" Just you and me on the sidelines today?" I asked Sasori.

" So it would seem," he replied uncaring.

" Still into wood carving?" I asked watching him pull out his kit.

" It's the only thing keeping me sane with Deidara around."

I chuckled but could tell he wanted it quiet. The first event would be at one of the skate parks. Simple enough complete a series of tricks with accuracy and skill to gain more points. This park was particularly angular so there would definitely be a lot of grinding. Hidan and Kakuzu were competing first against a local Japanese team, Nurarihyon. They had one younger brown haired kid and… where is the other guy? " Hello there."

I turned and looked up at a guy with long hair white on top and black on the bottom. " Uh hi," I replied.

" And whose team are you on?"

Hidan rode up and skidded to a stop between the new guy and me. " Ours now back off," he said tersely.

The new guy just smirked and waved at me over his shoulder. " Who's he?"

" Captain of Nurarihyon. Gets people drunk on sake then invites them to his team. Women are especially prone," Sasori said mid carve.

" Thanks for the warning," I replied sarcastically.

" Can you stop getting guys to look at you for 5 seconds?" Hidan hissed.

I smiled and hugged Sasori. " I can't help it if guys are just drawn to me."

Hidan grumbled as he skated away again. I looked over to the brown haired kid and saw the guy from earlier was next to him. This could be trouble but the kid didn't scare me. Just then I got a text. WANT 2 MEET UP? Renji asked.

I'M WATCHING MY TEAM I replied.

" You should go take a look at the final course," Sasori said. I looked over and saw him give me a glance before continuing his carving. " There's no point in just sitting around."

I looked and saw the brown haired kid doing a sloppy run as Hidan and Kakuzu watched, Hidan smiling widely. Hidan would be next and he will be pissed if I don't watch. WHERE DO U WANNA MEET? I asked only a moment later.

THE PARK AT SHIBUYA STATION Renji replied.

" I'll see you later then?" I asked Sasori and grabbing my things. He merely nodded in acknowledgement. I looked over and saw Hidan was about to start his run, not even watching me. While he was distracted I decided it was a good time to slip away. It only took me a few minutes for me to get to the park given the awesome subway system Tokyo has and I didn't have to wait long until I saw an orange spot through the crowds. " Have you seen Renji?" I asked.

" No he told me to meet him here," Ichigo said obviously confused at seeing me here.

I scoffed in amusement. " It appears as though we've been duped."

It took Ichigo another moment to realize that Renji had tricked us. " I'm going to kill him," he muttered.

" Can I help?"

Ichigo chuckled and we stood in silence for a few moments as people scurried by. " So… I've been thinking what I said over."

" Oh really?" I asked brow quirked.

" Can we sit?" Ichigo and I sat on one of the benches in the park. " The only reason I didn't want you out in the streets fighting is because if you got hurt-"

" You get hurt all the time and I have to live with that! It's just not fair!"

" I know I get it. So Rukia, Renji, and I thought it would be a good idea if we could go out in teams."

" So take on the town in duos every night?"

" Yes, you and me one night then Renji and Rukia the next. This way we can take days off and you can still get our fight on."

" Ok but maybe I should go with Rukia and Renji instead. You know because… uh…"

" Now let's talk about what happened that night."

" What night?" Ichigo gave me a look and I sighed. " Look I thought about everything I told you that night about what I did and it all just hit me really hard. I'm bad Ichigo. I don't want that to affect you."

" I do see the bad," Ichigo said and flicked my lip ring. I swatted his hand away but instead he took my own hand into his. " But I also see the good. Remember that night in the park? You helped that soul and spent hours going through the sand looking for that ring. Don't let the past you change who you are now."

I looked away in embarrassment then looked up to see a dog statue. " What's up with the dog?"

Ichigo looked over and smiled a little. " That's Hachiko. He was a Shiba Inu dog that waited for his master here everyday after he got of work. The man died but Hachiko kept coming here until the day he too died. He's an example of loyalty that the people wanted to commemorate."

" Well that's nice," I said thoughtfully staring into the eyes of the dog.

Ichigo thumbed my hand, drawing my attention back to him. " If you would let me I would stay loyal to you to the end of days."

