Strawberry Poison ( redux: 'Return to Sender' )

by vulpeus

21-year-old Rukia Kuchiki is living in the heart of New York and she is just living life, seeings the days pass by. But one day changes her life completely. And she has no idea what or who she will encounter along the way. AU, Slight OOC, various pairings

6. A Lead

A/N: I'M STILL ALIVE FOLKS:D I haven't forgotten about my lovelies(: Okay, so Imma tell ya straight up, this chapter is almost as long as the first, so I'll star a good place to pause and then pick back up at, okies? And well, lemme ask for your forgiveness on being so late. Well, school had just started and I'm swamped with homework. That, plus I was focusing on my NARUTO fanfic (check it out:D) and I have fanart:D:D:D: ANNNNDDDDD my mom moved back in with my dad (yay:D) so there's still crap all over the house. Oh, and think of this extremely long chapter as a gift for being so patient wiff me. I love you all, I really do. And in this chapter, you'll finally figure out who John is 'officially' (if you haven't already), so yay, give me a pat on the back that I finally revealed his identity. And you may notice that Orihime isn't her kind, cheerful self when you read it from me. No, it's not because of OOC-ness. I have a logical and rational explanation for her weird behavior, but you'll find that out in upcoming chapters. She wasn't always fucked up in the head. Oh, and this might disappoint some of y'all, but I feel myself starting to shift to the IchiHime side, don't shoot me *shot* :O (that might explain why this chapter is mainly based on them) but don't fret, I'm still keeping the IchiRuki alive. And speaking of Bleach couples, there's some MAJOR GrimmNel at the verrrry bottom and if you're a fan (like moi) I think you'll love the ending(: Gah, this is getting too along and I feel like I'm being too attached to y'all but I seriously need to tell y'all this. Okay, and good news: there is a possibility I might make SP into a manga (in my own version with my own characters):D I already have the non-fanfic story version of it but it takes a while to edit, and cut and all that crap. I'll hold a poll to see who would actually buy it in the future so PLEASE vote (it will be on my profile). And to let y'all know, I AM OPEN FOR ART TRADES/REQUESTS! Just gimme a holler and I'll happily take your request(: (I'M ALMOST DONE, SHUT UP) And there are two quotes that both Ichigo and Nel say and the first one who gets them right will get an exclusive cookie (INSIDER) from moi. Okay, and check out 'Antoine Dodson' on youtube and click the 'Bed Intruder Song'. It's so fucking hilarious, I almost peed my pants. And here's the songs for this chapter (youtube 'em):

Lady GaGa: So Happy I Could Die
Christina Perri: Jar of Hearts
Christina Perri: The Scientist
The Ready Set: Love Like Woe
T.I. ft. Keri Hilson: Got Your Back (I think this fits Ichigo and Nel:3)

READ AND REVIEW PLEEEEAAASSSEEE!

Kanita(:

EDIT:

I forgot to put the translations up here (fail).

Krvavi Kralj: Bloody King; Ichigo's favorite gun(:

Pašteta: Slavic food; Chicken paste. I know it sounds really gross, but it's really good on bread.

EDIT (take 2):

God, I feel dumb. If you read the first chapter here, it was because I goofed up bc I rushed and noticed the mistakes here (I have no editor so I try my best to fix the boo-boos here) and I accidentally submitted the first chapter here instead of the sixth. Thank you Hese Solistis for pointing that out, haha. Now enjoy~

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"So, you mean to tell me that you have actually found Ichigo Kurosaki's personal journal that may or may not contain information of the man we're looking for?" The head inspector asked with raised eyebrows as he stared his two subordinates down while tapping his fingers rhythmically. Hearing no answer, he spun in his office chair to look at the detectives that were working under him, Rangiku Matsumoto and Shinji Hirako.

"Sir," The woman cleared her throat, "We have only read the first couple of pages, and we have come to a conclusion."

Her boss looked up at her, nearly at the edge of his seat to hear the words that were going to come out of her mouth.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, who has yet to be pronounced if he is dead or not," The woman said, choking back a tear, "is John Collins, an alias made for reasons currently unknown."

"Detective Urahara," Shinji spoke up, "There is word of another possible alias Kurosaki may have had, but we have yet to confirm it."

"Are any other people mentioned in the book so far?" The shaggy blonde heaved a sigh.

"Yes, but-"

"Well, don't just stand there and gawk at me! Go find them!"

Both of the two lower detectives looked at each other solemnly before staring at the ground and it wasn't long until their superior caught on.

"There's something you two aren't telling me. Hirako, speak."

"Sir," The lanky man mumbled as he bit down on his lower lip, "It was Rukia Kuchiki, the main love interest of Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Main?"

"Yes."

The bucket-hat wearing boss broke into a hearty fit of laughter while Shinji passed a confused gaze over his shoulder to his partner.

"I should've known he'd write down his dirty thoughts down on paper. He has the libido of a teenage boy right after watching Girls Gone Wild," The older man chuckled, "So, why the glum looks? You too knew Kuchiki, right? Just ring her up so she can help us-"

"She's dead," Rangiku hissed.

The whole room went silence as a tear escaped from the corner of her eye and started to stream down her face, but she quickly wiped it away so she wouldn't make a whole soap opera about the situation. But she still retained her cool.

"Who told you that?" Urahara asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"We had sources from the insides tell-"

But Shinji's boss interrupted him with a wave of his finger.

"You might want to double-check your sources before you go off believing it. You can end up looking like a fool in the end."

Shinji's lip curled at the remark, but Rangiku shot him a glare as a reminder to chill out.

"Now, I think I'll just read this little blue book for myself and see what the ruckus is all about," Kisuke said as he swiveled his chair with his back to the other two. He held the journal with one hand while the other was shooing them away. "You're dismissed."

And with a subtle nod, Rangiku took her leave with her rebellious friend behind her, grumbling the second he closed the door of his superior's office.

"Tch, fuckin' coot pisses me off," The blonde hissed.

"Shinji, just let it go," Rangiku said.

"But I-"

"Let. It. Go," The woman growled.

"Then…if she isn't dead…then…why did he tell me she was dead?"

"He who?"

While the two tried to get to the bottom of their dilemma, their shaggy-haired boss put his feet up on his desk and began reading the text from the doggy-eared page that his two subordinates had left off from last night. Occasionally, he let out a few 'hmph's and even a smile every now and then as he got engrossed in the text, but once it mentioned the woman's name, he froze and put the book down for a second, and looked up to the ceiling above him.

"Rukia…where did you go?"

Datalog: Day 3

As strange and as intriguing yesterday was, it was nothing compared to what I would face today. Day by day, Rukia was starting to pique my curiosity even more, and as much as I wanted to know what had really happened with her and this 'Kaien' fella, I knew I shouldn't push my luck.

While I was thinking about it, I realized that it was particularly fair for the midget. Although I have only a slight hint at her past, she knew absolutely nothing about me. But it had to stay that way. After all, we bosses need to keep a low profile, ne?

Meanwhile, Rukia and I exit the suite (if you could call it that) and she was strangely quiet ever since we left; that is, until she asked me the question.

"John?"

"Hm?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Uhm, are we still…going to see Byakuya?" She asked timidly, but I only rumpled her hair as I gave her a wink.

"A promise is a promise. Which hospital is he in?"

And on the way there, she talked about her brother and I tried to sound interested, but I couldn't focus. That 'Kaien' person she mentioned kept on bugging me, but I didn't know why. She wasn't asking about Orihime, so, why was I so…mad?

As much as I wanted to ask her, I knew I couldn't because I didn't want a repeat of last night.

But…she wasn't the only person I could ask.

Once we got to the hospital, we went up to his room and she stopped as she entered the doorway, peering inside the small rectangular glass.

"Hm, he's not here," She mumbled.

"Who?"

"Byakuya's doctor. He said he'd discuss the whole financial stuff whenever I visited again, but it seems like he's out or something."

"Did you want to talk to him?"

"Don't make it sound like that!" She growled as she hit me on the arm, "Besides, it wasn't just that. He said something weird too."

"What?"

"He said," She burbled as she tapped her fingers while her eyes were looking straight ahead, "He said he knew me, but I have never met him before in my life."

"Maybe he wasn't who he said he was?" I grin.

"Like an alias? Why would he have one?" She shrugged as she opened the door and went over to the man, giving him a quick hug. I took a seat across from him and waited for my introduction so he could stop glaring at me with those goddamned beady eyes of his.

"Who's this?" He asked, nodding in my direction.

You put on a good show, Byakuya, I thought,

"This," Rukia said as she grabbed my shoulders, "Is that friend I told you about. John, you remember?"

"Ah, the one that Renji hates?"

"Byakuya!" Rukia hissed.

And when her back was turned, he and I had a conversation of our own.

'Fuck you', I mouthed with a grin.

'What the hell are you doing here?'

'Hold on,' I said as the girl turned around and gave her brother a smile as she handed him a plastic cup of water, in which he smiled that fake grin of his that I hated so much.

"Thank you," He nodded as he took a sip and then slightly narrowed his eyes, "Rukia, do you mind if your 'friend' and I have a little chat? I'd like to get to know him better."

"Sure thing," She smiled as she walked off and when she passed me, she whispered, "Be good."

"I'll try," I shrugged as she closed the door and once we heard her footsteps fade away, we started talking.

"Answer me," Byakuya barked. "Why are you here, and with my sister of all people?"

"She insisted on our 'introduction'. I agreed so she'd be happy."

"Oh, well aren't you just the perfect man for her," He growled.

"I'd like to say I'm not half bad," I chuckled as I swung a leg over my knee, but that hypocrite didn't share my sense of humor.

"If I wasn't broken, I'd choke you right now."

"Let me ask you straight up," I said, locking eyes with him, "It's not like I'll give two shits, but why do you disapprove of me so?"

He groaned as he sat up and looked at me, "It's not you, per say. I don't approve of you with her specifically. Certain 'circumstances' will make it difficult for both of you. We both know Orihime won't hesitate to step in if she hasn't already. That, plus Rukia's still recovering from her past relationship.

"Well, damn, how much time does she need?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"You don't understand, Ichigo."

The sound of my real name being called caught my attention and I listen to what he has to say.

"The guy she was with-"

"Kaien."

He looks up with eyes wide open.

"How do you-"

"She was talking about him in her dream."

"Dream? You slept with her?" He growled through clenched teeth, and the machine that checked his heartbeat beeped rapidly.

