Author's Notes: I greatly apologize for the very long delay of this chapter. It's been close to three years since I updated... my bad... Well at least it's been updated finally and it's all thanks to my new friend Casey525. We got to talking and finally was able to get a new chapter completed. Thank you to my friend for her wonderful ideas :) You're the best!

Developing Situation

Once again waking to terrible sounds coming from the bedroom, Gin wiped a hand over his face. He was completely grateful it was the weekend, but he had do figure out something about Orihime's problem and fast. He knew she was getting tired of the dreams and frankly so was he. Why was she having such horrific nightmares? One thing was for sure though; he wasn't going to get answers sitting on the couch while his housemate was whimpering in agony.

Getting up, Gin made his routine travel to Orihime's bedroom and slid the door open. Unlike the first time this had happened, he just walked right in and took a seat on her futon.

"Orihime," he called, grasping her hand, holding it tightly. "You're not in Hueco Mundo. You're perfectly save at home, in Karakura Town."

His free hand reached up to caress the side of her face, concern written all over his face. He was just glad Ichigo didn't know anything about this or the teen would flip out.

Like every other night, she didn't snap out of her dream with his first call. He leaned forward, bringing his lips close to her ear. "Orihime, no one is chasing you or even harming you. You are safe in your home with me as your housemate. You have nothing to worry about."

He then lifted his head as she suddenly sat straight up. "GIN!"

Without asking, he was quick to pull her close to him, hugging her tightly. "You're safe."

Since this had now been going on for awhile, he knew what to do and what to say to help calm her down. She huddled against him, tears surfaced and for the moment, silently slid down her cheeks. "I hate this," she breathed.

"Me too," Gin agreed. "Perhaps we should talk to someone about this." He hated the idea and knew Ichigo was the least likely person to speak with about the matter, but it was getting too much.

"But how?" she whimpered. "It's not a good idea for many to know you're staying with me."

He shook his head. "I don't know. But these dreams are getting on both of our nerves."

She thought a moment, allowing his heart beat to sooth her nerves. She was now completely grateful he was there. If she had her dreams and no one was there, she probably wouldn't be able to keep her grades up. "Thank you," she whimpered again.

"No need to thank me," he answered, rubbing her back, soothingly. "I'm here to protect you and that's the truth."

She pulled away to look at him. "Do you think I'm pathetic?" she asked suddenly.

He frowned, eyes slanting. "Where would you get something like that?"

"I'm just curious. Since you've been here, you've had to help me more times than I can count. I've never had to ask for help from anyone other than my Aunt, since Sora died."

He shook his head. "No, you're not pathetic and there's nothing wrong with asking for help. If anything you're a bright and beautiful."

At the mention of her being beautiful, she blushed. "Gin…" she breathed.

Seeing her blush, he couldn't help a grin appear on his narrow features. He just had to do it. "It's true," he answered in his cocky tone. "I can never tell a lie."

She hid her head against his chest as she giggled. She was blushing but the giggle couldn't be helped. He always knew how to change the mood.

"Why don't we try going back to sleep, there's an important test tomorrow and neither one of us can miss it," he replied, suddenly serious. "And I have an important announcement to make."

Forcing the blush down, she moved away from. "Can you stay?"

He gave her a genuine smile. "Of course."

Pulling fully away, she curled back into her blankets as he went and grabbed his blankets and pillow. The last several nights they slept with their own blankets when he crawled into her room.

/

As everyone gathered into class, like they did every morning, Orihime entered the class and immediately Ichigo was looking at her very intensely. She looked at him and immediately gave a nervous laugh. "Hey Ichigo!" she greeted, trying not draw attention to his stare.

Ichigo suddenly stood and made his way over to Orihime. "Can we talk a moment?" he asked suddenly, stopping in front of her.

Her smile suddenly vanished. "What about?"

"I think you know what I want to talk about." His brown eyes had an intense glare.

"Oh…ok…"

Those in the classroom watched as the two teens then left.

"What was that about?" Keigo asked, scratching his head.

"Our teacher?" Tatsuki answered. "You know Ichigo doesn't like him and no one will tell us what happened."

Ichigo and Orihime ignored their friends as they walked out into the hallway to talk.

"Ichigo?" she questioned, nervous.

"You let me talk this time," he began. He walked over to the window and leaned against the frame, looking out to the people still arriving. "It's obvious that he's making enough money now that he probably can afford his own place so why are you still housing him?"

She blinked, she wasn't expecting that and he was calm, or at least acting calm about it. "You know it's been cold the last few weeks. His money is helping me to keep my apartment warm. I wouldn't be able to live there if not for him."

Ichigo turned. "I don't trust him."

"I know you don't, but Ichigo, he's been nothing but nice to me. He's protected me."

Ichigo snorted. "I can't see how. He could have tried to stop you from being taken but he didn't."

Orihime sighed. How could she get through to him? "And what did you want me to do? Leave him on the streets where it's cold? He protected me while I was held in Heuco Mundo. I couldn't just leave him on the streets."

"I would have." He then turned to her.

She was beginning to lose her patience with her friend. Neither noticed Gin was slowly approaching and no one else was in the hall. He was going to give a witty joke but the second his slanted eyes fell upon Orihime, he knew it wasn't a good idea.

