Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, yo.

Chapter 14

The last time Daisuke had seen Ryota was eight days ago when Ryota decided to tell Daisuke's secret. Shigeo gave Daisuke and Takeo the spare keys to Ryota's apartment and told them to retrieve him or else.

Takeo sat quietly in the passenger seat of Daisuke's car. His eyes were trained on his twiddling thumbs. Daisuke liked his eldest brother, but the guy had something off. There was nothing wrong with him physically, but his mental state was damaged.

Daisuke never had a chance to see Takeo in his prime. According to Keiji, Takeo was broken just before Daisuke was born. Takeo used to be a real pip when he was young, but a series of beatings, both physical and mental, was able to snap his will. Their father was able to break Takeo's spirit and turn him into a fearful shell of a boy.

"Takeo, I haven't had the chance to talk to you in a long while," Daisuke told Takeo.

Takeo simply grunted in response. That was better than nothing, Daisuke reasoned. Daisuke had probably heard his brother speak two times that month.

Daisuke parked the car outside and sighed. Ryota's home was gross. It wasn't dirty, but it was full of other women's belongings. That place was more of a bachelor pad than anything.

"Takeo, do you want to come with me?"

There was no response, so Daisuke left Takeo by himself. Takeo was afraid of Ryota. Ryota was nothing but cruel to poor Takeo.

Daisuke strolled in and nodded to the security guards, showing the key to them. He rode up the elevator and groaned. This was really something he didn't want to do. Daisuke didn't really care what Ryota was up to, and Shigeo only cared because work wasn't getting done in Ryota's office.

The elevator opened right into Ryota's bachelor pad. It was empty. All of the furniture was gone and it smelled like someone had cleaned it recently. It looked dull without all of Ryota's knick-knacks.

"Ryota? Are you in here?" Daisuke called.

Daisuke started to slowly step around. It looked like Ryota had moved out. There must be a clue as to where he had gone. Daisuke checked the refrigerator only to see that it was empty.

The other room was supposed to be the bedroom, but Daisuke didn't want to know what happened here. Nailed to the wall, a single piece of lined paper dangled in plain sight.

"That dumbass… He's not subtle at all."

He ripped the once-wet paper off the wall and read what was written on the paper.

Dear Daisuke,

I know that you are the only one who would be sent to look for me, so here it is. I'm not here anymore. In fact, you probably won't see me ever again. I bet you're glad, you shithead. Now, I'm going to tell you what happened because, for some reason, I trust you more than anyone else. Sad, huh?

Aimi and I decided to elope. Yes, you read that correctly. We eloped. Ha, that Yutaka is going to have a stroke when he realizes what had happened. Aimi left a letter for Yutaka in her apartment, so he'll find out that she left him. She isn't going to tell about our relationship. Yutaka is going to lose his mind. I hope he does.

We are in Bangkok. Aimi lived there when she was young, so she'll teach me the language. Don't try to look for us. I'm serious, Daisuke. Don't. You probably couldn't find us because we changed our names. Also, don't tell anyone our whereabouts. This information is only for you. If you tell Pops, he'd actually kill me. No doubt about it.

Aimi and I decided to run away because Aimi didn't want to stay in the same area as Yukata. The child isn't his so there's no need for him. In fact, Aimi was afraid that Yutaka would injure her if he found out about our relationship.

Well, this is it. We are never going to see each other again, probably. Please, don't look for me. You probably are glad I'm getting out of your hair, huh? Just don't throw a party. I don't expect you to forgive me at all. After all, I was a complete asshole to you. I wish I was nicer to my only little brother. I'm absolute trash, right? I ruined your life for the safety of mine. I'm sorry. I'm no good. I hope you can work your magic and get Pops to change. You don't have to believe me when I say this, but I love you (as a brother), Daisuke.

I'm glad I got the chance to see you grow up into a fine young man, one that is a hundred times better than me. I hope that you surpass all of our scum brothers. Daisuke Nakatani, CEO of RNT Corporations, sounds good.

I've never done right by you. I'm sorry for everything I've gone to you. Also, tell Karin that I'm sorry for harassing her and her sister. I'm going to change.

I hope that all goes well with Karin. You really know how to pick'em. No, but seriously, take care of her and cherish her. You deserve a great life after all the things you've been through.

