Hey kiddies. Next one out! Hoping for the next to come out tomorrow.

Its a strange story as far as I can see but I am enjoying writing it. Hope folks are liking it as well. Thanks to Lady LRC, panda master and PatD06 for dropping me a wee line to know you're around. Let me know what you think of this one!

Chapter 3

Smells, sounds and sights flooded Ichigo's mind, too much at times and since it was his first time walking on a busy street, he tended to bump into people. A couple of times he was shoved back, Ichigo shocked that someone would treat him like that but when he took in the bustle around him he realised it was his own fault. He stepped off the street onto the grass at the start of the park, standing by a large tree and just watched the world go by. So many people yet none of them seemed to see the others, walking their own way. He saw people with headphones on walking, the cable leading to one of the flat black boxes which led him to think they were portable music centres, something he instantly wanted. He'd love to be able to enclose himself in music, having it to himself only. Someone stopped near him and started a flame in his hands, holding a white stick in his mouth to it for a moment before putting the flame out, the white stick now having a glowing end. His eyes were wide as he watched the man inhale before blowing out a puff of smoke. The man saw him watching and sent him a wink, Ichigo flushing instantly before looking away, glancing back with the corner of his eye but the man had walked on.

A couple of boys younger than him rolled past on wheeled boards, laughing loudly when people on the pavement had to jump out of their way. That made him frown as it seemed rude but he was so far out of his depth he couldn't comment. Turning to head into the park he paused, the canopy of the trees making his path a bit darker. His instinct was to head straight home, to turn and run the short distance home. It would only take him minutes and the climb wouldn't slow him much; he could be back sitting on his sofa in less than ten minutes. That thought gave him the courage to go forward rather than back, what harm could he get into ten minutes from his home.

The park was fairly busy, people sitting around on the grass, some young children running around with sports balls and a few dogs chasing sticks at different parts of the vast open area. There was a foot path through the middle that was lined by more trees and the perimeter had three of the large trees separating the park from the roads surrounding it. There was some high fences over to his left and a small waist high fence to the right with some children's play equipment inside, the swings all taken and little ones on the chute and ropes. He wandered forward, astounded by the feel under his feet of the soft grass. He crouched down and ran the strands through his hands, the cool feeling making him smile. He bent lower, placing his knees on the ground so that he could lean right down and breath in the clean fresh smell of the grass. He did hear a snigger over behind him which made him look, some teenagers pointing at him and laughing. Ichigo's eyes went wide and he looked down for a second, wondering what he'd done wrong.

"Drop something?" was shouted his way before the group moved on.

Ichigo got up quickly and returned to the slight darkness caused by the perimeter trees, walking away from the group with a little less certainty in his step. He didn't know how to function in this world, didn't seem to know half the world around him. He even felt a bit silly in his suit, seeing it was only older men that seemed to be dressed in them and everyone who looked about his age in casual clothes, loose or tight denim trousers and simple t-shirts and jumpers. Some of what the women wore made Ichigo look away, surprised at the amount of skin showing compared to the few females in his life.

His ears pricked up when he heard music, something he actually knew about. His steps sped up slightly and he approached the bench where three males sat around, two with guitars that were making the music he'd heard. He stood in the trees behind the bench, recognising one of the players instantly due to the bright hair. The blue haired man outside his window was smiling widely as he played with his friends, laughing as they bobbed their heads along with it. The third was perched on the back of the bench, his feet on the seat between his friends and he was just enjoying the beat.

The sound was different to what Ichigo was used to, more like the 'noise' Shinji played that annoyed Ichigo's father but Ichigo liked it, it had good rhythm and he wished he had the courage to approach them, possibly even play with them. He pictured himself dressed in the denim and simple dark t-shirt like the three just perched on the end of the bench with his own guitar as he learned the notes from them. He could see there were a few groups of people on the grass opposite the bench that were listening, the people watching the group and some light applause when one tune ended before the next started.

