A/N: O_O WOOOW! This story has gotten a lot of...publicity...? Is that the right word? Well whatever, I'm sure you all know what I mean. But dang! I wasn't expecting so many people to like this. Makes me feel good that you guys do ^^. I appreciate all the reviews, alerts, and favorites, all of that really made my day, scratch that, it made my whole week. :D Also special thanks to White-Rabbit914 for not only reviewing but alerting and favoriting. I couldn't believe it when I opened my email and I had practically six emails from this awesome person. ^^ Thanks so much. And thanks to DeviantHollow23 too, your review made my whole day, I couldn't stop laughing. ^^. Now...what else did I have to say...oh right.
Updates. I am going to try to update at least once a week. My summer schedule (for the first time ever) has been stuffed with a crapload of well, crap. So the only thing I can promise right now is an update every week. I hope that works for everyone, and sorry for any inconveniences. Also, my internet has random moments where it likes to just stop working, so if I don't update its cause of that. I'm in the process of getting a new modem, or whatever the heck its called, so if you all could just bear with me I would greatly appreciate it. Now, onto the next thing.
Couples. Yes, we all love couples. But about the couples in this story. Not all couples are...permanent you could say. Just of course the standard Ichigo/Rukia because they are awesome and I love them together ^^. But all other couples are subject to change (save for the two mentioned and Ishida and Inoue), so if there is a couple you don't like, don't go crazy, cause they might not end up together. Also if there is a couple you don't like please do not leave me a nasty review, cause that is just rude and hurtful. If you must say anything negative about a couple, if you could do it nicely, that would be wonderful. Thanks.
Now for the last and final note before the chapter. I had a couple questions regarding my character Kasumi Takahashi and I wanted to apologize for the confusion. She's a character I made up a long time ago, back when I didn't know Bleach even existed (dark times). Anyway, when I first created her, I made her nickname Kira (cause I liked it) but I forgot to explain the reason why in the story. So due to the confusion, and how she could be easily mixed up with Izuru. I have decided to just call her by her given name Kasumi instead of her nickname, also Kira is not her stage name. Her stage name is something totally different, and she's not a female Izuru. They are two totally different people. So sorry for any confusion that might have caused. I wasn't very good at explaining it so I apologize.
Woo. That was a mouthful. lool. Now for the moment you've all been waiting for ^^. The story! If you could review too at the end that would be great! ^^
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. If I did there would be no room in my closet for clothes...
Chapter Two: A More Than Reluctant Whore
Kuchiki Rukia sighed heavily as she checked the clock, making sure she had just enough time to take a shower before the limo showed up to take her to the club. The club, her new job. What was it again? Whore? Prostitute if you want to be nice. Rukia scoffed, whore…what a derogatory word. Back in school, when she thought of her future, complete with a husband, kids and a nice paying job, she never envisioned working at a house as a whore. It just wasn't something that frequently crossed her mind, but that was before her sister had passed away, before she discovered what kind of company Byakuya actually worked for, and before he was forced by Yamamoto to recruit her.
It was a weird, long and complicated story. But essentially, what had happened had screwed the family over multiple times. All that really mattered out of the story was that Yamamoto had seen her at the mall with a couple of friends and demanded that she be recruited into the house. Byakuya, boss of the sixth division, whose sole job was to recruit employees and customers, plain out refused. At first, Yamamoto didn't understand why Byakuya wouldn't do it, the old man had no idea about Kuchiki's marriage to Hisana or that he had adopted Rukia. He commanded Byakuya to comply, or he would fire him, and subsequently have him murdered by one of the members of the third division (the punishment bestowed on Bosses if they were to leave or be fired).
Kuchiki stood his ground, and just as he was about to resign himself to his fate, Hisana intervened. She admitted she had known about the business from day one, stating she had come across a document on his desk about it when she was cleaning his office one day. Calmly, she negotiated with Yamamoto and offered her services instead of Rukia's. He agreed, and so her new job was set, but before she could start, she fell ill. Her health rapidly deteriorated, and before Byakuya or Rukia knew it, Hisana had passed. The first year was horrid, Rukia hadn't known at first, but Yamamoto was demanding compensation, well more like demanding her.
Amazingly, Kuchiki was able to delay Rukia's recruitment, but not for long. So her she was, two years later, watching TV, eating ice cream and resisting the urge to stab herself multiple times with the spoon. How the hell did she get herself into this mess? She didn't want to be a whore; she didn't want to fuck some old pervert that had to take a pill just to get his penis to stick up. There were just too many questions. What if they want something that I'm not willing to give? What if I get pregnant? What if I get a disease? Like herpes, or worse…AIDS? Rukia shuddered, she didn't like this, didn't like this at all, but at the same time, she couldn't do that to Byakuya.
She couldn't just let him die, just because she didn't have a job. So she let him believe she wanted one, let him believe that all her life she had been dying to be a whore. Hopefully it wouldn't be so bad though, Renji worked there, as a whore too, at least she'd be able to hang out with him. Not to mention, she might make more friends there, Byakuya told her it was a large organization. Who knows, maybe she'd have fun. Rukia scoffed again, yeah right. I've gotta fuck some horny pervert, how is that fun? Sighing, she shook her head, not wanting to dwell on those depressing thoughts any longer.
Picking up the remote, she turned the TV off before shoving the half eaten container of ice cream back in the fridge. She'd eat the rest later, when she got home, she knew she'd need it. At least, she thought as she grabbed at towel before entering the bathroom, I won't be fucking anyone today. Nii-sama told me it was just an orientation; I'll be introduced to all the different divisions and then be led through the whole process of the day by day business and do all the other stuff they might want me to do, and after that, go home. It'll be easy, just like Nii-sama said. Rukia nodded confidently, turning the shower on before closing her eyes and envisioning her new life as a whore in a more positive manner. A minute passed, and her eyes snapped open, a gargled noise making its way up her throat.
