'Baby, don't hang up
So I can tell you what you need to know
I'm begging you, please don't go
So I can tell you what you need to know'
-Maroon 5 'Payphone' (Non-rap version)

It was a couple weeks before they could visit again; three days before Christmas. The visit likely would have been delayed longer, if not for a text from Ichigo this particular night.

'You two here now. No one in danger… please.'

White eyebrows lifted immediately. Please? Another followed.

'With gigai.'

What could possibly be going on? Ichigo did message like this sometimes, pictures of bunnies at the pet store to Rukia and 'How's it going?' to himself, but not this urgently, nor with such choppy sentences. If no one was in trouble… 'Well, I'll just have to get Rukia and find out.'

The woman was overjoyed to find their plans for the evening had changed, as they were originally quizzing her; the fukutaichou exam was scheduled for just after the holidays.

The only downfall was Urahara. "Ah! Hitsu-"

"No," he said, speeding through the area with the woman by the hand, heading straight for the back room.

"But Hit-"

"No!" he called continuing by him, Rukia snickering.

"Later?"

"…Maybe."

"There's some clothes Rukia-chan might like in your old closet!"

"Jackass has a point," the tensai grumbled as both got in the faux bodies.

"What's that?" she questioned.

"It's nightfall. School uniforms likely aren't the best idea. You remember where my room was, yes?"

"Like I could forget where we first made love," she flushed, attempting to be nonchalant.

"Made love? That's one way to put it," he said as they walked the short distance to their destination.

"How would you put it?"

"You mauled me, Woman."

"You weren't complaining at the time, Jackass."

"Neither am I now. Nor am I saying I would never word it that way."

"Just the not the first time."

"And several times after that."

"I'm gonna break off your arm and beat you with it."

He grinned, and gave her a kiss whilst they entered their destination. "Do you know where he is?" she asked as they redressed.

"Downtown, with several of his friends. At this point, I fail to see the reason for his urgency."

"Maybe he just doesn't like where they are."

"If that's all it is, I will snap his neck myself."

She laughed. "Inoue's there, right? Surely her little crush hasn't gone unnoticed by you."

"Assuredly not," he said, done with a pair of khakis and a dark, long-sleeved shirt. She had a short black dress that fit her comfortably, a line of small grey hearts about the collar and hemline, and a matching jacket with long sleeves. Not what most would call winter wear, but most didn't have their cold tolerance. "If it was her presence he had issue with, why go?"

Her eyes rolled over in her best 'Are you freaking kidding me?' look. "Have you met Ichigo? He'd sooner suffer the night than say anything that could possibly offend her in any way."

"Then why contact us?"

She smiled. Not a nice, kind smile; one that someone gave someone they weren't quite getting through to. He didn't like it. "You really don't know a thing about relationships, even after all this time, do you?"

"Perhaps not, but I know all about you. I had thought that sufficient until recently."

"You just need to know Ichigo a bit better. You ready?"

"I was waiting for you."

"Lead the way."

"Why? You can sense him, can't you?"

She bit her lip.

"Really? Not all?" he asked, trying not let the concern he felt be heard.

"…When I'm near him, sure, but this far off…"

"I see. Well, no doubt that will change once he gets his powers back."

"I know I'm hoping so."

After bypassing Urahara again, they headed towards Ichigo's presence. Toushiro was able to track it so easily, even sans any measurable amount of reiatsu, it hadn't even dawned on him the woman wouldn't be able to. She had been buried in books the past few weeks as well.. Anyhow, it didn't take long at all to track him.

They stopped in front of a club.

"I'm going to kill him," he decided out loud.

Rukia snerked. "I guess now we know why he wanted emotional support. This place is probably slowly doing that for you."

"I say we leave him."

"Come on," she laughed, grabbing his hand and dragging him in.

The music hit his ears hard. He flinched a little at the assault, still strung along by his girlfriend; it seemed she had nearly-instantly spotted their quarry. "Kurosaki-kun!" she called sweetly. Oh, fuck, were we really doing her tooth-decay routine? Though… Ichigo looked beyond relieved to see them. He was still paying for dragging himself, at least, to a place like this. "And Inoue-san! Tatsuki-san. Sado-kun," she greeted all accordingly- with a curtsy.

"I have told you those went out of style some time ago, haven't I?" the tensai drawled to her.

"If you're just going to be grumpy, why don't you get us something to drink?"

"Alcohol. Just what you need."

"Eh?" Inoue asked. "You're of age, Rukia-chan?"

"Uh, yes," she covered quickly, smiling. "I was held back a couple times."

Toushiro knew he was paying for putting her on the spot, unintentional or no. That was fine; if he got enough in her, she'd forget about it, dirty and underhanded though it was. Rolling his eyes, he went over to the bartender. Ichigo followed him. "Sorry," the teen muttered lowly. "I just… I couldn't take it anymore."

"Take what? You're with your friends, aren't you?"

"I dragged Chad along once I figured out what Tatsuki was up to."

"…She's still trying to set up you an Inoue."

"Like you wouldn't buh-lieve. It's actually gotten worse since I stopped 'ditching' school, like she thinks I was going through some sort of rebel phase I'm not in anymore."

