I hope you guys are all well and safe. Please take care of yourself.

Thanks for all the reviews on the last chapter they were nice to read. I know I need to update faster but sometimes it's hard to write everything in one day like I used to. But I will make sure to write the story in the best way possible for you all to enjoy.

Enjoy the chapter.

/

'' Senna, where is Rukia?''

Shuhei stood in the middle of a fake hospital set showered with tinned green lighting and grey washed-out walls, he tapped his foot endlessly glaring at Senna as she walked onto the set, the green lighting added on much tension to his face that Senna thought he almost looked as green as the Grinch. Toshiro, Momo and Rangiku were looking at scenes they short earlier with Kiskue, Uryu was looking over the photoshoot pictures, while Ikkaku sat in a corner looking over stimulated with his iPhone in his own little world. Rangiku's attention got caught by the scene taking place before her with Senna and Shuhei, she knew Senna was bothered because of the tension between Ichigo, Rukia and Shuhei, and how she didn't want that to affect the movie in any shape or form. Especially since press tour was about to happen.

Deep down it still bothered Rangiku that Shuhei had feelings for Rukia and she wished it didn't. Senna was frustrated. Shuhei really needed to get his feelings in check regarding Rukia, it seemed like he was getting a little possessive over her at this point, it started to feel creepy Senna thought to herself eyeing Shuhei whilst trying to hide the disgust forming on her face. '' Ugh! why do you care so much, you can always talk to her later you know? Why are you adamant to talk to her, what is the rush ?'' Senna shook her head slightly in a confused manner eyeing Shuhei up and down in some form of frantic.

''What? Look it's none of your business ok...just forget I asked.'' Shuhei began to walk away from Senna before Ikkaku let out a loud scruffy screech dropping his phone down in a panic as he had just been hit in the gut or something. This caused everyone to turn their attention onto Ikkaku who was now blubbering gibberish in an attempt to speak, therefore Senna ran up to him slapping some sense into him which caused everyone to laugh.

''What the heck is going on with you, you sound like you are going through a seizure or something.''

Ikkaku stood up in a flash and shoved his iPhone in Senna's face before she could retaliate she saw the screen:

''Ichigo x Rukia! Tokyo's secret couple? Is a love triangle brewing between onset?''

Under the title, Senna's eyes latched onto the view count which was at 2.5 million and the article had just been posted 30 minutes ago.

Multiple digital photos of Ichigo and Rukia kissing were all over the article.

Almost all the views were gossip and all the good attention of the movie evaporated into thin air.

Senna's worst nightmare had come true.

She just hoped whatever happens next did not ruin the reception of the movie.

/

Ichigo kissed Rukia softly his hands held onto her pale pink tinted cheeks as he clutched down to get to her level, as each second passed Rukia lost the will to stop and cut Ichigo off. Kissing Ichigo wasn't what she came to do, she had to know whether he was truly getting better for her or himself, but instead, here she was kissing him back with no care in the world.

A small hum left Ichigo's lips before he pulled an inch back from Rukia's mouth, his eyes were closed in a state of tranquil as he breathed

''You're so beautiful...you know that!''

The warm air escaped his mouth and hit Rukia's lips, it felt so rejuvenating and freeing. Rukia's heart glowed from hearing Ichigo's words, her cheeks became crimson in response. Never had Rukia felt this way and now she wondered why people couldn't stop talking about relationships, feelings and romance. It all felt so right because it came from the right person.

''bump, bump, BUMP, BUMP, BUMP''

In an instant Ichigo removed himself off of Rukia, his eyes want straight to the door hoping whoever was outside didn't open it, not because he was embarrassed or anything but he didn't want his time with Rukia to be interrupted. Also, he didn't want anyone to think bad of Rukia, if she got caught alone with Ichigo many rumours would spill out and that could affect Rukia's career which was just at its start.

He couldn't let that happen.

Rukia stood frozen as the door handle turned, her heart got caught in her throat not knowing what to do but the door didn't open. Ichigo then remembered he locked the door before he kissed Rukia and let out a low hearty sigh, he then rubbed Rukia's shoulders to ''wake'' her up before she shrieked a little.

