A/N I thank anyone for reading. Much appreciated. :3

Dina Sana – Thankies~! :D Sorry for taking me time. D':

DeathKnight KiraKira – Yeah, Ikkaku. XD Glad you got happy. X3 I know I did when I finally updated. XD

SafyrRaven – Oh, goodie. :D I almost got sad when I read the beginning of your review. X3 Thanks for reviewing! :D Hopefully you're still reading. XD

Michiko Burel – Love it when he gets mad. XD

Chibi-Onee-chan – Yes, yes, she did. XD

NeitherSaneNorInsane – I... LOVE... your pen name. :D It's just so amazing~! :D First thing my eyes went to was your name. X3 Yuna is calm, but she instantly gets irritated when she's under so much stress. And I'm glad you like it. :D Even if the differences are very small to the other stories. XD Hopefully they won't end up being Mary-Sues. DX

DreamingInThePast – Y'know, I didn't notice until I read the story, again(got confused as to where I was going with this. XD), but no one can really tell how Ako's going to react. O.o Or is that just me? XD
A head massage. XD I just burst out laughing. Thankfully, I was still in my dorms. XD So no one could just give me a strange look. My neighbour probably heard me, though. XD
Oh, we're definitely going to see more of Ryoichi. :D I've been developing his character. In short, he's rude and is just mischievous. :D Hopefully someone believes poor Miyu. XD
He's a total boss... and hottie. :D Sorry, couldn't help it. XD I like Kenpachi, but no one can deny that Byakuya is as hot as a model. :D I love writing their relationship. X3
Ah, thank you! :D Personally, I wish I drew 'em on paper first. XD I draw better on paper than with a tablet. How I envy all the digital artists. X3

Pink poopie ring – ...:D I can't smiling at that little name you wrote. XD

I'M NOT DEAD! XD I've just been lazy, and it's been several days since I got on the internet. I came home. Finished everything. :3 And I got a low mark in English. DX Sixty-two. But I still passed! :D

Okay, tell me... do you like the huge paragraphs, or do you like it when it's shortened? :o 'Cause I was just re-reading this, again, and I noticed how big they are. They aren't like some stories, where the paragraphs are HUGE that you get lost while reading it, but still. Or is it?

I've been thinking about this story a lot for some reason. :O But mostly because I've been thinking of new OCs. :3 We meet some of 'em in this chapter. :D

Well... most of 'em. :[

And I've been developing Ako's character while I've been gone. X3

ENDING AUTHOR'S NOTE IS IMPORTANT! :D

And this story's "Renta," who is Ryoichi, is more... outspoken. :D Meaning he's flat out rude. XD

Disclaimer – I do not own Bleach.

Warning – Swearing and possibly mixing up characters. DX


-:-


"Who?"

Ikkaku quirked a brow, watching as the woman walked back and forth through the room, carrying large amounts of paper. Though a few minutes before had been great. The pile she had been carrying was too much for her(probably because her arms were more like sticks. Unhealthy. She needs to work out more), and she toppled over and sent the papers flying everywhere. She cursed up quite a storm before she started calming down.

"Osamu Satoshi," Yuna repeated, glancing at the third seat with a curious look on her face. "Is he here? I haven't seen him since I started working on the paperwork."

"Satoshi?" Ikkaku murmured, rubbing his chin while he lazed around on the couch. "Hmm... Yeah, I know 'im." He gave a one shouldered shrug. "He was sent on a mission before ya got here. Should be back soon, though."

"He's a subordinate from here, how do you know him?" Yumichika asked, raising his cup to his mouth and taking a sip from his tea.

"Uh... Through... Ako," Yuna muttered as she turned away, rubbing the back of her neck. "...She kicked him between the legs."

Kenpachi snorted lightly when she explained that he had pushed aside this 'Ako'. Which set her off and had her screaming like a banshee before she kicked him between the legs. Turns out that Satoshi found her funny enough to contact her again to be friends. Not before she tried getting another hit between the legs.

"But, yeah, it's 'cause of her I know more people," Yuna said, shrugging lightly with a flat look on her face. "Little runt called me a hermit." She grumbled as she looked away, going back to work.

"Ya seem like it."