"From a third person point of view that didn't know what was going on, it probably appeared that way."

"…I actually wish I was old enough to drink."

"Granted, I can see your trepidation in-"

"Somethin' I can get you two?" Bartender.

After producing Rukia's 'ID' and ordering something non-alcoholic for himself (one of them needed their wits about them), the blonde woman went off to get them.

"You were saying?" Ichigo asked.

"I can understand some hesitation in admitting that you're seeing two people, that doesn't mean you couldn't admit to one."

An orange eyebrow arched. "That wouldn't be very fair. Besides, the lot of them have already assumed the two of you are together."

"Here you go," the bartender returned.

Toushiro paid, and returned his attention to the teen. "You know what is said about assuming, yes?"

"Ass out of you an' me. Still isn't fair."

"Do they realize you called us over?"

"No. Said I had to go to the bathroom."

'He's not going to do anything to deter them, at least not to the point they'll believe him. Must I do everything?' he sighed internally. "And how much does Arisawa know about your sexual preferences?"

"Not a damn thing."

"Inoue?"

"Ditto."

"Good." Still sitting up on the stool, he grabbed the taller's collar and pulled him down for a kiss.

Ichigo went absolutely rigid at first- pretty funny, but soon didn't appear to care too much about the crowds around them or the four people gawking at them, all in disbelief, one in added amusement.

"Arisawa should leave you alone now," the tensai stated, getting up and bringing Rukia her drink. Only she and Sado sat at the table now.

"That was mean," the woman scolded him. "Inoue ran off, but Tatsuki-san followed her."

"It had to be done," was the shrugged reply. "Inoue can't keep looking to someone who is unavailable to her. My method was, perhaps, a bit more cruel than necessary, but the two of them will lay off Kurosaki now."

"The same guy you left in in a state of shock at the bar?"

"That's him."

Even Sado seemed to have an issue not laughing for a moment before he spoke as his friend finally came back to the table, albeit redder than an apple. "Are you two visiting for the holidays?"

"Sort of," Rukia replied.

But anything more she could have added was interrupted by Arisawa's return, the girl attempting to portray the epitome of calm, gathering her and Inoue's belongings. She kept eyeing Ichigo in irritation.

"Tat-"

"Not now."

"Tatsuki-"

"Later," she stated, and was gone again.

The hazel-eyed male slumped, sighed, and connected his head with the table, his arms the only cushioning between them.

"Why do you care so much?" Toushiro asked. "You said Arisawa's been trying to shove Inoue down your throat for awhile now."

"Ichigo has a pathological need to see his friends happy," Chad said lowly. The other teen nodded, face still hidden.

"I knew that," he said. "But this is taking 'pathological' to a whole new level. To the point you would sacrifice your own happiness?"

"Had I not met you guys," came the mumble. "Easily."

Teal eyes darted to dark ones. Chad hadn't missed the plural, but seemed to fine not to comment on it for now, taking a mouthful of his drink. "There's something wrong with that, Kurosaki."

Orange head lifted, hazel eyes annoyed and sarcastic. "There's a lot of things wrong with the goings-on in my head," he shot back.

"True, however, I take issue with the ones I do not benefit from."

Ichigo's expression drooped, but in mild interest. "You have no idea what you just admitted to."

Teal eyed him suggestively. "Try me."

The teen's expression became a just-as-suggestive grin. "Really now, Toushiro?"

Rukia rolled her eyes. "He's a little 'pent up;' I've been studying and training and he's been training and working so we haven't had time to-" Rukia stopped suddenly, realizing there was someone listening aside from the usual two. "Um, time to, that is-"

"Can it, Rukia, he already knows."

"He does?"

Orange eyebrows furrowed. "He's my best friend. Why wouldn't he?"

"No reason. I just didn't think you were able to say the word 'sex' without blushing."

"He can't," Sado murmured.

"Hey!" Ichigo snapped. "Not cool! Anyways, I got the point across, I didn't have to say… that. And if that calms him down, you two need more free time. Or visit me more. Whichever. Or both, actually."

"Ichigo…," his friend seemed to ask.

"Yeah, we can totally go," the other teen said. "You guys good?"

"More than," the tensai replied without missing a beat.

"Party poopers," Rukia muttered, then downed the rest of her drink.

Sado went his own way almost immediately, sparing them only a wave. Ichigo didn't seem to mind, throwing one of his own, then continuing with them. "You must know each other well," Toushiro observed.

"Before high school. He doesn't really like being around… well, couples. Can't say I blame him. Not a fan of it myself. You guys coming home with me or going back to Soul Society?"

"With you," Rukia quickly decided.

The taichou wasn't surprised. "You just don't want to study."

"Oh, come on; I have a pretty good grip on everything."

"'Pretty good' will not pass that exam."

"When is it, anyway?" Ichigo asked.

"Right after the holidays," the woman supplied. "Literally. January 2nd. I've heard hardly anyone passes the first time, though."

The taller male shrugged. "Doesn't mean it can't happen, right?" he asked, eyes still on the road ahead.

"Exactly," she replied proudly.

'Oi, these two. What am I going to do with them?'

'Using past experience for various examples, whatever they wanted you to.'

'…You choose really random times to pop up.'

