Truth behind the shining sun

by arelia22

Ichigo left 12 years ago to join the Vizard and find his kidnapped family without telling his friends why. Now, after so many years he returns and bumps into his long lost pals and a certain blunet. But with Ichigo being a whole different person, conflicts might arise, and more so if his identity must be kept hidden and is now posing as famous singer Shiba Mugetsu.

6. Sadness and Sorrow pt 2

Disclaimer: I do NOT own bleach. But you already know that so why bother.

"Normal speech"

'Thoughts'

Flashbacks

"Phone calls"/ Texts

WARNINGS:

Yaoi, Boy-and-Boy pairing as in GrimmIchi, and yes, it's in that order so if you don't like uke!Ichi, then too bad. There is hurt/comfort with an equally passionate romance beneath - I hope. And most important of all, this is all AU, so as long as you do not find this disturbing, I hope you enjoy this story that just so happened to contain one of my favorite bleach pairings. Rated M just in case 'cause I'll most likely put in lemon!

#6#

Rukia and the rest of the group of five surveyed the shabby shack from the inside out, trying to find their orange haired friend and the blunet that was supposed to already be there. Once their eyes fell on a familiar shade of orange and they heard a low yet familiar chuckle, all they could do was walk in the direction of said corner to find a rather amusing scene.

Grimmjow had a feral smirk that just read danger, his head held high as he was sitting in a lazy cross-legged manor while his arm was resting on a low wooden table. Ichigo on the other hand was drinking from his freshly served tea as he had his brown eyes averted from the blunet. The orange head looking completely uncaring and somewhat annoyed even if there was a contradicting tug his lips made in an upward manner.

The air seemed light even as Ichigo refused to look in Grimmjow's way. The artist not being able to believe how the man kept his confidence no matter how many times Ichigo had repeated that he was no ones. Apparently, this only served to fuel the other more, so instead of denying it again he was ignoring the blunet; deciding that a change in course of action was needed for his current mission.

At least he wasn't pestered now.

But of course, Grimmjow took the silence in his own pervy way, thinking for sure that the orange head had admitted defeat and deciding to not push his luck. He could go with silence since it actually worked in his favor. That way when the topic came back he could easily point out their current situation as a win.

Yet the silence didn't last long. And much less with the five friends standing beside the low table and its two occupants. So once Rukia grew tired of the silent treatment they were receiving, she slammed a hand on the table, making the plates clatter in their place and almost drop its contents. The only reason why the tea didn't fall being because the cup was currently in Ichigo's hands, while Grimmjow's was practically empty.

"We came already so stop acting like idiots and let's get this going."

Rukia's actions didn't startle the orange head like she had thought it would, only serving in gaining his attention as he placed the tea back on the table and turned to look at the gathered group with a calm and almost childish expression.

"He's acting like an idiot. I'm acting accordingly. And besides, there's enough space to sit so if we want to get this started, like you said, you need to sit down first."

Rukia huffed in complete and utter exasperation, choosing to follow his words and do as he suggested while keeping a close eye on the still grinning –like an idiot- blunet -her action being mirrored by the rest of the gang as they settled down all around the table.

"Alright then. If Grimmjow could stop being a dimwit we can start this… meeting? I don't even know what to call it."

"And why do we need to call it something anyway? Let's just get the show on the road Renji."

Said red head grumbled under his breath, receiving a rather sharp elbow in the gut as consequence, by an annoyed midget that just sent daggers his way. He was completely silenced as he remembered that they had agreed Rukia could talk first and say what was basically on everyone's mind. He really didn't like this, but he knew Rukia could pull it out better than any of them. So instead of complaining he snapped his mouth shut, and settled down on his cushion.

"All right so… Where to start?"

Ichigo just sighed as he quickly sensed the tension seeping in tons from the raven haired midget. He honestly couldn't believe that his childhood friend would be scared to talk to him. Incidentally, this was also starting to annoy him.

So instead of letting her talk or give her time, he turned to look her way. His chocolate colored orbs holding a hint of softness even as they were hardened in determination while he stared into her fierce violet eyes.

"Look Rukia, I won't bite, so go ahead and say what's on your mind. Just remember some stuff are better left untold, and you'll be fine."

Said person stared into her long-lost friend's eyes, her own softening as she silently thanked the other for his ruff compassion as she gained courage to speak up. Taking a deep breath in the process, as she averted her gaze from the piercing chocolate eyes to her fisted hands on her lap.

"Okay… I'll do just that… Ichigo we-… we don't want to be pushed out of your life… nor do we want to interrogate you like some criminal. You're our friend, and we'll respect that. So if you ever want to talk about anything, we'll hear you out. So… don't lock us out okay? We won't leave you behind, so don't leave us in the dark. That's the deal we want to make."

