Hi everyone! I just wanted to address what has happened around the world recently a little regarding George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other black victims. If you are black and reading this I hope you don't feel discouraged and hopeless. I understand how you feel as a black person. I pray that you find peace and comfort from those around you, and know that many are protesting across the world for your cause. From the UK, Canada, Japan, France etc. Take a break from social media if what you see is too much. But don't stop supporting the cause when things die down, keep doing all you can. Move-in silence. The impact of social media has really helped bring some justice to George Floyd's case. But we can't stop with just him, ALL the Black victims need justice. Racism is a disease that needs to DIE! If you want to help out with the BLM movement and you haven't done so these are ways you can do so:

Donate to the black families of the victims of police brutality by searching Blacklivesmatters . carrd. co (I can't post the words/link together because the site wouldn't' let me)

or donate to Blacklivesmatter by searching Blacklivesmatter. com

Also, go onto Change. org to sign petitions regarding George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and the multiple other victims. Search up their names and you will find petitions to sign. I wish I could leave links but they don't work on Fanfiction.

If you have no money to donate you can stream a youtube video. Search on youtube ''How to financially help BLM with NO MONEY/leaving your house (invest in the future for free)'' by a YouTuber named Zoe Amira.

All the money made off of the video will go towards the BLM organisations.

/

Anyway, sorry for not uploading for a while but I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Thank you for reading.

/

Rukia sat lifelessly in the back seat of the black Mercedes Benz Van drowned in a heavy fog of dark thought. Crystal cut purple eyes gleamed with tears to reflect her sadness, Rukia's emotions were in a ray of turmoil. Her body felt numb with no pulse/life inside of it, but at the same time, she was extremely tense. Every second that passed by Rukia's sanity slipped away a little and in due time it was like she would blow up/break down. However, surprisingly, a tiny piece of Rukia's mind kept fighting to keep it together. She couldn't have a mental breakdown in front of Mr A, she didn't want to burden him or cause any attention to herself. All she had to do was wait until she got home to let it all out.

What was I to do Rukia asked herself again and again?

Ichigo...oh how she wanted to talk to him.

How could he help her in this situation when he had 100 million problems on his own? He is probably going through his own hell now.

A flash of images of the two kiss scattered in Rukia's mind causing her heart to beat faster as a result of anxiety. Things were complicated between the two, the last time they met she tried to turn him down but he ended up kissing her. They weren't in a relationship but feelings were there between them, and that was a whole other hurdle for Rukia to jump over. It was hard to face Ichigo when this 'thing' between them was now public.

Any move she made would be publicized in the media meaning people could pick her apart. Whatever she did would be related to Ichigo, she had seen this happen with celebrity couples as a teenaged girl.

Oh, the irony.

Rukia decided to not read any of the million comments about her and Ichigo. No matter how curious she was, she didn't want it to affect her mental psyche (which wasn't up to par right now)

At this moment in time, Rukia was desperate to go home and get advice from Byakuya, he always knew what to do when things got tough. Plus deep down inside she missed him more than she admitted. The Kuchiki siblings hadn't spoken in months which wasn't like them. The two were always in contact because they were all each other had left. Ever since Rukia denounced her Kuchiki name she always wondered how he was doing without her? It must have hurt for him to cut her off from the family name since she was pretty much his only family left, aside from distant relatives who weren't pureblood Kuchiki's. However, Byakuya didn't approve of her choice to become an actress and live her own life, he disowned her and stripped her of her title as a Kuchiki so why help her?

They weren't family anymore.

Not only that but Rukia felt guilty of her actions. It affected the production of the movie as well as her friend's careers. Senna was serious about keeping her career straight and knew the possibility of any drama could bring bad press to her and everyone in the movie, but most importantly Ichigo. Senna, Momo, Rangiku, Ikkaku, Toshiro all had their managers on the phone trying to discuss whether they would opt out of the movie or not. Rukia wondered how they could even do that, but they were all veteran actors with great entertainment lawyers.

Something she was not.

Shuhei had barely been able to look at Rukia while the crew were waiting for paparazzi to leave the outside premises. Rukia had tried to turn him down privately but he just didn't take it well, he had said nothing after she told him ''it was her not him''. How cliche was that Rukia thought to herself. That line was always used in romantic movies and it was the first thing she thought of so she said it (while being a blubbering, shy mess at that.)

It was all so embarrassing and also upsetting because she had hurt Shuhei's heart, and also embarrassed him in the process.