'Perhaps to you.'

'Do you require my attention for something other than annoying me?'

'Not particularly.'

"Oh, don't worry about that," he vaguely heard Rukia explaining. "When Hyorinmaru wants to talk, he wants to talk, an doesn't really give Toushiro much say."

"That sounds kinda shitty," was Ichigo's reply.

"Not really," the tensai informed them. "Mildly disorientating, but nothing more. It's usually important."

"Usually?"

"Usually."

"Was it then?"

"Not even a little."

Rukia laughed, Ichigo grinned; Toushiro even allowed himself a smile.

"Ah, fighting with the voices in your head; just another day for a shinigami," the teen joked.

"Miss fighting with the voices?" Rukia teased.

"A little," he admitted. "I don't miss the death threats that hollow was handing out, but I guess in the end, he just wanted me to get stronger too."

"Too much trust in such a creature is not wise," Toushiro informed him.

"Tensa Zangetsu seemed to trust him, at least toward the end, so why shouldn't I? Wouldn't he know better than me?"

"…I suppose."

"They didn't want to teach me that final attack, you know; and the hollow was playing along, I guess maybe he was screwing with me- why do you look confused?"

"I don't know anything about your fight with Aizen, therefore no idea what you're on about."

"…Oh. Well, Dad took me to that in-between world-"

"The Prepice World?" Toushiro asked, feeling Rukia's hand wrap it in his own. She was between him and Ichigo, likely trying to show a little support on what she knew to be a difficult subject for them. It didn't slip by him that her other hand was entwined with the taller's own.

"Yeah, that. He said his reiatsu could hold back the current or whatever while I figured out how to get out of Tensa Zangetsu the final- Actually, how did Dad know about that? Huh. Anyway, this final attack that was pretty much a Getsuga Tenshou on steroids."

"That… must have been quite the sight."

"It was," Rukia chimed in. "There was black everywhere, it seemed like. I couldn't really see you well from where I was, but you looked like you were all wrapped from the waist up and your hair got really long and black."

"To right around here," Ichigo replied, leveling off at the bridge of his nose. "But it still wasn't enough; Urahara had to use some kido on him to seal him and send him to Soul Society somehow. Probably in jail or something, right?"

"Our version of a maximum-security prison, yes. And not leaving there well, ever," Toushiro stated.

"Oh! I know!" the woman said suddenly, producing her sketchbook from… somewhere. "I'll draw you a picture so you can see!"

"Suit yourself," he said, noticing the other's ill look. "I know," he muttered to him. "But it's far simpler to just let her do it."

"Yeah, I know," the taller muttered.

"If you don't mind me asking, how exactly did you come to the conclusion that creature wanted you to gain in strength?" the tensai questioned him. They'd taken a temporary pause so the woman could draw.

"Well, at first it was only the death threats, actually they just kind of continued, but they always started with stuff like 'If you let your guard down,' or something like that. He… recognized I was stronger than him, he just didn't like it. If that makes sense."

"The more I get to know you, the more makes sense that I never would have thought possible prior."

"And anyway, when I had to fight Tensa Zangetsu, he actually merged with the hollow to fight me, and… um… well, all he would say at first was that what I wanted to protect wasn't the same as what he wanted to protect."

"Did he say what that was?"

Nod. "...Me."

"That makes sense. I'm not sure what happens to a zanpakuto in your case; I suppose he is likely lying dormant someplace within you."

"…I hope so." Toushiro barely heard him. "Hey, did you happen to notice if…"

"You appear the same as the first time we visited you."

"…I could stay this way awhile, huh?"

"It seems likely. Had you not had to awaken your powers so early, it is entirely possible they wouldn't have until after you'd died." He wasn't going to lie to make him feel better, and actually, Ichigo seemed to appreciate it.

"So they might not till then this time."

"It's possible," the shorter repeated. "Personally, though, I feel it very unlikely."

"Why's that?"

"Remember when I told you to stay out of trouble that one night, and you stated that I said such as if you go looking for trouble?"

"Yeah."

"I am well aware you don't look for the trouble you find yourself in; it finds you. If a normal existence is what you want, I would enjoy this time; possibly even tell Rukia and myself to leave you be for the duration, as it seems highly probable that trouble will find you yet again."

Ichigo was smiling. "Thanks, Toushiro. I won't be telling you two not to visit; I have the best days when you two come here."

The tensai shrugged. "Merely giving you the option."

"Done!" Rukia said, holding up the newly-made image for them to see.

Just as horrific as always.

"What do you think?"

"Same as always," Ichigo drawled.

"Awesome! Toushiro?"

"Agreed," he managed. The last time he'd made the mistake of saying anything even remotely derogatory about her drawings… well, he wasn't about to do it again.

"You babysitting, Kurosaki?" a voice he didn't know interrupted the conversation. Two young men, about Ichigo's age, were approaching them. Said teen didn't waste any time formulating a retort.

"You're gonna wish you hadn't said that," he stated.

"Why's that?"

"Cus these two aren't kids and they're about to kick your ass."

"Huh?" the first of the newcomers tried to continue, but his mouth collided with Toushiro's foot, his gut with Rukia's fist.

"Told ya. You guys ready?"

