He Followed Me Home, Can I Keep Him?

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

A few quick notes before we begin. First off, I had forgotten to mention in the previous chapter that the idea for the spirit draining bomb, as well as Shiro's unique ability were both ideas that my good friend Sinmiru came up with. I changed them a bit to match what I wanted but the over ideas came from Sin. Quick reminder, I'm still accepting ideas for Hollow Military weaponry. If you have something in mind that you think would be sweet for them to use, tell me about it! Whether it be in a review or through private messaging. If I use your idea, I'll make sure to give you credit for it.

Another thing, based on the amount of reviews I had from the previous chapter, as well as some advice given to me by SeaDevil, I'm going to be answering reviews a little differently from now on. I'll most likely be answering reviews in private messages now, with the exception of those who don't have an account. And of course if anyone has any questions, you're more than welcome to ask. I'll either answer it in a private message to you, or if I feel that it is something I should clarify overall, then I'll explain it at the start of one of my chapters.

All right, that's about it. I won't hold you guys back from the next chapter any longer. Let the story begin!


He regains consciousness slowly, his senses are dull due to his half-asleep state. But he can tell that he is on a soft surface, he can also tell that he holding something soft within his arms. A light source from nearby bothers his sleepy mind, so he rolls over in an attempt to escape the bothersome thing... BANG! "Mother fuckin' hell!" Only to fall off the bed again... Shiro attempts to pull himself out of the tangled mess of covers but a giggle from nearby makes him pause. He lifts the covers out of the way enough to see who's laughing at him. Sitting nearby is Rukia, she has a hand to her mouth as she tries to cover up the fact that she's laughing at him. "Shut up!" He snaps at her then proceeds to throw the pillow he finds in his grip in her general direction, which she easily ducks under. That's when he realizes some thing is off, he just fell off the bed, didn't he? But the albino can clearly see that Rukia is sitting on the bed and the covers are still on it. He glances behind him to see what he fell off of, only to find... A bed? He looks back across the room at what clearly is Ichigo's bed by the window. Shiro looks behind himself once more to make sure he isn't seeing things. Yep, there are two beds in the room now. When did they do that? And why?

Upon once again hearing contained laughter, the albino sends a glare her way, Rukia seems to find his confusion amusing. She finally contains herself enough to be able to look at him without laughing. A small smile pulls at her lips as she answers his unspoken question. "They put the second bed in here yesterday. Ichigo's father insisted that 'his second son' deserved a bed of his own, instead of sleeping on the floor."

Shiro untangles himself enough from the covers to lean back against the bed. "How long was I out?" He asks in a nonchalant manner while turning his head to the side.

"You've been asleep for about three days." Rukia answers without hesitation.

"Three days, huh? Damn, doesn't feel like it's been that long." He says in what still appears to be an uncaring manner. "So the old man's back?"

"Yeah, he got back about two days ago." She replies casually while glancing to the door as if she could see out and into the rest of the house.

In a lazy manner, Shiro's gaze wanders around the room. "So..." His eyes finally stop upon Rukia as he questions. "Where's Ichigo and Starrk?"

She closes her eyes and lowers her head, she has been wondering when he would ask that question. "Starrk has been spending most of his time down stairs, everyone's really starting to get attached to him." Shiro gives a slight nod at this, it's good to know that his new friend is doing so well. "And Ichigo... Well..." She hesitates and this starts to make Shiro worry.

"Well, what?" He asks and he can't help the bit of concern that leaks into his voice. She remained silent and his concern only grows. "Are ya gonna answer the damn question or not!" Shiro snaps at her, but he's taken aback when she starts laughing again. Then it hits him, she was leading him on.

He gives her a vicious glare before turning his gaze away. "I made him go downstairs to get something to eat." Rukia finally explains and she can't help but start laughing again when she hears Shiro scoff. After a bit she collects herself enough to ask. "Couldn't you have used your connection with him to tell that for yourself?"

Upon spotting the slight blush on his face, she can't help but break down into a fit of laughter again. "Sh... Shut up!" He snaps at her once again while glaring daggers in her direction.

