Ichigo Kurosaki felt the day as a whole had gone well, the opening ceremony went without a hitch, Sona's speech had been measured but passionate to a fault. He had been in a spot that let him look over the sea of students, mostly girls...as in four boys and a couple hundred girls. Three of whom had sat together, they had differing heights one with a full head of black hair, another in the middle with thick brown hair that fell into bangs and a third with a mostly shaved skull and the tallest of the group. They he was sure had not paid any attention to the speech, their eyes wandering to the girls around them much to said girl's displeasure. It was not like they were breaking any rules so no one stopped them.

The fourth boy was as different as day was to night, well-kempt with blonde hair and a look that clearly won him a lot of attention from the opposite sex. He had heard the boy's name, he had been one of the first group of boys to be chosen to attend this school along with the other three. Next had been Saji and finally himself. Kiba Yuuto his name has been and he remembered it because the Fuka Kaichou Tsubaki had been drooling over him this morning….well not literal drool.

He got a lot of looks from his spot sitting with the Student Council up on the stage, he was taller than all the others, his hair a bright orange and his scowl firmly affixed to his face. Honestly a defense mechanism he had not been expecting to be up on the stage. Sona had introduced them all including him as part of her speech so now they all knew his name...wonderful.

After that, there had been a hastily clean up where he had watched Tomoe carry five chairs in each hand, and Reya move a sound system by herself. The acts spoke of strength beyond their appearance, he tried to shake off the slight paranoia but there had been a second issue when Sona's friend has shown herself.

"That was well said Sona dear" Ichigo glanced up at the voice as he placed chairs on a mobile rack he was on stage in the literal background.

Sona looked up sharply at the voice and adjusted her glasses a smile touching her lips "It is only natural." He noticed Kiba standing with the one speaking, getting a better look at the boy, middling in height he could see a well built and defend muscle structure over his whole body. The boy tried to hide it with his loose fitting school uniform but the way he moved gave it away. The boy held himself like a veteran Shinigami a stance that could quickly move to violent action if needed. The stance seemed as natural to him as breathing and he stood next to one even more striking and Ichigo would admit distracting figure.

Crimson hair the color of freshly spilled blood cascaded down her back to her thighs, her white skin held just the hint of tan or rather almost anything would look tan next to Sona's ivory skin. She wore the school uniform that everyone else did. She stood only two inches below his own height and as was the case with several girls he has met in the past day, had a chest that was the equal of Inoue's and perhaps a little bigger. Honestly, he couldn't even bring himself to feel like a pervert for noticing, unless you were up in her face it was impossible not to notice. He turned his body away and went back to work on the chairs but still listened.

"Indeed you will need to be good if you plan on keeping your throne," The crimson girl said.

Sona's voice only sounded more confident "Rias Gremory are you telling me you plan to run this year?"

"Perhaps my rival, after all kicking you off this throne would be pleasant." For all those words meant Ichigo could feel no tension in the air, no slight indication that this was even a challenge. Both girls were silent for a moment before they broke out into laughter and hugged "It is good to see you again Sona"

"It has" Sona replied "You were busy, however." for a moment the mood changed to something somber.

"I am making progress on that, I will keep my freedom yet." Rias replied through her voice quivered slightly as she said so "But enough of that how have you been, have you added to your collection while I have been away?" eyes on his back, he could feel them and they were strong, they had a weight of power to them.

"No," Sona said with a sigh "He is one of those on the scholarship."

Their eyes seemed to burn into his back and then Rias said something to Sona in the same language she and Tsubaki had used in the car last night. Sona made a humming sound and turned her attention to him as he glanced behind at the eyebrow raised they both started as if shocked. "Can I help you?" he asked. The hairs on his neck standing on end as they were both solely focused on him.

"Eight," Rias said with shock.

Well, that made no sense to him...excellent even more confusion "It seems" Sona shook her head as if coming out of a trance "No Kurosaki-san we were just discussing what your duties were, this is my friend Rias Gremory."

He nodded at that, still a bit on edge given how hard the girl was looking at him, she sighed and rubbed at her eyes "My apologies Kurosaki-san your hair was quite striking." while it was clearly a lie he had no desire to push.

"One could say the same of you" he replied his scowl falling away as he nodded at both of them and went back to his work. He had pushed the cart away as the two girls began to speak in that odd language, he would need to pay more attention to this place he decided.

So he had watched and waited as he went to his morning classes, but nothing happened the first class in math came and went. There was no odd language, no eyes that held power, or anything else that set off his paranoia. Perhaps it was just him…

The rest of the day had gone by quite smoothly, he had helped Reya with moving some books around, helped Tomoe put up some flayers of several clubs. Worked with Saji at sealing and sending letters to various supporters of the school as a thank you for the money. Saji had been quite happy to chat away telling him that Sona hand wrote the notes to each person individually. He had only known the boy for two days but he was absolutely certain the boy had a crush on Sona.

When his first day ended he had taken the time to walk a very nice park on the way to his housing taking his time to walk over its grounds and get a sense of peace as it appeared to go well into the forest that surrounded this city. He crossed a place with a fountain he assumed was for people on dates noting the work that had gone into this creation.

Karakura Town had nothing like this or if it did no one had bothered to make him aware of it though given who he was that was understandable if it was the case. He must have walked for over an hour before making his way back to Sona's home and guesthouse. She had told him she was going to be late and he did not know her well enough to judge what she meant.