"More than," the tensai drawled, still eyeing the other teens- they were too shell-shocked to do anything. No doubt Ichigo had a reputation for kicking ass; they didn't seem stupid enough to try an attack when the orange-haired male had enough faith in them to have them go on ahead and strike in his stead.

"We're still going to Ichigo's, right?" Rukia asked.

"Yes. Come on, now."

"Oh, fine," she sighed, catching up with the two.

Teal eyes glared in the other's direction once more, the action providing the two unwelcome teens with the final push they needed to get the fuck lost.

By the time they arrived back the Kurosaki household, the girls were in bed and Isshin… well, he was around, only not visible. That was fine; the man irked the taichou almost more than Urahara.

Toushiro followed the two up to the familiar bedroom through the darkened house, the two shinigami making themselves at home sitting on the bed as they often did. "You two spending the night?" Ichigo asked, eyebrow arched in amusement.

"Probably not," Rukia sighed. "I'm sure this one wants me to study more tonight."

"It's you who should want to study," the tensai told her.

"Easy for you to say; you know everything."

"And you think I just popped into the world knowing everything?"

"No, but you catch a lot quicker than the rest of us."

"There's nothing I can do about that, Woman; I've offered you assistance and you continually turn me down."

"I was going to let you help me tonight, wasn't I?"

"So you claim."

"Soo," Ichigo interjected. "Is this you two not having time for each other or is Rukia really this bad at studying?"

Toushiro looked at Rukia, who sighed, but admitted, "A little of both. I was… going to leave you be while you didn't have your powers, let you have a normal life. And just study myself until I made it."

"…That is the worst idea you've ever had, Midget."

"But as a result, I hardly ever want study cus I-" she flushed, but continued in a mumble, "Cus I always want to be with you two."

Rather than tease her, the teen appeared to be taking the high road. "Who says you can't do both?" he asked. "You can study here, or with Toushiro, can't you?"

"What she means to say," Toushiro informed him, knowing the woman would likely make him pay dearly for it. "Is that she's worried for you; has been ever since she saw you in Hueco Mundo."

"Toushiro!" she yelled predictably, horrified.

Ichigo chuckled. "I'm fine, Midget, don't worry about that. It was just some crazy shit I wasn't ready for."

"Battle has that effect," the tensai agreed.

"You two are so evasive," she grumbled.

"And you are not? You have secrets yourself, do you not?"

"So?" she shrugged. "Mine aren't important."

Toushiro hung his head.

Ichigo snickered, but said, "You know Rukia, you probably see it as nothing important cus you know what it is, how you're handling it. We don't, and that makes us as worried for you as you are for us." White eyebrows lifted. Maturity always showed in the other when he least expected it to.

"Well then," she asked, barely-there uncertainty. "Story time?"

"I guess. Toushiro?"

"I am hiding nothing."

"Bullshit," the other two called simultaneously.

"Say what you like," Toushiro yawned. This was fun.

"Well," Ichigo finally said. "Maybe Toushiro should start."

"Maybe Ichigo can kiss Toushiro's ass," he retorted. Information had to be earned.

"Later, promise," the teen shot right back, all grins.

Teal eyes rolled. "Cleverness will get you everywhere."

"Kinda figured that out already."

Toushiro snerked. Information earned. "I assume you are referring to the incident with Hinamori and Aizen?" he asked, eyeing the two. It seemed that would sedate them, yes. "Honestly, Unohana-taichou drugged me before I had a chance to think much of anything. And when I woke up… Well, I would not have blamed her if she never wanted to set eyes on me again, and yet… I was the only one she wanted to see."

"I told you!" Rukia spoke up. She'd known he and Hinamori were fine, yes, but he had left out some details.

Teal eyes rolled. "Yes, yes. Hinamori can, evidentially, forgive even the worst of offences. Satisfied?"

"Ya answered without actually answering," the taller male noted.

"I did. And will again if you persist."

Ichigo held up his hands in surrender.

After gritting his teeth, the tensai supplied as well, "I'd never been so ashamed of myself; that someone could get the better of me mentally… it was unthinkable," he finished quietly. "And I don't want either of you telling me 'it's okay' because it's not. It is what it is- bullshit."

After quiet chuckles, Rukia and Ichigo did 'rock-paper-scissors' to see who was going next. Rukia lost. Woman relied too much on 'rock.'

"I, um," she tried, cleared her throat, then spoke again. "The hollow that killed Kaien-dono… he was one of the Espada. He wore Kaien-dono's face when I fought him."

Toushiro's eyes widened in horror. That one could be so twisted…

"Who?" Ichigo asked. Oh, riiiight. Were we talking about how much this idiot looked (and acted a bit) like his girlfriend's mentor and possible crush yet? Probably not; he decided it was best to let Rukia answer.

"He was fukutaichou of my division when I joined," she did, indeed, continue. "And he was… very kind to me. I didn't feel like a belonged anywhere; Nii-sama had just adopted me, whispers where everywhere, Renji was being a dick, and despite adopting me, even Nii-sama didn't seem to care about having me around. And Kaien-dono…," she smiled. "He was a lot like you, Ichigo."

Hm; maybe we were.

