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Chapter 4: Time For The Dreaded Elimination
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"Finally…" Ichigo sighed dramatically as he stared at himself in the mirror. He stood there clad in jeans and a nicely fitting t-shirt. As soon as Rukia had ushered him back into the room, Yoruichi had randomly appeared with some new clothes, and the teen was more than happy to change out of that dreaded skirt. The only bad part was that Yoruichi had to stay in the room while he was changing—just to make sure that he didn't try to escape or anything. Ichigo felt uncomfortable changing in front of her (Not that she hadn't already seen him naked due to certain bathhouse incidents which involved lots of yelling and flying shampoo bottles…), but it was so worth it getting back into those soft denim pants that actually covered his long legs.
"Feel better?" The dark skinned woman asked as she leaned back against the door, her arms crossed under her large bosom, making her look rather relaxed.
Ichigo slowly turned and eyed her with bored auburn eyes, but nodded nonetheless. "Yeah, much better. But I would've been more comfortable if you were in cat form or something… perv…" Ichigo grumbled the last part under his breath, but apparently she still heard him, because she started to chuckle, but she didn't say anything else. "So…" Ichigo continued while looking down at the floor and sitting down on the bed that stood behind him. "What's going to happen next?" He asked, wanting to be prepared for any future weird-ness.
Yoruichi slowly opened one golden eye to look at him, but then she closed it again, and a small—though evil—smile spread on her lips. It gave a certain orange-headed teen the heebie-jeebies.
"Rukia should be ushering all the bachelors to the elimination room right about now." She said, her face holding nothing but amusement.
"Wait, what? So she's going to eliminate some of the bachelors?" Ichigo said hopefully, a small hint of optimism shimmering in his eyes.
Yoruichi shook her head, and answered; "Nope. You have to go there and choose three bachelors who you think should be eliminated. Once you do, those three will never be allowed to come back and you won't have to worry about them. But in the next eliminations, you will only be allowed to eliminate one at a time, so choose wisely."
Ichigo seemed a little disappointed at first, because he had to be the one to choose, but then he smirked and began mentally listing all the bachelors off in his head.
Along with the good and bad moments.
Aizen: Man, he was a real bastard. Trying to blackmail me into choosing him and making it seem like it would be my fault if any of my friends got hurt now. Ugh… I should just make him leave. But what if he really does hurt someone…?
Chad: Aw, Chad. I'm glad he came to this, even though it is a little weird that my friend has had a crush on me for kami knows how long… But I can always trust and depend on him for anything, even if he isn't good with words.
Stark: I've never actually met the guy before, but he seemed really sweet, even charming. Though he also seemed a little… lazy I guess. But that's not really a problem, my friends and family cause enough excitement to make up for that…
Hitsugaya: He might seem like a little kid, but I know he's so smart and level-headed. He's also really cute and I know that he's no push-over. It seems like he has some relationship issues, but he came here to get closer to me, so that proves that he's willing to try to have a relationship with me.
Byakuya: Man, he's a stuck-up asshole, but he's so pretty… Yeah, but he thinks he's so cool and more amazing than everyone else! But his hair looks so soft… No Ichigo! Don't be distracted by his good looks!
Shinji: Gawd, he acted like some kind of dog in heat! I know he can be a little… clingy, but that was a little too much! But I know he's really strong, and he can be serious when he has to… Maybe I should let him stay, just to see if he'll calm down enough to take this seriously.
Renji: I actually didn't expect him to come. I thought maybe he was still hung up on Byakuya and Rukia. But then again, I should've expected it—ever since that closet incident… -insert blush here- And he's like my best friend too. Sure we bicker a lot, but it's all fun and games, and I know he would make a good and loyal boyfriend. Huh… I've never really thought of him like this before, but now that I do, he seems like a good choice. Well, maybe. I'll just have to make sure to cover my legs around him… leg fetish… -snort, laugh-
Kenpachi: Woah, I knew he likedto chase me around a lot, but I NEVER would've imagined that he thought of me in a… romantic way? He's just… huge… and giant… and well, intimidating! And fighting is probably what he likes to call 'foreplay'!
Grimmjow: … -insert another blush here-… okay, originally I would've just kicked him out and told him to leave… but he surprised me by actually being… well I wouldn't call it 'nice', but he honestly seemed like he wanted to be with me. And damn he can kiss. He also kind of helped me out with Aizen. Maybe Grimmjow isn't such a bad guy… he just sort of needs to let out some of that frustration? Well, I would be a little cranky too if I was being bossed around by Aizen.
