A/N Alright, some quick updates. College sucks, and I have no time for myself. I live with three other people (all of whom I adore), but between school, work, and my obligations to them I have barely any time. I've moved my 'Want to finish by' date back by a whole year, but I have a plan and this story is going to start seeing some major events so that closure is possibly decently soon.

...

Monday – Two weeks until both songs

Announcement: I know I mentioned it before, but the theme will be changed. I'll inform you of it in this chapter.

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Normal POV

Bracing for the worst, Ichigo squares his shoulders before throwing the doors to the classroom open. He hears his pale copy snicker behind him, and throws a glare of murderous intent over his shoulder to attempt to shut him up. As predicated, it does little to deter the male who only continues to grin and push Ichigo further into the room. By this point the whole room is staring at the duo, eyes widening at the sudden playfulness present between the two. Trying to seem nonchalant about it, Ichigo leans slightly against his friend Shinji who releases a small giggle at the action before wrapping an arm around his waist.

"No need to try and hide it. Everyone here already knows," the blonde sings as he helps the now fuming orangette to his seat at the farthest end of the classroom.

"Thanks Renji," Ichigo hisses at his friend who is straight out laughing at this point as it's been some time since his best friend has gotten injured.

"No problem. Always at your service," he replies before pulling out a sheet of paper which everyone immediately recognizes as their project. "Due today, remember? Good thing we finished it last night."

"Wow, the world is ending," Shinji remarks with a sly grin as he leans forward, "Renji remembered homework."

"Fuck you."

"Sorry, not my type," banter between the two isn't rare, and everyone that is close to either of them is already ignoring them by the time they're finished.

Ichigo snatches the paper off of the red head's desk, looking over the paper for any mistakes and nodding in satisfaction when he doesn't manage to find any. Gold on black eyes also skim over it, taking note of places that might be able to be improved. With the knowledge of Ichigo being Tensa, he's sure that there are certain word choices that can be improved.

"Settle down class," Aizen announces as he enters he classroom the precise second the bell rings throughout the hallways, deafening the innocent souls inside the building. "I'm sure that all of you remembered today's assignment?"

The man doesn't wait for an actual response, summoning all the leaders to the front of the class to present their finished rough draft for the lyrics. Ichigo purposefully lazes behind so he's last; as he knows that it is unfair for everybody's to be compared to theirs. After all, there are three famous song writers in his group even if not everybody is aware of that extra one.

First was the group of mostly girls, the poor boy being the one to turn in the lyrics. Aizen looked over it and quickly summoned a red pen out of what seemed like thin air, and before the kid left it was filled with red marks. The next two weren't much better, and then it was just Orihime and Ichigo left. Honestly, Ichigo wasn't too worried about Inoue's group, because the girl actually was a very talented writer. Often when the orangette was caught up on a particularly difficult section he would ask for her assistance.

Aizen clearly was unaware of this as his eyes were comically impressed as he looked over the paper. Only a few marks marred her paper, and her face was shining as he complimented her.

"I have to admit; I never imagined that you would take such an… interesting theme and include it so well. I'm very impressed. I expect much out of this piece," he hands it back to her and her smile grows even wider, and even Ichigo shows his happiness for his good friend.

"Ah, the saving grace of the class," the teacher comments as he takes the paper out of the males hands and it might just be Ichigo's imagination, but Aizen seems to be trying his hardest to find some sort of error. "Your theme is 'Home' correct?"

"Yes, sir," Ichigo responds, worry eating at him.

"Although it is not used in the chorus, I feel like it has a satisfactory amount of emphasis. Congratulations," not knowing the exact reasoning behind it, Ichigo smiles gratefully at the teacher, an overwhelming sense of relief appearing.

Ichigo's POV

After he hands back our paper, I have to resist the urge to skip back to my group. Shinji and Renji are sharing a knowing look, as I always get this way after Urahara approves of my work. Grimmjow is scribbling something down on a notepad at a mad speed and Shirosaki is throwing glances his way and I can tell he's trying to read whatever the blunette is writing. Inverted eyes narrow as he catches a glimpse of lyrics, and I make a mental note to ask him about what he read later.

What? Keep your friends closer and your enemies closer. They might be my group partners, but they're still competitors in my career. Can't have them gaining the upper hand over me, now can I?

"I take it he approved?" Shinji is the first to speak when I make it back to my seat and I nod a confirmative. "That's fantastic, I was worried the theme wasn't prominent enough and he would throw a fit. He seems like a stickler for details."

"Yeah, he told me it has a 'satisfactory amount of emphasis'. If we hadn't of made it a solo part there was no way in hell he would have been okay with it."

"Class, you have your corrections so I expect you to spend the rest of the day fixing problematic sections. For those of you who have no editing," he looks at both Orihime and me, "I have full confidence you will not disturb those who do. Continue with your work."

