I WANT TO APOLOGIZE! I SENT IN THE WRONG COPY AND DIDN'T HAVE MY THANKS TO MY PEOPLE! I AM SO SORRY GUYS! I dedicate this chapter to those whom I forgot. Their names are: As always I want to thank Kohaku Hisagi without whom I would not be posting this right now. . . and JoaNymAr12 who has reviewed every chapter for me. . . I love you :'). . .and kRyStAlt3Rz who has an awesome name ;). . .and heyitsrae who sends the longest reviews that keep me happy all day. . . and Dragon of Twilight who also sends pretty cool length reviews . . . and animefan119 who gives me really good opinions. Thank you all for reviewing! (I keep all of my emails of it :) ) Okay and I want to say something real quick. This story is for me and my friends to become closer to Bleach. Kohaku is my friend in real life. Aya is my sister. Saya is another one of my friends. They are paired with their favorite characters so it may not be pairings you like. I know Rukia should be with Renji and all that but for this story its this way. I completely agree with them being with other characters and I hope you still love it :) Thank you all so much!

Chapter 12 *MY FAVORITE NUMBER!*

Aya ran over and jumped on Kohaku. I blanked. How-? What-? When-? I glanced at Shuuhei for help but he just shook his head and continued to glance at Kohaku in a loving way. Poor guy was deep. I couldn't even imagine what would happen to him if they split up. Images of people in a torture flashed in my head.

"This is crazy. . ." I muttered as I walked down the steps. "You guys know each other?" I asked pointedly at them.

"Yeah! We are old time friends! Sisters are more likely. We should be!" Kohaku bounced as she spoke.

"Wherever did you fine her?" Aya said in her soft voice.

"I didn't mean to." I murmured but they didn't hear me, instead Kohaku answered.

"I met him because of him!" she pointed to Shuuhei. "I decided to become a soul reaper and this guy is the perfect practice opponent . . .and he's no that bad a guy either." she added with a wink. Shuuhei smiled and took that as his moment to make is appearance. His dark, spiky hair was pointing in every which way and his sixty-nine tattoo seemed to grow bolder when he walked closer to her. He looked happier.

"Hello, I am Shuuhei Hisagi. I am Kohaku's." he said simply in his deep voice. Akira's eyes widened and Aya put on a . . .strangely dangerous smile. Takaji looked disappointed . . . probably upset Shuuhei was taken. I watched as his eyes roamed over the poor guy, but Shuuhei was for too gone into his "Kohaku world" that he didn't notice. Hanna and Lanna looked at each other with sort of a creepy understanding way and nodded without even saying a word to each other. I prayed that was not a bad thing.

"So you've taken our little Kohaku away from us?" Aya said with a chilling smile. Shuuhei didn't seem to be too phased.

"Yes, and I wouldn't change it for anything." he said in a very serious tone. Aya's smile grew. What happened to that sweet girl. . .?

"She has several personalities." the twins said in the same whisper. Woah! When did they get so close! I jumped. "She just keeps the sweet one for most of the time." Lanna finished.

"Ah." I replied with a sort of strangled face. This was one weird group . . .But our little conversation stopped so we could hear the rest of the conversation.

"Well it looks like you got a winner here, Kohaku." Akira smiled. "Would you guys like to join us for breakfast?" Akira was kind to accept him so quickly. I mean he had a sixty-nine on his face. That was a pervert sign. I wondered what the story behind it was . . .he wasn't a pervert himself. Maybe Kohaku knew.

"That would be lovely." Kohaku said in a Texas drawl. Shuuhei nodded. Guess this meant they were all going to breakfast. I made a move to go back inside.

"Wait! Your comings too, aren't you, Whites?" Akira looked up with hurt eyes. Her kindness . . .

"Yeah! Let's get little man and go! I'm hungry!" Kohaku smiled at me making me feel like we had been friends for years.

"Sure." I replied. "Let me change." I walked back inside to change.

"You don't want any help?" yelled Saya in a laughing voice.

"Oh we don't mind!" Yelled Kohaku and Aya. Akira laughed. I turned red and shut the door quickly.

