Hello, I know it been a while since I last updated this story and for that I am sorry. I had a lot going on during this past semester but now since I'm on vacation, I should be able to focus more on my stories.

So here's chapter 10...

CHAPTER 10: TRIP TO KYOTO PT2 (A GIRL'S LOVE)

The next day, Toshiro woke up and prepared to meet up with his group in the lobby. Heading the bathroom, Toshiro began brushing his teeth. Looking at himself through his reflection, Toshiro began to reminisce about his talk with Ichigo last night. While everyone else was busy with their ping-pong match, Toshiro and Ichigo stepped out of the room. From outside, they took a seat by a bench. Toshiro, feeling thirsty at the time, walked over to a nearby vending machine.

Getting a can of tea, Toshiro walked back to Ichigo and sat right down. Toshiro knew before that Ichigo had something to say. It was obvious from looking at his face. Suddenly, Ichigo asked him if any girls caught his eye. Why would Ichigo asked about something like that? The impact from Ichigo's question, caused Toshiro to spit his tea right out, at Ichigo.

FLASHBACK

"DAMN IT! Don't go spitting at other people faces!"

"DON'T SUDDENLY ASKED PEOPLE WEIRD QUESTION!"

"It's just a simple question!"

Toshiro didn't yell back. He would gain nothing out of it but sleepiness as he continued to waste time and energy. So instead, with a deep breath he let out what was inside his lungs and mind after hearing Ichigo's question. "So why the sudden inquiry of my love life?"

Ichigo didn't answer right away. Toshiro noticed this but said nothing. Ichigo looked ahead, as if trying to figure out how to say what he wanted to say without any misinterpretation. Taking another sip of whatever was left from his tea, Toshiro closed his eyes for a moment. Ichigo scratches his head. Probably a Kurosaki trait.

"Hey, Toshiro..."

"What?"

"Do you believe Rukia loves me?"

Toshiro, like Ichigo, didn't answer him right away. Rather, he turned and noticed how serious Ichigo is before returning his gaze back to what was in front of him.

"I know she does. There is no doubt about it."

"How can you be sure of that, Toshiro? How can you be sure that it isn't, just in the moment. That she won't leave the moment someone better comes into the picture." Ichigo further said. Toshiro immediately replied as he was tightening his hands around the can. "So, are you saying that you are better than me? That Rukia chose you simply because you were better than me?"

Ichigo right away felt like he said something unnecessary and quickly regretted it. "What? No... I di-"

"Ichigo, you must understand something. Rukia did choose you but not because you were better..." Toshiro then gave ample time for the piece of information to float around in Ichigo's head. Ichigo then smiled as he restored his composure.

"I see... It would make sense after hearing it from you. You are far better than me in practically everything."

"As much as I want to prove you wrong, it is beside the point..."

"Agreed..." They returned to another round of silence as the night continued to entertain their eyes and soul.

"So why did Rukia choose me instead of you? What girl in their right mind would do that? It would make more sense if she had chosen you." Toshiro said nothing while Ichigo spoke, thinking it would be wise to wait until everything that was unsaid, that wish to be said, was said and done.

"Well, Karin was indeed right about you... you really are an idiot." Toshiro said as he let out a smile along with some laughter.

"W-What? What do you mean by that Toshiro? And what else did Karin tell you?" Toshiro was enjoying the scenery more than his conversation but that was just like him.

"Nothing I would tell you, but what I will tell you, is why you are an idiot."

"R-Right..." Ichigo said, as he looked at Toshiro with a sheepish expression.

"May 6..."

"Huh?"

"Do you know what day is that?" Toshiro asked as the wind from the field began to catch some speed.

"Y-Yeah, that's Karin's and Yuzu's birthday. Why are you bringing that up?"

"Right, well do you remember the first time you invited us over?"

Ichigo thought about it which angered Toshiro a bit until he finally spoke. "Oh, that's right...you and Rukia didn't come that day. Instead, you guys came by the next day."