Ichigo was stunned silent by the time Rukia had finished; not being able to avert his wide eyes from the petite raven head and neither being able to hide his shock like he usually did. It was just weird how he would revert to his old self at times when he was in their company. Like if all he had learned before had gone to the trash, and he just couldn't remember shit about how to act.

It was frightening. But at the same time it was exciting.

But as soon as it came it left. And his shocked expression quickly morphed into that of honest happiness, a small, yet sincere smile on his lips as he brought a hand up to pat the midget on the head. All affection and no malice even as mostly everyone was shocked by the honest warmth reflected in his chocolate colored eyes.

"I never said I would make a deal. I said I would explain things… But even then, this works just fine with me… No… it's perfect."

They all stared at the orange head with satisfied eyes. It was just incredible that Ichigo had agreed as easily as he did. It had also gone smoother than they had expected. It was satisfactory to a new level and it had gone rather fast as well.

"Alright then. I think interrogation time is over. So let's pass on to livelier topics how about that?"

The whole group jumped with the exception of Ichigo by the sudden appearance of a foreign voice. They all turned to look in the direction it originated from, only to come eye to eye with a black haired man with piercing green eyes that looked so similar to their orange haired friend, the five newcomers couldn't help but turn from the man to Ichigo and then back to the cackling Grimmjow.

"Ha ha ha, oh my god. The look on your faces."

The group turned to look at Grimmjow with an amazing amount of menace, wanting to show their irritation as even Nel stood up to smack the other on the head.

"Ow. What the hell Nel."

"Stop laughing Grimmy, it's not nice."

"Yeah Grimm, don't laugh when you were just as stupefied as them."

Said blunet turned to glare at the orange head, not being able to believe how he had been betrayed. And hating, but at the same time loving the cocky smirk on the others face. It was annoying in a way, yet he just couldn't get enough of it.

Kaien on the other hand was just about laughing hysterically, patting his cousin on the back while doing so, and enjoying it as much as him. They just loved when they shocked everyone and if they didn't know better, the media would even think they were triplets –counting Mugetsu of course.

"I guess it's enough fooling around for now. My name is Shiba Kaien. I'm Ichigo's cousin and an acquaintance of their group. It's nice to meet you guys."

Upon presenting himself everyone else did the same. Renji not being able to hold back a comment on how the tea house looked suspicious when they learned that he was the owner along with his wife Miyako -which was out at the moment. Rukia, of course, smacked the red head as everyone else laughed at his misfortune. Kaien going back into the kitchen to get their orders with a small comment of how that was the point.

After they had settled into a comfortable chat the whole group spent a pleasant time in each other's company. The group of friends from middle school feeling quite at home as they felt an underlying sensation of the past and the two siblings fitting in just fine. Telling stories of their life so that Ichigo could get updated on how Orihime and Uryuu were married and how Rukia and Renji had been dating for a good seven years now. Ichigo had actually shared a good portion of his more happy experiences in Spain, and the pranks him and Yoruichi would sometimes pull on the rest of the vizard. Causing many raised eyebrows as Ichigo wasn't much of prankster in the past, and barely being able to believe the mischief in his eyes as he proved them wrong with tales that made many cry from the laughter.

But of course, good things had to end soon, and by the time the sun was starting to disappear, Ichigo interrupted the cheery banter with much regret and not wanting to do it in the first place.

"Hey guys, it's getting late, and I really have to go."

Everyone turned to look at the orange head with disappointment and sadness, all having a great time and not wanting it to end. Ichigo didn't want it even more than the rest. Even with his steady headache he wanted to stay longer and share more of his adventures. He also wanted to know about theirs as well, but he really needed to go. It was not an option.

So instead of wasting time, Ichigo gave an apologetic smile before standing up. Stretching his muscles to get the numbness off, and then glancing to look at his friends new and old once more.

"Sorry but I really have stuff to do. I only had the afternoon off, so I was able to meet up. But I can't stay any longer."

"Ah~ But we were having so much fun!"

Ichigo smiled again, trying to give the feeling that he had fun since it was the truth. But his small and almost insignificant smile disappeared when Renji stood up to give him a pat in the back. He raised an eyebrow curiously, wondering what the other wanted before his silent question was actually responded.

"Let's get together soon yeah?"

At the almost pleading tone in his red haired friend, all Ichigo could do was stare almost blankly to try and hide the flinch he involuntarily let out. He really wanted to just smile and say sure, but he knew that with his current profession he shouldn't even think about promising they could get together soon when he might not even come back alive in the first place.

Sometimes, he hated the fact that he had to think every time he went on a mission whether he would die or not. Would he come covered in blood, or wake up in a hospital. Such a dangerous thing indeed.