"Dammit! This is never going to work!" She cried, angrily hitting the wall with her fist. Hurriedly, she splashed some water onto her face, trying to calm herself down. It wouldn't do her any good to get angry; it'd just make matters worse. She took a few deep breaths as an idea started to form in her mind. What had Byakuya told her again? About whores? Something like, if you weren't at least B-class, you were let go. That's it! The corners of her mouth stretched into a grin as she thought about it. All she had to do was be the worst whore in history, and Yamamoto would fire her. Her grin widened, it was a genius plan really, and she never had had much experience in sex anyway, so it wouldn't be that hard. Content with her new plan of action, Rukia stepped into the steaming hot shower.
About an hour later, she was ready. Walking into the living room, she was just about to sit down when her phone rang. "Hello?"
"I'm outside."
She sighed. "Already? Alright, I'll be right there." Hanging up the phone, she checked the mirror one last time, before grabbing her keys and stepping outside.
"Kuchiki?" Ichigo echoed, his eyes as wide as saucers. "As in Kuchiki, Kuchiki?"
"If you mean Kuchiki, as in Byakuya Kuchiki, boss of company six, then yes, that's the right Kuchiki." Ichigo's head snapped to the left, his wide eyes resting on Yoruichi Shihoin, one of the five managers of the house. She ignored his stare, instead turning her glare on Ganju, who subconsciously shrank back. "Shiba, that information is classified, where'd you hear it?"
Ganju described the conversation between his brother and sister, watching as Yoruichi's frown deepened considerably. Meanwhile, Ichigo was speechless. Kuchiki? Since when did he have relatives? Rukia…that sounded like a girls name. Was this Rukia girl, his wife? His daughter? The leader of the sixth division, was a cold, almost heartless man, how did he come into the possession of a wife?
"Kukaku and Kaien are not going to be happy when they hear that you were eaves dropping, Ganju." Yoruichi stated gravely as she took a sip from the martini Yumichika passed her.
"What? I didn't eavesdrop! They were discussing it openly!" He protested, waving his hands in front of his face.
Yoruichi's left eyebrow rose. "Was the door open?"
Ganju blinked in surprise, before opening his mouth. "No."
"Well then, that would be known as eavesdropping, wouldn't it?" She replied lightly, mixing her drink with a finger.
"Please don't tell Kukaku! You've seen her when she's angry!" He pleaded, earning him another disapproving noise courtesy of Yumichika.
"Begging is not beautiful, it's ugly." He sniffed, turning away, his nose in the air.
"Yes I have." Yoruichi nodded, ignoring Yumichika's remark. "But don't worry, I have no intention of telling your sister. The information you heard was accurate, a young woman by the name of Rukia Kuchiki will be starting here tomorrow. Though she will be coming in today, to meet you all and learn protocol."
"So were really getting a new whore?" Ganju's face brightened considerably.
Yoruichi regarded him with mildly disgusted eyes. "Yes. Don't look so happy about it, you pervert."
"Pervert?" Ganju cried indignantly. "I was just stating my enthusiasm for the thirteenth company, its not everyday we get new workers up in here."
"Sure." She retorted, eyeing him reproachfully, before turning her gaze to Ichigo, a smile on her face. "Oh, speaking of perverts. Ichigo! How've you been?"
Ichigo's face instantly hardened, his surprise expression turning into one of disgust. "What's that supposed ta mean?"
Her smile widened as she leaned her cheek against her hand. "Oh, nothing. Nothing." Yoruichi's grin hardened as she scrutinized Ichigo thoughtfully. "You know, I hate to admit it, but you've really grown. What happened to the sixteen-year-old I used to know, who would turn bright red at the first mention of boobs?"
"He grew some balls." Ichigo muttered, making Yoruichi laugh. When she was done chuckling she regarded him again, an amused look on her face.
"Look at you. You're still the same as always. Even as a teenager you were still so cynical. Hell, I'd be surprised if there was a girl out there who had the guts to screw you." She sighed theatrically, covering her eyes with her hand but spreading two fingers apart just so she could see his reaction. When none came, she shouted in triumph. "I knew it! You've never been laid! You're a virgin!"
Ichigo, who had been drinking his drink, spit it out in a wide spray of alcohol mixed with bodily fluids. "What? Yoruichi!"
"Oh! I can't believe my little strawberry has never even had sex!" She continued, dramatically flailing her arms about as the other employees and customers at the bar proceeded to laugh behind their hands.
"Yoruichi!" Ichigo hissed, his cheeks flaring red as he shot numerous people death glares.
"What am I to do? How will I ever explain this to Kisuke? Or worse…your father?" She wailed piteously. At this point, the vein in Ichigo's forehead was a little short of enormous.
"YORUICHI! I'M NOT A VIRGIN!" He yelled, drawing the attention of nearby customers, who snickered until he flashed them a couple of glares. They quieted down and he turned his attention back to the smirking and snickering Yoruichi.
"Is that so?" She asked, her tone irritatingly calm. "And to whom, if I may ask, did you lose your virginity too?"
Ichigo sat back down, an agitated look on his face. "That is none of your business."
Yoruichi smiled almost ruefully. "As your aunt, well self-declared aunt, I make it my business. Who?"
"Yoruichi, it doesn't even matter. It happened years ago."
"Ichigo."
Ichigo cast her a sideways glance before sighing. "Senna."