Shuuhei: He sure knew how to make an entrance, and he was very thoughtful to bring those chocolates. I've only really hung out with him while he was drunk with the others, but now that I've actually talked to him while he's sober, he seems pretty cool.
Ishida: Sure, he's a good friend, but I highly doubt that he'd make a good partner… He's too controlling, and… well, he's got all kinds of Quincy pride that he'll just shove in my face. I'm not sure I should let him stay…
Nova: He's really, really shy and he doesn't really talk a lot. I just hope that he can open up a bit more around me. If he can't then I don't think I'd want to go out with him. And he really is rather handsome behind that hood.
Shirosaki: Now, I know that he was being unusually quiet recently, but I NEVER would've thought that he would just materialize out of nowhere and be a part of this…this… 'Game'. I'll just have to keep an eye on him, especially around Grimmjow. Who knows what kind of damage they could cause. At least they're not on the same team or anything… if they were friends, then I'd fear for all the other bachelors' sanity.
Ikkaku: … I don't really know what to think about him. He's pretty much cheating on Yumichika by being here, and they make a really cute couple… maybe I should just make him go home—back to Yumi. I'm not really that interested in the baldy anyway.
Ichigo snapped his eyes open, a new sense of determination flaring inside him. His gaze slowly roamed around until they rested upon Yoruichi's still form. "I'm ready…" He said, causing her to open her eyes and smile.
"It's about time." She snapped, but there was a playful hint to her voice, that made Ichigo chuckle.
696969696969~~~MEANWHILE WITH THE BACHELORS~~~696969696969
Right along the far side of the new, and rather large, room, in one long line, stood all fourteen bachelors. And Rukia was even bored enough to place them in order from shortest to tallest.
Of course, Toshiro wasn't too happy about this kind of arrangement…
"Okay you guys, Ichigo should be down shortly to eliminate three of you." Rukia explained as she paced back and forth in front of the assembled men, looking much like a drill sergeant.
Tension and uneasiness seemed to thicken the air, making it hard for some to even breathe. What made it worse was that they had no idea that that many guys would be eliminated, nor did they realize that it would happen so soon. The only ones who seemed unaffected by the news were Shirosaki, Aizen, and Kenpachi—if their confident and smug grins were anything to go by…
"What'll happen if we are eliminated?" A Shinji asked, and they could tell he was really nervous by the way he shivered.
Rukia stopped pacing and snapped her deep blue eyes towards the blond, a mischievous smile dancing across her glossy lips. "You'll see." Was all she said, making the vizard gulp audibly, and just as she began pacing again, the double doors flew open.
In walked Yoruichi, her long dark hair flowing gracefully behind her, and her piercing golden eyes held an amused glint to them. Next to come tumbling in was Matsumoto, her bosom and face wasn't really visible through the bushel of roses she carried. And the last person to walk in was the one and only Ichigo Kurosaki.
All the bachelors' eyes went straight to the teen, who made the whole room light up. It seemed like the orange-head had regained a lot of his lost pride and confidence now that he was no longer wearing that small, revealing skirt. All the tension and weariness that began to stick to everyone vanished under Ichigo's calming presence, but the bachelors' mood darkened once again when a certain young Kuchiki began clearing her throat loudly to get their attention.
It was silent as everyone waited for the three newcomers to walk to the other side of the room and once they did, Rukia immediately began talking.
"Alright guys. Here's how this is going to work! Ichigo is going to call up the name of the bachelors that will not be leaving. When your name is called out, Ichigo will explain why he wants you to stay, and then you will come over and receive a rose from the amazing bachelorette." At this she paused when said teen growled at her, but she merely shrugged it off. "Good luck. I'll be back to get the remaining Bachelors." She giggled as she made her way out of the room, the door closing silently behind her.
Matsumoto giggled lightly, breaking the silence and then she happily handed Ichigo the first rose. The teen remained silent for a second as he twirled the crimson flower between his long fingers, and a sense of nervousness seemed to wash over him as all eyes watched him expectantly. But he steeled himself and everyone seemed to hold their breath in anticipation as the luscious berry finally opened his mouth.
"Renji."
A certain redheaded lieutenant immediately looked up with wide eyes and he couldn't stop the shout of victory from coming out. His fist flew into the air in excitement and not even the multiple glares he was now receiving could shift his giddiness.
"You are one of my good friends," Ichigo continued, making the redhead quickly sober in order to pay close attention to the berry. "And I don't want to see you leave just yet, but if you can't make me see you as more than just a friend, then I'm afraid you might not make it past the next few eliminations." He warned with a stern expression—the famous scowl slipping onto his face effortlessly.