"Ha! Do you think that look intimidates me?" She says in a teasing manner with a smug grin on her face. "There's absolutely nothing scary about you at all! In fact I can't believe I was even afraid of you to begin with!" A very hollow like growl escape Shiro's lips as Rukia crosses her arms and continues. "And don't think adding in the growl is going to scare me! I've seen you sleep and trust me when I say, after seeing that, there is absolutely nothing you can do that would ever scare me again!"

A twitch crosses Shiro's face at her words, she really knows how to push his buttons. "I don't intimidate ya? I'm not very scary, huh? Don't tempt me ta go all hollow on yer ass! Then we'll see who scary!" Shiro threatens in a halfhearted manner.

"Scary? HA! You would only be using that mask to hide your embarrassment!" She returns easily that smug grin never leaving her face.

He glares at her for a moment more before realizing this conversation is going nowhere fast. So instead of replying he simply scoffs slightly and averts his gaze. Seeing that he has had enough of the teasing, Rukia remains quiet. Silence descends upon the room for a few moments, both wanting to say something but neither knowing where to begin. Finally, Shiro asks a question he's been curious about. "How bad was that blast?"

Shiro watches Rukia's expression out of the corner of his eye, and from what he can tell from her serious demeanor, it was bad. "The majority of your chest had been blown away. There was too much damage for Orihime to heal, but yourself healing eventually kicked in. If not for that, then..." She leaves the sentence open, but she doesn't need to finish it for Shiro to know what the conclusion would have been.

"Wow..." Is about all he can say in response to that. After a few moments of silence, he moves and allows himself to flop down onto the floor on his back. He lays the back of his right hand over his eyes, mostly to keep the light out of them. Why is it so bright in here? He slightly glances around his hand towards the source, only to find the sun shining straight into the room. No wonder it is so bright. Shiro closes his eyes again, he would probably be more comfortable on the bed but he doesn't feel like moving. In fact, the albino didn't feel like doing much of anything at the moment. So instead he simply lays there.

Rukia continues to watch him silently, she's never really seen Ichigo's other half this placid before. Perhaps his near-death experience has really gotten to him, not that the albino would ever admit it. Finally she decides to get out what's been on her mind, Rukia picks herself up while grabbing the discarded pillow. Then proceeds to walk over and stand beside the albino. Shiro had heard the footsteps as she made her way across the room but he didn't react. When she stops to stand beside him, he finally moves his hand and opens his eyes to look at her. Shiro meets Rukia's gaze silently, for a few moments neither move. Finally, Rukia through the pillow into his face. "Idiot!" Then proceeds to stomp on his stomach. "You had us all worried half to death! Don't ever do something so stupid again!" She stomps down on his stomach a few more times until he finally stops her by grabbing her ankle.

While pulling the pillow off his face, Shiro sits up slightly glaring a bit at Rukia. "Oi! I did what I had ta do in a tough situation!" He snaps at her, Shiro goes to say more but stops when he sees the expression on her face.

A mixture of emotions are running through Rukia at this moment, she's mad at Shiro for his careless actions, but she's also grateful that he's all right. She's also greatly upset by the fact that she not only came close to losing one good friend but two. "Don't ever fight by yourself like that again." She says in a slightly shaky voice. "I would never forgive myself if something happen to you because I didn't try to help..." Shiro's gaze softens at her words, he knew she saw him as a friend. But he never knew how deep that connection ran, now he does. "And I know the others feel the same way too. So please, don't ever ask that of us again. Okay?"

There is a slightly pleading tone to her voice and her expression, and that is something that Shiro can't say no to. He lets out a soft sigh while averting his gaze slightly before answering. "Sure thin' Rukia. Just don't cry on me, I really don't know how ta deal with that kind of Shit..."

Rukia instantly becomes defensive at the albino's comment. "Who said I was going to cry!" She snaps at him while pulling her ankle free and he allows her to.

Shiro rolls his eyes as he picks himself up into a full sitting position. "Don't give me that crap. Ya started gettin' all teary-eyed on me just now." He says in a slightly teasing way as the beginnings of his usual smile start to spread across his face.

