Disclaimer: Sadly, I own nothing. Not the cover picture, or Bleach.

Title: Slowly Getting Colder

Pairing: Tatsuki x Grimmjow, Ichigo x Rukia (slight)

Rating: M, for safety purposes, because of some reasons.

Warnings: This is my second work of fan fiction so, don't expect much. I'm open for suggestions, and critics. No, actually, I am begging for suggestions and critics. I have random flashbacks, and not so accurate information. If ever you dislike the story, think I am completely murdering Bleach, and wish to tell me, then please do not FLAME. Uhm, do you have anything against religion?

***There will be mention of torture (or some sort) please be warned.

Ashes and Fireworks

"And then he felt the misery of his life."

- Of Human Bondage -

-W. Somerset Maugham-

December 24th.

"ICHIGO!" a voice called out from the crowd.

Ichigo stood there astonished how someone could have recognized him in his armed suit. He was about to turn but decided against it. Why would you give your identity away? He finally ignored all the pleading and calling. Whoever they were, they will have to wait because he was a Shinigami not anyone else right now.

"Shoot to kill all males, whether holding a gun or not, Berry," Rukia informed. But Rukia was made to stay to manage the crowd.

"Whatever, Butterfly."

Then there was a commotion inside the building. There was screaming and slamming; male voices mixing with the females. They could immediately conclude that there was an argument within the hostage-takers. Then there was silence. The Shinigamis got ready to launch. It was the perfect timing.

As quickly, they all ran towards the building and had it surrounded from side to side.

Surprisingly, a girl ran out with a boy. They were all in a hurry, off the main entrance of the warehouse. They held each other's hand.

Shoot to kill, Ichigo thought as he aimed his gun to the boy's head, all male whether holding a gun or not. This silenced the crowd.

Bang! Bang! Bang! The guns were fired and the boy fell on the ground. And, thus, the order was executed.

"THERE'S A BOMB! EVERYONE RUN!" the girl screamed her lungs out. This caused chaos in the crowd of media and of the curious. The panic became the headache of the police standing there as guards to those beyond the police line.

The Shinigami came to the rescue of a girl. "Di Roy!" she turned just to see the boy with her on the ground drowning in his own blood.

KABOOM.

And just right in the same time, the building exploded along the night sky decorated with fireworks.

It was Christmas, a day of celebration and gifts giving. It was the day when the savior was given birth.

"ICHIGO, TATSUKI'S IN THERE!"

Slowly, the statement sunk in to his senses. Tatsuki?

December 25th.

"SHUT up!" Ichigo screamed.

"Ichigo!" Rukia's voice raised same as his as she entered the room. She walked in. The sound of her heels echoed throughout the room as the unseated Shinigami saluted her. Gesturing him to leave, the man did so.

Ichigo sat on the hospital bed pulling onto his locks. He, too, like the rest was injured due to the explosion. His eyes were wide open in disbelief. It was as if he had his eyes open and yet he refused to look at the concrete truth. Tears rimmed his eyes but he refused to cry.

"You should listen…" her voice came destroying the silence. Due to the heavy silence, her voice for once sounded like a glass breaking on the floor, so sudden and so alarming.

"How can I just listen?!" he almost screamed at her. She walked across the room though without much alarm. She was as calm as she entered. "That was my friend out there!" His voice echoed throughout the room. "What if it was me out there? I'm pretty sure you won't shed a tear, huh?" His tone turned cold and mocking as he glared at her accusingly. "You killing machine—"

A red mark spread across Ichigo's cheek. Rukia pulled away her hand as quickly as if regretting what she did. Let nothing distract your calm state. Nothing should make you furious. Rage is not a feeling you should be well acquainted with…

All the rules she followed; all the books she memorized went out of the window.

"Ichigo!" her voice finally raised equaling to his. "You are not the only victim!" she stated with her calm demeanor had been lost. Her hand balled into a fist.

This finally silenced Ichigo and his endless ranting. His head snapped to her. Did her voice just almost break?

"Yes, I've been raised to join the armed forces in honor of the family who adopted me. I didn't have social life since I went homeschooling and went directly to work. But Ichigo, I am human. I can feel! How dare you speak to me like that?!"