Rukia's mind then went to Renji whom she hadn't spoken to for a long while. How was he? She never really bothered to ask much about him when he visited her, it was always about her problems with Byakuya that was the subject of their conversation. Although she had forgiven Renji for betraying her trust and was no longer mad at him, she now knew she wasn't being a good friend either. She just kept thinking of herself and her dreams instead of seeing things from Renji's view.

It felt selfish for her to want to talk to him only when she felt helpless and not anytime before. If Rukia things weren't complicated with Ichigo Renji wouldn't have crossed her mind.

How selfish.

It hit Rukia that she was truly alone in this situation, although she had Senna, Momo, Rangiku and Orihime as friends they couldn't keep babying her on what she should do.

She had to learn how to stand on her own. She chose to leave home and become an actress so she had to fight for her dream, no matter what she'd face.

it was her fault that she even let herself get close to Ichigo and not considering that issues that could come with it as Senna had. She had no one to blame but herself.

Rukia's face sat completely emotionless, her mind had forgotten to alert herself to her surroundings that she couldn't tell where Mr A was heading. Rukia was nowhere near her apartment in Tokyo Grand City but she was too much in her mind to notice. There were no signs of Tokyo Grand City at all, no vibrant neon lights from buildings, cars and motorcycles, or a commotion of street life. Instead, the area was quite quiet, Mr A drove to a semi-deserted place located near a forest with vast trees reaching up the onyx sky. It took Rukia almost a minute to comprehend that the car had stopped and that she wasn't at her apartment. Her eyes locked onto the back of Mr A's seat who was absolutely quiet.

What was happening?

On autopilot, Rukia took off her seat belt, rushed to her left side of the Van door pulling the handle but it was locked. She went on her right side and reached the same conclusion.

''Calm down and listen carefully...'' Mr A's voice was still in its warm polite tone. The pitch of his voice was low but audible enough to hear. He pressed emphasis on every word showing some sort of afraidness, which struck fear into Rukia's tiny heart which was already weak from everything that had happened. Mr A had turned to look at Rukia, his eyes looked helpless which was strange but she was too scared to stick around.

He was trying to kidnap her.

Mr A. had his hands up signalling he was no threat.

Rukia began screaming as she banged the window on her left side. The words ''HELP'' escaped her mouth over and over again. Each scream sounded like screeches and terror mixed into one. Rukia began to kick the windows, unfortunately, the windows were made of thick bulletproof plastic glass. Her tiny slim legs weren't strong enough to break the windows no matter how much strength she used. Instead, Rukia was only hurting herself in the process.

''Calm down... I'm not going to kidnap you...I just need to talk with you. Listen carefully'' he repeated again in the same manner, unfazed by Rukia's antics.

Rukia stopped screaming clutching her arms around her small frame as a form of self-protection.

What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?

The silence was held for up to a minute before Mr A finally spoke, Rukia's heart pumped at a dangerous rate.

''There's no need for you to be afraid. I only drove you here because I'm an undercover officer. Here is my badge see.''

The light of the moon shined on Mr. A's badge.

An image of question mark formed in Rukia's head. Why was a police officer trapping her in his car? Isn't he supposed to be a cab driver? She still didn't trust Mr A.

''I'm not going to hurt you. Just listen to every word I say. Make sure you understand it.''

The way he muttered those words was like he was making a business transaction or something...to Rukia it felt weirdly nostalgic...it's like she had his voice before from somewhere but didn't know where.

Rukia's eyed Mr A, her eyes became a fax scanner for a second as she analysed his features. His brown wavy hair that was sleeked back with one-piece dropping forward in between his eyes, his dark chestnut eyes that sparked terror into her, his focused facial expression.

Why hadn't I noticed he'd looked familiar before?

''Are you listening?''

His business-like voice crept into Rukia's ears as loud as a drummer playing his/her drumming set.

Rukia meekly nodded, her fingernails dug lightly into her pale creamy skin.

She prayed to God in her head that this man wouldn't kidnap her or do anything worse.

Mr A slowly breathed in closing his eyes as he chuckled a little.

''Anyway, I will resume where I've left off...you have some sort of relations with Kurosaki. Is that right?''

Rukia just stared in fear. That's all she can manage to do.

''Well, I suggest you shouldn't. You see that man is a cold-blooded criminal. He's notorious for many criminal crimes related to his past gang life. You need to stay away from him. Have a look at this.''