Ikkaku couldn't stop the grin from spreading across his face when she sent him a venomous glare. The Taicho's eyes were closed, feeling so relaxed he almost started to doze off. That is until he heard a sound, turning his head to stare at the window. Once he saw where the sound originated from he scowled. Damn fuckin'... hell butterfly. Leaning back he pushed the window open, seeing the damn bug fly in and land on his shoulder.

He frowned.

The cause of the sickness spreading around...?

Grumbling, he pushed himself up. "C'mon, Yachiru," He did not need to say anything else. His fukutaicho jumped onto his shoulder and grinned. "Headin' ta a meetin'." He grunted, seeing his third and fifth seat nod.

And just then Yuna tripped on a piece of paper, landing right on her face. She shot up, holding her face with tears pricking at her eyes. "SON OF A BITCH!" The words caused the others in the room to blink in surprise, seeing the blonde writhing on the floor in pain. Ikkaku started snickering before he started laughing, only stopping when his gut started to hurt. Kenpachi rolled his eyes and continued for the door, shutting it behind himself when she started cursing up another storm.

"That's it! Fuck it! You two! Help me pick this crap up! I sent out enough to put 'em all on something!"

"Who the fuck do ya think ya are?! Our boss?! You do it yerself!"

The fearsome Taicho glared ahead, hearing the woman start threatening his third seat that if he didn't start picking up his crap(bitch) she was going to go for the area every man treasured. He started down the hallway, almost wincing when he heard Ikkaku start yelling loudly in pain.

When the hell was she gonna finish? This was starting to irritate the fuck out of him. He wanted her out of his division. Now. But that meant that would leave his damn paperwork everywhere.

As soon as he got outside Yachiru started pointing her little finger, telling him where to go. And as usual he did what she said. Somehow he didn't have the will to ever say no to her. And if someone so much as laid a fucking hand on her he'd rip 'em to shreds! He almost smirked when he started laughing as he started to run down the streets. It'd be faster if he ran.

It would be faster than walking, that's for sure. Most times he found himself at a dead end.


"I'll be back!"

Hitsugaya grumbled from his bed, glaring up at the ceiling. He was making progress... slowly. This was really making him mad.

He was a Taicho.

He did not deserve this!

Small sounds drifted through the air, making him furrow his brows before he turned his head. A hell butterfly floated outside the window. He paused, decided what to do. His nurse might be angry, but this was his job. Besides, he led his own life. Pushing himself off from his futon he let out a tired groan.

Elsewhere, Ako walked down the street, deciding to buy food for the short guy. Heck, there was barely anything in his damn house! She considered what to cook for him as she walked towards the markets, looking up in thought. She didn't know how to cook a lot of stuff. Heck, she'll go to her favourite restaurant and order food. Her favourite restaurant knew how to cook her food, anyway. She continued down the street, greeting anyone that recognized her as their nurse.

The nurse that made anyone's life a living hell.

She gave a smirk, continuing down the street and into the restaurant and shopping district. Arriving at the building she stopped and took a deep breath, preparing herself for the cook and owner of the place. The guy could be a little... too much. Brown eyes rose to stare at the name of the restaurant before she was about to take a step inside.

The strange thing was... he was part of her circle of close friends.

"Ako?"

The short redhead stopped and turned, blinking in surprise when she saw who it was. "Kasumi?"

The woman that was about to walk down the street blinked, having the same build as the flat-chested trio(and Ako didn't give a flying crap about the name). The woman was all black. Black hair, black uniform, black makeup. The only things that weren't dark were her eyes and skin. She was amazingly pale, with bright blue eyes. What made people stray away from her in the street was the makeup she had on. One of the reasons why Ako liked this woman...

She was a goth.

Didn't see much people like her in the Seireitei.

"How are you? Haven't seen you in a while," Kasumi gave a pleasant smile, walking towards the redhead. Despite her appearance she was a pretty cheerful person. "I've also been hearing some... things." She looked to the side before looking back.

"Yeah? Like what?" Ako scowled, glaring up at the woman.

"You've, ah... become close with Hitsugaya Taicho," Kasumi crossed her arms before a bright grin crossed her face. "May I know why?"

