Author: I told you i'd get this out a soon as possible :D

oyaoya GOMEN NASAI!!!! In the last chapter of The Poison in your Smile:

Tou-san = dad/father


Shattered Dreams.

(The Used One.)

I wouldn't doubt that I missed him but I wasn't able to deny that it was so much easier to get my emotions back in order when I wasn't constantly thinking about him. Given the chance, I'd be back in the ju-bantai without hesitation but...part of me couldn't help thinking that maybe it was better this way.

"OI, BRAT!" a voice roared and I felt a vein throb in my forehead.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YA WANT?" I hollered back.

"WE'RE LEAVIN' SO IF YA DON'T HURRY YOUR ASS UP, WE'RE LEAVIN' WITHOUT YA!" Ikkaku yelled. I jumped up. I was going to the real world. I hadn't been there in a long, long, long, time and I was really excited. I'd be damned if I let them leave me behind.

"Calm down," I forced a yawn, "I'm ready."

"Che! Took you long enough," Ikkaku complained.

"Don't be a whiner," I scowled. Yumichika laughed.

"We're the second team, aren't we?" I asked lazily.

"Yeah," Ikkaku said and rolled his shoulders as the Senkaimon doors opened.

"So the other team is waiting for us?"

"Yeah, so don't get lost," Ikkaku grinned.

"I wouldn't dream of it!"

The passage through the senkaimon was uneventful and as the doors slid open an entirely new world opened up in front of me. I grinned. Although I enjoyed Soul Society, the real world did have it's charms. The river was undisturbed and I glanced under the bridge.

"They're waiting for us at that place?" I heard Yumichika ask.

"Yeah."

"Do you think it'll be okay? Kami hasn't met anyone here," Yumichika murmured.

"It'll be fine," Ikkaku sighed.

"What?" I asked. I normally didn't mind being left out of the conversation as long as it didn't involve me but it was blatantly obvious that I was their topic.

"Don't worry about it. I can sense them," he said and in a flash Ikkaku was gone with Yumichika and I following.


"Where are we?" I asked. As much as I could tell, I was standing in front of a store. There was something weird about it. I could feel something was off with my reiatsu but I couldn't quite tell what it was.

"The guy who owns this place is called Urahara," Ikkaku grumbled and stepped inside.

"Ohoho, you finally arrived~!" a voice said cheerily.

"Kami!" A voice cried happily and Saiko tackled me.

"Yo, long time no talk," I said with a grin even though we'd talked a few days ago. She grinned and nodded before she glanced at Ikkaku and Yumichika.

"Hey," she said softly, "everyone's in the back."

"Oh~! Who's this?" The mystery man examined me and my reiatsu searched him. To my surprise I found that he was a shinigami and his zanpakutou was disguised as a cane.

"H-hi?" I said awkwardly.

"Welcome to my home," there was a snap as the man opened his fan, "my name is Urahara Kisuke."

"Kurohime Kami," I said as pleasantly as I could muster. Ikkaku snorted and shuffled past me.

"So you're the one everyone's been waiting for," Urahara said knowingly. I raised an eyebrow. Who was everyone?

"C'mon Kami! Ayako's here too!" Saiko said and grabbed my hand. I stumbled a little as Saiko dragged me through the house and Urahara followed with a smile. Saiko threw a door open and I was forced into a room. I could've caught myself and pulled it off had something soft not hit my face first. And I would've been sent reeling had something not caught me and pushed my face further into the trap. I was suffocating.

"H-hello, Rangiku-san," I managed to choke out as I struggled to pull my face out of her breasts.

"I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN SO LONG!!!" she wailed, hugging me tighter. I flailed and struggled. I heard Ikkaku laughing hysterically in the background and I was determined to kill him once I broke free.

"Oi, Matsumoto, I think you're killing her," a voice said and I recognized it as Abarai Renji.

"A-ah! Rangiku-san!" Saiko pleaded.

"DEMO~! I missed her so much!" Matsumoto wailed. I was running out of breath and my head was getting light.