Mr A took out a document of criminal file charges and passed it to Rukia who was in shock from what she had heard. She refused to take the document trying her best to breath and speak out her thoughts.

Find your voice Rukia!

''Don't be shy. I'm only doing this to educate you on who that man really is? Being with him is bad news for you and your career.'' he pressed on lightly with no care in the world.

''W..Wh..Who, are you? Why am I, I being held h..here?'' Rukia muttered scared, she didn't believe anything he said about Ichigo. She knew had a bad history as a past gang member but that was his truth to share with her, not Mr A (of who he claims to be) or anyone else.

Right now the only thing she cared about was who this man was, why he hated Ichigo and why he had her hostage?

'' I told you who I am. Mr A. an undercover officer. Nothing more. Nothing less. I need you to get as far from him as possible.''

His voice stayed the same, it never rose once and that scared Rukia to the core.

something felt off even though he felt kind.

''I brought you here to propose you an offer, but you wouldn't let me explain myself.''

''What offer? Why did you drive me all the way out here and lock me in this car? You pretended to be a cab driver. Why not be upfront?'' Rukia couldn't hold that in, it came out as quick as she thought it in her mind. She was glad for that because she was so scared to think of what to say or do.

''I did this because what I'm able to discuss in confidential and top secret. There's a whole secret vendetta going on around Ichigo Kurosaki. I had to make sure no one knows or hears about it. I saw you are getting caught up with the boy and it can seriously put your life at stake. Sorry I had to be discreet. I apologise.''

Rukia blinked fast-digesting all the information quickly as she could.

''A gang lord is after Ichigo Kurosaki's life and is targeting everyone he loves including you. I need to make sure you are aware of this. Also, Ichigo himself is no good. You need to join me in bringing that monstrosity down. You need to stay away from him. He's no good for your career, the whole scandal you're involved in is because of him. His whole career is on the verge of being destroyed because of all the terrible things he has done to me and many others. He's a hopeless case that brings everyone down with him.''

''Who is after Ichigo's life? What has Ichigo done to you and others that makes him a monstrosity?'' Rukia began to find her voice again, she had spent 9 minutes being in the car with this man and he hadn't hurt her yet. This gave her some confidence somehow and she thanked God for it.

All of what Mr A. had said made no sense.

''I only care about justice. Ichigo Kurosaki is bad news...he's committed armed shootings totalling to 15 injuries, gang violence and theft. And much more. He's also been an accomplice in manslaughter. These reports and criminal documents prove it. I simply want to take him down and receive justice for those he's hurt. I am sorry I had to trap you this way but I am only doing what's right. Please read the documents.''

Rukia took then and looked at them for a while before placing the files on her lap.

''Then why hasn't Ichigo been arrested for his crimes?'' Rukia questioned.

If there were charges made against him in documental proof (although she wasn't sure she believed them) why was he still free?

''Let's just say there are some corrupt people out there who are on his side. At the time he committed these crimes he was under the influence of that gang lord who has power in the legal system. By force and threat, Ichigo has leeway to be a free man. Why do you think the public wants his career to be over? It's not because he's a destructive alcoholic ''

Rukia could hear that the tone in this mans voice had changed a little. It was the smallest change from his light warm tone, underneath that there was some sort of dark urge from how he spoke. Mr A's eyes looked very glassy and corrupt too for a split second, then his warm friendly face fell back in as face as lighting.

It's like he lost control of his whole demeanour.

Just like how an actor breaks out of character for a little second?

Ding!

It all clicked.

As an actress, Rukia could tell when someone was acting or putting on a false image. She had watched many actors she adored, studied them to a tee and even copied their style of acting. Her chance to act around her friends for Elation improved her skills to the point she could detect certain things about a person voice that related to acting.

Mr A. was lying.

Rukia knew she had to play along and not let Mr A. know she was onto him. Whatever plans he has its to destroy Ichigo and somehow that involved her. All she knew is that she had to lie in order to protect herself to get her out of the situation safely. Then she could tell Ichigo what happened. So she had to put on an act too.

''I...I just don't know what to say...I can't believe this...'' Rukia mumbled, she stared down to her lap shaking her head slightly (she wanted to look defeated as if she finally accepted the 'truth' Mr A. had told her)

Mr A sighed sadly as he saw Rukia had begun to cry. This was not what he wanted to happen, he only wanted to share this information with her.

''It's okay. Don't cry. I just need you to stay away from Ichigo. If you don't you will be in danger.'' Mr A repeated himself again as he continued to tell Rukia, not to cry.