Twitching slightly Rukia crosses her arms and turns away from him a bit with a huff. Shiro can't help but chuckle slightly at her in amusement. But very quickly Rukia grows serious again. "Ichigo would barely leaves the room, you know..." At the sudden change of topic and demeanor, Shiro looks at her sharply. She returns her gaze to him with a serious expression. "You should tell him how you feel." The albino simply scoffs at this and goes to say something but Rukia cuts him off. "I'm serious! What if something happens to one of you? Do you want to regret never telling him?"

Shiro can't help but shake his head slightly, he never thought he'd be having this conversation with Rukia. "I don't even know if he swings that way. And besides, why are YA of all people tellin' me this? I mean... I thought ya... Had a thin' for him or somethin'..." At this Rukia blinks slightly, then she can't help but raise a hand to her mouth and starts giggling. "What? Did I say somethin' funny?"

"You actually thought I had feelings Ichigo?" She finally asks, upon seeing the albino's slow nod, she cannot but laugh a bit more. Finally she moves and sits down in front of him, smiling the whole time. "I don't think of him in that way at all! He's more like a brother to me than anything. But now I think I finally understand why you alway seemed so tense when I was around Ichigo. You were jealous!" Rukia gives him a teasing smirk as she says this.

Shiro stutters for a moment before finally answering. "I... I was not! I just... That is... Oh just shut up..." He had said the last part in response to her starting to giggle again.

"I think it's kind of cute really!" Upon receiving an evil glare with a slight hollow growl, she can't help but laugh some more. Very quickly, she collects herself and continues on with the topic. "As for whether or not he's interested in men... Well... Your interests in men, obviously. And you are part of his soul, so honestly it only makes sense that he would be too!" Shiro takes a moment to think this over slightly, it does make sense... But at the same time, they both do have completely different personalities. So it wouldn't be so far-fetched to believe that they're interests would be different too. But Shiro chooses to lean towards the first one since he likes that idea better. Rukia's voice cuts into his train of thought as she continues. "And besides, I think you two would make a cute couple!"

This statement causes Shiro to raise an eyebrow. What is she into that kind of thing? "Oh really? And why do ya say that?" He can't help but question her as he watches Rukia's reaction closely.

"Well for one, your situation is very close to something I read in a manga once!" Rukia starts with, as she continues to explain, Shiro's expression goes blank as he begins to realize something. The way Rukia is reacting when discussing this topic... The look she gets in her eyes...

"Rukia..." Shiro says to get her attention, once he sure he has it, he continues. "Are ya a yaoi fan?"

There is a long moment of silence after Shiro had popped this question. "No..." Rukia finally responds, but the albino simply cross his arms while raising an eyebrow at her. "Maybe..." Shiro continues to stare at her quietly. "Yes..." She finally admits while dropping her head slightly and poking the tips of her index fingers together.

Shiro lets out a sigh while reaching a hand up to scratch at his head slightly." I knew it... First it was that nosy Shinigami woman that can't keep her damn mouth shut. And now I get ta deal with a yaoi fan." He puts his focus back on Rukia then lets out another sigh. "Then again, I can stand bein' around ya."

In response that to comment Rukia's eyes light up, Shiro doesn't say such things unless he means them. "So then you'll let me help?" She asks hopefully, she is once again giving him a look that is hard to say no to.

So in response he sighs and drops his head slightly before speaking. "Yeah, sure. I could use the help." Shiro lifts his gaze to meet hers and he gives Rukia a serious look. "But don't go overboard! Got it?" She nods her head excitedly, glad to be able to help at all. Rukia then proceeds to pull out a notebook which she immediately begins to scribble in. Shiro raises an eyebrow at this, as he questions. "What are ya doin'?"

"We have to start making plans to make sure you get this right!" Is the only explanation she gives him, so he sits there quietly and waits for her to finish. Soon enough she finishes and holds up what appears to be a crudely drawn picture. The only thing in the picture that makes any sense to him are two bunnies, one with orange hair, the other with white hair and with what appears to be a bouquet of flowers. A twitch crosses Shiro's face, is that supposed to be him and Ichigo? "Nothing says 'I love you' like a bouquet of roses! And in the right romantic setting it would be perfect!" Rukia says with a big smile on her face, then proceeds to wait for the albino's reaction.