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So he found himself attempting some simple cooking, like really simple he threw some rice in a rice cooker. Fished out some spices and vinegar to make a sauce and added some tofu that was in the massive refrigerator. It was a meal he could not mess up if he tried, Yuzu had been the cook of the family ever since their mother had died but there were always days where it was sometimes not possible. He was nowhere near her level but he would not starve on his own.

He sat at the table and with a glass of water, he was just about to raise the spoon to his mouth when he heard the door open. "No, you have not been here in a while" Sona was saying.

"Will I still have to order food?" The voice was Rias Gremory.

"I would be happy to make us something Bouchou" That voice was different, one he did not recognize.

"Ah, your cooking is quite splendid if memory serves" Tsubaki added.

The unknown girl made a pleaded sound then after a moment of silence "It seems someone has already cooked something."

He took a bite of the rice as the four girls walked in through the living room into the dining room, they saw him glass of water and rice before him, with a school book laid out. He got to see the new girl, and noted her skin was on the same pale as Sona, with long purple hair tied in a long ponytail. She was still in the school uniform with violet eyes that seemed gentle on the surface...and a chest that put her just under Nel and Rangiku in the chest department. He made sure his gaze slid away from that… at this rate, he was going to no longer be shocked about the chest size average that this school seemed to have. "Hello," he said moving to stand.

Sona nodded "Good to see you made your way back Kurosaki-san… you cook?"

"A little" he replied nodding at the guests "A pleasure to see you again Rias-san" he looked at the new girl "I am Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Akeno Himejima" she replied with a grace that seemed natural and yet off at the same time.

He moved to gather his things "What are you doing?"

"Moving to the guest house" he nodded at her guests "Leave you four to visit without a stranger eavesdropping."

"Nonsense," she said waving her hand "It is still eight and you are free to stay for the next two hours" there was a growling sound from her belly and she went red at the sound. "Given what I have heard I know it will not be as good as Akeno-san's food but there is extra he pointed at the kitchen "If you want some."

There was no reason not to give the offer and after a glance at each other all the girls ending up taking a bowl and joining him at the table. He put away the book and almost jumped as Akeno set herself down beside him. Given how many chairs were at this long table that was no accident, he noted Rias roll her eyes at her move.

"So Kurosaki-san tell us about yourself." He kept his eyes fixed on the table not trusting them to look anywhere else at the moment.

"Not much to tell, I'm from Karakura Town got two sisters and a dad." He forced himself to show nothing other sudden pain his words were about to bring "Mom died when I was little so dad raised us by himself. That did not help my attitude in school life, lots of people took a dislike to me and my hair." he shrugged "Not that bullies really need a reason, so I got into a lot of fights. Managed to keep my grades up though that was mostly to spite my teachers who had good reason not to want me around." he shook his head "Not the best reason for that but it was the one I used. Some events happened in my life" Understatement of the minimum "and I decided I needed a change of venue, clear my head, get a new start and all that, honestly I was surprised when I was accepted here." he smiled at Sona "Thank you for that."

She coughed and looked away for a moment "Your welcome" Rias glanced at her friend with a mischievous light in her eyes.

"That's pretty much my story what is yours Akeno-san"

Her smile never changed but he caught Rias wincing "About same as you, my mother had me out of wedlock and the family pretty much disowned her." Great job Kurosaki master of the smooth, he thought.

"I'm sorry" he whispered.

"You were honest so I will be too, besides this one has a happy ending, I met Bouchou" she turned a radiant smile to Rias "She took me in gave him a home and family" Anyone could have heard the love in her voice "And here I am now."

Ichigo nodded " Still I will refrain from asking similar questions"

"No need," Sona said, "Both of us have a relatively normal upbringing."

"We are Rich," Rias said, "So there is that."

"Yes there is that" Sona said "However I have one sister and loving parents. I also grew up with her" she motioned her head at Rias "As a friend and rival"

"Mostly the same" Rias added "Through I have an older brother who can be stiflingly protective at times"

"Sound like a good man," Ichigo said.

"Sometimes" She replied with a smile.

He noted that Sona had avoided saying anything about Tsubaki who sat and watched with a pleasant smile of her own. But he felt there was a good reason she had not spoken up so he would leave it alone, instead, he decided to open up a bit and tell a funny story of his childhood. The others responded in kind through Tsubaki and Akeno only spoke of tales from when they were friends of Sona and Rias.

The ice seemed to break between them, as much as possible for people who had only met for one day, it was pleasant and nice. Sitting with four lovely young women talking, laughing, remembering better times. It was refreshing, and he even got in time to use Sona's huge bath which consisted of several pools and a steam room before he went to bed. All in all, it was a good day and hopefully a good start in a new place, in a new life, even if it was just for a time.

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"Does anyone have my" Ichigo silenced her with a thump of papers hitting her desk, Sona nodded her thanks and took a paper from the stack her pen flying across it her eyes flicking across the lines. He also placed a cup of Tea mixed with honey and a hint of cinnamon. He had noted the drink during the last two weeks. He got up early for calisthenics and martial arts practice and found that Sona liked to spend the morning sitting on her porch. He was quiet as he went about his work out, and as far as he knew she ignored him as she gently sipped her morning beverage. Once he asked and found out what she liked, he made it a point to have it made for her when they were at school. It had taken a few times to get the mix right but he had gotten it.