"I hope so."

His friends noticed it wasn't a promise or a statement that assured them they would, in fact, get together sometime soon. But even then they didn't want to pressure Ichigo into saying what he didn't want to. That's what they had come to agree when they had gotten together on their own. And that was how Rukia was chosen to speak their mind in the first place.

"All right then. Thanks for explaining the other day, Ichigo. And… try to stay out of harm's way. Yeah?"

Ichigo gave a crooked smile to the petite raven head. He was trying to convey his hope that he could do just that. But couldn't assure anything. So he merely nodded while he turned to look at the married couple with a normal expression to say his goodbyes.

"I'll see you around okay? Though I wouldn't like the need to visit you two at the hospital."

Orihime just smiled at that, before Uryuu scoffed lightly while lifting his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Giving a sideways glance in hopes of hiding the tug upwards his mouth made as he had enjoyed himself as well.

"I doubt you can stay out of trouble any longer Kurosaki. But if you ever need a nurse or a doctor you know where to find one."

The orange head smiled broadly at this. He seriously wanted to join in on the prayer that he wouldn't need medical attention even with the pink haired giant in their group that was the doctor. But he really doubted it. Trouble just loved to follow him all around the world.

"I'll keep that in mind."

With that, he was about to say good bye to his new friends. When all of a sudden, a sea of green assaulted his vision and he was caught in a bear hug by none other than Nel. Her giant chest constricting his breathing, but bearing with it as he let her do as she wished.

"It was so much fun to get to know you better, Itsygo!"

Ichigo and everyone else raised an eyebrow at the badly said name. He wanted to blame it on the fact that she had her face buried in his black coat, but even then found it odd. But nobody wanted to point out that fact. The scene was too sweet to disrupt with something like that.

So instead of doing as he wanted –to push the girl out of his coat- he gently patted her on the head. Soon enough, she retracted herself voluntarily and couldn't help the small smile that graced his features upon seeing the giant one on her own. She was too innocent to be tainted with that world, Ichigo thought grimly.

"Yeah, it was really fun."

Nel took a hesitant step back, her hands behind her back as she stood on the sidelines so that she wouldn't look off, being so close to Ichigo. For some reason she found comfort in the one-year-older-than-her man. So she just couldn't help but do what she did, and feel so drawn in. She really didn't know why, but Ichigo felt like the sun.

Ichigo, on the other hand, turned to survey the group as he was about to give his last goodbyes. What he didn't expect, however –and he was pretty sure no one did- was to receive a deafening slap on his ass. The sound being as loud as it was painful and he couldn't help but let a yelp as he turned to glare at the blue haired man that had his shit eating grin plastered in place. Not an ounce of remorse, even as Ichigo's cheeks turned a light red color to show his embarrassment that was barely seen as he was trying to hide it like crazy.

"Wh-what the fuck! Y-you don't just go ahead and sp-spank what's not yours."

Grimmjow gave an amusing laughter as his blue eyes gazed hungrily at the being before him. He couldn't believe that he had finally made the orange head blush even if it wasn't as much as he was expecting.

'Am I losing my touch? Nah, I'm too hot for that to be the case. Must be him.'

"Yeah well start getting used to it berry, 'cause that ass of yours has my name on it."

Ichigo's ears increased in coloration as he quickly turned his head to avoid being seen. He really hated being so defenseless and innocent. He actually hated his more submissive side that came forth when he was being shamelessly teased by a mouthwatering hunk -which Grimmjow fell easily into that category. It was embarrassing for his tough guy appearance and cocky attitude. But even then, it wasn't as if he could hide it; he wasn't a robot.

"Don't touch what you can't afford Grimmy."

Grimmjow raised an eyebrow at his nickname coming from the orange heads lips. Feeling an unwanted chill go down his spine as the heat went directly to nether regions. Dang it was so unfair that Ichigo could be so innocently sinful. But as soon as his confused expression came, it left; being replaced by a cocky smirk as he tried to keep up with expectations. He would never lose.

"Then I'll just have to get an extra shift."

Ichigo just huffed out an annoyed breath, thankful that his back was facing the group since he couldn't quite avoid the tug upwards his lips made even with the soft blush over his cheeks. He was such a sap.

"Make sure to not waste your time."

"Time you enjoy wasting, is not wasted time."

This time, Ichigo didn't say anything as he had enough and was quickly reaching his limit. So instead of waiting to see the roll of eyes from Uryuu and Renji, or the sparkly eyes he was being given by the girls, he strode out. Trying and failing miserably to suppress his still flustered state as he closed the store's front door, and turned to go behind the shop.