"Close?" Ako narrowed her eyes and hunched up her shoulders. "The only close thing I've done with him is mop up his goddamn vomit!" The thought now caused her to shiver and shudder.

"...You're into that kind of stuff?" Kasumi's eyebrows rose at the same time she leaned away.

"What kind of stuff?!" The redhead looked like she was about to pop a blood vessel.

"Ah, never mind. Why are you staying at his house?" The woman in black watched as the small woman tensed and stared up at her while she blinked owlishly.

"How the hell do you know that?" Ako blinked with wide eyes. "I only started staying with him three days ago."

"And you're still not sick?" Kasumi gaped in surprise, running forward and pressing a hand against the redhead's forehead. "Nothing... No fever or anything."

Ako blinked before her eyes grew in realization. She knew all along why she was at the Taicho's house. She suddenly started shaking in anger, grinding her teeth together and sending the woman one of her darkest glares. Kasumi wasn't discouraged in the least. In fact, she gave a wide grin and snickered.

"Little bastard got himself sick," Ako decided to explain, seeing the dark haired woman grin at her name calling. "I heard he worked until he was finished with work, but he was still working when he got sick! The little shithead could've gotten sick to the point of collapsing and ending up in emergency!" She stomped her foot childishly, eyes wide with rage.

"Nice to see you don't care about rank," Kasumi said, her grin not wavering at all. "And nice to know you're passionate about your work."

"It's about the only thing I can do," Ako shrugged, still scowling. "I came to buy him food. And since I'm lazy today I'm just gonna buy restaurant food."

"I'll come with you~!" Kasumi jumped lightly and walked towards the building.

Ako stared after her flatly before she rolled her eyes and smirked.


"So, can I?"

Ryoichi grinned innocently up at the Taicho, his eyes large and sparkling. Ukitake frowned and furrowed his eyebrows, seeing his sixth seat staring up at him pleadingly. He was requesting to go to the seventy-eight district in the south Rukon. Sighing, he shook his head, seeing the man widen his eyes and stare up at him in despair.

"You just returned, Yoshimitsu, you cannot leave right away," Ukitake said, smiling when the man crossed his arms and pouted. "You can go in a month."

"A month?!" Ryoichi whined, eyes growing large and watery. "B-But..."

Ukitake didn't react when he fell to his knees and started sobbing hysterically. But he soon sighed in exasperation when he started hitting the floor and kicking his legs. All Renji could do was stare. He blinked, staring down at the man as he sobbed in a hysterical manner. He decided to head there early. Kuchiki Taicho said he'd meet up later. Deciding to ignore the man he went back to his canvas, trying to think of what he could paint.

Ryoichi took a deep breath, as if to start sobbing again, before he stood up and gave a wide grin. "So, I'll be going in a month?"

"Yes." Ukitake nodded with a smile.

"Yes!" The dark haired man held up his arms and grinned. "So, watcha gonna do now?"

"I am going to get my class ready." Ukitake replied, telling his sixth seat that his class was granted and that Miyu was helping.

Ryoichi squealed excitedly, holding his hands up to his cheeks and smiling brightly. "Miyu's gonna be here~?! Can I join? PLEASE?!" He leaned in close to the white haired man, giving the widest grin he could muster.

"Ah," Ukitake gave a close-eyed smile, holding his hands up while he furrowed his eyebrows. "She's not here to paint. She's here to help me, since she has devoted her time in aiding me until Rukia returns."

The man deflated. "Oh," He was silent for a moment. "Can I still join?"

"If you wish."

Renji turned his head when the man let out another squeal and started spinning around the room. He suddenly sat down at a canvas, waiting with an excited grin on his face. He seemed... to have a lot of energy. Twenty minutes later people started showing up, Miyu immediately smiling when she saw who was in class. She walked over to Ryoichi, seeing the dark haired male grin up at her. Though he diverted his attention from her when he noticed who walked in.

Eyes growing large, Ryoichi's jaw dropped, seeing the Taicho of the sixth division walk into the room. Seeing his look Miyu furrowed her brows in confusion and turned her head, eyes growing wide and paling tremendously when she saw who he was staring at. Quickly finding protection, she hid behind the sixth seat, who did not help, at all.