Keep on doing what you are doing, little bro. You're one of the few good people left in this twisted world, so take life by the horns and live to your full potential.

, Ryota

Daisuke paused and thought for a moment. There was no way that Ryota could have written that. It was his handwriting, but maybe Aimi helped him. No way, Ryota still would have to accept what he was writing. He is far too prideful to say such things without meaning it.

"Jeez, Ryota must have a screw loose," Daisuke chuckled to himself.

Daisuke wasn't planning on telling Ryota's secret because that would cause more drama than necessary. He had to tell his father something.

Daisuke pulled out his phone and called his father. It rang several times before his father picked up.

"What is it?" Shigeo asked gruffly.

"Ryota is gone," Daisuke replied calmly.

"Gone? You better explain this to me, Daisuke."

"His apartment is completely empty. All the furniture is gone. He left without a trace. It's like no one even lived here."

"Did he leave a note?" Shigeo asked in an annoyed tone. "That seems like something that moron would do."

Daisuke folded the note and put it in his pocket. "Nope. As I said, not a trace."

Shigeo started to grumble things that Daisuke couldn't make out. Then, in a booming voice, "Aimi is gone too. Do you think Ryota and Aimi had a relationship? He acted like a fool at that meeting a week ago once Aimi was brought up. Yutaka seems to believe that Ryota and Aimi were secretly seeing each other. What do you think?"

"I really don't think they had a relationship. Ryota is a sleaze, but I can't see him going for that type of girl. I think he was acting were because he was on drugs. I saw him before the meeting."

"Really? Before the meeting?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Daisuke, there are going to be changes in the company. You'll be getting a promotion for sure."

"Really? Thank you, Sir."

"How would you like Yutaka's job? That suck up has been getting on my nerves. Plus, he won't stop talking about that dumb girl, Aimi. He hasn't done any work for a week.

"I would be honored, but I don't want to be a part of the special branch anymore. I don't like doing dirty work anymore," Daisuke said with authority. "I want to be in a higher position."

"What do you have in mind?"

"COO."

Shigeo laughed maniacally from the phone. "You ambitious son of a bitch! You want to be my second in command, huh? You want to be the chief operating officer at twenty-four?"

"I'm almost twenty-five."

"You are quite the fireball. Being COO is not exactly what I had in mind for you, but I'm intrigued. This can certainly happen if you convince me. I'm sure Takeo wouldn't mind if you took his job. Plus, the workers like you more than they like Takeo or Keiji."

"I want to be your successor."

"You forget that you are the youngest of my sons. Plus, you haven't exactly been my pride and joy."

"Take a look at my work. It might surprise you."

"I think we need a meeting," Shigeo said with a chuckle.

"Haru, you seem quiet today. What's wrong?" Karin said with concern.

Haru was mustering the courage to say something. He looked green. He sipped his water gingerly and the lump in his throat made swallowing hard.

From across the ritzy coffee shop, Andy watched them like a hawk. This was surely a surprise to him. He had never actually met Karin, but he knew what she looked like. Andy had actually recognized Haru Kubota first. He knew that Karin was seeing Haru, but it was weird to see it in person.

"Claire, so you see them?" Andy asked.

Claire turned her head and looked around. After not seeing anything, Andy positioned her head so she would see the couple.

"Oh!" Claire said with glee. "It's Karin! Let's go say hello."

Any grabbed her wrist to stop her from getting up. "Do you know who she is with right now?"

"Um, wait that isn't Daisuke. You said that they were dating," Claire said with a glare.

"Practically dating…"

"I'm never listening to you again."

"That's Haru Kubota. He's a famous swimmer in the area."

"I think I have heard of Mr. Kubota. He's awfully handsome. In France, I used to date a swimmer, but he was nowhere near as handsome as Haru," Claire reminisced.

"What about me? Do you think I'm handsome?" Andy said hopefully.

"Karin is really special to Daisuke, yes?" Claire said, completely ignoring Andy's comment. "It is a shame that she is with another man. Well, for now."

"For now?"

"I believe that Mr. Kubota is going to Australia for swimming."

"How do you know about that, Claire?"

Claire grabbed her phone and scrolled around. Andy stared at her during that entire time. He was glad that she accepted his friendly invitation. Claire seemed a little weirded out by Andy at the masquerade.