I dressed in my best outfit I had got from the store and tried to get my hair to work. It didn't. It never strayed from the spikes. But it matched me I guess. Only when I realized how odd I was being did I give up and walked out.

"Lets get outta here." I spoke deeply as I walked out the door.

"Yes, sire. Almighty king of the Damned." Kohaku bowed dramatically.

"Hey! Why the damned huh? Trying to say something . . .?" I spoke reproachable. She laughed and walked off. I made a face as she walked off that made Shuuhei come over.

"One thing to learn about Kohaku, she doesn't need a reason to be random." he smiled and followed her. Jesus! How do people deal with so many others at a time? I was having such a hard time with just one. An odd feeling to smile came over me. I shoved it down. It would be silly to have any reason to smile now. I was going to breakfast with a bunch of crazy people. But that feeling followed me.

I watched the back of Akira as I walked. She kept sneaking glances at me . . .they were normal looks at first, like smiles you know . . .then she winked and started making faces when no one was looking. I held back laughter as she did a face that made her look like a scared monkey. I saw the twins steal a knowing glance in my direction . . .they were so creepy . . .all knowing . . . When Aya looked at Akira because she was giggling Akira just put on a face of innocence. She winked at me. She was just so . . .I shook my head and felt a small smile touch my face as we neared town.

We went to the same place as last time. I looked to see Kanda was here this time. He was talking animated with Renji and Shuuhei . . .when did Renji get here? I guessed he was probably waiting here for Saya. She was at his side. Her arm linked tightly in his and every time he would say something she didn't like she would sneak a hand up his shirt. That made him jump a foot in the air every time she did it. She, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy it. Kohaku seemed to see how well that worked and picked it up easily.

I tried to seem casual as I took a seat next to Akira. There was no need for her to know how badly, for reasons I could not explain, I wanted to sit by her. As hard as I tried she seemed to notice. I let a soft smile touch her face and looked straight ahead as she bumped her shoulder into my upper arm. . .God I loved how I was taller. . .I straightened up, even if she got that I had wanted to sit by her I would not let her know I had liked that she had wanted to do the same.

We both ordered an omelet and a soda. I noticed Renji and Shuuhei were both looking at me with disbelief as if I would poof into thin air any moment. I chose to ignore them. Though it didn't seem necessary with Kanda there, wanting to know about being a soul reaper. I liked that guy. The twins and Takaji were sitting at the same table talking, well Takaji talked and the sisters just nodded at the same time. Takaji didn't seem to mind. Aya and Kenaka were sitting across from us. They were making small talk with us, bringing me into the conversation with a question or two.

After we were done eating we just decided to stay put for a while and relax. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves so Akira agreed we could order a few coffees and milks to keep the place from kicking us out. I rose from the table, feeling Akira's eyes on me, and walked over to Shuuhei and Renji.

"Abarai, Shuuhei, may I speak with you a moment?" I spoke in a casual but firm enough to get my point across voice. I didn't want anyone else catching hints that I was a Captain. Renji nodded and Shuuhei replied with a casual "sure". We walked to a uncrowded corner and I leaned against the wall both of them stood in front of me.

"You are in no kind of trouble so you can relax, Shuuhei." I spoke in a low but normal tone. "I simply want to know how Matsumoto is getting along." realization sank into their features and they loosened.

"She's good. She seems to be working hard." Shuuhei spoke, his voice now in its element.

"Yeah, she said she is tired of so much work but she wants you to have a nice break so she is trying hard. She hasn't called as many get-togethers but there is one tomorrow." Renji answered as well. He was part of her little drinking posse so I knew it would be good to ask him.

"And is she putting any work on you two, or others for that matter?" I continued.

"Well for the Captain documents she is getting Ukitake and Shunsui to sign them for her. She is reading them though. They just sign." Shuuhei reported.

"Yeah and they seem to like the excuse to help her get some responsibility. Shocked me too." Renji added as he saw my face.

"Thank you. I hope this hasn't bothered you two badly." I said formally. I just wanted to get back to the table. I wondered what Akira's favorite color was. . .? She liked bright things in rainbow colors but what was her favorite? I walked off without waiting for their replies. I just had to know her favorite color. I would have to learn by observation and conversations though. I would never in all my life ask such a stupid question.