At first Shiro is speechless, he cannot help but find both the picture and the idea to be idiotic. "No... And before ya ask, Ichigo ain't the kinda guy ta be inta that sort of thin'. And truth be told, neither am I." The albino says with a slightly annoyed expression upon his face.

"Fine then!" Rukia says with a pout before flipping to a blank page and starts to scribble again. Shiro can't help but shake his head slightly, and lets her do her thing. "Then... How about getting him a box of chocolates! Everyone loves sweets! Oh I know! You can get him a box of chocolate covered strawberries!" This time the picture is of a rabbit Shiro giving a rabbit Ichigo a box of chocolate. She has a big smile on her face, obviously thinking that it is a great plan.

"Oh! Yeah! Sure!" Shiro says very sarcastically, then he shakes his head. "He'll just think it's some kinda bad joke! Hell, he might even punch me in the face for that one! Brilliant!" Shiro can't help but huff slightly, maybe he should just get her to help him understand these strange feelings.

With a slightly agitated look she lowers the notebook. "Well do you have any better ideas?" Rukia asks in a challenging manner as if daring Shiro to come up with something better.

Shiro lets out a sigh while rubbing the back of his head. "Well, no. But..."

"Then don't complain about the ones I come up with!" She says cutting him off, then she flips the notebook to a fresh page. But she doesn't start drawing right away, Rukia places the back end of her marker to her chin, deep in thought. "Maybe we should get Rangiku to..."

"NO!" This time Shiro cuts off Rukia, a very agitated look on his face. "I do not want that damn woman involved! She annoys me ta no fuckin' end!" The last person the albino wants involved in this is Rangiku.

"Ok! Ok!" Rukia says in an attempt to calm him down some, besides Shiro doesn't have to be there for her to get advice from Rangiku for him. A sudden idea pops into her mind and she moves to begin drawing but stops upon hearing Shiro's next words.

"Will ya knock it off with the crappy drawin's." Shiro states in mild irritation. BANG! Only to get hit by her notebook. "OW! What was that for?"

"How dare you insult my drawings!" She snaps at him with a glare.

"What? They are." Shiro says in response while returning glare.

"Are not!" Rukia snaps back.

"Are ta!"

"Are not!"

"Are ta!"

"Are not!"

"Crappy, crappy, crappy, crappy!"

BANG! "ARE NOT!"

"Ow! Crappy!" This time when Rukia goes to hit him, Shiro snaps the notebook from her grasp. He smirks at her with his usual grin, clearly proud of himself for temporarily taking away her ability to draw.

"Hey! Give that back!" She snapped at him, but the albino quickly hops up onto his feet and away from her.

"Che! No way! If ya want it back comin' and get it! If ya can, that is! Hahah!" Shiro says as he breaks into laughter. Rukia twitches greatly at this and quickly pursues after him. But the albino is a bit too fast for her as he dodges around the room, sometimes hopping onto the beds to dodge around her. "Heh! It's a bit ta cramped in here ta be doin' this! Let's expand our range shall we!" And with that being said, Shiro quickly heads over to the door and out into the rest of the house.

"Dammit Shiro! Come back here with my notebook!" Rukia yells in frustration as she pursues after him. Shiro makes it to the stairs long before she does and instead of just walking or running down them, he bypassed them altogether by jumping down to the bottom.

Once Shiro's feet touch the floor he takes a moment to call back over his shoulder. "Ya can do better than that little Shinigami!" He once again breaks out into laughter as he ducks into the living room.

Lounging in the room on the various chairs and single couch is Rangiku, Renji and Starrk. They had been having a nice conversation, but that was shattered the moment they all heard the yelling and the slightly insane laughter. They all look to the doorway as Shiro darts into the room. "Woah! Where's the fire?" Renji can't help but question the albino with a raised eyebrow.

But before Shiro can answer Rukia come stomping into the room while yelling. "Shiro give me back my notebook! NOW!"

"No way little Shinigami!" Shiro taunts while laughing at her. They end up doing a couple of laps around the couch as Shiro continues to avoid Rukia's grasp.