Upon reaching the private alleyway, Ichigo leaned against the wall before sliding down to the floor. Drawing his knees up to set his chin on, his arms wrapped tightly around them as his full blown blush finally got the better of him and appeared in a dangerous shade of red that fit to the perfection with his namesake.

But as he sat down curled in a corner –basically- he heard the distinctive sound of the back door opening. His black haired cousin coming out with an expression of unhidden amusement as Kaien walked silently to stand next to the orange head before he supported himself against the wall.

"… that bad huh?"

Ichigo raised an eyebrow at this, the pink in his cheeks still stronger than in the shop but lighter than before. Looking to innocent and adorable for his own good, as he looked like a lost puppy curled up as he was.

Kaien, however, was not happy with the oblivious Ichigo. The orange head looked like he didn't know what Kaien was talking about. And that, in a way, pissed off the older man. He had to be blind, deaf and stupid to not notice how Ichigo had a thing for the blue haired man and was falling hard.

"… You know I would have thought a girl was next."

Ichigo did understand this compared to the previous statement. Thinking that Kaien was trying to engage some conversation to keep him busy so that his thoughts could sort out, and being thankful for it.

"You don't choose what's next. Just because I've had previous patterns of female male, doesn't mean it's always gonna be the same. Besides, it's not like that with Grimmjow. He's just… interesting."

Kaien scoffed lightly as he crossed his arms over his chest, looking slightly irritated at the fact that Ichigo didn't want to admit something more than interest. But even then, he knew that the orange head was just that kind of person.

"Yeah, sure you do. Try saying that when you're blushing madly and crouching on the floor and see if you sound believable… Oh wait, you just did. And you were so fake Yoruichi would be ashamed."

Ichigo just pouted lightly before letting go of his knees, stretching out his legs to sit in a comfier position before letting out a sigh and relaxing his stiff shoulders. He opened his eyes as he had previously closed them, showing his normal blank-like eyes to glance at his cousin as he stared intently at the man as much as he could before turning back to glare at the wall opposite to him with an annoyed expression.

Someone had to suffer his scowl of wrath.

"He's interesting Kaien… in more ways than one could hope to be… That's all there is to it. So don't dare start questioning what I find interesting. He just is."

"Including his hot washboard-like abs?"

"Yes including his hot, washboard-like- HEY! Don't make me say shit I don't want to!"

"But you mean it."

"No! I mean yes! But no! That wasn't what I was talking about!"

"Sure you weren't~"

"Kaien!"

"What~?"

Ichigo huffed an irritated breath as he got tired of fighting with his twin-like cousin. He wanted to drop the topic as quick as possible because honestly even he didn't understand his new infatuation with the guy. And Kaien wasn't helping.

So instead of responding to the raven's not so innocent question, he adjusted his seated position once more to stay cross-legged as he waited in silence to see if the raven head wanted something else. The older man wouldn't just come out of his shop on a whim. And much less with the shack still open.

Kaien took this as a sign and let out a sigh before glancing to stare at his orange haired cousin. He was trying to find the right words for what he was going to say next. But as he was unable to find a way that wouldn't sound so depressing, he began.

"I have new information."

That sole statement brought Ichigo to his full attention. His chocolate colored eyes shifting into something much more serious with a small hint of coldness that just made Kaien jittery.

"The snake contacted us yesterday. Said the queen is about ready to leave the sea. She thinks the girls won't last much longer."

Ichigo took in the information as it came. Instantly knowing exactly who was who and not debating whether it was true or not. Only analyzing the depths of the situation and trying to come to a conclusion.

"I'm seeing her today. Was it needed to involve him?"

Kaien just nodded grimly as he showed his full displeasure of having to work with the snake –him. It wasn't that the two didn't trust the guy. Or that he was hated or anything, but for some odd reason, having to deal with the man just unnerved them too much to let it pass.

"How much time do we have?"

"A week."

The raven head didn't miss a beat to respond. Knowing instantly what his cousin wanted and not questioning even for a second. Because no one ever dared question Ichigo. The orange head was just brilliant when it came to putting two plus two together. Even when the details were vague and confusing for them. So Kaien and the Vizards never restricted Ichigo in how much information he asked for.

The tea shop owner, however, was caught off guard when Ichigo nudged him in the thigh to bring his full attention. And as he gazed into the orange head's eyes, he didn't like what he saw.

"Did you find anything else on K?"

Kaien felt his heart clench at the mention of K. He hated being so useless when it came to finding information on that particular thing. And even when he knew Ichigo never resented him for not being able to be more helpful, it still didn't ease him when he had to disappoint his cousin time and time again.

"No. I bet you know more than me by now."

Ichigo couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in disbelief towards his cousin. He was trying to show his obvious yet silent statement as he scanned the other with a critical eye that just couldn't believe what he was being told.