"That's right but still, it felt like the party never even started." Toshiro said giving a hollow-fied smile.

"Okay, what about it?" Ichigo asked, beyond confused.

"Why..." Toshiro looked up as the clouds were dark but without the coming of a storm. It was dark from the lack of light but continued to move on ahead. "Why did you kiss Rukia? Knowing she was engaged to me?"

It didn't surprise Toshiro that Ichigo eyes were the size of plates with the center having only a simple point in each of them. "H-How d-"

"I was there..." Toshiro said swiftly, perhaps to get this over with. "I was there when you confessed to her, and might I add poorly. You don't casually confess to someone like that...but who am I to correct you. Not once, did my confessions meet with the same or similar results like yours."

"You knew but never said a word? Why?"

"I'm the one asking you the question. Why did you kiss Rukia that day? Why?" Toshiro implored.

"I-I don't really know... I just did what felt right... I guess." Ichigo said, head down though Toshiro wasn't completely sure of himself if it was because Ichigo was pondering or maybe because he felt guilt or shame for what he done.

"See, it felt right... so you shouldn't feel so bad with yourself. Like what you did, I'm sure Rukia chose you because in her heart, it felt right."

"Toshiro... thank you..." Ichigo said. Toshiro was sure a thousand pound were lifted off Ichigo's shoulders and with that, Toshiro took his leave.

"Then, you don't feel for anything for Rukia?" Ichigo asked, noticing Toshiro was about to leave. Toshiro stopped and turned to look at Ichigo.

"No, I don't. I probably did at one point but it was nothing compare to what you feel for her..." Toshiro said and turned back to what was in front without leaving just yet.

"Don't ever look down upon Rukia's love for you. It would be your end." The final advise Toshiro gave to Ichigo before leaving, returning to where everyone else are. Ichigo stood there but after a moment before he returned to the rest as well.

END OF FLASHBACK

Suddenly there were sounds of someone banging at his door. "Coming..." Toshiro said as he quickly washed his face and head to the door.

Opening, it reveals a small and unexpected package. Did someone just left this package for me?

For what reason?

Toshiro thought as he began to lift the package up. Although slightly heavy, the box itself wasn't all that difficult to carry. Bringing it inside, and laying it out on the table, Toshiro was about to open it when suddenly...

POP!

"GOOD MORNING WHITEY!" Yachiru said, popping out of the box with a blast of confetti.

"G-Gooding morning... Yachiru. Just what were you thinking, packaging yourself inside that small box?" Toshiro asked. That's quite dangerous...

"I wanted to surprise you... Were you surprised?" The girl said, giving Toshiro a look of excitement. Sighing Toshiro said, "Yes I was surprised but I'm worried now. That's very dangerous. What if you weren't able breathe?" Toshiro said, brushing her hair with the use of his hand. Yachiru looked stunned for a moment by his combination of actions, before returning to her bubbly self. "Don't worry Whitey! I had Baldy's help with the preparation, including making the holes for this box." She tilted her sightly to view her package of, well, herself. "Ain't I a good present?"

Toshiro saw the sweetness that was Yachiru, her big sparkling eyes that resembled twin pink ponds filled with sugar and spice. "Yes..." Toshiro began, now patting her head softly. "...you are definitely a good present...preparation?"

Yachiru looked up, enjoying Toshiro's tenderness. "Mmm hmm. So we must hurry." Jumping out of the box, Yachiru latched herself onto Toshiro's face. Like a cicada on a tree, Yachiru pressed her body, snuggling tightly around Toshiro's head. "Yachiru...please get off."

The girl giggled as she moved to his backside, hanging with her arms around his neck. "I really like this spot, it definitely my second favorite place to be. Ouuu...and your hair is soft like cotton candy and smell nice."

"Never mind that, you said something about hurrying."

"Oh, um...we have to first go to the lobby. Everyone else should already be there." Yachiru said, waving her arm before pointing toward the exit. "Everyone?"

