As soon as Ichigo entered, everyone scattered about and hurried out of the cafe like usual, including Keigo who feared his wrath, except for Rukia and her friends. The girls had mixed reactions. After all, so much has changed in the past couple of weeks.

Senna and Orihime were glad for the most part to see their beloved boss back, although they were still a little bit terrified as they still hadn't left the room like everyone else.

Tatsuki was beyond terrified of him judging by her horror expression. After what she learned about him and the events two days ago, she could never see Ichigo the same again. She sat there looking the other direction, avoiding eye contacting with her childhood "friend" and boss. It didn't help that she could feel his gaze on her form.

Rukia on the other hand was feeling very embarrassed judging by her beet-red face. Dirty thoughts she was trying desperately to suppress were forcing their way into her mind. She wondered if Ichigo knew she was there spying on them the other night. One thing's for sure, it was going to be an awkward long day, at least for her.

Senna and Orihime made their way over to him first to greet him first.

"Good morning Mr Kurosaki! Glad to see you're back" Senna began while looking at him with dreamy eyes. "Things just aren't the same without you huh, even if you were gone for one day. What would you like for brea-"

"Mr Kurosaki!" Orihime interrupted, hugging Ichigo tightly. Ichigo was still as stoic as ever but he did return the hug by lightly patting her lower back. He secretly reveled in the feeling of Orihime's large jugs pressing on his chest.

When she let go, Ichigo then noticed her new look. Ichigo's eyes widened, he had never seen his princess so...

beautiful, especially with her hair tied up like that and her mini skirt which left little to the imagination. Orihime was blushing furiously under his intense gaze.

"Mornin' princess." He greeted. "Have to say, I love your new look. What's the occasion?"

Orihime's heart swelled after hearing her comment. "Th-thank you Mr Kurosaki. I'm glad you like it. And... well... I decided to change things up... for you. To make you proud." She said with teary eyes. In her mind she could never thank Ichigo enough for what he did for her. She hated looking so weak and fragile to him, hence the change. He was her world.

"Well you certainly did princess." He said while caressing her cheek.

"Oh would you look at that! It's nine already!" Senna chimed in, having a mean jealous look on her face. You could hear the other girls groan. "What would you like to have for breakfast Mr Kurosaki? I've got-"

"Thanks for the offer Senna but I'm not all that hungry." Ichigo replied. Senna politely bowed and went back to her post, As for everyone else... well... you know the drill."

"Well... I better get going huh..." Orihime said while nervously playing with her hair. It's a habit of hers Ichigo notices when she's gathering courage to say something.

"Uhm, Mr Kurosaki? Later... if you're not busy of course! I was hoping if we could... you know, spend more time together... if you don't mind. I'm sorry if it seems I'm asking this a little too-"

"Okay I get it princess. Asking me on another date are we?" Ichigo interrupted her rambling chuckling all the while, making Orihime blush in embarrassment. "But I'm not exactly sure if I'll have the time today, especially since I skipped work yesterday. How bout some other time yeah?" He said. Orihime nodded sadly but she understood how busy Ichigo can be.

She waved goodbye and hurriedly exited the room. He watched perversely as her rear strained against her tight mini skirt. He would have kissed her, but of course he made it a rule in his company that there'll be no sex or inappropriate public displays of affection in the building so he had to hold up that image to a somewhat decree. Ichigo knew it was a stupid rule and it made him erupt in laughter everyday considering the many girls he fucked in this very building. To make it worse, Yoruichi came up with this dumb idea simply because it was "kinky" to her the thought of getting caught.

The two girls Tatsuki and Rukia made their way over to him, Rukia with an embarrassed look and Tatsuki with a sort of fearful look on her face, refusing to make eye contact with him. She didn't have that challenging look she always gave him every morning this time. She looked... timid.

"Good. It was about time she was put in her place, even though things didn't go the way I thought they would."