"Girl with the weird ribbon in her hair?" Ichigo grimaced before nodding, earning him an irate scowl from Yoruichi. "Kurosaki Ichigo! What did I tell you about that girl?"
"She's bad news. Stay away. Blah, blah, blah." He recited, the last three words earning him a rather hard conk on the head.
"You idiot. Do you think I lied to you when I told you that? God, boys are such morons! Men too. They think they know everything, but they don't!" She snarled as she mixed her drink vigorously with her finger.
"Yoruichi." He hissed, quickly glancing around in embarrassment.
"Like Kisuke! I slave all day, cooking and cleaning for that lazy bastard, and when the horny asshole comes home, I'm ordered to fuck him till the break of dawn. What, I ask, is this world coming too?" She cried, throwing her hands up into the air.
"Yoruichi!" Ichigo's cheeks flared a dark red.
Yoruichi chuckled. "Too much information for you?"
"Way to much." Ichigo nodded, taking another sip of his now coca-cola.
"Alright fine, I'll stop. No one cares about my problems anyway, not even my self-declared nephew. Oh the pain of being an old woman." She sighed playfully, tipping her glass precariously on the bar counter.
Ichigo sighed as he rubbed his temple with his fingers. "Your not old."
"Close enough. Anyway, back to the more important topic. You're done with red ribbon girl…right?" She asked, shooting him that you-better-as-hell-say-right stare.
He looked away, exasperation written all over his handsome features. "Yoruichi."
"Right?" She pressed, her gaze hardening as she continued to stare at him.
Ichigo sighed. "Yes. She moved away months ago, she's in England."
"Good. I don't want that whore anywhere near here. Anyway, I gotta go make sure that everything is ready for Kuchiki's daughter. Until then, boys. Oh! Almost forgot. Your betting right?" Yoruichi grinned wickedly when Ichigo nodded his head in affirmation. "Good. I've got bets from Kisuke, Rangiku, Tetsuzaemon, Shinji and of course, myself. You ready?"
Ichigo nodded, glancing at Shuhei, who was still glaring maliciously at them, before reverting his eyes back to Yoruichi.
"Okay. Kisuke: one-twenty says he goes to the bathroom, or leaves the room, whichever. Rangiku: one-fifty says he can't handle it and jerks off behind the bar. Shinji: eighty says he throws money at her. Tetsuzaemon of course says he'll just get drunk and join in the dancing, that's ninety. And I say he sits and stays, one-ten. Ya hear that Hisagi? Sit and stay." Humor flashed behind Yoruichi's eyes as she tried to keep a straight face while looking at Shuhei.
"You are so lucky you're the manager…" He growled faintly making a grin break across her face.
"Or what?" He shut his mouth tight, making her grin widen considerably. "I thought so. Anyway, I better get going. Remember Hisagi, be a good boy. Sit and stay."
"Later Yoruichi." Ichigo raised a hand in farewell as he gathered up the money Yoruichi placed in front of him.
"Hey. Don't sit here to long, you know how anal Sasakibe gets when were not at our posts 24/7." Yoruichi stood and stretched, yawning as she did so.
"I know Yoruichi."
"Oh! And don't forget to give that to Zaraki. I may trust you with my money, but Kisuke sure doesn't."
"Whatever you say."
"Well you're a man of words aren't you? Whatever. See you after work." She rolled her eyes playfully before turning to leave. "Uh-oh. Ah, Ichigo. You might want to hurry."
Ichigo turned, his face portraying confusion. "What?"
"Shit. Where the hell did Hitsugaya go?" She groaned as she walked through the doors behind the bar.
"Hitsu-…Toshiro…?" Ichigo's eyes widened as his head snapped around, his deep brown irises resting on the open front door, and the young girl walking through it. "Karin?"
Karin turned at the sound of her brother's voice; her ever-present frown deepening as he practically flung himself at her, colliding into customers and employees without so much as a grunt. "What do you want Ichigo?" She asked irritably when he came to a stop in front of her, panting heavily.
"Karin! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at home? Where's Yuzu? Is she at home? Why are you here?" He asked rapidly making Karin cross her arms in defiance.
"Relax Ichigo. Yuzu is fine; she's out with Jinta and I'm here to meet up with Toshiro, he told me to wait at the house but I got bored so I came here…is there a problem or something?" She inquired, her right brow rising in mock question.
Ichigo's eyes almost popped out of his head. "Yes there is! What did I tell you about coming here? It's not for kid's your age and-."
Karin rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Ichigo…I'm sixteen. I haven't been a kid in years, and its not like I don't know about these kinds of things. Really Ichigo, you worry too much."
"Karin! What if the old man came in here and saw you?" He whispered loudly, his arms flailing about in irritation.
"Then he'd demand I be recruited. Does it really matter?" She huffed, her hands resting on her hips.
"Yes it does!"
Renji cleared his throat, leaning towards the two. "Ah come on Ichigo. Lighten up. She is sixteen."
"Shut up Renji!" Ichigo growled, his face reddening with anger.
Karin sighed before turning to Renji and the others, intent on ignoring her seething brother. "Hey boys."
"Karin." Ikkaku tilted his head up as the others nodded in greeting.
"Cue-ball." She replied, a ghost of a smile on her lips, as he turned purple with unspoken rage. Just before he could say anything she turned back to Renji, unsuccessfully trying to hide the smirk that was now visible. "So Pineapple, how's it goin'?"
Renji scowled at her, and Karin couldn't help but smile a little. "Could you please stop callin' me that? And it's been alright."
"No I can't." Her smile widened by a fraction as she tilted her head to the side, her expression thoughtful. "Really? Have you asked out Tatsuki yet?"
"No! How does everyone know about that?" Renji sighed, throwing his hands up in the air in agitation.
