Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or have any rights to it.

Ichigo sat up in bed as the sun's rays fell on his face. He yawned and stretched his arms.

"Good morning Ichigo!"

Ichigo countered his dad's morning attack and pinned him to the ground. "Can't you give me some peace for once. This is Saturday."

As Ichigo let go of his dad and went downstairs, Yoruichi watched him from the safety of the opposite roof. She was in her cat form.

"Spying are we?"

The cat's fur ruffled with surprise as se turned around to see Urahara standing behind her with a broad grin.

"What do you want Kiske?"

"I was just wondering why you're wasting your time on this roof when you could be in his lap right now."

"Stop making fun of me Kiske."

"Well, I'm sure you could get some lap time if you pretended to be a real cat and begged him really nicely."

"I'm going Kiske."

"How about some milk Yoruichi. I think you've stalked the poor kid enough today."

"F-fine. I guess."

"Awe…no need to be upset. I'm sure he didn't notice that a creepy lady in cat form was watching him from his window."

"Shut up and let's go!"

Urahara had to struggled not to laugh as he followed the agitated cat. His mind had been working to come up with many ways to tease her about hr crush ever since he overcame his first fit of laughter last night.

Ichigo walked out of his home. He wanted to get out and away from his annoying dad so he could enjoy some peace and quiet.

"Hey Ichigo!" Renji ran up to Ichigo, wearing his usual out of date attire. "Urahara called all of us together for a meeting. He said it's urgent."

"Alright let's go."

Ichigo and Renji ran to Urahara's shop where Chad was waiting for them.

"Ichigo, Renji."

"Hey Chad," said Ichigo. "Where's Urahara?"

"He inside. I also just got here."

Te three of them went inside. They saw Urahara sitting at a round table with the three mod souls, and Yoruichi.

Urahara grinned when he saw them enter. "Good you're all here. Now we just have to wait for Orihime and Uryu."

"Could I talk to you in private for a moment Urahara?" asked Ichigo.

Urahara gave Ichigo a knowing grin. "Sure Ichigo, let's go into the other room."

Renji, Chad and the mod souls all turned to Yoruichi.

Yoruichi felt flustered, but didn't show it since she was in cat form. "I honestly have no idea what it's about."

Ichigo and Urahara walked outside the room before Ichigo started the discussion.

"So did you talk to Yoruichi about her behavior?"

A malicious grin appeared on Urahara's face. "I did."

Ichigo became anxious. "Well, what's going on? Is she sick or something?"

"You could say that." She's lovesick.

"So…I everything solved now."

"Don't worry Ichigo. You'll be fine."

"Be fine…what's going on Ichigo?" Urahara and Ichigo saw Uryu approaching them with Orihime behind. Although Orihime hadn't heard them, Uryu had.

Ichigo scratched his head nervously. "It's nothing Uryu…just nervous about hearing the news."

Uryu gave Ichigo a suspicious look. "Sure…" He then walked past Ichigo and Urahara into the discussion room.

"Hello Ichigo," said Orihime. "Are you nervous about Aizen?"

"I'm a little bit nervous. Don't worry about me Orihime. Let's just go inside and discuss things."

The three of them walked into the meeting room together and sat down around the table.

With all of them gathered in the room, Urahara started the discussion.

"As you all know, this meeting concerns Aizen and a possible plot to swarm the area with hollows. Yoruichi and I have been sensing portals between this world, and Hueco Mundo, the world of the hollows, opening up. Ichigo also sensed some of this and actually witnessed one open up."

All eyes turned to Ichigo.

"Its true. I saw a portal open up; the same one that Aizen escaped through with the Menos Grande. I saw a bunch of Menos trying to come out, but I also saw something else…something or someone was perched on one of the Menos, but before I could hit one with Zangetsu, they retreated back into the portal."

Urahara picked up from there. "The main question is why the Menos didn't proceed to fight against Ichigo and why they kept retreating."

Uryu raised his hand. "I have a theory. Maybe they had to retreat because they couldn't maintain the portal for very long. Maybe Aizen is trying to find a way to maintain the portals over a longer period of time."

Yoruichi nodded in agreement. I agree. "He must be preparing for an invasion of the Soul Society and using Karakura as practice."

Orihime became worried. "What do we do?"

"I think the three mod souls should stay with Chad, Orihime, and Uryu. Renji, you'll be staying here." Said Urahara.

Ichigo gave him a confused look. "But what about me?"

Urahara grinned at him, Yoruichi will be watching over you. Since you're the most likely target you'll need the most backup."

Everyone nodded in agreement to Urahara's plan, though Ichigo and Yoruichi were unsure of it, but for different reasons.

Everyone left the room leaving Urahara and Yoruichi alone.

Yoruichi turned to Urahara with a glare. "I don't know what you're planning, but I don't like it."

Urahara gave her an innocent smile. "I'm just pushing you in the right direction. Now you have an excuse to hang around him, though I think you should stay in cat form to avoid problems."

Yoruichi gave him a skeptical look. "I don't like what you're trying to do. You're just setting this up to taunt me."

"The why are you going trough with it. I mean, its not like you have to follow my plan. You could just refuse to cooperate r produce an alternate setup, but you feel as if you're obligated to stay with Ichigo because someone gave you an excuse to."

Yoruichi walked out of the room, followed by Urahara. Neither one of them noticed Uryu hiding around the corner with his mod soul, Lirin.