"The Judo Club wants a meeting at 3:00" he said glancing at a pad in his hand "the Kendo Club have been complaining about Voyeurs, So I'm going to take a look into that this afternoon. The job fair for tomorrow has been set up. Reya got her new books for the library and it is almost time for your mandatory thirty-minute break."

She nodded "Thank you Ichigo-San"

He nodded at her and moved on around the student council room, hard to believe how easy a behavior was to settle into after only two weeks. As he passed Saji hard at work with the creation of a flyer for what looked like the tennis club exhibition he dropped another stack of papers to the boy's left. "How in the world did you get Kaichou to take a break?" he asked looking up from his work. Last week he had asked what drink was he making her and apparently he had tried to do it himself... he had been forbidden from trying again in between bouts of vomit.

"Showed her studies about stress and the need for relaxation, told her she was setting a bad example for the rest of you. Plus even if she does not know it, she needed a breather now and again, I've only been here a short time and even I can see that." The boy gave him a complicated expression which Ichigo ignored and moved on.

Ruruko Nimura was sitting next to Saji and was clearly trying to get and keep his attention, Ichigo was decently sure the girl had a crush on the boy and he either was ignoring it or stupid enough to miss it. Oddly with that thought came the idea that he might be the pot calling the kettle black though he could not figure out why. He placed a basket down beside her filled with the supplies she was going to need but had not asked for yet. "Thank you Ichigo-san," she said.

He nodded and passed by Tomoe dropping a snack next to her, the girl tended to wander when she was hungry, though right now she was in the Zone and did not even so much as note his presence. A few more steps and an arm blocked his path, "Sup Ichigo" Her other hand was on her hip as Tsubasa smirked at him. She has been quick to discard honorifics and he did not really mind "We still on for basketball after school?"

Part of him wanted to regret the first time he had said yes to that, not because it was not fun, it was that and wonderful exercise. It was just that the girl liked to wear Yoga pants and an equally tight top when was not on school time. She looked quite striking but he felt like a sleaze every time he played, hell he had told her as much when she had asked why he looked so hesitant. She had laughed and told him it was fine to look and that he should stop worrying so much, she was fully aware of what she looked like and was fine with him seeing. It has been refreshingly blunt, "Of course, see you then." Still the yoga pants and tight top were nowhere near as bad as the bloomers not that he would ever say anything about that to anyone.

"You two are doing what?" he glanced at Sona who had raised her head at hearing their conversion.

"We play basketball after school," Tsubasa said, "Gets rid of the energy."

Sona gave them an odd look but nodded "So long as you put away what you use."

"Of course Kaichou." Her gaze lingered on him for a moment and he thought he saw them narrow ever so slightly but that was all.

"Now if you will pardon me I need to deliver something to the Occult Research Club, odd how his life had shaped him. He very well knew the occult was real so he could say that with a straight face, like it was a reasonable thing.

"Well don't let me stop you" she stepped to the side gallantly and her gaze followed him until he left the room, odd girl that one. She must have appreciated someone to play ball with a lot, he admitted to himself that he was pleased to provide that and the view she gave him was not unpleasant either...stupid hormones.

Girls moved out of his way and whispered as he passed them, they either giggled or looked a little wary. The school rumor mill being what it was, he was the leader of not one, not two but three separate clans of the Yakuza, had either blackmailed or been blackmailed onto the student council where the glorious Onee-Sama of the school Sona Sitri was fighting a desperate battle to save his soul from darkness and yankeeism...or was that the tale from last week?

Was he the misunderstood loner now, with some dark deeds under his belt taken under the student council as a whole to be healed of his hurts and turned into a man. No that had been the first week….that was right he was a rich heir now from some bigshot family sent here under the disciplined eye of Sona Sitri to learn work ethics and be punished for his womanizing ways.

Ichigo did as he had always done with those rumors, he ignored them and remained indifferent to those who started them. In fact was he was decently sure who was spreading these rumors but had done nothing against them. If they were focused on him then that was something someone else did not have to deal with. Speaking of dealing with, "That's when I saw it" he rounded the corner to find three boys tucked against some lockers. He could see a magazine between them "Wow" A boy with brown hair whispered, "Look at them."

"Well, the title is Boobs International," the other boy said proudly "Can you believe someone would just throw this away, look at Mrs. Brazil." They crowded around it but froze at a long sigh from beside them. Slowly they looked up into Ichigo's scowling face. "H-h-hello Ichigo-san," The brown haired boy said using his body to hide the magazine.

"What is your name again," he asked.

"Issei Hyoudou" the boy replied.

"Right, Issei" he did not put any honorifics with the name "And Matusda" he looked at the other boy with the glasses "Motohama"

"How come you know our names but not his" Matsuda demanded, "That's rude."

"Issei is not the one talking about me behind my back," Ichigo said holding out his hand "Magazine"

"W-what Magazine" Motohama stuttered.

"I honestly do not care or want to know what you do in your free time outside of school, but you know the rules most likely better than I do. Not give me the magazine or you will be cleaning toilets for the month" The way he said, so bored and dull seemed to embolden them.

"Or what, your just a junior member of the student council, you don't have any power here."

Ichigo looked at him, really looked at him, a gaze that had seen death and violence, a war with creatures so powerful they would make mortals weep in fear. A gaze that had invaded heaven for the sake of a single friend, a gaze that had torn hell asunder for the sake of his sister. The gaze of a man who had given up everything for those he loved.

