A/N

And here is chapter 3! The first meeting between Ichigo and Dulce. How did it go? Read and find out, please!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. Tite Kube does.


"You can love me or hate me

I swear it won't make me or brake me"

Love me or hate me- Lil Wayne


I hate him.

I hate him.

I hate him.

I hate that obnoxious, rude, orange headed jerk!

During my meeting with the Ichigo Kurosaki, my promise to get along with him flew out the fucking window and rolled itself all the way to effin' Antarctica.

I'm probably confusing you so let me begin my Sunday until my meeting with my partner.

I'll speed it up, I promise.

I was awoken by Hina wet-willy-ing me in both my ears.

She was smart enough to jump off my bed once I opened my eyes.

"Gross!" I yelled, cleaning my ears with my shirt. She smiled like a cat. Her hazel eyes sparkling evilly.

"I knew that would wake you up easily. Success!"

I glared at her. "You know, you coulda woken me up nicer." "Tch. From what you've told me, you're really hard to wake up. So, I thought that would be the fastest way. It was fun too!"

I shook my head at her. I noticed she was already dressed for us to go out. I checked the clock that was perched on my nightstand.

It was already 11:30

Holy crap.

Hina laughed at my surprised look. "I decided to let you sleep in, since I knew you were probably really tired. Listen, I'll fix your plate while you get ready. Also, get your check book, we're gonna go shopping for your school things and your room."

"Thanks, mom!" I yelled after her. I heard her crackle and smiled.

I kicked the bathroom door opened as I put my hair in a messy ponytail.

I washed my face, brushed my teeth and fixed my hair in a nicer ponytail.

Right now, I probably look like a fuckin' vampire minus the pale skin. Even though I slept for a long time, seems like my body is still tired.

I walked to my room and picked out my clothes. I finally decided on something comfortable but still presentable for my first encounter with Ichigo Kurosaki.

I put on my dark jean shorts and a white collared shirt with my black converse. It was summer here so what I was wearing was reasonable.

I put my phone and Chap Stick in one pocket and stuffed my checkbook in the other.

I was set.

Hina had made scrambled eggs and sausages.

"Hurry up and eat. After we buy your things we'll hurry back here and drop them off, then we'll go to my uncle's house."

I nodded my approval since my mouth was full.

This breakfast had put me in a good mood. I didn't even care that we would spend the rest 4 or five hours shopping and walking around.

You see? I was in a happy fuckin' mood until that jerk came and ruined my day. Sorry, I don't usually cuss but he just pisses me off

Ugh! Hate him.

Sorry, I'll get to that later.

I rinsed the plate as I heard a honk outside.

Hina practically bulldozed me out. "Come on! The taxi driver gets angry when he has to wait long."

Taxi driver?

Sure enough, there was a taxi car in front of the house.

I gave her a weirded out look.

"Really, Hina? A taxi cab?"

"To the town square, please." she directed the driver and then turned to me. "Yes, a taxi cab. We might end up carrying a lot of things so this was the smart thing to do. You should be thanking me."

"I guess your right. Thank you."

The ride was short. We stopped at the corner of a busy looking street. Shops were lined up on both sides.

Hina paid the taxi driver and told him that she would call him when we needed to be picked up.

As the driver sped off, I couldn't help but notice some of the stares I was getting.

I ducked my head to hide my blush. I didn't like people stares. Who the hell would?

Hina took my hand and we headed off. Hina did not seem to be phases by the stares and after a while neither did I.

We stopped at a Japanese version of Staples. I managed to buy a new shoulder school bag, notebooks, pencils, pens, and a folder until we were kicked out the store.

Why?

Because apparently while I was looking for my supplies, Hina was running around the store and pressing the 'need help' button in every aisle. Love her.

After that we stopped to eat a burger joint.

She ordered a double cheeseburger with fries and a coke. I ordered the same. After about an hour of staying at the burger joint, we stopped at a couple of stores.

I bought a teal colored covers for my bed. Some wall stickers. And 3of those board where you can make picture collages. I already new were I was gonna put them.

My room also had a closet with sliding double doors. That's were I was going to put them.

I bought some things to put on my dresser. A dark blue bean bag chair.

After we finished shopping Hina called the driver. We shot straight home and just dumped the bags on the couch.

"We'll fix them later." Hina said. "My uncle's house isn't far from here. I used to walk there by myself all the time."