"No, no, no, no, no! Chill!" I yell with hands up in protest, "She and I did not sleep together! I slept on the couch! I swear to God!"

"If you did, God help me, I'll break every single damned bone in your body with my own two hands."

"I swear, I didn't, believe me! Besides, have I ever lied to you before?"

Byakuya exhaled a deep sigh through his nostrils while he calmed down, and the beeping of the machine had gradually slowed.

"So, how much do you know about Kaien?"

"Only the fact that he was her ex that left her."

"And that's all you need to know."

"What do you mean?" I glared.

"It's not my place to tell you what had happened between those two. Only she can tell you. Besides," He scoffed, "Why should I tell you?"

"Because, Byakuya 'Dragon' Kuchiki, this is an order from your Boss, Ichigo Kurosaki," I hissed as my lip curled in anger, but then that turned into a slight smug smile once I saw the look on face, all shocked and whatnot. Then, his lips formed a thin line, and I couldn't read what he was thinking by the sudden change of facial expression.

"Then. I. Quit."

"You…can't be serious."

"I'm as serious as murder, Kurosaki. After all, what makes you think I know the whole story?"

"Hm, maybe it's because you're her brother?" I ask sarcastically.

"You're wrong," He shook his head."

"What?"

"I'm not her real brother. I was married to her sister and I promised her, before she died, to look after Rukia but I have only known her for a year so, I wasn't there at the time of the whole 'Kaien' siutation."

"Doesn't she have a right to know that you're not her real brother?"

"I'll tell her, just not now."

"It seems as if we both have that issue," I sighed.

"But you have more on your plate, don't you?"

"Unfortunately."

"If you don't tell her about your deal, somebody will. And I know a few particular people that won't hesitate to just to get their revenge on you, Strawberry."

The thought of Orihime cackling in the office once she found out about my alias played in my mind, but I tried to shake it off.

"Ichigo."

I look up at him, seeing coal eyes stare me down with an inexplicable expression in them.

"Why are you trying so hard? After all, she's just another girl to you, isn't she? Why are you so concerned with what-"

"Because…she's my employee."

"How? When? Who-"

"Renji took her to TR a couple of days ago. She made a nice drink. 'Boss' offered her a position so she can help pay for your surgery. He's even doubling her pay. Now, isn't he just a nice fella?"

"Renji, you bastard," The ebony-haired man growled and then looked at me, "Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Alive and kickin'," I nodded.

"Since I can't do anything in the condition I am in right now," He said as he sighed, with closed eyelids and then opened them back up, preparing for what he was going to say. "I trust you to take care of her. If you can promise me this, then I'll 'approve' you."

"Deal," I grinned as I shook his hand.

"However, you never answered my question."

I raised my eyebrows.

"Why do you care so much for her? And I'm not taking that 'employee' crap as an excuse."

"I owe her a lot," I said as stopped at the doorway, looking back at him. "Oh, and like it or not, you still have a job."

"Ichigo."

I turn back.

"If you really want to know what happened," He said, looking out towards the window, "Ask Renji. But only ask him if he shows up."

"He'll target her, won't he?"

Byakuya nodded.

"I'll just have to stop him then." I said as I closed his door and when I got out, I ran into Rukia.

"Well? What'd he say?" She asked anxiously.

"He approves," I grinned and the girl squeals with excitement as she gives me an unexpected hug, but I only smile. I couldn't get myself to believe that behind that innocent grin, was a deep, dark past that was so exclusive, her own 'brother' didn't even know until recently.

"Jeez, you have no idea how happy I am. Only problem is," She sighed, "I need to talk to that pain-in-the-ass."

"Just tell him that I have got your brother's approval. After all, your brother is way stricter than Renji, right?"

"Yeah, but," Rukia says timidly, "Renji has known me longer."

"Oh? Longer than your own brother?" I play along.

"Let's get some lunch and I'll explain there."

Five minutes later, we were at a local bakery shop having jelly-filled donuts while sitting outside on the patio.

"C'mon, missy, explain what you meant back there."

"I was a street rat. Family abandoned me and it was survival of the fittest. While I was growing up, I met that stupid red-headed bastard and along with a few friends, we formed a make-shift family, if you will. We even made our own hideout, which eventually came to be our home once we started making money. 'All for one and one for all' was our motto. Corny, but true. But, as time passed, people started going their separate ways; including myself. To sum things up, I…got tired of the life I was living, so I just got up and left and one day, the police find me, and they take me to Byakuya, who tells me that he's my long-lost brother. I didn't believe it. I thought there must've been a mistake, but there was proof and everything. Same thing happened earlier, when I was 18. I heard news about my long-lost sister working in a club downtown, but I didn't believe it. Day after, I hear she got kidnapped. I still didn't believe it. It was when the police came and questioned me about her death that I finally believed. I never got a chance to know her."

"So, how does Kaien fit into all of that?"

She shot me a look that made my ass feel like it was sitting on needles.

"I-I'm sorry, I shouldn't hav-"

"He was a street rat as well," She said.

"And Renji?"

"Yeah."

"How old were you exactly when you left that 'life'?"

"19."

"So, you've just adapted to the 'normal' lifestyle just recently, eh?"

"More or less," She shrugs.

"Now, I have something to ask you."

"Hm?" She asked with raised eyebrows.

"You can choose—between having this 'normal' life or continue your business with Boss and them. You're not in deep enough that you can't get out, but this is once-in-a-lifetime chance to stop yourself from getting into something you may not be able to handle."

Rukia was quiet then, and fidgeted with her fingers while her eyes avoided my gaze, which made me nervous beyond measure. If she chose yes, then she could still 'associate' with me and the others, but if not, then she would never hear from me or anybody else ever again and while I started to worry, she sighed and then opened her eyes to look at me.

"Are you high or just plain stupid? Of course I'll stick with you and everybody else."

You have no idea how relieved I was to hear those words. I was so happy, that I hugged her instinctively, and I didn't realize it seconds later and I pulled back with a slightly reddened face.

"Ahem, I-I'm sorry. I had no idea what came over m-"

And right then, she gave me a peck on the cheek and giggled as she threw away her trash. While she was gone, I looked at the reflection in the glass of my watch and I saw that my cheeks were as red as cherries.

Oh hell, I thought. Oh, shit. Oh, sweet mother of Jesus. Oh-

"John?"

"Uh, uhm, yeah?"

"You okay? You were just kinda zoning out there."

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit sleepy."

"Well," She said, glancing up at the clock above us, "I better get going."

"What's the rush?" I ask.

"I…kinda want to go home. I get homesick easily."

"Oh. You want me to drive you?"

"Nah, I'll just take a cab," Rukia says as she gets up and when she stopped at where I was, she shot me that innocent smile that seemed to wash away all despair and gloom that there was. As seconds passed, she quickly summoned a taxi with a sharp whistle and right as she got in the cab, I yelled her name and stopping her in her tracks.

"Yeah?" She asked curiously.

I felt everybody's eyes on me due to my yell, but I shrugged it off as I looked at the woman. "Don't worry about Renji, I'll talk to him."

"Really?"

I nodded and then she covered her mouth with her hands in disbelief while her cheeks were raised up in a grin.

"Thank you!"

"Yeah, no prob," I said as I waved her good-bye and once she was gone, I let out a sigh as I put my hands over my head, thinking to myself about just how complicated the confrontation would be, and it only made me nervous the more I thought about it.

"Awh, aren't you nice, Boss."

I jumped at the sound of the voice, but I felt a hand touch my shoulder.

"Easy now. It's just me."

My head turned around and my eyes widened at the sight of the ivy-haired woman in front me.

"Ch-Ch-Cherry? What are you doing here?"

"I was getting some sweets, but then I saw you two lovebirds and I couldn't help but watch the show!" She giggled as she adjusted her leather jacket while throwing her hair over her shoulder. "So, what's this I hear about Pineapple head?"

"Nothing really, he's just being a bother."

"I heard."

My eyebrows raised up in suspicion. "From?"

"Rukia. C'mon, don't play dumb. You know she spent the night at my house the day before yesterday. She told me about her 'complications'. That girl really likes you, even if she doesn't realize it. And you're just the same."

"Why did she tell you? And what rubbish. She's just-"

"She's like a little sister to me. I…even told her about Grimm's job. But you know that don't you?"

"Yeah, she told 'Boss'. C'mon, I need to get back to TR. Would you mind accompanying me?"

"Sure. But kiddo," She said, pointing a finger to my face, "I wasn't joking about what I said. She really does like you. And you like her too~"

"Nonsense. She's just getting attached and-"

"And you like her."

"I do not like her."

"I know it when I see it, kiddo," Nel teased as she messed up my hair, "Grimm had the exact same look and I had to have a friend point it out to me because I was blinded by love," The woman giggled.

"Change the subject, please," I groaned.

"Well, there is something I have been wondering about."

"What?"

She sighed as a hand messed with her hair, "Did you hear any news about Grimm?"

"Yeah, actually. He called me yesterday. Said he had a surprise for you when he gets home."

"Why didn't he call me?" She grumbled.

"King was being stingy."

"Whatever," Nel sighed, "So, what's the surprise?"

"I dunno. But he said it was really big."

"That idiot. I don't need anything else. What could he possibly get me?"

"I never said it was material-wise."

"Ah, well, it'll come whenever. How much longer is he gonna be there?"

"I'm not sure."

"Well, I guess I can help out down at TR since I have nothing to do," She sighed as we went to the station to get on the subway, "So, what exactly happened with you and Rukia yesterday, hmm?"

And on our way to TR, I informed her about what had happened and our visit and almost everything really. But when I got talking about Kaien, I could sense that I was getting agitated once again about the topic, but I took the time to talk it out and being as Nelliel was one of the very few people I trusted (and a female at that), I told her about my suspicions about him and what had happened.

"That guy is bad news, I can tell ya right now," She said as we opened the doors to the club, seeing only few people set up props and whatnot.

"Yeah, but what could've he done that's so bad that even Byakuya can't tell me?" I mumbled as I gave it some thought, but I couldn't think straight with the busy atmosphere. That, and something popped up.

"Yo! Straaawberry!"

Both Nel and I turn around, seeing a rather hyper Dylan jog, no, run towards us with that Chesire grin of his that could only mean one thing.

"What's up?" I asked.

"You gotta job," He says, handing me a letter with a seal of a red crown holding the flaps together.

