Bleach: Again, Kubo Tite owns Bleach, not I. I just own this story!
Day One ( Midnight )
Party Room
Ichigo's POV
Ah, crap. Shouldn't have done that. Like I really need all that extra attention which I'm sure as hell going to be recieving now. Looking around the room, spying Ikkaku rushing to get away and tripping over his own feet a few times in the process, I saw the whole room staring at me. God damnit. I'm not saying that I regret saving Hisagi from getting punched and beaten by that damn jealous bastard, but I did wish it didn't come as a package deal with the attention I was sure was about to rain down on me. I vaguely noted Shiro and Grimmjow staring at me with jaws gaped open like a fish * and eyes bulging, which would have made me amused if I wasn't preparing myself mentally for a bloody battle with the media and fellow co-workers.
Thats when it all started and shit hit the fan. A reporter from some big time news channel rushed at me like her life depended on it, two more following her quickly, having no intent on letting her get all the juicy tid-bits to herself. I was blinded for the second time that night as cameras flashed almost right in my face, blinking my eyes under the onslaught I felt one of my contacts start to slip out. Yup, I knew I should have stayed home, this night was turning pretty shitty. I wasn't sure if people knew I wore contacts, and I really didn't want to confirm it for the world if it was a suspicion. Holding my left eye I desperately looked around for an escape and started to internally panic when I couldn't find one, all the what if's, worst case scenarious rushing through my mind like a tidal wave. I couldn't escape the feeling that I was officially and epically fucked when I spotted Urahara pushing his way toward me.
He pushed everyone that he came in contact to the side, recieving a few curses and dirty looks, but at that point I just wanted him to hurry up and get me out of here, not worry about his image and he clearly realized something was wrong. The only problem? He wasn't getting to me fast enough. For every five steps he took, he was pushed two back, only making a half way decent distance to be thwarted again. It was at this moment a camera guy got a little too close for comfort and I could feel myself starting to have a slight panic attack. You see, I never really was good with people getting in my personal space. So why become a celebrity, you ask? I should probably ponder that question with deep thought soon, maybe after I get out of this mess. Seeing that I wasn't as nasty and quick to throw a punch as some people that got violent when their personal bubble was popped, more people with cameras and recorders starting to close in on me, reminding me of how tigers target it on their prey.
My contact started slipping more and more out of place due to the fact that my arm was being jostled, in turn, causing me to move my hand that was attempting to fix the red lens only to make it worse. I started to see blackness inch it's way around the edges of my field of vision and somewhere deep, deep inside I had to laugh. The first party in over a month and this is what happens. And my friends wonder why I never want to attend these god forsaken events. That damn black color continued closing in and I could feel my head becoming oddly light. Just as I was about to give in and just let go to whatever was trying hard to pull me under, someone pulled on my arm, dragging me out of the crowd. I heard the screams and yells of the media being left behind, but I was too preoccupied with watching my feet to make sure I wouldn't trip and fall, that last thing I needed.
Somewhere along the way I think we started sprinting and I had to focus all my attention on the task at hand and the voices eventually came to a soft whisper, partly blocked out by distance and I suddenly heard music playing from somewhere, the voices disappearing entirely when I found myself in a private room somewhere in the back where only celebrities were permitted. Finally having nothing pushing and pulling on my arm I was able to fix the contact in my eye, heaving out a sigh of relief. Hands on my knees trying to catch my breath since I was panting like I had just finished a marathon. I tried to catch my breath to thank whoever had saved me... only to finally be pulled under by unconsciousness. I felt myself falling, falling, falling...
Hisagi's POV
Just with a glance, I could tell that Tensa wasn't doing too well. He was noticeably paler and he looked to be breathing a little too heavy for comfort. Being next to him it was pretty hard to ignore the fact that he was starting to shake. I doubted it could be noticed by the damn swarming media who only wanted a good story and could care less about Tensa's health. To be honest, I was worried about the guy. I knew he was hated by alot of the other popular celebrities, especially Grimmjow and Shirosaki. That was probably due to the fact that they were fighting for first place, and it's not like they liked each other anyways. I snorted, imagining the top three singers being best of buds. It was an absolutely preposterous notion. Feeling Tensa starting to relax I broke into a spring, knowing he could handle it now and it would help if he could get away from those damn squaking crazies.
I finally saw the door to the private rooms in my line of vision and I made a turn making a dart for them. Thank god, there was one still open. I could hear Tensa panting behind me and he was starting to stumble a bit and I prayed silently that he would at least make it to the room. We were slowly losing the crowd behind us and I was slightly surprised that Tensa was still running without even breaking a sweat. I could have swore the voices were getting louder and I turned around and what the fuck? The crowd had multiplied significantly and I suddenly remembered that a good amount hung around the private rooms, hoping to spot good gossip. Fuck! Just as I was sure Tensa was going to faint from the noise I heard a song start playing over the expensive music system.