"Don't you think we'll be going early?' I asked. It was just about to be 4:30.

"Nah, it'll be okay. So, how do you feel about meeting them?" she asked me as we walked.

"Kinda. But they all sound like nice people."

"They are. But I have to warn you, some of them can be violent towards each other"

I gave her a questioning look.

She smiled. "Don't worry, it's nothing serious. That's just how they get along."

Each step brought me closer to the Shinigami. I could already feel his spiritual power. I also felt another shinigami.

It seems like the Soul Society sent an overseer over us.

We stopped at the Kurosaki household which doubled as a clinic.

Hina hopped next to the door and knocked. "Hey! Open up, it's me and Dulce!"

I shifted uncomfortably next to her.

The door flung open by an excited looking Isshin.

"Hina!" he yelled as he hugged her. He saw me and he did the same. "Dulce!"

I thought he was gonna choke us to death until someone inside the house pulled him away.

"Jeez, old man! Can't you act like a normal person and answer the door accordingly?" asked a young voice. I looked next to the sprawled Isshin and saw a short, black haired girl.

She met my Hina's gaze then mine. "So this is your friend from America, Hina."

Hina stepped in the house and sprawled herself on the couch.

I walked around the still fallen Isshin. "Are you okay, Kurosaki-san?"

He jumped abruptly up and gave me a thumbs up. "Of course I am!" I smiled and stepped further in.

I stood next to Hina's sitting form. The black haired girl held her hand out. "Karin Kurosaki. I'm Hina's cousin." she introduced.

I shook her hand. "Dulce Luna. I'm one of Hina's friends. Nice to meet you."

"You're the one who is living with Hina, huh?"

"Yeah. It was a very nice thing for her to do."

"Hey, Karin? Where's Yuzu?" Hina asked as she stood up. "Is she cookin?"

Karin nodded. "She's freaking out since she hasn't finished cooking yet."

"Yuzu?" I asked. The name sounded familiar. Karin looked at me. "She's my twin sister. She usually cooks and does the house stuff."

"Oh, right! I remember now! Hina wrote to me about you two. You guys are fraternal twins, right?"

"Yup."

I peeked into the kitchen and saw a young girl with light brown hair moving around the kitchen.

Poor thing looked ready to burst. I was about to go introduce myself when Isshin feel by my feet. He was bleeding from his nose and had a shoe mark on his face.

Hina smirked next to me. "Get ready for this." she whispered.

Karin just groaned and walked into the kitchen.

I heard loud thumping as two people walked down the stairs.

"Jeez, Old Man! Can't you stop buggin' me! I told you I'd come down in a minute!" a loud, annoyed, male voice yelled.

"Ichigo! There was no need for that!" I heard a strong yet soft voice say.

And with that my partner walked in.

He was tall and muscular with weird orange hair. He had a scowl placed on his face. Next to him was the mystery shinigami. She was very short with dark hair and purple/blue eyes.

Next to me Hina gasped. "Rukia! I didn't know you were back!"

Rukia smiled and curtsied which really weirded me out. "Hello Hina! It's nice to see you again. And hello to Hina's friend!" she curtsied my way too.

Hina put an arm around me. "Rukia, meet Dulce Luna, my new house mate!" Hina pushed me up front. Rukia grinned. "Nice to meet you."

It took me a sec to answer her. "N-nice to meet you too, Rukia."

Isshin sparked up from the floor suddenly. "AW! We're all friends. Now, Ichigo, go introduce yourself to Dulce-chan!"

Ichiigo looked my way and just said hello.

He didn't look like he knew who I was. He didn't show any emotion to having me here. I cocked my eyebrow. My mouth turned into a frown.

What the hell?

That was it? Did he even know I was coming? Or did he just not care?

He saw my frown and his scowl deepened. I could tell he was going to say something else but was cut off by Yuzu.

The poor girl looked distraught. "I'm really sorry I didn't come in earlier and introduce myself! I'm Yuzu." she said looking at me.

I inclined my head. "Hello."

Hina looked at Yuzu expectantly. "So, little cousin, what'cha make?"

Yuzu looked worried. From the corner of my eye I could see Rukia and Ichigo whispering at each other.

I heard something about not being rude.

"I was going to make a big dinner to welcome Dulce but I ran abit late and just started preparing the dinner when you two walked in. It will be a while until the food is ready. I'm really sorry"

Hina gave Yuzu a squeeze. "Don't worry I'll help you!" " "Really?"