"King wants me, huh?" I asked as I opened it, seeing the grinning boy nod his head.

"But why are you so happy and jolly, Dylan?" Nel asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"Just read it."

"Hmph," I glared while quickly scanning the contents of the letter and then folded it up inside a pocket, "So, King wants us to do a little extermination, eh? Jesus Christ, you look like yer about to piss yer pants from all of the excitement, kid."

"What can I say? My job gives me joy. I'm just happy I got booked," He said as he showed off his canines.

"You too, huh?" Nel mumbled.

"What? You're worried 'bout ol' Blue?" The blonde asked with a laugh, immediately getting a sharp glare from the teal-haired female. "Don't worry about it. Blue's the best of the best. He can handle it."

"Dylan, I think you've said enough," I warned, sensing an uneasy feeling from the woman, "We have to go in half an hour. Go get things set up."

"Tch, who the fuck do you think you are? Boss?"

As much as I really wanted to answer that question, but I bit my tongue because I knew I couldn't tell him nor any other people about who I really was. Including Rukia.

"Nope. But I do hold a higher rank than you so it'd be best for you to shut up a little bit, 'kay?"

"Fuck you," Dylan hissed dryly.

"No thanks, I'm good," I said as I turned to Nel, who was still disheartened. "Hey, c'mon, he'll be home soon."

Despite my try to comfort her, she shook her head in refusal as she closed her eyes, with a stray tear falling to the side. A single laugh came out of her mouth as she wiped the clear drop away with another one starting to take its place.

"I need to have faith, like Rukia said," The ivy-haired woman let out a huff with her eyes closed, and then opened back up to look at me with such hope in her pupils, "I see why you have a thing for her."

"Yeah, she's something else," I chuckled, scratching the back of my neck, immediately thinking back to this 'Kaien' person, and I felt my chest tighten at the thought.

"God, grandpa, hurry up!" Dylan whined, and I felt a vein on my forehead pop to life at the remark.

"Call me old one more time, see what happens," I hissed, and then turned to Nel, "Look, I'll be sure to tell Blue to come your way if I see him, alright?"

"That'd be just lovely. Thanks a bunch, kiddo," She said with a quick embrace and behind us, we heard Dylan yelling.

"C'mon! C'mon! C'mon! Let's go, let's go, let's go."

I closed my eyes as I heaved a sigh, not believing that I was paired up with him of all people, but I looked back at Nel and smiled.

"Don't worry, he'll come when you least expect it."

"Alright. But you know, I wonder how Rukia would react if she found out you're going on a job?"

"That does seem kind of interesting. I would want to see her reaction."

"That settles it. You like her."

"Quit that. And we just happen to-"

"Like each other without knowing it."

"This conversation is over. Dylan!" I hollered, ignoring the female behind me, "Let's go!"

"WHOOO!"

So, an hour and a half later, me and Dylan were armed and guised, and at a bar, targeting this little fly that seemed to pester the 'King'. It wasn't my place to ask why he wanted this loser killed, but rather him than me.

"I did not agree to this," Dylan growled as he adjusted his dress while his fake beauty mark fell on his fake boob.

"Shut up, he'd get suspicious if two gents were at a stripping club, doing absolutely nothing," I said as I took a sip of my drink, narrowing my eyes down at the target. Samuel Rivers; 7 ft, 205 lbs, wanted for excessive killings around the Bronx."

"I don't give a fuck if we're targeting the president, I ain'tgoing to sit around in some hoochie mama get-up with these knockers suffocating me," He gasped, pushing down on his bosoms. "Why can't you be the slut?"

"Because I lack the ass for it."

"You son-of-a-bitch, I'll murder you."

"I'd like to see you try. And if they ask, you're a lesbian."

"Hell no. What do you think-"

"Whore. C'mere."

Both me and Dylan turned around and saw a tall man tower over us, with his eyes narrowed down at Dylan, staring at his breasts.

"Not interested," Dylan hissed as he stood up and cocked his hips to the side, and I groan in agitation because he had given away our cover because of his deep voice that made the man back up slowly and head out the door with eyes wide open.

"Pft, he couldn't handle these milkshakes," The blonde smiled smugly.

"Yeah, you just keep telling yourself that," I nodded with a pat on his back while keeping my eye on Samuel, who was chatting with a short blonde man that looked very young for his age, and then shoved him off as he went upstairs with a curled lip.

"Keep staring at him, and he'll think you're gay."

My vein pops to life as I slowly crane my neck to look at the cross-dresser, ready to make a complete and utter fool out of him right then and there.

"Don't even talk in the position you're in. Now that he's gone, we'll go over the plan one last time. Now, you're gonna follow the guy and use your 'feminine charm'-"

"You know, how come King couldn't have gotten Nel or Tia to replace me instead? Or better yet, how come I couldn't have them?"

"Tia's out of town and Nel's on break. So, after you got his attention, slip this into whatever he's drinking," I said, giving him the drug and he took it, sneaking it into his bra (which has very…disturbing to watch), "And once it takes effect, he'll get frisky and tease him. You can't let him see your dick or he'll figure something's up."

"But what if he's gay?"

My mouth slightly dropped at the remark.

"Do you want him to be gay?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"No, not like that, you dumbass. I've noticed that he didn't even look at the strippers once. What does that tell you?"

"Maybe he was busy," I shrugged, "But once he's drugged, you know what to do."

"Roger," He said as he pushed up his boobs one last time before clearing his throat and shook the blond curly bangs out of his face as he walked to the doorway, attracting a lot of attention along the way. I let out a sigh as I poured the last of the bitter drink down my throat before making my way to the rooftop entrance, but I was pulled back by a hand and I was so startled, I grabbed it and twisted it over my head as I slammed the body into the wall, only to realize that it was a stripper. I instantly let go of her with a nasty shrug, still smelling the rancid perfume from her orange mane that teased my-

Orange mane?

I turned around and got another glance at the female, but she was gone. As if she wasn't there in the first place. I scanned the room just to be sure I wasn't hallucinating, but I couldn't make out anybody's face in this kind of lighting. With a heaved sigh, I shook it off and made my way upstairs, as I looked from window to window to see which one Dylan and Samuel was in. Once I thought of that, it reminded me to turn on the speakers that Dylan had put on his wig so that I could listen in.

As I wait for it to pick up the frequency, I was still searching for the room, more often than needed seeing prostitutes 'work' and their clients being pleased. The very thought made my stomach churn. There was something in me that simply irked strippers, whores, and the sort. Thinking about females seducing men just for the sake of money made me angry. As if money was some of 'supreme being'. But I suppose that's how today society runs and how people make their money—through greed and sacrifice.

"You're awfully a busty whore, ain't cha?"

I put the speakers in my ear once I heard the voices speak up, and I crept over to their window, backing up just to the edge so they couldn't see me.

Dylan was seated at the edge of the bed with his leg bent over his knee as he looked at the target with big eyes as he batted his fake lashes, perfecting that whole 'innocent' look. I had to admit, he could play the part. But it seems that his acting was being put to the test as the man circled around the bed, carefully eyeing the blonde.

"C'mon, stop being such a bitch and spread open those lovely legs of yours."

I had to bite my tongue and cover my mouth to restrain my mirth and I even felt a tear at the corner of my eye because I was laughing so hard.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, watching other people 'bout to do the naughty. Aren't you a horndog?"

My hand reached for the pistol that was in my back pocket, but once I turned around on my heels, my eyes slightly opened at the sight of the stripper that had disappeared from me previously and I realized that it was the same woman that had walked out on my life years back, and I felt pangs of hate twitch inside of me.

"Well, if you needed entertainment, you should've just called, Ichigo."

"You're stalking me. Why?"

"Oh, you silly goose," She giggled as she ruffled my hair, "This is my job, remember?"

"Last time I checked, you worked at TR. But then you quit."

"Because I wasn't getting paid enough."

"Tch," I hissed, feeling my lip instinctively curl with rage.

"But that doesn't matter," She said as she kneeled down and crawled towards me, but I backed up away from her with each move she made until I bumped into a vent, and before I could get out, she was already on me with eyes filled with lust. "What matters is that I catch up with my berry."

"C'mon, whatcha hiding under that skirt?"

"Oh jus-"

"What this?" The ginger asked as she picked the speakers from my ears and it wasn't until it was in her hands that I realized she had taken them out.

"I wouldn't want any 'distractions' during our time catching up, mmkay?" She teased as her thumbs circled around the tendons on my neck while her arse was comfortably rested on my groin with her bosoms pushed against my chest and fingers around my neck, its fingers lightly scraping along the skin of my neck, which made its hairs stand on edge. I knew that Orihime was a dangerous enemy, because she knew all of my weaknesses, because she, at one point in my life, was my life. And her touch brought me back to a time where I didn't hate her, and our strife didn't exist. Back when we were just kids who clearly underestimated what was to be expected.

And as cold fingertips slowly danced from my neck to my collarbones, I took in a deep sigh and exhaled through my nostrils, enjoying myself, if only for a minute while I reminisced about the good old days.

Back when I didn't hate her.

Back when she was so innocent.

Back when I had loved her.

April 2nd, 2002—Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

"I'm tellin' ya, Ichi, she's a man in disguise. No chick can hit like that," A cerulean-haired teen muttered in utter disbelief as he put his hands above his head while walking down the endless sidewalk that seemed to stretch on for miles and next to him, was the auburn-haired male, but he was too focused on the view of the ball of fire on the South Carolinian shore.

The head of short sky blue locks swished to the left as the teen's eyes scanned the city across from him, seeing their own Greyhound bus that was 'modified' to a two-story mobile home that was anything from lame. If anything, he wanted to stay in there to get some shuteye, but Ichigo had insisted on stopping to get a view of the Palmetto state before heading up north. But if there was one thing Grimmjow didn't see coming, it was the teal-haired female they had encountered earlier and even though he didn't want to admit it, he knew she was something else. He then looked to his friend, seeing that he was staring off into the distance, gazing at the Myrtle Beach sunset.

"Yo, Ichi?"

"Huh?" The teen blinked, seeing his best friend snap in front of his face with little patience.

"God damn, you're out of it today. I bet she hypnotized you, didn't she?"

"Grimmjow, why can't you just accept the fact that a girl whipped your ass fair and square?"

"Because there ain't a single, living, breathing, female that can do that!"

