiro pouted, dropping his hand from Orihime's and placed the now unoccupied extremity on his hip. "I'm no softie. I kick th' shit outta most people an' fuck th' authorities Ne? Ha..." He shrugged to himself and frowned briefly. He turned back around with the same frown marring his handsome features. "I'm not...soft..." he whispered quietly to himself , as if he was trying to inspirit himself only. But...he was what he considered kind to Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, the Midget, Orihime, Renji, his collegues (very little of them), and especially that boy from his past...that he has not seen since graduation...

As if sensing the inner conflict Shiro was having, both Abarai and Inoue gently grasp the albino's shoulders and Orihime offered him a him a reassuring smile while Renji smirked at him when he glanced at them. The white-haired male smirked encouragingly at his supporters.

"Tch. I was jus' thinkin' about wha' I can do ta show y'all tha' I'm not a softie." his witty facade masked his inner battle with himself. It must've had to work because Orihime and Renji allowed their gently grip on him go and took back a few steps away from the pale man.

"Oi! Renji! Lets have a race!" All doubt erased from his mind, Hichigo clasped his hands together and revealed an insidious lopsided smirk. Golden irises glittered with mirth as Renji smirked along with him. "Ya don' have ta if ya are scared, Renji-boo." A small watery snicker escaped the oddly-eyed male's throat as he witnessed Renji's superior smirk rapidly morph into a scowl. Shiro could not resist the urge to smile triumphantly.

"You are getting an ass beating, Hichigo!" Renji exclaimed, hoping to prove Shiro wrong that he could defeat him in anything possible, especially a ridiculous activity such as a mere race. Shiro appeared to brighten at the plain thought of Renji's declaration. The caramel-haired woman took a few steps to inwardly appraise her friendship with the two basically childish males. Her eyes moved back and forth quickly to analyze both participating contestants. Her boss was displaying his excited, crazed grin as his eyes glinted with what could only be described as pure enthusiasm with a tint of secretive meaning that she could not place her finger on; Renji's scowl slowly turned into a challenging smile as his eyes lightened up with overwhelming emotion of delight.

Silver orbs widened as wide as saucers when the female assistant unexpectedly felt her whole body being flung over the redhead's shoulder effortlessly like an ancient sack of potatoes. The young adult Inoue felt her eyes wander until they landed on a specific colorless male. Shiro threw Orihime a charming smile that would make the entire female population faint and the male population feel envy or to be aroused right there on the spot. Orihime silently panicked when she saw Shiro and Renji stand in front of the dreadfully plethora of steps. Ordinary people would have taken the steps by casually walking down them, but Shiro and Renji had different ideas and were nothing like the average person. Far from it to be exact. Helpless Orihime had no time to register what was occurring as she felt a quick gust of wind smack her across her pretty face. She shutted her eyes tightly in fear and clung closely to Renji's body. She was highly uncomfortable being thrown over a shoulder and now clunging for dear life. She slightly relaxed when she began to feel Renji's body heat seeping through his clothing.

"Who uses stairs anymore!" she heard Shiro yell unnecessarily in a high pitched tone. Oh, she could just image perfectly her boss smirking. Slowly, she cracked one eye open and her line of sight traveled 'till Hichigo meet her peripheral vision. There's no way...no possible way...! Orihime now openly gaped at her boss as she watched Shirosaki literally slide down the railing across from her and Renji in a crouching position with his hands resting on his knees. This man was fearless! Either that or...just purely CRAZY! She observed in pure terror as the questionable insane male peered over to them and had the audacity to actually flip them the bird. She stared at her boss who flicked out his cobalt blue tongue in a lewd manner as if he licking the air like it was a delicious treat. An incoherent mumble hit her ears as Renji retaliated by giving Hichigo the offensive finger back. A raving laughter thundered through the silent air in response. Inoue gasped with shock as Renji crouched down a little more slightly and increased the pace he was sliding down the thin railing with. Silver eyes analyzed with astonishment as the railing and variety of steps rapidly flashed through her line of sight as quickly as they had appeared. But...wasn't this a spiral stair case? Like a really spiral one? The answer was quickly answered when she suddenly felt a swift turn and saw the sign that had "floor 21" written in thin white letters. What scared the shit out of Orihime was not the recent turn. Oh no, it was the fact that Shirosaki somehow managed to jump off his own individual railing and landed with practiced ease in front of Renji, who was now staring in awe; his dark eyes were enlarged drastically and and his mouth was hanging open like he was catching flies. The redhead's body frozen still, and if Orihime did not tap him lightly with her Kon umbrella, he most likely would have never have awaken from the disbelief he was sensing. Renji shook his head rapidly and glared half-heartedly at the albino that was currently in front of him, smirking at him widely while chuckling face-to-face!This man is a complete lunatic! He has to be! Hichigo must have had realized Renji's shock and the competitive feeling glinting dangerously in his eyes because the irritating smirk widened knowingly.