"Hell yeah! Dulce could help too."

I was about to agree when Rukia butted in. "I got a better idea! Why don't Ichigo and I give Dulce a bit of a tour around the town while you two finish dinner?"

Hina beamed. "That's a great idea! How sweet of you two!"

Ichigo scoffed loudly. "I didn't agree to any-" he was cut off by Rukia stepping on his foot.

Rukia laughed awkwardly." It would be no problem at all. So, we'll just get going now. Bye!" Rukia finished while dragging Ichigo outside.

I bid adieu to everyone and walked out as well.

Rukia kept dragging Ichigo until we were away from the house. I followed behind them. Finally Ichigo was able to untangle himself and looked pissed.

"WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT, RUKIA?"

Rukia gave an exasperated sigh as if this happened all the time. I honestly had no idea what to think.

Rukia turned to Ichigo. "I told you not to be rude! We have a very important guest with us!" she turned to me and held her hand out.

"Kuchiki Rukia. Shinigami of the 13th court. I will be your overseer."

I shook her hand. "Dulce Luna. Warrior and successor to the head of the Circle."

Ichigo gave a surprised noise. "Rukia! Why the hell did you tell her all that!"

"Because, Ichigo. From now on, she will be your partner."

There was a moment of silence. Ichigo looked like a fish. Mouth opening and closing.

My eyebrows knotted together. Rukia had a nervous expression.

I faced Ichigo who was still gaping. "You look surprised to hear this. Weren't you informed?"

Ichigo glared at me. "If I was informed, do you think I would be looking like a complete dumbass right now? OF COURSE I WASN'T INFORMED. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE RUKIA?"

Rukia glanced at him. "I'll explain everything once we get to Urahara's. We need to pick up some things from there." she focused her attention on me as if Ichigo had not just had a bitch fit. Seriously, who the hell could act all calm when some dude just screamed at the top of his lungs at you?

"Dulce, I got the order from Soul Society to pick up some things for you. They sent it to Kisuke Urahara. From there we'll discuss whatever needs discussing."

I nodded my head, trying to hide the fact that I was a little mad.

"Hey, Rukia! I asked you a question! Don't ignore me! HEY!" he would have ranted on longer if it wasn't for Rukia punching him in the nuts. I jumped a bit as he released a yowl. He doubled over and pressed his forehead against the granite. He kept whimpering.

I blinked. Rukia straightened her appearance and gestured me to follow her. I stepped over Ichigo. He looked like he wanted to stop us put he couldn't form words.

I skittered next to Rukia. "Are you sure we should leave him there. What if someone tries to steal his things?"

Rukia laughed. She had a nice laugh. "No one would ever think of stealing from Ichigo. He'll be fine."

We walked for a bit and conversed. I asked her why Ichigo had no idea who I was or what I was doing there. She said she was planning on telling him but never got the chance.

Ichigo was following us but at a distance. He was still hurting from the punch. And I did not feel bad about it.

We stopped at a small, lonely little shop. The doors were closed. Rukia banged on them." HEY! URAHARA. OPEN UP, IT'S ME, RUKIA."

I liked her more and more. She was like a shorter, louder version of Hina.

I smiled slightly. "You really know how to take charge, Rukia." She just chuckled.

The door slid open. "Come in, He'll see you in a second." a shy voice said. The voice came from a young girl with pigtails.

Rukia smiled." Thank you, Ururu." I smiled at the girl named Ururu.

As we stepped further inside the shop I heard Ichigo stumble inside and cuss. I smirked.

"Ah, Rukia-san, I see you brought our new ally with you." I heard a male voice say. I was met with Urahara Kisuke. He was a handsome man that looked like he just rolled out of bed. He had an easy smile.

Ichigo stumbled next to Rukia. "I hate you." he muttered at her.

She ignored him. "Urahara, we came for Dulce's orders."

Urahara nodded his head. "Well, why don't you all follow me to the sitting area while I look for them." he turned and with that, we all followed further in.

He told us all to take a seat and that he would be right back.

Ichigo took the longest to sit down; Rukia must have punched him hard.

"Alright," he huffed." We're here. Now explain Rukia."

"Well, you see. I was going to inform you when I came. But, well, I didn't get a chance to. Dulce is a Warrior. She is a human with the powers to kill Hollows. The Warriors and Soul Society struck an alliance with each other a while back but until now, have not been able to physically work with each other. You and Dulce were chosen to be the first team to consist of a Warrior and Shinigami."