"Then I guess you're not gonna take the news I have in a good way," Ichigo sighed as he closed his eyes, and then walked into his friend, seeing him stand still with azure eyes narrowed down and locked on the boy.

"…What news?"

"Ahaha, funny thing, I kinda…sorta told Nel she could come with us."

"You son-of-a-bitch," Grimmjow hissed as he reared up his arm but as soon as he was about to land the fist on his face, he stopped suddenly once he felt a gentle hand touch his elbow, immediately freezing in his tracks. He turned around, seeing a massive bundle of teal shake as the head it belonged to tilted slightly to stare at Grimmjow with a wide grin as her nails slowly dug into his skin, making him flinch slightly.

"You shouldn't get upset over the tiniest of things. You're quite handsome when you aren't," She giggled as a slight blush spread across the boy's face as Ichigo laughed while brushing the dirt off of his jacket.

"Well, well, it seems you've outdone Blueberry here not once but twice," The auburn-haired male chuckled as he watched Nel offer the defeated boy a hand, but he only leered as he got up himself.

"I'm guessing you've never fought a female before?" She teased, shooting Grimmjow a devious look, but he only continued to glare at her every time they made eye contact.

"Yeah, Grimm refuses to fight those he deems as 'weaker' them him," Ichigo nodded as the other two walked on the opposite side of him.

"Then he's gonna have to acknowledge the fact that girls can do anything guys can do."

"Tch, as if," The azure adolescent scoffed, but was then met by a raised teal eyebrow from the female.

"You want me to kick your ass again?"

"Pft, you did not kick my ass. I was just distracted by-"

"The fact that I'm a girl. Face it, buddy boy," She heaved a sigh as she patted Grimmjow's back in pity, "I'm better than you. Your big ego just won't accept it."

"I do not have an ego. Ichigo, do I-"

"Yes," He nodded impassively, making a vein pop to life on the youngster's face.

"Tell you what, let's make ourselves a bargain. I'll leave y'all alone if you…ride that!" She pointed behind the boys.

The two turned around, seeing a huge ferris wheel in a sea of lights and sounds that came from the carnival below. Grimmjow slightly shuddered at the sight of how high the top of the wheel was, and put a hand on his stomach, feeling his gut slightly clench at the thought, but he quickly shrugged off his fear, remembering the deal that the female was offering.

"I'll do it," He nodded, "You better pack your bags, missy, 'cause this is a wager I can't lose."

"Well," She smiled curtly, seeing the entrance not far from where she stood, feeling a bit of loneliness at the thought of having to find a new home, "We'll see."

And as Nel and Grimmjow bickered about the most absurd things, Ichigo mostly kept to himself, thinking back on the past and wondering how his little sisters were doing, and the second that thought walked into his mind, it was greeted by pangs of guilt that hit him like a gunshot to the head. A slight frown was starting to settle on his face, that it was soon noticed by the female on his left.

"Ichi?" She asked with big eyes, but when he looked at her, he saw not the teal-haired woman he had helped out earlier, but his younger sister instead.

"Yuzu?"

"Pardon?"

"I mean, uhm," He shook his head for a moment, clearing his thoughts, "I meant, you said what now?"

"I said we're here," She pointed to the admission gate behind him while Grimmjow dug in his pockets for any change he might have.

"Goddammit, I left my wallet in the bus and now-"

"Lord, you done got your ass whupped by a girl and now she's paying for your admission? Man, that's sad," She giggled as she fetched a bill out of her bra openly, leaving the two (Grimmjow, and the acne-plagued boy at the ticket booth) with their mouths forming a perfect 'O' as she slid it under the Plexiglas and got the tickets as she waved goodbye to the loser and then turned around, seeing Grimmjow still gaping at her, but she only giggled at his stupidity as she patted his head, bringing him back to Earth.

"Sweetie, you're drooling. Clean yourself up. You make kids think you're an idiot."

"I don't give a fuck what they think," He growled as he rubbed his arm over his mouth before heaving a sight at the ferris wheel that was towering over them and then gulping. "I might as well get this over with."

"Hold up there, boyyo," Nel said through strained teeth as she pulled him back by the collar, "What about you, Ichigo?"

"Eh, I've never been one for carnivals. I'll just get a bite to eat and wait 'til your two's deal's over with," He yawned as he got in line.

"Fine with me," Grimmjow shrugged as he got into the cart nodding to him, but horror struck his face as he saw her getting in, and then he barricaded his back to the entrance, not letting her get in.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" He asked with eyes wide open.

"You didn't you would be going by yourself, did you? I need to verify that you did, in fact, go on this ride. Just so I know you aren't cheating, ya know?"

"How the fuck can I cheat, jump off the edge?" He asked incredulously as she slyly crept over Grimmjow and slid herself in as the bars in front, and to their left and right boxed them in tightly, which accidentally cause the two bodies to smush side-by-side as their faces were mere inches apart, which made both teens slightly flustered at the sudden close contact. Nel swallowed her anxiety as Grimmjow silently sighed and tried to keep his cool, but then leaned over in the edge of his seat to see what was in front of him, but he felt the ride rock at the motion and he immediately sat still, causing Nel to slide and fall onto his broad torso as the ride started moving.

Her ivy bangs had conveniently covered her reddened face at the touch and she started to feel her hands shake, which was followed by the chattering of her teeth, which made a laugh rumble up from Grimmjow's chest.

"What are you laughing at?" She growled, fixing her hair with one hand as the other remained on his breast so she could keep her balance.

"Nothing, I just didn't expect that outta you. Besides, you live in South Carolina for chrissakes! This is your home! How can you be cold?"

Nel felt a sharp pain stab her in the chest at the mention of home, and glanced away so the arrogant teen wouldn't see the astray tear that had fallen from her eyelid. Nothing came out of her mouth, and she was statuesque, not even moving to get the hairs out of her face.

"Uh…did I say something? I mean, I'll give you my jacket if you're cold," He mumbled, immediately starting to take off the leather jacket, but she shook her head and gulped before speaking.

"You said I live here."

"Well, yeah. Ain't this South Carolina?"

"It is…but it isn't my home…not anymore."

"What're you yapping about? Of course this is your home! Get a map and I'll show you!"

"No, you," Nel said as she closed her eyes, and felt her teeth instinctively chatter as the wind danced through her mane. She heaved a sigh as the fierce gust blew into her, drying the slightly wet trail that the droplet had made. As much as she wanted to just wipe it away, she lacked the will to, and for some reason, she felt compelled to open up and let go all of the stress that she had bottled up, right there and then, in front of a man that had despised her earlier.

But when she felt an arm wrap in front of her chest and pull her to his chest with Grimmjow's eyes watching hers intently as his chin rested on her collarbone with hiss husky breath breathing down his neck.

"What? Are you gonna make a move?" She growled softly.

"What happened? You were just fine a minute ago and now you're about to cry? Normally, I wouldn't give a shit, but-"

"But?" She asked, barely able to voice the word.

"But I'm curious as to what makes the only person in the world that beat me shed tears. Besides," He said, lifting up her chin with his finger, "You shouldn't cry. You're…not yourself…when you aren't."

The girl let out a small giggle as she wiped away the tears before looking up to face him.

"Well, here's what happened," Nel exhaled, preparing both mentally and physically, "A month ago, I was in bed and I couldn't sleep for some reason. I was uneasy, tense, but I didn't know why. So, I went out for a quick midnight jog to clear my mind, but when I got back," She choked, holding back a flood of tears, "My house was on fire…along with my entire family. Gone, just like that."

"And what's even worse," She continued, "My little brother ran out to me to warn me while he was on fire but before he could reach me, the flames had burned into his heart and he used his last breath to whisper the words 'I love you' before he collapsed…and I…I couldn't do a damn thing. I just sat there, on the shore, with waterfalls pouring outta both of my eyes while I just cried. I cried the entire night and even I ran away before the fire department and news reporters came so that I wouldn't have to face it again but every time I look at that shore, I just wanna drown myself in it. I'm weak. I could've saved his life, but I was too selfish to save my own, and in turn, Death had to knock on his door. I'm…so…pathetic. I-I-" She sobbed, crying onto Grimmjow's chest as he gulped and had one hand cradling her head as the other was on the small of her back with his eyes up to the sky as he waited for the girl's crying to settle down. Little did she know that he would wait forever just for her.

"Next!"

"Finally!" Ichigo groaned, walking up to the stand as he scratched his head, trying to figure out what he would eat, "Uhm, I'll have a-"

"I found the sugar!" A ginger popped up from the counter, making the boy jump back in shock, and then took a second look at the girl, seeing that she wasn't half-bad.

Her gentle face looked up at the patron with a soft smile as she pinned her bangs to the side with two sky blue wand-like bobby pins with chocolate eyes staring up at the boy with such curiosity, it made him a bit timid. Not to mention he was trying his hardest not to stare at her bosoms, which were ridiculous.

"Oh! I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you!" She sputtered.

"Don't worry about it. I'll take one funnel cake, please."

"Okey-dokey, then. Your order should be done in about five minutes. Your number is 15."

"Alright," Ichigo nodded as he took a seat on a nearby bench and relaxed as he let out a yawn, taking in the sights in front of him.

He was in the center of the carnival, with food and drink booths circling him like a maze. But above, he saw the wooden rollercoaster and the waterslide across from it with a rock climbing wall next to it along with a ride that launched you up into the air and then back to the ground all within a matter of minutes.

Heh, I'd like to see Grimmjow ride that. He'd prolly piss his pants just by looking at how tall it is. Where is that dumbass anyway?

Ichigo looked to his right, seeing an enormous ship rock back in forth in the air, a bumper car course, and next to the start of the rollercoaster course, was the ferris wheel, but it was too far away for him to make out the peoples, much less him. He sighed in exasperation, wanting to leave the carnival immediately.

"Number 15!"

His eyebrows rose as the ginger dinged the bell and held his order in her hands. Ichigo got to the counter, observing the girl speed around the small make-shift kitchen with interest.

"Here ya go," She grinned as she handed him his plate, but she lost her grip and the mess of syrup, powder, and sugar landed smack dab on Ichigo's shirt, hearing the girl whine and cry.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to spill the, oh my gosh, I'm so sor-"

"It's fine," Ichigo chuckled as he shook the sugar off of the tee with his hands, "Don't worry about it."

"Oh my gosh, Michiru, I'm taking my break!" She yelled over her shoulder as she grabbed a bundle of napkins while running out of the booth.

