* Dear you, thanks for reading. I know it took too long but better late than never (I hope). Here's for my lovely followers cos I'm feeling generous on my birthday! Yes it's mah birthday!

Chapter 13

Glancing over to his beautiful wife beside him, he was content that they could drive to work together like this everyday, but especially today.

Returning his focus back to the highway, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his scowl slowly took over.

Anyone else would think he was in a foul mood but as Orihime stole a peek at her appealing husband in his crisp white shirt, she knew then he wasn't in a bad mood, but rather, he was very, worried.

They had left the house in a hurry, earlier than usual, after he received a call from Riruka, the EA, about a emergency board meeting in the office.

Placing her hand gently over his, she saw a small smile returned almost instantly. This wonderful woman had a way with calming him with just a slight touch. It was comforting to have her by his side, to know that she was next to him, there for him.

The surrounding bright lights in the board room was glaringly annoying. It reminded him of hospitals, emergency rooms. Morbid.

He can't shake off this sickening feeling, he felt his stomach drop while still trying to comprehend the information Chairwoman Kurosaki announced and its implication.

"...as the CEO has went on sudden leave of absence... we need to move quickly." The chairwoman turned to one of the executive leaders "Yukio, you're in charge of social & media relations and the press conference,"

"Yes Madam Kurosaki, my team is ready to go," Yukio, the youngest in the executive team said confidently, he was a genius in his field.

"Now, as for the matter of a successor... We need to appoint an experienced person of the right fit who can be ready to hit the ground running immediately."

Resounding murmurs broke out in the room but was squashed when the chairwoman spoke again.

"We'll also consider internal candidates alongside external,"

One of board members provided recommendations as they had a wide network in the field. A short list of candidates were put forward, the former shinigami's name was not mentioned.

"Anyone else?" Yukiko Kurosaki cast a fleeting glance towards her orange haired nephew, anticipating something. But he didn't speak, and so she wrapped up the meeting.

"They sound very experienced.. Very well... Riruka, arrange the interviews, right away,"

When Madam Kurosaki said 'meeting adjourned' Ichigo was somewhat relieved that he wasn't forced to take over into acting CEO position. It was way too soon. It hasn't been long since he graduated from university and joined the company.

Everyone thinks he's too young.

He's what? 23? 24?

To hell with others thought, truth be told, he didn't feel ready. He was just like a fish out of water in that board room.

Going through normal recruitment process would be in the best interest of the company. At least, that's what he kept telling himself.

A loud deliberate knock on the door surprised everyone in the meeting room as they were preparing to leave, and their attention zoomed to the man. He was tall, wore long black hair, a mustache, and was dressed in a black trench coat over white shirt. Ichigo instantly recognised him.

"I have the perfect candidate for this, sis," Yhwach Kurosaki announced.

The rain started to fall.

Ichigo didn't know what make of the unexpected turn of events; from worry to confusion to relief to shock.

The shock from the Yhwach's sudden appearance, recommending his son for the CEO position. Ginjo had proven success in managing Blut's overseas operations over the last 5 years.

Speak of the devil.

Ginjo Kurosaki made a visit to his office, along with the other guy Tsukishima.

"Yo,"

"My dad and Aunt Yukiko thought we should have a meal together... to properly get acquainted, Ichigo."

"That's a good idea, I'm more than happy to host, after all you're our guests here."

"Yes, but very soon, he will be your boss." It was Tsukishima who spoke.

Ichigo stared at him without a word.

"Why don't we get Orihime here too?" Tsukishima suggested and proceeded to make a phone call.

Beep. Beeep. Beeeeep.

"Hello, Orihime? It's me."

Huh? Wait...

"Yea it's Tsukishima. Oh come on, we met the other day at the gala. Remember?"

How did he even get Orihime's number?

"Well I'm at Ichigo's office now and..."

Why was he talking to my wife in such a familiar manner?

When he lost all his shinigami powers, he felt lost, empty, and powerless. At the same time, he lost contact with everyone from soul society, all his comrades, including Rukia, the one who knew him best. He recalled his pride as a shinigami from protecting all his nakamas, even before Soul society, he protected an auburn haired classmate from her hollowfied brother, and later, in Hueco Mundo he even transformed into a monster just to save her.*

Come to think of it, it was always about her, it's always been her.

Now she was his wife, she was his... She was his to protect, and while this guy standing in his office was probably harmless, a sense of irrational possessiveness took over.

This guy calling his wife right now with his blasé attitude was royally pissing him off.

The orange head clenched his teeth, letting his rage consume him as the guy continued over the phone.

"Ahaha..." Tsukishima laughed on the phone, provoking Ichigo further. "Just call me Shu,"

Whamm.

Ichigo had grabbed Tsukishima by his collar and shoved him against the wall of his office shelf, files scattering all over the floor.

"Woah, easy there little cousin," Ginjo stood between them. "Let him go,"

Ichigo held firm. He took down Aizen, he can take this person down before he even know it.

"Ichigo?"

At that moment Madam Kurosaki who had heard the ruckus, entered his office. Ichigo finally snapped out of it and released Tsukishima, he turned to his aunt, but her face spelled utter disappointment in him.

Orihime was out running an errand when the commotion with Tsukishima happened.

By then time she got back to the office, the company announcement was made regarding the new acting CEO.

Her husband left abruptly, and told her he'd see her back at home later. His scowl was in place. But pain was evident in his eyes. It hurt her to see him this way. Her heart ached.

He didn't want to face her, He couldn't. He knew she would worry, and he didn't want that.

He just wanted to be alone.

The board decision was final.

Ginjo Kurosaki was appointed acting CEO in the interim.

The rain finally stopped.

His wife was calling his mobile phone again but he didn't pick up.

Turning the device to silent mode, he tucked the phone back into his pocket.

Ichigo couldn't hide his disappointment. He wasn't expecting to be CEO for another 5 to 10 years, but he also didn't expect there to be competition, or losing that position.

Perhaps the reason for his anxious state of mind, stems from his insecurities.

He was once a warrior, a fighter, who defeated the strongest of enemies. After the war he lost his soul reaper powers and returned to human life. But it was far from normal, when his maternal side of the family reached out and broke the news to him. He was never interested in studies, let alone imagine he would be CEO one day. For the last few years, he took for granted that this position was his, whether he liked it or not, whether he wanted it or not.

It was getting late.

He really should go home soon or Orihime would be worried.

.

"What's with that sad pathetic face, Ichigo?"

.

That voice... that's... is that?

.

No way... could it be?

.

The presence he could feel through the evening air, that forgotten feeling that felt so familiar at the same time.

.

He turned and saw bright flash of light and then purple.

.

"Rukia!"

.

.

End.

Don't you just miss my cliffy? Recap: this is AU to the manga chapter 425 i.e. after the crew saved Orihime from HM, defeated Aizen and Ichigo lost his powers as mentioned in my first chapter.

Blitch xoxo