"Rukia…"

"No, I'm not yet done. Before you say all those things, listen carefully, Tatsuki was also my friend. I weep for her lost. Do you know how painful it is to watch your friends, your family die and yet not being able to do anything?"

Rukia took a deep breath. Let nothing make you weep. Never feel attached…

"I told you the consequences. Do not go blaming. It was your choice. When you joined the Shinigami, you already gave up your family, your friends and everyone for the greater good."

"Rukia…"

"HAVE you tried to take a look at Tetsuo's place? You know they always hang out," Ichigo insisted. "I'm pretty sure they're doing well with those practices of theirs."

"Ichigo…" Orihime started but her voice broke into heart aching sobs. "Chizuru said she hasn't been home since the twenty-third," Uryuu Ishida continued but refused to look at them. He was just facing the cityscape through the glass.

"W-what are you talking about?" Ichigo said unbelieving.

That's impossible!

Tatsuki didn't know anything, how could it be possible? She wouldn't go to the port just to sight-see. She wasn't stupid enough to check them out there. She shouldn't… No, they had kept it a well-guarded secret. Tatsuki would and should have never found out.

There was a knocking at the door, destroying the awkward silence between the friends. It was the only sound they heard aside from Orihime's sobs.

Nemu Kurotsuchi came in stating she was the one sent from the Forensic Department of the Shinigami's. She held the file in her hand and watched them carefully until she got there full attention. And this is what Uryuu was praying to be negative. He kissed the cross on his bracelet before facing them. Pressed his lips gently in faith that nothing ill had befallen to their friend, Tatsuki...

"The I.D. found under the debris was identified as," she said as she opened the folder. She looked around with her passive eyes as if telling them to pay full attention and not to miss any detail she'll say. "Tatsuki Arisawa, who is working part-time at a store named: Seven Eleven."

This made Orihime cry harder as she hid her face in her palm.

"Come on, guys, yell 'PSYCH' already!"

"Ichigo, shut up!" Uryuu scolded as he turned his head away. He took a deep breath and glanced at the woman. "Go on, Ms. Kurotsuchi."

"Come on! This must be some sick joke—" Ichigo said trying to be optimistic. Then he felt Sado's hand on his shoulder. Sado Yasutora shook his head and looked down. They weren't joking as what he has hoped.

"There were exactly ten women under the hostage of the Arrancars. Eight of them were saved by unidentified vigilantes. One has already been identified as Izzy Goebel, and the other as Tatsuki Arisawa."

"Please excuse my language for those who hasn't eaten yet," she said looking up at them. They all nodded except Ichigo and Orihime.

"These women, according to the investigation, were all raped and thrown down the basement. This is well supported by the samples of …" she looked at them then decided against saying anything further. "This saved them from the explosion and allowed the vigilantes to get them out before the explosion. But two bodies were left at the surface. One of them held the bomb strapped on her body while the other was at a very close proximity. The police are still taking the statements of those who have survived but this may take a long time due to the trauma these women experienced."

"That's all…" Nemu said looking up to them as if with sympathy. She left the room as quiet as she entered.

And this was the consequence.

"WHY didn't you answer our calls?!" Keigo, for the first time, shouted in rage at his friend. "WE TOLD YOU! We told you… "

Sado had to hold him back so he wouldn't punch Ichigo who sat there shocked. Surprisingly, Keigo was strong enough to make Sado release more effort in holding.

The fact hasn't sunk in yet. He just sat there eyes wide. Keigo continued screaming like he lost his mind.

And then Mizuiro punched him.

It was more astonishing that the calm Mizuiro took the matters in his own hands. "I'm sorry," he said blankly looking at Ichigo. "I had to do it." The shorter male turned to Keigo and shook his head in disapproval. "Ichigo couldn't have done anything even if he knew too, Keigo. Let's reconsider everything, even if he knew, he can't stop the bomb," he stated blankly. Then he glanced at Ichigo one last time before adding, "Can he?"

Keigo looked away, crying silently. "I know…"

Chizuru stayed outside, not bothering to face them. She just cried there silently. She held her self trying to stop her body from quivering.

.

AndPoofItBecameCocoCrunch!

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