"Like me?" the teen repeated. "How?"

"Neither of you listen to gossip, you just take people as they are and welcome them; that's what Kaien-dono did for me. He didn't curl back from me just because of who my family had become, he saw a new recruit and treated me as such. Most people wouldn't want that," she laughed. "But it was what I wanted, needed, the most."

"And that hollow…?"

"His wife lead a team to go find it- she and the rest of them were killed. Kaien-dono also had a strong sense of pride," she added a little angrily. "As I'm sure you've noticed, each squad tends to take on traits of it's taichou," she spoke more calmly.

"Don't even start," Toushiro warned Ichigo as he opened his mouth, which quickly shut at the advice.

The woman lightly sighed before she continued. "Ukitake-taichou… he says there are two types of battles; one for life, the other… for pride." She was grinding her own teeth a little; Toushiro knew despite her devotion to her taichou, she'd never really cared for the principle. "So when the three of us went looking for it, found it… Kaien-dono asked to fight it alone. Ukitake-taichou let him." Her voice was shaky; his heart broke for her, but he couldn't help notice she was telling this tale far more easily than she had to him in the past. His hand made its way to the small of her back, trying to give a soft, soothing rub. She gave a small, appreciative glance his way before continuing again. "Even… that thing had an ability, just by touching it, it was able to destroy Kaien-dono's zanpakuto. He did the best he could with kido, and was doing well… that beast was able to possess him, literally infiltrate his body and slowly eat him from the inside." Ichigo was being awfully quiet. "He attacked me. Ukitake-taichou told me to run, and I did, but… I couldn't… I couldn't bear to leave him like that." Sobs were starting to rise from her throat.

"Rukia, you don't have to-"

"Shut up. I'm not done," she told the teen.

"Yes, 'Mam."

"I ran back; I couldn't stand what a coward I was behaving as, afraid to fight Kaien-dono when he wasn't even Kaien-dono anymore. Ukitake-taichou was fighting him, and he saw and attack me. My sword was drawn. I didn't… know what else to do…"

It seemed Ichigo had heard enough. He pulled the woman tight, close, telling her, "So not your fault," with a little more emotion that one merely listening to a heartbreaking story.

Toushiro watched them closely. Was it possible…? Could it, really…? Back burner. More important things now.

Ichigo released Rukia slowly, as if just realizing himself what action he'd take to comfort the woman. She was still wiping tears from her eyes; the taller male took a box of tissues from his top desk drawer and plopped them in front of her. "Thank you," she sniffed. "This kind of sucks," she added, a small chuckle despite herself. "Already crying and I'm not even done."

"You don't have to," the teen replied before the tensai could.

"Nope, I promised. Besides, as awful as it sounds, I actually got some closure fighting that espada." She finished clearing her sinuses, chucked the used tissues into the small bin by the desk, took a deep breath, and finished her story. "Once I realized that it was just the espada taking Kaien-dono's form, it should have been easy. Should have. But he kept talking with that voice, that mouth… It was harder than it should have been. He kept saying he knew all about me, and nothing I could do could surprise him… That thing had all Kaien-dono's memories, and I developed most of my abilities with him. But… I remembered something else about Kaien-dono, something different about that night. It was what he said about heart; that it was like a bond, something shared between two people, and that no one should die alone, because then that heart would die as well. And I had forgotten, right before he died, Kaien-dono told me," she was starting to sniffle again, "He thanked me. Because I was there, because my sword pierced him, he could have a few moments of sanity before he passed… and he could leave his heart with me." she smiled again. "And then I kicked the bastard's ass. The end."

"Wow," Ichigo said, giving her hand a squeeze. "I can't imagine walking around with all that."

"Oh?" she asked. "Then what have you been walking around with?"

"…A battle," he sighed, scratching the back of his head.

"Well, obviously."

"Har. Har. He was an espada too, Ulquiorra, I guess he was in charge of Inoue or something, cus he always had her around… And Inoue… I think she really cared about him." He took a long pause. "Fighting him…wasn't going well. For me. But I couldn't see any other way, I just… anyway, well, if it hadn't been for the hollow in my head, I don't think I'd be alive right now, be it fortunate or not, and, uh… I don't have to tell you he isn't that great a guy. He fucked Ulquiorra up with change… Massive change," he added after a moment. "And just… when I broke free… was myself again, Ulquiorra, he was… fading. He actually… congratulated me on winning, but that- that's no way to win." His hazel eyes were wet, yes, a bit worn at the recollection, yes, but Toushiro doubted very much there would be actual tears. Rukia put both her hands in the teen's own; he squeezed them tightly. "And that's why I probably looked awful when I saw you again, Rukia."

"Good reason," he muttered. "But just like anything, you can't let it get to you."

His eyes flicked over to Toushiro, who affirmed with a nod that he was, in fact, still paying attention, still listening despite the lack of verbal communication. "Yeah, I know. It was… just weird, after. Fighting that big guy? He was supposed to his friend, and didn't care at all that he was dead, while Inoue, she… she was supposed to be the captured one, right? She looked completely brokenhearted."

"I doubt there's an unkind bone in Inoue's body."

"Yeah, but I think she might've… I don't know."