They left with Lirin perched on Uryu's shoulder.

"So what do you think that was all about Uryu?"

"I have no idea, but there's definitely something up with Ichigo, and he's not telling us about it."

"Oh…well I guess Urahara has things under control like he always does."

"Yeah, but did you notice that Yoruichi wasn't to pleased about him making her stay with Ichigo?"

"But he said that she could have decided not to cooperate."

"I know…which means that she must be involved with this as well."

"Alright Yoruichi, remember not to talk when my folks are around, and watch out for Kon. He's a real pervert…on an entirely different level from you."

Yoruichi sat perched on Ichigo's shoulder as they walked back home.

"Yes, yes, I understand. I'm easily capable of taking care of myself. I can slash that stuffed toy to pieces if he tries anything. Besides, it's not like I'll be in human form when he's around and he doesn't know I'm really a women."

"You have a point Yoruichi. Just don't talk in front of my folks though okay?"

"Agreed. It would be too much trouble explaining it."

The rest of the walk was quiet. With no more business to discuss, they could only really talk about the awkwardness that had recently come between them.

When they finally reached the front door Ichigo cautiously opened it. As he stepped in he could sense his father's next attack.

"Welcome home!"

"Not now!" Ichigo grabbed his father's fist and kneed him in the gut, sending him flying to the foot of the stairs.

Yuzu came and instantly noticed Yoruichi. "Ichigo, why is there a cat on your shoulder."

"I found her in the streets and decided to take her home."

"Oh, she's so cute, can I hold her?"

"Not yet Yuzu, I need to give her a bath. She's jut been out in the street."

Yuzu sighed with slight disappointment. "Okay."

Yoruichi's black fur hid her blush as Ichigo carried her up the stairs. Was he really to give her a bath?

Ichigo opened the door to his room and set her down on the bed.

"So Ichigo…were you really planning on giving me a bath?"

Ichigo looked away and blushed. "I'm not, but feel free to use the bathroom if you think its necessary."

"In human form, cause they can't see a cat doing it right?"

"O…fine, I'll give you a bath if you want me to, but I'm not touching any privates and your not becoming human. Got that?"

"Yeah, sure."

Since it was still midday, Ichigo left Yoruichi in Yuzu's care before going out to buy some cat food. He was still a bit uneasy after that bath, though the fact that she had a male voice in cat form made things better.

As he walked into the store he saw several brands if cat food. He bought a random bag and headed back home.

When he opened the door, Yoruichi leap onto his shoulder, startling him slightly.

"She likes you best," said Yuzu.

"Yeah…I guess it's because I found her."

Ichigo looked around. "Where's dad?"

Karin looked away from the TV for a moment to reply. "He's actually treating a patient with a minor injury, so we actually have some peace and quiet."

Ichigo let out a sigh of relief. "That's good. Now to put this cat food in the pantry."

Later that night, Ichigo was getting ready to go to bed. As he slid into the covers he felt a warm, furry thing curl up next to him.

"Yoruichi? What are you doing?"

"What does it look like Ichigo, I'm going to bed."

"Yes, but why my bed?"

"Your sister said I like you best."

"But why under the covers?"

"Just go to sleep. Just because I have fur doesn't mean I don't need any warmth."

"Fine, but there better not be any midnight transformations going on."

Yoruichi grinned inwardly. "You have nothing to worry about Ichigo."

Ichigo closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Ichigo's dream:

Ichigo was leaning on his sword for support. He was in his bankai form and was completely exhausted.

"What's wrong Kurosaki? Giving up already?" The man in front of him was Aizen. He had a malicious grin plastered on his face.

Ichigo couldn't move and watched in horror as Aizen lifted Chad into the air and stabbed him with his zanpakuto.

"Still not ready Kurosaki, well then I guess you'll need more motivation. Gin! Kaname!"

The two former captains appeared behind Aizen. Kaname held Orihime, while Gin held Uryu.

"D-don't!" Ichigo felt pain as he spoke.

Aizen smirked at him. "If you want to save them, come and try."

Ichigo couldn't move and watched in horror as his two friends were stabbed and dropped to the ground.

"Still not ready Ichigo…then I guess I'll just take another life."

Gin and Kaname vanished, and reappeared with Yoruichi. Aizen turned around and prepared to stab her.

At last, Ichigo could muster the strength to stand up and charge at Aizen. "You bastard! No more!"

Ichigo swung his blade, but was horrified when Aizen caught it barehanded. With a malicious, he placed his finger on the blade, causing a deep gash in Ichigo's side.

End

Ichigo sat up in bed, panting heavily.

"Something wrong Ichigo?"

Ichigo looked next to him and saw a concerned Yoruichi staring back. "You were making sounds in your sleep…as if you were having a nightmare."

Ichigo let out a deep sigh. "I'm scared Yoruichi…I'm scared of Aizen."

Yoruichi gave Ichigo an understanding look. "Lie back down Ichigo, and rest up. Don't worry. I'm here for you if you need me. Just go back to sleep."

Ichigo smiled and laid back down. "Thanks Yoruichi." He felt her cuddle up against his neck, nuzzling his face affectionately.

"Don't be scared my dear Ichigo. I'll always be by your side."

He would have normally felt nervous when she called him dear, but this time he felt comfort and warmth. He closed his eyes and drifted back into sleep.

I hope this chapter was good. I'm going to be be diverging from the anime and manga quite a bit from this point.