"How can everyone not know about it? You practically drool every time she walks by. That reminds me," She smirked; eyebrows rising as she slowly turned her head to look at Grimmjow. "How's it goin' with your girl Blueberry?"
"What girl?" He grunted, eyeing her carefully.
"Oh? You're going to act oblivious now? Fine. Go ahead." She shrugged before glancing at Kensei, the smirk back on her face. "And I take it you walked out…again?"
He scowled at her and she couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Really. Boys are so pathetic, especially you guys."
"And why's that?" Chad asked casually over the other boys' protests, if they hated being called anything, it was pathetic.
Karin sighed dramatically as she started to count all the reasons why they were pathetic on her fingers. "Well let's see, most of you are hopelessly in love. Your all what like over 20? And none of you have a long-term girlfriend. Look at Uryu, he's getting married! Kasumi and Hisagi have been dating for two years, and my sources tell me he's planning on proposing to her any day. Even Urahara, who's over thirty, is getting something! And what are you guys doing on Saturday nights? Working. Face it, you've all lost your touch."
"Your sources?" Ichigo's eyebrows shot up. Karin had sources? Giving her this type of information? Only a select few knew of Hisagi's planned proposal, how could she have gotten her hands on that kind of info? He eyed the others warily, but they all looked just as confused as he felt.
"I get something!"
Karin rolled her eyes, again. "You know what I mean Renji, and besides you're a whore, getting some is kinda in your job."
Renji grumbled something incoherent making the corners of Karin's mouth quirk up into a slightly sadistic smirk. "Well as much as I would love to stay and chat about whether or not you guys are complete losers, I have a date. So laters." She nodded before turning to leave.
"Wait, Karin." Karin stopped and irritably turned back around, practically glaring at her brother, which to him was unnerving, even though she was still about 5 inches shorter than he was.
"What do you want now Ichigo?"
"Who are your 'sources'?" He asked, ignoring his sister's angry undertone as he went to the heart of the matter.
"What?" Karin tilted her head to the side, utter boredom constructing her now more feminine features.
"Your sources."
"What about them?"
"Who are they?"
"Psh. Like I'm gonna tell you." She scoffed, rolling her eyes as she adjusted the strap on the bag over her shoulder; it had a strange bulge in it, probably a soccer ball.
"Karin." Ichigo's jaw tightened but before he could say anything else, her boyfriend had appeared at her shoulder.
"Karin! What did I tell you about coming here, it's not safe for you and- …Did I miss something?" The white-haired teen asked as he glanced at the others rigid forms.
"No Toshiro, I was just saying goodbye to my ass of a brother. And it's alright, nobody important saw me." Karin answered lazily, giving Ichigo a meaningful look before turning to face him. "You ready?"
"Yeah." He nodded before glancing at Kenpachi. "Zaraki."
The bouncer tilted his head in acknowledgment before turning back to his bottle of sake, Toshiro turned back to Karin, his gaze resting on Ichigo.
"Kurosaki."
"Toshiro."
The main vein in Toshiro's head throbbed. "It's Hitsugaya to you."
"Yeah, whatever." Ichigo shrugged, a smirk appearing on his face when he noticed the pounding vein on Toshiro's forehead.
Karin whispered something in her boyfriend's ear before shooting her brother another meaningful glare. "I'll see you later Ichigo."
Ichigo nodded dully, his gaze turning steely as he regarded Toshiro again. "Hey, make sure you get her home before twelve, you got that Toshiro?"
Toshiro gritted his teeth. "Hitsugaya! And yes Kurosaki, I know the drill. You ready?" He turned to Karin who just nodded before grabbing his hand.
"Yeah. Let's go." And before Ichigo could say anything else, the two were out the door and halfway down the street. He turned to the others, massaging his eyes as he thought about Karin's words. My sources… "Who the fuck are her sources?" He asked aloud, drawing the attention of the others.
Renji shrugged, "How the fuck should I know?"
"What the fuck do you know?" Grimmjow snickered maliciously, the question making Renji's vein in his head pulse.
"Why the fuck does it matter?" Kensei drawled, lazily balancing a cigarette between his lips.
"It matters cause I don't want my sister anywhere near this fucking place! It's bad enough she's dating the fucking boss of group ten, I don't want her pulled into any of this shit!" Ichigo snarled; stuffing his hands in his pockets only to feel the big fat green bills Yoruichi had shoved at him earlier. Without another word he took them out, and passed the wad to Kenpachi. "Last thing I need is her dancing on that fucking pole and stripping for a bunch of old, horny as fuck, men."
"Well who the fuck does she talk too?" Grimmjow asked, his interest in annoying Renji, lost.
"Everybody. She talks to fucking everybody! Toshiro, Tatsuki, Kasumi, Orihime, Nel, Yoruichi, Uryu, Lisa, Hiyori, Shinji, Izuru, Momo, you guys, and God only knows who else!" Ichigo sighed as he opened his eyes, resting his penetrating gaze on his fellow bouncers, and Renji.
"Hey! We don't tell her shit! At least I don't." Ikkaku shouted quickly, putting his hands up in a protective gesture.
Ichigo growled. "No one in that fucking group would tell her anything, so where is she getting all this shit from?"
"Does she talk to Rangiku?"
Ichigo's eyes lit up. "Rangiku." Without even thinking, he spun around, his head snapping in the direction of the closed door behind the bar. Loud, obnoxious, trance music started to play as he strode across the room; the noise drowning out Grimmjow's call. Resting his hand on the doorknob, he barely registered the concerned glance Rojuro sent his way before the wood swung inward and he entered a small room. His eyes instinctively flickered to the gold plague next to the door across the tiny space. Thirteenth Division: Ukitake Jushiro. Managers: Shiba Kaien and Shihoin Yoruichi.