Motohama gulped as his breath seemed to be stolen from him, his heart pounding in sudden dread at the gaze held him trapped like a lion might a mouse. Issei broke the moment stepping between them, "Right, sorry we forgot" he reached behind and pulled the magazine. Ichigo took it with hardly a glance at the topless women on the front.

"This is your one warning," he said "And for future reference, Kaichou has given me full authority to act in her name. Remember that...and have a good day." He walked passed the three hearing their sighs of relief and took a quick detour into the teacher's lounge to use the shredder on the magazine. Honestly, he would have prefered not pay them a second glance but they were on school grounds. Besides what he had done was the least they could have expected from Sona herself...Saji might let them off but the rest would not, he had fallen somewhere in between.

When he came out the boy's were glaring at him, must have followed him to see what he would to with it, and they could have heard the shredder from outside the door. "You call yourself a man?" Motohama "This is what you took it for? I mean I could respect taking it for yourself but this?"

Ichigo scowled at them and it seemed to slow the boys somewhat, he could say from experience...abet unwilling experience that real ones were far better than what they could put on a magazine. Even if they were being put in your face without your consent.

(Somewhere a black cat sneezed)

"You just destroyed our holy grail, are you happy?" were they still talking at him? He noted Issei was right in there with them, his eyes shining with an almost cultish light. "Do you not like Oppai" he half shouted as a group of girls walked passed them. All eyes turned in curiosity as Ichigo stared at the shameless brat.

"There are far more things to life and women then their chests" he said.

"So you're a butt man," Matsuda said.

His eyebrow developed a twitch and he bared his teeth as he spoke: "Are you trying to make me angry?"

"That was not a no," Issei said looking at him "I can respect that Ichigo-san, butts are good to just not as good as Oppai"

The anger rose up and threatened to explode, then as fast as it rose it faded away and he sighed shoulders dropping. A feeling of disgusted welling within himself for considering violence on those not offering any "Let me tell you something" he said "When you find someone you might love, hold on to them, not for something as simple as their looks. That can be a part of it, but then again when you love someone they always look lovely." he looked at them the thought of raven hair filtering through his thoughts "Hold on to that person because you can lose them and then nothing will matter not your words, or thoughts." he sighed.

The girls watching this all sighed as one looking at him differently now "Well that will not be a problem for me, because I will love many" Issei said voice growing louder "I will have my own harem someday I promise you that."

"And my attempt at guidance is a failure and I am going to leave," Ichigo said. Rolling his eyes and forced back the anger that rose again. Have multiple women like you romantically? You were lucky if you got one...why did he feel like a hypocritical saying that? It was not like he had several women who wanted that from him.

He stalked away from the trio as they all spoke there similar dreams to the horror and disgust of the girls watching them. Those three...had some growing up to do and thank the gods it was not his job to parent them. Sona might feel so but he certainly did not, he barely noticed the automatic doors open as he made his way to the old school building. Not for the first time he wondered why a club was given a whole building to perform their function. Perhaps it was the family connections, he had been there almost once a day for the past two weeks and Rias was a constant presence at the Sitri household.

He opened the door with his shoulder and walked in with the box he was to deliver, he could hear a shower in the background which told him there would be a wait to get this club's leaders signature for vast amount of flyers within said box. The building was decorated as one might a house with fine wooden furniture, perfectly painted walls, low thread count carpet floors. It was quite the sight as he walked into the main room and found the one person there that always seemed to be there when he was around. She was the second student with white hair in this school through she was far smaller than Momo. Her golden eyes turned to watch him as he entered her expression calm yet pleased...like a cat. He sat the box down and pulled a lollipop out of his pocket tossing it to the girl.

The first time he had seen her he had assumed she was his sisters age, she had been standing outside a local candy store eyeing the treats inside. He did not know how long she had been standing there, Ichigo himself had been grabbing something to send him to Karin and Yuzu. In that state of mind, it had not been much at all to grab one of the candies she has been eyeing and handing it to her as he left.

Imagine his surprise when he met her as a member of the occult club or found out she was only a year younger than him...freaking Yuzu was taller than she was and with puberty on full swing was almost more developed than her. Anyway she has not said a word that second time just walked up looking expectant and when she discovered he had no candy to give she had sat down on the couch with a look of disappointment on her face... So nowadays he kept a lollipop or other hard candy on hand and made it a point to give her one when he saw her. He did not know much about her really, just that her name was Koneko Toujou, that she was a student and she liked candy.

"Delivery for Rias"

She motioned with her head back the direction the shower sounds were coming from "I figured" he took a seat at the couch opposite from Koneko and pulled out a textbook to read over next week's assignment. Koneko did as she always did and watched him from her spot, never making an attempt to speak, never growing board. Like a cat watching a water faucet that is turned on, it had been slightly uncomfortable at first but he had quickly grown used it. Mr adaptable that was him, and he was a good six pages in when the water turned off followed by the sounds of drying.

The door opened and he glanced up, Rias Gremory was wearing a long yellow robe not made with a chest her size in mind... he stared only for a second at the physics defying bounce before turning away "How many times do you take a shower a day" he asked to cover his lightly flushing cheeks.

The girl did not lose a single step, or seem to care at all how exposed she was "As many as I need to feel clean" she replied in a nasally false voice.

His face under control he got up and knowing where to look now faced her focusing on her forehead as he got up and put the box down on her desk"Delivery of the flyers you wanted made" he handed her the clipboard. Rias sighed and went over to her desk plopping down and searching for a pin. "How did you sisters enjoy the gifts I suggested?"