"You think she was in love with Ulquiorra? Someone literally a world apart from her?"

A grin twitched at the edge of his lips. "You can't exactly say anything there, Midget."

"Why not?"

"…It's a little hypocritical."

Rukia's jaw drooped a little, wide eyes blinked, trying to understand but clearly not putting two and two together.

"Toushiro?"

"In case you haven't noticed," the tensai provided. "Not only do you have two boyfriends, but one of them as well, literally lives in a different world."

"Oh. That's not the same."

"You have the strangest logic."

"But Ichigo's part of our world, or was, or… something. Inoue would have never met this Ulquiorra if he hadn't kidnapped her, and you have to admit, kidnapping someone isn't exactly the same as picking them up."

"Very true, however, you would have to admit as well that there are crossover points at work here."

"I… guess. It still doesn't seem the same. I can try to talk to her, if you want- it'd probably be creepy if you did, but you're clearly worried about her."

"…Yeah. Thanks," the teen muttered.

"Well, now that we're had the most awkward and emotionally draining evening ever, perhaps we should call it a night."

"…You don't have to go," Ichigo spoke softly.

"Homework?"

"Saturday."

"…Oh. Toushiro?"

He shrugged. "Fine with me."

"You're tired, aren't you?" the teen teased.

"Not particularly," the tensai replied.

"Bored?"

Chuckle. "Hardly."

"Then why are you so quiet?"

It was Rukia who answered. "It's his default mode, I think you'd call it," she mused. "When he's in a new situation, he just kinda… watches."

"Observes," the tensai corrected.

"Why?" Ichigo asked. "You don't change how you behave or anything, do you?"

"Of course not."

"He just likes watching," Rukia giggled.

"Oh, stop," he drawled.

"What? You do."

"You're making it sound inappropriate."

"I can make it inappropriate."

"Quit getting Ichigo's hopes up," he retorted, noticing those hazel eyes light up at her words.

"Oh, I'm so- mph." She was cut off by Ichigo's lips on her own, and once she'd realized such, certainly wasn't bitching.

Toushiro felt a little spark of 'what the fuck?!' within himself, but shorted out pretty quickly, watching the two.

"A little better when you're not massively depressed?" Rukia teased when their lips parted.

"Yeah. A little weird, bein' watched, though," was the reply, hazel eyes sliding over to the tensai.

"Get used to it," he stated.

"I'm sure I will," the teen shot back unexpectedly. "Come here, Toushiro; I have an idea."

"That is easily the most terrifying thing I have ever heard you say."

"Get your ass over here."

Still eyeing him warily, Toushiro crossed the short distance to them, sitting beside Rukia. "Kiss," Ichigo said.

A white eyebrow arched, but he willingly did as asked. Seconds later, another head was nuzzling between theirs. He cracked open a teal eye just in time to see Ichigo's lips contact with both of their's. At the same time. How… clever.

"Wow, you had a good idea," the woman was snickering.

"Bitch," he muttered, earning himself a punch in the gut.

"I keep telling you she doesn't like that, and yet you continue to do so. I really don't understand it," Toushiro sighed.

"That's cus he likes it when I hit him. Duh," the woman remarked.

"Oh yeah, I love being all bruised and in pain."

The tensai thought for a moment. "Actually, Ichigo, I'm inclined to agree."

"You would."

"Seriously. I cannot think of another reason why you continue to provoke her."

Ichigo's jaw clenched before he spoke again. "It's not… that. Not completely, anyway," he flushed. "It's more… the bruises remind me I wasn't hallucinating, okay?" he finally blurted out.

"Hallucinating?"

"Yeah, Toushiro," Rukia chimed in. Apparently she understood what he was on about. Guess she spoke Idiot. "Think about it. The night I met him, I turned his happy little existence upside down. And… and now that…Need a couple reminders when we're not around?"

"…Something like that," the taller male muttered, still red.

"I can think of a just-as-fun way to do the same thing!" she said, and without waiting for questioning, dove to the base of the teen's neck, clamping down immediately.

Hazel eyes widened considerably, and Ichigo bit down on his lower lip, a small noise, almost a whimper, rising from his throat.

"There," she grinned at the now-dark pink skin. "That should last a week or- hello there," she continued to grin at the growing bulge in his pants. He sucked in a sharp breath when her finger trailed the inside of his thigh.

"I'm about to get mauled, aren't I?" he asked.

"Unless you have a problem with that."

"No man in his right mind would have a problem with that."

"Unless-"

"Shut up, Toushiro- not big on technicalities right now."

The tensai snickered all the same; while they had their little go-between, Rukia had been undeterred in her own mission, getting the teen's attention back when her palm made a swipe up his half-massed erection. His breathing caught in his throat, and she pulled his chin forward to kiss him again, clearly mauling his mouth before the rest of him.

She was good at that. He realized he was biased, but he'd wager Rukia could turn any man into a writhing pile of want. Kind of like what she was doing at the moment.

Ichigo was leaning back on his elbows, half-lidded hazel eyes fixed on the woman. 'Probably figured he'd never see a female down there,' Toushiro kept to himself. Watching the two.. It surprised him. Not the action, but the lack of a resistance from his psyche to have a problem with it. He'd always been possessive, especially of Rukia, and had thought his first instinct would be to mutilate the teen, despite knowing logically what was happening. But no such thing occurred, aside from that one easily-diffused spark earlier. Perhaps... that possessiveness had carried over...