He understood why Tatsuki was like that, but he didn't understand why Rukia was feeling so embarrassed and red. Heck, she kept glancing at him and diverting her eyes and fidgeting with her fingers once she was on his side. It was odd. This reminded him of how she behaved when she caught him and Yoruichi making the beast with two backs.

"Hm. Wonder what's up with her this time."

"Ey Tatsuki" Ichigo calls out when he sees Tatsuki try to slip past him, making her pause in her footsteps. She turned her head and looked behind her to see Ichigo staring at her with a knowing smirk. "Not even a hello? Wow Tatsuki. I thought we fixed things up the other night. What? Was my performance really that bad? And is it me or are you kinda limping?" He joked making both girls blush madly.

"Uh... uh... Morning Ich- Mr Kurosaki. I was just... goodbye!" That's all she said before bolting out. Ichigo let out a small chuckle seeing the almighty Tatsuki blushing and stumbling like a school girl. He looked over to Rukia and spoke "Alright. Another crappy day. And a long one at that. My clients have called me this morning about a new business venture so let's get this over with 'kay?" Rukia nodded as they went to the elevator.

Once they were inside the atmosphere was awkward to say the least for Rukia who was trying to compose herself. Ichigo for the most part was neutral.

"Brace yourself Rukia! You've got work to do! For goodness's sake this man's a sleaze! And he's hung! How does he walk around with that thing! It's like I'm being mocked for being a virgin!! Well I'm not but what happened with Renji might as well have never happened in the first place. What I hate probably the most is that he looks exactly like Kaien, save for the hair colour!"

"Midget!" Ichigo called out, snapping her out of her thoughts. "You feeling alright?"

"Me? Oh I'm alright. Just... have a lot on my mind today." She replied while blushing.

"Can't believe I didn't notice this before... she looks cute when flustered." He then got a devious idea.

"What's got you all flustered midget? I know that expression. Could it be that you've finally got laid? Properly this time?" He asked mischievously.

"What! No!" Rukia blurted. "Where did you get that idea from?!"

"I don't know you tell me. You're the one who's all red like a freaking tomato." He replied. He moved closer to her until her back touched the surface of the elevator, making her cower under his gaze. He knows what he's doing and he's been playing this game for years.

"Anyone ever told ya you look cute when you're flustered." He spoke while leaning down a bit, his hand outstretched and touching the elevator surface. He stared at her form for a moment, dressed in a black blouse which exposed her delicate neck, a black skirt and legs clothed in a panty hose and black heels.

"Uhh... thanks... I guess?" She replied as they stared at each other's orbs.

"Come on midget. Tell me who's this boy that's got you all worked up? Is it Keigo?"

"No!" She exclaimed in disgust.

"Is it Mizuiro? That guy's always been a player." She shook her head no.

"Why the disgusted face? For a while I thought you were into Keigo seeing as you hang out a lot."

"He's just a friend Mr Kurosaki. Annoying but still a friend. He's not my type." She replied while Ichigo was still staring into her eyes, making her more flustered than before. Inwardly she was panicking from this intense staring contest and he knew it.

"Damn it! Those eyes of his! Why do they always make me feel so weak! So little..."

"I see." He bent down until he was eye with her. "Am I your type then, Rukia?"

Her eyes widened. "He said my name again!"

"Uhh..." She couldn't find any words to say. "What's with all the questions? Sure he's handsome... those eyes, wild hair... pale skin... his..." Her thoughts drifted to Ichigo's sexual encounters she witnessed. "Why am I even thinking about this!"

"Come on Rukia, it's just a simple question isn't it?" He mocked.

"You're not all bad yourself... in terms of looks..." She replied while looking away trying to hide her blush.

That was enough confirmation for him. "So you admit I am huh? Would you look at that, little midget has the hots for her boss. Have you possibly been thinking about my proposal?" He asked. He gently cupped her chin and turned her head, making her look back at him.

"How could I have not noticed it before. Cute little midget. She's so fun to mess around with. Getting inside her pants will be child's play..."