"Well looks like someone's feeling better!" Rangiku can't help but say with a smile upon her face. The other two in the room can't help but sigh at the scene.

Upon hearing the commotion, Ichigo came to investigate. He had been in the kitchen eating the food he had made for himself when he had heard the yelling and the familiar laughter. With a slight smile on his face, he crosses his arms and leaned against the doorway watching in silence. It is good to see that Shiro's up and moving around, it's also good to see that he is okay. "Dammit Shiro! What did I tell you about calling me that!" Of course all the yelling cuts into Ichigo's train of thought. Under normal circumstances this would have pissed him off, but at the moment he can't help but smile a bit more. Shiro always seems to know how to liven things up.

"I'll call ya what I wanna call ya little Shinigami!" Shiro returns with a laugh, once again dodging around one of her attempts to tackle him.

"Fine then 'Hollow'! But don't be surprised when you feel this Shinigami's wrath!" Rukia snaps in return trying to sound threatening, but failing horribly.

"HAHAH! Is that the best insult that ya can come up with? Pathetic!" Shiro returns with another laugh, he crouches slightly then moves his free hand and beckons for her to come at him again. "Come and get me little Shinigami! Come and takin' yer notebook away from the big bad hollow!" Rukia gives a yell of frustration as she charges at him again, but Shiro easily jumps up and over her head. He lands a bit behind her and starts to head for the doorway, obviously planning to take the chase elsewhere. But as he passes by Renji, the redhead sticks out his foot, tripping Shiro. The albino face plants into the floor, the notebook goes flying. And is easily caught by the orange haired teenager. Shiro sends a glare at Renji, but the man's simply looks away, making his best attempt at an innocent expression. Then the albino realizes he is no longer holding the notebook, he looks in Ichigo's direction. And what Shiro sees makes his heart drop slightly, the teenager is about to flip back to one of the old pictures. Just as the albino realizes this, someone steps onto his back. Then on his head and proceeds to leap at Ichigo with a battle cry.

The orange haired teenager looks up just in time to have a foot planted in his face, knocking him back. Rukia lands in a crouched position, she casually holds up a hand and catches the notebook before it hits the floor. Ichigo picks himself up into a sitting position from where he landed and places a hand to his face where she kicked him. "What the hell was that for!" He snaps at her with a glare. "I would have given it back if you had just asked! You didn't have to kick me!"

While this is being said, Shiro lifts his gaze again and can help but let out a weak laugh. "Ta close..." He says in a low weak voice to himself. "Way ta close..." Rukia's voice snaps his attention back to the conversation between the two.

"Well you weren't fast enough!" Rukia snaps in return, as she picks herself up. "And who said you could look at my notebook anyway?"

Ichigo also picks himself up, looking rather annoyed as usual. "Like I haven't seen your crappy drawings before!" A twitch crosses Rukia's face but the sound of laughter redirects both their attention to the albino. Shiro has rolled over onto his back and is now clearly laughing her while clutching his stomach.

"See! I told ya they were crappy!" He says between laughs, this only makes Rukia twitch even more. She then marches over to him and proceeds to stomp on his stomach hard, knocking the wind out of him. Shiro's laughter is cut off as he starts coughing a bit but he still chuckles a little between the coughs.

Ichigo sighs at the exchange, his anger fading but then it's replaced by curiosity. "Hey Rukia..." With her foot still on the coughing albino's stomach she glance to the teenager. "I know you only draw things out when you're trying to explain something. So then, what were you trying to explain to Shiro?"

The albino glances up at Rukia, concerned and somewhat curious of how she will respond. Without hesitation, she places her hands on her hips and replies. "Why I was simply pointing out Shiro's mistakes in that last battle and what he could've done that would've been better!" It is a lie, both Rukia and Shiro know it.

And the albino doesn't hesitate to go right along with it. "There's no way in hell I would ever able ta tell anythin' from those scribbles ya call drawin's!" Shiro says in a taunting way receiving another glare from Rukia. She goes to stomp her foot down again, only to have the albino catch it this time. "Ya think I'm gonna let ya get me with that again?" Shiro says in a teasing manner his usual smirk upon his face. And that grin only gets bigger as an idea pops into his mind.

