"Blackmail"

"Are you going to work already?" Ichigo mumbled into the pillow. Rukia woke up that morning naked beside him beneath the sheets. When she recalled last night's events, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed. It was her first time with a man - her first time making love.

Rukia quickly changed into her work clothes. One good thing that came out of telling the truth to Ichigo was that she didn't have to change clothes back and forth anymore. Not having to lie to him anymore made her feel so much more light in the chest ."I'll see you later," she told, putting on her white blazer while fixing her short hair.

Ichigo sat up, still weary. Rukia darted her eyes away from him because he was still nude. Of course, he had a beautiful body that no girl would dare look away from, but her shyness would never allow her to become a complete pervert. "Rukia," Ichigo called to her. He grinned childishly, "I'm glad you're back to normal."

Rukia was a little surprised; her clenched jaw relaxed and she returned the smile. "Me too."

Ichigo ran his hand across the bed, lost in thought. "It's the second time we slept together in the same bed," he noted. Everything was falling into place - nothing could go wrong now. "Kiss me," he asked.

Rukia clutched onto her bag, looking at the clock. "Just a quick one," she said, leaning towards his puckering lips and giving them a fast peck.

Ichigo ran a thumb across his bottom lip, "Always a tease," he shook his head before seeing her off.

Break Time

"Did something good happen? It seems like you're... glowing." Rangiku eyeballed Rukia while they were eating lunch at a nearby fast food place. Rukia cleared her throat before denying it. Rangiku shrugged, "Well, have you decided on who you're bringing to the cocktail party? Or are you going to bring that boyfriend of yours?"

Rukia set down her water, feeling stumped. "I finally told him about me working at Gotei 13 and he didn't have a problem with it... but I don't think I can take him to the party because my brother will be there."

Rangiku sighed, pitying Rukia. "Well, it'd be shameful if you came to the party without a date. You sure you don't want to go to a mixer with me?" She pointed her fork at Rukia.

"I'm fine," Rukia told. Besides, it's not like Ichigo would let her go to one anyway. He'd probably kill Kon and serve the rabbit to her without her knowing just to punish her if she were to go the mixer.

"Why don't you just tell your brother about your relationship? I mean, your boyfriend understood you. Who knows, maybe Byakuya will too-"

"You don't know my brother," Rukia sulked. "I was adopted by him into his family. Because of that, I can't defy him at all; I owe him. My life isn't my own anymore." She burdened the Kuchiki name, and with it came responsibility and expectations she had to meet. Dating Ichigo was considered taboo already.

"If your brother is that kind of man who is strict, then why'd he adopt someone like you? No offense intended," Rangiku said, laughing awkwardly. Rukia shrugged. Even she didn't know why Byakuya decided to take her, an outsider, into the Kuchiki family. "Well, I'll be heading back now. And relax, kiddo," Rangiku winked before leaving.

Rukia sighed, wondering what she should do. Thinking about it, it was a bad idea from the start to start a secret relationship with Ichigo. Of course she didn't regret it, but now she worried how it would work out. What if one day they decided to get married? What would happen? "Ah, what am I doing, thinking ahead into the future?" she laughed, feeling stupid. Not once did she used to think about marriage and family, but thinking about it now... it sounded nice.

Rukia gaited slowly toward her workplace. The distance between the fast food place and the Gotei 13 was quite short. Cars drove through the streets and people walked along the sidewalk to get to their destinations. It was like any other ordinary day, that was... until Rukia felt a tap on her shoulder. "I caught a bunny," spoke the menacing voice.

"What do you want?" Rukia asked, seeing the blue haired man from last time. Rukia sighed in relief, seeing that they were out in public where everyone could see them; he wouldn't dare lay a hand on her.

Grimmjow sneered at her with despise. "I don't get why boss is so desperately trying to get that bastard to work for him when he has me to reel in all the money," Grimmjow cursed beneath his breath.

Rukia was puzzled by what Grimmjow meant. "Lunatic."

""Lu-...!" Grimmjow restrained himself from wringing Rukia's tiny neck. He cracked a twitching smile, "I couldn't help but notice your conversation with that chick earlier," he spoke, reaching out and running a finger beneath Rukia's chin; Rukia smacked him away. "Feisty..."

"It's not polite to eavesdrop," Rukia tapped her foot, waiting for the walk sign to let her cross the street. Was the guy stalking her?

"And it's not polite to lie to others. It seems you're desperately trying to hide a secret from your brother," Grimmjow breathed against her neck, "should I expose the truth to him?"

Rukia raised her hand to him, failing as he grabbed her wrist. "What do you want?"

Grimmjow smirked sadistically, enjoying the fear in Rukia's eyes. He liked dominating others and having power over them; he liked being in control. "Hm, now that I have your attention, what should I make you do?" He towered over her, pulling her towards him. "Maybe I should have you be my personal slave?"