Renji quickly nodded in understanding and Ichigo was glad to see that determined look on his face, the same look he got when he was ready to face any challenge.
Everyone watched as the redhead walked forward to gently take the rose from the bachelorette. He grinned and bowed slightly before returning to his spot in the line.
Ichigo took a deep breath so he could calm himself before taking another rose from the big-breasted lieutenant. He didn't waste much time and called the next name out.
"Shinji."
Said blonde quickly let out a sigh of bliss and his knees nearly buckled in relief. Grinning broadly, he walked forward until he was almost in front of the teen, who was now eyeing him with an unreadable expression.
"Listen…" The teen snapped, making the other freeze and lock eyes with him nervously. "I like you, and I'm grateful to you for showing me how to somewhat control that crazy bastard over there." Ichigo gestured towards a certain smirking albino. "But you seriously need to control your libido, or I will be forced to cut off your dick so I don't have to worry about you somehow raping me with it."
Shinji flushed in guilt/embarrassment and his grin disappeared when he heard the others snickering behind him.
"I'm not trying to make you feel bad… you just need to take this a little more seriously if you want to have any chance with me." Ichigo explained, his scowl softening a little as he passed the rose to the other vizard.
Shinji seemed somewhat crest-fallen as he trudged away, but the teen could tell that he was still happy to know that he wasn't leaving at least.
Once the blond was back to his spot between Nova and Shuuhei, Ichigo cleared his throat and snatched up another rose before speaking again.
"Stark."
A soft growl erupted from Shirosaki as he watched the lazy Espada move forward with narrowed golden irises.
Stark stopped when he was just a few steps away from the berry and looked down at him while offering a small smile. The corner of Ichigo's lips twitched up in a small smile as well as he offered the rose to the man.
"Even though I just met you today, I did feel a certain connection with you. I can't explain it, but either way, I see no reason why you shouldn't stay. I hope to see a lot more of you." Ichigo said, which made the other bachelors a little (no, a lot) jealous.
Stark nodded once and all he said was, "Thank you." Then he began walking away, the crimson flower being held delicately in his gloved hand.
Short, sweet and simple. Just how Ichigo liked it.
Shaking his head he quickly called out the next name.
"Toshiro."
Said captain, who had seemed to be in a daze, snapped back into reality at the sound of his name and he then calmly began to walk forward with his head held high—all the while trying to ignore Matsumoto's excited waving.
Once close enough, he stopped and held Ichigo's soft gaze.
"I know we don't really know all that much about one another, even though we've been fighting alongside each other for a while, but I'd really like to get to know more about you." Ichigo simply said, and he had to lean down slightly to pass the flower to the captain, but neither one seemed to mind.
"Thank you." Toshiro said, and the smallest hint of a blush began to dust his cheeks, but he turned and fled back to the line before Ichigo could notice.
"Chad." The berry said, and he smiled lightly when the large Hispanic moved forward immediately. No one could see the look in his eyes past those dark wavy bangs, but Ichigo could tell that the teen was happily surprised.
"I'm actually glad you came here, and I know we have a strong connection. I can always depend on you, and I always feel at ease around you. I hope to see you more before this is all over." The bachelorette felt his smile turn a little silly as he looked up at the other teen and then he raised his hand to give him a rose. Chad nodded silently and nodded back before slowly taking the item in his large, powerful hands.
Once Chad was back to his spot, Ichigo couldn't help but notice how the other bachelors were beginning to squirm anxiously. Some had a worried expression, while others looked like they were trying to stay calm—but were failing miserably.
"Grimmjow." Ichigo called and he had an urge to shake his head when said bluenette's shoulders sagged a little with relief and a rather large grin split across his face. He walked forward with steady, confident steps and he seemed to be in no rush as he slowed to a stop right in front of the teen.
Ichigo's auburn eyes narrowed at the Espada, and his lips pursed as he tried to think of exactly what to say.
"You…" He started, making Grimmjow's smirk widen, "Were the most confusing out of all the bachelors…" The smirk shrunk a little and a light-blue brow rose quizzically.
"How so?"
Ichigo eyed the man critically as he tried to organize his thoughts.
"I always thought of you as a… well, a brute. But after seeing you be so polite—Okay, well maybe not polite—but during that whole thing I felt like you weren't being pushy or angry in any way, like you were a totally different person or something." Ichigo tried to explain, but he just knew that that had sounded so much better in his head. His thoughts weren't coming out as well as he'd hoped.