''Listen I locked the door it's fine. Go and hide underneath my desk ok?'' he whispered lightly.

Rukia wasn't responding as Ichigo continued to speak, so he whisked her off lightly and placed her underneath his desk. Before he went Ichigo planted a small kiss on her lips and repeated for her to stay quiet placing a finger on his mouth.

''Ichigo? Ichigo? It's Uryu! I need to speak to you now! Why is the door locked?''

Ichigo made a quick jog to the door while missing up his orange spiky locs (he decided to make it look like he was sleeping in his office), he took out the office door key and opened the black door.

Uryu was greeted with a half eyed open Ichigo who's hair was completely a mess.

''What in the world are you doing? Are you sleeping on the job?'' Uryu pushed his expensive brand glasses up (it was a tick he did whenever he was angry/irritated)

''Yeah...I haven't been sleeping much lately so I decided to take a nap we are on break anyway...''

Ichigo looked away hoping to keep up his lie without cracking

''On break? Ichigo break ended 30 minutes ago! We've been waiting for you on set! The same with Rukia! She's never missing and always on time but now she's magically disappeared? Is she with you?

How did he know thought Ichigo & Rukia in unison?

Cold sweat started to form on Ichigo's forehead like daggers stabbing a heart. Thunderstruck Rukia to the point that she lost her composure and bumped her head on the desk. A little nose was made and she hoped Ichigo nor Uryu heard it. Uryu's eyes shifted passed Ichigo, he knew no doubt Rukia was there especially after the photos he and the rest of the crew had seen. He always had a feeling something was between them but he had no idea Shuhei was caught up in the loop too. The look on his face after he saw those photos was heartbreaking, to say the least.

Besides that now Ichigo's movie was under jeopardy. Momo had reported that outside the studio was a massive pile of paparazzi/reporters waiting to get more content to push the narrative forward. All sorts of stories had been made about Rukia and it wasn't in the best light. Bad press was being attached to the movie and if this wasn't cleared up the whole movie could tank. Uryu felt beyond pissed! He understood Ichigo was going through a lot and was actually trying to stop drinking (to his knowledge anyway) but this was the last thing anyone needed right now, especially Ichigo. It seemed someone was out to ruin Ichigo's career at this point and Uryu had an idea of who it could be.

''Ichigo...I think you need to see this...''

Ichigo took Uryu's phone from him, a few seconds later his eyes flashed with shock.

He saw the photos and how graphic they were, he saw the article, the views, the slander. Not to mention the anger from his fans, apparently they felt betrayed and angry at the fact that Ichigo wasn't taking his career seriously. In the past, Ichigo used to be notorious for his scandals with women aside from his alcoholic/gang-related problems, he had issues in the past with women like Riruka for example. It really added damage to his career.

The view count had gone up to 7.7 million views. Ichigo began to feel light-headed and nauseous, without thinking he ran straight past Uryu without giving him a response. The words Aizen kept repeating at the back of Ichigo's mind while he heard Uryu's audible voice calling out to him.

/

Uryu and Ichigo had left the scene leaving Rukia all alone, she stood up from the office table staring at the door that was opened wide.

A ray of emotions and thoughts processed her mind, what did Ichigo see?

/

''Shuhei you can't decide to not do press for the movie? You signed a contract you must comply with, it's not that serious to want to quit over some scandal.'' Kisuke yelled as he dialled Yoruichi on the phone.

''I can't do press now, not when I am being involved in this scandal which I didn't even know was happening. I can't..'' Shuhei began to walk away tiredly before Rangiku spoke up.

''Oh really? We know that's not the reason Shuhei...'' Rangiku slipped out in a bitter laugh, she couldn't control her mouth and her thoughts.

''What the heck do you mean?'' Shuhei turned on the spot getting ready to retaliate with whatever garbage Rangiku would say, he knew Rangiku was being bitter for a reason and he hated that. She had chosen Gin over him leaving him heartbroken, why couldn't she just let him move on. And now the same thing was happening again with Rukia leading him on but choosing Ichigo over him. He couldn't allow that to happen again, his pride and self-worth were on the line.