"Yes! So hurry, we don't want to keep them waiting!" Yachiru said, somehow convincing Toshiro to follow her pace as they made their way through the corridor and then the stairs. From there, Toshiro took a left turn and continued to walk along the passageway until he arrived at the main lobby of the hotel. There waiting, were Tatsuki, Keigo, Ichigo , Rukia, Chad, Orihime, and Uryu, though in confusion much like Toshiro himself.

Seeing Toshiro walking toward them, Ichigo greeted him. "Toshiro, good morning. Do you have anything idea what this letter is about?" Lifting a letter up at Toshiro's face.

"YAY! YOU'VE BEEN SELECTED TO PLAY A GREAT GAME. PLEASE MEET AT THE LOBBY IN THE MORNING AND WAIT FOR EVERYONE ELSE!"

"Huh?" Toshiro said confusedly. "Hm? You didn't get a letter?" Ichigo asked, curious as the rest. Toshiro shook his head. "No, I got this." Pointing to the person currently on his back. "Hiya everybody!"

"Yachiru?" Everyone else said. "It really is Yachiru..." Orihime added. "Yep, It's me Jiggles. I'm glad everyone is here to play." Yachiru exclaimed cheerfully. "Play? Play what?" Rukia then asked.

"Man Hunt!"

Everyone looks at her in silence before exclaiming. "Man Hunt!?" Yachiru giggled by their reaction. "Yep, but it's a special one. You see, this hotel is run by Kenny. So with his help, this game of Man Hunt will be the most fun and probably most dangerous of all man hunts." Stated the little girl riding on Toshiro's back.

"Whoa whoa, what do you mean by most dangerous?" Keigo asked. Yachiru didn't seem too bothered by it, instead with her usual cheery self, she answered, "Well because Kenny will be joining us. For this game of man hunt, he'll be the hunter. Won't that be fun?"

Everyone, of course minus-ing Yachiru, let out a surprised and fearful "WHAT!?"

"Yep! He should be joining us right about-"

BOOM!

A wall adjacent to the group exploded as large man with a wooden sword came in from the hole in the wall. What was worse was his face that spelled DEATH with his evil grin and matching eye patch to further bring out the fear out of the group.

"Now!" Yachiru said as everyone began to run for their life. "Oh and try to survive for 1 hour and we win the game!" She yelled as her voice faded as the distance increased with every step each of them took.

Meanwhile, in school...

"Karin...Karin...KARIN!" Yelled a voice.

"Huh?!" Karin snapped out of whatever trance she was in as she looked up at Yuzu, the source of the yelling.

"I said class is over. We can go have lunch up at the rooftop." Yuzu said as she waved around their boxed lunch in front of her sister who for the last couple of minutes been starting out the window. During class time, Yuzu noticed that Karin wasn't really into the class lessons as she blankly stared out at the window.

"Oh, sorry Yuzu." Karin quickly stood up from her seat before following her sister to the roof.

"No, it's okay. Really. Is everything alright with you Karin?"

"Yeah, it just that...no never mind..." She let out a sigh as the girls continued to walk in silence. Yuzu didn't press any further, already having an idea about what was bugging Karin. It would most likely have to do with Toshiro not being here for lunch, again.

Back in Kyoto...

"Aah!" Screamed Orihime as death took its toll but she wasn't alone. By her side was Uryu who like Orihime was taken off the game when Death's touch got to them.

"I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die." Keigo chanted while hiding under a desk in the main lobby.

"Tsk. At last, I found you!." Kenpachi said as he rained down his sword onto the wooden desk.

BOOM!

The desk broke in half but Kenpachi found no soul dwelling inside.

"Mmm mm" Keigo tried to talk but someone was covering his mouth as well as constricting his arms and legs.

"Shh. He doesn't know we are here." Said a voice as they hid in the closet near where Keigo's hiding spot was before it was shattered into pieces. It was difficult for Keigo to see but he did recognize the voice as well as the person's body pressed tightly around him.

These belongs to!...

After 2 or 3 minutes of silence, the person let go of Keigo's mouth.

"I think we're in the clear." The person said before realizing how close she was to him. She quickly detached herself from him. It was quite difficult, mainly due to the small amount of space the closet contained, but eventually they were about an inch apart from each other.

She was subconsciously bringing her hand to latch onto his but caught herself with a yelp before she could complete the deed.

"What?" the boy asked, luckily the cry was barely loud enough to escape the small room.

"N-Nothing...it was nothing, I t-think I saw a bug...or something." If the enclosed space they were in have had better lighting, the boy would have seen something magnificently stunning. The face of a girl blushing, especially to the boy she may hold dear in her heart.

Back to Karin and Yuzu...

"So Karin, I heard from a very reliable source that you are planning to invite Toshiro to stay the night at our place, again." Yuzu began as she placed her empty boxed lunch down.

Karin was at the time drinking her juice. "I'm not surprised, especially when you were right there when I said that." She looked away, into the sky. The clouds were rolling in, perhaps a storm later in the evening.

"So, what did he say? Is he staying over?" Yuzu asked excitedly.

Karin continued to gaze at the sky. "He said he would keep it in mind."

"Oh." Was all that Karin heard from her sister, but then again, Yuzu spoke too soon.

"Whatever, I'll make sure he stays the night." Karin declared before finishing off her drink. Yuzu smiled from hearing Karin's response. A Karin-like response.

"Then, I should prepare a big dinner for all of us to share!" Yuzu exclaimed.

Now back to Kyoto...

Both Rukia and Ichigo were running from their predator, Kenpachi Zaraki, through the corridor. After a while, Rukia began to slow down until her legs couldn't bare to keep her elevated.

"Rukia, we have to keep going. Just a bit longer. Time is almost up." Ichigo said as he encouraged her to keep on running but to no avail. Her legs wouldn't do that which they desired. Already they have lost Chad during the run. For someone as strong and tall as Chad, he was at a disadvantage. It didn't take long for Kenpachi to slash Chad across the chest. Chad luckily pulled back just as the wooden sword swung it way to him, cutting through his shirt, leaving on a small scratch onto his dark skin.

Unfortunately for him, a scratch still count and he is gone from the game. That only leaves Rukia, Ichigo, Toshiro, Yachiru, Keigo and Tatsuki.

"Ichigo, I don't think I can make it. You should go on ahead. I'm sure you have can survive long enough for the timer to run out." Rukia suggested but Ichigo immediately gave out his answer.

"There's no way in hell I would leave you behind!"

Rukia's eyes were practically watering down tears as she latched herself onto Ichigo's body. Still, even with their "moment together", they can feel death approaching for the both from down the corner.

"Ichigo..." Rukia let out, as she found warmth and comfort within those arms from the guy she loved.

"Rukia... Hey Rukia..." Ichigo began.

"Hm?"

"I'll try to buy you some time. Just try to hide for now." Ichigo said, earning a fearful look upon Rukia stained face.

"Wha-"

"This is goodbye Rukia, stay alive for the both of us..."

"WHAT ARE YO-" Before she could finish, a simple kiss took the rest away. It was a kiss Rukia did not like. Bitter. Ichigo quickly ran back to where they were, leaving Rukia alone without her warmth.

"Ichigo!" Rukia cried out as the love of her life faced that which is worse than death itself, just to buy her some time to escape and survive.

"Rukia...goodbye!." And just like that, the blow to Ichigo's head can be heard throughout the hotel.

"IIICHIGO!"

Back to Karin and Yuzu, again...

"Hey Yuzu..." Karin began as they were on their way to class.

"Hm?"

"I'm a little curious about something. It's been on my mind for some time now."

"What? What is it Karin?"

"Well..." Karin then took a big breath before stopping. Yuzu noticed this and stopped herself to look at Karin. Karin had her head down as she spoke. "..., what exactly is Toshiro for you?"

Yuzu eyes widen by what her sister inquired. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean, what is he to you? A friend...or perhaps something more." Karin looked up as she said that last part and Yuzu could see Karin's eyes wavering.

Now back to Kyoto again...

"Tsk, that's some head you got. You broke through my wooden sword." Kenpachi said as he looked over what remained of the sword in his hand before throwing it away.

"WHAT THE HELL! YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO HIT ME THAT HARD!" Ichigo said as he grabbed Kenpachi's robes tightly.

"Ichigo, are you okay?" Rukia said, rushing in to her beloved. Almost instantly, Ichigo let go of Kenpachi and pour his attention to only one person, Rukia.

"Yeah, it was no big." Ichigo said as he tried to shrug off the pain still emitting in his head.

"But look at you, there's a bump on your sweet noggin." Rukia said, still pursuing the case. With her hand, she reached out to feel the bump.

"Like I said, it's nothing to cry about." Ichigo said, casting her hand away, unaware that it struck a nerve to Rukia.

"Oh, so you're saying I'm being too dramatic? That I'm too concern about your well-being that it's a problem."

"I didn't say that!"

"But you are implying that, were you not!"

"Look, all I said that you shouldn't be worried about a bruise like this."

"So now I'm over-protective."

"W-What? N-No... I didn't say that."

While the couple were bickering as always, Toshiro appeared with Yachiro still on his back.

"Well, it looks like this game is over. YAY! We won!" The whole time, Toshiro and Yachiru were hiding on top of the hotel, watching the others running around the building.

Yachiru looked around and noticed there were still a few people missing.

"If you were looking for everyone else, Orihime is with Uryu in the game room and Sado went to check out the hot spring." But then Toshiro eyes widen after realizing the still missing participants. "Where Tatsuki and Keigo?"

"Oh, you're right! Where are karate girl and Eustace?" And right on cue, the door from a nearby closet began banging until it opened to reveal both Tatsuki and Keigo.

"Right here!"

The sudden opening of the door left them to fall down with their body parts intertwined. Tatsuki was beyond embarrassed. It was evident from the look on her face.

"Could someone please help us?!" She urged as she tried to detach herself from Keigo who seemed to have lost consciousness.

After Toshiro helped in splitting them up, he looked at Keigo and asked, "What happened to him?"

Right away Tatsuki let out a blush before giving the look to Toshiro that she was re-living what just happened between her and Keigo. Toshiro eyes slightly became bigger.

Toshiro looked away and said, "Forget I asked."

"Thank you." Tatsuki replied, face blushed and covered by her bangs.

"Whitey! What do you want to do now?" Yachiru asked, still on his back.

"I'm going to the hot spring and then I'll call it a night." He said as he left.

"Ooh, I want to try that! Let's go!" Yachiru exclaimed as she gestured a common expression of "Onward!" with her fist up high.

"I'll look after Keigo." Tatsuki said even though everyone already left. Keigo was still out and moving him now by herself would be a challenge so instead, she gave him a pillow lap.

"You better be grateful for this..." Tatsuki said, clearly bursting the color of a cherry fruit.

Back to Toshiro and Yachiru...

"Yay! Whitey, isn't this place so big?!" Yachiru exclaimed as she ran toward the water.

"Hey, don't run!" Toshiro said as he walked in with her. The area was indeed huge, but it mostly due to the lack of other people. In fact, it was only the two of them. Taking a dip, Toshiro felt the warm sensation of the hot bath taking its toll onto his lower half as he walked deeper toward the center. Yachiru was floating toward him as Toshiro allowed the water to due it magic.

The area filled with water was the shape of a rectangle, with a single boulder in the center. Resting on the boulder, Toshiro looked up at the roofless sky. Night already began as the stars made their appearance to him.

I should have gotten here earlier.

"Isn't this relaxing..." Yachiru said, floating in front of him.