The heat rose to my face as I yanked my hand away and turned from Ichigo completely, trying to hide the blush that surely covered me from head to toe. I turned my head to the side then replied, " Let's just start over ok? Pretend the day at the amusement park didn't happen."

" Only if you take the piercings out of your face."

" The nose stud isn't bothering anyone," I said turning back to Ichigo blush gone. Ichigo's look didn't seem to agree. With a grumble I went to the bathroom and took all the facial piercings off leaving the ones in my ears.

" Wow Hotaru it was so weird this other girl was here earlier and she looked a lot like you but instead had a lot of metal in her face and-"

I punched his arm and Ichigo rubbed it making me laugh. " Ok look there's something I actually have to do today. You can come if you want to but-"

" Where to?" Ichigo asked.

" Ever been to Shibuya crossing?"

" Isn't that the really crowded intersection? Like world famous crowded?"

" Yup," I replied happily. Upon arrival at Shibuya Ichigo and I sat at a café outside where I could watch the traffic go by.

" So what exactly are we doing here?" Ichigo asked.

" This is part of the final race," I said watching one of the lights flicker.

" Race? I didn't know skating competitions have races."

I pulled a notepad from my bag as I spoke to Ichigo. " No they don't but this is what makes the competition unique. We do the competitions in small groups, knocking out other teams, and in the end the two final teams compete in a Tokyo wide relay race. I am in charge of Shibuya station and I have to figure out a way to race through here with active traffic. Shit I forgot a pen!"

" Here you are," a gloved hand said handing me a sleek black pen.

" Oh thank you…" I said looking up to a guy in a butler outfit.

" My name is Sebastian and I'll be taking your order today."

How the hell did we end up at one of those maid cafes? " Oh uh Ichigo?" I asked.

He ordered for the two of us as I got back to watching traffic. " So is he your type?"

" What the guy with the black hair?" I asked as Ichigo scowled. " Ichigo you don't have to worry about other guys ok?"

" Ya but I saw how cozy you were with the silver haired guy last night. I thought maybe-"

" Hidan and I are just friends. I've expressed that to him thoroughly."

" But he wants to get back together with you?"

" He can try all he wants but I've only got eyes for one," I said smiling bashfully.

Ichigo flushed at that as well just as our food came. " You are the skater Hotaru yes?" the waiter asked.

" Um ya," I replied a bit surprised he knew and recognized me.

" My young lord would be devastated if I didn't get an autograph."

" Oh uh sure what's his name?" I asked accepting his pad of paper.

" Ciel Phantomhive. He is the boy I baby sit when I do not work here. He's been watching this skating event all week."

" And there you go," I replied, handing back the paper.

" Thank you very much," he replied with a small bow, " I've given you an extra treat as thanks."

I did notice the large milkshake but I thought Ichigo must have ordered it. Before I could reject the butler went to his next table. The milkshake was incredibly large with toppings abound and definitely lovey dovey. " Well cheers I guess," I said and leaned forward to take a sip.

" At the same time?" Ichigo asked incredulously.

" Ya there are two straws. Come on I won't bite," I winked making Ichigo blush more. He finally leaned forward and we both took a sip of the chocolaty concoction. I gazed into Ichigo's hazels as he looked back into my oceans before abruptly pulling away making me laugh more. " You don't have to be so embarrassed!"

" I haven't done this kind of stuff before ok?"

" Ok I get it," I replied, arms raised in defense. I pulled out my shades and sat back in pure relaxation watching the various cars and people go by. This is probably the hardest part of the course. Not only do I weave through active walkers, no cars thankfully, but also maintain a faster speed than my opponent and complete tricks to gain extra points. The streets around Shibuya are very flat so it would be hard to do many tricks here. I started a few blocks from Shibuya, go through the square, then finish a few blocks after. Most likely my focus will be speed while my teammates will focus on tricks given much of the race goes through Tokyo skate parks.

Ichigo and I comfortably sat for a few hours as I watched the lights change and people walk by, doing my best to keep track of how long lights lasted. It was only as the sun began to set that I got another text that day. KISAME IS INJURED NEED YOU HERE NOW! Itachi wrote.

" Shit," I muttered packing my bags.

" What's wrong?" Ichigo asked.

" I have to go sub in one of my team mates is injured," I replied while texting Itachi where to go.

" What event?"

" The big air."