The white-haired male kicked his dangling legs that hang over the railing on both sides childishly and leaned towards Renji's face. A blush crept on the Abarai's cheeks when he felt the pale man's hot breath tickle his face, sending shivers down his spine. "Renji is a pineapple~," Shiro began to sing merrily, "Pineapple is a burnin' candle.~" Renji's eyes narrowed at his friend's taunts. Shirosaki leaned in more slightly and breathed in the male assistant's ear seductively, "Burnin' candle is a red pancake," he whispered hotly. Renji's face became extremely flushed and Shirosaki laughed at the man's facial expression and clear embarrassment after he pulled away. With the only free hand he currently had at his will. Renji tried to swat the highly amused Shiro. Hichigo did not even need to focus on the direction of Renji's attacks because he was an expert on dodging and possessed great reflexes.

Orihime glanced over her shoulder just in time to witness the comical scene; Renji's fruitless attempts to hit the editor was causing the current laughing man to laugh even louder than before. Orihime secretly wished that they took the elevators instead of the steps. Maybe giant ninjas aren't that bad, right? Surely the three of them could have at least attempted to try to defend themselves against the well-skilled fighters. The three of them might die on the stairs because the two crazy co-workers are sliding down the railings with Renji throwing punches wildly towards Shirosaki. Orihime released a sigh in defeat when Renji screamed in pain and rubbed his now sore eyes.

"See, Pineapple?!" Shiro asked excitedly. " I told ya I could be a reaper or...a ninja!" the pale worker exclaimed happily. He wiggled his two fingers that he used to poke Abarai in the eyes. The goofy gesture aggravated the bigger male to no return and he expressed this emotion by glaring daggers at the smirking white-haired man. Inoue gave up as the two started to bicker and call each other names. Hm..well, they are almost are done going down the stairs since they just passed a sign saying "floor 5".

"Ya jus' jealous tha' I am sexier and epic while yer ass is-"

"HUH?! YOU WENT A LITTLE OVERBOARD POKING ME IN THE EYE, YOU PRICK!" Renji spat.

"I TOLD YA ASS THA' I CAN BE A REAPER OR A NINJA!" Shirosaki's feral grin upturned into an amused lopsided one. "I's jus' natural talent, Pineapple." Renji simply rolled his eyes at Shiro's claim and he glanced behind the albino, a smirk made its way on the redhead's lips when he realized since Shiro is facing him and not the correct way. Renji did know why he would not even consider to tell his friend Hichigo that he was about slide off the railing and go crashing into the glass automatic, sliding door; Renji wanted to see Shiro get a taste of his own medicine and get wounded for being a smart ass. The smirk morphed into a sadistic one and an ashen brow quirked in question.

"Wha? GAH!" Shirosaki Hichigo abruptly came crashing off the railing; he inhaled a deep breath to try to ease the burning pain jabbing near his spinal cord. He opened his mouth in a silent moan of agony and lifted his head up from the ground slowly. He coughed before scampering to his feet despite the immense pain in his back. He got up just in time to see Renji too cheerfully get off the railing safely while dark eyes crinkled with mirth and satisfaction at the albino's slight injured form. Byakuya's assistant gently placed Orihime on the ground and dusted off invisible dirt off of his work clothes. Abarai reached into his left pants' pocket and fished out a pure black bandana. While Renji was busy tying the accessory around his head to cover the area of his eyebrows, Orihime, after slightly being discombobulated and slowly broke out of it, swiftly ran over toward Shiro's direction to check up on him. The female took a step foward and Renji yawned tiredly but watched impassively as Orihime knelled down in front of the standing albino and and retrieved his cell phone for him. Golden irises swimming in black ink widened slightly before softening slightly. Shirosaki nodded his 'thank you' when the brunette stood up again. Hichigo blew a kiss towards Renji and smirked at the the larger male's response: the middle finger and his cheeks slightly flushed. Abarai made a swat hand motion in the air as if he was smacking the kiss away.