Not even bothering to knock, he pushed the door open, before striding into the room. All three of the people mentioned on the plague looked up, both Kaien and Ukitake smiled warmly at him, but Yoruichi just raised a delicate eyebrow.
"Ichigo! Long time no talk! Come in and have a seat." Ukitake beamed, as he waved his hand, indicating the seat in front of him.
"Sorry Ukitake-san, but I'm in here on business." Ichigo stated bluntly, but politely. Out of the entire corporation, there were only two men Ichigo respected, and that was Ukitake Jushiro and Kyoraku Shunsui. They were also the only two who could make fun of him and get away with it.
Ukitake chuckled lightly. "That's alright, perhaps next time. Now, this business you spoke of, what is it?"
"I wish to speak with Rangiku sir." Yoruichi narrowed her eyes at him, but he ignored her, concentrating solely on the captain.
"Ah. Rangiku-san. Yoruichi-san! What is the current status of the young ladies and gentlemen?" The captain inquired, turning to his right where Yoruichi was sitting in the next desk over. The thirteenth division, next to the first and fourth divisions, was the most important and largest division of the house. The boss was Ukitake Jushiro, his second-in-command Shiba Kaien, and his own manager Shihoin Yoruichi. Since the division was so large, their job being to reside over the whores, waiters/waitresses and chefs, Yamamoto ordered the thirteenth to be split into three categories. In addition to leading the whole segment, Ukitake specifically looked after the waiters/waitresses; Shiba resided over the chefs, and Yoruichi took care of the prostitutes.
Giving Ichigo one last look of suspicion, Yoruichi glanced at the clock on her desk. "You came just in time Ichigo, it's their break period. There right through that door, but wait, Ichigo-!"
But it was too late; Ichigo had already opened the door, glanced at the sinful vision before him, and in turn cried out before slamming the door shut; his back against it and his eyes wild. "Th-There practically naked!" He choked out, groping at the doorframe in alarm.
Yoruichi stared at him, exasperation evident in her features. Kaien and Ukitake coughed lightly into their shoulders, trying hard not to burst out laughing. Finally, after a long moment of silence, save for Ichigo's ragged breathing, Yoruichi spoke. "Well considering what they do for a living, I'd be a little worried if they weren't practically naked, isn't that right Ukitake-san."
"Yes. Right. Quite right." He replied, his mouth quirking up into a smile.
"You do know what they do for a living…right Ichigo?" Yoruichi turned back to him, her brows rising in mock question.
"There practically naked!" Was all he said in return. She rolled her eyes.
"I think we've already established this Ichigo. But if it really does bother you, I can ask them to put some clothes on." Not even bothering to wait for his answer, Yoruichi pressed a button on her telephone.
Yes? Came the garbled voice.
"Nel. I need you to tell the others to get some clothes on."
But Yoruichi-san, they already have clothes on.
"Well tell them to put more clothes on."
Yes ma'am. Nel paused. Um…how is Ichigo?
Yoruichi glanced at Ichigo, and though he wasn't sprawled up against the door anymore, he still looked more than mildly alarmed. "Traumatized, but other than that he's perfectly fine. Now hurry and tell the others, he's got some business with Rangiku and if he screams one more time I'm gonna have Sasakibe on my ass."
Yes ma'am. The line cut then, leaving the room in silence.
Yoruichi looked up from the phone. "Satisfied?"
"I did not scream!" Ichigo huffed at her, regaining his composure.
Yoruichi's brows disappeared in her hair. "Oh? Is that so? Well, last time I checked, a high-pitched sound unleashed from the human throat was, infact, called a scream. Right, Rangiku?"
"Right." Ichigo's eyes widened as he turned to face Rangiku. She was standing in the doorway, propped up against the wood frame, dressed in nothing but a rather large, see-through, white V-neck shirt. The red tint on Ichigo's cheeks darkened making the corners of Rangiku's mouth twitch upwards. "Ichigo." The seductive tone in her voice made his eye twitch and her smile widened. She gestured to the empty space behind her, grinning mischievously at him. "We're ready for you."
Trying to ignore his now pounding heart, Ichigo stepped towards the door, but just before he could push past Rangiku into the room, a voice wafted through the silence. "So much for growing balls." His eyes blazed as he turned quickly, about to verbally attack Yoruichi when Rangiku suddenly pushed him into the room, closing the door shut behind her. Clamping his open mouth shut, he narrowed his eyes at her, but she only continued to smile mischievously at him.
"So…you bring me some sake?"
"No, I-."
"Ichigo!" He turned at the sound of his name, his eyes resting on Orihime and Nel, who were sitting beside each other on an extravagant hot pink loveseat with dozens of neon-colored pillows sprawled across it. He had almost forgotten how weird the room's décor was. He had almost forgotten that they had remodeled it just a couple months ago. And he had almost forgotten that Rangiku was the one who chose everything.
Somehow, (Hitsugaya probably convinced him to keep his assistant happy), Yamamoto got the idea to have all the back rooms remodeled, and proving Ichigo's point that the man was insane, appointed Rangiku as the leader of the project. Well, needless to say, Rangiku went nuts. Everything she chose was either bright-colored, as in neon, or some sort of print, like zebra. The walls were painted black, with random splashes of color; a disco ball was hung from the ceiling, and weird looking floor lamps with colored light bulbs stood at random spots in the large room. As to the furniture: a wide assortment of bean bags; pillows ranging from ridiculously small to ridiculously large; and a couple of armchairs, couches and loveseats covered the floor.
