A/N So I'm alive, and here with another update. Nothing interesting going on with life… My goal for the story was shot to crap thanks to Calculus and school, which is going smoothly.
Normal POV
Ichigo wakes up early the next day, disorientated as always when he first wakes up, and promptly rolls over only to yelp in shock and jump straight out of bed. The figure that was on the bed with him falls out of bed with a slight yell of their own, landing with a 'thump'. Only after the orangette notices the blaring white hair and pale skins does the memories from the day before come rushing back in full force.
"I don't know," the honesty dripping from the statement is almost palpable, forcing me to believe him, to my surprise. "I really don't know."
We stand there at a stalemate for a few seconds, both of us unwilling to speak the next words. Both of knew what would happen if we actually bothered to venture into that wasteland of emotions, and neither of us was willing to admit the secrets we're holding or give out information. Thankfully, a being higher than ourselves seemed to finally take pity on me, as the awkward and tense atmosphere was shattered as Karin threw open the door with a glare.
"How long is your friend going to stay, Ichigo?" She directs the question at me while glaring down poor Shiro.
"U-Uhm, I'm not too sure… How long do you think Shiro?" His eyes widen as he turns to face Karin.
I can tell when he plasters a fake grin on his face, which strangely results in a frown from me. He responds, telling her that he'll probably be here for quite some time since we need to finish up our final project anyways. With a slight nod of acknowledgement, she disappears, the door shutting behind her with a final click. He turns back to face me, that fake smile still there.
"Let's get ta workin', yeah?" The white haired male plops down on my bed and looks at me expectantly.
With a sigh, I sit at my desk and pull out our music sheet from one of the drawers. I hand the lyrics over to Shiro, who leans back and taps a pencil he got from God knows where against his pale lips. We both work in silence for about an hour when his phone goes off, startling the both of us.
Flipping it open, his eyes quickly scan over the text message and I'm curious to ask why he chose this moment to read the damn thing since normally he waits until he leaves to read any messages or shit like that. As he's reading, my curiosity grows as his eyes widen in surprise before settling into a slightly furrowed expression, almost as though he's annoyed. My curiosity finally wins over.
"Who messaged you?" I try to ask nonchalantly as I keep my eyes on the paper, trying to make it sound like it doesn't matter.
"Mah manager," he's curt and quick, and I hear the phone being almost slammed shut.
"Oh, what did they want?" I hum slightly to myself as I think of a new tune for a part we've been having trouble on for quite a while.
"Not sure, they just said ta go ta work early in tha' mornin' tomorrow. Somethin' bout' a new deal a sorts," he stretches as I stiffen at the news.
I always knew Urahara moved fast when he wanted to.
But damn.
Rubbing his eyes, Ichigo recalls that after that it had stayed pretty quiet as they finished the rest of their homework and put the almost finishing touches on their song. Shiro groans softly, pulling himself off the floor with a little bit of effort, still tired despite the sudden awakening. The clock on Ichigo's nightstand shrills, signaling that it's seven in the morning. With a start, Shiro is up and at the door, cursing his way down the stairs, Ichigo following closely behind.
"Shit, shit, shit, I'm gonna be late ta tha' meetin'," Shiro hisses to himself, running outside and hopping in his car, Ichigo watching in shock from the doorway at the speed Shiro was able to just get up and leave.
Shiro's POV
Speeding, and consequently running one more red light, I pull into the parking lot of 'Shoten Records'. Before I choose to go in, I check my appearance in the car mirror, checking that I at least look presentable for this meeting. More than likely, if I'm here at Shoten Records, it's got to be dealing with Tensa Zangetsu, which slightly pisses me off. Despite that party where shit went down, I've always hated the popular singer for both his talent and his attitude, and the prospect that more likely than not I'm going to get stuck doing a joint release with the infuriating singer does not amuse me.
The double sliding doors open with a slight whoosh, the air conditioning hitting me in the face, causing a slight shiver. The morning is already chilly to begin with, so the added cold air is not a welcome one. The lady at the receptionist table sends a warm smile my way, pointing towards the hallway to the left and I nod my thanks, stuffing my freezing hands in my pant pockets, hoping to warm them up. The elevator ride up seems to take forever, as I begin tapping my foot impatiently, staring down myself in the reflective walls of the interior of the metal box.
The doors open and I storm out, my mood dampening as I approach the meeting room. The only reason why I know where the stupid room is can be explained by the fact that at the beginning of my career was jumpstarted by a co-op CD with another famous singer that once walked down these halls. Kaien was once the most popular singer, and his potential was near limitless. The accident was a horrible occurrence, and many people mourned the loss of such a gifted individual.
Ichigo's POV
Rubbing my hands over my face, I try to gather my bearings. I remember Shiro mentioning something about a meeting yesterday afternoon, and if his reaction this morning is anything to judge by it's a pretty damn important one. Shrugging it off, I grab my cell phone and turn it back on and almost immediately after it dings, alerting me it's on, it begins to ring Urahara's designated ringtone. My stomach drops as the pieces finally start to piece themselves together.
"Hello?" I ask, tentatively picking up the phone and resting the device on my shoulder while pawing through my clothes in the closet.
"Ah, there you are Tensa!" I have to force myself not to flinch away from his loud and obnoxious voice, lest I drop the phone.
"Yeah, yeah. What do you need?" Rolling my eyes as I hear a sigh on his side of the call, I pick out a dark blue shirt.
"Why, I though you would have figured it out by now! You have a meeting with Shirosaki today to discuss your join album!" On the other side there is a distinct shocked yelp of "Wha?!" and I hold back a chuckle.
"I was never informed directly of this, Hat N' Clogs, but I'll be there in about, oh, fifteen minutes? See ya then," I end the call before he can say anything else, hang up my previously chosen shirt, and head to my alternative closet where I keep Tensa's designer clothes. I keep a closet strictly for clothes that I would never be able to afford as normal Ichigo Kurosaki and are strictly for business.
Donning a pair of black skinny jeans, which might I add took a bit of skill to actually get into to, and a red graphic t-shirt, I head to the bathroom to dye my hair temporarily to black, put on my extensions and to put my red contacts in. Checking that I look at least presentable, I head outside and slightly jog to the normal meeting place where Kenpachi waits for me whenever I need to catch a ride from my neighborhood to anywhere really.
Bracing myself for the crowd that is more than guaranteed to be there, I step out into plain sight, fans that have stopped to get an eyeful of my limo scream and try to attack me, Kenpachi the only person between me and them. Sighing in relief when I finally plop down in the interior of the limo and Kenpachi is driving away, I text Urahara and inform him that I'm on my way. Looking out the window, I watch the buildings pass me by and text everyone else that I'll be late to school if I show up at all and to try and get my work for me, and that an excuse for my absence would be most appreciated. Ishida is the one to text me back first, telling me that he'll handle it and to focus on the meeting.
The time it takes for us to arrive to Shoten Records is spent in silence as I mull over my inner thoughts. Pulling out a pencil and pen as well, I tap my finger on the notepad as I chew on the end of the writing utensil, thinking about this whole new thing with Shiro. With new feelings and this new deal, I'm not quite sure what I'm doing anymore as everything is just a mess and anything could happen. Without me noticing, my pen begins to scribble on the notepad as lyrics flow.
It feels like I'm alone with my thoughts and lyrics for years when we pull up. I shove everything back into the compartment where they belong before exiting the car and walking through the front doors. A slight nod from me to the receptionist and one back to me is all I need for confirmation as I take the stairs to the meeting room, foregoing the elevator in favor of the exercise and extra time.
Taking one last deep breath before entering, I push both doors open and a scowl can't help but form on my face when I notice Shiro on the left side of the long table, feet up on the table with no respect. He slowly turns his head to look at me and my scowl is matched on his face while Hat N' Clogs is smiling at the head of the table, at least I think he's smiling, but his fan hides his the majority of his face.
"Welcome. It's a pleasure to be in the presence of two such talented singers," hiding a snort, I sit as gracefully as I can in the seat opposite Shiro and he frowns. "Now, I'm sure you're both aware, but myself and Shirosaki's manager, Getsuga, has made arrangements for a joint release, but it will be unique," this draws my attention as I fully turn in my seat to face him.
"And what does that entitle exactly?" I question as Shiro shoots me a deadly glare for getting to the question first.
"As I'm sure you're both aware, both of you are always placed at the top of the charts and to ensure that you retain that chance, each of you will sing one solo song a piece and two duet pieces, each of those with one of you being the main singer. This ensures that both of you stay equal while also having the chance of being the best, per say," he snaps his fan shut with a serious face.
"Of course, this means that both of you must cooperate fully with one another, and I cannot stress this enough. Whatever qualms the two of you may have one another, and don't you dare think that I don't know that you two aren't on friendly terms, need to end so make peace as soon as possible. Also, you must be very dedicated so Tensa, you will more often than not be with Shirosaki so keep that in mind while scheduling any… other activities outside of Tensa, if you'll be so kind," my mouth drops at the fact that he would bring such a sensitive issue up with Shiro sitting right across from me, who, for the record, is staring at me accusingly.
"As much as I don't wanna agree wit 'im, I don't think I 'ave much of a choice, so I hope we'll get along, Tensa," despite the meaning of his words, he's basically hissing at me and he holds out his hand which I take and squeeze a little too tightly, though I can't say he doesn't do the same exact thing. "Oh, an' also, keep yer real life schedule completely free, yeah? If yer gonna work wit me I'm not gonna take some half-assed effort on yer part."
The gall of this guy! Steaming, I almost throw his hand away as I take a defensive stance, my arms crossed over my chest. "What I do in my personal life is hardly any of your business, and it definitely does not mean that I don't give everything I have towards my career in the music industry. Whatever mislead conceptions you may have of me speak of them now so that I can kill any rumors or non-truths before you try and say something idiotic like that again," I spit as I turn to Hat N' Clogs. "You know my schedule, so please arrange something here with Mr. Ogichi. I must return to my previous engagement," I turn to glare at Shiro, "so if you'll excuse me."
I storm off out of the room, trying to control my temper and regain control once more over my emotions. One of my main points is Tensa is the cool and nonchalant attitude, which is soon to be shattered if I can't keep it controlled when dealing with that idiot. Opening my phone, I text Ishida that I definitely won't be coming to school today and to tell Renji and Shinji to drop by my place later to officially finish the school song. I don't feel it's necessary for him to not inform Grimmjow.
When I reach home I take the longest nap of my life.
Shiro's POV
"Wha' do ya mean he didn't show up today?" I practically yell, forcing myself to keep my voice at least somewhat at an inside voice as Renji simply glares at me.
"Just that. He messaged us earlier telling us he wasn't feeling too hot and that he was gonna stay home and sleep it off. Me and Shinji are gonna head over there after school so that we can finish that stupid song," Ishida is sending daggers in the redhead's direction, pushing his glasses back up with his middle finger that is undoubtedly aimed at me.
"What that buffoon is attempting to convey is that despite him and Shinji, Ichigo does not desire company so I suggest you leave well enough alone," now it's my turn to send him a dirty look.
"If he's not feelin' well like hell I'm not gonna go see 'im. Are ya stupid?"
Four eyes opens his mouth for a retort, but is stopped by the blonde. "It's fine, Ishida. If he really wants to come we aren't gonna stop him anyways and it's just gonna be an useless argument," the lunch bell rings and everyone rushes back to their homeroom and I internally thank the piano-toothed blonde.
We arrive at King's house about half an hour after school ends, Shinji knocking at the door and the black haired sister answers. She informs us that he's up in his room sleeping and that he's not in a good mood so be on your toes. Thanking her, I'm the last one up the stairs since both of them push past me. I growl my disapproval, but they seem to not notice or, more likely, not care.
Before I even get to his room, I excuse myself for a bathroom break because I know that once I'm at King's side I won't want to leave, which means I won't. After taking care of business, I go to wash my hands and trip over my own feet in my rush, and my shirt catches on one of the drawers and pulls it down with me. The contents spill all over the floor and I curse silently to myself, reaching for everything on the floor and end up pausing when I notice what they are.
A box for temporary black hair dye is opened and looks like it's brand new other than that since it's a brand that's only been on sale for about three or four months. A contact container also is there, and I can't help but open it to see what color lies inside, and gasp in shock when red meets my eyes. Black hair extensions are also in the mix and it's then that I start connecting the dots and sit back against the wall, staring at the items that all but prove my suspicions.
Someone knocks on the bathroom door and I yelp, telling them that I'm almost done and hastily put everything back in the drawer and walk out, telling a shocked Shinji that I'm not feeling too well either and that I'm heading home. He waves at me as he furrows his eyebrows in thought, but I don't know what he does after that as I'm already outside and driving away in less than two minutes.
Next Day
Today greets me with an annoying face, as I'm staring at Tensa over a cup of coffee at the meeting room once more. He stands up unexpectedly after about two hours of lyric writing, and tells me that he needs to talk with his manager. Deciding that I need a stretch anyways, I wait for about five minutes after he's gone and then exit the room to walk around a bit.
And, as it would happen with my luck, I run across Tensa arguing with Hat N' Clogs.
Of course, who was I to deny myself the pleasure spying on my unsuspecting victim?
"I'm telling you, Hat N' Clogs, something isn't right! I went to dye my hair and get ready for this stupid ass meeting and everything was out of order! I didn't have time to ask Shinji or Renji if they had messed with my stuff, but I'm damn sure they would inform me if they did. I don't know who did it, but I'm freaking out," my eyes wide as saucers, I try to step away from where they're talking and accidently run into some random assistant walking past.
They give a slight apology, but the damage is already done, as I watch as Tensa freezes and turns slowly to look me in the eyes and I know that he realizes that I've figured out his secret. Without missing a beat, I take off in the opposite direction, ignoring his screams and protests for me to wait.
This can't be fucking real, right?
A/N Well, there it is~ The cat is out of the proverbial bag, so to speak! I can only imagine what lies in store for our poor, poor males. I guess I'll just have to get working on the next chapter so the suspense won't kill everyone!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to everyone by the way! I'm so glad to have such a support group to fall back to and I would love to thank you for everything that you've all done for me, may it be review, alerts, or favorites!
I love you all!