"MATSUMOTO!" A new person had entered the room and I froze. Reluctantly Matsumoto let go and I gasped for breath.

"Are you okay?" Saiko asked while Renji, Ikkaku, even Yumichika started laughing. Some friends. I coughed.

"I COULD'VE DIED!" I cried.

"I'm sorry!!" Matsumoto wailed and moved to pull me into another hug. I recoiled, crawling backwards as fast as my coordination could allow me. Another laugh joined in.

"URUSEI, AYAKO!" I yelled and shifted behind Saiko slightly. At least she didn't betray me. Saiko smiled weakly.

"Please let her catch her breath," she said politely and held up her hands to ward off Matsumoto. I relaxed and took several deep breaths. Slowly my reiatsu fanned out, eager to make sure it was Toushirou I'd heard. Of course I'd never forget that voice but I couldn't stop myself. Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Renji were sitting at one side of the round table. Matsumoto, Saiko and I were near the door on the other side, opposite of us was another door where Toushirou and Ayako were.

"Still alive, Kami?" Ayako asked teasingly.

"Urusei," I huffed. My reiatsu evened out and something caught my attention. My heartbeat sped up but it was unnoticeable as I casually went to sit between Ikkaku and Renji.

Toushirou's arm was around Ayako's waist.

What the hell? Hakuryuu growled.

Didn't I say I shouldn't expect him to wait? I asked miserably.

Don't be stupid. It's a misunderstanding. She said firmly. There was a nauseating feeling of misery tugging at my insides but I knew Hakuryuu was right, don't get upset until you know the full story.

Saiko sat behind me and I felt her eyes follow Ayako and Toushirou closely. I couldn't tell if this surprised her or not. Renji grunted and he discreetly shifted closer to me, as did Ikkaku.

What's going on? I wondered suspiciously.

"I didn't know Hozumi was going to be here," Yumichika said coolly.

"There was space," Toushirou answered evenly. Ikkaku scoffed but it went unnoticed by Toushirou and Ayako.

I'm so confused.

Sorry, I don't understand what's going on either. Hakuryuu said.

I don't know why they're being so hostile to Ayako...

"Didn't anyone tell you?" Ayako asked when she saw the look of confusion on my face. I shook my head slowly. A grin crept over her face and her arms slid around Toushirou's waist. "Toushirou and I are dating!"

(The Unfeeling One.)

I studied Kami's face closely as a look of shock took over her face.

"R-really?" she managed to blurt out.

"Yeah!" Ayako said happily and I forced myself not to pull away from her arms in disgust. My body tensed with anger, even after a year I wasn't used to her touch. Kami grinned and I faltered.

"That's great!" she exclaimed. Renji and Ikkaku eyed her as wearily as they would a Hollow. Saiko merely looked away and stared at the ground while Yumichika's eyes remained fixated on me. My eyes, however, never left Kami's face.

"You're not angry with me?" Ayako asked and pulled me down so that we were sitting directly across from Kami.

"Of course not!" Kami said looking mildly hurt. My jaw tensed. Why wasn't she fighting? Didn't she say that I wouldn't be able to get rid of her so easily? "Toushirou's finally growing up," she teased.

"It's Hitsugaya-taicho," I said coldly. Fine. If she was going to act as if nothing had ever happened between us, then so would I.

"Oops. Gomen, Taicho. Old habits die hard, ne?" she said breezily but I saw the flicker of dejection in her eyes.

"Everyone else should be getting here shortly," Urahara said, walking into the room but stopped when he felt the tension.

"Everyone?" Kami asked. I wanted to lash out at her for acting so nonchalant. I never would've imagined that I could feel such hatred towards her.

"Oh~! That's right~! You haven't met Kurosaki Ichigo, have you?" he asked cheerfully. She seemed to recognize the name and it didn't surprise me. Even students had heard about Kurosaki during the Arrancar war.