Kaien, on the other hand, just scoffed before rolling his eyes as he didn't expect Ichigo actually thought he had something new. He stuffed one of his hands in his pocket before averting his gaze from Ichigo's critic-like expression. For some unknown reason it sent chills down his spine.

"I'm an information broker, Ichigo. Not a spy. That's one of your jobs. So I really can't help you with that. He's not stupid enough to leave information lying around about K… But it's been twelve years now Ichigo. I don't want to sound like I'm leaving them behind but-"

"I know what you mean Kaien… I really do. But I got information worth a while today. And the info Yoruichi got the other day was also enlightening. They're alive, that's for sure."

The seemingly-not-so-simple tea shop owner, gave his cousin one last scan before sighing and deciding to leave the topic at that. He knew that the information about K was bound to get to him sooner or later. And he was also able to sense that Ichigo didn't want to talk about it right now.

For some reason, Ichigo looked rather lost and emotionless at the moment, and Kaien didn't like that. He preferred to see Ichigo like he was today with his friends. And if Kaien could have a say in it, he would automatically pull his cousin out of that dangerous shit he was dealing with, and stick the orange head to his friends so that Ichigo could gain some sense of normalcy of his life.

He deserved that much.

But of course, life didn't always go as planned, and as such, Kaien could do nothing but watch and help his cousin out when he could. Sometimes, when Ichigo wasn't so reserved, he would come to the raven head for comfort, and Kaien never failed in letting the other borrow his shoulder. He just wished Ichigo wasn't so distant.

Suddenly, Kaien was brought back from his muse when he noticed a sound and movement from his side. Said action coming from his orange haired cousin, as Ichigo took out a crumpled box from one of his many pockets, and fished out a cigarette that surprised the raven head more than what he would like to admit.

Kaien observed his cousin from the corner of his green eye as Ichigo placed the death stick between rather pale, yet full lips. Fetching out a lighter from another one of his many pockets before he lighted the white stick and placed it back in its place.

In the end, Kaien couldn't bear with the new silence and his underlying curiosity. As such, he blurted out his inquiry before even thinking, while trying to keep his disappointment out of his tone as he did so, and hoping that Ichigo wouldn't be offended by it.

"I thought you didn't smoke anymore."

Ichigo nibbled with the white Tabaco stick as he absently stared at the smoke erupting from it. He didn't even bothering to look at Kaien as he pulled it out of his mouth and breathed out a puff of smoke.

"I don't. Only after missions."

Kaien turned shockingly to look at his orange haired cousin. He wanted to know more of this new discovery. And didn't wasting a heartbeat to do so.

"Did you have a mission today?"

"In half an hour I have to go out."

"That doesn't make any sense! This is before the mission!"

The raven head tried to give his valid point only to be once again –momentarily- ignored. Ichigo taking his time as he tried to concentrate on the cigarette instead of Kaien and his questions.

"I know."

Kaien just stared at Ichigo before passing a hand wearily over his face, wanting to say something else but finding it futile. So instead of doing as he wanted, he pushed himself off the wall and strode towards the back door of his shabby tea shop. Only stopping inches before the door to give a rather clear and firm demand to the orange head.

"If Yoruichi finds out, I knew nothing."

Ichigo just let a rather sadistic smile grace his lips. Looking rather bad-ass with the cigarette in between his shiny white teeth and black leather coat as he waved a hand at his cousin's demand. Not really thinking much of it and only taking the white stick out of his mouth once Kaien was back inside.

To say the truth, Ichigo actually hated smoking. But for some reason, doing so had become a sort of ritual for him to honor his still disappeared family. He remembered how Isshin would only smoke on the day of his mother's death, and as such, decided to try it about five years ago on July fifteen. Once he did this, for some reason it had become a quick habit to do so at any time he wanted to remember his family. Yet not long after, he was discovered by his new, self-proclaimed mother Shihōin Yoruichi.

The purple haired women, of course, had been furious instantly. But Ichigo soon found a way to go around her and made a rule to only smoke after missions in a way of saying he was back alive to his family. It was weird, and he knew it. Yet he also happened to think that he might be addicted. But there came a time when he didn't have a mission for a month and he never once went crazy for the white death stick. This came as a relief for Ichigo that had always hated smoking, but even then he never stopped his little ritual and sometimes even smoked before missions like right now. It was a rare occurrence, but even then it happened from time to time.

However, Ichigo couldn't idle around all night and decided to stand up while turning off the cigarette with the concrete floor, as he silently -and almost elegantly- raised to his full height. He huffed out a last breath and noticed how a white cloud of air erupted from his mouth. Absently realizing how the night was growing colder and colder and thinking nothing of it as he stalked away in the pitch black night.