"Taicho." Renji nodded in greeting, seeing the noble nod and sit down at his seat.

Though they soon frowned when they felt someone's penetrating gaze. Turning their heads, the two high officers of the sixth division frowned when they noticed a new student openly gawking at the Taicho. Renji rolled his eyes, remembering the man's tantrum before. The man seemed to have no fear, keeping his eyes locked onto the high and mighty Taicho.

"Ho-ly shit," Ryoichi blinked in surprise. "Why the hell did Kuchiki Taicho, the Taicho that has the biggest stick up his arse, join a painting program?" He turned, gawking at the dark haired woman.

All Miyu could do was shrug while the Taicho started glaring at her friend.

"The Taicho with the 'biggest stick up his arse' is right here." Renji said, sending the man a glare.

Ryoichi looked at him, blinking twice. "I know." His matter-of-fact tone caused the two men to frown.

"Now, Yoshimitsu, calm down and be nice," Ukitake said, waving his hand and giving an exasperated smile. "We don't want another fight caused by your... words."

"Yes, sir~!" Ryoichi saluted with a grin. He stayed silent. "And just to be clear, Muguruma Taicho called for it when he told me to get out of the way while calling me an ass."

"You ran into him and called him a degrading name first."

"Still."

Some of the women in the room started smiling and giggling while Miyu rolled her eyes and smiled. Byakuya started glaring at the man for being so brash. He almost reminded him of the barbarians of the eleventh division. Ignoring him, he turned, waiting for the lesson to start.


Yuna sighed, glancing upwards to stare at the sky. Break time. If there was a time she loved it was break time. She paused, looking upwards to concentrate on two people. A scowl crossed her face when she found she couldn't find them. Damn, Ako wasn't at the Taicho's house. If she stayed in one spot for a while she might have had a chance at finding her, but if she was constantly moving in a city with hundreds of reiatsu it would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Miyu... Ah, she was with Ukitake Taicho.

That program was most likely in session.

Letting out a snort, she continued on, stomping down the street. Working on all that paperwork was bringing up her stress level. Which made her a total bitch. Something she didn't like. A sigh left her mouth, shaking her head lightly and trying to forget the work she had to go back to. She was usually so calm. Which pretty much had people labelling her as boring.

Something that Ako told her multiple times.

Hmm... When was Satoshi supposed to be back? Raising a brow, she looked up in thought. All they said was that he'd be back soon from whatever mission he had. With the exception of Ako and Miyu, she was closer to him than everyone else. And it was someone from the eleventh division of all places. If it wasn't for Ako she wouldn't have met the tall guy. After she had settled in at the eleventh division she had kept an eye out, but she hadn't seen him. She finally got tired of it and decided to ask.

Turns out Satoshi knew Ryoichi before they all became friends.

Those two were trouble together.

Looking ahead, Yuna chewed on the toothpick(she always chewed on one), giving a slow, lazy blink as the sun shined down on her. Being in the sun made her lazy. Which is why when she would lay down on the grass in the courtyard she always fall right to sleep. Something Miyu found adorable. And which had Ako teasing her.

"Oi, woman!"

Not expecting anyone to talk to her she jumped and turned, seeing the third seat running after her. Damn. Turning, she faced the bald man, trying not to wince when the shine from his head hit her eyes. Everyone heard about the man's outbursts, if anyone so much as looked at his head.

"Yeah?" Yuna blinked and straightened up. This was a commanding officer, after all. She cleared her throat. "Yes, sir?"

"Hey, knock it off," Ikkaku sneered at the attitude. "Don't act all snooty on me."

"...Snooty?" Her eye twitched before she gave a tense smile and nodded. "Yes, sir."

He rolled his eyes. "Some of the guys wanted ta know if ya'd give 'em massages." He crossed his arms and stared at her, as if what he said was normal.

Yuna slowly pulled a face. "...What?" She leaned in close, as if she heard wrong.

"The guys wanna know if ya would give 'em massages," Ikkaku repeated slowly, giving a wide smirk when he saw the dumbfounded look on the woman's face. "Ya give great ones, if it's any consolation." He started snickering.