"Nope," she said and folded her arms behind her head, "I've heard of him though." Did she really have to do that? Even with her kosode being a bit to large the fabric was pulled taut against her—oh god.

"Are you alright, Toushirou?" Ayako murmured.

"I'm fine," I said coldly. I watched as Kami was pulled like a child onto Saiko's lap. I expected her to rebel but she settled and her head rested just under Saiko's shoulder.

"SHUT UP, ISHIDA!" someone yelled and I sighed. Kurosaki. The door slid open harshly revealing the familiar shock of orange hair. Orihime followed closely behind as did Ishida and Chad. Kurosaki seemed surprised to see Ayako, Saiko, and Kami but simply gave a half-wave.

"Yo."

(The Used One.)

He was angry. I wasn't sure if his anger was directed at me but I no longer cared. If he wanted to be a jerk then so be it, I wasn't going to let him know it hurt me. Instead, I focused on the strangers who'd just entered the room.

"More kids?" the first one said. I snorted.

"I'd like to see ya try and beat me," I growled.

"Jeeze, you're just as pissy about it as Toushirou," he grumbled.

"Hitsugaya-taicho," Toushirou growled and I smirked at his annoyance.

"No matter how many times you tell me, I'm not gonna remember," the male said with a shrug.

Curiously I stretched my reiatsu out to examine them. The girl squeaked in surprise and all three men stiffened.

"What the—"

"Calm down," Renji laughed and patted my head, "it's just her."

"What's she doing?" another man asked curiously, he was shortest of the three men.

"You're talking about me like I'm a dog," I growled and Saiko wrapped her arms around me in warning. With a 'hmph' I turned away, clearly stating I wasn't going to explain myself. Renji and Ikkaku laughed.

"She's blind," Renji explained.

"And she's a shinigami?" the first man asked.

"I swear to god—"

"Enough, Kurosaki," Toushirou growled, cutting me off. I raised an eyebrow. That was Kurosaki Ichigo? Well, he did have an impressive reiatsu...

"Who are you?" Kurosaki asked me curiously. I glared at him.

"Kurohime Kami," I stated proudly.

"Kurosaki Ichigo," he replied.

"I know," I sneered and he blinked, taken back by my rudeness. "Who're you?" I asked, pointing at the girl. She stammered.

"Inoue Orihime," Matsumoto answered with a smile.

"I'm Ishida Uryuu."

"Sado Yasutora," the large man answered. Taking no more interest in them I leaned back into Saiko. We used to sit like this a lot. It brought back good memories and I closed my eyes.

"What's this about, why are you all here?" Ichigo asked curiously.

The room fell silent. So far, only Toushirou and Urahara knew why we were all here. All I knew was that it was urgent.

"Sit down," Toushirou ordered gruffly. Wordlessly the four newcomers sat at the table. The door slid open and a small girl carried in tea, followed by a small boy with more tea and a very large man who went and sat in the corner silently. The boy and girl set the cups down in front of us and lounged by the wall, listening intently.

"Thank you, Ururu, Jinta," Urahara said softly and snapped his fan open.

"Kurotsuchi uncovered Arrancar movements," Toushirou said grimly.

There was a ripple of grunts or gasps from everyone except Ayako, Saiko, Urahara, the giant in the corner, and I.

"Didn't you send them all to the far corners of Hueco Mundo?" Ichigo demanded.

Toushirou glared at him for his interruption. "We did. Although nothing major, it's suspicious movements and Central 46 feels that it can't be ignored. We've been ordered to watch over Karakura town should someone try to revive Aizen's old plan." I sighed. How boring. Just leave the creatures to their misery.

"What about the Arrancar? Who is it?" Ikkaku asked excitedly. Toushirou frowned.

"No one special, if that's what you're wondering. Underlings mostly, no one of real strength got away. They were all in the front lines when Aizen attacked and all of them were killed."

Ikkaku seemed disappointed and I wondered if they were actually that difficult to defeat. I stretched my legs out and took my tea.

"Where's Rukia?" Ichigo asked abruptly.

