I waited in the car for who knew how long until it was deemed safe to be presented to 'Jeagerjaques-sama.' He didn't look like much at first glance, "You're kind of…short. Not really what I was expecting." Everyone around me gasped, "No one has ever spoken to Toshiro-san that way. You insolent brat, apologize right now!"

As if I was going to apologize to anyone, but before I could respond, the short kid spoke, "I am Hitsugaya Toshiro. I am one of Jeagerjaques-sama's bodyguards. It is my job to escort you unharmed so I will forget about your comment. Come with me."

Toshiro led the way inside a huge mansion. I had never seen a more loaded place in my life. "Keep your mouth closed kid, you're going to make a puddle. Not very smart for your first day." I ignored him and kept walking. We stopped in front of dark oak doors and Hitsugaya knocked. A gruff voice allowed us entrance and the doors opened.

Hitsugaya bowed, "Jeagerjaques-sama, I brought the boy as ordered." "You may go."

I was alone, in a room with a strange man whose face was covered by the shadows. "Strip." "Excuse me?" "I didn't think my merchandise would be damaged, I said strip, or am I going to have to force you out of your clothes?" "I heard you just fine, but I don't see the point in taking off my clothes." "You are in no position to decide what is proper. I could easily throw you away and your family can die on the streets, now strip."

I reluctantly obeyed, it wasn't the first time I undressed in front of other people, but it was the first time I felt hungry eyes stare at every inch of my skin.

"I like what I see. I have decided to keep you after all. Starting tomorrow, you will be the biggest face in the modeling industry. Get dressed, Kuchki will take care of you."

Kuchki, for some reason that name sounded familiar… "Ichigo! What are you doing here?" "I should be asking you the same thing Rukia. You graduate from school early and no one has heard from you since."

I saw Rukia blush, most likely from embarrassment. "I didn't graduate that early. I became a fashion designer like I said I would and it's been taking up most of my time. I think about you guys everyday. So Ichigo, what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to work." She became excited, "You're our new model! That's so great! Hurry, I need to get you fitted!" She became the second person to drag me somewhere else, just not as menacingly.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

I change my mind. I had forgotten how frightening it is to be around Rukia when work is involved. "Stay still." "No! You keep poking me with that needle." "I wouldn't be poking you if you would just. Stay. STILL!" That glare still sends chills down my spine.

I spaced out for a bit and didn't notice Rukia was done. "Ichigo, take a look." She brought a body-length mirror from across the room. I looked with amazement, "Rukia, this is really good. It fits with my hair, I didn't think my hair color would look good with any high-end clothes."

Her embarrassment waned, "Of course. Who do you think I am?" "Not modest."

A cough from what I assumed to be another model interrupted her before she could retort. "Ah, Je…" "Please Rukia, there's no need for that. Is this the new model?" "My name is Kurosaki, Ichigo. I'm pleased…" "Splendid. Rukia can I talk to you in private over there?"

"Be back soon. Don't do anything reckless while I'm gone. Actually, before I forget, here are the keys to your room. You shouldn't be bored there. I'll swing by later. "

All I could do was take the keys and watch the strange model drag Rukia away.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

"Jeagerjaques -san, what was that for?" "I want to model alongside that kid." Rukia laughed, "You're kidding right? You retired in order to run Hueco Mundo Modeling after your father died. You can't just decide to start modeling again."

"Aizen died and I turned this place into something he couldn't. I'm sure I can handle modeling and running this place. If I can't, that's what I have my team for." Rukia was forced to agree to her boss's insane idea. "Just so you know, being my boss does not mean I'll go easy on you." "You are too cruel sometimes." "That's why you hired me."

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Rukia stopped by just like she said she would. "I see you managed to make yourself at home." "Yup, I have everything set up." Rukia's eyes wandered, landing on my family photos. "How are they? It's been a while since I've seen them." "They were fine last time I checked. My sisters often ask about where you went. You used to sleep over a lot."

"You really helped me out back then Ichigo. I've never properly thanked you for letting me hide away in your house." I took her in my arms like I used to when she'd run away from home crying. "That's what friends are for. Just make my stay here bearable and we'll be even."

"Sorry. Am I interrupting something? The door was unlocked and…" "Oh, no it's alright. Ichigo this is Grimmjow, he'll be living with you starting today. The two of you will be partners."

Figures the crazy bastard who kidnapped me would do anything to make my life hell.