"...I'm not giving anyone else any massages," Yuna said, staring at the third seat with wide eyes while she shook her head. "I may have worked at Spa Land for a while, but that doesn't mean I like giving them out." She soon scowled and looked to the side. "Some even expected 'happy ending.'"

Ikkaku blinked and widened his eyes slightly. "Seriously?"

"Oh, hoh! Very serious," Yuna nodded and glared ahead. "But that was just a job to earn extra money."

"Well, fine," Ikkaku shrugged while giving the woman a frown. "They'll pay you."

"What?" This was sounding very surreal. Yuna couldn't stop making faces. "I'm only at the eleventh division to do paperwork, not anything else."

"C'mon, they'll be willin' ta pay!"

"Don't care!"

He frowned and turned, raising a hand to the side of his mouth. "She said no!" Yuna frowned. Who was he yelling to-? Several heads popped out from the side of the wall. She blinked. "So get the hell outta here an' actually look like yer tryin' ta work!"

The group of men groaned and turned, shuffling down the street as they grumbled. Yuna couldn't stop staring, eyes wide as she continued to blink. Ikkaku looked at her and shrugged, as if to say he didn't know what to say, either. The blonde closed her eyes and sighed, slowly shaking her head and frowning.

She hoped she finished the paperwork soon.


Ako and her companion walked into the building, seeing people sitting at their tables while they conversed with each other casually. Nothing like spending time with friends. Heading over to a table the duo sat down and waited, glancing around their friend's restaurant to see if he changed anything. Someone walked by, asking for their order. Ako told her what she wanted, something to eat there and two meals to go while Kasumi ordered the natto with a smirk. The woman nodded and walked away, thanking them for stopping by.

"Place still looks the same." Ako commented, glancing around the area with a raise of her eyebrows.

"He's too used to keeping things the same." Kasumi replied with a shrug.

"Aw, I'm hurt~!"

The two blinked and turned, seeing their friend smirking down at him while he wore an apron with his arms crossed over his chest. Sleeves tied back, since they got in the way when he cooked, he gave a wide, friendly grin. He wore glasses without the rims, his short, brown hair sticking everywhere while red eyes stared down at him.

"I can change!" He said, giving a pout and sitting down at their table. "I can change... the tables." He rose his eyebrows and smiled.

"Or you can change the decor." Kasumi smirked and tilted her head.

"Nah, too much work," He waved it away and snorted. "Haven't changed, Kasumi. Still goth?"

"Yep."

"Still short-tempered?"

"Watch it, Kisho," Ako warned, sending the man a glare. "I'll kick your ass to the moon and back."

Yamarou Kisho, the owner of a little Restaurant called the Blue Lily. He was always calm and laid-back, and very childish when he wanted to be. Ako had ran into him twenty-three years back. Literally. She had been running down the street, since Unohana Taicho had called an assessment test on all nurses, when she ran into the six foot one man that was Kisho. She yelled at him for fifteen whole minutes before he apologized and said he'd give her a deal at his restaurant.

She couldn't refuse.

"I'll take that as a yes," The owner of the restaurant, Kisho, smirked and started snickering. "So, Ako, I hear you're shacking up." He slowly glanced towards the redhead. "...Care to explain that?"

The brunette started backing away when she tried tackling him, raising his hands up in defence and apologizing with a grin. It was so much fun teasing Ako. Sometimes she got flustered, and sometimes she actually went through with her threats. Ah, painful times. He went back to sitting at the table, gaining puzzled looks from his friends and some of the customers. He listened as she angrily explained, once again, why she was staying at the Taicho's house.

"Ah, so he's sick," Kisho clicked his tongue. "Poor kid."

"He'd kill you if he heard that." The dark haired woman grinned in amusement, seeing the brunette send a grin back.

"I know."

She stayed silent for a moment. "Aren't you the main cook?" Kasumi asked, frowning in confusion.

"Ah, Hadashi can take over," Kisho waved his hand dismissively. "I haven't seen any of my friends in a week. Too busy working."

"I've always wondered," Ako frowned while eyeing him up and down. "How did you get fifth seat at the seventh division when you work all the time?"