"She wasn't able to make it," Renji said and I frowned. I really did enjoy Rukia's company. It was too bad that she wasn't able to come with us. Matsumoto crawled over to me and whispered in my ear,

"You, Saiko, and I are going shopping tomorrow, cause I don't think anything will happen," she said and I sighed. I didn't mind shopping but I had a feeling that going with Matsumoto would take more than a few hours. I felt Toushirou's eyes on me and I scowled inwardly. If I had meant that little to him, then I'd be sure to let him know he meant nothingto me.

"Ano...Hitsugaya-san?" the Orihime girl asked shyly.

"Nanda, Inoue?"

"Is...that your girlfriend?" she asked. He didn't reply for a while and I raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah," he said eventually and I scoffed. He seemed thrilled. Orihime giggled.

"What's your name?" she asked Ayako softly.

"Hozumi Ayako," she said with a gracious smile. I tilted my face towards Saiko.

"Oi, idiot, you haven't introduced yourself yet," I muttered. She flushed when all eyes turned to her.

"A-awashita Saiko," she stammered and I sighed. Ayako leaned over to whisper something in Toushirou's ear and despite my resolve, I felt anger and jealousy wash over me.

That could've been me. I thought bitterly before quickly dismissing it. No. Ayako had feelings for him first and he liked her back. It was none of my business no matter how much I wanted it to be.

"So where is everyone sleeping?" Renji asked suddenly and I let my attention wander. I could still feel something wrong with the building.

"Urahara-san?" I asked suddenly.

"Yes, Kami-chan?" he asked pleasantly.

"Is there something under your store?" I asked. He grinned.

"How observant," he praised and my brows wrinkled in confusion.

"Its an underground training area," Renji explained lazily.

"Oh god," Saiko breathed and I turned to her excitedly.

"Pleasepleasepleaseplease!!!!!!" I begged, not only did I love overnight training sessions, it would help take my mind off of Toushirou and Ayako.

"Demo, if we tire ourselves out too much we won't be able to fight if we need to," she objected. I threw my arms around her neck.

"PLLLLEEEAAAASSSEEE!!!" I begged.

"What does she want?" Ichigo questioned Toushirou quietly. Toushirou shrugged. Saiko tensed, trying to restrain herself from caving in. It didn't work.

"Urahara-san, would you mind if we used your training grounds this evening?" she asked miserably.

"YEAH!!!" I hugged her tightly.

"Of course," he said and Saiko slumped.

"SLUMBERPARTY TRAINING!" I cheered happily and Saiko moaned.

"Toushirou, could I talk to you in private for a moment," Ayako asked pleasantly and instantly my good mood was crushed. Silently he stood with her and they left the room. I listened to them closely and as soon as the door was shut there were sudden three faces peering closely at me.

"Yes, she's totally over him," Matsumoto mocked.

"Yeah, it's written all over her face," Renji grumbled.

"YOU'RE JUST GONNA TAKE THAT?!" Ikkaku roared. I blinked in surprise.

"Yo? What're you guys doing to her?" Ichigo drawled.

"Stay out of this, Ichigo," Renji said sternly, "we have some business to discuss with her." Suddenly, Renji hoisted me into the air and I began to squirm.

"R-Renji! P-put me down!" I cried.

"No can do," he said firmly. Matsumoto ushered us out a door. Ichigo, who was blatantly curious, managed to follow us before Matsumoto shut the door and shooed us down the hall.

"Where are we going?" I demanded.

No response.

"It's kinda rude to pick on a blind girl," Ichigo commented.

"Why the hell are you here?" I growled.

"Yeah, why are you here?" Renji asked.

"I have a feeling this has something to do with Toushirou and his new girlfriend," he said with a shrug.

"Then stay there until they get back," I snarled.

"I wanna know what's going on," he said firmly, "he didn't look too happy back there."

"It's none of our business," I said stubbornly.

"Enough, Kami," Matsumoto said, "we need to talk and there's no getting out of it."