"That man is scary," Renji mutters when the man sits down and pulls out his ever mysterious suitcase and begins working on his own paperwork.

"I just want ta know wha's he got in tha' case," Shiro comments as we all watch the brunette; well, everyone minus Grimmjow who is still writing.

"Same. Think he works for the mafia?" Shinji hits Renji on his head as soon as the sentence is finished, earning a yelp.

"Idiot, if he worked for the mafia do you honestly think he would do something as trivial as teaching? Doesn't exactly pay well," I nod in agreement as I cross my arms over my chest.

"I'm sure that he does have some secret agenda though," voicing my thoughts, everyone turns to look at me. "No clue what it could be though."

"Does anyone remember his last name?" Shiro's distorted voice asks and suddenly I realize that I can't recall what it is.

"Would it be on the website?" Shinji already has his phone out, looking up our school to see if we can find it.

Huh, seems I'm not the only one to have forgotten.

"Sosuke, Aizen Sosuke," Shinji announces to our group after about a minute of looking up teachers and when I'm thinking about it, the name rings a bell.

"Sosuke… Where have I heard that," it's really bothering me and I groan, throwing my head back to glare up at the ceiling. "Sosuke. Aizen Sosuk- Holy shit."

"Ya heard a 'im?" Shiro asks, and I tense up at the realization that I have in fact hear of him.

Actually, more than that, I know him. I know him very well.

...

"Tensa?" A voice calls out and I take a deep breathe, palms sweating and shaking as I clasp them together.

"Here," my voice trembles and I clear my throat to try and hide it. "I'm Tensa."

"Last name?" The voice sounds intrigued and I look up to meet eyes that almost send me running from the room.

"None," I respond and he laughs.

"Ah, you're one of them. That's fine, it serves little purpose. What will you be singing for this audition?"

"I'll be singing Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson," my voice is clear by this point and the man nods in approval.

"I have high hopes for you, Tensa."

"Thank you," I look at the name plate on the front of the table, "Sosuke-san."

...

"Holy shit," I repeat, looking at the man in a new light.

No wonder he gave us this assignment. At first I thought it was strange, I've never heard of something like this minus in music class. I understand that it serves a small purpose in our English studies, as it involves word structures and such, but other than that it's pointless. But if he's a former music critic, it would be something that he would be infinitely familiar with. Why didn't I see the connection before? God, I'm so fucking blind.

"King?" A hand on my shoulder crashes my attention back to the situation and I look over at my pale copy, a smile already plastered on my face.

"It's fine, I just can't believe that someone famous would be our teacher."

"Shouldn't be," Grimmjow speaks for the first time, still not looking at me though. "You have at least three famous people in this school, two in this class alone, a critic is no surprise."

"Critic? Famous," Shiro pauses before standing up suddenly, knocking his chair over backward and catching everyone's attention. "Yer kiddin' me!"

"Is there a problem, Ogichi?" The person in question asks, glancing up with a knowing smirk.

"N-no, sir. Everything is fine, sir," Shiro stumbles over the words before abruptly sitting down. "Except fer tha' fact ya could ruin mah career wit' a single word," he mutters that under his breathe and I laugh.

"You knew all along who he was, didn't you?" Suddenly the truth makes itself known, and I'm looking at Grimmjow with more respect.

"Of course I did. He was one of my first mentors," he scoffs, shoving his papers into his bag before leaning back in his chair, popping his knuckles over his head.

"Wha's tha' chances?" He's shaking his head in disbelief, hand over his face. "I didn't even recognize tha' name, fuckin' idiot."

"Hey! I didn't realize it either," and he was probably the reason I'm in the industry in the first place I continue in my mind as Shiro's face makes contact with his desk. "No need to beat yourself up over it."

The rest of the day in class was uneventful. The three groups finally realized that they were in a bit of trouble regarding their grade and actually attempted to fix their lyrics. Aizen seemed beyond amazed and pleased, and as a reward he didn't give any homework and only requested that the three groups showed him their corrected work the next day, to which they happily agreed.

Lunch was boring as well. For once, nobody really had anything to say. The only interesting part was when Grimmjow brought up how he was already working on his next album when Shiro broke down and asked about his actions earlier. I shared a look with demon eyes, and we all knew that we would have to work even harder if Grimmjow was releasing something at remotely the same time.

Upon Shiro's insistence, I caught a ride home with him, Grimmjow long gone when the bell rang. No doubt with the intention to go home and use whatever inspiration he found to finish the song. I've had many of those moments, where a sudden burst of ideas hit and it was hard to ignore. The other two had decided to walk home, as they had a hard time dealing with the albino's reckless driving.