Shiro appeared as though Renji had morally wounded him. "But Renji-boo, I thought ya loved meh kisses." He gave the redhead a flirtatious wink along with an endearing smile.

A particular tattooed-male rolled his eyes disapprovingly. "Tch. I wouldn't love your kisses if they were the last ones on Earth!" he snorted , but the bright blush currently dusting his cheeks told otherwise. Shirosaki barked a short laugh before playfully running towards Renji at a quick pace, despite his small recent injury, and flung his arms around the other male loosely; he pressed a chaste kiss on Renji's lips before smirking as the blush deepened to the color of a tomato or a cherry. The male that just received the small lovingly teasing gesture felt a wonderful sensation tingling where Shiro just recently gave him a small peck. He craned his neck in order to gaze up the Soul Society's square skylight; the gentle sound of the pitter-patter of the rain disturbed the almost silent air and the sky was still that dark stormy gray. Renji looked down and flailed his arms at his and Shiro's close proximity. "Get off me, you idiot!" Renji grumbled petulantly before trying to push Hichigo off of him. Orihime stared in bewilderment as she fought back a small nosebleed at the given scene. She felt a blush creeping up on her cheeks heavily and she clasped both her hands over her mouth, dropping her umbrella on the tiled floor in the process. The small 'clank' that sounded when the object collided with the floor, caused the two males to slightly jolt and throw their attention towards the flustered woman.

"I-m s-sorry, you g-guys!" Orihime stammered. Shiro released his hold on Byakuya's riled up assistant and threw a knowing smirk at his assistant. She quickly bent down and nervously picked up the dropped object.

"Hime," his smirk playfully altered in a childish pout," He said my kisses were bad so I hafta show him tha' there aren'." Shiro glanced over at Renji who looked like he was resisting the urge to kick the witty albino. A small breathy chuckle left Shiro's lips before he spoke once more. " Bu' I jus' rememberin' tha' Renji here is a virgin..." he trailed off and the redhead's face flooded with red, looking the perfect ripe tomato in Shiro's perspective; he felt as though that if Renji was just plucked off a tomato plant, all the man needed was a leaf on his head and BAM! A transformation of the perfect tomato! Hichigo laughed at his amusing thoughts and smirked to himself.

"Oi!" Renji shouted out, his face flushed darkly and a grim frown was shaping his lips, "I am not a virgin! You're the virgin! You never had any interest in anyone during high school or now as an adult!" Abarai pointed an accusing finger towards the slightly shocked other man. Shiro's eyes widened slightly from pure surprise and he felt a small pang in his heart. He opened his mouth slightly to say something but bit his tongue. Renji was correct about him being a virgin as sad as it sounds. Shirosaki Hichigo: the man many chase after but never obtain, the man that is always seen making lewd comments followed by suggestive actions, and the man who apparently possessed a heart of ice. But most importantly, the man who was secretively a virgin. Renji smirked in triumph as he saw Shiro at a loss for words.

"Yer wrong..." the white-haired editor whispered inaudibly after he let his head drop low; his white bangs covered his eyes, casting a shadow large enough to shroud the upper proportion of his face. Orihime and Renji's ears perked up as they simultaneously thought they both had heard Shiro speak up. Abruptly, Shirosaki Hichigo shot his head up quickly and held it high with newly found pride. "I did have a crush on someone b'fore! It was durin' high school, bu' tha' person neva' noticed me!" The larger male's smirk fell into a remorseful frown and he moved in to wrap his arms around his lifelong friend comfortingly. It was never his intention to actually emotionally wound his friend; he thought it was just a great comeback from the embarrassment the albino made him feel. Orihime let out a worried sigh and joined Renji in the embrace.