"Well considering you bought them a PlayStation Four and told me to give it to them...they loved it through dad was wondering where I got the money for that."

"Oh, and what did you tell your dad?"

"That some rich girl was trying to get on my good side because i'm a Casanova like that" she snorted...he really should stop trying to joke he told himself and shook his head "I told him that it was a gift to my sisters from a friend who enjoyed hearing stories about them...and then I had to tell him it was a girl because he got worried." he put his hand on his face "And that opened up a whole other can of worms."

Rias made an annoyed sound "I empathize, If I mention the name of a boy to my brother and he gets all psycho protective."

She gestured at a seat and Ichigo sat down, small hands tugged on his arm and he glanced down to see Koneko there gold eyes filled with want. He shook his head and handed her a jawbreaker and listened as she went back to the couch. "You spoil her you know," Rias said finding her pen. Ichigo was busy focusing on her crimson hair rather than the partially open bathroom "It's not good for her"

"Bouchou," the girl said from her spot face full of disapproval.

"It's not, now she looks forward to you dropping by more than me and I keep the candy bowl full" the words were teasing and good-natured.

Koneko sighed got up from her couch and walked over to Rias and gave her a hug "Thank you" she said and went back to her spot her voice low and unchanging.

"That's better" she sniffed "I deserve respect around her"

"Perhaps you should start with clothing" he suggested.

"And miss the chance to see you squirm as you try to look everywhere but where you want to...for shame Ichigo Kurosaki." Annoyance sparked in him and he turned his gaze to her full chest staring as hard as he could at those ludicrous mounds of quite enticing flesh. He tried his hardest to make her blush or turn away or do something to acknowledge how it was uncomfortable but the girl just grinned and leaned forward to give a better view. He broke and turned his head away "Your gonna do some damage one day" he said.

Rias giggled "You, despite your appearance are too nice for me to take that as a threat."

"I can never win with girls like you" he sighed "You and Yoruichi you two would get along."

"Who is that?"

"One of my former teacher with a bad habit of walking in on me naked and I mean like butt naked, seriously her confidence makes you look like a Nun."

"Hmm butt naked is a pretty big step up" she agreed "Perhaps when I am older."

"Or not at all, that is an option."

"And miss out on your expression of panic, I think not," she told him her voice filled with mock offense.

He sighed and reached out his hand for the clipboard "Not yet" she told him wagging her pen "How goes your life at Sona's mansion?"

"Fine" he sighed "I make dinner most nights now and we have some nice….proper talks with less flesh on display."

"Oh I don't know about that, I heard you do morning calisthenics shirtless" she tutted at him "Shame on you giving Sona a free show but me who has worked so hard nothing."

"I am not a free show, she reads her books when she is on the porch"

"Hmm perhaps if you back is considered a book, cause I don't think The original Tao Te Ching would make her blush every time I bring it up."

"That is just because you have not corrupted her yet."

"Who says I need it, she is like me after all and you are not bad to look at when you smile...or when you don't if I'm in the right mood."

"Are you flirting with me?" he asked hand across his heart.

"Why yes" she answered hand across hers.

They held that stare then both laughed a few times "Perhaps if things were different" she told him.

"Same" he agreed

She handed him his clipboard "So in a few days we are going to hand out flyers, could you mention that to Sona-dear so she knows ahead of time."

"I will tell her" he stood up "Though if it is my guess she already knows...may I ask a question?"

She stood as well "Sure"

"What does the Occult Research Club do?"

Rias just smiled and somehow managed to make it mysterious "Occult Research" she confided in him as if it was some great secret. He opened his mouth to say more when the weight of her chest proved too much for the yellow bathrobe to bear. The ribbon slipped and the robe split open, two orbs bouncing at the sudden freedom. Her face went red and Ichigo did the quickest about-face the room had ever seen, through the image was burned into his brain. "I will be going now" he said back turned away from Rias's crimson face, her arms cupped protectively around her breasts.

As he felt the old school house, he had to take a moment to compose himself, to let his face lose the flush that covered it, what had he said about himself two weeks ago? Inoculated against the looks of women...how arrogant. "Note to self, lose some pride" he childed and walked off towards the school where the chests were big but covered up.

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"Bouchou I do not understand?"

Rias finished dressing fully and glanced at her diminutive Rook "What?

"Why do you tease him like that?"

The crimson princess of ruin shook the last of the water out of her mane of hair "Is that jealousy I hear Koneko?"

The Rook did not change expressions even slightly, she suckled at the candy pop that he had given her and watched her with golden eyes. "Do you know how much he is worth Koneko, when I and Sona look at him with the King's sight." the girl shook her head "Eight, eight whole points, which means Sona could not take him as a devil even if she wanted to, she does not have the right amounts. But what is interesting is that we cannot figure out why. He might possess a sacred gear but we should have been able to sense it by now. He for all we can tell is just...a human. A very striking one but human all the same" Rias sighed "He is an enigma but he is also pleasant company, and in answer to your question." She smiled like Loki the trickster "Because I felt like it."

Koneko made a sound of disapproval "You are jealous" Rias said grinning "Aww is he your first crush?"

The words did cause a shift in Koneko but little more "He is nice ." the girl said no more but the fact that she complimented him was a good sign.