"I-I-I don't know what you're talking about Mr Kurosaki..." She replied shyly all the while trying desperately to compose herself, to not lose herself staring at his handsome features, his strawberry scent tickling her nostrils.

"How I just want to... to just..."

"We've been workmates for how long now Rukia? Months? Is that how you always want it to be? Just that?" He said with that cocky smirk Rukia loathed. Still Rukia couldn't give an affirmitive answer.

Subconsciously she moved her head closer to his. She didn't know what got into her at that moment. She wasn't thinking. She closed her eyes, bringing her lips closer and closer to his own.

Ichigo himself stayed rooted to that spot. Sure he was messing around with her but what out coming was he expecting? Even he didn't know. For the first time in a long while Ichigo was clueless.

"Her scent... lavender..."

Their lips were about to clash... until the elevator stopped bringing them out of their trance. They quickly scrambled away from each other breathing heavily.

"What happened just now..." Ichigo thought. He's a master of mind games and it's not the first time he's kissed a girl, so why was he so... hypnotized.

Rukia wasn't doing much better. Her heart was beating rapidly. "Did I almost..." She thought in disbelief. "He's my boss for crying out loud! What was I thinking? I'm starting to be like all those other harlots of his in this building! I don't know how much longer I can last! This man is driving me crazy each day!"

"Well... Let's get this shit over with." He said as he made his way to his office without even waiting for Rukia. Rukia soon followed suit but she could feel somehow that something was troubling him.

She sighed. "This is going to be a long day..."

Cafeteria, lunch break...

Senna, Rukia, Orihime and Tatsuki sat together during their lunch break chatting as always. This time though they were joined by the whole bunch in Keigo, Mahana, Ryo, Chizuru and Mizuiro. Because each bench could only fit about 3 people, Ryo and Mizuiro were standing and leaning on the table while Chizuru stood behind the seated Orihime trying to grab her jugs. She was unsuccessful as Tatsuki repeatedly swatted her hand away.

Regardless, the conversation took an interesting turn when Senna began telling her tale of how she and Ichigo met. The group scooted closer, eager to hear anything about their enigmatic boss and former schoolmate.

"Hmm. Where do I start..." Senna began...

5 years ago, Karakura orphanage, 10 PM

The scene was horrible. The young girl wondered how things had come to this. Dressed in a worn-out brown sweater and a red ruffled skirt and sandals, the young purple haired girl watched helplessly as the only home she knew was tarnished.

She was hiding behind a tree in the garden and watched as her home was invaded by unknown individuals wearing masks and similar white clothing, carrying guns and machetes. More started coming in from their five vans parked outside the complex. She immediately identified them as the hollows. They barged in the many houses of the orphanage, threatening the many inhabitants.

She could hear them shouting at the elderly women to hand over their belongings, especially money. Many kids and women were screaming for their lives. She could hear the cries of women as these crooks started forcefully snatching away some of the children and throwing them into the back of the vans and shut the door. More crooks were inside with the children in the back, threatening to blow their heads off if they make any type of noise. They wept in terror.

The women and elderly were not defenceless though as the security officers tried to fend of the hollow gang but they were shot dead on the spot. Even the men who worked there, or the fathers of these children tried to defend and protect the women and children but their efforts proved futile as most were shot dead, stabbed or rendered unconscious. It was a terrible sight to behold. Even the orphaned children tried to defend their mothers but were struck down and left half dead, some were unfortunate and died in the exchange.

They didn't stop there. After taking the orphanages' most prized possessions, they also kidnapped young girls and women they deemed attractive and put them into the vans, tying black rope around the mouths to keep them from screaming. She could see these crooks start to inappropriately touch the terrified women.

Even if they were able to scream at the top of their lungs it would prove futile. It was a hollow invasion, and hollow invasions are not something to take lightly. It wasn't just the orphanage in bad luck, but a good majority of Karakura town. The town was in shambles.

Recently the hollows have grown in numbers and power, thus they've been terrorizing everyone and everything for the past five plus months. And with the rise of the new terrifying masked horned hollow who is rumored to be leading these charges, citizens have been living in fear. Even the Seretei force was struggling to keep them at bay.