Instead, he found himself entranced by the scene, from knowing exactly what Rukia was doing to Ichigo to his reactions to it. He even began to feel himself react to it; heart rate pick up, breathing labored… and no desire to tear his teal eyes away. They seemed locked, anyway, the orbs themselves unwilling to look from the woman's ministrations and the orange-haired male's rapidly-unraveling self-control.

Ichigo was laying fully on his back now, biting down on the edge of his hand… oh, he had to be close. The theory was proved true as, just after thinking it, the teen barely got out, "Ru-Rukia, I-." But it was enough. She backed off a little, just enough that he didn't do to her what the two males had done to each other days prior, and let him finish.

The teen continued to lay back, panting, running a hand up into his bright hair. "Damn," he cussed to Rukia's laughter and the tensai's own amusement.

"How about trying the real thing?" the woman grinned, leaning on his legs.

"Um…," hazel eyes darted to teal. "Is Toushiro sure he isn't gonna kill me?"

"He's sure," the taichou said. "And Toushiro has to go, actually; you kids have fun."

Rukia pulled him into a kiss that Ichigo sat up to include himself in. That really was a clever idea, he mused, and out of habit, jumped down from the window, easily making the landing and walking down to Urahara's to return the gigai before returning home.

He was sure he'd made the right choice, even if his psyche was a little irked. Ichigo was, despite venomous objections on his part, the very picture of innocence, and having eyes on him through his first time, even if it were… 'special circumstances…' Well, it just seemed mean, and he himself had always been adept to know when to let Rukia take over. And if Ichigo had objections, he was sure she would explain such to him, even if it was in the most violent way possible.

Approaching the store, he saw the lights on and a full house inside… and sighed. He was not in the mood to deal with people.

Then a rather interesting sight caught his eye. The figure he now knew to be Kon was scrambling (and falling) out a window toward the back of the place- likely his room. "What are you doing?" he asked, causing the mod soul a momentary panic.

"What it look like?" he shot back. "I'm getting out of the house."

"Something wrong with the door?"

"Urahara's by it."

"Take care of my gigai and I won't say a word."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"And you have to stay away from Ichigo's house."

"But why?! Nee-san's here, that's the whole reason-"

"I will ask her to stop by later just to see you."

A brown eyebrow arched. "Are her and…?" His nose scrunched up. "They are, aren't they?! Aww, the world is collapsing around me!"

"Shut up or you'll give yourself away! Do you agree or not?"

"…Fiiine," he sighed, like a sulky child. "I'll go get one of those glove thingies."

When he returned, Toushiro had formulated a question for him. "Why do you care? You're not interested in her too, are you?"

"…No. I just want her to be happy. I don't see how a stupid idiot like Ichigo could do that."

Toushiro stifled a snicker. "You think I can?"

"Maybe. But with that reaction, guess not. Whoa, whoa, wait," he added suddenly. "You wouldn't be going along with this if you didn't like Ichigo too."

"Correct."

"So… you must see whatever Rukia does too."

"…You gonna put that glove to use or am I gonna be in this thing all night?" he drawled.

Kon rolled his eyes, pushed him out, stuffed the gigai back in through the window, and stared at him again. "Answer me now? And if you try to shunpo, I can so follow you."

"Through the town, yes," the taichou agreed, drawing his blade.

"Aw, come on; that's just not fair."

All the same, Toushiro stretched out the zanpakuto, then turned it. "Ichigo has far more integrity than you give him credit for, Kon," he spoke as the doors opened, and after sheathing the sword, was gone, leaving the (for once) speechless mod soul behind.

Once he arrived back, he considered going to his office rather than Rukia's home. Around then, the occasional nagging that he should find his own place to stay returned, but then, wondered, perhaps, if maybe he should question Kuchiki-taichou on it. The other didn't seem to mind himself, but… once he arrived back, the raven-haired man had long gone to sleep- he would have to ask another time…

Instead, clothes and all, he flopped back on the bed, staring at the ceiling and letting his mind wander off… wherever it wanted to, really. Admittedly, it did hit work first, as Ichigo had made him leave a bit early, but most of it was done; catching up tomorrow would hardly even qualify as an issue.

Then thinking of that lead to Ichigo.

The Rukia.

Then Rukia with Ichigo.

Kinda like they were now.

In Ichigo's room.

Alone.

Hands all over each other.

Toushiro bit his lip. Not in annoyance or anger, but… envy. Every thought his mind formed pushed him closer to an edge of frustration, but not… not the angry kind. The kind that warmed his skin, labored his breathing, and pulsed through his very veins.

That kind.

"Dammit," he cussed harshly, and glance up at the waning moon in the sky. He hadn't been back long, Rukia was probably still showing the teen how much fun women could be- especially herself. Some of the stunts that woman pulled… Oh, she was full of tricks as annoying as they were arousing. But for Ichigo… what would she most likely do?