''Why are you getting mad at me? It's clear you are mad about Ichigo and Rukia that's why you don't want to do the press tour, but we all have to promote this movie even with the scandals. Like Kiskue said we are bound by a contract. Don't be so mad that Rukia is with Ichigo it's not that deep.'' Rangiku gestured to Kiksue with her arms who was on the phone to Yoruichi, judging by the conversation things looked rough.

Momo was busy calling Rukia while Senna, Toshiro and Ikkaku kept looking at the gossip articles formulating each second, however, their attention got averted to Shuhei and Rangiku.

Shuhei leapt over to Rangiku, his whole body filled with anger he became a loss for words. He knew that Rangiku was pushing his buttons but it hurt that she would do so when she had already let him down in the past but would always give him some false hope that she had feelings for him. And it hurt because deep down Shuhei had some attachment to her even though he tried his best just to see her as a friend.

What Shuhei couldn't understand was what Rangiku's deal was, it's like she could never make up her mind and even when she did (by choosing Gin) she still came off as resentful.

''You know what Rangiku if you have nothing good to say, say nothing at all. I don't want to hear it right now. Seriously.''

Shuhei seethed at the mouth with a clenched jaw, his grey eyes darkened as he began to walk away for the millionth time but Rangiku wasn't done yet.''

'' I will say whatever I want to say Shuhei you've been so angry and impatient these days what's wrong with you?''

'' WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU! You are always making smart remarks or giving shady looks whenever I am with Rukia, but then you act like you are over me and happy with Gin? Make a stance or stop playing games with me because I am fed up Rangiku. I don't get to move on but you can? And when I do try to it's like you are seething down my neck or something. I am tired of you.'' Shuhei pushed Rangiku to the side with a firm light grip, Rangiku yelled back but Senna and Momo came to her side to calm her down.

''Calm down Shuhei! Anyway, where are you going? Kiskue told us not to leave the premises, paparazzi are everywhere'' Ikkaku shouted but Shuhei ignored him.

A now alert Kiskue was off the phone and was ready to interject into the situation but Ichigo had now come in with Uryu behind his back. Rukia was nowhere to be seen and the tension had gotten worse as Shuhei stopped once again in his tracks eyeing Ichigo like he was ready for blood.

Kisuke threw off his green and white striped bucket hat in a small huff, he knew things were about to get worse but the first thing he needed to do was talk to Ichigo.

'' Ichigo where have you been? Where is Rukia? Are you aware of what has happened?'' Ichigo nodded with thin lips, his usual peached tanned skin had gone pale and his eyes looked a little stunning. He probably wasn't taking this news well Kiskue thought but thank God for Yoruichi, at this moment in time she and her team were doing their best to deal with the situation.

''Okay so if I may ask why have you and Rukia been so reckless? You know that your career is on thin ice as it is, everyone has come to work on this film knowing this, so why do you keep on getting into scandals?''

Each word Kiskue said made Ichigo feel extremely remorseful and guilty. There should be nothing wrong with him being with Rukia, he was a grown man who should be free to be with someone he cared about, but he knew his reputation wouldn't allow him to. Every choice he had made in his past just seemed to be ripping his life apart, his demons were just too strong.

In truth, Ichigo had no answer for Kiskue it wasn't like he wanted to be in this mess. In that second Ichigo's mind went to Rukia who he completely left behind in his office.

''Is that it? You have nothing to say? Do you know how bad this is? Every time you get given a chance but you keep messing up, what made you think it is okay to date your employee knowing the chances of a scandal? Do you even think at all?''

Senna cut Kisuke off.

''Not only that us actors decided to join this movie to help you out, but we also have a lot more to lose than gain especially with your bad reputation. It's not fair that I, Momo, Ikkaku, Ran and Toshiro have to suffer. Also, you better not be playing Rukia, she's my friend and I don't want to see her hurt.''

''I agree with Senna. Are you even taking this project seriously Ichigo?'' Toshiro added on as Ikkaku nodded to show his agreement. It had come to the point that everyone was fed up of Ichigo and his behaviour, even though Ichigo was trying his best to be the better version of himself it felt like it wasn't enough. Senna's words stung Ichigo like a bee, the sting felt sharp and it tore at him. He would never hurt Rukia he genuinely cared about her and it sucks that everyone else thought otherwise.