"'Cause I'm just that good," A smug smirk crossed his face, leaning one arm on the table. "Plus, I've been working my ass off for a long time, so, eh, it's about time those bastards gave me a spot." He gave a one shoulder shrug. The two women smirked and started snickering at his words. "So, how have Yuna and Miyu been? You spend most of your time with them, anyway." He gave a pout.

Ako grinned. "Jealous?"

"I'd be lying if I said no."

"Well, Miyu's bored since her fukutaicho is in the World of the Living, and Yuna has to help the eleventh division with their paperwork," At the shocked stares she shrugged and smirked. "So, Yuna might be having fun." She paused before leaning forward. "How's Haruki, anyway?"

"Ah, you know," Kisho gave another shrug, rolling his eyes and looking to the side. "He's a scientist. He's holed up in his lab twenty-four seven."

"We should go visit him." Kasumi smirked, seeing the brunette look up in thought as he considered it.

"...Sure." He gave another shrug and grinned.

"Uh, sir... I really need your help in here-!"

"Deal with it!" Kisho turned and glared into the kitchen, eyes suddenly much more darker as he frowned.

Ako and Kasumi glanced at one another. It was amazing how Kisho could go from being nice and friendly to angry and annoyed in a second. He turned back and gave a friendly smile, making them roll their eyes and shake their heads. They swore, he was bi-polar sometimes.

"Aw, crap," Ako scowled and glared ahead, seeing her two friends glance at her curiously. "Can't go. I have to watch Snowball."

"Snowball?" Kisho pulled a face. "You have a cat?"

"Snowball is Hitsugaya Taicho." Ako gave a wide grin when the man started laughing.

"Ah, I love you, Ako."

"Love ya, too, man."

"I also love you guys." Kasumi gave a wide grin, seeing the two smirk and roll their eyes.


"So... Kuchiki Taicho..."

"Yep."

"...In a painting program..."

"Yep."

Silence. "This is pure gold." Ryoichi gave a wide grin.

"How so?" Miyu frowned, both walking down the hallway while her companion was covered in a ridiculous amount of paint.

"C'mon! Once the other Taichos find out about this they'll be makin' fun of him for years!" He gave a snort and rolled his shoulders. "Time for him to get off his high throne and see how it is to be made fun of with the peasants." He stopped when his friend sent him a flat stare. "What?"

"...Peasants?" Miyu questioned, crossing her arms and scowling.

"Alright, fine. The little people."

Shaking her head lightly she couldn't help but smile. Though he didn't care what he said, he could still be funny. Sometimes. When he was truthful, it could be a little mean. Ryoichi complained that he needed a shower to wash off the paint, bidding his friend a goodbye before he ran down the hallway to head for the barracks. Miyu waved after him, sighing lightly and hanging her head. She would have had more to do if Kuchiki fukutaicho was there.

"Miyu,"

She blinked and turned, seeing Ukitake walking towards her with a smile, holding a pile of paperwork in his hands. Work! She straightened up and saluted, seeing the Taicho raise his hand to silently tell her to ease her stance. Doing as he said, she waited for orders. She was right, she needed to deliver the paperwork. But where she had to deliver them...

"The... twelfth division?" Miyu squeaked, eyes growing wide as she paled.

"I know you are scared of that place, Miyu, but I need this paperwork delivered. I have a meeting right now," Ukitake placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Can I trust you to do this?"

A blush crossed her face when he smiled, nodding vigorously before she turned and ran down the hallway. She can do it! All she had to hope was that she did not come across Kurotsuchi Taicho. She had heard he experimented with even his own subordinates. Hopefully he didn't kidnap anyone for his experiments. It was true she had a friend that went there, but that did not make it any better. Hopefully she could run into him so he could show her around. The faster, the better.

It didn't take long to get there, and when she did, she almost felt like running back. The building stood ominously in front of her, people walking in and out of the tower casually while she stayed rooted to the spot. She had met the Taicho one time. When she did she couldn't move. His eyes were just... they were just scary. Gulping, she took a deep breath and walked through the entrance.

Some people were kind to point her in the right direction, but since she was not familiar with the division she easily got lost. Where was the damn office? Scowling, she continued to look for someone with a seat. All she had to do was give the paperwork to them and she can be on her merry way. But a glance down the hallway showed that she was alone. Silently cursing she continued on.