Everything was on fire, from stores to apartments to a few banks and vehicles. It was pure chaos. These hollows were in the hundreds, more than half a thousand to be precise. And despite this threat, Senna never imagined that they would stoop so low to even rob an orphanage.

"Why! They're just children! Innocent children! Who are trying desperately to survive, including me! They had nothing left to begin with! Now what! Now what!" She screamed in her mind while weeping bitterly, trying to keep her sobs from being heard.

"Ey! Make sure to search every inch of this place! Leave no stone unturned!" She suddenly heard a voice command the other members. Her heart beat rapidly in fear as she heard footsteps approach closer to the rather forested garden. Her fear intensified as she heard the sound of burning flames as they consumed the houses.

Even though the garden was well forested with a couple of trees and many tall shrubs she didn't feel safe. She could have climbed the tree had it been not so tall, and she would be spotted on the other side by more hollows. She tried to keep her breath even as the footsteps got closer and closer.

"Man it's too fuckin' dark out here!" One of the thugs yelled out. "Are you sure there's even anything here! I hear no mother fucker out here!"

"Stop yapping and do your job! We can't mess this up! You don't want boss to get mad do ya!?" Another thug replied. Grunting in frustration, the thing proceeded to search everywhere in the garden.

"Wait? I hear something... Gotcha! Not a bad hiding place gotta give ya that." Her eyes widened in horror thinking she was caught. Turns out she wasn't the only one hiding in the garden as screaming kids were snatched out of the shrubs one by one totalling to a number of seven. She knew it wouldn't be too long till she was caught so she had to make a run for it. Most exits of the orphanage were colonised by hollows but she would risk it anyway.

A majority of the hollows were leaving the garden already and she was thankful.

"Hey! Stoop snooping around out there! We're short on time so let's get outta here before these soul reapers come and ruin our party! A hollow called out to one who was lacking behind.

"Coming in just a sec..." He replied. He searched around a bit more until he got a bit too close for comfort. She had to move to the other side of the tree as the man was now on her right to keep herself hidden. Unfortunately as she moved a twig broke, making a loud crack sound.

"Looks like there's someone out here just as I thought. Hahaha! Come out come out wherever you are. Daddy's come to plaaaay..." The hollow mocked as he got closer to the trees. She had no doubt that she was heard now. "Come out kid I ain't gonna harm ya. I've got some chocolate candy in my hand... well it's actually a gun but... nevermind."

Her chest was heaving for breath from being so scared. The footsteps could be heard from being her. She was torn from choosing either to run or stay hidden. She ultimately chose to stay hidden as the chance of getting shot were high.

She stayed rooted to the same spot without making a single sound. Moments passed and she could no longer hear any footsteps. She waited... listened... but nothing.

Bizzare. Was he gone? She made the mistake of trying to peep behind the tree and instantly hands grabbed her mouth forcefully. She screamed in fear and tried running away but was lifted up by the powerful man onto his shoulder.

"There! Caught another one! Man you're feisty aren't ya?" Senna fought, thrashed and punched but the man was tough as nails and had a strong grip around her waist, dragging her out of the garden and into the main yard where all the hollows were.

As a last ditch effort she bit hard on the man's shoulder, drawing out blood. He yelled in pain and loosened his. Senna took advantage by sprinting away. She didn't go very far until...

*Smack*

She was smacked hard on the skull by the back of a gun by another hollow in the area, drawing out small bits of blood. Her vision got blurry as she was hoisted up and taken away.

She was trying by all means to stay conscious as she needed to figure out an escape plan if possible or check her surroundings should she also get kidnapped. There was no way she could help out everyone if she was unconscious.

She heard the hollows organize everything else, preparing for take off. By now she was by the entrance of the orphanage, ready to be put in the van like all the others

"Is this how it ends? Just like that?" She cried.

"WHAT THE FUCK'S GOING ON HERE!" A sudden distorted voice could be heard, making seemingly every hollow stop in their footsteps.

"B-boss! Y-you're here!" She heard one of them call out in astonishment. "Oh that's good! This will make our job so much easi-"

"YOU DIDN'T ANSWER THE DAMN QUESTION! I SAID WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING HERE!" The man shouted. His voice was terrifying as it is. She wondered how it could be possible for someone to have such a distorted voice. He has to be using a speaker or some device. She fought to open her eyes to check out this mysterious intruder who could potentially be her saviour.

She instantly regretted doing that.

Standing in front of her was the town's most infamous hollow. He was known by his trademark white mask which covered his whole face and hail with long horns protruding at the top. Red lines travelled up and down his eyes and eyeholes which were pitch black. He was dressed in a white long sleeve jacket which was a little torn and exposed his six pack pale torso. On his hands were white gloves with long claws and holding a pistol with the left. He wore white dress pants which had numerous holes, a black belt and white shoes. It seemed like he was in the middle of a scuffle or murder as his torso, mask, left arm and pants were covered in blood, his jacket also showed burns.

The hollows were standing at attention, and the cries of the women and children did not stop.

"It's the usual boss. You know. Have to say we struck gold with this one..."

*BAM!*

Whoever the hollow was that spoke didn't get to finish his sentence as he was shot dead right between his eyes by the horned hollow, dropping to the ground lifelessly. The bullet holes was seen through the mask. Gasps could be heard.

"WHO'S BRIGHT IDEA WAS IT TO INVADE A FUCKING ORPHANAGE!" He yelled, clearly pissed. They all kept silent. He wasn't in the mood to play games and reloaded his gun, aiming at the person who was carrying Senna. Her eyes widened in fear.

The thug answered immediately "B-b-b-but y-you said we-we should invade homes if w-we pleased a-and take as many hostages we can-we can fit. What better place than the-"

"I SPECIFICALLY TOLD YOU TO GO AFTER HOMESTEADS OR SOME OTHER CRAP, NOT ORPHANAGES! LOOK AT THIS FUCKING MESS! HOW ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO FIT IN FIVE VANS! HIGH SPEED CHASES ARE IMPOSSIBLE NOW WITH THIS MANY PASSENGERS ON BOARD! AND THE SERETEI'S ON IT'S WAY NOW! I TOLD YOU TO MEET ME 30 MINUTES AGO AND BYAKUREN'S ASS ALMOST GOT ME KILLED AND YOU'RE STILL NOT PROPERLY SORTED! NOT ONLY THAT BUT YOU LEFT SO MANY WITNESSES BEHIND! WITH THIS MANY, INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONS WOULD HUNT OUR ASS DOWN AND SERETEI'S ALREADY ANNOYING AS IT IS! AND I TOLD YOU AS MANY WE CAN FIT! DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IT CAN FIT? ALREADY FORCES ARE CLEANING HOUSE IN TOWN AND WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE GONE BY NOW!" The hollow ranted. The hollows looked down in shame. It got worse when police sirens sounded in the distance as police cars were making their way.

"B-boss, I sincerely ap-"

*BAM!*

He pulled the trigger, killing the hollow carrying Senna. She was sent crashing down as the man fell on the ground.

"COME ON MOVE! WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME! AND RELEASE AS MANY HOSTAGES YOU CAN, WE CAN'T KEEP THEM ALL! KEEP EVERYTHING ELSE!" He ordered.

Good news is many women and children were released from the vans though they were blindfolded and mouth taped. Bad news is not all made it out in time as the vans took off in a haste.

She was watching all of this in fear. She was in fear because of all that has transpired, but most importantly she was face to face with this terrifying horror. The rumours were no joke when they said he was a cold blooded killer, able to kill his own allies without so much as a second thought. Worst part, she was staring face to face with this being. He was looking down at her without even speaking to her or making a sound. He just... stared. It was impossible to read his expression through the mask.