Rias walked to a window and looked out at his retreating back, perhaps if her true conquest was not here he might be worth the risk. But known quantity trumped unknown every time, her gaze shifted to another boy, speaking to his two friends in a very animated fashion. He had the same number over his head, eight, eight points and she at least knew why.

There was time however to do that, Sona had agreed to stay out of her way in this matter, not that it meant much as she has no room for an eight-point piece. She smiled as the three reacted to Ichigo's presence by yelling at him while leaping away at the same time. The tall boy hardly gave them a glance, and her gaze drifted back to Issei who looked up and around as if he could feel someone watching. Soon, soon would be the time for his induction, there was just the matter of letting him come to it himself.

1

1

1

When school ended the place fell into a silence as the students left for the day, only those assigned to clean or in trouble would be left and after an hour or two even they would be gone. The place might have been eerie to some and with good reason. There was a place however that has started seeing its fair share of activity besides the Occult Research Club.

The Gymnasium echoed with the sounds of a basketball, a tall blue haired girl moving with speed and grace on the cusp of human potential. Matched by a taller boy doing the same, Ichigo was utterly focused he had to be, Tsubasa was simply amazing. She was faster than him by a hair, more gracefully by far and from the times they had collided as strong or stronger.

Ichigo was about as good at basketball as he was at any physical sport he tired, which was to say at the very top of good bordering on best. It honestly was not that hard when you had reflexes trained to dodge sword blows and catch blades. His mind still worked as if he was still a creature of power, it was his only advantage against this girl. The ball seemed to blur she was dribbling so fast, her lithe body swaying side to side eyes bright and alight with the rush of compilation.

He stayed with her, finding her rhythm watching her hands move her shoulders shift, if she got around him she would score, if he missed a steal she would score, if he was a second too late against her jump shot she would score. She was better than him by far which made this interesting, just by playing these evenings he was getting better as well.

Ichigo moved before Tsubasa, her body had turned ever so slightly and her eyes shifted from him to the goal. He swiped his hand at where the ball would be and was rewarded with the touch of rubber, catching the ball and spinning stepping past the blue-haired girl. He heard a curse as he shot off like a sprinter, one step, two step, three step, then she had caught just as he passed the half court line and was about halfway to the three-point line. He jumped as high as he could and shot, trusting his aim and the swish was confirmation enough of it.

"Damn" She breathed, the had been going at this for half an hour and she only looked slightly winded whereas he was soaked in sweat. "How do you keep doing that?"

"Your" he breathed "Predictable."

"You say that every time, 20 to 8 by the way"

"Your favor I know" he replied, the score was that way because she was simply better than him and that was fine. She retrieved the ball rolling it across her fingers with an ease that was almost contemptuous. "Well let's go," she said.

The door opened and they both stopped, looking to see Sona Sitri walk into the gym with her ever-present aid Tsubaki at her side. Her eyes swept them lingering on Tsubasa very tight getup, grey yoga pants, tight black top, showing every curve of her body to anyone that looked. Her expression of one of disapproval "Kaichou" the girl said easily.

"Tsubasa-san, Ichigo-san," she said to both of them.

"Decided to drop by and see what was going on?" Her dark blue eyes sparkled.

"Indeed, we might be allowed more privileges here than others but I would be remiss if I did not make sure my own were acting responsibly." She looked at her fellow council member "And you clothing violates several dressing codes." Ichigo refrained from asked what code was there that allowed school uniforms so short in the skirt.

"Come on Kaichou school is over, we can relax can't we?"

"Yes but this is completely inappropriate, what would you say if someone saw you two like this, or took pictures?"

"Beat them to a bloody pulp?" she offered helpfully.

"No you are to refrain from assaulting the student body," Sona said, "Your normal gym clothing would be far more modest." Ichigo would have paled if he had the wind, he was never good with bloomers, in his opinion, the yoga pants were far less distracting than those small blue pieces of cloth.

"But this is not gym class Kaichou, it's just a boy and a girl having a good time and shooting some hoops."

"Then you will need to find something that does not look like it was painted on, you represent me Tsubasa Yura. You're part of my council, you are part of my family and while we stand on these grounds you must represent yourself as such."

The words had their intended effect and Tsubasa looked down and away "Yes Kaichou"

"And you" She looked at him.

"Not, my, idea" he gasped.

"He did say that he thought it was a bit too tight" She smirked "Trying to be a gentleman when he wants to stare it is not healthy you know."

"Yura," Sona said warningly.

The blue haired girl stepped back, hands moving protectively over her butt "Right, I will Kaichou though I do not have anything right now except the school uniform. Can I at least finish today out?"

Sona seemed to relent "Yes, yes you may through since I am here would you two like to play against myself and Tsubaki."

Tsubasa grinned like a loon "With pleasure Kaichou" she said not waited for his input, though he found no reason not to go along with it. That was until Sona and Tsubaki returned from the changing rooms in tie shirts and bloomers.

"Gods above," he said pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What," Tsubasa said moving next to him.

"Nothing" he sighed and stepped out into the court.