Ichigo just watched the blue haired one, his smile infectious and his movements confident. He put down his guitar after a while, lifting a bottle and drinking from it, Ichigo's eyes watching his throat as he swallowed. He didn't really know what his fascination was but he itched to get a closer look to the other. He plucked up a bit of courage and walked forward, skirting the bench a bit as he glanced at his side, the blue haired one looking up and straight into Ichigo's eyes as he passed. Ichigo felt his throat close a bit with the intense stare but he kept walking, turning his head when it became uncomfortable to look back. He headed to the grass opposite the bench and sat down alone, looking around at the people nearest him who'd given him a quick look but then turned away.

Now Ichigo had a great view of his target, getting a better sight of his friends as well. The one on the back of the bench was thin with long black hair, his smile a bit wicked and his eyes narrow as he glanced over at Ichigo, chatting to the blue haired man a bit. He'd been the other man on the metal staircase outside Ichigo's window. The third was smaller than the other two, jaw length black hair surrounding a pale face with big green eyes standing out from it. Ichigo looked back at his blue haired fixation, taking in the pale skin and the thick, bare arms. He looked strong which gave Ichigo some goose pimples that he couldn't explain and again he itched to be a bit closer.

Ichigo wasn't sure what time he'd sat down but as it grew dark he did notice other people leaving and the number still sitting around greatly reducing. There were a lot of people walking and Ichigo wondered if it was work finishing time and the people were heading home for dinner. He'd never felt hungry before so had no urge to go home yet but when his obsession stood up to leave with his friends he realised he couldn't just sit on the grass all night. He stood up as well, brushing his ass off a bit before fastening his jacket buttons and turning to leave. He decided to follow the centre path the other direction, knowing he could just follow it back to his side of the park easily. He was just starting to walk when a hand grabbed his arm, Ichigo turning sharply and jerking back, glancing around for a way to run. His mind instantly took him to the warnings his father had drilled into him: people are dangerous, they will hurt you.

He paused when he say his blue haired man standing with his hands out flat, an apologetic look on his face. "Hey, sorry, didn't mean to startle you." The man paused, waiting for Ichigo to say something before continuing. "I just wanted to speak to you; a loyal fan sitting for over an hour in a three piece suit deserves a little attention."

Ichigo's face dropped, his chin lowering and a flush sweeping over his cheeks. "I am sorry for watching. I will not bother you more." Ichigo turned to leave, heading toward his home instead of further into the park. He wasn't feeling adventurous any more.

The man stopped him with a thick arm, Ichigo's eyes sitting wide with just a little fear in them. "Hey, don't be afraid of me. I was just going to ask you for your number or something? Do you want mine?"

"What number? What for?" Ichigo was genuinely confused and it only got worse when the man in front of him got uncomfortable.

"Sorry man thought you were staring cos you saw something you liked. My bad, I'll adjust the gaydar. Sorry to bother you."

It was Ichigo's turn to stop the other leaving. "No, I did see something I liked. I liked your music."

"Ah, knew I'd caught your attention. Here I thought it was my baby blue eyes. That was you in the apartment over the road right? With the cool ass gym yeah?"

Ichigo nodded, itching to shove his hands in his pockets but his father had always said a gentleman keeps a handkerchief in his pocket, not his hands. "Yeah that was me."

"Awesome, look we're about to go and grab something to eat, do you want to come? I mean unless you've got somewhere to be."

Ichigo shook his head, his hands clenching and unclenching as his stomach flipped. He'd never felt like that before and he wondered if it was the lack of an afternoon workout or if he was late getting his food. "I shouldn't I'm sorry."

"Alright, give me your number then, I'll take you out another time."

"What number do you want?" Ichigo was wondering if it was his address, his age or some other number he just didn't know.

The man frowned before pulling his black box out, holding it out to Ichigo. "Your mobile number? So I can call you?"

Ichigo just looked blankly at him, glancing at the black box occasionally but he was unable to even comment.

"Did you just wake up from a coma or something? Lived in a bunker for your whole life or something? Do you seriously not know what a mobile phone is?"

Ichigo's face was bright red; even his ears were burning with embarrassment. He glanced around, the man's friends standing back but probably within ear shot.