"Hey." He nodded, stuffing his hands into his pockets as they jumped off the loveseat and raced over to him, Chizuru howling piteously as Orihime left her side. The two reached him at the same time, pulling him into a giant bear hug. "How are you guys?" He asked once they let go of him.
"Good." Nel smiled before running back to quiet down the now wailing Chizuru. Ichigo shook his head as he turned to Orihime. "How bout you?"
"Fantastic." She replied before giggling. "You?"
"Alright." He shrugged. "How's everything with…you know…"
Orihime grinned. "They've been good thank you. We're almost finished with the preparations. All I need now are the dresses and the flowers and I'm done."
"That's good." He nodded just as the door on the left side of the room opened. Behind him Rangiku made a noise of disgust and when he looked at the figure in the doorway, he understood why. Leaning against the wood frame was none other than Nnoitra Jiruga, covered in nothing but a sheet around his lower torso. Looking past the others, Jiruga's eyes landed on Ichigo. "Well, well, if it isn't the Kurosaki bastard."
"Watch yourself Jiruga." Ichigo replied calmly as he tried desperately to look impassive instead of murderous.
The longhaired twat snickered and Ichigo resisted the strong urge to punch him in the face. "And what if I don't? Watcha gonna do? 'Throw me out'?" Nnoitra laughed making the hairs on the back of Ichigo's next stand up. "We all know that's not gonna happen. Your boss loves me too fucking much."
"What do you want Jiruga?" Rangiku asked before Ichigo could open his mouth.
Turning away from Ichigo, Nnoitra's gaze landed on Rangiku, who was giving him the glare of a lifetime. "I was wondering why it was taking Orihime so long to get back."
Automatically, Rangiku stepped closer to Orihime, her motherly instinct kicking in. "We're on our break. It's standard procedure."
"Hm. Standard procedure. Well…three hundred dollars," Nnoitra pulled a couple of bills out from the inner part of the sheet. Ichigo's eye twitched; where the fuck did he put all that money? Up his ass hole? "says its not standard procedure."
"Jiruga! Get back in that room or so help me I'll-."
"Isn't threatening clients against the rules?"
"You bas-." Rangiku started, her eyes blazing as she took a step towards him, but a hand on her shoulder stopped her.
"Rangiku. Stop." Orihime interrupted as she lightly squeezed Rangiku's shoulder in earnest.
Rangiku looked at her incredulously. "But Orihime-."
"It's fine. Break is over in ten anyway." The orange-haired young woman stated calmly before regarding Jiruga. "If you could just go back to the room, I'll be there as soon as I can."
Nnoitra smirked. "Well don't take too long, otherwise I just might lose one of these hundreds." He waved the bills around for emphasis before leaving the room.
Rangiku stared at the empty space where Jiruga had been just a moment before, grinding her teeth together in barely suppressed rage. "Bastard. I swear, if I could just punch him in the fucking face..."
"I highly doubt that will have any affect." Harribel stated from her position in the corner.
"There must be some way to get rid of the asshole." She growled, her hands curling into fists. Orihime squeezed her shoulder again, offering her a strained smile.
"That's okay. He brings in a lot of money and that's all that matters…right?" Her smile widened in reassurance, but the sadness in her eyes was evident to the rest in the room. Before any of them could object, she nodded her goodbye and walked out.
Rangiku sighed in frustration as the door clicked shut. "Stupid girl. She's suffering just as much as the rest of us, even more so, but she won't admit it."
"She doesn't want to bother anyone." Ichigo shrugged, tearing his eyes away from the door. "Orihime has always been like that."
A small smile played across Rangiku's lips. "Hm. I guess your right. Anyway, why are you here, again? Seriously, if you didn't bring me any sake, why the hell did you even bother coming in here?"
Ichigo's mood darkened considerably. "What have you been telling my sister?"
Rangiku looked taken aback. "W-What? Your sister? What are you talking about?"
"Kurosaki Karin." Ichigo stated, his already small amount of patience growing smaller. "My sister. The girl dating Toshiro." He added when the confused look on Rangiku's face didn't disappear.
"Karin…Karin…Oh! That Karin?" Rangiku's face lit up, earning her a disbelieving look from Ichigo. "What about her?"
The main vein in Ichigo's forehead pulsed. "Have you been talking to her…recently?"
"Karin? No. It's been a while since she last showed up. Why?" She asked casually, casting Ichigo a sly look that said it all.
"What, and I mean what have you been telling her?" He asked as he tried desperately to keep himself calm.
Rangiku shrugged. "Nothing important."
This time, Ichigo's eye twitched along with the vein. "Nothing? Do you call giving her detailed information like Orihime's engagement, Hisagi's plans for a proposal, and the fact that half of the bouncers are all apparently smitten for other workers, nothing?"
"Oh…that? Yeah, that's about nothing."
"Rangiku!"
Rangiku sighed as she crossed her arms in front of her chest, her large breasts threatening to explode out of the thin shirt she was wearing, the action made Ichigo's eye twitch again. "It wasn't my fault! I mean, I just heard the information and I couldn't help myself, and she was just there and-."
"And so you told her, why?" The vein grew.
Rangiku puffed out her cheeks in defiance. "It's not like she's gonna go around telling people. I mean she knows how to keep a secret!"
"Yes! Which, obviously, you do not!"
"I have no idea why you're making such a big deal out of this." She rolled her eyes at him, her hands resting on her hips.
"Maybe because she started making fun of us for it!" Ichigo retorted in exasperation, his eyes widening in emphasis.
Rangiku cocked her head to the side, confusion written all over her face. "What?"
Ichigo slapped a hand to his forehead, and ran it down the length of his face. "She practically attacked the whole fucking eleventh division, including Renji. Teasing him and Grimmjow about you-know-who and Kasumi and then-."