''It's okay.''

''No, it's not. Ichigo isn't someone I can trust. Thank you so much, sir, for telling me the truth. I will take your offer and stay away from him. I owe it to you.'' Rukia lied, she made sure to sound thankful with gratitude but inside her stomach churned in turmoil and fear. She just wanted to get out free and alive, she needed to inform Ichigo of the truth.

''It's my pleasure. From now on I and my team will be watching you so we can protect you from that criminal. I wanted to go in further about the crimes he had done but I know you can't take it, you've been through such a lot. Why don't I drop home now?'' Mr A offered.

''Yes...that would be nice''

/

The whole ride to Rukia's apartment felt like years. Rukia pretended to fall asleep so she wouldn't have to put on a false act all the way home. Since Mr A was acting he could easily see if she was putting on an act too, so by sleeping he wouldn't have room to talk to her or see her facial expressions. It was risky for her to pretend to sleep as it's a huge chance he may never even drop her home. Rukia made sure to open her eyes a little to see where she was via her prereferral vision. When she heard someone chatter Tokyo Grand station outside her window she knew she was in Tokyo Grand again so he wasn't lying.

At last, the van stopped and Mr A. called out to Rukia to wake her up. With her best performance Rukia 'awoke' from her slumber looking around her surroundings before she looked at Mr A. (she saw her apartment building and thanked God she was home)

''Where here. Sorry for all of this I may have traumatized you.'' Mr A laughed lightly.

''It's okay. I'm thankful for you driving me home. I should be going now. Have a good night sir.'' Rukia nodded to Mr A. as a sign of respect before opening the van doors, Mr A returned the gesture and watched her leave a few moments before driving off.

As soon as Rukia entered her apartment complex she started to breathe heavily and slumped downwards onto the floor. Her breathing got worse and worse, all the anxiety she had come rushing through hitting her like a blow to the face. One of the apartment doormen had seen Rukia collapse and rushed to her side in a frenzy. The man's tan hands rubbed her back in comfort as he kneeled next to Rukia with concerned eyes.

''Miss are you okay?'' he said

Rukia body shock at his touch that she pushed him away, the doorman looked a little upset/confused. It took Rukia sometime for her to calm down, she kept speaking to herself of how it was all over with and that she was safe. Other employees who work at the apartment complex looked at Rukia confused.

''It's okay. I'm okay. Sorry, I just had a really bad day.'' she bowed before quickly leaving not caring to hear the words they were saying to her.

/

Ichigo parked in front of his family home, he decided to go home and get help from his dad after all that had happened. It wasn't the best thing to do especially after what had happened a few months ago when he had an episode in front of his sisters. But he had no other option. He felt like drinking his woes away and even tried before deciding to come home.

He recalled himself going to his alcohol stash, opening a large brown bottle of Ballantine's Finest Whiskey and drowning it down his throat but whenever he tried to swallow it his mind would go to Rukia. Then, in the end, he'd always throw the caramel liquor out of his mouth and actually throw up vomit. This happened for a course of one hour before Ichigo decided to quit and go home. The alcohol just wouldn't go down whenever he saw Rukia in his head.

Then images of Riruka flashed and the thought of her death happening because of him scared the hell out of him. He was still facing that demon along with many others.

Maybe Rukia was right...he only didn't want to drink because of her.

He didn't want to lose her or disappoint her. He had never stopped drinking before because of Chad, Orihime, Uryu, his sisters or dad. But now things changed because of Rukia. And the shameful thing was that a few hours ago he was forcing himself to drink because of the whole scandal.

His whole movie could be a failure because of his feelings for Rukia.

Everyone was mad at him for what had happened, investors who funded the movie had even called Yoruichi threatening to bow out that she's still begging for their stay. All the actors put their time and effort into this project to help him, Rukia is getting slandered light right and centre before her career even begun. It was all his fault.

Coming home felt like a cheap move, like if he was using his family for help when they've been wanting him to come home for months. Uryu, Chad and Orihime tried to comfort him but he felt tired of them picking up his mess. Chad had to heal, there was no business in him calling Ichigo from the hospital, Uryu and Orihime have a baby on the way they should be focusing on that instead of a mess up like him.

Ichigo pressed his head against the black leather steering wheel, a deep exhale left his mouth that he felt his body become drained.

Sooner or later he had to face his family. He just wished it didn't have to be this way.