"Here," Claire said while showing Andy the article in the Karakura Tribune. "It says that he will be going to Australia for three years or more."

"Do you think Karin knows?"

"She must."

"Let's go find out," Andy said playfully as he stood up.

"Andy," Claire whisper shouted as she stood up with him. "What if she doesn't know yet? Don't you think that is a little rude?"

"Maybe, but I'm curious. Aren't you? This is important information for Daisuke. If Haru is leaving, then Daisuke has a real chance with Karin. That would be in everyone's best interest. Would you like to join me, Chocolate Eclair?"

Claire gave him an annoyed look as he grabbed her by the hand and led her towards Karin and Haru.

"Claire? It's nice to see you," Karin said awkwardly as if she was a little weirded out that they came up to her.

"Hello, and this is my friend Andy."

Andy gave a thousand-watt smile and said, "Hey there, I'm Andrew Rocca but call me Andy if you'd like."

"My name's Karin Kurosaki and this is Haru Kubota."

"Karin Kurosaki…" Andy trailed. He faked a thinking face. "That sounds familiar."

"Does it?"

"Ah, I've got it!" Andy said dramatically. "You see, I'm Daisuke Nakatani's best friend and he talks about you all the time, Miss Karin. I'm glad I've finally got the chance to meet you."

Claire snickered. She knew exactly what he was trying to do. Haru's grip tightened on his cup. Claire and Andy glanced at each other and smiled. Claire's was subtle, and Andy's was more naughty.

"Talking about me behind my back?"

"Oh no, I assure you that Daisuke speaks only good things about you. It seems that he might have a thing for you."

That was information that Karin knew, but, for Haru's sake, she tried her best to look indifferent. "Is that so?"

"That stupid rich boy. He's just some guy that only relies on his dad's money," Haru grumbled under his breath.

Karin snapped her head with fiery eyes. Andy even jumped back a bit. Her passionate yet fierce eyes burned holes through Haru's forehead.

"Don't ever talk about Daisuke like that," Karin growled. "You don't know anything about him so don't act like you know everything about him."

"Woah, sorry…" Haru gasped.

"So, I hear you have good news in your swimming career," Claire said to break the tension.

"Oh, yeah…"

"What do you mean?" Karin asked once she calmed down.

Andy gave an inviting smile. "You're heading out to Australia, right? You must be very excited."

"Australia?" Karin asked Haru.

Haru looked startled. He must not have told Karin about it yet. He ran a hand through his blonde hair and sighed audibly.

"Karin, we need to talk…"

Andy and Claire looked at each other. Andy started to back away completely, but Claire kind of wanted to watch the whole thing go down. She stopped him from escaping. Claire was intrigued.

"When did you find out?" Karin said plainly.

"Two weeks ago."

"Hmm, how long are you going to be gone?"

"I don't know for sure. At least three years. Karin, I want you to come with me," Haru pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but no," Karin said with no emotion.

"No?"

"I can't leave. I just can't. My family needs me. You should understand that."

"Is it because of Daisuke?" Haru said with a hint of anger.

Karin rolled her eyes. "I just said it was because I need to stay with my family. Daisuke has nothing to do with my rejection."

"I doubt it," he spat like a little kid.

"Don't be jealous."

"I'm not jealous!" he shouted as he stood up from his chair, collecting the attention from the people in the café. "I'm just irritated that you like some rich boy more than your own boyfriend."

"Haru, you never actually asked me out."

"So, you don't deny the fact that you like him more than me!"

"You're jumping to conclusions."

"Maybe we made a mistake," Claire whispered to Andy. "I knew this was a bad idea."

"Oh, but it's just getting good," Andy teased.

Haru's face turned red with anger and a vein popped on his forehead. Karin had never seen such an outraged face on Haru. It was eye opening.

Karin didn't look angry at all. With an indifferent tone, Karin told him, "I think this relationship is over."

"What? No! Karin, don't do this! I-I love you!" Haru shouted desperately.

Karin looked at him with hard, animus eyes. She stood up slowly, with a groan. Karin gave Haru a sweet smile. It was the type of smile that lied to you. The pissed off vibe she gave mixed with the sweet smile was scary enough to even make Claire shudder.