Where was his office?

Hopefully he wasn't there. She almost started whimpering, again. What if something horrible happened to her? What if Kurotsuchi Taicho found her and experimented on her and tried to turn her into one of his messed up machines?!

Someone tapped her shoulder.

Without even thinking Miyu let out an ear shattering shriek, jumping violently as she whirled around. Though she soon paused and blinked a couple times when she saw who it was. The person across from her held up his hands, waving them and shaking his head as he gazed at her with wide eyes, as if to say he didn't mean any harm.

"Haruki!" Miyu gasped, placing a hand on her chest and giving a shaky smile.

The man smiled and waved his hand in a greeting. He had warm brown eyes, considered cute by many people for always smiling. Haruki wasn't the strongest, but he could hold his own. Unlike the group of strange scientists he was normal, personality-wise when he wasn't working. His hair was a shocking dark purple, which gained many looks but they would shrug off when they would see his attire. Since his mind was brilliant he was instantly accepted into the twelfth division as an apprentice, a person-in-training. But there was one unique quality he had despite his personality and appearance.

Haruki raised his hands and started making symbols. Are you lost?

He was deaf.

Rarely did people cross a person that could not hear in the World of the Living. They met some blind people, like Tosen Taicho, but never a deaf person. A person that could see, but could not hear. When Miyu had met him she screamed, since she was in the twelfth division, and apologized for a long time until she realized he was staring at her with furrowed brows. She asked if he was okay. All he did was tilt his head and started speaking to her through sign language.

Unfortunately, she did not know sign language. She had spent months learning, fixated on the purple haired man. The next time she saw him she tried speaking to him, feeling more and more embarrassed as he stared at her with eyes that widened just a fraction. When she finished babbling, to her she felt like she was babbling, he tilted his head and smiled. Hello, my name is Maeda Haruki.

They had been friends for twenty-nine years.

She grinned and raised her hands. "I got lost. Can you show me the way?" She spoke at the same time she moved her hands.

Where are you going? Haruki tilted his head and blinked a couple times.

"I have to deliver this paperwork." Miyu pointed at the papers she had dropped when he scared her.

He looked down, blinking before he smiled and nodded. Bending down he started gathering the papers, which made the dark haired woman jump and bend down to help, as well. They fixed the paperwork, both walking down the hallway to head for the office that belonged to the feared scientist that was Kurotsuchi Mayuri.

"Where were you?" Miyu asked, moving her hands and glancing at the purple haired man when he glanced at her. "We haven't seen you in two and a half weeks."

Haruki handed her the pile and responded. There was an outbreak that needed to be contained.

Miyu froze in step, eyes growing wide in a comical manner. "...What?" She blinked several times.

There was an outbreak that needed to be contained. All the scientists had to work on it, even the apprentices. Not a major sickness but still serious enough. Haruki blinked and looked up, the motions with his hands stopping for a moment. Which is the main reason why most people in the Seireitei were getting sick.

Miyu stopped completely.

Haruki smiled.

Miyu stared.

And even though he couldn't hear he could still see...

"WHAT?!"


"Are you tellin' me," Some of the other Taichos couldn't help but snicker at how awful the prodigy sounded. "That the reason I'm sick... is because there was an outbreak of a disease... in your division?!" Hitsugaya ground out, eyes narrowing dangerously as he gritted his teeth.

Kurotsuchi looked unimpressed. "It was handled with."

"Two weeks later, fuckin' clown," Kenpachi grunted, rubbing the back of his neck and rolling his eyes. "Lucky only the runt got sick."

"Shut. Up."

"Aw, take a nap an' maybe that'll make ya feel better." Kenpachi mocked with a wide grin.

If looks could kill...

"Stop it," Ukitake said, sending the two firm stares, which shocked them slightly. He glanced at the Taicho with the strangest appearance. "Kurotsuchi, you are the reason most of our forces are bedridden?"

"Yes, and as I repeatedly said it was dealt with," Kurotsuchi rolled his eyes and sighed. "But we have been busy with dealing with it so I have yet to make a cure. But if you give me a couple days I should be able to construct it."