"Yes, just be sure to have your towel on at all times." Toshiro said, looking back at the sky.

"Hai!" Yachiru said as she continued to float along the water while trying to whistle a light tune.

How did I get myself into this situation? Toshiro thought.

Flashback

"Yachiru, for the last time, I'm going to the men's hot bath." Toshiro said, after a few preparations they were standing in front of the passageway to the men's side of the hot spring.

"But I always go with Kenny." Yachiru reasoned. Her eyes oblivious to the concern plaguing onto Toshiro's mind. Her sense of reason are to be feared, Toshiro thought.

"Then why don't you later go with Kenny?" Toshiro reasoned, pulling the curtains back as he placed a foot inside.

"But I want to go this time with you Whitey. Can't I?" Yachiru latched onto Toshiro's back. Toshiro looked down at her. Though she may be small, and easily mistaken to be in elementary school, she was just a year younger than him. Still, this is Yachiru he was talking to, so he need to consider not only common social standards but also Yachiru's standards.

Meaning, Toshiro needed to be sure Yachiru got what she wanted or else. Or else what? Well either one, she would explode, or two she would sneak in without his consent.

End of flashback

Better within my limits than without, I suppose. Toshiro thought as he allowed the water to melt away his trouble.

Back to Keigo and Tatsuki.

"Hm?" Keigo said as he awoke. "What happened?" Memories from a few hours ago were difficult to recover.

After a moment, his vision got the better of him as he realized who was looking down at him, asleep. It must have been a while since the last time he was conscious for Tatsuki to fall asleep. Plus, she was giving him a pillow lap. It was his dream for him to receive a pillow lap from a girl since late middle school. Now as a senior, it was happening to him!

Wait, something caught Keigo's eyes as he stared up. Since when was Tatsuki this girly. Her sleepful face almost made Keigo forget that it was Tatsuki he was gazing at. The girl who would "test" out her karate moves on him and usually the more manly one in term of confidence and strength.

Still, he couldn't ignore what he was seeing. It must truly be a rarity to see her make that face. It would make it very difficult for him to look at Tatsuki the same way ever again. His hand was about to caress the side of her face if it wasn't for sudden sound of the clock on the wall.

CUCKOO! CUCKOO! CUCKOO!

Back to Toshiro

After the hot bath, Toshiro dropped of Yachiru to Ikkaku or as she referred to him, "Baldy". From there he took some detours before returning to his room. Upon entering his room, he made his way to the balcony. Sliding the door closed, he stepped out, into the night. Toshiro didn't flip out his phone right away, instead he admired the life around the grass lands.

It wasn't until he saw something that Toshiro finally took out his phone and dialed.

Ring... Ring... Ring...

"Hello, Karin?"

"Hey Toshiro." Karin began and Toshiro smiled. Hearing her voice through his ears like that ensured him that everything was right in the world.

"Did something happen? You sound almost too happy to speak to me..."

"You could say that... I just found out something very interesting. The question is, should I tell you Toshiro?" Karin questioned. Toshiro was confused by what she found out but also curious.

"It is really that interesting?"

"Oh yeah...and then some." Karin stated. "Give me a sec..." Karin said, and Toshiro could hear some sounds that were muffled.

"Okay, can you hear me?"

"Perfectly, what was that?" Toshiro asked.

"I just sneak past Yuzu and right now I'm inside Ichigo's room, looking out of the window.

"Funny, I'm standing out on a balcony while talking to you." Toshiro revealed.

"Great mind do think alike."

"I wouldn't go that far." Toshiro said playfully. Earning an even more playful tone out of Karin.

"Watch it or else I'm not telling you zilch, capiche?"

"Hai hai." Toshiro said nonchalantly.

"Okay, now get this...I found out today that Yuzu has a crush on a guy. A GUY!" Karin exclaimed as she went over the information with Toshiro while at the same time, Yuzu was cleaning up the dishes while looking dispirited.

END OF CHAPTER 10

Well what did you think? Until next time!