After I joined the table we just continued the small conversations. We only stayed about ten minutes more then we all decided it was time to go. But, go where?

"I vote shopping!" Takaji smiled and raised his hand while he shot out the suggestion. A few of the girls nodded furiously.

"I vote bar hopping!" Kyo raised his hand with Usui whom made the vote. This is where it went down hill. Everyone wanted to do something different. I looked at Akira. She didn't seem to like the idea of everyone splitting up. I sighed.

"Why don't we go bowling?" I said in a low voice but somehow everyone heard it over the loud arguing. It got quiet as they considered. Several people blinked and looked around. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Kyo's green hair bobbing, nodding his head. I knew if I got Kyo I also got Usui and Takaji. They always liked the same things, besides shopping. That was just Taka.

"That sounds nice."

"Dude, I could beat all yalls butts!" Kenaka yelled.

"Whatever!"

"I'm definitely the best!"

"Thats it lets bet!"

"Five on myself!" The idea seemed to work. I had never been bowling. I have no clue what made me say it. I didn't even know if I could bowl. . . Only when someone said 'Ten on White!' did I go back to the conversation.

"No, I have never bowled before." I spoke calmly. "That wouldn't be wise."

"Nah I'm sure you'll be okay." Usui said. So it was him who made the bet.

"Yeah, I bet five on the small dude too." Kyo nodded seriously.

"Whatever." I mumbled. I was so going to make a full of myself. What if I did? No! I was a Captain. I would try my best . . .I was so dead. I prayed training would help in this.

We headed to the alley, everyone ready in excitement. Akira looked like she was about to start glowing she was so happy. I told her I had passes so she didn't need to worry about pay. Though I would need to pay for the shoes I kept that to myself.

"So how many games?" Usui asked.

"I'm not sure, how many do you guys want? Pay as we go?" I turned to Akira. She was putting her long hair into a ponytail. She nodded.

"Yeah, we don't know if we will all like it. Don't want to buy to many." she agreed.

"Awesome, you are going down, gay-man!" Kyo nudged Taka, whom smiled and nudged back. Hana and Lana were doing their little communication thing with out speaking. All the girls seemed to put their hair up and seemed almost as into it as the guys.

"Okay lets put something in it for the winner." Kenaka smiled evilly.

"Ooh! Like what, though?" Usui's eyebrows pulled together.

"Money?" Kyo asked.

"No we don't have that." Taka sighed.

"How about they get to choose the meals for a week." Aya smiled sweetly. Akira gaped at her.

"Yeah!"

"Awesome!"

"I am so gonna win!"

"Um, I'm not so sure I can cook gourmet food for a week . . ." Akira said nervously.

"I will help." I said without even thinking. My mind seemed to automatically want to help her.

"No, it's not your house to worry about it." She looked down. My heart seized up. I knew that. But, why did it feel like a knife had just entered my chest? I felt my face shut down.

"No, that's right. I'm going to set up the games." I spoke calmly. She didn't mean to hurt me. She would never hurt anybody. So why did I feel so bad? No, Toshirou, a Captain doesn't need to worry about things like that. I got the shoes and games and we started the competition.

"I am so killin' all of ya'll! " Kenaka yelled as he finished tying his shoes.

"Yes, yes, we heard you the first seventy four times." Kanda said coolly.

"Just making sure you freaks get it!" he smiled.

"Okay." I got their attention. "Who wants to go first?"

Then we started. We ended up having to pull straws to see who would go when. It was a completely random order but everyone seemed pretty happy just to be able to bowl. I was last. I didn't want to pull straws so I just called it. I was content with letting them have their fun. Plus, I wasn't even sure I was good. But I didn't plan to make a fool of myself. I was a Captain. I had responsibility to uphold.

Everyone seemed to be okay. Usui even got a strike, though he even looked shocked, and a few others got spares so all in all they did well. Then it was Aya's turn. She had a mean throw even though she didn't always make it. But if she hit a few pins they would fly and hit the others. It was a scary feeling to have. She was dangerous . . .