Looking up, I saw Yumichika, Ikkaku's best friend and rumored boyfriend, on the DJ stand working his magic. Smiling down at me he nodded his head toward Ikkaku at the bar who wore an apologetic smile and a glass of alcohol held up in a sign of forgiveness. Understanding, I smiled, knowing that they had just apologized in their own special way. I could still hear the crowd behind me, but just silently. At that moment I reached the door and rushed inside, spun on my heels, slammed the door shut, and locked it. Smiling and nodding my head, pleased with myself I turned my attention to Tensa. His hand was finally gone from his left eye and was now placed on his knee identical to his other hand. He was breathing dangerously fast and hard and I was worried something was wrong. Right as he looked like he was about to say something, his eyes fluttered and started falling, face first toward the floor.
Body dashing forward, I managed to catch him before he crashed onto the hard tile. His breathing was still slightly eratic, but it was calming toward a healthy rate by the second. I was astonished to find that he didn't weight much, rather light for a guy his height. Now, I won't lie, I'm attracted to the guy. And yes, I'm gay, if the 69 tatoo on my cheek wasn't enough to go by. Altering our position to where one of his arms was around my neck and my one arm around his waist I started dragging him to the black lounge couch that was propped up against the wall on the other side of the room across from the door. Since when the hell was it all the way over there? Groaning, I continued to the couch.
By the time I had made it to the couch I was finally starting to feel the exhaustion kick in. After running from the media for my life, practically pulling Tensa with me, and having to pretty much carry the passed out Tensa to the couch on the other side of the room I was a bit tired. Laying him down on his back on the couch, his head propped up on the arm rest, feet dangling over the edge, and one arm falling from the side of the couch to allow his fingertips to slightly brush the floor, I made my way over to the matching black loveseat next to his head. Looking down on the unconscious celebrity, I couldn't help but notice how attractive he really was. I was midly surprised that he had only had a handful of girlfriends in the past. I couldn't imagine him without a girlfriend for any period of time. I was also extremely disappointed that he wasn't gay.
Waiting patiently for him to wake up, I finally got up from my position near his face and went to the small bar in the corner of the room. Shifting around, I found the correct bottles to make the drink I was craving. Pouring the right amounts and mixing them took a matter of seconds after that. Before stashing the bottles away I pondered if maybe Tensa would want one when he woke up. Smiling to myself, I made another one, found a little umbrella to stick in it just for amusements sake, and took both drinks back over to the table that was placed in front of where Tensa was sitting. All that's left now is to wait...
My gaze darted back to Tensa when he started groaning and attempted to sit up, only to fall back down on the couch, due to a head rush, no doubt. Quickly standing up I rushed over to the side of the couch and put my hand on his forehead to feel for a fever of any sort. I had heard somewhere that when someone went through high amounts of stress, they sometimes got a fever from it. Relieved when it wasn't hot I looked down to see red eyes blinking a few times before finally settling on me. Startled, he sat up a little too quickly and got yet another head rush. I put my arm behind his back before he fell back again and he leaned against my arm, very much to my surprise.
"Thanks. I figured it might have been you. You were the only one anywhere near me. How did you know that I was about to pass about?" he opened his eyes again, his pupils dilating because of the lights.
I shrugged. I was defintely not going to tell him it was because I was staring at him. "I felt you shaking next to me and when I looked over, you didn't look like you were feeling too good. When that one guy came too close you visibly paled so I figured it might be a smart idea to get ya outta there. Guess I was right... Again," he sent me a smirk.
Rolling his eyes, he sat up correctly, resting his back against the couch and I had to force a whine down. "When are you going to let me live that down, hmm? What was that from? Two months ago. I heard from other people that it wasn't hard to miss the way that Nel looked at me," rolling his muscles a bit I heard a pop at least two times.
"So if it wasn't hard to miss, how did YOU miss it, Mr. I'm superior to everyone and I know all, hmm?"
After a small snort, he countered. "Well, I'm sorry, Mr. I can't even dodge a punch from a drunk Ikkaku."
"Hey! That's a low blow and you know it. How was I supposed to know he was gonna randomly come up and pick a fight with me? It's never happened before, why would it happen tonight?"
"Just saying, I would imagine you being able to at least block a simple punch from all those rumors I heard about you from the media," he stated, arching an eyebrow in mock sarcasm.
"And I've told you a million times not to listen to those jackasses. They don't know about half the shit they spit out of their mouths," rolling my eyes I continued, "so how bout a drink. I already had one myself and it wouldn't hurt to have a drink at a party."
Tensa looked at the glass on the table with slight apprehension before shrugging and went to reach out for it, but winced and brought back his hand when his shoulder popped yet again.
"Here, let me get it," I stood up and handed him the drink.
