Time seemed to have slowed down to nearly a stop. Ichigo jumped back from Ryou as if he were poisonous to the touch. She looked at the front door and saw Masaya, and looking at her with a smile- a smile that didn't reach his eyes. But it seemed to get Ryou to calm down.
"Why Hello, Ryou. How are you today?" Masaya said, flashing him the best smile he ever could.
"I-I'm doing very well, and you?" Ryou stammered, confused. 'Why isn't he coming at me, fists flying?' He wondered. Masaya closed the door and hung his coat up on the rack. He went to Ichigo- Ryou stiffened- and kissed her on the cheek. But Ryou didn't realize that Masaya sent her a silent message, pulling back. She smiled at Ryou like a child who just got a new puppy. This made Ryou relax furthermore. When Ichigo realized what was happening, she looked at Ryou, eyes pleading not to believe the act Masaya was putting on.
"I'm good, actually. Work is very stressful, as usual. You know how it goes, Shirogane." Masaya added, provoking a laugh between the two. Ichigo couldn't have felt more helpless ever- not even during one of Masaya's beatings. 'Oh, God, No, please.. Don't let him fall for this, Shirogane, you're all I have.' She said silently, looking at Ryou with her plastered smile.
"Well, Aoyama, I should probably go. Keiichiro should be needing me. Nice seeing you Ichigo," Ryou nodded at Ichigo. "Later." He said to Masaya. Masaya opened the door for Ryou and Ichigo's heart did feel like a balloon again, all her hope was in that balloon and Ryou held it. It went out the door with him.
Masaya closed the door and looked out the window and watched Ryou hop on his motorcycle and leave. The farther away the sound of the motorcycle got, the more Ichigo faltered. She turned around and ran up the stairs, trying to get to the bathroom and lock herself in so that she wouldn't have to put up with anything. She tripped over her feet as soon as she got right near the bathroom and Masaya pulled her up. By the hand. Ichigo couldn't be more confused.
"I'm leaving." Masaya said, turning around beginning his descent down the stairs.
Ichigo just stood there, confused. She finally mustered up some words.
"Where are you going?"
Masaya turned around and smirked, his eyes darkening.
"To the bar. I need a drink."
Ichigo wanted to cry. She didn't want him to go drink. It would be bad for her if she tried stopping him and it would be worse if she let it happen. There's no winning here. So then she let it go.
"A-Alright Masaya. I love you and I'll see you when you get home."
Masaya was already at the door, halfway out, holding it with his hand.
"Just get dinner ready." He said, shutting the door behind him.
The feeling that went into Ichigo's heart could not be explained with words.
She ran to the bedroom, slammed the door and curled into a fetal position on the floor in the corner. Tears began to stream down her face. She felt so hopeless, nothing would ever stop the misery. She wanted to scream so badly, she wanted to escape. Escape. She liked that a lot.

xo*

An hour later, Masaya still wasn't back yet. The silence around Ichigo was making her just feel even more depressed. Ichigo grabbed her dresser top to balance herself on her feet. She wobbled to the window, looking up at the sky longingly. She wanted to get out, had to. She considered leaving seriously. But where would she go? At that moment, the phone rang. She walked over to her nightstand and she picked up the phone, trying to hide the tears in her voice.
"Hello?"
"Ichigo?"
"Yes? Who is this?"
"It's me, Ryou."
As if a light had been turned on, Ichigo perked up.
"Ryou!"
That's it! That was her way out! But would he take her? She didn't want to drag Ryou into this. But… he was her only chance at happiness. Don't be so selfish, Ichigo. She told herself.
"…lo?"
"Huh? Oh! Sorry, Ryou. Um. I have a question… and it's alright if it seems crazy."
"… Go for it."
She took a deep breath."
"Ryou, would you help me get out of here?"

Okay! This chapter kinda sucked I know. I will start writing my next chapter as soon as possible, it's just school is taking a lot of time =/ Review darlings :D