A short brunette came out of the door in the back and stared at the ginger with disbelief.

"But Orihime! Boss will-"

"He said the customer comes first, didn't he?" She smiled as she ran towards Ichigo with a cup of water in hand while motioning him to take a seat on the bench as she wetted a napkin and dabbed his shirt.

"Again, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your shirt! I'd be happy to-"

She shut up and closed her eyes as his hand went towards her face and brushed the bangs out of her face and then rested on the top of her head, ruffling her hair.

"Tell you what. If you eat this cake with me," He grinned, pointing his chin downwards to the almost sugar-less pastry, "I'll act as if this little 'incident' never happened. Sound good to you?"

"Y-Yeah!" The girl blushed as she turned towards the boy and sat up on the cement wall, watching him rip a small piece off and then look up at her.

"Ain't cha gonna eat? You need some meat on your bones, you're like a toothpick."

"Am not," She whined as she took a bite of the portion she got and then looked up at the guy, "But, uh, if you don't mind me asking," Orihime muttered, her words barely audible to the boy across from her," Why did you call me out like this?"

Ichigo chuckled at the question, making the ginger wonder if he had lost his mind.

"What? I can't ask a pretty girl like you to enjoy some cake with yours truly?" The auburn-haired male inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"No, no, no, I didn't mean to offend you or anything, it's just-"

"No, you, 'no, no, no'. Would you rather be working your ass off in that cramped, sweaty, trailer or eating cake? I mean, come on."

"…You have a point there, but who are you to tell me my options, stranger?"

"I'm no stranger. I'm Ichigo Kurosaki. And you?" He asked, holding out a hand in which the girl shook gently with a small smile.

"Orihime Inoue."

"So, Ms. Inoue, tell me a little about yourself," The boy grinned curiously.

"Well, I'm 16 and I work at, well, you saw earlier. And I love cooking. In fact, I made that exact same cake you're eating now," She proudly stated.

"What do you do besides work? What about your friends? Family?"

"Well, my parents weren't 'fit' to take care of me, so my older brother, Sora, took from them and started watching after me."

"Your parents were crazy too, huh?"

Orihime looked up at him with wide eyes, and he immediately felt a pang of guilt after speaking those words. He slightly hung his head as his hand nervously scratched the back of his neck, unsure of what the female's reaction would be.

"Look, if I offended you-"

"Don't apologize, its fine. I…I just thought something was wrong with me, not them. But I don't want to dwell on that subject any longer. What happened with yours?" She asked with slight interest.

And the boy told her there was to know. How his step-mother was a psychopath, how he traveled across the sea and to the Statue of Liberty to the Mississippi River and anything and everything there was about him. But most of all, Ichigo himself was shocked at what he was doing. Normally, he wouldn't tell a complete stranger his whole life story, but he didn't hesitate for a single second for the ginger, who was now his friend. Seconds turned into minutes, minutes turned into hours and soon, the two had lost track of time, that that didn't even realize the sunset that had been long gone and had now been replaced with a ivory crescent.

It was just the two of them, walking side-by-side with their shoes in their hands as they walked on the cold, damp shore with the moon's light illuminating their path.

"Forgive me for sounding so selfish, but…you're lucky, Ichigo. You know that?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?" He asked, looking to his side, seeing the girl's gaze fixed upon the waves that crept up on her feet.

"You have so many friends, and you get to see so many places with your own two eyes, leaving behind an enjoyable memory or two with each one and to have so much freedom," The ginger sighed, "I envy you."

"You are jealous of me? Don't make me laugh."

"I'm serious," She whined, playfully punching his arm, "What I wouldn't give to get out of here."

"Then why don't you? What's keeping you here?"

"It's…it's a bit more complicated than that, you see. I still-"

"Yo! Ichigo!"

The two turned around, seeing a man waving his arm on the crest of a hill, and the boy recognized it being no other than his rambunctious friend, Grimmjow.

"C'mon! Let's go, let's go, let's go!" He yelled, getting a chuckle out of the two below, but after a moment or two, Orihime had started to feel a bit disheartened by the fact that her new friend had to leave so suddenly.

"Do you really have to go?" She asked with a pout, making Ichigo laugh as he ruffled her hair with a small grin that hid his true feelings, and the fact that he really didn't want to go.

"I'm afraid so, but don't worry. I'll visit South Carolina maybe sometime next year. Can you promise me that you'll wait for me?"

The corner of the ginger's mouth slightly curled into a smile before standing up on her tip-toes to kiss the boy's cheek with a giggle.

"Just promise me you'll visit."

"It's a promise," Ichigo said as he climbed up on the hill Grimmjow was on a few minutes ago and in seconds, he was gone, leaving the girl lonely and wanting to chase after him, but she shook off her thoughts and proceeded to walk back towards the trailer she worked at, until she felt a rough hand grip her shoulder.

"Aw, now isn't that just heart-warming?"

The creepy, familiar voice brought shivers down the girl's back and the ominous presence behind her felt like that of a hawk's prey that was about to be swooped up by its talons. All backbone that Orihime had had vanished like sand blowing in the wind as she buckled down with the person laughing at her and the fact that the lightning sounded like it broke Earth's window didn't help at all.

"It seems you've forgotten the consequence of having a 'coquetry' with our customers. Tsk, tsk, tsk, what a shame. And you were my favorite too. But," He cackled deviously, licking his lips. "Your 'punishment' should satisfy me enough.

"Pst."

"Psst."

"Pssssssst."

A huff came out of the teal-haired woman as she started to lose patience, seeing that her friend wasn't paying her any attention. Her eyebrows furrowed together as she glared at the sleeping azure man below her bunk, which, unbeknownst to her, was actually pretending to be asleep.

"Grimmjow, wake up, you lazy ass."

But he only mumbled in his sleep as he rolled over to his side with his face to the wall so she couldn't see the stupid grin he had on his face.

"Jeez, I see it's no use seeing as how you're knocked out; but I'll still tell you anyway. Even though talking to an unconscious body is kinda weird," She muttered as she climbed down the ladder that was attached to her bunk and then took a seat at the edge of the sleeping man's mattress. Every single muscle in Grimmjow's body flinched and froze the instant her skin brushed against his, and he could smell her scent wafting through his nostrils, which intrigued him.

"Anyways, I wanted to tell you this while I still can because I'm running on borrowed time here, but I might as well get on with it," Nel began with a sigh as her hands fidgeting with her mane.

"I have never opened up to someone so quickly and be so in depth about it and—it's unbelievable. Maybe I was just emotional and I really needed to let it out at the time and you just happened to be here, of all places," She giggled, twirling the slight curls of the cerulean mane between her fingers, which made the teen's hairs stand erect.

"Since you're asleep, I guess I can finally come about the secret I've been holding in…even if I don't have the balls to say it to your face because I'm afraid you would judge, but here goes nothing," The woman paused, still messing with the boy's hair.

"Well, after the fire, I had nowhere to go and I couldn't bear to sleep in the same house my entire family got burned down in so I started searching elsewhere. I had no money, so my only option was an alley, and I had a hard time finding one that wasn't infested with rats, and once I finally found one, I slept there for a week until I came across some people, who were homeless as well, and basically, they welcomed me into their 'family'. They taught me everything—how to beg, the easy way, how to defend myself, and most importantly, how to love again. That original hollow pain that was there was at ease, even only if it healed a little, I have them to thank for it. They've given me—a complete stranger—so much that I can't even put it in words. But, when the time came for me to part ways with them, I found out that I actually wasn't ready to go all alone by myself. At least, not in the instance I would be encountered sexually against my will. In other words," Nel choked back a tear as she gulped the others down while Grimmjow's fists were clenched with his nails piercing into his flesh as blood ran through the cracks of his fingers.

"Rape."

Grimmjow had had enough of the words and just couldn't bear to listen and as he tried to distract himself by rolling over and his head accidentally fell right on Nel's lap with an arm slipping around her waist subtly, bringing a smile to the woman's face. He was a bit cautious at how she'd react, but once he felt those warm, gentle hands of hers stroke through his hair, he knew that she was different from the girls he had met before.

"However, I won't go into detail about that. You've heard enough today, even if you are asleep. But what I'm trying to say is," She laughed at herself before craning her neck to peck the man's forehead, staying a bit longer than necessary. "Thank you, Grimmjow, for everything. I'm in your debt."

It was then that Grimmjow finally decided to 'wake up', cracking one eye open to look at the teal-haired female, but she wasn't surprised. He let out a chuckle as he stared up at the hazel eyes above him that examining the boy with precision.

"What? Were you planning to kill my in my sleep? We are rivals, you know."

"You idiot, I said I was in your debt. Why would I try to kill you?"

"Because I-"

"Yo! Are you up?" A voice hollered as the two heard slow, approaching footsteps that suddenly stopped once the lights turned on, revealing a very amused Ichigo at the stair's edge.

"Well, well, I apologized if I have interrupted 'something'," He snickered, getting a death glare from the azure man in return. "But anyways, Nel, since you're up, is there anything you need to get because once buddy boy over there starts driving, he won't stop."

"Except to drink, sleep, and/or piss," He added.

"And, he's a silver train that has no chance of stopping unless he feels like it. So, if you have anything you need to get, get it now. We're gonna be on the road for about a day or two."

"Mmkay, then I'll walk to Piggly Wiggly and jus-"

"What?" Grimmjow asked with a confused look on his face, getting an exasperated sigh from the female.

"Don't give me that look. It's a store. Where you buy stuff. Get the picture?" She asked, tapping the side of her forehead.

"Okay…that settles that…but you're gonna go out like that?" He asked incredulously, pointing to the white tank with the fabric that looked like it couldn't stretch anymore because of the massive width of the girl's bosom that clearly showed her solid black bra, but it's not like her polka-dotted booty shorts were any less eye-attracting.

"Sweetie, this is Myrtle Beach. Most people would go naked if it wasn't for that thing called 'public decency'," Nel shrugged as she snatched the $100 Ichigo gave her for shopping before walking out of the bus and closing the door behind her.

While Nel was out shopping, Ichigo and Grimmjow were laying around, doing absolutely nothing, just waiting for the girl to come back with food. Grimmjow had his face in the pillows of his bunk while Ichigo was sprawled out all over the couch, trying to find a position comfortable enough to sleep in, but something was bothering him. He figured it was just the fact that his stomach was growling, so he got up and opened the fridge, disappointed at what had remained—half a can of pašteta, the two bottles of beer that Ichigo had stolen, and bread that had started to grow a mold.