With a slight smile he took it from my hands, his fingers tracing over mine slightly but it was still enough to send shivers up my fingers. Taking a sip he gazed somewhere off into the distance, his eyes taking on an empty look that was a tell tale sign that he was somewhere off into his own little world. By now you're probably wondering the relationship between me and Tensa. I don't mean to brag, but except for his mangaer and co-workers I was probably his closest friend. I had met him for the first time when we were both just starting out. We applied for the same company and for a competion every singer was assigned to find a DJ. Your partner had to be something you could relate to on a personal level and also understood your type of music, and not to mention, if you got a DJ that sucked, no matter how talented the singer was, he was screwed, and that's where it all started.
When it was turn for Tensa to pick, be luck or somethign else, he had chose the piece of paper that allowed him to choose second. He didn't even hesitate to choose me. I'll never forget it. Emersing in my old memories I remember the moment we met...
Flashback
The kid with black hair and red eyes stepped forward and I saw mixed reactions around me. Some of the other DJs slightly perked up, showing that they wanted to be picked, and others shrunk back for reasons I couldn't comprehend. I really couldn't care less, I just sat back with the bottom of my foot resting on the wall behind me that I was leaning on. In the time it took me to see the reactions around me I heard my name. Looking up I saw the kid, whose name was Tensa, I believe, turn and walk to the side, giving a pointed look at me. I realized that he must have called me to be his partner and I was surprised. How could he be so sure of his decision without even knowing me? Shrugging to hide my surprise and disbelief, I made my way over to him with one thing on my mind. Once I reached him I asked him the one question that was killing me. I looked him in the eye and he stared back, unflinching.
"Why me?" His answer would prove to be the foundation to a lifelong friendship. He didn't even blink before answering me with a calm and even voice.
"Because you don't care about what other people think. I don't need a partner that can easily be swayed. I need a partner, no, a friend, that is loyal. I don't care if you suck. You can always improve with practice, and get better every day, every week, and every month. But if you're easily swayed and not loyal there is nothing you can do to change that. If I made a wrong choice and you're like that then just walk away now."
I smiled and held out my hand which he took immedietly. "Hisagi Shuuhei."
Shaking it once he smiled back at me, "Tensa," and our permanent bond was created at that moment.
End Flashback
Snapping back to reality I looked over to see Tensa was still staring off into space, but now his glass was empty and he was twirling the umbrella around in his fingers. I coughed a little too loudly and his gaze immedietly came to meet mine. Smiling I pointed to the door and he groaned, making me laugh.
"Not quite read to face those vultures out there waiting for fresh meat?"
He laughed, "I compared them to tigers stalking their prey, but I think yours is much more accurate. They do swarm and stalk after all."
I felt myself laugh with him and suddenly something twisted in my stomach. I realized that it was because I hardly ever had these moments with him anymore. When we had first me we talked like this all the time and we were rarely seen without one another, but now since we were both famous we hardly saw each other except for at parties and events. I knew what that feeling was immedietly. I missed him. I missed Tensa. I missed my best friend. I missed my, dare I say it, slight love. I started to panic when he got up to head out the door and I thought up something on the spur of the moment.
"Yo, Tensa," he looked back at me, "this Thursday I heard there's a party on the other side of downtown Karakura. You wanna meet me out there so we can chill like the old days?" I smiled at him.
I guess he must have missed me a bit, too.
"Sure, sounds great. I'll meet ya over there around ten so wait for me. See you there," with that he walked out and I felt relief flood through me. I would get to see him again and when I did I would build up our friendship all over again, even if it meant I had to start from scratch.
Ichigo's POV
Fuck! I was cursing myself to high heaven. Did I like incidentls like this? Certainly not, so why the hell had I agreed to go to yet another party that would most likely end in disaster on Thursday and with Hisagi! Now the media is going to peg me off as gay and that's really not what I want. Running my hand through my hair I stepped out to be met with the worried face of Urahara. Crap. I pulled out my phone to see close to twenty missed calls. Smiling apologetically, I leaned down to whisper in his ear.
"Can we get the hell out of here? I think I'm done for the night, I really don't believe I can take any more," pulling back I saw a relieved expression flash over his face only to be replaced with resolution.
And with that Urahara and I, followed by Yourichi, pushed our way out through the media to the limos that we had called for. I got in mine and was relieved to hear the cackle of Kenpachi.
"So, how'd it go, kid?" he turned to me with a smirk.
Ok, maybe not so relieved to hear Kenpachi's voice. This was going to be a long ride home... Might as well have a drink...
* Had to put that because of SoulReaper1975's little face that reminded me of a fish o3o. Intersting fact xD
Also, how did you like that little curve ball I threw in there with Hisagi? Spur of the moment, but I think it turned out nicely, if I do say so myself.
Thanks to all my reviewers. I adore you and your comments! You keep me going! I noticed that I have alot less reviews than other stories this length but I figured it was because I did it in, what, three days I think, so I thank you for all the amazing reviews I have! I appreciate them greatly and I read them ASAP every day! They brighten my day :D