"Hey Shirosaki, if it makes you feel any better, I have a long crush." Orihime spoke softly, "it is still going on today, but he does not see me that way because well, he seems like the type to not be romantically involved..." A soft yet saddened smile pulled at her lips as she imaged spiky orange hair, chestnut-colored eyes and a permanent scowl on a handsome face. "He never really changes his expression unless something really interesting happens which occurs rarely in his life. Except with his fun family or when he is with his friends," she added as an afterthought with the same small sad smile. Shirosaki stared at both of them deeply before smirking his lopsided smirk. Renji merely rolled his eyes at the twenty-five-year-old male's mentality and knew what his idiotic friend was going to do next. Orihime blinked slowly at her boss' sudden change in expression.

"D'aww Orihime! He does not deserve such a delicious woman like yerself!" Shiro exclaimed as he pulled her into a strong embrace. Renji jumped back quickly to avoid any unnecessary contact. Orihime blushed brightly before hugging Shiro back. She felt tears welling up in her eyes, but refused to let them fall; she was not weak and she wanted to prove that to everyone. She was Inoue Orihime, a strong, determined, and independent woman. But...when it comes to love...isn't tears always becoming? The unrequited love that most people experience in the world just as she is now, it is the most painful thing a human being can ever cope with. Her love for Kurosaki Ichigo is at its strongest peak and she knows that he does not see her more than a close friend. It is funny that he is going to be Shiro's new manager...

"Let's go to lunch. I'm starving, " Renji suggested as his stomach growled loudly. Orihime smiled brightly and Shiro smirked. The trio left in a hurry to retrieve their basic need for food.

"LET GO OF MY HAIR, YOU PRICK!" Renji tried earnestly to pry off pale hands off of his hair; he glared threateningly at his friend. Shirosaki sniggered and kept his body turned around fully in the driver's seat. The colorless man never lightened up his grip on the crimson hair and yanked harder and, with the help of his flexibility, Hichigo flung his leg over the arm rest of the leather car seat and kicked the struggling male square in the face. Orihime sighed in defeat as Renji started to scream all sorts of profanities at the white-haired worker. She leaned her head against the glass of the window located to the right of the passenger's seat and peeked out at the dreary weather descending from the dark sky; the clouds ominously huddled together, their dark curves mocking the land scape, while the wind lashed out upon the ground, the rain pelted the already soaked sidewalk, giving the cement a darkened gray shade. She tuned out Shiro and Renji's verbal and physical battle and lifted her head up slightly when she saw a happy couple staring at them through the window in pure fright and terror; Orihime offered the pair a shy smile and ignored the shaking of the vehicle. The trio has been waiting at the red light for at least three minutes or so. And within those three minutes, her boss got bored real quick and decided to entertain himself by bothering the sleeping redhead. Silver irises glanced up when the traffic light turned from red to green. But since Hichigo and Abarai were too deeply involved with beating each other senseless, the two fiery males had not even noticed.

"Shiro," Orihime called out a little louder than usual, hoping to stop her boss from repeatedly attacking the other assistant. When gold-on-black eyes gazed over her direction in silent question, she spoke up once more, "the light turned green. I can drive for ya!~" she chirped with a clasp of her feminine hands. The tattooed male paused his fist in the air and looked over at Orihime. Loud beeping of horns were heard behind their vehicle followed by impatient shoutings coupled with rain patting down on the rooftop of the automobile filled the pregnant silence that loomed in the vehicle. One, two, three...

"HAHAHAHA!" Shirosaki laughed as he threw a quick punch at Renji's shocked face, completely ignoring the pissed off drivers and Orihime's thoughtful offer. Loud demanding honks and enraged shouts were flying by the trio as the cars intrinsically had to swerve their vehicles around their motionless one. Orihime sighed quietly to herself as the redhead started sputtering indubitably inappropriate language at the editor. Orihime could not help but laugh at the pointless and childish fights the two friends share, but when driving the brawls were highly unnecessary and could led to fatal consequences to them or innocent pedestrians. The well-endowed female leaned over the passenger's seat and tapped Hichigo's shoulder with a bit force. Golden irises gazed up at her in curiosity before widening slightly in fear; Orihime's face was so grim;her bright, cheerful silver eyes were dark like raging storms and her mouth was set in a deep frown. Oh shit! Shirosaki had never seen this side of the bubbly Inoue.

