A/N FAIR WARNINGS HERE THOUGH! There are time skips. That is right. TIME SKIPS. For all you people trying to pass over this: TIME SKIPS TIME SKIPS TIME SKIPS! You have been warned :)

3 Weeks Later ( See? Time skip! )

Monday

Kurosaki Household

Ichigo's POV

It's been three long and torturous weeks since the party, and I'm beginning to think that karma is a bitch out for revenge. Ever since the damn thing had ended and I had returned to school, it seems that I'm the only person that matters to two certain celebrities. That's right, you've guessed it.

Grimmjow and Shiro haven't left my side and it's driving me fucking crazy. All they do during class anymore is hover over me and glare at the other. Normally I wouldn't have given a damn, and actually it was mildly amusing and entertaining at first, but now it's just obsessive. It's to the point where Shiro drives or walks me home every day after school.

Again, I wouldn't really care except for the fact that it's nearly impossible to escape their notice and be Tensa. I'm so behind on my new album that is soon to be released that my goat face of a father has had to call in with lame excuses just to get me out of school so that I can go see Urahara to work. Luckily, I've been managing to pull through if only by the skin on my teeth, though.

This leads me to the second problem: our assignment in class. I will admit that it's not the assignment in itself, but the fact that I have to hide my talent puts me on edge. Ever since I had helped with the chorus, Grimmjow and Shiro have been giving me suspicious looks. And then there is Hisagi to worry about.

When Hisagi had transferred into this school I really didn't think too much of it. I mean, he is in a different class and everything so I was only concerned about the occasional run-ins with him. Well, it turns out that he's known Rukia since he was little so he's wormed his way into our group, which is dangerous. Especially since Shinji and Renji keep accidently spilling hints and information that if Hisagi or anyone else really looked into could probably discover that I am Tensa.

And all of this leads me to my current problem. Sighing and laying my pencil down on my desk, I glance over to see Shiro sleeping soundly on my bed resuming his daily nap. He comes over to MY house, sleeps on MY bed, eats MY food, copies MY homework, and then leaves with nothing more than a smirk. I clutch my pencil in my hand before smiling evilly and throwing the piece of dyed wood at his head.

"OW! Wha' tha' hell was tha' fer?!" Shiro sits up abrubtly, rubbing the wounded area. "I was just tryin' ta sleep, Ichi," he pouts as he crosses his legs Indian style.

"Well why don't you sleep at your own house, asshole," I roll my eyes and stand up, stretching my arms behind my back. "You're not the only one who needs a nap. Unlike you I put effort into my homework."

"Aww, tha's a cruel thing ta say. I put plenty a effort inta mah work," he smiles and points to my piece of paper. "It's not an easy thing tryin' ta read tha' writin'. Near impossible, really. Ya might wanna work on tha'."

"Shut up and get out!" Shouting, I grab the nearest thing I can find and go to hit him with it, but before my lamp can make contact with his head or any other body part, he grabs my wrist and pulls me down. "O-oi! Let me go, bastard!" I try to struggle, but he merely grips my wrist harder and pulls the lamp out of my hand.

"Tha's not very nice, Ichi. Tryin' ta hurt yer protector an all," he smiles and releases my wrist after I give a forceful yank.

Oh, and if I haven't mentioned, ever since about two weeks ago he's become a lot more touchy and feely. Not so much to the point of inappropriateness, but he's not ashamed to hold my wrists or force me to stay somewhere and no matter how much I try to stop him he only continues to do what he pleases.

"Who the hell said you were my 'protector' huh?" I question as I start to get up and off the bed. "It's not like I need you watching over me every second of every day. And who the hell are you protecting me from? The only person I can think of would be Grimmj-woah!" I shout as he pulls me by the back of my shirt collar. "What the hell was that for?!"

"'M sleepy," I hear him yawn and tighten his grip on his arm that's thrown carelessly over my chest.

"How is that my problem?! Let me go!" I start to struggle, but soon realize that my efforts are all for naught as I can't move an inch.

"Rather not, an' it is all yer fault, Ichi. Yer tha' one tha' threw tha' pencil at me an' woke me up," he snuggles into my neck and promptly passes out.

"Bastard," I grumble to no one but myself, and stare up at the ceiling, thoughts flying through my mind a mile a minute.

Looking back at the past three weeks, I analyze how my feelings have changed from the first day to now. It's certainly different, I muse to myself. The first few days were pure hell as Shiro annoyed the ever living fuck out of, Grimmjow not much better. Yet, I am much more content with Shiro around me now, if nobody else. Whenever he's around I feel… comfortable.

Tensing at the revelation, I flinch when the pale body next to me shifts before settling again and the snores starting softly. I snort, momentarily forgetting my past thoughts, but they return in full force when a shiver runs up my spine as I truly realize Shiro's proximity to me. It's not possible that I have feelings for my group partner... is it?