For some reason, he just couldn't feel the coldness thanks to his own frozen heart.

#6#

A lone drop leaked inconsiderately from the faucet in the cold dark corner. The droplet falling slowly in a small puddle of accumulated water as the sound of liquid against liquid was the only thing that disrupted the cool night.

Two figures stood at arm's reach from the other as they were both clothed in the eternal darkness that only aided in concealing their already hidden identities. One of them shifted in their place as the next droplet cascaded down to fall onto the same puddle of water.

He surreptitiously raised a hand to tug his hood to cover even more his already concealed identity. For some unknown reason he felt uneasy in this abandoned building with a not so trust worthy superior that had called him forth to this particular place. It was unnerving and maybe even irritating to hear the piddle paddle of the loose faucet but he didn't say anything. Only staring in the direction of where he suspected green eyes lingered before quickly turning around at the sudden sound of heavy footsteps.

"Wh-who?"

The obvious sound of boot against cement stopped once he muttered his rather silent question. Gaze shifting from the eternal darkness towards the other person that was starting to bring down their hood to reveal messy blonde hair, her cold green eyes and chocolate colored skin as her lower face was covered in a high collar.

His eyes widened as he finally noticed another person standing slightly behind his superior at about five foot nine. His panicked state barely registering this as he started to take hesitant steps back.

"Who-? What-? Why is this happening!?"

The black clothed figure said nothing as it started to take steady steps forward to go in front of the blonde women. The identity of the assailant still being unknown as a white mask with red lines covered perfectly well the face of the hooded figure.

The man, however, didn't like the silent answer he was given and as such took out a handgun revolver and started to point the silver weapon at the now still figure even as his hand shook with underlying fear and panic.

"Don't move! Don't take another step or I'll fire!"

The masked person stood silently in its place before he was suddenly gone. The shivering man quickly turned around in all directions before he came face to face with a black Five-seveN handgun, trying not to move since he felt the cold sensation of steel against his neck.

"I-impossible… How?"

"Fear is a mind-killer."

"What?"

The masked person tilted slowly its head before tightening its grip on the equally black blade and gun. Lazily putting more force on his blade as he started to slowly draw blood from the quivering man.

"Your fear is what made you blind to my movements. Though, I doubt you could keep up anyway."

The man just couldn't understand what his soon to be killer was saying. His words too complex for his dying mind and too much for his shattering soul. He was entering such a state that he didn't even notice the approach of the blonde women and much less did he notice said person's bone chilling glare.

"You will regret ever hurting my girls Nirgge Parduoc. If you ever thought I would let Barragan handle your punishment since he's your direct superior, than you are highly mistaken. I only feel bad for White since you are now his problem."

White merely scoffed before swiftly tying the man's hands. Doing so, with not a hint of gentleness as he proceeded to knock out the guy with the blunt part of his pitch black blade.

"How many times have I told you, its Shiro, not White?"

"It's the same thing. In the castle back in Spain, they called you Blanco. I don't see the difference. Only the language."

The newly dubbed Shiro sheathed his blade before placing the black Five-seveN in its holster. He then proceeded in grabbing the fallen man by the color of his coat and dragging the heavy body out of the wet and moldy building while not even caring when the hood fell off his victim and light blonde hair came into sight.

He really hated these kind of people so he felt no remorse what so ever in pulling the much heavier man out like a rag doll. He stopped, however, to glance back at the blonde women as he made sure there was no one nearby before turning back to face forward while treading back in his path as he gave a silent farewell along with good news for the blonde.

"I hope to see you in one week. Queen."

Queen stayed rooted in her place as a small and almost insignificant smile graced her beautiful features. Trying not to look excited, as she too, turned around and went her way while Shiro had already made it out the door.

Said person however, quickly found a black van parked outside of the building in a dark alleyway, completely out of sight and only aiding him in keeping hidden as another masked person excited the vehicle.

"You got the trash?"

Shiro just let go of his baggage as he didn't even care when the blonde's head hit concrete rather harshly. Only walking away from the van so that the masked man could hoist up the unconscious figure.

"Where's your coat Sixty nine?"

Sixty nine only tsk-ed before dumping the hump of trash in the van. Dusting his hands as he finished and turned to look at his black clothed ally.

"I don't need that crap. I don't even work in the field, so the best I need is this mask. Besides, my silver hair is a dead giveaway. And don't call me that name. It just pisses me off."

"Alright Kensei. Just make sure to stay out of trouble and take that guy to Geta-Boushi."

Kensei, however, blinked in confusion as he stared at his ally with unhidden turmoil. Silver colored brows furrowing underneath white mask as he stared at the retreating back of the black clothed menace.

"Where are you going Ichigo?"