He grabbed the two glasses and fetched the cap opener out of the drawer and popped the bottles open, seeing that Grimmjow had sat up at the sound, intrigued, and even a bit surprised at what the boy was doing.

"What's this? 'John Collins' drinking at two in the morning? That's not the strawberry I know."

"I told you not to call me by that name," He hissed, passing his beer to him, and got a slightly stunned look from his friend.

"You're uneasy. What is it?" Grimmjow inquired, staring at the waves that were so far away from the window behind Ichigo's back.

"Something's wrong. I have a really bad feeling in my gut," He groaned, getting a laugh out of the boy.

"I knew you were something, but I didn't know being a psychic was on your résumé too," The cerulean-haired man snorted, nearly gagging on his beer, but Ichigo was not amused.

With a sigh and a shrug, he got up as he took one last sip before setting the Heineken down while walking towards the exit.

"Ey! Where ya going?"

"I need a smoke," The boy grumbled, swiftly shutting the door before lighting up a cigarette and exhaled the puff of smoke, looking up at the sea of stars that had a light that used to shine away all of his worries, but not now. Not when he needed it the most. But even the slightest bit of comfort it gave him had disappeared once he had heard the blood-curdling shriek that made him flinch with fear.

"Who's there?" He yelled as he walked down the streets, peering his head into every alley along the way.

"Get off of me!"

"Shut the fuck up, you dumb bitch!"

And the next thing the boy heard was a fierce slap, followed by a whimper that barely managed to reach his ears, which gave his legs the boost to start run as the screams of horror got worse and worse until it came to the point that Ichigo himself was scared to peer around the corner. However, it wasn't until he walked into the street of where the shrieks were coming from that he was downright mortified and every muscle in his body was frozen with shock.

In front of his eyes were two beings—a male and female back in the corner of the brick walls and their bodies were so close, it looked like they were glued to the hip, but once they stepped in the light to see who the stranger was, Ichigo's jaw had dropped with disbelief once he realized who it was.

Long ginger hair, big eyes, innocent look—all belonging to the face of Orihime Inoue, but Ichigo just couldn't accept the fact that she was standing there, right in front of him. The tall, lanky man that was behind her had his face covered by his long ebony hair, but his intimidating, lecherous grin was still visible in the moonlight as the set of teeth opened to let out a long, slimy tongue that crept along the girl's neck and to her ear, making the captured ginger cry out with a mix of innocent bliss and enraged hate that made Ichigo's blood boil.

"Get…your hands…off of her," He growled through clenched teeth, getting a laugh out of the man.

"And makes you think I will? After all, I am the Nnoitra Jiruga. That, and," The man smirked as he pulled the girl towards him, and once the light shown on her face, it revealed patched of black and blue and even a trail of blood on the corner of her lips, "She needs to pay for what she's done."

"That doesn't mean you have to rape her, you fucking creep," Ichigo snarled.

"And that's where you're wrong. Your dumb ass forgot one tiny little details," Nnoitra cackled, pulling out a rolled-up piece of paper that once it unrolled, revealing a huge swarm of text with a huge, ornate signature at the bottom.

"The girl signed a contract. Meaning, both her and her body belong to me and therefore, I can do whatever the fuck I want. You've already interrupted her punishment, but since you obviously don't have a clue who I am, I'll let you live with a warning."

"You're awfully confident for an old perv. But instead of questioning your cockiness, I want to know why you picked this girl instead of some dumb whore on the corner?"

The man's chest started rumbling with laughter until he exploded with mirth, confusing the boy. Orihime looked down at the ground with shame and then shut her eyes, knowing very well was that maniacal cackle meant.

"Do I need to spell it out for you to understand? She's your dumb whore! Use your head, for crying out loud. Why else would I want her?" Nnoitra snickered, making the teen curl up his fist in anger with his fingernails nearly piercing into his flesh.

"Since you're such a dumbass, I'll be sure to explain it slowly to ya. The girl ran away from home, seeking the glamour and bright cinema lights of Hollywood. She had a knack for improv, which came in handy when she had to get out of a mess. So, one night, I stumbled upon Pamela Anderson here and we got chit-chatting and I offered her a ticket to the 'big leagues' on one condition—she does what I say, when I say it, or, this happens," He chuckled as he groped the teen's breasts while licking her neck, making Ichigo's stomach churn in disgust. Then, he pulled out a dagger that was hovering right beneath her chin, forcing to tilt her head up and look at the boy's mortified face. The open mouth froze like that for a second, and then shifted to a small, thin line full of fury.

"Orihime," He said in barely a whisper, instinctively making the girl look at him eye-to-eye, which forced the edge of the blade into her skin.

"Is what this man said true?"

The ginger nodded meekly, getting a chuckle of disbelief out of Ichigo, which made the two slightly nervous. Nnoitra's hand slyly climbed down from the woman's bosom and to the edge of his hip, where had stashed a gun his inner coat pocket, but the teen had kept an eye on the man from the very start in cause it would lead to something like this.

"I think you're too dumb to realize the situation you're in," The man snickered, his finger curling around the trigger, "You, some defenseless brat, are interfering in a mob bosses' own personal business…are you asking for a death wish, boy?"

"No. All I'm asking is that you let go of her."

"Now, why would I give up such a pretty piece of 'property' you-"

"I'll pretend," Ichigo growled through clenched teeth, "I didn't hear that. Now, I'll say this one more time…get your hands off of her."

"Like hell."

"I guess I'll just have to pry them off then," The boy hissed as he pulled out Krvavi Kralj out from his back pocket and fired at Nnoitra while he ducked for cover for the bullets that were being shot back at him as well. In that small war zone of an alley was total and complete chaos that had temporarily ceased after a moment or two.

"Tch, you're sharp for a kid," The tall, lanky man smirked as he reloaded his weapon while forming a devious plan in his mind that brought a conniving grin to his face.

"You ain't so bad," Ichigo panted, peeking just a bit around the corner before he heard a bullet whiz right past his cheek.

"For an old perv," He sniped, noticing the hole on his leather jacket, a warning that his playdate with Death was yet to be finished.

"Let's cut to the chase," Nnoitra said monotonously as he grabbed Orihime by the ends of her hair and wrapped an arm around her neck, and the other held a chrome pistol in its hand with the cold metal kissing the skin of her temple.

"This game…is over, sonny."

"Awh, look who's being a sore bum," The boy grinned, but not for long.

"You've got it all wrong. You're the loser here, boy. Why don't you turn around from the corner there and see for yourself?"

Ichigo stood still, resistant to the man's attempt to draw him out.

"If you have a brain, you'll drop the gun or-"

"Or what?" He hissed, scooting mere inches closer to the corner, readying his gun.

"Or," Nnoitra chuckled, cocking the gun, "I'll just kill your whore instead."

"Ichigo!" Orihime yelled as she tried to pry off the man's arm that was nearly suffocating her, "Don't do it, he'll-"

Click.

That sound was all it took to shut her up and finally get Ichigo at the point where he had to make a decision.

"Well, 'Ichigo', what'll it be?"

The boy chewed down on his lip and accidentally punctured a hole in the tissue with his canine, letting out a hiss of pain. He let his grip on his gun gradually loosen until his hand eventually let go of the silver pistol, the sound of the click-clack of its crash on the asphalt floor bringing a huge grin to Nnoitra's face.

"Glad you saw it my way. Now, let's play a game. But, I won't need this," He snarled as he pushed the ginger down , but Ichigo quickly helped her up to her feet, all while glaring at the tall, lanky man.

"Whores only get in the way of what needs to be done. But, you know how it is, right?" He laughed as he pointed the gun at them, debating on which one he wanted to get rid of first.

"Hmmm…I could kill you first, boy, but then the bitch will prob'ly wail like a fuckin' cow giving birth, so, I think I might kill both of you with one blow. But, since I'm an angel, I'll give you ten more seconds to live, so use them wisely," He chimed with a grin as he started the countdown.

Both teenagers tensed up with fear as they heard the last seconds of their lives being counted aloud by a psychopathic killer. Ichigo tried to reach for the gun, but Nnoitra caught him and stomped on his hand, crushing him fingers beneath his foot.

"Where do you think you're going? And by the way, your countdown starts…now. Ten."

"Fuck you," Ichigo hissed.

"9."

"You know," Orihime said, looking up at the boy, "I'm glad you came."

"8."

"But why? Because of me, you're, no, we're both gonna be killed."

"7."

"Because someone had finally stood up to this evil man."

"6."

"That doesn't matter. We're about to be killed by a psychomaniac and it's my entire fault."

"5."

"Stop blaming yourself," She smiled meekly placing a hand on Ichigo's cheek with a tear in the corner of her eye.

"4."

"But knowing that I was the cause of your death would be enough to kill me alone."

"3."

"That's enough."

"2."

"Thank you Ichigo, for being there when nobody else was," Her voice cracked, and began to form a sob, but Ichigo only held onto her tighter as they waited for the shot of death to pierce through their flesh.

"1."

I didn't want to see you get hurt like that ever again.

"Hold it."

Both of the teens slowly cracked open their eyes at the sound of the strange, but familiar voice, but once they could see, shock came to them like a bullet in the head.

Behind the man was the teal-haired woman holding a gun to his head and a knife at his throat with coldhearted eyes locked onto him.

"Tch, what the hell are you doing here? Last time I checked, you nearly pissed your pants when you saw me."

"There ain't nothing that can scare me now; not after seeing my family being burned alive. But then again, you should know, since you were the one who did it."

The man laughed hysterically as the sounds of the shrieks and cried from that night flooded into his mind, making him already giddier than he already was; but once Nel cocked the gun, his lips zipped like a padlock.

"Drop it," She ordered, instinctively pushing the knife's edge closer to the skin of his throat. He let out a hiss as he did what he was told and dropped the gun with a scowl.

"It's over, Nnoitra. Your charade of killing has cea-"

But Nel didn't anticipate the possibility of him having yet, another ace up his sleeve as he slashed her with a hidden blade that was tucked away in his breast pocket. But instead of crying and screaming out in pain from the wound that gushed from the right corner of her forehead to the bridge of her nose, Nel twisted his arm and snatched the dagger, quickly turning him around and dug the knife into his eye and gouged out his left eye, but it was still hanging, so she ripped it out with her bare hand, getting blood splattered all over her arm. Nnoitra kneeled down, yelling in pain at his organ removal, but Nelliel only turned her back to him as she faced Ichigo and Orihime, seeing the bewildered looks on their faces that made a giggle come out of her.