" What's that?"

" Basically you have this giant ramp you ride down and try to get as high off the ramp as possible."

" Oh… sounds dangerous."

" Ya it's not exactly comfortable falling from that height back onto a wooden surface before rolling down. Don't try to talk me out of it."

" Wouldn't dare."

Itachi texted me back so Ichigo and I took a cab to the big air event. The ramp towered over me as I got out of the cab to see an ambulance beside the bleachers. " You ok Kisame?" I asked as he sat on the ledge of the ambulance.

" I'm fine they're making a bigger deal than need be," Kisame shrugged.

" Small twist. It needs to be iced and the rest of the day off."

" How many runs do I need to complete?" I asked pulling my helmet out.

" Just the last one. We're behind against this Fairy Tale team," Itachi said with disdain at the team name.

" That Natsu kid got some major air," Kisame said.

" So I guess it's on my shoulders then? Great," I muttered and strapped the helmet on.

" Take Samehada," Kisame said handing me his board.

" I can't it's your baby and-"

" We need to win. You got this," Kisame said sternly and I nodded.

" Good luck Haruka," Ichigo said with a thumbs up.

I nodded and went to the ramp, nerves beginning to build up in me. This would be the first time in a long time I would be on camera with so many eyes watching. I looked to the screen as the substitution was made to see my wipe out displayed yet again. I was about to fuck up wasn't I? Upon reaching the top I stretched a little as some elbow and knee guards were handed to me. " Gonna wipe out again Haruka?"

I turned and saw two snide kids, one pink haired and one black haired snickering. " One of you is Natsu?" I asked.

" Ya that's me," the pink haired one said.

" How'd your mom doing?"

Natsu looked to his friend in confusion then back to me. " Uh fine why?"

I took a quick step forward right into his face and saw the fear in his eyes at the sudden closeness. " Because I'm about to kick your ass so hard your mom's going to feel it," I replied.

I smirked walking back as Natsu glared. Tough talk for someone who hasn't performed in years but hey at least it was fun while it lasted. I looked down the steep ramp as I stretched, thinking what the hell I was going to do to get those points back. It was the run of the mill big air event, first go down a big ramp and do a trick over a gap. Then go up another big ramp to get some air, do another trick, and land to finish the event. Well there was one trick I wanted to do years ago but…

" Getting scared?" Natsu asked, fear from earlier gone.

I gave him a side glare and he shrunk back a little, scared again. You know what? If I'm going to fuck up might as well do it in style. I stood at the edge of the ramp and waved to the audience who cheered and saw a dot of orange at the bottom. Ichigo gave me a wave and I returned the thumbs up from earlier before shaking out the tension from my body. They wanted me on the big air for a reason I thought to myself as I used only a bit of my strength to push off from the edge.

I forgot how high up I was as I felt my stomach rise up into my throat at the first fall, the crowd cheering the whole way. Once I got to the bottom and began my rise to the first gap I focused yet again. Go simple for the first jump I reminded myself as I got air for the first time. I did a run of the mill back flip, holding the brim of the board in my hand. Samehada did feel quite nice to ride and I realized why Kisame liked it so much. I landed the back flip perfectly as I began another, smaller descent before heading back up the next ramp. People cheered my name in the audience as I began the incline, focusing on my goal.

Upon getting air for the second time I immediately began my trick, going into a heel flip varial Indy 540. Had it been done before? No. Had I tried to do it before? Yes. Did I succeed? No. Have I practiced it since then? No. But my body in and out was in it's peak shape as I watched everything go in slow motion. Just as I thought I was about the fail, the board just out of reach, I grabbed it at the last second and planted my feet before landing on the ramp again smoothly. The crowd roared as I held my hands up in victory before stepping off my board and doing a bow.

I looked back up at Natsu and his friend, both agape, as I did a kick motion and pointed to the scoreboard. Ya I just kicked his ass and hard too. We won the match and sent those Fairy Tale punks packing. I walked back over to the guys as Kisame thumped my back. " That was awesome! I definitely couldn't pull that off!"

Even Itachi looked happier than usual. " So you used to do this all the time?" Ichigo asked.

" Not usually as amazing as that but ya," I said taking my helmet off and shaking my hair out.