"Wait…what did you just say?" Rangiku asked, oblivious to the fact that she had just interrupted Ichigo during a rather crucial moment. The said male looked to the ceiling as if asking it for help before regarding Rangiku again.
"I said she was making fun of the whole division and-."
"I got that part Ichigo, can you just skip to the part 'bout Renji and Grimmjow."
The vein pulsated. "Can you not interrupt me?"
"Ichigo."
Ichigo sighed as he resisted the sudden urge to choke Matsumoto. "She was teasing Renji about you-know-who and Grimmjow 'bout Kasumi, at least I think-."
"Well you thought wrong." Rangiku stared dully at Ichigo, as if she'd heard this information a thousand times to many. "Contrary to popular belief Grimmjow is infact, not interested in Kasumi soon-to-be Hisagi."
Orange brows furrowed. "And how do you know this?"
"My sources." She answered as if it were the most obvious thing ever. The vein threatened to pop.
"Girls and their fucking sources! What the fuck?" Ichigo practically shouted, angrily throwing his hands up in the air.
The vein in Rangiku's forehead appeared. "Hey idiot! If your gonna keep dropping the F-bomb in every damn thing you say then this conversation is over! Now calm your ass down, unless you want me to do it." She added, her voice taking on a more seductive undertone.
Ichigo's face reddened and instantly he quieted down. "Well if it's not Takahashi then who the fu-, I mean hell, is it?" He asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Rangiku scrutinized Ichigo's genuinely baffled face. "You seriously don't know?" He shook his head in response, waiting with thin patience for the answer, but Rangiku just shook her head. "I can't believe you don't know, I mean he is in your division and you talk to him everyday."
"We talk but not 'bout personal stuff. I care about Grimmjow's romantic interests as much as you care about Jiruga." Rangiku's gaze darkened instantly and Ichigo nodded in affirmation. "Exactly."
"Fair enough." She replied, ignoring his last remark. "But come on, you must have some clue as to who it is." However, one look at Ichigo's face told her otherwise, she sighed heavily as he continued to stare at her. Slowly Rangiku's eyes moved to her right, Ichigo followed her gaze and his hazel irises fell on the hot pink loveseat where Nel was comforting Chizuru, who looked quite happy.
His eyes flickered back to Rangiku, wide as saucers. "Chizuru?" He whispered in disbelief. The lesbian? No fucking way! Rangiku rolled her eyes upward before giving Ichigo a nice smack across the head. "Ow! What the fuck was that for?"
"Baka! It's not Chizuru you dumbo!" She hissed as she gripped her now stinging hand. Dumbass had a fucking hard head. Holy shit.
"Well then who the heck is it?" Ichigo asked impatiently as he rubbed the side of his head. Holy shit. Bitch could fucking hit. Who knew?
"Nel!" Rangiku answered quietly, careful not to let the others overhear.
"Nel!" Ichigo squawked in surprise before slapping a hand to his mouth.
"Yes?" The teal-haired girl glanced up in concern.
"Oh. Uh. Nothing!" Ichigo replied, a little too gaily, before turning back to Rangiku, whose vein was throbbing violently.
"You dumbass!" She cried, this time bringing her fist down on top of his head. "Do you have any idea what would happen to me if she found out? I'd be killed. Killed!"
"Ow! I'm sorry. I'm sorry." The young man exclaimed as he vigorously rubbed his aching head. Fucking shit. His headache was back. Dammit Rangiku.
"Quiet down will you? Ulquiorra is looking at us!" Ichigo looked to his left to find Ulquiorra, who was indeed staring at them. The pale man nodded his head in acknowledgement and Ichigo returned it graciously.
"Are you sure its Nel?" Ichigo asked once he turned back to Rangiku, his face the definition of disbelief.
"I'm positive."
"Who told you?"
"Oh I might as well tell you." She shrugged before glancing around; making sure no one was listening. "Izuru and Shuhei."
Ichigo's eyes widened. "Kira and Hisagi? How the hell did they find out?"
Rangiku giggled. "Apparently Grimmjow talks a lot when he's drunk and I mean, a lot. Izuru said it happened 'bout a week ago. He was running errands for Gin and stopped by the bar to talk to Shuhei 'bout something important. Grimmjow was there too, drinking it up of course, and he just started talking to them. Shuhei said you could tell he was out of it, and he just kept talking about Nel. Saying things like: 'she's so beautiful' and 'she's so nice' and-."
"That doesn't sound like Grimmjow." Ichigo's eyes narrowed and he shook his head.
"And," Rangiku emphasized, ignoring Ichigo's last comment. "Quote, unquote. 'I wanna fuck her so bad.'"
"Okay now that sounds more like Grimmjow."
"My point exactly." She nodded as a sly smile appeared on her lips. "Anyway, apparently his comments started to get, well, more detailed. So Shuhei passed him a certain type of drink to sober him up. It worked and he was fine…but he doesn't remember saying any of it."
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Of course he wouldn't."
"Yeah, but after he sobered up, he walked away. Then that night, after work, Shuhei, Izuru, Kasumi and I went out to eat, and that's when I found out." Rangiku recalled; a finger placed delicately on her chin as she remembered.
"Alright. Sounds possible. So how, I ask you, does my sister fit into all of this?" The vein was back.
"Oh! Karin. Um…let's see. She showed up the next day at the office. That was Sunday, and even though we didn't have work I had to fill out some paperwork for Taichou. So Karin showed up, something 'bout going out with Taichou and he wasn't back yet from running errands so we just talked and that's when everything kinda just came…out…ehehehehe." Rangiku giggled nervously as she brought a hand up to the back of her head, rubbing it guiltily.