I stared at Ichigo, taking in his expression. It changed from concentration to disbelief to anger.

"A partner? With her? Who the hell said I wanted to be a part of this? No one asked for my approval!" he exclaimed.

Rukia and I were about to respond when Urahara walked in holding two boxes.

He sat himself down and looked at me. "Dulce-san, Soul Society sent me these packages specifically for you. They said you needed a weapon." he said as he opened the first box.

He handed me a normal katana with a black hilt. "This is an Asauchi. It is a nameless Zanpakuto. This will be your new weapon."

I felt the length of the sword. "Arigato, Urahara-san."

He tipped his hat and smiled. "My pleasure." next to me, Rukia had a questioning look.

"An Asauchi? Why give her that, Urahara?"

I finally spoke up. "I have the answer to that, Rukia. The way a Warrior battles Hollows is by manipulating their Spiritual Power onto their weapon. So basically whatever we use to battle, whether it's our fists or our legs or a sword or a knife, we cover it up with our Reiryoku, as you would call it, and use that to destroy the Hollow."

Rukia was wide eyed. "Almost like a Quincy." Urahara whistled lowly. Ichigo was the only one quiet. He gave me a hard stare.

Urahara began to open the second box. "And this will help you with your mission. This device will tell you when a Hollow is in the area." he said while handing me what looked like to be a cell phone. I took it. It wasn't that big, I could fit both my phones in a pocket.

I inserted both the sword and the phone into their boxed. Rukia stood up. "Urahara, since I will be staying here for a while, I will need some supplies."

Urahara perked up. "Certainly, Rukia-san! Follow me!"

He and Rukia left and I was left with Ichigo. Alone. Ah, fuck.

He was still staring at me. There were a few minutes of awkward silence.

I finally decided that I had had enough.

"Ichigo." I called out. The sound of my voice seemed to tick him off. His hands balled up, his eyebrows scrunched angrily.

"What?" he snapped back.

I took the same position as he. "Are you going to just stare at me?" I snapped right back.

He scoffed. "Enough with all of this. I heard why you're here for but I don't think you should be here. I don't need you." he stressed the last sentence out. With each word he leaned more forward.

When he said this, something in me just snapped. I slammed my hands onto the table. "Do you think I like these arangements? Do you think I like being away from home? No, I don't. But that doesn't matter. I do my job and I do my duty. No questions asked. You should do the same." I said as I leaned in as well. He was not going to intimidate me. Hell no!

What I said threw him of the edge.

"SO NOW YOU'RE TELLING ME WHAT TO DO?" he screamed at me as he stood up, his amber eyes spewing with anger. "I DON'T NEED YOU! I DON'T NEED TO BE STUCK PROTECTING A FUCKIN' LITTLE GIRL ALL THE TIME! I HAVE REAL PEOPLE TO PROTECT! I DON'T WANT TO BE STUCK HAVING TO SAVE YOUR ASS!" he yelled at me.

At that point is exactly when my promise flew out the window. I hated him. How dare he insult me like that?

I jumped up as well. I didn't care if I was way shorter than him. I was his partner whether he liked it or not and he could not talk to me like that.

I began to yell at him, though not as loud as he had.

"EXCUSE ME? Hell no! Where the hell do you get off thinking that you can talk to me like that! I won't need you protecting me! I am the strongest candidate for the head of the Circle! I am strong! And I won't need your protection! Apparently, you're too much of a child to put you're feelings aside and just do your duty!" I finished. I was panting from all the yelling.

Rukia and Urahara had run inside when they first heard Ichigo scream.

But I didn't see them. All I saw was this orange-haired kid. All I detested was this orange-haired kid.

Ichigo looked like he was ready to kill someone. I didn't care. I was ready. The anger pumped through me. Never in my life have I felt this angry towards someone so fast.

"What's going on here, Ichigo?" asked Urahara. No one answered. Ichigo just kept glaring. The veins were prominent on him arms from being balled up.

"Ichigo! Answer!" Rukia screamed. She stepped forward and was about to put a hand on Ichigo when he jerked away.

We backed away to the door, his eyes never leaving mine.

As he opened the door he said one more thing before leaving.

"I don't need you. I don't want you."

And with that he left stomping like an elephant.