Yura studied him for a moment glancing at him and their opponents then shrugged "You can start Kaichou"

He was not surprised when the instant Sona caught the ball she and Tsubaki moved as one, by instinct Yura went to face her boss and he wound up toe to toe with Tsubaki. Sona did not even look as she passed the ball into the girl's hand. It had caught him by surprise as she had not looked over at the ball either, just suddenly moving her hands to catch it. From her movements, he saw at once that like Yura she was faster than him, that her grace suppressed him and that she was good at basketball as well. He tried to find her rhythm but having never played her before she got past him in a blur of basketball as he bought the fake drive and she went around him. Tsubasa was there at once to intercept but Tsubaki threw the ball to a now open Sona who jumped in a perfect layup. It also put her bloomers at eye level and he turned way ashamed at his interest. Good gods, he had been glad when his old school had abandoned that item in lue of standard gym uniforms for all. It had made gym class a whole lot easier and less embarrassing, "Good try" Tsubasa said misreading him motion "It's our drive now"

She took off and he did his best to keep up as the girl charged there opponents like a bull, they matched her however and almost got the ball from her. But a back pass gave him the ball and an open if long range three point shot that bounced once before going in. He moved back ahead of Yura, knowing their opponents were too fast to match. Tsubasa stalled her Kaichou in a blur of skill that he through would easily be top level. The ball flew out into Tsubaki's waiting hands and she caught her legs tense in the instant before she jumped and was met by his hand grazing the ball knocking it off course. Sona read the motion and was on the rebound before Tsubasa could block she sank another shot putting them at four three.

This time he had the ball as they moved up the court, Tsubaki matching him up as he reached the half court. It was here her skill seemed to lack in the defense he dodged her steal attempt and sent a bounce pass to Tsubasa who dunked it over Sona's head. "No Dunking" she wanted pointing up to the letters set on the goal.

"My bad" Yura looked bashful "I forgot in my excitement."

"Don't let it happen again, we of all people hear must control ourselves"

The words had weight and Tsubasa nodded "Yes Kaichou" no hint of laughter or mock in her voice.

The next few minutes were bad for him and Tsubasa, they were down by nine points before he found Tsubaki's rhythm and was finally able to put up and effective defense. The first time he stole the ball from her she reacted with more surprise than he expected. Tsubasa caught his lob of a pass that went over her and Sona and put another two points their way.

The next play when Tsubaki got the ball back he stalemated her through was not able to get the ball, Sona had been given the ball back but Tsubasa was her equal in physical areas and her better in skill blocked the shot into him and with a simple pass managed to reach the goal and put it Sona having trouble blocking due to the height difference.

She got revenge on the next shot with a long-range three that bumped them up to eighteen points, only three away from winning. Tsubasa passed the ball to him as they reached there side and he made as if to shoot, so far he was two for two on the three-point line and Tsubaki was ready and in the air as his feet left the ground. Sona had bought the bluff as well having turned away from her opponent to go for the rebound. Neither were ready for the bounce pass that Tsubasa caught and turned into a three-point shot. Bringing the score twelve to eighteen, Ichigo was feeling the burn as the two girls came hurling up the court. His focus never changed through and he still managed to stall Tsubaki leaving Yura and Sona to fight it out, the three-pointer that could have ended the game missed and he snatched it a hair's breadth before Tsubaki could. She slipped on the wooden floor and even then only enough to lose balance for a moment. But it was enough for him to put on a burst of speed that sent fire through his lungs and got him close enough for a three-point shot. Sona narrowly missed blocking it as she jumped much higher than her body size would have suggested. The score turned fifteen to eighteen, but in the very next few seconds Tsubaki shifted her rhythm and got past him sinking a layup and making the score twenty to fifteen.

"We got this" Tsubasa said looking slightly winded for the first time he could remember "We got this" she took his pass was off like a shot, only to have her ball stolen by Sona's quick hands leaving him as the last line of defense. He was surprised with the ease he found her rhythm and managed to position himself between her and the goal which did not stop her from leaping five feet in the air catching him off guard and shooting in the game-winning shot. But her excitement she overextended, spinning in the air and plating her ass on his face and knocking him to the ground. He fully expected his nose to break but she was surprisingly plush for all her appearance.

Still, a pair of bloomers was on his face and he crossed his legs at once making a sound of pain as all her weight settled on him. He heard a yelp of shock, the soft butt was off his face half a second later as Sona scrambled to her feet face ablaze with...well he hoped it was not fury. He sat up pulling his legs up to his chest "Ouch" he muttered rubbing his nose which while not broken has still taken a shock. "Sorry about that."

The words seemed to shake from whatever state she had been it "No, no" she shook her head "That my fault, not yours"

"No" he huffed "Problem" and leaned back against the wall it just figured that he could get a little problem from a stupid accident. The sensation brought back similar memories from when his school had differing uniforms.

"Ya Kaichou" Tsubasa gasped "What was that about control?"

"I did not lose control," Sona said seemingly unaffected by the exertion "I merely misjudged how quickly Kurosaki-san would react." she nodded at him her flushed face still bright with embarrassment "You have superior reflexes."

"Ya thanks," he said as he looked at them all his little problem growing bigger. "Through" he added I think I'm done for the day, I'm gonna rest here for a few."

"Hah," Yura said "Wimp"

"Sure" he breathed "Let's go with that"

To his annoyance, all three of the girls moved to sit next to him against the wall "That was quite fun" Tsubaki said, her eyes were on him, on the way he was sitting and how. When her eyes flashed with amusement he got a sinking feeling in his chest.

"That was quite invigorating," Tsubaki said, "Enough to give one a rise, eh Kurosaki."

He did not answer or react to the statement, it was his only ploy right now "Is this why you run around every morning" Sona asked her breathing only slightly faster "This rush?"

"Somewhat" he agreed "Through I would like to know what you three do to get in the shape you are in"

"Ichigo,-san you must leave girls their secrets"

"Right, then how about why are you not professional players."