She also couldn't keep her eyes away from him, in fear that if she did something she might die. Moments passed with no words from them as the police came closer and closer. He didn't seem intimidated at the fact that the Seretei force was approaching or that his allies all left leaving him alone with no means of transport.

As the police cars shined their light, she could finally saw his eyes. They were brown, staring holes into her soul. She felt strange as she stared at him, like his eyes were devoid of emotion, of life. Unable to hold it together anymore she looked down and cried, her face burried in the ground while lying on her stomach. It didn't help that it started raining cats and dogs suddenly.

Her head jerked up when she heard the words "I'm sorry."

Was she hearing things? Did he just apologize? A hollow? The most cold hearted of all? She wasn't able to confirm as suddenly smoke filled the area, encasing it in a giant fog. So he did have an escape plan after all. Exhausted, she slipped into unconsciousness, the rain pouring heavily on her form...

End flashback.

"Woah." They all said in unison.

"W-wow Senna. I'm-I'm sorry for what happened to you." Said Mahana in a caring voice. Senna was close to bursting into tears from telling her backstory. Tatsuki and Orihime were rubbing her back in a comforting gesture, the latter letting out a small tear.

"Oh it's okay. I'm kinda over it anyways." Senna replied.

"So you're an orphan? What happened to your parents?" Chizuru asked.

"I never knew my parents sadly. No one knows what happened to them, either they abandoned me or they died. The orphanage was the only home I ever knew." She replied in a sad tone.

"That damn hollow!" Keigo began. "How dare he start all this mess, killing innocent lives! All those poor kids! And all he has to say is 'sorry'? Wherever he is I hope he roots in hell!"

"Agreed." Ryo added.

"Ichigo may be a part of them but there's no way he could be that heartless. Yeah, there's no way he could be that hollow... right?" Tatsuki convinced herself.

"Wait? You said the hollow's eyes were brown, right?" Rukia asked suddenly. They raised their brow wondering why Rukia would need to ask that.

"Yeah. They were scary too. It's like they were staring directly at my soul. I've never felt so weak and useless at that moment. They are so much different from Mr Kurosaki's brown eyes. His are just dreamy, hot... sexy... hmm... I love the power they have over me..." She replied dreamily and Ryo, Orihime, Mahana and even Tatsuki sighed dreamily.

"Senna's description sound exactly like how carrot-top's eyes make me feel, especially this morning. They have this sort of... power in them. Could it be... but that wouldn't make any sense since my si-" Rukia pondered.

"Why do you ask Rukia?" Said Senna.

"Oh. No particular reason..." Rukia replied.

Mizuiro was still confused about this whole thing. "What does this have to do with meeting Ichigo? No offense."

"You didn't let me finish..."

Flashback.

When Senna woke up she found herself in the hospital. Because she didn't have enough money to pay for her bills, nor did she have any family relations she was discharged early. She had nowhere else to go. Her home was in ruins, she had no money to feed herself. She was truly lost. She spent the night sleeping in the hospital parking lot.

The following day, still dressed in her worn out clothes, she went out into the midst of the town hoping to find herself some place to crash or at least a job to make some decent money. She found none of those. Depressed, she went around with her head hung down.

That's when she saw an ad on one of the billboards which brought a smile on her face. It was fastest rising young entrepreneur named Ichigo Kurosaki. His popularity was skyrocketing these days especially amongst the female population. Posters of the young man were everywhere.

Senna herself was infatuated with the man. She considered him her idol. He was her inspiration, seeing as he went from a local street kid, a nobody, to this big influential businessman who has raised a mid company like Getsuga Corp to new heights. And his contributions to the town for every mess the hollows caused made him an instant favorite among many including herself. Plus she had to admit, he was very handsome. She had a major crush on him and would spend all day on her phone searching up her idols when she was at the orphanage.