I shake my head quickly, abandoning the thought. That's impossible. He's just a really close friend. Yeah, that must be it. Satisfied with my answer, I gently lift his arm up and swiftly shove a pillow into his grip so that he doesn't notice my absence. He shifts once more, before remaining dead still. Glancing over to the digital clock glowing in the dim light, I'm shocked to see that it's roughly a quarter until 7 at night. I stretch and look back to my homework, noticing that I had gotten more done than I had originally thought.

Trying my best to open the door as quietly as possible, I sneak out the door and shut it softly behind me. I pad down the short hallway in my socks, the floorboards, much to my pleasure, not making so much as a squeak. While I'm walking down the stairs to see if dinner is ready, I stretch my arms behind my back once more and release a yawn, astonishing myself with the fact that I'm actually quite tired.

I shake off the feeling as I enter the living room, my twin sisters huddled together on the couch, watching some show with a bunny as my dad is snoring loudly on the single seat.

"Hey, Yuzu," she turns around at my sudden appearance, "is there any food left over from dinner?"

"Yeah. It's in the fridge if you want it," she smiles softly at me as Karin makes a small sound of displeasure at the fact I interrupted the show. I hold up a hand in thanks and begin to walk away when Yuzu calls out after me again. "Oh, and there's enough for your friend!"

Shaking my head in amazement, I saunter into the kitchen and throw open the fridge door, bending down and glancing in. I spot the covered food immediately and take it out, throwing half of it in the microwave to heat it back up. Leaning against the counter, I stifle a yawn and watch the food slowly rotating around. The device beeps and I prepare the rest, eating at the table by myself as I ponder again over the last few weeks and begin to stress out over my soon to be released album.

After I finish eating, I wash the dishes and heat the other half up for Shiro. Passing by the fridge, I decide to pick up some random soda, not paying attention to the brand or flavor. Once again, I quietly sneak up the stairs, down the hallway, and back in my room. Releasing a deep sigh once I see that the pale male has discarded the pillow and is now spread out on the bed, I smile softly to myself and place the food on the counter next to the bed and write a short note. I then go join my family downstairs, leaving Shiro to sleep upstairs.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

A few hours later

Shiro's POV

I wake up with a groan, blinking my eyes furiously as I try to clear my sleep blurred vision. The first thing I notice is that I'm in Ichigo's room, the scene familiar to me now from the countless times I've been here. The smell of food reaches my nose and my head snaps to see a plate of food and his clock blinking that it's a bit after ten at night. Surprised, I open the window and notice that it is, indeed, pitch black outside.

Yawning and stretching, I go to eat the food and find a note taped to the side of the plate. I yank the offending piece of paper off; taking a bite of food while I read what can only be Ichigo's messy writing.

Shiro,

Here's some extra dinner that Yuzu made. Since you're still sleeping I'll just leave it here and you can eat it when you wake up. I'll be downstairs so if you wake up past 8:30 expect everyone, including me, to be asleep. That means to keep it down, to spell it out for your slow self.

-Ichigo

A smile filters across my face as I read the last sentence of the note. Quickly finishing the meal, I crack the door open, looking both ways down the hall to assure that nobody is in fact still awake. The coast is clear so I tip toe down the hallways and make my way to the kitchen, gently placing the dirty plate and utensils in the sink before noticing a halo of vibrant orange hair on the couch.

Once more, I try to keep the sound to a minimum as I sneak over to the piece of furniture, peeking over the back to see if it is indeed who I think it is and I can't stop the soft smile that emerges. Ichigo is fast asleep, one arm thrown over the side of the couch with his fingertips grazing the floor, while his other hand is situated comfortably on his stomach at a slightly odd angle. His lips are parted as he snores softly and I snicker at the memory of him always complaining about my light snoring.

Shaking my head slightly, I move to the front and as gently as possible I pick up the sleeping orangette, pausing when he shifts slightly in my arms. He stills once more and I being the journey back to his room, somehow managing to turn the lights on and off as I go. Finally after making it to his room, I lay him back down on the bed and cover him up when he shivers slightly. He sighs in content and turns toward the wall, a small smile featured on his face.

The night light that I had once commented on glows slightly in the corner of his room and I exit, leaving the door just a bit open in case I decide to return later. I grab my laptop that I recently bought and turn it on, humming a soft tune as it powers on. It's then that I notice a dusty DVD that's fallen off the shelf in the living room, where I've taken a spot sitting in the single chair.

I move to return it to its proper place when I see the title and my eyes widen at the title: "Ichi's First Performance". The handwriting is obviously female, slight curls and twirls decorating the cover and my interest demands to be satisfied. Deciding to see what exactly it is, I pop it into my now running laptop, drumming my fingers on the keyboard lightly as I wait for it to load.

The first sound I hear is a feminine laugh, tingling and musical. A lady with wavy hair smiles into a camera as she points it to a young boy, no more than seven, smiling broadly at the camera and I immediately recognize it as a small Ichigo thanks to the bright orange hair.

"You ready Ichi?" The woman asks as Ichigo nods furiously and grips the small guitar closer. "Whenever you're ready, sweetie."

I half expect to hear a horrible tune and bad singing, but even the past version of him amazes me as a sweet melody fills the air. But my heart seems to stop in surprise as the young him begins to sing.

I think that possibly
Maybe I've fallen for you
Yes there's a chance
That I've fallen quite hard over you

I've seen the paths that your eyes wander down
I wanna come too-

I think that possibly
Maybe I've fallen for you

No one understands me
Quite like you do
Through all of the shadowy corners of me

I never knew what is was
About the same coffee shop I love so much
All of the while I never knew-

I think that possibly
Maybe I've fallen for you

The child places his guitar down as the women that I've realized is his mother claps while a younger version of Ichigo's father claps and cries dramatically. Warm amber orbs sparkle in pride in delight as he bows to the camera.

"That was beautiful, sweetie," his mother hugs him as the father takes the camera and angles it at them. "You'll grow up to be a beautiful and talented performer."

"I wanna grow up and be just like those famous people on TV, mom! And make people happy like music makes me," his teeth shine as his smile widens in joy.

"And I'm sure you will, son," the camera is turned to face his father. "That's all for today. More next time, right, son?" The camera returns to his face.

"Of course!"

The video statics a bit before a beep sounds and the screen goes black. Leaning back, I release a sigh and stare quietly at the screensaver with a million questions buzzing around in my head. It doesn't take a genius to see that this young version of who could only be Ichigo has talent, so why isn't he a famous singer already? Look away at a random wall and pursing my lips, I tap the keyboard without a pattern, trying to think of some reasonable explanation and coming up with nothing.

Frustrated, I close my laptop a little too roughly and look at my cellphone for the time, astonished that it's already past midnight. I yawn and stretch, standing up to go put the DVD where it belongs, only to find at least a dozen more with similar titles and I can already guess what they are. Making a mental note to watch them another time when I spend the night, I make my ways back to Ichi's room and see that he's sprawled all over his bed, blankets an absolute disaster.

I suck my teeth in slight annoyance before going to fix it and make room for myself. The whole time Ichigo insists on being a nuisance, pulling back the blankets or throwing them off and I'm about to throw my hands up and give the fuck up. Irritated and tired, I push him over and he grumbles a complaint before staying perfectly still and quiet. Satisfied, I fix the blankets and crawl in, facing the closed door and sighing before another yawn. My eyes slide shut and I swear I hear Ichigo mutter something close to 'goodnight', but I quickly discard that thought and fall fast asleep.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

Ichigo's POV

Tensing when I let my silent thoughts slip out, I pray that Shiro didn't hear me. I wait for a few minutes, rolling my eyes when his snoring starts up. If only I had my phone with me, I would record it to prove that he does snore because ever since I yelled at it him about it he blew it off saying he didn't fucking snore. Rolling over, I come face to face with Shiro and freeze. I could have swore he fell asleep facing the door. I'm about to turn over once more when he blinks a few times, his inverted eyes opening and golden eyes shining brightly in the darkness.

"Yer still awake, King?" He smiles brightly and I frown.

"You're one to be talking. And why the fuck are you in my bed?" I go to push him out, but he grabs my hands in an iron grip. "Let me go!"

"Why would I do tha'? Ya will just hit me, an' yer strong despite yer looks," he laughs as I glare at him. "Don't give me tha' look. We all know ya won't do nothin'."

"Oh yeah? Just watch me, bastard!" I go to kick him, but realize he's already trapped my legs. "The hell?"

"Ya don't think I'm stupid do ya, King? Yer more dangerous when ya use those long legs a yers," he laughs as I struggle to get away.

"I hate you so much."

"Whatever helps ya sleep, which would be nice if ya would do right 'bout now."

I groan and let my head fall back against the pillow, hearing him laugh softly next to me. Right as I'm about to fall asleep again, I feel Shiro shift and suddenly he's practically lying on top of me.

"Uh… Shiro? Mind moving?" My answer is a snore as he tightens his hold around me and I release a deep sigh. "I wonder if you were always this annoying."

Doing my best to ignore the pale male holding me in a vice grip, I close my eyes and eventually sleep claims me.

Alright! FINALLY IT'S DONE! Sorry for the short ass chapter D:

So now that all that is out of the way, I would love if you left a review right down below in that box :D It's most obliged and helps me gather the courage to update and get out that next chapter faster! I appreciate each and every one of you who read, review, favorite, watch, and just help make this story what it is to me! Look at me, getting all sentimental! Also, all questions are welcome so you are encouraged to message me with anything, even if it's just to say hi! Thanks!