"Basketball is just a hobby," Sona said "I have a different goal in mind for my life"

"I would get bored way too fast," Tsubasa said, "Your pretty good yourself thought, you ever think of the professional play?"

"Perhaps, I don't really have any plans for my life right now. It's part of the reason why I am here."

Sona looked at him and caught his eye, "And we will do our best to help you, that is our purposes at this place. You have a lot of talent Kurosaki-san and there are infinite ways you can use it." The words made sent sparks of heat through his body, which his lower half read as aroused….gods dammit her outfit was not helping.

He pulled up his legs closer and looked away "We will all help" Tsubaki said supporting her friend "No matter how hard it gets we will stick up for you." Well at least someone was having a good day with bad puns, still, he scowled at her which seemed to amuse her more than anything. Sona at least did not seem to notice small mercy.

She sighed "This has been fun, as we need to head home Rias is meeting me later and I cannot be late." She reached out a hand for him.

"I'll wait here for a little bit," he told her, letting his heavy breathing do its work to show his current state "I apparently don't have the endurance you girls have, I need a bit longer to rest but I will see you at your home." She looked like she almost decided to stay which would have been bad, but a meeting with Rias was important to her so she nodded.

"Hurry home then otherwise you won't get to use the baths before its ten."

"Would not miss that for the world" and that was the truth her house baths were divine. "Just need to catch my breath." With a last nod, Sona and Tsubaki turned to leave and Ichigo closed his eyes before his gaze became locked on their backsides.

He waited for the doors to close before breathing a sigh of relief "You know" he almost jumped as Tsubasa spoke, "I wonder if I should feel insulted, here I am all dressed up nice and sexy and the only one you seem to react to is Kaichou."

His face reddened and he said nothing save for a small growl "But that was only after she slammed you in your face but still, I've never seen you react to me like that."

What was with this girl? "I am in control of myself," he said regretting the words instantly.

"Apparently not Ichigo-San" his body was calming down finally now that the source of his embarrassing was gone. "Still have not seen you react at all before this which is weird in its own way, don't get me wrong you are way to wound up."

"Why are we talking about this?" he asked.

"Hmm, so perhaps it was just the butt to the face there is that rumor you are a butt man going around."

"What did I do to piss you off?"

"No, you were in control most of the game through…" her eyes sparkled "Bloomers, you winched when those two came out, you only rolled your eyes at my get up."

"I-I-I'm leaving," he said standing up and almost running away from the girl.

"Wow, you are packing," she said from behind him eyes taking all of him in.

"Shut up" he hissed.

"Don't worry I won't tell anyone, we all have the things that turn us on" he almost tripped as she caught up to him crossing the length of the Gym in a few steps. "So long as we can keep playing, this is" she twirled her hair with on her pointer finger and looked almost embarrassed "This most fun I have had with a guy in while." The one eighty in attitude was enough to snap his neck, it was almost as shocking as the speed at which she had caught up to him, had that even been human speed? "Look sorry about that, I get carried away teasing sometimes and...no offense but you have this unflappable vibe that is really fun to shake up."

"Uh" he replied smoothly not knowing how to respond to that, he forced himself to stop, to breath and get some air into his nonfunctioning brain. "I...get it, I don't like it but I get it, and this is fun for me too...can we pretend this never happened and call it even?"

She held out her arm "Deal" they traded grips and she tugged at him with surprising strength pulling him against her. His body which had almost calmed down when full Defcon three at the sudden touch, the closeness, the heat. she grinned "Ok good my pride has been salved" she let go of him and walked passed "Don't read to much into this, by the way, I'm a terrible flirt."

"Mostly with girls from what I have seen" he muttered.

To his surprise, she went red from the tips of her toes to the roots of her hair " I can't help it if the girls at this school seem to have some inexplicable attraction to my looks."

"Never said you could"

She growled and looked at his face still red "I like boys despite whatever the rumors say, its just I have not had anyone to tease in a while. Saji's like a brother, the perverted trio was out of the question and if tried anything with Kiba, Fuka Kaichou and Reya would roast me, so like it or not you're the only boy I can have fun with."

That...that did help him make some sense of the situation "I will keep that in mind Tsubasa Yura"

"See to it that you do" she nodded him still red-faced and stalked off "See you tomorrow for another game, I'll wear my bloomers next time."

Ichigo Kurosaki watched the doors close as he attempted to melt them with his scowl alone but had not such like. He turned and made his way to the locker room, he would need an artic shower before he was ready to leave. Making his way there he muttered vengeful about confusing girls, stupid gym uniforms and most of all his stupid get hard at the drop of a hat lower half. Had anyone listened they would have heard a string of obscenities that would have made a sailor blush as he turned on the arctic cold water and at least settled his issues with control. This...this was his life now, a month ago fighting monsters, now dealing with hormonal flirts...oh how the mighty had fallen far. It was not like it had been present or...he stopped the tsundere thought before it could finish. He forced himself to rationally admit that except for the last bit the evening had been pleasant and exciting. He would just have to accept that and move on..and move on he would. He had some homework to finish, a bath to take and work to do tomorrow so he would face forward. "This is my life now" he said "And I will accept it, and appreciate it even if it was just flirting and nothing more." that resolved he opened himself up to the freezing water and let it cleanse him, he noted as he did so that he had avoided thinking about hollows all day until now… so yay progress?