"What the hell are you laughing at? You're bleeding!" Ichigo hollered, but the guttural cries of agony from the man behind him easily suppressed his voice.

But then again…

"Don't worry about me. I'm a big girl, I can take care of myself. But we need to get you two back to the van. Can you stand?"

"Yeah, but I don't think Orihime can."

"N-No, I'm fine," She stuttered as she tried to get up, but her frailness easily contradicted that as her legs lost control, but Ichigo caught her, giving her that 'I told you so' look.

"You're in no shape to walk. C'mon, I'll carry you. Get on my back."

"Oh, no, I'm far too heavy to-"

"I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU, NELLIEL!" Nnoitra screeched.

"Time to go, kiddos," Nel piped as she ran away, leaving Ichigo and Orihime, who didn't waste any time in following her. The boy kneeled down as the ginger slowly climbed on, clinging tightly onto his jacket as his arms wrapped around her legs while he got up.

"You know, you don't have to be so gentle with me," He chuckled, "I don't mind if you wrap your arms around me."

Orihime nodded as she cautiously secured her limbs around his neck, but they hung loose at his chest, and she rested her head on his collarbone as he started taking off and following the teal-haired woman in front of them.

And soon, the three were at the parking lot where the bus was parked, but it had looked like somebody had died in there because of the eerie mist of silence that lingered over it. Ichigo groaned as he walked up to the door, seeing that it was locked.

"Grimmjow!" He yelled as he kicked the door thrice, hearing a rather irritable man grumble from inside and make his way towards the door.

"Goddamit, Ichigo, what the fuck…happened?"

He saw Ichigo with tattered clothes and bloody knuckles as he carried the ginger that he was walking on the beach with, but she had it far worse.

She was blue and black all over; from the side of her neck to the back of her calf was all covered in bruises and from the looks of it, she had fallen asleep on the teen's back.

Then, he turned to look at Nel and he bit down on his lip so he wouldn't make a commotion about her bloody face, or how she was still smiling after whatever tragic event just happened.

"Get in here," Grimmjow opened to door, as they walked in, eyeing the massive amount of blood that was on Nel's right arm, which made him wonder what exactly did happen.

"Hey, hey, wake up," Ichigo mumbled softly as he shrugged his shoulders repeatedly to get Orihime's attention, and she woke up hazily, not recognizing the strange surroundings.

"Ichigo? Where are we?" She yawned as she rubbed her eyes while getting off of the boy's back.

"It's a mouthful to explain, so I'll just tell you in the morning. I'll go get you a change of clothes and just pick a spot to sleep. We leave tonight."

"Annnmghmm," She nodded sleepily as she laid on the nearby bunk and pulled a pillow to her chest, swiftly falling into her slumber.

"She's a doll, ain't she?"

Ichigo turned around and saw Nel leaned up against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest and a playful grin at the edges of her mouth.

"Yeah, bud, I caught you lookin' at her, don't try to cover it up."

"Hahah, don't get it twisted like that," The boy chuckled, scratching the back of his neck.

"So, are you gonna let her stay?" She inquired curiously, getting a half-shrug out of the auburn-haired teen.

"It's not my choice. It's Grimmjow's."

"That wasn't the situation for me," She pointed out. "Speaking of which, just why did you take me in?"

"I know what it's like to be all out there, alone, and it isn't a feeling that I exactly 'love'. When you're all by yourself, you'll easily be targeted. However, if you stick with a group, not only will you be more safe, but you won't be alone anymore, ya know? That, plus anybody who can beat Grimm's ass, and a female at that, is definetly worth talking to."

Nel giggled at the remark, "Well, it's nice to know that I'm not like the other girls you'd meet. Now, if you don't mind, I need my beauty sleep. Goodnight, Ichi," She said as she started to walk upstairs and then closed the door behind her.

"Night, Nel."

"Oh, before I go to sleep," She opened the door just a crack so that her voice would only be heard, "Can you promise me something?"

"Yeah, sure, what is it?"

"Watch over the girl."

Ichigo was surprised by the offer, curious as to know why the woman would want him to do such a thing. But then again, he owed her.

"Sure thing. I promise."

"Thank you, Ichigo," Were her last words of the night before closing the door once more, leaving Ichigo with the sleeping girl laying next to him. He quickly glanced at her, analyzing everything from her deep copper-ish locks to her curves to her innocent face to her small, delicate hands. Ichigo moved the stray bangs out of her face with his hands and the instant his skin touched hers, he felt a spark, but he didn't jerk away like her thought he would. Instead, he tucked the stray pieces of hair behind the girl's ear and ran his hand gently through her mane, stopping at the ends with his fingertips playing with the strands before finally getting up.

Then, the sound of the front door being opened was heard and Ichigo swiftly backed off so he wouldn't look suspicious, and saw Grimmjow with a lazy look in his eye as he put a hand through his cerulean bangs.

"What are you doing still up?" He mumbled as he sat down in the driver's seat and revved up the engine.

"I just needed some Nyquil 'cause I couldn't sleep."

"Well, you're gonna need it because you're driving during the day. Now, go on, git," Grimmjow said in a stern tone before driving out of the parking lot as Ichigo walked towards the bunks and plopped down on the one across from the sleeping girl.

"Good night…Orihime."

But in the end…you were the one to hurt me, now weren't you?

"John! John! Respond!" Dylan hissed through the earpiece, but I couldn't focus with Orihime all over me, and her touch was pleasing as ti was poisonous.

"This is just like old times, remember?" She teased as her hand went down my stomach and right as she was about to go to that destination, I snapped out of it. I grabbed her by the wrist and she froze like a statue, giving me that exact same, petrified look she gave Nnoitra; it made me feel like a monster, but she was a witch.

"Let go of me," I hissed, but the woman just sat there, dumbfounded.

"B-But don't you-"

"Get off of me!" I snarled, making the female gape at me with even more shock (if that was possible).

As I got up, I zipped my pants back up and quickly fixed my clothes as I bent down to get the headphone, but Orihime touched my hand, freezing my in my tracks. I avoided her gaze so that she wouldn't hypnotize me once more, and delay me even further on my mission.

"Please, Ichigo, give me another chance. W-We can make this work," She pleaded as she grabbed my hand, giving it a kiss, but I reflexively jerked it out her grasp, feeling slightly pissed at this point.

"Don't touch me."

Those words that had left my lips were barely audible, but I knew she heard it, and then, she turned into that 'witch' that I hated so much. Her once soft, delicate touch had turned to ten deep wounds that pierced the flesh of my hands, paralyzing me.

"Who do you think you are, refusing my services?" She hissed

"John! Get your ass in here now! My cover's about to be blown!"

"Is this how you prove your worth to me?" I yell.

"There's no other way because you're obsessed with that Rukia chick!"

"Where the hell are you?"

"Don't drag her into this! She doesn't even know you or what the hell you did to me! What you did was unforgivable!"

"And that's why I'm asking for a second chance!" Orihime yelled with tears in her eyes, but I knew far too well that those weren't genuine.

"How the hell can you even think of asking for forgiveness after you fucked me over like that?"

"I don't know!" She sobbed, breaking down like a castle of cards. "I don't know, goddamit! I just wanted you back and I seriously thought we had a chance that day at the restaurant, but I saw how you looked at that girl. I knew instantly that I was old news and that she was to become your new girlfriend. And you wanna know how I know? It's because you gave me that exact look when you saw me. After all of the shit we've been through, I still can't believe that she can just walk into your life and jus-"

"I told you not to mention her name. Your mistakes strictly involve you and me only. Not Rukia, not anybody else."

"Eh? What the fuck is that?"

"Code Red! I repeat, Code Fucking Red!"

"This conversation is over, Orihime."

"But Ichi-"

"It's over," I hissed as I picked up the earphone once more and reconnected. "Dylan, can you hear-"

"Well, well, is this Ichigo, I wonder?"

"Huh?" Dylan asked confusedly, and I knew right then I had no choice. I backed up from the ceiling window, giving me some distance, and to my side, I saw Orihime look at me worriedly.

"Don't give me that look of pity, Orihime. If you want a second chance so bad," I sighed. "Show me you mean it. Show me the Orihime I fell in love with. Show me the woman I was about to marry. Show me that you're not as evil as I think you are." Were my words before flashing her a smile as I took off and jumped through the window, shielding my face with my arms and I landed on the bed and quickly rolled off, aiming my gun at Samuel, who was in a rather humorous position as he tried to 'ride Dylan's saddle' although he was exposed. I tried to swallow the mix of digust from looking at that and the cherry red cheeks of Dylan's face that nearly made me piss my pants. But, once 'Samuel' turned around to face me and show off that mile-wide grin, my mouth dropped once I realized who it was.

"Heh, well ain't this funny. Seeing the man who bared that exact, same fucking gun at me with that exact, same fucking scowl. Ain't this a funny situation."

"John, what's he talking about?" Dylan asked confusedly, which gave the tall, lanky man a good laugh.

"'John'? The fuck is this? You changed names, Ichigo?"

"Ichigo?"

"That's my middle name. John. But nevermind that. What really intrigues me is how you're all over my friend. You gay now?" I ask with a chuckle, seeing that the man was not amused, and neither was Dylan, who had a pleading look on his face.

"Nah, I just wanted a good fuck. Don't matter if it's a chick or dude, I'll still kill them after," He laughed, making my stomach churn. I pulled the trigger and fired, scaring the shit out of both of them as they gaped at the hole in the wall that was between their heads.

"Pft, you didn't even let me start the game, dumbass," The man growled irritatedly, sounding a bit disappointed, judging from his tone. "I forgot to mention—this room is rigged with explosives. And the only one who can stop it, is me. So, you kill me, you're basically doing suicide. Only I know the code to stop the bomb and if I don't get what I want, you're goners."

"What do you want?

"Simple. An eye for an eye."

"…Who's eye?" I asked innocently, trying not to act as if I knew what he was talking about.

"That bitch, Nel's. But since she ain't-"

"John! How does he know Cherry?" Dylan asked, but then his mouth was covered up by Nnoitra's hand.

