Chapter 2

When Stark got home it was quiet. At first he thought that it was nothing. Thinking Ichigo must have gone to sleep. But when he reached the kitchen and found it empty he started to panic. Stark ran to the bedrooms and found all of them unoccupied. Stark searched every room but could not find a trace of his beloved Ichigo. Stark then frantically reached for his phone and dialled for Ichigo. It kept ringing and ringing but then got cut off. Stark tried multiple times but it never got through. Stark then sank to the floor. Had Ichigo left him now? No, no… Stark knew better.

Stark then rang for Nel. She picked up almost immediately.

"Hello love bird number one. What can I do for you this fine night?"

"Ichigo has gone missing!"

There was silence on the other end of the phone and then doors slamming and an engine starting.

"I'm on my way. We'll discuss it when I get to your apartment"

Moments later there was banging on the door and Stark can only guess that it was Nel. As soon as he opened the door he got bombarded with questions.

"What happened?! Why weren't you with him?! Did you try to call him?! Are you sure he hasn't nipped out to the convenience store?! Answer the questions Stark!"

"Well I would if I could! I don't understand! I was on the phone to him earlier and he was fine! But he's not here… he's not…!

Stark then broke down into a sob.

"What if he did leave me… what if he just got tired of me…"

Nel just punched him in the face.

"Are you an idiot?! You KNOW Ichigo would never do that! And if I hear you say anything like that again I swear to you that you will never be able to get anything up again!"

Nel huffed as if she got everything out of her system. She then sat down and gave Stark a hug.

"I'm sure Ichigo is going to be fine… he is strong after all…"

Then at that moment Stark's phone rang. He picked it up frantically.

"Hello? Ichigo is that you?"

A smooth, sinister voice spoke on the other side of the line.

"I'm afraid not… although my Ichigo is sleeping soundly on my lap… it's been a while Stark…"

Stark recognised the voice. It was his former boss. Sousuke Aizen. The head of the underworld. The boss of the Asian mafia.

"What have you done with Ichigo?"

There was a small chuckle on the other side.

"That's none of your concern now… after all, my dear Ichigo has returned to his rightful place."

"What do you mean? Ichigo never belonged to you! He is my lover and if you-"

"I'd be careful about what I was going to say if I were you. Ichigo has always been mine. Remember that Stark. He belonged to me before you joined me."

Stark's breath hitched. He didn't want to believe what the evil man was saying but he knew him well enough that he wouldn't lie about such things. Aizen then spoke again.

"The reason I called you wasn't to discuss things about Ichigo. I want you to come back and work for me again. I value your skills Stark. I think it would be a waste not to put it to use. I am willing to forgive your betrayal Stark. I can give you time to think about it if you want."

"I don't need time to think about anything Aizen. I gave up that life so I can live a better life with Ichigo. Put Ichigo on the phone."

There was silence. Then when Aizen spoke again, Stark flinched.

"If that is the case, then I will have no other option. You'll regret not taking up this opportunity and touching what is mine."

The phone got cut short before Stark could say anything more. Stark tried to call back again but this time it wouldn't connect at all. Nel then stared at Stark. Nel knew the evil man that Stark had spoken to. She also knew it was best not to mess with him. And now Ichigo was involved with the most dangerous man on the planet probably.

"What did he say?"

Stark looked at Nel as if he only just remembered that she was in the room with him. Stark then went to sit down.

"He has Ichigo… apparently they were together for quite some time… did you know about it Nel?"

"What did you say…? Ichigo would never be with a man like him… no…"

Nel then got out her phone and dialled for Ichigo's dad. The man must know something.

"Nel! It's so rare for you to call but maybe next time you could call a bit earlier…"

"This is no time for idle chatter! Ichigo has been taken by Aizen!"

There was silence on the other side. She then heard him mumble something but she could not make out what it was.

"Is Stark with you? Put him on the phone NOW!"

Nel handed the phone to Stark reluctantly. She knew that Ichigo's dad will be furious. But she didn't think that Stark was the right person to be angry at. The poor man was already stressed as it is.

When Stark put the phone to his ear you could hear the voice loud and clear. After he had calmed down he had asked them to go and meet them at Urahara's shop. That was where they would discuss thing.