Said person stopped before turning to look at the man from the corner of his eye. Lifting a hand to absently cover up even more his orange colored hair beneath his pitch black coat.

"Use code name. I don't know about you, but I have no desire to be caught up in some mess."

Kensei merely rolled his eyes before shifting in his place. Putting a hand on his hip as he reclined himself on the cold black van.

"Alright Shiro, where the hell are you going?"

"I'm going to my house tonight. I haven't gone in a while, and I want some privacy."

"They're not going to be happy you know."

Ichigo just scoffed before placing a hand over his black holster. Trying to gain comfort from his trustworthy weapon as he knew exactly who the other man was talking about.

"Let them be. I need my space and they should know that."

Kensei just rolled his eyes before huffing out a sigh and pushing himself off the van to walk towards the driver seat. He didn't want to partake in any of Kisuke's or Shinji's traps to keep Ichigo hauled inside and decided to let the other be.

"If they find out, I knew nothing."

The orange haired man almost did a double take as he felt a sense of deja vous; having an expression of complete disbelief that was easily concealed by his almost pure white mask as he stared at the back of his silver haired comrade.

"Okay. Just be careful with the guy. He's kinda big so it'll be hard to sneak in the body."

"The way you say it makes it sound like a corpse. Besides, if your scrawny ass was able to drag the guy all the way out here, than hauling the guy inside with myself will be easy enough."

Ichigo just scoffed in slight irritation, before he too, started to walk away. He went in the opposite direction and headed deeper into the shadows as he left the silver haired man behind. Disappearing in the labyrinth of alley ways and making way towards a rusty old dumpster.

Once he arrived at a dumpster bin, Ichigo went behind the old thing to find a black adventure touring motorcycle in its full glory. A helmet hung loosely at the end of one of the handles and a metal sword rack welded at the side of the beautiful vehicle.

Ichigo approached the motorcycle before taking out a folded red sword bag from his coat. Loosening the grip his belt had on lithe hips as he took off his sheathed sword and placed it inside the bag and proceeded to fasten it on the sword rack. Once he finished this, the orange head spared not a second to get on the black vehicle and put on the helmet to further conceal his identity. Fishing out a key from his pocket and turning on the loud machine as he accelerated and took off in a blaze of speed and agility.

As the twenty-seven year old sped through the night streets of Tokyo, he tried to not think of his previous argument with his family and certainly not on the blue haired sex god he was starting to feel more than a little interest in.

He only wanted to concentrate on his previous mission and his soon to come task in one week. He thought about the Queen and her girls and wanted more than anything to get them out. He wanted to take the four girls out of the hell hole then and there but he couldn't be reckless.

The Queen's identity was actually Tier Harribel. She was named tercera and successor –as he had learned today- to the previous tercera Nelliel tu Oderschvank. The tercera was actually in charge of the more legal area of Aizen's group. Only needing to get their hands dirty when it came to frauds in the market and using their feminine charms to get what they want –or what Aizen wants anyway. So when it came to that post, it was usually handled by sweeter, and at least humane people.

It was usually the post that received less information from dark trades, but even then it's an espada rank and must not be underestimated. But when the Queen had sent in a message for help, the task force was not able to say no and much less with such a bold and well hidden person such as her. She knew what she was doing, and that, more than anything, intrigued the higher ups. As such, it didn't come as a surprise that Ichigo was tasked with the mission of getting her out. This was his expertise after all. The front-lines. He knew how to accommodate the chess board to bail out the blonde and that was what he was doing.

Today, he had gotten rid of trash to cover Harribel's more humane personality and show an unforgiving side of her that was rarely known in the underworld. He was trying to make her look cruel and like a threat, so that it wouldn't come as a surprise when she would become a target for the Japanese undercover task force. Ichigo needed her to be feared and most of all forgotten because he didn't want people following her and searching for a way to get to her. He needed them to forget she ever excited and only taking her closest subordinates to cover up any holes.

Ichigo had started doing this about a month ago, and he had slowly but surely created an image of unease for the lower ranks when the name Harribel came to light. It was creating the perfect scenario for his crime and also making Aizen believe that the blonde was no longer what he needed in the tercera's post. He had gotten rid of people from her own jurisdiction. Had faked the death of various police officers so that it would look as if Harribel was the cause. And now he had captured an idiot from the segunda's ranks. If that wasn't making the blonde look bad than he didn't know what did. But of course, the end of his mission would not come until two weeks from tonight -as he had told the blonde. The short term involvement with the other being almost finished and not needing his assistance any longer.