"Rangiku!" Ichigo shouted, his face turning the color of Renji's hair.
"What? It's not like it's that big of a deal. Really Ichigo." She puffed hotly, her hands resting on her hips.
Ichigo's eyes almost popped out of his head. "What? Not that big of a deal? Are you on drugs?"
She glanced at him, looking thoughtful for a moment. "Well now that you mention it I-."
"No. No! I don't want to know! Just stop! Stop!" He almost yelled, covering his ears with his hands.
Rangiku smirked. "Something wrong Ichigo?"
He glared reproachfully at her. "Yes…my head is pounding."
"Oh! Want me to give it a kiss, it'll make you feel better…" She smiled mischievously before puckering her lips and leaning towards him.
"No! No! I don't want a kiss!" Ichigo blushed furiously as he held his hands out, barely keeping the woman at bay.
"Oh! You're blushing! You totally want one! Don't lie."
"No! No, Rangiku! I don't!"
"You sure?" She asked seductively as she wiggled her eyebrows at him.
He shuddered. "Yes, I'm positive."
"Alright, fine. But you don't know what your missin'." Her sly smile made him shiver.
"Trust me, I think I do. Anyway just don't tell my sister anything anymore. I don't wanna get killed just cause you couldn't keep your mouth shut." He muttered, his blush dissipating and his face taking on a more serious expression.
Rangiku's eyebrows shot up. "Who would kill you?"
"You'd be surprised." He grunted back, his eyes shifting towards the door.
"Maybe. Maybe not." She shrugged before yawning and stretching her arms. "Anyway, how did the last blind date go?"
Ichigo's eye twitched. "That bad huh?"
"I'm never listening to Renji again." He shook his head, arms crossed indignantly over his chest.
"Well what happened? Is she ugly or something? What's her name?"
"I don't know her name."
Rangiku's eyes widened. "What? How do you not know her name?"
"She stormed out of the restaurant before I could find out!" He answered crossly, the events of the night flashing through his mind. Ichigo Kurosaki was not a man that liked to be walked out on, especially by some stubborn, arrogant, evil midget!
The eyes bulged. "And what did you do to make her do that?"
Ichigo shrugged indifferently. It wasn't like he had said anything that bad. "I just said something about her height and-."
The jaw dropped. "You insulted her?"
"No! I didn't insult her! I just told her she was pretty short and-."
"No wonder your single! You're an idiot!"
"Well she was short!" Ichigo looked alarmed as the vein in Rangiku's forehead bulged to the point of explosive.
"That isn't the point! Telling her she's too short is like telling you you're a freak cause you have orange hair!"
Ichigo growled. "I am not a freak!"
"Exactly!" Rangiku huffed in annoyance, her cheeks full of air. "What else happened?" She added once she was calm.
"Well I told her she was short and then-." Ichigo sighed heavily. "She made fun of my hair."
Something in Rangiku's eyes sparked, and she stifled a giggle. "Oh did she now? Sounds like she knows what she's doing. And how did the ol' pride take it?"
He grumbled something incoherently and she laughed aloud. "Oh! The pride was wounded! Hahahaha."
"It's not funny."
"Oh really? I think it's hilarious." She laughed again at his expression.
Ichigo's vein twitched. "Anyway, after she called me Carrot I-."
"She called you CARROT? Ahahahahahahahahaha!" Rangiku cried as she succumbed to fits of uncontrollable laughter. "Carrot? Hahahaha! That's genius! Can I meet this girl? Oh Lord, we'd be great friends. Hahahaha, carrot!"
Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "…You've been drinking…haven't you?"
"Oh just a bit! It really doesn't matter." She waved it away dismissively, a large smile on her face. "Now go back to the part about…c-carrot…pfff hahahahahahahahaha."
He closed his eyes in annoyance, trying to ignore his pounding headache and the now throbbing vein. "If your going to keep laughing, I'm gonna leave."
"Alright. Alright. I'm okay. I'm okay." She panted, taking deep, generous breaths.
Once he was sure she was…all right, Ichigo continued. "After she called me Carrot, I exploded and we got in a yelling match. Before I knew it, she'd grabbed her coat and was out the door. Thank God."
"I'm gonna have to find Renji after work. I gotta meet this girl. Oh jeez." Rangiku said, wiping tears out of her eyes. "So you never answered my question. Was she ugly?"
Ichigo narrowed his eyes at her. "No. She was whatever."
"Ooooh. So she was pretty. Oh you fucked up bad Ichi. Bad." She chuckled, wiggling her eyebrows at him. He grimaced.
"Yeah so she was pretty, but that doesn't matter. Girl was a crazy bitch. Glad I don't have to deal with her." He turned away indignantly; trying to save what little pride he had left.
Something glistened in Rangiku's eyes, the same spark that had been there only a few minutes before, but this one was brighter, stronger, and rather unnerving. "You never know Ichigo. It's a small world. You might see her again."
"Yeah right." Ichigo replied as he rolled his own eyes. Not in a million years would that ever happen…
Oooo the suspense. Lool. So that's the end of the chapter. Hope you all liked it, if you did, send a review. If you didn't, send a review stating why, though if you could put it politely that would be fantastic. Remember, the couples are subject to change. Which makes me ask another question. Grimmjow and Nel. What do you think of those two? Personally I'm not sure yet if I want them together, but I don't know what all of you want. So let me know in a review, if you like them together alright. If you don't though, could you tell me the person you like them with? Give me some ideas to juggle, you know what I mean.
Anyway, thanks a bunch for reading. And if you have the time, review please. ^^ Thanks, until next week! :D