It has been nearly a week since the incident, nevertheless Ichigo luck was slowly running out on him. First it was him loosing his part time job at the convenience store, then it was the monthly tuition payment plan, Karin athletics fee, job hunting was not getting any better even if it was part time. Walking back the apartment he saw a group of men surround his door, and around this time Karin should be getting out of practice soon. Quickly texting Karin to come home a bit later than usual he made way his door knowing the consequences.

"What are you doing here?" Ichigo snarled knowing these guys were no other than loan sharks based on the way they dress.

"It's payment day Kurosaki, you missed nearly the entire month. And you know what that means interest builds." The bearded man spoke coming out face to face with Ichigo, poking his should harshly with each pause.

"And you see, I'm a family man too." Now standing next to Ichigo he wrapped his arm around his neck a but tighter than a normal person would. Pulling out his wallet showed two kids "See that my boy Ryoga only in year 7 and is a little champion all-star in Basketball, and my little girl Rinrin just 5 years old."

Tightening his arm more Ichigo could feel the suffocation slowly happening "I would do anything in the world to keep those two safe forever." Kicking the glitter by the door to the side, "and I know you would too, for your family, so here's the deal" cutting his tone bitter "pay your bills on time."

Then punches came out of nowhere one after another, till they were satisfied.

Now on the ground, Ichigo was on all fours grasping and harshly gagging all for just some air. "Now remember, interest builds and this time ya owe us $500,000.00. See ya by the end of this month" before leaving the lad to suffer alone.

"Hello Dr. Kurosaki speaking"

"Explain goat face, how much did you barrow?"

"So, you know now."

"Yeah, because they just sent you a message through me. By betting my ass! Now either you have a good explanation, or I am taking them back with me to Karakura, where we belong happily!" Ichigo snapped. As much as he sacrifices for this family, he was the only one keeping the family together by cleaning up the mess.

"I'm sorry son." Isshin spoke softly "I'm sorry you have to go through this." Causing Ichigo breathing to calm. "I found a breakthrough to Yuzu diseases, but the hospital wouldn't fund me even when I asked for a further salary deduction than now. I borrowed $50,000 for research." Finally, breath out.

Hearing all of this he felt relief that there was a breakthrough for Yuzu, that she could live a normal life again. However, the downfall was they will be back by the end of this month. Just from his father stupid decision.

"Ichigo" Isshin called him back to sense "a parent would go to great length for their kid, no matter the age. I would do the same for you." Then hung up, leaving him in the hall all tattered up. Little did he know she saw it all, from the beginning to now. Karin.

"I-I-Ichigo, I want to go home." Karin stuttered hold back the tears. Looking down the hall she saw her, hiding between the wall only for a kid to fit.

"Karin" Ichigo spoke softly opening his arms just for her to run to and cry. "I'll protect you, it's going to be okay." holding her tighter knowing the only solution to help.

"Where is it" rummaging through the trash bin just to find a small piece of paper.

"You mean this" holding a business card Karin examined the quality. "This is pretty high grade for just a recruitment card. Rukia Kuchiki, is this your girlfriend?"

Snatching the card out of her hand, he replied with a quick no. "She is just someone that owes me"

"For sleeping with you?"

"No! For helping her out drunk. You want to take care of a drunk?" Knowing well that Karin was liking independent lifestyle.

"No, thank you" she smiled rushing back to her room.

Looking over the documents in the office Rukia was the only one left. She was exhausted, looking at numbers, reports, and men. Yes, you read correctly "men" the folder of potential suitors Byakuya saw interest in for company growth or status. Such as, Yumichika Ayasegawa heir to White lotus a renowned fashion line, Szayel Aporro Granz a glasses company, Tesra Lindocruz, son of a respected Duke and Duchess, or his favorite of them all Tōshirō Hitsugaya of a rivaling clan. Decades of family rivalry only to be mellowed out as years gone by and now a chance to combine power to be come the most powerful clan.

All these options but she does not want to be betrothed, she wants to be free and happy. The cliché things, doing what she loves. Which is something, but she did not know cause everything she did was based on Byakuya liking and belief. Slumping back in the chair, she looked below. The city was always busy with people working or having fun. Oh, how she wished for that taste of freedom for just a normal life.

Buzz Buzz

Pulling out her personal phone, she knew exactly who this was.

"Hello, carrot top. Thought you didn't need me" Rukia taunted thinking he would do the same, instead it was something entirely unexpected.

"I need your help."