Rukia quickly spots the look, the way he's grinning at her can't mean anything good. "Why are you looking at me like thaarrghhh!" Rukia's question ends with a partial cry of surprise which quickly turns into laughter as she falls back onto the floor. Shiro has started to tickle her foot and even after she falls he maintains his grip and continues to tickle. "ST... STOP... STOP IT!" She is barely able to choke out the words.

But Shiro's tickle attack is relentless and very quickly he has her gasping for air. "I found a weakness in yer defenses little Shinigami! This big bad hollow's takin' ya down!" He says with a laugh as she tries in vain to get her foot free.

"How... How can you act so carefree?" Calls out a voice from across the room. Finally ceasing his tickle assault, Shiro turns his head to look in that direction. Peering out from behind one of the chairs is Kon.

"Yo! Been wonderin' where ya were little spaz!" Shiro says in a teasing manner his usual grin upon his face. The albino haven't seen the little plushy for some time, where the little guy went he could only guess. "And what do ya mean by 'act so carefree'?"

"What do I mean?" This question seems to agitate Kon more as he raises his voice slightly, while fully coming out of his hiding spot. "What I mean is, you almost died and you're acting like it's no big deal! How can you act like nothing happened? Doesn't it bother you at all? Everyone was so worried about you! Although I don't understand why..." Kon cross his arms and turns the side slightly. "I don't even know why I'm bothering to ask! It's not like I'll a straight answer..." He starts going into a rant about how no one listens to him. But Kon stops when he realizes that there is a shadow looming over him. He blinks slightly while looking up, Shiro is now standing before him and Kon can't help but start getting worried.

The albino eyes him quietly for moment before reaching down, picking him up by the back of the neck. Kon starts to freak out a little but stops as Shiro starts to speak. "Ya wanna know why I'm not lettin' it bother me? I'll tell ya. There's no point. Why let it bother me when it's already over with? Yeah, sure, I fucked up! I just have ta make sure not ta do it next time. That's all there is ta it. It's not my style ta let thin's that have already come and gone continue ta bug me. The past is irreversible, the present is still bein' written, and the future has yet ta be determined. So learn from the past, focus on the present, and plan for the future."

Silence fills the room after Shiro finishes speaking, even Kon seems to be at a loss for words, at first. "That's... Wow... You actually gave me a serious answer... A bit more of an in depth answer then needed but you actually gave me serious answer! No 'Shut up Kon!' or anything like that! Why?" The mod soul seems more stunned about being answered then the answer itself.

"Che... Well of course!" Shiro says while rolling his eyes as if it should be obvious. "It was a serious question and it deserved a serious answer. Ya don't get that a lot, do ya?" The albino questions Kon, at the same time Shiro adjusts his grip on the little plushy so that his now holding Kon around the waist instead of his neck.

The mod soul shakes his head in response to the albino's question. "Not really no... They usually tell me to shut, or they step on me, or they punch me, or just throw me across the room." As Kon speaks, Shiro listens quietly while tilting his head to the side slightly, a small frown on his face.

When the little plushy finishes, Shiro gives a slight shrug while saying. "Well, if they actually took the time ta answer yer questions, ya wouldn't have many ta ask. And if ya didn't have so much ta ask, they wouldn't feel the need ta tell ya ta shut up." A slight teasing grin crosses the albino's face. "Heh! But ya also do complain a lot, and gives the others more than enough reason tell ya ta shut up." Kon stares at the albino in silent wonder, not only has the guy giving him a serious answer but Shiro has also taken the time to listen as well. Shiro watches Kon quietly for moment, a bit lost in thought, then finally he starts talking again. "Ya must feel left out a lot. No one really ever takes the time ta explain thin's ta ya. And a lot of times ya're simply just left at home. Hell, I bet what ya know about this situation is only for what ya overheard. Am I right?" The response Shiro gets actually rather surprises him. Kon pulls himself out of the albino's grip and proceeds to cling to the front of his shihakusho. Then the mod soul proceeds to cry while renting about how someone finally understands him. "Oi! Knock it off the tears little spaz! Be a fuckin' man for once!" But Kon ignores the teasing comment and continues regardless.