"Ya know," I'm leaning against the passenger window, watching other cars disappear from sight when he begins talking and I turn to watch him, "I was wonderin' earlier why ya don't tell everyone tha' ya broke up wit' Nel."

Groaning at the topic of conversation, I turn my attention back to the window with no intention to answer.

"I saw tha' King, don't try ta play it like ya didn't hear me. Answer tha' question," his tone suggests that he won't be above taking drastic measures if necessary and I resign myself once more to an uncomfortable conversation.

"They're gonna wonder why," is all I say hoping that he'll be able to piece two and two together, but alas, it seems my luck has stepped out for the day.

"So? Doesn't fuckin' matter," he cuts off a silver SUV, earning a honk with his actions.

"The timing is just awful. With the stunt with Hisagi, they're gonna assume that I broke up with her, not the truth."

"Wha's tha' truth? Ya've never actually told me," I'm considering jumping out of the speeding car, but figure that with one injury I don't need anymore.

"I was too busy messing around with Grimmjow and you during the party and forgot that I had plans to meet up with Hisagi, who was coincidentally waiting with Nel. Needless to say, she didn't appreciate my lack of concern for my friend and girlfriend. Broke up with me," although I'm gay, I had loved Nel to death and the memory of her look of disappointment still breaks my heart.

"Sorry bout tha'," Shiro apologizes after a few minutes of silence, and I turn to look at him only for him to hide his expression from me.

"No reason for you to feel sorry, it was my fault. All actions have consequences, that just happened to be mine," praying that he'll be smart enough to drop it, and he seems to if the silence is anything to go by.

"I still think ya should tell tha' media," he voices his opinions and once more I'm entertaining the idea of throwing myself out of the vehicle.

"Why? So they can throw their useless theories around and have my privacy invaded even more? I'll pass thanks," my tone is harsher than intended, but I don't intend to express my regret.

"Eventually they're gonna figure it out, King, an' tha' longer ya wait ta tell em tha' more guilty yer gonna look," I'm stunned by his words and the logic behind it, and I suck my teeth in annoyance.

"I guess you're right, but that doesn't mean I want to," grumbling, I pull my one uninjured leg up to my chest, wrapping my arms around it; my friends always said that it was one of my 'safety measures' for when I didn't want to address something.

"Better they hear it from ya," he throws at me and I'm left frowning before realizing that he's completely correct, no matter how much I may hate it.

Pulling out my phone, I can feel his eyes on me but I don't acknowledge him as I dial Urahara's number. As predicted, he picks up on the first ring.

"Ah, Tensa-kun~ What's the cause behind this pleasant surprise?" His voice carries over the phone, cheery as always and I roll my eyes.

"You remember that I told you Nel broke up with me the night I fucked up with Hisagi," I don't even bother to ask, just state it as a fact and the line goes as quiet as the grave.

"Of course, it took quite the feat to keep the incident under wraps," he responds, the cheerfulness toned down exponentially.

"I want you to inform the media," I don't give him any warning, and I can almost picture the look of pure astonishment on his face.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Shirosaki made some very valid points," leaning on my knee I risk a glance over to Shiro who is smirking at me, the red light allowing him the freedom for the action.

"If you're sure…" He trails off, giving me one last opening to retract my statement.

"I'm positive."

Strangely enough, I am. As much as I had loved Nel as a part of my own family, it was unfair to her the whole time. Time after time she had attempted to convince me to talk to her about myself, but never about my secret identity. She honestly cared and it wasn't right to be selfish like I had been. The woman deserved the best, and I was restraining her from finding someone who could really care for her.

"Your wish is my command Tensa-kun~" He playfulness is back before he ends the call, the dial tone meeting my ear.

"Didn't expect ya ta do it right now," he's laughing at me, his hand reaching over and ruffling my hair as I sit there in shock at the act. "At least now yer friends won't be tha' only ones ta know."

"Shiiiiiiiiiiit," I moan out, opening my phone to send out a mass text informing them of what I had done before they found out once more of something I've done from the news or rumors instead of me.

Finally reaching my house, Shirosaki jumps out of his car so he can help me get to the door, disregarding any and all of my complaints that I am perfectly capable of walking by myself. My dad, as predicted, comes flying out of the door to try and hug me instead of tackle me, but both Shiro and I move expertly out of the way and run inside, locking him out of the house. Whining reaches our ears and I giggle as Shiro bursts out into full blown demented laughter, Karin ignoring us while Yuzu complains that I'm a bad influence on all my friends. If only she knew.

...

A/N So there it is, the new theme for his group. I originally had a song that fit well with the story, but after it took a major turn I feel that it didn't do the story justice, and I'm much happier with this one. I'll be going back to chapter eight where it was originally announced and changing it.

Also, Ichigo's/Tensa's audition song was just what I was listening to at the time. No special meaning or anything there.