There would be sarcasm. That much was certain. And there was one stunt she pulled that was coming to mind- touching her warm hands everywhere but where he wanted her to. Then again, he himself had no patience, whereas Ichigo apparently had quite a bit, and once she figured that out, she'd find another way to torture him.

How would… ? Well, they certainly enjoyed teasing one another, and Rukia would assuredly take charge, if for no other reason than to keep Ichigo's hands off her abdomen should be not be ready to share it with him. She had told Toushiro Ichigo was very nearly the same as Kaien, personality and looks alike. He had himself a chuckle. If Ichigo was this Kaien's reincarnation or some such thing, it was no wonder he had taken the woman's story earlier so close to heart. And also explained why Rukia was so hesitant to remind him of her long-healed wound; Ichigo would feel like a dick all over again, and possibly not even understand why. It was certainly feasible; Toushiro had countered at the time that, were they the same person, his zanpakuto would be the same- evidentially, as Rukia had said, Kaien's had been destroyed the night he'd died. So maybe… Zangetsu stepped in for Nejibana? There was no telling, except to perhaps ask the zanpakuto himself, and at this point in time, at least, that was not an option.

'I'm over-thinking again,' he realized with a sigh, rubbing his eyes. "How did I get so off-track?'

'Your mind demands information,' came a chuckle from within himself. 'It is driving you mad not knowing, is it not?'

'…I wouldn't go that far. No Shirayuki-san this evening?'

'Oh, young one, do not be naïve.'

'…Worth a shot.'

'She and Zangetsu-san are getting to know one another.'

'…You're not here just because I left, are you?'

'Just because? No.'

'But mostly.'

'Yes. Do not worry on it, young one, it is just as fine to spend a quiet evening as one with company.'

'I'm glad you see it that way.'

Rukia returned a few hours later, right when Toushiro was heading to bed, but her reentrance into the house was more than enough to change his mind. She came right to the bedroom, chuckling to herself as she laid her zanpakuto against the wall and began changing her clothes. "Something you care to share?" he asked.

"He is so amusing. His reactions, facial expressions- too entertaining."

"His first time and you just had to mess with him."

"Gimme a little credit: I didn't mess with him till after."

"Oh, of course," he drawled as she jumped in the futon next to him. "You two had fun, then?"

She continued to grin. "He seemed to enjoy himself."

"Changed his opinion on females, did we?"

She cackled.

"Wow, are you in a good mood."

"Toushiro, I've managed to restrain myself for awhile now, but I can't anymore. I know it's not exactly what I'm saying, but it sure feels like it."

"Oh, Rukia, please don't."

"I turned a gay man!"

"You did not."

"Oh, come on! I know, if he were really gay, I wouldn't have turned his head. But he thought he was till I did. Don't I get any points for that?"

"Assuming there was someone keeping score…"

"Me. Duh. So what were you doing here? No seething, I hope."

"Quite the contrary. Does that mean you won't share with me further?"

Her jaw drooped a little. "I surprised you want 'further' shared with you. I mean, I told Ichigo you left to give us privacy, but I honestly wasn't sure if-"

"Had I a problem with the happenings, it would have been made known."

"Oh. Okay. Good."

"I actually found myself thinking on it after I got back; part of me wished I had stayed, but not for any violent tendencies."

"That's so cute." Before he could rebuttal, she continued to tell him about the past few hours. "Well, you were right about this hesitation, and he is so distractible it's kind of obnoxious. I had to ask him a few times if he was sure because I started to think maybe he was doing it on purpose."

"Sounds familiar." And they weren't even having sex. Yet.

"But once he got a little more focused, it got better, and when he finally went in… I really wish you'd seen the look on his face; it was… wow. I'd say he was on Cloud Nine, but I really think he was actually up in the twenties somewhere."

"He say anything when you didn't make him pull out or anything?"

"Well, he had a couple condoms in his nightstand he claims his dad put there. I'm… not really ready to tell him about my scar."

"Because he reminds you of Kaien?"

"Yes and no. And I let him go without one for a little bit, then made him go get one; knowing what I do, it'd be a little mean not to."

"How in the world did you hide it from him?"

"I didn't get completely naked and I pinned his hands down."

"Bet that made him all kinds of happy."

"I think so, actually. He probably takes charge with you, right?"

"Evidentially, someone informed him that I respond well to it."

"Now who would tell him that?"

"…I can't imagine."

"But I didn't tell him you like to take charge yourself at times, just so you could see the look on his face when you pull that on him."

"Much obliged. But you know it will piss him off beyond reason if you withhold the information about your scar much longer."

"Yeah. I know. But please, don't tell him."

"I won't. But again, you should."

"And again, I know, and I will. But seriously, when you go to maul him, it's like dinner and a show, except, you know, sex and a show. But actually, you already know that. I know you didn't have sex, but… yeah."

"He was entertaining, yes, but also infuriating."

"He's just not that experienced yet. I know patience is not your virtue, but try and summon some, huh?"

"…If you insist. Sleep or are you still on your little high?"

"I'm starting to come down," she said, laying on his chest. "If I just listen to your heartbeat a bit, I'm sure I'll be asleep soon."

"As you say," he chuckled, but soon found her true to her word, sleeping soundly on him. With a smile, he kissed her head, and joined her nearly as quickly.