" Pain says there's a party downtown tonight to send off the fallen. Do we want to go?" Itachi asked.

" I'm in," I replied, " Want to come Ichigo?"

" Really? Am I even allowed?"

I took my helmet and plopped it on his head then replied, " You'll blend right in."

It was an informal event, as Itachi explained on the ride to the hotel where the party would be, so we all just went in the clothes we were wearing. Ichigo sported some jeans and a button up as I wore my docs, black skinny jeans, and a tight akatsuki shirt showing only a bit of stomach. We got to the hotel and there was a small crowd outside of excited skater fans outside cheering as we got out of the taxi. " Team name," the doorman said at the elevator.

" Is this not enough?" I asked pointing to the red clouds all over my shirt.

" Akatsuki," Itachi clarified unamused.

The guard pressed a button and we went all the way to the top floor where the party had already started. " You want anything to drink?" I asked above the loud music.

" Uh just a soda," Ichigo replied looking around in awe.

" Cool take a seat and I'll grab the drinks," I shouted going to the bar. This is great everything is going good again. I aced my trick, Ichigo and I are getting along, and I'm at a kicking party. Nothing is going wrong tonight.

Ichigo POV

I sat back watching the party unfold before me. So this is what it's like to be a celebrity then? Or at least it felt this way. " Yo strawberry!"

I looked up and nearly growled as the silver haired guy came stumbling over obviously way too drunk. " What do you want?" I asked annoyed.

" Where the hell is Hotaru? Heard she pulled a sick trick."

" She's going to get some drinks."

Hidan plopped down on the couch beside me and took a chug from the bottle of alcohol before looking me over. Before I could ask he said, " So what's so fucking good about you huh? You're just a little school boy while I'm a skating god!" Hidan threw his arms in the air nearly striking me with the bottle.

" Maybe I'm just not a drunk ass hole," I replied shoving his arms back down before he hurt someone.

" Is it your dick?"

" What?"

" Do you have a big dick or something? Because Hotaru always said-"

" Wait stop. You and Hotaru…" I began but couldn't even find the words to ask.

Hidan suddenly grew a giant smile then leaned in towards me. " Hotaru and I used to fuck all the time. She used to love riding my-"

I shoved him out of the chair and onto the ground but Hidan just laughed getting back up. He laughed his ass all the way over to Hotaru who was walking back with a couple sodas. Hidan leaned in her ear, muttering something, and Hotaru's eyes bolted up to meet mine in shock. She looked away and turned around in anger, shoving past Hidan and through the crowd. " Hotaru!" I shouted after her.

Normal POV

Hidan that ass hole! I set my drinks down on a random table as I scurried for the balcony outside. I didn't want Ichigo to know, not yet at least. He doesn't need to know about that so early in a relationship, hell we haven't even started going out yet. Not like we will anymore. I through open the door and let the cool air hit my face before walking to the balcony. Most people on the balcony were smoking or making out with their partner.

I rubbed the tears of pain from my eyes and sniffled only a little. " Want a smoke?"

I looked over and saw Asuma from the Hidden Leaf. " I thought we were enemies," I said and wiped my nose a little.

" Ya but you look like you're having a shitty time so I think I can let my guard down for a moment. So smoke?"

I looked over the pack for a moment then shook my head replying, " Thanks but I'll pass."

" I'm pretty sure I saw you smoke a couple times," Asuma said lighting a fresh cigarette.

" Ya well I was pretty stupid back then. Besides my friend wouldn't like it," I sighed.

Asuma leaned with his back to the rail as I leaned my elbows on it looking over the skyline. " You were kind of a bitch the other day to Tsunade."

" I know I'm sorry."

" First time I think I've heard you say that."

" Well I've changed a lot in a couple years."

" Is it because of your friend?"

I smiled only a little replying; " He says that my past doesn't matter anymore it just matters about who I want to be. I want to be good now not just some punk. I want to be good enough for him."

Asuna nodded and took another puff on his smoke before tossing it over the edge. " I guess I'll leave you two alone then."

I turned and saw Ichigo standing on the balcony a few feet behind me. Asuma walked past him and looked over his shoulder to me with a wink before heading in. I turned back to the balcony and wiped my face a little more before saying, " What are you doing out here?"

" I wanted to check on you to see if you were alright."