In the video Ichigo, dressed in a black suit, shared his condolences about the massacre of the orphanage just two days before. He was also offering to donate to the women, children and the elderly affected even though he didn't have to. He began saying stuff like how he's fighting to increase the influence of Getsuga Corp for the people, saying how the Seretei and Genryusai failed the people and he was their solution. It's not like he was involved in any of this mess and yet he was willing to play his part, earning him a round of applause from everyone watching.

A/N: Ignorant fools

"Such a great guy. Oh how I wish I could get his attention somehow... to feel his presence. Ichigo..." She thought. Her opportunity arose when it was declared Ichigo would make an appearance tomorrow at the town square. She was more than delighted at the news. She can finally meet her idol! In person! Maybe he can be able to save her life just like he saved others. The challenge though would be making it through the day...

And she did. She was lucky to find a small restaurant near the suburbs willing to hire her for the day and worked as a cleaner. It paid little but it was sufficient enough to last her for the next few days. With nowhere else to sleep, she slept in one of the uncomfortable benches of the restaurant...

Karakura Town square, press conference, 2PM...

A large crowd had gathered awaiting for Ichigo's speech. Senna had been waiting since morning for this moment and had to wait through the Seretei's boring political campaign as re-elections were in the nigh. As soon as the town's mayor arrived, the old man Genryusai Yamomoto, he was booed heavily. It got so bad security had to restrain the masses from getting their hands on him even though he was more than capable of defending himself. The people have been angry for a while because of the recent number of hollow attacks and blamed the Seretei for hardly doing anything to step up.

Ichigo though was cheered as soon he was on the scene. He paid them no attention keeping his usual stoic and frowny expression which his weird fangirls found irresistible.

"He's even dreamier in person..." She thought as she looked up at her idol from below. She wasn't paying any attention to what he was saying as she stared at her crush. He finished his speech shortly after and started to make his exit, with some of his fans tried to push forward for autographs but thankfully security there was pretty tight.

She decided to follow him at a distance, hoping that an opportunity would arise so she can properly greet him. Unfortunately she was held back by security, forbidding her from interacting with him. She screamed to get his attention but she was never heard among the loud noise. She watched as he was escorted in a black limousine.

As Ichigo he sat at the back, he looked out the window and spotted Senna looking back at him. They stared at each other for a few moments and Ichigo even raised his brow like he'd seen her before, either in shock or discomfort she couldn't tell. Her heart was racing. It was odd... deep down she felt like they've seen each other before, or more recently.

"Ichigo..." She mused. The moment didn't last long as the limo drove away, leaving a disheartened Senna behind. She wasn't giving up though. She was going to gain his attention one way or another...

For the next few weeks she focused on her job at the small restaurant to earn some money for food and new clothes. Once she was a little more sufficient, she would try her luck at Getsuga Corp. The odds were stacked against her as she has never had any form of education or qualifications. Plus she's only sixteen years of age despite how relatively mature she looks.

Later...

Getsuga Corp, 9AM

Unfortunately Senna's luck ran out. She was never accepted, in fact the moment she entered, she was laughed and mocked at for her attire, which consisted of an ugly blue top,

red mid-length ruffled skirt and sandals. She was escorted out of the building before she knew it. She requested to see Ichigo in person but her request was denied, saying someone like her had no business with the likes of him.

"If only I could talk to him somehow..." She thought sadly. "I know! I'll just wait for his car to arrive! Then I'll be able to talk to him! It's the only option I got."

And so she waited... and waited... and waited... Nothing. Just random cars passing by in the underground parking lot. All day long there was no sign of him and she eventually gave up. Perhaps she'll try another day...

Ten days passed and there was still no sign of her idol. Ten days of loitering around in the parking lot. Ten long days. It was puzzling. She knew he was a busy man but she never imagined he was that busy. And busy doing what exactly if not attending to his own business?

Because of her repeated absence from work she was fired just this morning and was evicted out of the restaurant, meaning now she had to find another place to live. She sat down, leaning against one of the pillers with her legs folded and silently wept. She didn't even care if she saw Ichigo today or not.