A minute later.

Shiro sat in the back seat of his own car beside Renji who was on the verge of falling asleep again. The albino crossed his thin but strong arms over his chest mulishly and pretended to glare at Orihime through the rear view mirror. Aforementioned female was smiling brightly as her eyes gleamed with happiness as she drove the car towards their destination: Kisuke's Café. The pale male rose his ashen eyebrows in question when he felt something vibrate in Renji's pocket. The only way Shiro felt the vibration was because he was sitting very closely next to his friend to comfort himself. A devious smirk was affixed on Shirosaki's soft lips as he reached cautiously into Renji's pocket, careful with skilled fingers to not wake the other male up from his daily nap. Slowly, when he felt the cell phone in his grasp, he retracted his hand as if he was afraid that he would wake up a venomous guard dog. His smirk never wavered and only grew to reveal his pearly whites when he saw the screen flashing, indicating that Pineapple had a new message. He just had to read it. He flipped the phone open and hit the 'okay' button to read the new SMS.

Renji,

I heard about the certain things you called me today. Also, you left today without my permission, knowing you did not have a break today as well. I am going to inform you that tomorrow you are going to have to work twice as hard and that the work will be doubled. See you later.

From your boss,

Kuchiki Byakuya.

Hichigo frowned at the message. Normally the colorless editor would laugh at Renji's suspense but not this time. He felt like it was fully his fault that his lifetime friend got into trouble because of his offer. But he also felt like Renji did have a choice to not have chosen to go with Orihime and him. He knew Renji was a very determined and hard worker when he wanted to be and dreamed of surpassing his boss, Kuchiki Byakuya, and it is that determination that drives the assistant to work harder. He was a hothead and could be very smug and cocky to depressed and disquieted when he is told that he is lacking a certain ability or trait. Even though Byakuya does call his friend a slacker, which Abarai does prove the CEO right when he leaves when frustrated or when Shiro leaves, but the next day he does work twice as hard as any other worker in the building to prove everyone wrong that looks down on him. The editor gently shook the assistant's shoulder to wake him. He watched patiently as Renji's eyes fluttered opened and gazed at him for a fleeting second before his eyebrows furrowed in a mild glare. He was clearly still pissed off that Hichigo attacked him when he was off guard.

"What?" Renji growled out with a slight sleepy tone. Golden eyes just stared blankly at him but were swirling with amusement that the owner always possessed no matter what the situation was or how he felt. The white-haired man effortlessly shrugged his shoulders in mock bewilderment as he showed Renji the message. By every single word he read, Abarai felt his dark eyes widened more. Though he was not as shock as he and probably most people thought he would be: he knew that Byakuya Taichou would message him about his disobedience and weak excuse of his job display by leaving offhandedly. He exhaled deeply in annoyance and frowned temporarily when he noticed just how intently Shirosaki was observing his facial expressions closely. Like he was searching for something specifically or just could be in deeply reflective thoughts. Dark-depth orbs glimpsed at Orihime, who was paying them no mind and was humming an unknown tune cheerfully to herself. He looked back at his pale friend who smirked widely and waved dumbly at him. "You're such an idiotic bastard," Renji muttered quietly to himself. He stared at his companion for a few silent moments only to see the smirk never did falter even when he occasionally threw a few teasing insults at the shorter man. "Oi," the redhead called out to Shiro, "how is Grimmjow and Ulquiorra?"

"Fine in their own way. Grimmjow is still a quick-tempered ass and Ulquiorra is still so obedient and rarely talks." Shiro chuckled softly to himself as he eyes took on a soothing appearance as he lost himself in far thoughts about his two sons. He loved the two unique boys endlessly and engulfed the two young ones in an amusingly bizarre lifestyle that only he could have and give. Though Shirosaki sometimes was the child when it especially came to Grimmjow Jeagerjaques, the elder of the two kids, in certain circumstances; Hichigo would always whine to the blueberry about joining him in playing games or sometimes take a bath with him when he felt lonely and Ulquiorra was asleep. He knew Grimm felt respect for him and did enjoy his company(even though the blue-haired child will never admit to anyone.) Grimmjow would go about it in a grumpy way but still joins him no matter what, but would complain that Shiro was yankin' his chain. Ulquiorra always accompanies the pale adult in playing games outside activities but not baths. Ulquiorra felt Shiro was old enough to be on his own for that particular experience.