"Hey kid, stop, what's wrong? Did you hit your head or something?" He reached out and gripped Ichigo's upper arm, turning his head to his friends who started to approach. Ichigo struggled a little but didn't really attempt to break the solid grip.

"Grimm, thought we were going for food not picking up hot strays." The tall thin man spoke, raising an eyebrow as he looked Ichigo up and down.

"He seems a bit confused and I was worried. Think I'll take him home before we head out, that ok?"

The word 'home' made Ichigo's head ring and he jerked away, frowning at the other's suggestion. He'd only just got out and would only return when he wanted to. "I am fine, and no you can't have my number." Ichigo still was a bit muddled with the idea of giving numbers but blagged it to get away. Obsession or not Ichigo wasn't going to let a stranger dictate his actions. He turned and walked off, glancing back to see the tall man with a hand on his man's shoulder, probably stopping him following Ichigo.

It was fully dark by the time he got away from the men and in the dark everything seemed different. All the land marks he'd been so sure of had changed or completely disappeared and he wasn't even sure which side of the park he lived at. The made the decision for him, his bold words a moment ago notwithstanding: he was going home; even if he had to skirt the whole park to find the right street.

He headed out into the perimeter trees but stopped before he hit the pavement, the crowds different and louder. The cars were more frequent as well, bright lights coming from them and intimidating him. He decided to walk in the trees to keep out of sight but didn't think other people would try the same thing.

He was a quarter way round the park – in the wrong direction – when he was brutally stopped, an arm coming out from a tree to his him at chest height and knock him back, only his physical grace letting him keep his feet. A man stepped out from the tree, two other appearing from the other side and a fourth approaching him from behind. Ichigo turned slightly so his back was to a tree to allow him full vision but inside he was trembling. He'd been slightly afraid of the three men on the bench, the man with the flame in his hand had been strange but in the dark surrounded by unclear but obviously aggressive men made his instincts jangle, looking for a way to escape. A click made him glance down to see a knife in one of their hands.

"Hey Guy. Bet that suit cost you a bit, why don't we relieve you of that heavy wallet and you can go on your way." The one that had hit him on the chest spoke and the other laughed lowly, the one with the knife getting quite close.

"I don't have a wallet; please I'm just trying to get home." Ichigo braced his hands on the bark behind him, turning his face away and wincing away as the men stepped closer.

"Your phone then, can't expect us to just walk away empty handed." The one with the knife pointed it at Ichigo's face before he spoke, his face a sneer and his dirty teeth on show.

"I don't have anything I swear." Ichigo cringed into the tree as the first man approached him, fisting a handful of Ichigo's waistcoat and pulling him up a bit.

"Hmm, who leaves the house with no money and no phone?" A hand scrabbled about Ichigo's person, patting over his trouser pockets and his jacket. "It seems he's telling the truth, guess we leave empty handed." The man held out his empty hand before screwing it into a fist and thrusting it into Ichigo's gut, Ichigo bending instantly and crying out a bit. He staggered in the man's grip and was unprepared for the next punch to his face, snapping his head round and splitting his skin at his temple with the force. The man let Ichigo go and he sidestepped to try and keep his feet before turning to run.

"Oh no Chicken, you're not getting away with a couple of taps. Think of it as an exchange of services, you don't have any money we can use so we'll just use you instead." The first guy reached for Ichigo who prepared himself, thinking of the books he'd read on self-defence and wishing he'd learned some in real life. An arm swung for him and he ducked, screaming out and lashing out with his legs when he felt arms wrapping around him. The arms lifted him slightly and turned him away from the next swing, letting him go before returning the punch with a devastating one of their own. Ichigo took in the sight of his three men from the bench coming to his defence. He watched the blue haired one take on the first man that had hit him as the tall one took on two others. The smaller man faced off with the last, Ichigo realising he probably didn't know about the knife in the attackers hand and he yelled out, the cry dying in his throat as the smallest one gripped the knife wielder's wrist, turning it back on itself and twisting harshly, the knife dropping before he got a sharp kick in the ribs.