"Don't say things you don't mean," Karin said roughly. "Have a nice life, jerk."

With that, Karin turned to leave. Karin grabbed Andy by the jacket and aggressively dragged him out of the café. Her grip was tight with no attempt to be kind.

Once outside, Karin ripped Andy's arm forwards to make her face her. Andy winced from the sudden pain. Andy was much taller than Karin, yet she was still able to hurt and scare him. He hoped that Claire would come and save him.

"Ow, ow, ow. You're hurting me, Missie-"

"I hope you're happy. Actually, I hope Daisuke is happy," Karin attacked while pointing her finger at Andy.

"What does Daisuke have to do with this?" Andy nervously asked.

"Daisuke probably sent you to end my relationship with Haru, right?"

"Karin… what are-?"

"Does he seriously think that I didn't notice that Reese ever so subtly took Haru away during the masquerade? Does he really think that I'd be dumb enough not to notice? Don't take me for an idiot. I simply turned a blind eye because I kind of wanted to be with him, and it was touching that he would go to such lengths to be with me."

"Karin, he did it because he really wants to be with you. Daisuke cares about you more than you could ever know. I would know because he talks about you all the time. I'm a little jealous."

"If he cared about me so much, then why hasn't he just said it already?" she spat. Her face was twisted with an uncontrollable anger.

"It's not that easy."

"I've had it with the games. I'm just so… tired," Karin responded with a calmer tone.

Andy had just realized that Karin needed time after breaking it off with Haru. It hadn't occurred to him that this outburst could be a result of her shaken emotions after her talk.

"Are you okay? You know, after just now. It's okay to cry if you need to," Andy asked in an attempt to console her.

"I'm fine," Karin growled.

"Your face doesn't say fine. I can call Daisuke if you'd like."

"If you call Daisuke, I'll kick your ass."

"Woah! I'm sorry, kemosabe. You really don't like me. I get it. I'll go if you want," Andy stammered while backing off.

"Do me a favor, Andy. Tell Daisuke that I never want to see him again."

"This seriously wasn't Daisuke's fault. It was all me. If you want to blame someone, blame me! Don't do this to Daisuke. You're too important to him. He doesn't have a lot of people in his life. Plus, I'm not your messenger. If you really want to tell him that, do it to his face."

Karin's face fell. "I can't…"

"Oh, so big, scary Karin can't even get herself to do it. Perhaps you can't do it because you care about him in a romantic way, huh?" Andy teased.

"S-Shut up…" Karin said quietly while trying to hide her blush.

"Oh, so I've hit gold. I'm so glad that Daisuke has his feelings reciprocated."

"How could I fall for a dummy like Daisuke? Please, I have more dignity than that," Karin said with a strong voice. Saying something like that out loud made her heart race and her throat dry.

"Okay," Andy drew out.

"Don't believe me?" Karin questioned. She pulled out her phone and started typing. "Watch this."

Karin hovered her thumb over the send button. She couldn't press it. She couldn't physically do it. She narrowed her eyes and deleted the message. The strain could be seen on Karin's face.

"Over text? If you really want to tell him to buzz off, then tell him after your soccer game tomorrow."

"How do you know about my game?"

"Hey, you tossed Daisuke a bone. Of course, he's going to come to your game if you mention it. Daisuke is really excited to see you play," Andy teased. "You know, Daisuke has been working so hard for you. It's painful to watch."

"He has? How so?"

"Well, he has been trying to win you over while juggling problems with his mom and trying to move up the ranks at his company. He wants to make you respect him."

"I already do," Karin said quietly.

"Tell him then."

"N-No. I'm mad at him. Yeah, I'm mad," Karin convinced herself.

Andy chuckled. "Just promise me you'll be honest with him. And, if you're feeling generous, toss him another bone. I don't know about you, but I think he deserves it."

"You're a good friend, Andrew."

Andy smiled and started to stroll away. "Daisuke is a one of a kind guy. I owe my life to him. If I didn't meet Daisuke in high school, I seriously don't think my life would be as great as it is now."

Hello

Uh, school is starting soon. I think I'll be able to continue updating normally because I gave myself an easy schedule compared to last year.

Let me know what you thought of this chapter because making Ryota run away wasn't exactly in the plan. It was more of a sudden idea that I liked.

Peace 【▰.▰】