He must been lost in his thoughts because the next thing he knew, Orihime was shaking him lightly and Renji was out of the car. He offered his natural smirk to Inoue and got out of the car after she did. He kicked the door to his own vehicle harshly and ignored the shocked expression Orihime gave him in his direction. He waited silently as Orihime opened her umbrella and hovered it over the both of them in order to block themselves from the precipitation. The duo quietly walked onto the rain covered street; the rain fell in torrents followed by violent gusts of wind which swept up the street. Poor Orihime almost blew away from the harsh force of the winds. She was grateful that her boss kindly grasp the umbrella from her and held it with his promisingly strong strength. The rain patted the umbrella top and they both ignored it as they noticed Renji was holding the door opened for them.

After a few seemingly dreary seconds, the pair finally made it towards their friend and entered inside. Hichigo sighed tiredly and ran a quick hand through his long white locks. His sharp eyes fleetingly glanced at Orihime who jumped slightly when her phone began to sound off. He smirked deviously as he and Renji made eye contact. The editor waved happily at the redhead only to get flipped off in response. His lifetime friend must've been still fuming about the sneaky punch he received from him.

"SHIRO!" Orihime yelled a little bit too happily. Mentioned female was jumping up and down in place with a huge smile lighting up her pretty face. Her eyes glistened with unrestrained delight when her boss looked at her. "Your new manager, Kurosaki Ichigo, is coming over NOW TO MEET YA!" She exclaimed excitedly. Shirosaki Hichigo felt his smirk falter and his inverted eyes widened in disbelieve. His new boss is coming now, on his lunch break, his FREE time to meet him? The albino groaned in frustration, but puased from any further displeased actions when he noticed just how happy she was about this Kurowaki Ichi something guy coming over now. In all honesty, Hichigo could care less about his new boss. He'll probably be a stiff like Byakuya or a complete dick like most of the other managers. The only one to ever gain Shiro's liking was Kenpachi who also had a blood lust just like he did when it came down to fighting.

"Really?" Renji asked, "I do not feel like having a Strawberry in my presence now," he griped. Orihime narrowed her eyes and placed her hands on her slim hips.

"Ichigo is not a fruit!" she chastised. The two assistants stared eah other down for a few seconds before a little ring of the bell on top of the café's entry way echoed through the room. The sudden ring broke off the midly heated gaze and made three pair of eyes travel slowly into that specific direction. Orihime beamed and shouted happily.

"ICHIGO!" She ran and gave the orange-haired male a huge hug. The tall man returned the friendly hug and smiled softly at his ecstatic friend. Caramel brown eyes leisurely trailed behind Inoue and landed on the form of two unfamiliar men. Shirosaki stared intently at he man he just knew and felt was his new boss. He was a fairly tall, lean-built young man with peach skin and brown eyes. His hair was a very unusual color: bright orange; the orange locks reached to the base of his neck and the length reached to his ears as bangs stopped shortly before falling into his eyes and the rest was styled into rather untamed mess of stubborn spikes just like Shirosaki's.

For an unknown reason, Hichigo felt his heart begin to beat rapidly against his ribcage. He felt his cheeks heating up tremendously and he adverted his gaze from the handsome man and looked up at the intricate designs on the restaurant's ceiling. He felt an odd sensation of familiarity when looking at the new manager. He kept his gaze locked on to the ceiling until Ichigo towered over him.

"UWAH!" Hichigo squeaked in utter surprise. He gawked at the clearly taller man before trying to regain his composure. Ichigo must have been at least a head taller than him. Shiro barely taller than the height of the average woman, which was 5'5; Hichigo was a measly height of 5'6 and many men would laugh at his lack of height and that always did not ended well for the taller men. The pale man was and still is full of surprises, especially his brutal strength.