"Damn, this little bitch needs to shut the hell up. It seems like I missed a lot over the years. First, I meet a cross-dresser, then I hear your new 'name' or whatever, and now that whore's named after a fruit? Goddamn, I feel old now."

"Because you are, dumbass," I sniped. "Now, answer me."

"Don't shit your pants, I was getting to that part. Since that cunt isn't here, I'll just rip out your eye since I hate you just as much. Savvy?"

"On two conditions," I said through clenched teeth, cocking the gun at Nnoitra's temple as he pulled out a knife that was aimed at my heart.

"Name your deal."

"One, let go of the boy."

"Tch, this sounds awfully familiar, no?" He laughed as he pushed Dylan towards me, with his zipper open and the edges of the lace thong showing, which made me throw up in my mouth.

"Second, disfuse the bomb and I'll hand my eye over."

"Fine," He said as he zipped up his pants and then made his way towards the alarm clock and turned it over and took off the lid, which had a horde of red and blue wiring. He tweaked with some of it (at least, it looked like it) and the incessant ticking had finally stopped, which brought a grin to his face.

"Now, time for your end of the deal," He chuckled deviously as he flipped the knife between his fingers and right as he dove for me, the closet door had fallen down with a bang, and inside of the darkness, was a hand holding a grenade. All of us froze in our tracks, and I'm pretty sure Dylan pissed his pants.

"Hey, hey, hey, let's not be hasty now," A devious voice chuckled.

"What the fuck is this? Do you know something about this, you sonuvabitch?" He yelled as he picked me up by grabbing onto my shirt, but I wasn't surprised at his strength.

"On the contrary, I don't know anymore than you do," I teased, which made Nnoitra even more angry and right as he was about to gouge out my eye, a shot went off, and the man instantly let go of me and held onto his stomach, lying on the floor.

"Dammit, I missed," A voice said, and I immediately aimed my gun at the darkness in the closet, feeling a bit of anxiety pulse through my veins.

"Chill, Strawberry, it's me," Grimmjow mumbled as he walked out of the closet and then knelt down, staring the bleeding man down.

"Oh yeah, and next time you call my fiancée a cunt, I'll be careful I won't miss next time, you fucking fag."

"Fiancée?" I cocked my eyes at the azure-haired man, who shot me a sheepish look.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. I'm going to, uhm, propose to Nel," He slipped that in, making me gape slightly.

"And you decided this when…?"

"Congratulations, Blueberry."

We couldn't tell where the strange voice was coming from, but it sound like it was coming from an announcer, like the kind at schools. I carefully eyed the room, looking for another spots where such a thing might be hooked up, but before I could pinpoint it, the sounds of lights being turned on one by one rang through my ears and I turned around, seeing one of the walls was just a prop for a audience to watch behind it, similar to what jails had for interrogation. Only thing is, we could see who was speaking behind it, and I could've sworn that night was one of the most confusing. Behind the wall of glass were three figures, all in white; but each of their outfits were distinct. There was a black guy wearing dreads and grey shades with a bright orange bandana around his neck and below it, was a white Velcro jumpsuit that looked rather exquisite. Next to him was a pale white male with silver hair and fox eyes that were so creepy, because I couldn't tell where he was looking at. He wore an ivory jacket with some faded-out jeans, but I always despised looking at him, He made me feel sick.

Then, there was the boss man. He had on a rather fancy coat that made his brown hair stand out and he even had on the black office pants to make him look even more 'official'.

"Well, aren't you going to congratulate him, Strawberry?" The brunette asked.

"Uh, I would if he had told he in a normal situation. As in, not the kind where my boss was watching me the entire time and I don't know what the fuck is going on."

"It feels odd, almost weak when you know you're being used a pawn, no?"

"I guess," I shrugged. "So, what's your deal? I thought you were in Jersey, King."

"We were," The fox-faced man chimed, "But we got wind that this arse bandit was on our turf, we had to inform him of his little deal he made with King here."

"Arse bandit…?" I looked back at Grimm.

"It means a fag."

"Oh," I nodded, "So, tell me, why did you hire me, Dylan, and Grimm to take care of him? You could've easily hired some level C or D thugs to take him out.?"

"To evaluate if you all were still qualified for any possible upcoming jobs. That, plus you all forgot about your 'exam' so this made up for it."

"And?" Grimm cocked an eyebrow at them. "What's the result?"

"You captured the target, didn't you?"

"That's good enough for me," The azure man shrugged, but then stepped on a piece of glass, which piqued my curiosity; and it was then that I remembered about Orihime.

"Wait, King, I have a question."

"Yes?"

"Why was Princess here?"

"What?" Grimmjow asked, stupefied.

"Oh yes, about that," He chuckled, "I had to test you personally."

"….Why? You crossed a line there, Aizen. Involving my personal life with this shit just doesn't fly."

"Watch your tongue, boy," The colored man warned.

"Tosen, don't worry, he wouldn't dare. Anyways, to answer your question, I was getting rather worried when I noticed you socializing more and more with this 'Rukia' girl and you're-"

"I'm what?" I hissed, waiting as eternity passed by, waiting to hear his reply.

"You seem more happy, that's all."

"…oh."

"Well, we must be going. You know how it is, being a boss, no?

And the next thing I knew, the lights went out, and the fake wall reverted to its original self once more, and I kept on questioning myself what the hell had just happened. But I think Dylan was the most confused out of all of us.

"Boss? Ichigo? What's going on?" The blonde asked, glaring at me.

"Don't worry about it kid," Grimm griped as he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, "It's one of those things where you pretend you didn't see. Like your parents fucking. Go start the car, we'll be there in a few."

He shot him a look for a moment before leaving, and I could finally breathe and relax for a moment.

"Goddamn, is this déjà vu or what?" Grimmjow laughed, but I wasn't.

"So, when were you planning to tell me you were going to propose to Nel?"

"When I got back from this mission. But I didn't knew you were going to be in it."

"She's been worried sick and you're just gonna…wait, is that the present you mentioned to her earlier?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," He said, getting out a small ebony box and opening it, revealing a small silver ring with a diamond in the shape of an oval with points in opposite directions, and that was just convinces me slightly that he was actually serious about this.

"Ain't it a beaut?"

"Yeah," I nodded as I watched him close the box and tuck it away. "She'll love it."

"God, I can't wait to see the look on her face," He laughed, but then his mirth stopped short suddenly.

"What is it?" I ask.

"What if she says no?"

"Let's reevaluate your relationship with her. You've known her for eight years, dated her for half of those years, and rarely, if ever, do you two fight."

"That doesn't answer shit. I've been friends with you my whole life yet I don't know everything about you. Like, about that Nnoitra guy or how the fuck Orihime was…why was Orihime here? Oh, shit, this is bad. See, Ichigo, I knew it. That bitch-"

"Ahem," I mumbled.

"I mean, that…woman is a baaad omen. She always comes around when shit happens! You remember that time we went down to Louis' and I visited my momma and when she saw Orihime, she fainted, claiming that there was a demon inside of her?"

"How the hell does that relate to-"

"She's baaaad news. I know it. Nel knows it, Hell, you know it, but you don't want to admit it. Jesus, she's gonna fuck up my proposal, I know it."

"Hey, hey, chill, okay? You're just nervous, that's all. You'll do fine."

"Yeah, but I have no idea what the fuck I'm supposed to say in that kinda situation," He groaned as we walked out of the room towards the exit.

"Don't worry, I got your back. And I can always pull a few strings, so it'll be smooth sailing for ya," I patted the side of his arm as we got in the car, with Dylan sound asleep in the passenger's seats.

"What do we do about the kid? He already knows too much," The azure-haired man grumbled.

"Nothing. I trust him to keep quiet. Besides, it's not like he has the brains to figure it out anyways," I snickered as I revved up the engine.

"So, just out of curiosity, what exactly did happen with you an Orihime?"

The shaggy-haired detective gave a small laugh as he set the journal down, letting out a sigh as he tried to come up with any clues that might help Ichigo's case, but all he could do now was to hope for good news to come to them.

Then, he heard a knock on the door, which startled him ever so slightly. He tucked the notebook away in his coat pocket as he kicked up his feet on his desk, pretending to be half-asleep.

"Come in," He chimed as he looked through the cracks of his curly locks, seeing a rather unexpected guest walk into the room. A rather bodacious woman walked into the room with her long violet hair dancing behind her as she took a seat in front of Kisuke, and he smiled as he stood up.

"Look who came to pay me a visit—the ever youthful and exotic beauty, Ms. Yoruichi," He said as he exchanged greeting kisses with the woman before taking a seat in his chair, eyeing the woman carefully.

"You look as radiant as ever," The blonde remarked, seeing the tiniest hint of blush spread across her cheeks.

"Stop being such a flirt," She chuckled halfheartedly, but then got serious as she remembered why she came to her friend in the first place. "Kisuke."

"Hmm?" He raised his eyebrows curiously.

"I think I may have something that'll help your investigation," The woman mumbled as she fetched out a small box and then slid it across the desk, piquing the blonde.

"Are you sure this is evidence? Because it looks a lot like a gift for moi."

"Just open it," She grumbled, getting impatient with him. The blonde did as he was told, and saw a bundle of tissue in it and fidgeted with it, feeling something cold and long. He hooked the strange item with his finger and picked it up, seeing a silver necklace with a light aquamarine gem holding onto it, making Kisuke's mouth slightly drop at the sight.

"Where did you get this?" He asked, eyeing the jewel.

"I went to go visit Ichigo in the hospital and I saw something sticking out of his pocket and I took it out, seeing a small box and that necklace was inside."

"But…why would he have it? The only way he could have it-"

"Is if she gave it back to him," Yoruichi concluded. "Which means she came back, although, she didn't have any plans on staying."

"How do you know?"

"There's the note to prove it," She pointed to the box. The detective lifted the tissue, seeing a small piece of paper crinkled up at the very bottom and he unfolded it and read the context of the letter she left behind, his jaw dropping as he kept on reading and then slammed his hands on the desk.

"Get me Renji. I have a hunch he didn't tell me the whole story of what happened that night."

"Sure thing," She nodded as she exited the room, closing the door behind her, leaving Kisuke alone to figure out the missing link.

sWhy did she leave? Who was it that ambushed Ichigo that night? And why did he have an alias? These were the questions that everybody was asking, but nobody knew the answers. Well, some of them pretended as if they didn't knew when in fact, they knew everything.