Dark blue eyes narrowed in amusement as they eyed the berry's fidgeting form. Slowly, the Espada leaned forward until his face was right in front of Ichigo's, and the teen had to stop himself from backing away suspiciously.
"Well, ya tend ta do tha' ta people, Ichigo." Grimmjow said lowly, but somehow it was loud enough for most of the occupants in the room could hear. Before the carrot-top could retort, the bluenette quickly slipped the rose from the teen's lax fist and gave him a wink before walking away.
Matsumoto and Yoruichi noticed the wink and they couldn't suppress their giggles, which made Ichigo's face glow bright red.
'It's bad enough that he actually said my name instead of those stupid nicknames, but then he had to go and wink to remind me of that kiss! I hate being attracted to jerks that're nice sometimes…' Ichigo had a sudden urge to chuck his shoe at the retreating hollow, but decided against it—He could always take his frustrations out on Kon or something.
Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, he calmed himself down before calling out the next name.
"Shuuhei."
The dark-haired shinigami let out a quiet sigh of relief and he saw Matsumoto give him a thumbs up as he walked forward. He tried to keep his face expressionless, but he couldn't help the small smile from forming on his lips when he looked down at the berry's own smiling face.
"I really enjoyed talking with you today, Shuuhei. And you know, you're a really cool person when you're sober." Ichigo teased, but Shuuhei could tell that the teen was hinting to the fact that they had never actually hung out when he and the gang weren't drinking.
He heard Renji and Matsumoto chuckle knowingly at that, making him drop his gaze to the floor sheepishly.
"You don't have to look so guilty." Ichigo chuckled, and the raven-haired lieutenant shifted a little nervously, but smiled, and gratefully took the rose with a nod.
"Shirosaki."
"Ha~! I knew you wouldn't make me leave, king." The hollow chuckled victoriously and he grinned when he received multiple glares, practically soaking in the murderous intent rolling off of them with sadistic satisfaction. He also couldn't help but notice that Grimmjow seemed especially peeved about this.
Shiro was about to start walking forward, but he stopped at the sound of Ichigo's harsh voice.
"No. Stay where you are." The teen demanded and he was slightly surprised when his hollow actually did what he was told—though reluctantly.
Both beings were silent as they stared each other down, and the other bachelors didn't really know what to think as they kept moving their gazes back and forth between the two look-alikes.
"I…" Ichigo paused for a second as he tried to get the sudden lump to clear from his throat. "I have to admit that you—of all people—seem to understand me most… which isn't surprising since you're practically a part of me." He scowled down at his boot-clad feet (Yoruichi had conveniently "forgotten" to bring him a pair of sneakers… and, hell, she could've brought him sandals for all he cared.)
Shiro remained silent as he watched the berry fidget restlessly on the balls of his feet, but he smirked when those shining auburn eyes pinned him with that stubborn glare.
"I'm warning you now though Shiro, if you come over here and take this rose, and if you stay here, then you must promise to keep your hands to yourself!" The teen snapped, his expression dead-serious.
The hollow's smirk quickly fell to an uneasy frown, and golden eyes narrowed in slight anger. His white head slowly tilted to the side as he considered his options, and everyone waited with their curious eyes glued to the colorless life form (all except Stark who had found a lovely corner to snooze in).
Sighing in defeat, Shirosaki finally stepped forward so he could pluck the rose from Matsumoto's grip—since Ichigo had refused to grab another one, finding it more important to keep a close eye on Shiro.
They looked at each other and sparks seemed to fly between them (whether from anger, frustration, or sexual tension—no body would know) and the hollow began talking as he lifted the crimson flower until its velvety pedals brushed his nose.
"I'm not really happy about being cockblocked, partner. But you know I'd do anything for you." A soft chuckle ghosted past his lips when he saw Ichigo's face automatically turn bright red, and before the teen could yell at him, he flash-stepped back to his original spot between Renji and Aizen, making a few jump in surprise.
Ichigo wanted to stomp his feet childishly at his hollow's attitude, but quickly brushed it off and snapped the next name.
"Nova!" He didn't realize that his voice sounded so irritated until he saw the hooded man flinch slightly, and he immediately felt guilty about it. Softening his eyes to a smooth chocolate brown, he repeated the name more calmly. "Nova, please come here. Sorry I snapped at you like that." He said, and that seemed to relax the shy modsoul enough to shuffle forward until he was in front of the shorter boy.