Akira was pretty good too. She only got a few gutters and then she got a few spares. I couldn't help but smile when I saw her turn around every time it happened and her face was glowing brighter than the sun itself. It was like a kid opening a Christmas present early to find his favorite toy they never even thought they could get. She looked so innocent.

"Toshirou! Your turn!" Usui called. I looked up and blinked. So quick?

"Thanks. Coming." I grabbed my ball and walked up to the wood.

The ball felt reassuring in my hand. All I had to do was hit the pins. That wouldn't be too hard. In fact, it seemed too easy. I smiled down at the ball in my hand and lifted it experimentally. This would be easier than training . . .

I ran up to the lane and let the ball go straight down the center and my arm felt great. I didn't even look to see what I got I just looked at my arm and flexed it. I turned to look at the pins but the thing was already sweeping them away. I shrugged. It was just a game. I turned back to head to sit down and stopped. Everyone was gaping at me.

"What?" I asked. I didn't like the attention. "What happened?" I looked down. I wasn't forgetting my shoes or something was I?

"Holy crap . . ." Kenaka whispered.

"How in the hell . . .?" Kyo mumbled.

"Yes?" I asked again, a little peeved they wouldn't explain.

"You got a strike!" Akira cheered. She smiled and hugged me, joined by the other girls.

"Wait! Wait! I got a strike? What does that mean?" I asked, pulling back.

" . . . Um that means you got them all." Akira smiled largely. I felt a small smile form on my face as well. All of them? That was better than I had hoped. Maybe I could do this.

"Who's next?" I smiled.

The night continued on in a heated matter. All the guys were determined to beat me but I was on a strike streak. I liked this game. Maybe whenever I got another vacation I would go again . . . Wait! Did I just think 'another vacation'? No a Captain shouldn't be so selfish. Plus, didn't I not want this vacation?

What was wrong with me lately?

In the end we did seventeen games and I won all of them. I don't know how I did it. I heard Kenaka whisper to Kyo and Usui "Maybe we could enter him into a competition and win some money . . ." Then Aya reminded me that I had also won the prize. One week of cooking from Akira, that sounded good. But, I would also choose restaurants as well so she wouldn't have to cook. Maybe I would even help her cook, if she would let me that it. I had learned to be a fairly decent cook when Gran was sick . . . I needed to get out.

"I give the prize to Akira." I announced when we were outside.

"What?" she turned to look at me.

"I don't want it. You need it more than me." I spoke calmly.

"But, you won it fair and square!" she put her hands on her hips in a cute way. It struck my heart. I couldn't get close to her. I couldn't be there for her.

"Hey, I'm the landlord. I can do what I want with my stuff right? That includes stuff I win." I continued to walk. "That means you should probably stop by the market to get stuff you want for the next week." I called over my shoulder.

I was already close by so I decided to stop by to see Rangiku. She was doing a good job but even she could slip up every once in a while. I was not sure if it was a good time to ever try to deal with her, I was already in a bad mood. But when it came down to it I had to do my duty as a Captain. That came above all else.

I headed to my office with a slight drag in my step. Something made me want to go back to Akira. Her face was stuck in my mind, her smile, her frown, her everything. What was wrong with me? This had never happened before. The only girls I could seem to stand were Rangiku and Momo and they didn't even stay with me often. While I was pondering, wondering what was so different about her and I, Shuuhei and Kohaku showed up in my mind. His face when he looked at her explained what I felt every time my eyes found her. But he only looked like that because he was deeply in love with her.

I stopped walking. No. That was impossible. I didn't even know her that well. This vacation was messing me up in extreme ways. I had been working for years. I was good at it. And now that I had left it I didn't know what to do.

Oh my God! I did it! Woop woop! Thank you so much for staying with me guys. I know you may be a little frustrated with me but I'm trying! Promise! ) Okay and I want to say something real quick. This story is for me and my friends to become closer to Bleach. Kohaku is my friend in real life. Aya is my sister. Saya is another one of my friends. They are paired with their favorite characters so it may not be pairings you like. I know Rukia should be with Renji and all that but for this story its this way. I completely agree with them being with other characters and I hope you still love it :) Thank you all so much!