Rukia glared daggers at him.

"Or maybe I should have you sleep with me," Grimmjow laughed, seeing Rukia become pale. "Why not? If you love that damn Kurosaki so much, you should at least try to experience what it's like to prostitute to get a feel of what it's like to be in his shoes."

Rukia's knees shook; she felt like her lungs were being constricted. She was paralyzed, unable to respond.

Grimmjow finally pulled away, "Just kidding." He looked over his shoulder, "See ya around," he saluted before disappearing into the crowd.

"Tell me, is this fate or coincidence?" Nnoitra asked, chuckling at the sight of an annoyed Ichigo.

Ichigo left the apartment to shop for groceries to make dinner tonight; he thought it would be a good day. Turns out, he was completely wrong. He never expected to encounter this creepy man again. He thought to himself, the Lord must be testing his patience. "This is a curse," Ichigo uttered, walking around the man.

"So this is the notorious Kurosaki-kun," a smooth, deep voice spoke. Ichigo turned around, seeing a tall, average-looking, polite man. He had brown hair that was slicked back and a face that didn't seem malicious. However, there was something about his aura that made him... unlikeable. He extended his hand to Ichigo, who looked at it with disgust. "My name is Aizen Sosuke. I am pleased to finally meet you."

Ichigo understood right away that this was the 'boss' that Grimmjow had been spewing about. "Ah, so you're their pimp eh?" Ichigo sarcastically spoke. "I'm not interested, so get lost."

Aizen, however, only chuckled at Ichigo's snide remarks. "I believe you'll be an important asset to Hueco Mundo with your previous experiences. Won't you reconsider?" he smiled charmingly. Behind him stood two other men. One of them was dark skinned and the other one pale with slit eyes and a detestable grin.

Though Aizen spoke with 'politeness,' Ichigo was able to see through his mask. "What? Your hosts aren't pulling enough money in so you need me to save your business?" Ichigo was amused at how desperate they were. "Quit embarrassing yourselves."

Aizen held his head high, almost as though he was looking down on Ichigo. He was cocky and proud. "You have someone you want to protect, I heard?"

Ichigo glowered. Was he threatening him? "I'll rip your throat out and leave you to choke on your blood if you dare come near her."

Aizen shook his head, "I'm not threatening your woman. Rather, I'm blackmailing you. If you don't obey me, I will reveal the truth of your relationship to her brother. That is what you both are desperately trying to protect, is it not?" The cruel smile never left his lips. Ichigo curled his hands into angry fists. "Working in Hueco Mundo, you will receive payment. There is nothing for you to lose."

Nothing for Ichigo to lose?

Aizen stood beside Ichigo, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Do you understand your situation?"

Ichigo wanted to shove his fist down Aizen's throat. He wanted to cause Aizen pain for treating him like he was his property - for getting in the way of him and Rukia. Ichigo wouldn't be losing nothing. He'd be losing everything. He already sworn to stop selling himself - he swore Rukia would be the only one for him. If Rukia were to find out about him working at Hueco Mundo, he'd lose her. If he didn't obey Aizen, he'd lose her. Ichigo's fists uncurled as he was helpless. Speaking through gritted teeth, he grudgingly replied, "I understand."

Later as the sun set, Ichigo returned home. "You're home early," he said, seeing Rukia home already. He closed the door behind him. Rukia looked up, greeting him wearily. The two of them looked exhausted, "Rough day?" Ichigo asked, slumping on the couch beside her.

Rukia couldn't tell Ichigo about her encounter with Grimmjow. She found no point in telling him anyway since it would only get him mad for no reason. All she wanted to do was forget about it. "Looks like you had a rough day too," Rukia commented, seeing the dullness in his eyes.

Ichigo couldn't bear to tell her his new job as a host. Now he understood how it felt to lie... From here on, he would be seeing other girls behind Rukia's back; Ichigo grimaced, wrapping his arms around her.

Rukia quirked a brow, "Is something wrong?" she asked, hoping to comfort him.

Ichigo shook his head. He found solace in her warmth, only she could calm him down. "I just felt like hugging you," he said. Rukia couldn't pinpoint it, but if she were to describe it, she'd say it was like he was trying to apologize to her. "I found a job today; I'm working night shifts."

Rukia gawked at him, "That's great," she grinned. "What's your job?"

Ichigo sighed at the dreaded question; he didn't want to answer. "A security guard," he lied. Rukia lit with joy, congratulating him. "Thanks," he said without enthusiasm. Before it was Rukia lying to him, and now it was him lying to her. Ichigo wished he could tell her the truth, but he just knew that she wouldn't allow him to work at Hueco Mundo despite his intentions of doing it to protect their relationship. Ichigo died a little each time she looked at him with hopeful eyes.