The albino let's out a soft sigh while glancing to the rest of the room. They had all been watching the strange exchange between the two in silence. But now the conversation seems to have devolved into one of Kon's normal rants. In annoyance, Ichigo crosses his arms and says with a twitch upon his face. "Shut up Kon."

Almost immediately in response, the mod soul is up on Shiro's shoulder shaking a fist at Ichigo. "I'll stop when I want to stop! And there's nothing you can do about it! I finally found someone who understands me! And I'm not going to let you ruin the moment!" Both Ichigo and Shiro look at Kon with a raised eyebrow, finally the albino turns his gaze to Ichigo and gives him a shrug with a slight laugh.

Ichigo lets out a sigh while rubbing the back of his head. "Right..." The teen chooses to ignore the plushy on his other half's shoulder for the time being, he turns his gaze to the albino. "It's been some time since I've heard you talk like that Shiro." The albino gives him a questioning look, so Ichigo clarifies. "That whole past, present and future crappy you were just talking about."

"Ah, that. Picked it up from ZanZan!" Says Shiro with a grin, the orange haired teenager can't help but sigh at him. "What? I did! He says crap like that all the time. That is... When he does talk. The guy is actually rather depressin' ta be around at times." The albino says with a shrug.

"Who is ZanZan?" Upon hearing the question, both Ichigo and Shiro glance to Rangiku.

"It's just a weird nickname that Shiro uses for Zangetsu." The teenager replies with a slight shrug.

"Oi! It's not that weird! I think it's rather catchy!" The albino says with a grin upon his face, then he tilts his head slightly with a bit of a frown. "But I don't know what ZanZan thinks about it. He hasn't really responded to it."

"Big surprise there, well whatever. Anyway, it made me think of that time when you asked me what the difference between a king and his horse is." Ichigo says while remembering the bizarre conversation they had at that time.

"Yeah... I remember that..." Shiro says with a grin on his face, also allowing his mind to wander to that event. "That's when I started callin' ya King."

Ichigo can't help but return the grin as he says. "Yeah and that's when you became the horse."

Shiro's grin is replaced by a frown as he scoffs slightly. "Che... Don't remind me... Not one of my prouder moments..."

The group has been listening in silence to the odd topic, the two are obviously talking about something only they are familiar with. Even Renji has been running the strange question through his mind, finally he can't help but say. "The difference between a King and his horse? Isn't it obvious? One is a human and one is an animal. Right?" He glances to the albino as if looking for confirmation but all he gets in response is laughter. "What? What did I say?"

Shiro collects himself enough to answer. "Wrong! But I don't expect a moronic pineapple head like ya ta figure that one out!" A twitch crosses Renji's face and he goes to reply but Shiro cuts him off. "And I don't plan ta give ya an answer because ya don't need ta know! So don't ask!"

Before anyone can say anything further Rukia cuts in. "Let's just drop it okay? Besides, we have more important things to worry about." At those words, everyone within the room becomes serious.

"Ah..." Ichigo says with a nod, then he turns his gaze to Shiro. "How are you feeling by the way?" A slight bit of concern leaks into the teenager's voice as he vocalizes his question.

"Hmmm? Oh yeah, I'm fine." Shiro says nonchalantly with a slightly wave of the hand.

Ichigo nods at this, then voices his next question carefully. "Are you up for going to Urahara's Shop?" Upon seeing the twitch that crosses the albino's face he sighs slightly. "Look Shiro, he wanted us to stop by after you woke up. And we do have some things to figure out. Like your new hollow ability for example."

Shiro lets out a sharp laugh at the teenager's words. "Ya really think he has ALL the answers! As for my new ability, I more or less have it figured out." Upon receiving a skeptical look he continues. "I'm not saying that I've learned ta control it yet, mind ya. But it doesn't take a rocket scientist ta figure it out."

"Then what is it? What does your ability do?" This time it's Rukia who speaks up, she has long since picked herself up from the floor and now waits quietly for him to answer. She like everyone else within the room is curious to know.