The editor took a few cautious steps away from Ichigo in order to make some distance between the two. He felt uncomfortable around strangers but Kurosaki was different. Very different. And it was this difference that frightened the hell out of Hichigo and heightened his senses on high alert. His golden irises flickered up to stare into hard chocolate-colored ones. A smirk formed on Shiro's thin lips as he placed his hand out for a formal handshake. A orange eyebrow quirked as he stared down at the pale hand. It seemed so slender, perhaps too slender to be a man's but Ichigo gently wrapped the hand in his own and shook the hand properly just like ordinary business men do when every single time they greet. Renji watched closely, analyzing his friend very sharply to see any type of reaction that would make his friend seem more idiotic than he already is if possible. But he knew something was not right with Shiro when his eyes locked with Kurosaki's. He blinked when he noticed Shiro let go of his new boss' hand, but Ichigo's lingered a little longer than necessary.

Hichigo rapidly pulled out his phone and quickly began texting someone from his contacts. He flipped his phone closed and glanced up at Orihime and Ichigo. "I need to go. Something happened at home and Rukia needs me," he informed with a small smile. Ichigo's suddenly lit up with emotion at the mention of Rukia's name.

"You know Rukia?" he asked. Shiro nodded in confirmation before eying the man warily. "Tell her I said hey. We haven't seen each other for a while," he took the time to examine his surroundings for the first time; the restaurant was decorated in the traditional Japanese culture. Nothing too extravagant. Brown eyes once more looked at Shiro before their owner began to speak out once more. "So how did you guys met?"
"Does it matter?" Shiro added with a little venom in his tone. "I really hafta go so excuse me! Renji!" He called out and abruptly grapsed the redhead's hand in his smaller one tightly. "Ya are comin' with me." He walked away, leaving a confused Ichigo and a worried Orihime behind. Suddenly, Shiro came to a halt and turned halfway to face Orihime. He wordlessly mouthed the words "I'll tell ya later," and exited the Kisuke's cafe.

He ran quickly to his parked black Mercedes to shelter him and Renji from the irritable rain and the harsh winds blowing towards them, as if the gusts were trying to prevent them from leaving Ichigo and this predestined meeting. Shiro unlocked his car and hopped in the driver's seat with Renji following in pursuit in the passenger's seat. Dark eyes glanced at the albino peculiarly, waiting patiently for an explanation for his sudden departure. Renji leaned in towards Shirosaki who was currently watching the rain drops trickle down his windshield.

"It reminds me of someone..." Hichigo spoke softly. The redhead blinked at the other male's words before shaking his friend's shoulder in a friendly manner. "Remember tha' person I said I did I have a crush on in high school?" Beautiful rich, gold eyes surrounded by dark sclera shifted towards the other occupant in his vehicle expectantly. When his response was a curt nod, Hichigo placed his key in the ignition and turned it to start the car. The engine purred to life and Shiro pulled the Mercedes out of the parking position and drove down the road. "I think tha' tha' man is him." He declared with an assertive tone. "All these odd feelin's started ta overwhelm me and it kinda scared me..." he trailed off as he turned left down at the traffic light. Renji's eyes widened before returning normal and he squeezed his hand on Shiro's shoulder in a comfort gesture before staring out towards the dreary weather outside. Throughout the rest of the hushed car ride, that hand never left that shoulder and never did it lightened up its hold.

Rukia flipped her phone opened when her ringtone echoed throughout the luxurious living room that belonged to Hichigo. Her eyes opened widely at her new message she just recently received.

Midget,

I am comin' home now with Renji. Ya can stay if ya want ta. Can' wait to see ya or the kids!

From Shiro.

She blinked in confusion. It was only 4:30 in the afternoon. Usually he does not come home 'till 8:00 at night. Her phone vibrated after her ringtone sounded off again.

I will explain later.

From, ShiroThe next text informed her and she frowned. She will have to wait and listen to his explanation. But at least Grimmjow and Ulquiorra will be thrilled to have their father home early. Speaking of them...Her violet eyes scanned the living room, finding no trace of the two boys. She sighed exasperatedly before running down the long hall to check up on them. To make sure they aren't fighting to the death.

A/N: Sheesh that was long! Sorry but I still do not like my writing. I feel like I revealed a little too much about Shiro but eh I did like the chapter. Hopefully you did too! ^ w ^

His relationship with Renji is very deep and also with Orihime and Rukia.

I realized I made him (Shiro) a little childish but I still like him. See you in the next chapter! To be honest, I got lazy at the end. Sorry -