"Hey there little one. What're doing all here by yourself?" She heard a voice call out to her. She looked up and saw a middle aged blonde haired man in front of her with a kind smile on his face wearing a green suit.

"M-me? Oh nothing. I was just waiting for someone. It looks like he won't be here anytime soon." She replied as she stood up and wiped her tears.

"This person, it wouldn't happen to be Ichigo would it?" He asked with a knowing smile, making Senna's eyes widen in surprise.

"Yeah..." She replied and her expression saddened. "But what does it matter anyway. I'm not allowed to see him and he hasn't been here for a while."

"Oh hey, over here Ichigo!" She heard the blonde man call out. "Some girl's looking for you. It's probably the one security's been having issues with."

She looked at the direction the blonde man is looking and sure enough, Ichigo Kurosaki just got out of his black Audi and made his way over to them, a big frown on his face.

'Oh God, it's him! It's really him!'

"What now Hat'n'cloggs... who's this girl?" He said once he was standing next to them. Moments passed of awkward silence.

"Well, aren't you going to introduce yourself?" The blonde man said.

"Oh! Sorry." She replied and dusted herself off. "M-Mr Kurosaki! Wow, y-you look even better in person. I'm Senna, I'm a huge fan!" She offered her hand for a handshake. She retreated her hand back immediately when Ichigo gave her an 'are you serious' look.

The blonde man chuckled "I guess I better skedaddle. Catch you inside Ichigo." He said, leaving the parking lot.

"You the one that's been bothering security as of late?" He asked.

"W-well... that's only because I wanted to talk to ya." She replied while rubbing her hair sheepishly.

"Okay fine, I'm here now. What is it you want to speak to me about?"

He asked.

Senna closed her eyes and took a breath breath and answered "I was hoping if uh... if you can..."

"I don't have all day so stop wasting my freaking time!" He spoke up harshly, making her heart race.

She spoke timidly "I was hoping if you can be able to... hire me. I'm not asking for anything big! I'm a little desperate at the moment..."

"Seriously? That's what this is about? Why didn't you ask the secretaries?" He asked incredulously.

"I tried but I was ignored..." She replied while looking down.

"Fine." He sighed. "What are your qualifications?"

"Uhh... I uhh... have... none..."

"Then there is nothing I can do to help ya." He simply said while beginning to walk away.

"Wait!" She ran after him. "Please. I'm not asking for anything big... there has to be something I can do to contribute..." She said as she grabbed his arm from behind.

"Let go of your hand." He warned and she immediately let go. He said nothing else and continued on his way. He stopped once he heard her sobbing.

"My... my family... orphanage..." She began whilst trying hard to hold her tears. "So many died. And I just sat there and watched it all happen..." She covered her eyes and cried.

Ichigo turned around and saw the crying Senna. He was still stoic, but it seemed now he was willing to hear her side of the story, to give her a chance.

"I have nowhere else to go... I don't know what to do. Please... I'm begging you... Please give me a chance and I-I promise you will not regret it.". She said in between sobs.

A few moments of silence passed, Ichigo just staring at her with an unreadable expression. It was torture for Senna as she waited for him to say anything.

"You witnessed the massacre didn't you? You lived in the orphanage?" He asked and she nodded in response.

"I send my deepest condolences. You didn't deserve to witness any of that. Tell me, how good are you at cooking?"

Senna was puzzled by the question but answered regardless "I'd say I'm pretty good at it. My adoptive grandma was an excellent cook and I may have learned a few tricks here and there."

"We could use a bit more staff in the cafeteria, plus our food quality is trash. Okay you're..." He didn't get to finish his sentence as he was enveloped in a tight hug by the petite girl.

He rolled his eyes and smiled. A genuine smile. He hadn't smiled like that in years and it was a great feeling, even though he won't admit it. Perhaps this way he can make for his mist-

"Thank you." She muttered while crying in her chest. She pulled away from his embrace after a while and blushed, suddenly feeling very embarrassed. Her life was forever changed for the better ever since.

"So uh, when do I start?"

To be continued...