It is at this time that Shiro realizes all eyes are on him, even Kon is looking at the albino from his place on the other's shoulder. "Well, it jacks up my spiritual energy like crazy. As a result, my speed and strength go through the fuckin' roof. But one's body can only take so much before it starts ta get injured as a result. So in response ta the high amount of damage I'm receivin', my body starts ta hollowfy, because in a hollowfied state I can take a hit better." Shiro waits a few moments for that to sink in before he continues. "So more or less, it's a buff with a time limit!" He finishes with his usual smirk upon his face.

Ichigo rubs the back of his neck as he responds. "I guess that makes sense... But we should still go and see what Hat and Clogs has to say."

"Che..." Shiro crosses his arms and turns his head to the side slightly. "I don't feel like goin', so I'm just gonna stay here."

Ichigo eyes his other half silently for a moment then finally he sighs. "Fine, whatever." He turns and to starts to head out of the room. "Come on guys let's get going." He pauses in the doorway to glance over her shoulder. "Oh, Starrk would you mind staying here to keep an eye on things?"

"I don't mind." Starrk replies lazily, it's clear that he probably didn't want to go anyway. Ichigo nods at this and then finally heads out of the room. The others followed behind him, some send glances Shiro's way, but the albino makes no indication that he notices. Soon enough the sound of front door opening and closing is heard.

The former Espada turns his his gaze to his new friend. But before the Arrancar can say anything the albino speaks up. "I wanna be left alone for a bit." Both Starrk and Kon stare at him quietly, something is obviously bothering Shiro but it seems he wants to deal with it himself.

In response, Kon hops off of Shiro's shoulder and walks over to the Arrancar. "Come on Starrk, I bet no one has really shown you around. So I'll give you the tour." The former Espada turns his gaze to the little plushy, instantly understanding what the guy's trying to do. Starrk gives a nod then follows Kon out of the room.

Shiro stands there for several more minutes in silence, finally he sighs allowing his arms drop down to his sides. As much as he tried to hide it, he sure that at least Ichigo has picked up on his emotions. The albino's near-death experience is bothering him, but more for the fact that he almost took Ichigo down with him. Feeling the need to move about, Shiro starts wandering around the house, no clear destination in mind. He allows his thoughts to wander, but the sound of voices from nearby snaps him out of it. He glances around slightly, it seems his mindless wandering has led him to the clinic side of the house. Out of curiosity he follows the sound of the voices, which brings him to a partially open door. He glances inside and sees Isshin talking with one of his patients. The albino watches and listens quietly as the man works on his patient. Soon enough, Isshin finishes and informs his client of what they need to do. The client thanks him before moving to leave, Shiro stands side as the patient departs out the door. There's no way they could see him, but they could feel him if they were to bump into the albino.

Shiro continues to stand there for a few moments before finally deciding to leave, but a voice stops him. "You need something Shiro?" The albino glances over his shoulder to look. Isshin is standing in the now open doorway. Based on his demeanor, Shiro can tell he's in one of his serious moments.

"Nah, I was just watchin'." Shiro answers in a nonchalant way, with a shrug. "I was just a bit curious about how people heal without the use of a self-healin' move or kido." The albino moves to continue walking, but a hand on his shoulder makes him pause, once again and glance back.

Isshin gives him a caring smile as he asks. "Want me to teach you a few things?" Shiro gives him a funny look at first, then he takes a moment to seriously think it over, while casting his gaze down. He is curious to know how people manage without healing abilities, and perhaps he might learn something that could help out Ichigo and the others at some point. He returns his gaze to Isshin and nods slightly. In response, the man smiles a bit more then pats him on the back. "That's the spirit!" He says as he leads Shiro into the room and begins to show him the basics. They spend quite a bit of time like that, Isshin showing him and telling him of different things he needs to know. And of course, Shiro throws in the occasional question, to which the man answers. But for the most part, the albino remains quiet and learns quickly. When an actual client comes in, Shiro stays back and out of the way but he observes everything in great detail to learn as much as possible. And the more he learns, the more he realizes he's actually rather interested in the medical field. Perhaps him and Ichigo could play doctor some time... Then he quickly squashes that naughty thought...


That's it for this chapter, I hope you all enjoyed! Until next time! R&R please!