"Do you know how it broke out?" Kyoraku raised his hat and stared at the man curiously.

Everyone saw it. Frowns crossed everyone's faces when they saw the scientist's eyes grow hard, glaring ahead and curling his fingers into fists. Some people glanced at each other before looking back. None of it was supposed to happen. But it did. It was just another day of researching and experimenting, when suddenly sirens started going off. Every scientist instantly ran down the hallways to investigate.

One of the cases were open with a broken tube inside.

An airborne disease.

"We had tried to contain it as much as we could," Kurotsuchi frowned and glanced at the Soutaicho. "but over fifteen cases were known the next day in nearby divisions."

"So... what?" Shinji frowned and quirked a brow. "It's contagious?"

"It was... for the first five days," Kurotsuchi said, making the group blink in confusion, all gazing at the mad scientist and waiting for him to elaborate. "Do not think I am foolish enough to make a sickness to last for months, though I can accomplish that. The cells break down after five days. Whoever caught it the first five days are the only ones to catch it. But if they were to, let's say, kiss another, then they would pass it on."

"So... saliva swappin' passes it on?" Shinji asked, seeing the man nod. He suddenly grinned. "Then we don't hafta worry 'bout puberty boy passin' it on."

Hitsugaya sent him a dark glare.

"Hitsugaya Taicho," The prodigy blinked and turned his head, seeing Unohana smile at him. He scowled when a couple people started 'oohing.' "You are still sick." Her smile grew more dark. "I had ordered you to remain in bed."

"This is more important than being sick." Hitsugaya said, sending the woman a firm stare and turning to stare ahead.

"Hold on," He silently thanked Kyoraku for interrupting her. "if you said this thing was airborne," He furrowed his brows and glanced towards his oldest friend. "Then why did it not affect Ukitake like most people? He has a low immune system." He glanced at his fellow Taicho, everyone else directing their attention towards the strange man.

"Hmm..." Kurotsuchi glanced at the white haired man, seeing him blink. "Where were you two weeks ago?"

"I had a small flu so I was in my house," Ukitake answered, furrowing his brows. "I was sick-"

"Common flu," He waved his hand dismissively. "Is your house in a secluded area?" He received a nod from the man. "Then you are fine. This disease only affects populated areas." When he glanced at the others he frowned, seeing almost everyone frowning in confusion. "I engineered the chemical myself, but I made safety protocols if one of my chemicals were to spread. My buildings would lock down to contain the chemical in my division."

"...What are you saying?" Yamamoto raised his head and opened his eyes.

Kurotsuchi glanced at him from the side of his eye. "Someone took down the defence protocols minutes just before it started spreading."

Everyone in the room when silent, all gazing at the mad scientist in shock while his expression grew more dangerous.

"And mark my words, once I find who it is, they will be punished to the point of death."

"Kurotsuchi," He turned his head, seeing the Soutaicho gazing at him. "Find who did this."

He supposed he meant find the one who spread the sickness. "Yes, sir."


Writer's Block is such a pain in the arse. XP

But we find out why people were getting sick! D: Thankfully it's not life-threatening. :3 But they won't find out who shut down the protocols until WAY later. X3

Anyway, you may thank these new OCs for getting a new chapter out. If it wasn't for them I would still have artists block. And I just find Haruki amazing. :D

I was busy playing game. :( I'm sorry, that's not a good excuse. But it was very fun. :D

Anyway, decided NOT to make this rated M. Why? 'Cause c'mon. I'm more suited for humour than something as serious as two people, y'know, getting it on like bunnies. :D Though it would be a little funny to me. XD

BUT! I HAVE ANOTHER THING TO ASK!

I was wondering if I could change the title? I know it's a little weird, asking my readers, but I just want to know if anyone would have any troubles with it? :o To something like "Technological Advancement." :D If you're curious of the title... then you'll have to wait.

I have an idea for this story. X3

And would it be weird if I were to bring a character from another story into this? Say, someone like Hijo?

... =D

I'm sorry, I love the guy. XD But just say the word and the idea goes in the garbage. :D Including the cheese in the fridge. I'm wary of it. XD

Who wants me to draw the new OCs?! Hands up! XD

July 4, 2013