Disclaimer: No me ownie Bleach.

Chapter 3: Squabbles and Meetings

She must be insane. Yes that was the only possible explanation as to why she was acting civil toward this contract killer! After they had introduced themselves, they had a little talk.

Flashback

She had finished with her meal a while ago and was deeply uncomfortable. If this oaf would just leave, she was sure she could find some way to escape.

"I can't let you leave," he stated bluntly. Rukia looked up in shock. "I'm sorry, but you are a witness and—"

"I swear I won't tell anyone." Rukia burst out desperately. "I'll keep my mouth shut, I promise!"

He gave a bitter laugh. "I wish I could believe that, I really do, but you know damn well I can't."

Rukia stopped. Yes, she knew it, but that didn't mean she couldn't have tried.

"W-why'd you let me live in the first place?" She asked quietly, curiously.

There was a long pause while Ichigo contemplated an answer. "…I don't like killing women."

Rukia suppressed a snort and sharp comeback and Ichigo moved his eyes to glare at her. "Really, I mean it."

"Won't you get in trouble?"

"Do you really care?"

Rukia fought a blush. "Not really," she admitted sheepishly.

"Well, I probably will, it depends on what my boss says."

"And if he says I have to die?"

Ichigo didn't answer this time.

End flashback

Rukia had to admit, she was quite frightened, though she'd rather die than admit it.

"Oy, woman," Ichigo called out suddenly. Rukia's eye twitched but she turned to look at him. She was sitting on the couch, thinking when Ichigo had disappeared down the hall.

She found out that this was his private penthouse, provided by 'the boss' as he referred to him. He'd said Rukia was free to look around, and that it was useless trying to jump out the window, they were on the top floor.

His pent was rather boring, even if it was tasteful. It had none of the senses that it was a home; more like it was another expensive place on a rich entrepreneur's list of vacation condos.

He liked black; that much she could tell from her surroundings. Black furnishings, black rimmed mirror that he probably never used, she remembered his black sword, tinted with red.

"Why did you kill Mr. Hyena?" Rukia asked later. They were still seated at the dining table.

"Who?" Ichigo asked incredulously.

"Oh, um…Tachibana-san?"

"You had respect for him?" Ichigo questioned in disgust, his lip curling.

"Well, no but, he didn't deserve to die—"

"Yeah he did," Ichigo maintained. "You probably didn't know but he was a Yakuza lieutenant, he's actually killed innocent people. He had to be killed."

"What makes you have the power to pick who dies and who lives?" Rukia demanded angrily.

He gave a lopsided grin with no amusement laced inside. "I don't, the boss gives the orders. I follow them,"

"Don't you ever feel bad?" Rukia asked, knowing she had no place to ask such things. She hardly knew him after all.

Ichigo looked away. "Of course."

"But—"

"Shut up."

It didn't seem like he would be leaving soon and Rukia sighed in frustration. Didn't he have any other 'missions' today? His glittering amber eyes that seemed to stare right through her were getting irritating, and he did it so often, like right now!

"Oy, are you awake?" He asked again, disrupting her musing.

"Yes," she replied though she thought it was obvious, considering she was standing up.

"Sorry, you looked lost for a second," he said. When Rukia didn't reply he went on, "I wanted to ask, do you live with anyone?"

That was a strange question. "No," she answered slowly.

"Anyone you're close to that'll notice you're gone? Don't worry; I won't hunt them down or anything."

Oh, now she understood. He had to make sure that the fact she had suddenly gone missing wouldn't leak out due to some worried relative or friend.

"My parents are dead, I have no friends," she spoke bluntly. He scratched his head.

"Well I believe that bit about not having friends. But be honest, or I'll just have a search run on your name. And if you're lying to me, well, that's not good…" He smirked when he felt her glare monstrously at his back, trying to burn a hole clean through his flesh, bones and muscles.

"I have a brother-in-law but my sister passed a while ago so I don't see him that often." She looked away in slight sadness. "I'm sure he won't notice I'm gone."

Ichigo didn't exactly know why, but he believed her and left. She obviously didn't want his company, in fact he was sure she'd just adore it if he slipped and miraculously found his way out the window. He imagined she'd revel at the sight of his splattered, bloody body on the sidewalk.

0OooO0

A problem had occurred to Ichigo. It was night when it made itself known, after they silently ate dinner, (white rice, duck soup with scallions, and salmon with vegetables followed by green tea). He pointed the girl to the direction of the bathroom and went to his room.

It hit him like a lightning bolt that just couldn't be avoided. His temper did feel electrified and he let out a loud groan.

Two people, one bed.

Damn.

"Um…excuse me," Rukia had a hand stuck in the open doorway so not to intrude. Ichigo rolled his eyes. Honestly, what happened to the witch that had tried beating him to death this morning? All of a sudden she was polite and…gracious. For God's sake he kidnapped her; it was perfectly acceptable to be furious.

"What do you want?" He could practically feel her twitch.

"I wanted to know if you had any extra pillows or blankets," she said uncomfortably, rubbing an arm. When Ichigo didn't answer, she babbled on. "W-well, its kinda cold out and your living room isn't exactly cozy, so I was wondering—"

"Don't worry about it, sleep here." Ichigo answered, inwardly fuming. Now she takes my bed?!

Rukia blushed heavily, looking vaguely like a steamed beet. "Ex-excuse me!"

"Please, like I would be interested in you." Ichigo scoffed. Now Rukia's flush was of pure anger rather than embarrassment.

"Don't bother; I'll be fine without it!"

"I said I'd sleep on it." Ichigo repeated.

"No, I'll sleep on it."

"Why?"

"Because I want to and I don't need your pathetic sympathy! I'll be perfectly fine."

"No, and don't worry you little brat, I don't pity you in any way! I'm just trying to be courteous!"

"Well, no need I'll sleep on it."

"It's my couch, I decide who'll sleep on it and it'll be me!"

"But I've already—"

"No, no! Shut up! It's mine, my couch!"

She spluttered for a while, "fine then, take the stupid thing!"

"Good I will!"

"Congratulations!!"

"Thank you!!"

With a huff, she stormed out of the room to wait in the kitchen leaving him to his thoughts.

'Did I just argue to get the couch over my bed?'

0OooO0

Rukia nestled into the soft silk sheets. She was far too sleepy and tired to feel self-conscious of the fact that she was in someone else's bed. His room was eerily neat and perfect.

She remembered how the man had stomped into the living room without saying a word. He had opted for the couch over his bed and seemed to regret ever opening his mouth after she insisted taking it instead.

He was indeed strange and she felt confused as to why she had ever sparked a fight in the first place. She acted like they hadn't just met each other and that he wasn't, in fact, a ruthless killer. For God's sake, she was an innocent captive and he was the bloodthirsty pirate—scratch that—assassin!

This man was indeed strange. But Rukia had noticed the black sword tucked under the comforter and pillows he had dragged to his new 'bed.' Its sheath was also black, (big surprise), but with tiny red designs imprinted on the hilt.

She had very observant eyes.

She yawned widely, the events of the day finally taking toll on her aching body. She snuggled deeper into the warm sheets and one last though crossed her mind as she drifted into the bliss of unconsciousness. His sheets were black too.

TBC

(A/N): I am sorry for the short chapter but the real…stuff happens in Chapter 4. Plus an appearance by two lovable yet violent people. Can you guess who they are?

Crap, I had no idea that people would actually like this story. I must admit that I am pleasantly surprised though. Thank you to all those who reviewed. You rock my socks and give me tingly feelings in my gut. The good kind. Review and I might update sooner than I planned. ;D