Ichigo's three defenders made short work of the group of muggers, Ichigo standing uselessly at the side with an arm wrapped round his abdomen. He was used to moderate pain, his father used his ability at least twice a week but the dull ache was different from the sharp pain the knife used. He'd have to slice himself somewhere to heal it later. Ichigo waited as his rescuers returned to him, the blue haired one approaching him slowly before cupping his face, turning it to see the split in his temple better.

"Are you alright? They didn't hurt you too much did they?"

Ichigo took in the bruise on the man's jaw as well as the scraped knuckles showing he wasn't the only one who'd been hurt. "I'm alright. Thank you for coming, how did you see it?"

The man dropped his face for a minute, a very slight blush colouring his pale skin. "Kinda followed you when you didn't head for home; I didn't want to see you getting hurt. Obviously left too big a gap between us though."

Ichigo's own blush took over his face, the hands still on his cheeks rubbing them slightly with the thumbs. "Thank you, I'm sorry you got hurt."

"Tch, this isn't hurt. Come on, let's get something to eat. It's the least you can do, after we so bravely rescued you." The hands left Ichigo's face and one arm wrapped itself around his shoulder to hold him against the slightly taller body.

Ichigo's face was flushed as they walked, the man at his side accepting the guitar case off his smaller friend from the side of the road. The three friends spoke a little as they walked, nothing direct at Ichigo though he was mentioned.

Crossing the main road onto the buildings side of the street, the group headed into a red trimmed café, Ichigo looking around as they walked in, pausing as the smells hit him.

"Hey, you ok?" His escort paused when he did, turning with his wide smile in place which made Ichigo move again, letting the other pull him towards the booth the other two were sitting at. Ichigo slid into the bench seat, his saviour sitting by his side a moment later before grabbing one of the laminated menus and sitting it on the table in front of both of them. "Mmm nothing like greasy shit to fill a stomach after a fight ne?"

Ichigo turned to the other, eyes wide from hearing the language he used. He turned back to the card in front of him, the pictures of the plates the café offered showing things he'd never seen before. A girl with a whiteish apron around her waist stopped by the table a moment later asking for drinks orders. The three friends all ordered sodas but Ichigo just asked for a water, not having ever tasted the drinks the others wanted.

"Hey, you seem a bit freaked out still. Talk to us."

"I'm sitting in a strange place, with strange food with three strangers. How am I supposed to feel?"

"Well I can vouch for the place, cheap, quick and tasty. The food is just burgers and crap so nothing unusual there. As for us, I'm Grimmjow. The lanky fucker is Nnoitra and this is Ulquiorra. Nnoi's the really strange one though."

"My name is Ichigo." Ichigo was still staring at the food offers, seeing the picture for a burger and noting it looked like beef in a bread roll, nothing too different there. The 'fries' puzzled him, they looked like julienne parsnips or potatoes but he was used to having different types of vegetables so he was sure it would be fine. His water was plonked in front of him, three glasses of brown carbonated drink put in front of the others before the waitress asked for the food order, Ichigo quietly asking for a burger and fries when it was his turn, the waitress heading away when the order was complete.

"So Ichigo, what do you do? You're quite well dressed for our age; you must be nineteen; twenty maybe?"

"I'm seventeen." Ichigo studied the chipped table surface when the three incredulous gazes turned on him.

"Seventeen? Man you need a new wardrobe. You on internship at a law office or something?"

Ichigo at least knew what the other had said thanks to Shinji's constant complaints of his father's will. "No, I don't work."

"Ah, still at school? That sucks, we graduated last year. Where you headed next year? We're all at Karakura U. Would be good to see you around campus."

"I'll not be going to university." Ichigo didn't like all the questions but he was trapped in his seat, unable to escape.

"Ah, not got the grades?"

"No, I'm already nearly finished my bachelors. I got my high school diploma two years ago."

"Knew you were a brainiac. No one could pull off that suit and not have brains. So what's your course?"

"Music studies and history."

Grimmjow glanced over the table at his friends, getting a little frustrated at the lack of decent response but he kept at it. "Kiorra's doing music; you guys should compare notes since you're a year ahead of him. Bet that sucks eh Kiorra, a seventeen year old prodigy will graduate before you."