Rukia sighed, "I think things are finally turning out good." She leaned her head against his shoulder.

Ichigo shifted in place, feeling regret. He didn't want to taint her innocence with his dirty hands. He didn't deserve her kindness, he felt.

Next Day

"Can't believe I'm being forced to do this," Ichigo grumbled as he stood in front of Hueco Mundo. It was beginning to get dark and already, all the perverted people with money began to swarm into the place. Guess nighttime is when everybody gets freaky. Ichigo walked into the building and he could already feel himself becoming deaf with the booming music.

People, mainly women, crowded the place inside. Some women were in groups sitting at tables and some, the ones who paid more, sat in private rooms where they spent a one-on-one time with the hosts. "You're late, Kurosaki. And what the hell is this - you didn't even dress for the occasion," Grimmjow mugged Ichigo.

Indeed, Grimmjow himself cleaned up pretty well. He dressed in a fine suit and he smelled of expensive cologne. He was, for lack of a better word, a stud. Ichigo, however, was in casual clothing and smelt like rabbit fur. "I don't need fancy clothing to impress women," Ichigo brushed past him, earning a low growl from him.

"If Aizen didn't favor you, I would've killed you by now," Grimmjow hissed before putting on a facade and going to greet women at the door.

"That orange hair and constant scowling... you must be Kurosaki Ichigo." Ichigo looked to his left to see a melancholy looking man. Yet another strange looking fellow, Ichigo thought. He had black hair, green eyes, and the whitest skin Ichigo ever laid eyes upon. "I'm Ulquiorra. Aizen-sama recruited you to Hueco Mundo; I will be teaching you the basics for today. Follow me," he gestured.

Ichigo sighed, following Ulquiorra to the back of the room. There, he saw more strange looking people, who Ulquiorra introduced as the other hosts. "What is this, the dressing room?" Ichigo saw the hosts pampering themselves with makeup and fixing their hair. Ulquiorra nodded.

"Wear this." Ulquiorra shoved some folded clothes into Ichigo's arms. "Aizen-sama says you used to prostitute, something you were famous for. If this is true, then you must know a woman's heart, correct?" He asked, completely void of emotion.

"I only slept with women. I wasn't a knight in shining armor that pulled the door for them or dried their tears," Ichigo said.

"Then you best learn how to if you wish to save your relationship with that girl."

Ichigo quickly dressed into the suit and made way towards the main room where the hosts were entertaining the women. Ichigo could see Grimmjow in one corner chugging down a large bottle of champagne while the women were cheering him on and laughing aloud. Nnoitra sat at another table with two girls in his arms. Ulquiorra was at the doorway greeting girls. Another man, who Ulquiorra introduced as Stark, was groping one girl. The atmosphere was just... steamy.

"Oh my goodness! A-Are you Kurosaki Ichigo?" Ichigo threw an unintentional glare at the person speaking to him. It was a woman in her mid 20's. "Don't you remember me? We slept together a few times back then," she smiled, earning no reaction from Ichigo. He couldn't recall.

Ichigo was seated down with the woman, who said her name was Nanami.

"Is this your first time working here? You seem a little tense, totally not the Ichigo I used to know," Nanami laughed. She scooted a little closer to Ichigo, who was seeking for an exit out of the conversation. "You know," she cooed, batting her lashes at him, "we can get out of here and do... other things. I'll pay full service," she winked flirtatiously.

Ichigo scratched behind his ear, a little uneasy. He could tell the other workers were watching him so that he didn't make a mistake. "How about a drink instead?" Ichigo asked. Nanami pouted, but agreed anyway. Ichigo grabbed a champagne bottle, nearly choking when he saw the price. It was ridiculously expensive - he was definitely glad that he didn't have to pay for it. "Here," Ichigo poured a glass for her.

"You drink it," Nanami urged, "all of it."

Ichigo blinked. Was she serious? The size of the bottle of was huge - there was no way he could drink it all without passing out. Plus, he hadn't drank in a long time. "Well..." Ichigo stood, a little intimidated by the drink, "here goes to Rukia," he said in an inaudible voice before drowning himself in the liquid.

Slowly but surely, the bottle emptied. "Wow, you're so manly!" Nanami clapped, holding onto Ichigo's arm. Already, Ichigo was seeing stars. "Drink another one!"

… "Are you serious?" Ichigo deadpanned.

There was no way Ichigo would last the night.

A/N: No, Nanami is not a character from Bleach. I just made her up on a whim. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter. I kinda added more drama to this chapter. Yes, I know, you're probably screaming at me, "more angst!?"

Yes, my lovelies. More angst. Why? Because I love it! Bwahaha!

Please review ;)