Rukia looked like she was ready to run after him but stopped. She turned toward me. Her eyes became sympathetic. "Dulce, what happened?"

I couldn't answer Rukia right away. I waited till the anger and hate left me. "Well, I don't think he likes me very much."

"How did all this happen? We were in the back and then suddenly we heard you two screaming at each other!"

Urahara put a hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay?"

I signed. "Yeah just a little shaken."

He nodded and let me go.

Rukia shook her head. "Well, I suppose our little visit is over. Thank you Urahara."

"Coming, Dulce?"

I stumbled a bit. "Yeah." I said as I got the boxes. Urahara walked us out.

"Arigato, Urahara-san."

He smiled and waved us off.

The walk back was quiet. Except that every 5 minutes Rukia would ask if I was alright.

I told her not to worry about it.

The sun had just begun to set. Light cascaded down fully through the streets.

I sank into what had just happened. Ichigo did not want me. Ichigo did not need me.

I growled silently. Thinking about it just brought back the anger full blast.

What angered me the most was not that he screamed at me. That he embarrassed me. What pissed me off the most was that he had looked down on me. He thought me weak.

That dick.

Well, let's just say that the dinner was a little bit awkward to say the least.

I was polite to everyone, I faked some few smiles. I conversed. All while Ichigo was sitting next to me. Fuming.

The tension between us did not go unnoticed.

I was more than glad when it was over. I did have an okay time. I learned more about the twins. How Yuzu enjoyed buying sweets and dressing this one bear. How Karin loved soccer. I found out Isshin had a wall sized picture of his wife and that he cried openly next to it.

Rukia walked me and Hina out.

"See you guys at school tomorrow! It was nice meeting you Dulce!"

We waved and walked to our home.

Hina asked me if I enjoyed myself.

"It was…an unexpected first impression" was my response.

She gave me a look but said nothing. I could tell she was going to ask me what had happened on my little 'tour'.

And she did.

We were in my room. She was helping me fix my room. She had some light blue paint leftover from her painting the bathroom and she gave it to me.

Together we ended up finishing painting the room and my closet. It wasn't hard since the room wasn't that big.

As she helped me pack my clothes she asked me.

"So, Dulce," she started." That walk you guys had, did anything happen?"

Her hazel eyes were tender and concerned.

I didn't stop from fixing my clothes. "Um, well, me and Ichigo had a tiny…discussion that didn't end well."

Her eyes turned serious. "Did he insult you or something? 'Cause if he did you gotta tell me. I'll kick his ass."

I forced a laugh. "No, no. It's okay. I'm sure after a while" the next part I tried hard not to make it look like I was lying through my teeth.

I started again. "I'm sure… me and Ichigo will get along once we get to know each other."

She still didn't look convinced but she dropped it.

After we finished I went to take a quick shower. Then I fixed my bag for tomorrow.

This part I struggled with.

Pulled the two boxes from under my bed. The phone would be easy to conceal. The sword, would not.

I tried to think of ways to conceal it since I was going to take it everywhere with me. I decided that I would squeeze it inside my bag. The bag was a normal school bag, but I found that I could stretch it out. So I settled the sword diagonally and fixed my notebook and folder around it.

The bag looked fine.

As I settled into my bEd after yelling 'Goodnight' at Hina and her yelling back, I thought of how I was going to complete this mission.

It was obvious he didn't like me. He thought of me as trash that was in the way. He thought I would be a nuisance.

There was no way that I could complete this mission.

Not only was this a mission, this was the prime example of how the Warriors and Shinigami would work together. If this didn't work, the alliance would most certainly be disposed of.

Years of hard work from both sides would be lost.

As a Warrior. I could not let that happen. I couldn't.

I came to the begrudging conclusion that I had to work things out with Kurosaki. I was not going to let this kid ruin my mission. I would not brake because my partner does not like me. I would finish my job without a problem. He and these emotions would not stop me. I would make this mission a success.

I would talk to him tomorrow if I get the chance and hope that everything will be straightened out.

Even as I said this, I couldn't help but think that it was not going to be that easy. He was stubborn. I could tell.

I would try to be polite to him. Try. I am not guaranteeing anything. I would try to act civil and just end the whole thing.I would be the bigger person and try to talk things out. We would work things out. We were ordered to.

But, that said, my impression of him still remained.

I still hated him.


THANK YOU FOR READING CHAPTER 3!

REVIEW, PLEASE!