'' Do you know what kind of things the media is saying about me? How a fool I look right now? You knew there was something between me and Rukia, that the media has picked up on it in some form. So what was the idea?'' Shuhei argued he walked straight to Ichigo's face like he was ready to fight him.

''Listen! Rukia is her own person she made the choice of who she wants to be with. I didn't steal her as you calm I did. So..let, it, go.''

Ichigo whispered through clenched teeth, this ''war'' over Rukia had to stop he even wondered why Rukia was so indecisive she easily should have let Shuhei down if she had feelings for him. So Shuhei did have a reason to be mad Ichigo thought, especially when the comments on the article kept painting Shuhei to be the loser & victim. Shuhei's ego and pride must have been bruised.

Rukia had now entered the room with a confused look on her face not knowing how to greet the situation, she didn't look fazed or uncomfortable at all so Ichigo guessed that she didn't know what happened.

''Rukia! Finally! Are you okay? Where have you been? You have to make sure you stay in here the building is surrounded by paparazzi, they will eat you up alive.'' Momo hugged a bewildered Rukia who stood still with wide eyes, a few seconds later Senna and Kisuke were at her side with disappointed looks.

Why where they mad? Was it because she came late on set? How would she cover-up that she was kissing Ichigo? After being left in Ichigo's office Rukia decided to stay there for a few minutes so that no one would suspect she was with Ichigo.

''Sorry, I am late. I was feeling a little under the weather but I am okay now?''

Momo eyebrow rose up, did Rukia not know she thought?

''Okay, but do you know about the scandal? Revolving you and Ichigo?'' Momo pushed on with worry, Rukia could see from Senna's face a look of 'I told you so', her big brown eyes said it all.

Rukia's mind blanked into darkness.

Oh no

/

Rukia made her way home in a black Mercedes Benz van. Yoruichi had ordered Rukia to go into a silver Mercedes Benz that was waiting for her in the parking lot, but Rukia was too shook up by the events of the scandal to notice. Rukia and the entire crew had to wait until security could get all the paparazzi away from the building at it took 3 hours for that to happen. The whole time everything felt awkward and tense, everyone didn't know how to act around Rukia and Ichigo, and all the attention was on them. Shuhei looked super pissed and whenever Rukia tried to talk to him he just kept saying he didn't want to talk about it, even though he didn't Rukia had to turn him down which sucked because he already got the memo from the scandal images.

Rukia could go nowhere near Ichigo for those 3 hours and felt huge nausea about the images that were leaked. The photos were so graphic and clear like it got took with a professional camera or something, Rukia's mind wondered who had taken the photos and how lone someone had been watching her. Had she been watched in Ichigo's office a few hours ago? Or when he almost kissed her the first time?

How would she deal with being watched? Maybe she should get a security guard or cameras to watch her every move Rukia thought anxiously.

Rukia's mind then went to the views on each article which were over a million, that fact just made Rukia upset because now all those people would see her as nothing but an actress who slept her way for a movie role. All her hard work had gone out of the drain in less than a day, she hadn't even debuted yet as an actress yet which was the irony.

''Are you okay miss? I am sorry about what you are going through.'' the male driver said softly which woke up Rukia from her thoughts.

''T..Thank you but you don't need to apologise. It's not your fault.'' Rukia looked down at her lap her eyes began to water up but she used all her strength to hold them back. All she wanted to do was go home, lay in her bed and escape the world.

''It's fine. I just want to show you some support that's all. You are going to need it.'' the driver's hazel dark gaze locked onto the front mirror were he could see a reflection of a sad Rukia at the backseat.

''Thank you, sir. You've been so kind to me throughout the ride home. I really appreciate it because it seems like everyone else is disappointed in me.'' Rukia thought about whether Byakuya saw the news? But what did it matter anyway? He disowned her so it's not like he would care.

''It's okay. It's common courtesy to comfort someone who's beaten down. And don't call me sir.''

''Then what should I call you?'' Rukia asked in a small voice.

'' Call me Mr A''

Dun, Dun, Dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn