Fame and Fortune Chapter 23: Rivaling Partners, a bleach fanfic

A/N Short, but sweet, that's how this is gonna roll. Sorry for not updating (again), but shits been hitting the fan. With two weeks of summer school and then summer living up the high life states away with my bestie, really couldn't find time to do anything but have a life. Shocking. Shall we get on with it then?

Warnings: The usual.

Disclaimers: The usual.

Oh, before we continue, I would just like to thank thank thank you all for over 20,000 hits! When I first started this, I didn't expect so much positive feedback and wonderful followers. It really touches my heart, guise. Love you all and if I could I would give you all giant virtual hugs and chocolate! Thanks for sticking with me through everything; it truly means a lot to me :)

Tuesday / 4:2

Shiro's POV

Warily, and wearily, I open my eyes, only to curse, wince, and throw the covers back over my head where they rightfully belong. Some maid or butler had come in while I was asleep and turned on the lights, no doubt in an attempt to actually get me the fuck out of bed and to return to school. After grumbling a few more curse words and throwing a mini tantrum, I resign to my fate and get out of bed, not quite sure if I'm ready to go to the torture they dare to call school.

Getting dressed, I think back onto the conversation with the strange man the day before that I had coincidentally run into at an agency. His reactions to my explanation were strange, to say mildly. More often than not, I was unable to really determine if he was unhappy or interested, his moods all over the place throughout the conversation. In the middle of a sentence, the receptionist had simply cleared her throat and he had taken off with little more than a ruffling of my hair as an old grandpa would do to his seven hear old grandson and a merry tune as he strolled down the hallway with that oddly goofy grin plastered back on his face.

Yes, the man was odd indeed.

But that wasn't what bothered me. No, what really stuck with me was a random, seemingly unimportant and not note-worthy phrase that got jumbled up with a weird heap of mumbo-jumbo that I didn't actually recognize until I actually repeated it again in my mind.

"Maybe this Ichigo, or whoever he is, doesn't want to be discovered? Isn't it possible that he wants to keep his talent hidden? That would explain quite a lot, don't you agree?"

I can't stop the slight scoff as I once again repeat his words. If King really was as talented as those tapes suggested, there was no doubt in my mind he would have jumped at the opportunity to be famous. Hell, who wouldn't? As soon as someone told me that I could most likely make it in the rough and tumble music industry, I had secured a place for myself. King is a human being, after all, isn't it only natural to want that kind of recognition and attention.

Frustration once again building to a new high, I grip the steering wheel tightly and try to force it away. Heh, wouldn't that be quite the funny story. 'Shirosaki killed in a tragic car accident on his way to school after returning from an unexplained string of absences.' Yeah, no. Wasn't happening. I had one carrot top to bother today, and hopefully I would find some of the answers I need.

Either that or I would simply continue my search.

Walking into the classroom, it only takes a second for me to realize that I had definitely missed something important in the few days I missed. Everyone was panicking, running around with a sheet of paper clutched in their hands, crinkled almost past recognition. A group of boys and girls is in the corner singing and I hesitantly walk up to Aizen, who is rubbing his temples in irritation.

"Aizen, wha' did I miss?" He looks up and I can swear I see a look of relief flash through his eyes. Wait, what?

"Ah, yes, Ogichi. Today, for the most part, we are having a voice practice, tryout of sorts. Everyone in the class has chosen a song of their choosing from a list I supplied and is singing it today. Find someone to pair up with, if you would be so kind. I'm sure a good amount will need the accompaniment of a person with your talent," he looks back down and waves me off with a wave.

"Wait," he looks back up again in annoyance. "Fer me an' mah partner may I change tha' song ta one I know?"

"Yes, that sounds reasonable."

With a slightly psychotic, no doubt, smile eating my face I scan the room until I find the subject of my search. I stroll over, ignoring the glances of surprise at my sudden and unexpected return to class. Stopping at his desk, I look down at him where he seems to be pouting.

"Hey there, King. It looks like ya missed me," his head snaps up and he releases a deep sigh of annoyance.

"What do you want, Shiro?" He snaps irritably, and my impossibly wide grin widens.

"Guess wha' Aizen said? I'll just tell ya, actually. He told me ta pair up wit' someone, anyone really. Guess who's tha' lucky student who gets ta work wit' me? Tha's right, ya get ta King," I'm slightly taken aback as he actually seems to be delighted by this news that I would be certain to piss him off since his pride is off the charts.

"Really? That's a relief," it seems true as he hands me a piece of paper. "This is our song so you better learn it and learn it quick. Now that I think about it, you probably already know it, since it is a chart topper," taking the paper from him, I frown at the song choice.

"Ya chose this?" I question suspiciously, raising an eyebrow as I pass it back.

"Hell no, Aizen switched Grimmjow's choice with mine since he picked his own and according to the teacher it was an unfair advantage," I nod in understanding.

"Tha' makes sense. But he said whoever I paired up wit' would be able ta sing any song tha' we agreed on. Any suggestions?"

He pauses and purses his lips before smiling blindingly.

"Yeah, I think I do."

Leaning over, I listen and smirk as he suggests it.

"I can work wit' tha'."

Aizen is more than obviously displeased by the effort shown thus far today. Yelling and snapping at kids who stumbled on the words or who messed up the timing on the song, he was already at wits end. Next was Grimmjow, who as expected, was very much looked for to. Standing up on stage, he stands confidently with a feral smile and the mic loosely held. The music starts behind him and he nods his head in time.

Who's to know if your soul will fade at all
The one you sold to fool the world
You lost your self-esteem along the way
Yeah

Good god, you're coming up with reasons
Good god you're dragging it out
Good god it's the changing of the seasons
I feel so raped
So follow me down

And just fake it if you're out of direction
Fake it, if you don't belong here
Fake it, if your feel like affection
Woah- you're such a fucking hypocrite

And you should know that the lies won't hide your flaws
No sense in hiding all of yours
You gave up on your dreams along the way
Yeah

Good god, you're coming up with reasons
Good god you're dragging it out
Good god it's the changing of the seasons
I feel so raped
So follow me down

And just fake it if you're out of direction
Fake it, if you don't belong here
Fake it, if you feel like affection
Woah- you're such a fucking hypocrite

Woah~
Woah~

He pauses for the instrumental break, taking a deep breath before locking eyes with Shiro and pointing at him and continues in a clearly insulting and jeering way.

I can fake with the best of anyone

I can fake with the best of 'em all

I can fake with the best of anyone

I can fake it all

Who's to know if your soul will fade at all
The one you sold to fool the world
You lost your self-esteem along the way
Yeah

Good god, you're coming up with reasons
Good god you're dragging it out
Good god it's the changing of the seasons
I feel so raped
Man follow me down

And just fake it if you're out of direction
Fake it, if you don't belong here
Fake it, if you feel like affection
Woah- you're such a fucking hypocrite

As he finishes and bows mockingly, the entire crowd that has gathered begins to clap, a few bold females whistling their appreciation. Aizen appears pleased beyond reason, although you can tell he is irritated that Grimmjow did not bother to clean up the language at all, but I'm practically bouncing in my seat in anticipation. King is twiddling his thumbs nervously and I smother the urge to cover his hands with mine as it's our turn now and we both stand at the same time when the teacher looks our way in expectance and slight impatience.

Stepping up the stairs, Smurf hands me the mic mockingly and whispers to where only King and I can hear it. "Good luck beating that, Snow-White." Growling low in my throat, I ignore his taunting and take a place waiting for King to do the same. Looking over, I see him nod at me and I'm surprised that he seems much calmer.

Ichigo's POV

It's always been natural to me, as easy as breathing. As soon as I stepped out in front of everyone and all eyes were on Shiro and I my body relaxed, going lax as my nerves calm down instinctively. I notice Shiro smiling, as usual, at everyone and looking every bit as indimitading as Grimmjow before. The music starts behind me and I force my foot to restrain from tapping.

Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby I been, I been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Yeah, we'll be counting stars

I see this life
Like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
In my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall findOld, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're toldI feel something so right
Doing the wrong thing
I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive

Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars

The singing comes to a very brief pause to let the music continue, but as I wait impatiently before I know it Shiro looks over at me and I can't stop myself from going into 'Tensa' mode. Closing my eyes, I let my voice resonate and fill the quiet, anticipating room.

I feel the love
And I feel it burn
Down this river every turn
Hope is a four letter word
Make that money
Watch it burn

Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told

And I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly

Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars

Opening my eyes, I see everyone staring at me in shock, the most surprised faces from my friends that are well aware of my secret double identity and the two other top singers, although they don't know just who the hell I am. I shrug very slightly, knowing that Renji and all of them would understand that I really had no other choice, and it wouldn't do any good to sing badly on purpose. Not with Aizen in the mood he's in. No, thank you. I plan to pass this year. Shiro recovers quickly and continues without missing a single beat, his voice merging with mine.

Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Baby I been, I been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I learned

Unexpectedly, Shiro drops out and I have the one clear line in the song.

Everything that kills me makes me feel alive

The rest of the song seems almost planned, one of us stopping at a point and then continuing on like we never stopped for even a second.

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I learned

The song ends and I take a deep breath, my eyes closed since somewhere near the beginning of our performance open slowly and I realize just what I may have done. Fuck. Maybe I had got just a bit too comfortable and carried away. The whole student body is staring at me like I'm some sort of new freak of nature, eyes wide and jaws just a few inches from touching the floor. The only ones not with stunned faces are my friends, as they look much more… angry. No, furious is a much more appropriate and accurate description. Shiro's eyes are burning holes into the side of my face while Grimmjow appears like he wants to rip my throat out for showing him up. Well, at least his reaction is fresh and… diverse.

Sighing, I place the microphone back in the stand where it belongs, but a wave off to the side catches my attention. I freeze when I see who the owner of that hand is. Urahara is standing in the doorway, his face as blank as I've ever seen, which is definitely not a good sign. I may have fucked up more than I originally thought. Lowering my head and accepting my fate, I wait until he disappears before I excuse myself from my friends and head out the door to find my manager.

I find Hat N' Clogs waiting for me in the music room, tapping his foot impatiently as I've come to known as a sign of extreme irritation, although he denies the accusation immensely. His hat is tilted slightly and his normal cane is propped up against his leg as he sits down in one of the padded seats scattered throughout the room.

"I really don't know what to ask, Kurosaki-kun," shaking his head sadly, I notice that his eyes haven't been revealed since I entered the room.

I open my mouth to try and defend myself, but nothing seems to be appropriate for the situation, so I quickly shut it and look at the wall. It has already occurred to me that I might have just ruined everything I've been working to keep secret the past months, so his almost hopeless attitude isn't helping the situation in the slightest.

"Don't give me that expression and attitude, Kurosaki-kun. There may still be a chance that nobody will raise attention or give suspicion, although I doubt it highly. You already have a certain somebody looking around for you," at this, my eyes snap over to meet his and I flinch slightly as I can clearly detect he isn't lying.

"Who would be suspicious of me? I haven't even done anything, well…" I pause and look down," before this, anyways."

"Oh, really? So he's doing it without your knowledge, eh? Intriguing. Intriguing, indeed," he smiles and I look back up, eyebrows shooting upwards.

"What do you mean by 'intriguing'?! That's not good at all! And you didn't even tell me who it was, is, whatever!" Noticing that I've raised my voice, I take a deep breath and close my eyes.

"I think you actually know the young man," tilting my head in confusion, he continues. "Someone who looks like a pale copy of you, believe his name was something like Shirosaki Ogichi? Ring any bells, Kurosaki-kun~?"

The blood drains from my face and my teeth clench unconsciously. Why in the world has Shiro been looking for me? I never gave him any hint that I may be in any kind of industry, or involved in anything at all for that matter! The only way that he would know anything would be if… No, that wasn't possible. Shiro wouldn't be some kind of crazy, possessive, lunatic stalker… Right?

Groaning at the look of amusement on Urahara's face and the current predicament I've found myself in, I rub my eyes with my fingers and pinch the bridge of my nose. Please, God, tell me this is some kind of sick joke and that it will be over very very quickly. If this is going to continue for any amount of time, I may be driven to the brink of insanity and possibly even beyond that.

"How do you know all of this anyways, Hat N' Clog?" It's out in the open before my 'brain-to-mouth' filter manages to catch me. Damn, I'm positive this won't end well.

"It's fortunate that you ask me this!" He stands, no, more accurately, jumps up at this and before I blink his cane is eye level with me. "For what I'm about to tell you, your opinion is no longer valid~" He's only said this once and I shall not repeat the horror I had to live through for my sanity.

"Just tell me what the fuck you did now," I snap, not bothering to attempt to hide my displeasure at his words.

"The reason I know this, Kurosaki-kun, is for I met him at the agency," he smiles and lowers his cane, but noticeably keeping it close in case of a need to use it for defensive purposes, "where I was going to speak with Shirosaki's manager to release a joint album! Shiro will be your new co-worker!"

A/N BAM! Who saw that one coming, huh? Cuz I certainly did!… not… Ok, this story has taken another unexpected turn. Don't stone me! –Holds up books in self-defense- I swear, it was an accident! I'm sorry, ok?! What more do you want from me?! More releases? Ok, I can manage that, I think. Nevermind, I can never keep these promises. Just spam me with reviews so that I can't forget! :D

Holy shit… I'm so sorry… I've had this finished for a while now and just… I don't know what other to say than I forgot I even had it! I went to start this and was like… Wait, why is there a 'Chapter 23 Finished' in my folder? No way.' So that's what happened. Well, here it is and I'm getting started on the next chapter right away!