Ichigo smiled softly up at Nova and offered the rose, which the other took gratefully.
"I'm glad you're here Nova, and you know… you look really cute under that hoodie. And I hope you will be able to warm up to me a little more." Ichigo chuckled, and he flicked his gaze towards the hoodie that the redhead would constantly use to shut out others and hide his face.
Nova seemed to understand what Ichigo was hinting at and he nodded his head, and he whispered, "I'll try my best." And he then walked back.
When Ichigo looked back over the bachelors, he could tell that the people's whose names he hadn't called yet were getting really anxious, if their nervous sweating was anything to go by. He turned to Matsumoto and took the last two roses in one hand before returning his gaze to the others.
"If I haven't called your name yet then please take a step forward." He ordered, making Byakuya, Kenpachi, Aizen, Ikkaku and Ishida do so immediately. They waited with held breaths for Ichigo to say the next lucky bachelor's name.
"Byakuya, you surprised me by showing up. I honestly hadn't thought you had any interest in me… but if you truly want to be with me, then you're going to have to drop that superior attitude enough to make me believe that you at least care about me a little." Ichigo hummed with a scowl, but the Kuchiki only nodded as he took his rose. Ichigo sighed at the expected response from the stoic captain before shrugging indifferently.
Each remaining bachelor was now staring at the teen hopefully and Ichigo decided to keep quiet for a while (just to prolong the dramatic effect) as he teasingly tapped the rose against his chin.
Why would he torture the poor men so, you ask??
Because he can.
Finally Ichigo opened his mouth and spoke the last and final name.
"Kenpachi."
Said captain smirked broadly, showing off sharp white teeth, and the others looked on in utter disbelief as the large man stomped forward in a superior matter.
"Look here." Ichigo started as he stared up at the shinigami towering over him. "I like you but I don't like, like you…" At Kenpachi's confused expression, the teen tried to clarify. "Meaning, you're a good fighter and I enjoy your company when you're not being a complete asshole. But I can't exactly see myself having a relationship with you yet." He explained, causing a frown to appear on the other's scarred face. Kenpachi grunted in understanding before taking the rose and walking away.
Just as he returned to his spot, Rukia came rushing through the door.
"Are you guys done yet?" She asked, catching everyone's attention.
"Yeah, Ichigo just finished." Yoruichi answered as she stood up straight, moving herself from the wall.
"Wait!" It was Ikkaku who spoke and he had a disappointed, but determined look on his face. "Can't you at least tell us why we weren't allowed to stay?" He asked, his eyes staring right into Ichigo's.
The teen sighed and nodded slowly, making everyone automatically shift back to where they were before… (except Stark, who was still asleep and Rukia remained near the door.)
"Aizen, you obviously know why I didn't say your name, so I won't even waste my breath on you." Ichigo growled and said king of Hueco Mundo merely gazed coolly at the angry teen. "Ishida, You're a good friend, but that's all you'll ever be to me." Ichigo sighed, making the Quincy look down at the ground dejectedly. "And besides, you're a little too fruity for my taste." The teen added as an afterthought, causing the other to bristle with suppressed rage. "Ikkaku, you need to go back to Yumichika. You two make a good couple, and I really don't want to get between that." Said bald shinigami winced in slight guilt and averted his gaze.
The room was quiet until Rukia started shouting again. "Okay! Now that that's over! Yoruichi and Matsumoto will escort you three out of the mansion and if the rest of you will follow me, I'll show you to your new rooms." With that said she turned on her heel and walked out the door.
After a minute, Ichigo found himself in the room alone, and now that he was able to think clearly in the quiet, he wondered to himself if he'd made the right choices.
Aizen found himself getting angrier and angrier with each step he took, and a sudden urge to just take the berry and escape to Hueco Mundo sounded very appealing to him at the moment.
Just as he was about to turn back around in blind rage, he was stopped by a strong hand on his shoulder. He snapped his head to the side and his dark eyes caught sight of a playful smirk and unruly blond hair hidden beneath a green and white striped hat.
"What do you want…?" Aizen questioned, sounding much calmer than he actually felt.
The mischievous blond chuckled knowingly and began ushering him through another hallway, away from the disappearing forms of Ishida, Ikkaku, Yoruichi and Matsumoto.
"I have a little idea that I was hoping you could help me with." Urahara explained, a playful gleam in his eyes, and Aizen couldn't help but feel curious.
"This plan might help you get another shot with Ichigo if you really want." Kisuke urged on, his smile growing wider.
Aizen huffed out a breath and shrugged—How could he say no?