"All it means is more brilliant music in the world so I have no complaints."

"What do you study Grimmjow? And Nnoitra?" Ichigo made the polite question quietly but Grimmjow's answering grin made it worth it.

"I'm doing engineering, wasn't allowed to pursue music, my dad's convinced it's a dead end. Nnoi here is in with a basketball scholarship studying fuck all."

"Fuck you Grimm. I'm doing business; want to be my own boss one day. So, will we see you round the campus some days, I know this blue haired mother fucker will stalk your ass if not."

Ichigo dropped his gaze again, picking at the plastic coating on the table. "No, I do distance learning from home. I have tutors that come to me."

"Fucking computer degree? I take it daddy is rolling in it?"

"Computer? Rolling in what?" Ichigo made the questions so clear, so evident that he didn't understand them that the others paused.

"Computer? Magic box that thinks? Seriously what rock have you been living under?" Nnoitra frowned at him, leaning back and staring at the strange man in front of him.

Ichigo looked between the three faces, a bright blush on his face before he dropped his gaze. "This is my first day out of my home. I'd never even seen grass before and you all know so much more than me. I think I just want to go back now."

Grimmjow sat up straight, exchanging glances with his friends before pulling Ichigo's chin up. "Seriously? You've never been outside before? And I take it you don't have a computer, a phone or the internet up in that swanky place? Shit no wonder you were scared in the park." Grimmjow wrapped an arm around Ichigo again, pulling him gently into his side and Ichigo accepted the comfort, something that was so alien to him. Grimmjow felt his hand creep onto Grimmjow's t-shirt, taking a handful and holding it tight as his head pressed into Grimmjow's shoulder.

"H-how? How the fuck does someone keep you like that?" Nnoitra's mouth opened and shut a few times before he was able to talk.

"My father just wants me safe, and after today I fully understand."

Their food landed on their table a moment later, Ichigo lifting his head to take in the sight of Nnoitra's burrito, Grimmjow's fully laden burger and Ulquiorra's meatball sub, all with fries on the side. His own burger was smaller than Grimmjow's but still bigger than anything he'd had before. His dinner that night was to be salmon and cracked bulgar wheat, this was a little different. He turned to face his food; Grimmjow's arm still wrapped round him and glanced around. Grimmjow nodded towards his food, reaching out his other hand to snag a fry off his plate. Ichigo copied, nibbling with his eyes wide at the flavour. One fry became five, each one chomped bit by bit into Ichigo's mouth. Then Grimmjow lifted his arm free to tackle his big burger, Ichigo copying him again, picking up the roll in both hands before lifting it, getting the bottom bun on his bottom teeth before tilting the rest into his mouth and biting down. He let out an involuntary moan, loud enough to draw a chuckle from his dining companions and he glanced around, face flushed again.

"Good burger?" Grimmjow had already swallowed his first bite and had watched Ichigo's facial expressions during his.

"First burger, it's amazing."

Nnoitra snorted, his wrap in his hands. "Fuck what the hell do you eat?"

Ichigo shrugged, taking a smaller bite and chewing it before swallowing. "Fish and grain, high protein, low fat things mainly. I've never heard of anything that was on that card."

"Shit never go back fucker. Some asshole tried to make me eat that hamster food once, no thank you." Nnoitra took another bite out of his dripping burrito, his long tongue snaking out to catch a bit of sauce on his cheek.

Grimmjow was a bit quiet for a while, enjoying Ichigo's moans of pleasure from eating his meal and thinking of what kind of life he must have led, and what kind of culture shock he must be having. "Are you going back? We can help you out you know; you don't have to go back to that cage."

Ichigo put his burger down for a moment, wiping his hands as he thought for a moment. "I can see why you'd call it a cage but it's not, I have everything I've ever wanted."

"Obviously not." Ulquiorra had been fairly quiet until then. Ichigo frowned for a second before Ulquiorra continued. "If you had everything, why did you leave?"

Oooo had to stop myself before the next bit, excitement to come when Ichigo has to decide whether to go home or not. Hope peeps are enjoying this latest bout of nonsense from me! Leave me a wee note if you are!