However, Ichigo was brought back from his thoughts once he noticed he was arriving at his private, two story home. He slowed down to reasonable levels as he opened a garage door automatically and entered to park besides a silver Ascari KZ1 before closing the garage door once again. Ichigo took off the helmet before doing the same with his mask and hood, finally letting his long orange locks roam freely from their confinements as he threaded tanned fingers lazily through strands of soft silken locks.

He let out a tired sigh as he dismounted and grabbed the pitch black blade that was still inside the red sword bag from its rack. Once he did this, Ichigo made way towards the door and swiftly took off his coat and hanged it on a rack before discarding his boots and going inside.

He breathed in the calming smell of his empty home as he closed the door and surveyed the dark kitchen. He turned on the lights to better guide his footsteps as he made way to another area of the house.

Ichigo walked silently through the wooden hallway as he made way to a locked room in the far end of the rather spacious house. He took out a set keys and opened the varnished wooden door with care and patience, doing it slowly as he peaked inside to make sure no one was there before he walked in and turned on the light.

As Ichigo entered, he tried to give the sole thing in the room his full attention. Going forward to open the wooden closet to find it full of equipment like bullets, knifes and extra handguns along with a FN A3G rifle. There was also an empty space reserved for his Five-seveN and a beautiful hand crafted rack for the pitch black blade.

What was special about these two empty spaces however, was how the rack had the character for Zan -斬- engraved. And the place where the black, Five-seven was supposed to be stored, was the character for Getsu -月. The two deadly weapons forming the pair by the name Zangetsu and being Ichigo's most prized treasure at the moment. It was something that he would forever cherish and the orange head just knew that the two, pitch black beauties had saved him from to many near death situations to count.

Ichigo just pushed the thought aside, however, as he took out the half by the name of Zan and placed it on the rack. Shortly after, taking the handgun from its holster and doing the same with Getsu before closing the closet door and leaving the room before locking it as well.

He turned off the lights from the lower floor only to stride up the stairs and into his room. The orange head didn't even flicker the lights on as he threw himself on the king sized bed. Not even taking the time to take his clothes off even when he was still wearing the holster around his hip.

His day had been rather long. And for some reason, he couldn't find it in himself to care that he was wrinkling up his coat. Or the fact that his holster was hurting his side. He could only think about his pretty simple mission and his argument with the family before his mind wandered towards better routes and he found himself remembering his easy going chat with his friends.

It had been so much fun for Ichigo to be with the gang again. And it had been way better to have Nel and Grimmjow with them. Because for some reason, he felt the group was more balanced. Nel could actually understand Orihime's crazy imagination while Grimmjow was just… himself.

It was odd how the blunet could just be himself and at the same time compliment the group to make it more stable. Being a constant, sane yet crazy presence in their little circle, that for some reason just brought a sense of warmth and happiness –he guessed it had to do with the guy's sense of humor.

Ichigo would forever feel jealous of the man because for some reason the blunt was just so fucking bright. His presence just drawing everyone in and being so fucking natural that the orange head couldn't avoid being pulled in. And for some strange reason, he certainly didn't mind. He was quickly changing his interest for the man, into something more intimate where he just had the need to find out more about Grimmjow.

But with that last thought in mind Ichigo groaned into the pillows and flipped over to stare at the white ceiling. His hand itching for a cigarette as he suppressed the urge to think about his family as an excuse, and replacing the hot blunet that was becoming his new fascination quicker than what he would like. It was a little bit overwhelming but even then it was breath taking.

He had loved the gentle embrace he had been forced into when he had received news of his family from the blunet. He enjoyed the constant insistence the man had that he would someday become his. He had felt utterly embarrassed, but all the more unsatisfied when he had received a rather hard grope. But most of all, he had come to be addicted to that raspy, bone chilling voice the blue haired sex god owned and just couldn't get enough of it.

But as his mind became clouded with thoughts of the mouthwatering blunet, his eyes closed and his breath steadied into a silent rhythm. The only sounds heard being the constant tick of an annoying clock and the outside noises from the night life along with the sound of the howling cold wind.

How he wished to be bathed in the sun's beautiful heat once more…

To be continued…

A/N: Sorry for the super duper late update, but hospitalization causes this so please forgive me T^T

On a brighter note, hopefully i can get everything sorted out in a better way and hopefully I shall update my other stories soon enough so please me patient! Next update on this is on March 10

Preview:

I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

The baritone voice sent shivers down his spine, a feeling foreign from the cold winds and his rising fever he was choosing to ignore. Ichigo could almost see the grin stretched on the others handsome features. The psychopathic-like smirk that promised a great deal of torture and pain, yet Ichigo only found himself mesmerized by the being behind him. He tried to form words, eyes darting from his victim to the rookie cops snooping around the structure as he wet his dry lips and swallowed a lump in his throat.

"I-I wasn't expecting to see you here."