" I'm far from alright. Hidan is such an ass when he gets drunk."

Hands grabbed my arms as I was turned around, Ichigo looking down on my face closely. His face scrunched up in anger though as he said, " He made you cry! I'm gonna-"

" Don't! Please he just turns into a dick when he's drunk!" I said while grabbing Ichigo's wrist to keep him from going after Hidan.

After I realized what I'd done I let go of him only to have Ichigo grab my hand. " I don't care that you were with Hidan."

I blinked in surprise. " Really?"

" Of course! I mean it does bother me in a way but not enough that it hinders me from wanting to be with you. It more like I'm jealous and I want you to forget him. If you never talked to him again I probably couldn't be happier."

I chuckled then replied, " Well given his behavior tonight that is more likely than you'd believe."

Ichigo and I just smiled at one another for a moment, both of us at peace. " So are you willing to give this a try now?"

I knit my fingers with his then replied, " Yes."

The wind blew harshly out of nowhere and my hair began to whip around. I reached up to push it back but found Ichigo had done for me and kept his hand on the side of my face. He slowly leaned in as I felt my heart beating faster and faster until we kissed. My spiritual pressure, along with Ichigo's, ignited and blended together upon contact even with Ichigo's lips pursed. I gave Ichigo a small suck with my lips and his slowly fell open until, finally, we were really kissing.

Our hands released from one another and I immediately grabbed Ichigo's cloth on his shoulders pulling him harder to me. Ichigo used his other hand to graze my hip until I put my hand on top of his and pressed it on my hip. I was going crazy on Ichigo, his taste, his smell, and the feel of being with him. Every single inch of him was driving me further and further down a path that I couldn't return from. I was falling deeper and harder for Ichigo with every second our lips touched, our pressures collided, and our bodies grazed.

It was me who pulled away first when I finally had to breath. I looked down to escape Ichigo's eyes as I blushed madly. I feel like a little schoolgirl who just had her first kiss! Ichigo rested his head on top of mine making me smile and the blush fade, the cool breeze picking up again as we held one another. " You're getting better," I said.

" Because I have a good teacher."

I smiled a bit wider and gripped Ichigo tightly. " I like you Ichigo."

Ichigo lifted his head up then tilted my own to meet his. " I like you too Hotaru."

And with our proclamations we both kissed one more time. " Hotaru."

Ichigo and I both jumped and turned to see Sasori staring at us blankly. " How long have you been there?" I asked.

" Long enough," Sasori replied blankly. " They're doing top tens and saying goodbye to the eliminated teams."

" Right, uh Ichigo?"

" Ya sorry," Ichigo replied stepping back.

Sasori went back inside as Ichigo and I stared at one another then laughed. " Wow awkward," I said laughing it off.

" That guy is kind of weird. All of your friends are actually. That one guy had like bluish skin and-"

" I know I'll explain it later come on," I said taking Ichigo's hand and dragging him in. The top ten had already started and we were at 8 with a kid from a group called Sword Art Online. They were really good and would definitely be in the final teams. Ichigo and I sat at the bar and got a couple Shirley Temples as we watched the highlight reel go by.

Finally it got to #1 and I was in shock to see me up on the screen. There were many more impressive moves out there today, there had to be, but there I was pulling off a never before seen move on the big air like I did it everyday. The room cheered and skaters around me offered there congrats. We watched the teams eliminated go on the stage next then gave a round of applause for their effort. " Hey I think I'm going to head back to my place," Ichigo said after the applause was over.

" Oh ok… can I stay there tonight maybe?" I asked. Ichigo blinked in surprise. " I-it's not what you think! I just don't want to stay with the akatsuki tonight. Really, really don't want to see Hidan for a bit."

" It should be fine. We got 2 rooms and originally Rukia had her own but I think she'd be happy to share."

" Thanks a bunch," I murmured as we left the party for the elevator.

" I'd do anything for you…" Ichigo began just the elevator dinged. We were the only ones to get on. " I mean you are my girlfriend now right?"

I looked over as Ichigo blushed looking at the floor. In return I leaned over and kissed his cheek replying, " If that's you asking me out then it's a yes."

Ichigo looked visibly less tense as a smile graced his features yet again. He reached over and took my hand again as the elevators closed on us, a good end to a great day.