"You don't get it do you!" she cried out suddenly, surprising Ichigo. "I was nearly attacked and he protected me!" She swiftly turned away as Ichigo's eyes widened. His eyes fell upon Gin just as she ran past him, crying.

"You know, you need to stop putting her into tears," Gin remarked.

"Shut up!" Ichigo growled, turning away from the man to look out the window. "What the hell did she mean by she was nearly attacked?"

Gin thought a moment, tilting his head. "Oh, you mean when she was in Hueco Mundo?" His eyes remained slitted but his grin was gone. "You're not as stupid as you sometimes act. Why else would a woman be attacked when Heuco Mundo is mostly made up of male Arrancars?"

Ichigo's hands balled into fists as he gave a growl. "She told me, nothing happened."

"Because she didn't know, at first. In the two days she was in Heuco Mundo and you went to rescue her, Aizen baited traps for you, leaving Orihime unguarded. I took the liberty of watching over her and it's a good thing I did. Three males were approaching her room and I was able to prevent them from making it to her room. You may not believe this, but I had no idea Aizen would get as strong as he did."

Ichigo turned and glared at the man. "Then why did you berate me!?"

"So this is what this hostility is all about?" Gin shrugged. "How do you think I was able to last as long as did as Aizen's right hand?" He went quiet a moment, watching the tall teen, very carefully. "I manipulated every turn I could get and you were no different. However, if it wasn't for me berating you when I did, do you think you really would have found the strength to find the ultimate weapon with your Zanpakuto, which ultimately left you the way you are now?"

"Tch…" Ichigo turned away again.

"You can hate me all you want, but I will not leave Orihime unprotected. I made a vow and I'm going to keep it. I failed Rangiku, I don't plan to allow it to happen again." He turned towards the classroom. "Class starts in a few minutes, I'd suggest you redirect your anger elsewhere and enter the class. I'm going to have to someone to track down Orihime now."

"If I still had powers, I'd kick your ass," Ichigo hissed as he turned towards the door, entering the classroom.

Gin grinned, putting back on his mocking appearance. "That I don't doubt." He followed the teen into the class and without so much as a word, immediately walked over to Tatsuki's desk.

Tatsuki looked at the man, slightly intimidated by him. "Yes?"

"I don't suppose you can do me a favor," he began. "Orihime has ran, what I believe is the direction to the bathroom. Can you please go and check in on her to be sure she's ok?"

She blinked a few times. "Ah… yeah… sure…" Getting up out of her seat, she made her way out of the classroom just as Gin went to the front of the class.

Knowing now how to sense out spiritual power, Tatsuki zoned in on Orihime and sure enough found the busty teen in the bathroom, crying.

"Orihime?"

The girl gasped. "Tatsuki!" She immediately rubbed at her tears. "What are you… I mean…"

Immediately Tatsuki rested a hand on her friend. "You can't hide from me this time. What happened?"

"N-nothing," Orihime tried only to have Tatsuki frown.

"Yeah sure, now." Tatsuki folded her arms. "Ichigo asked to talk to you when you show up and then minutes later he shows back up with Mr. Ichimaru only to have him come to me and ask to find you."

Orihime blinked. "What? Why?" She continued to rub at her eyes, wiping the evidence away.

"Why else? Class has started. Come on. We better hurry before we miss too much."

"No." The busty teen remained where she was. "I'm not going back. I can't face him."

"Him? Do you mean Ichigo? I know you don't mean our teacher since he's staying with you." Tatsuki looked confused.

Orihime turned away. "I don't know why Ichigo is so angry with Gin. He's been nothing but nice to me."

Tatsuki sighed. "You weren't there that day when that Aizen guy tried to kill us. Both of them looking at us was so scary and then Aizen killed Gin and Ichigo showed up."

Orihime sighed. "Let me guess, he asked you find me?"

"Actually yeah," Tatsuki blinked. "How did you know?"

"Come on, we better get to class." She gave a cheeky grin, looking as if nothing was wrong but her friend knew better. "He told me this morning he had something to tell everyone."

Sighing, Tatsuki followed her friend back to class. As the two entered the room, Gin looked at them. "Ah, good! You both made it. I have an announcement to make, so you both take your seats and we'll get started."

Not wanting to argue, the girls took their seats and Gin was finally able to greet his class. "Good morning everyone. And since I've already taken attendance I can then give you all an announcement."

At the mention of an announcement, Ichigo's attention was drawn to what the man was going to say. Hearing about Orihime being attacked, made him in a bit of a foul mood and he didn't feel like doing much. How could he have missed all that about Orihime? She was always so cheerful, even after the battle with the Arrancars was over.

Seeing he had everyone's attention, he grinned. "I just thought to let you know this will be our last week together."

Orihime gasped, shocked by this. That meant he would no longer be working again. Why didn't he tell her this last night over dinner?

Gin's smile turned downward into a frown, which was caught by Orihime and Uryu. The former Soul Reaper was a teaser and could easily frighten someone, but when his infamous grin disappeared, there often was a cause for alarm.

"However, a new problem has developed," he continued, time catching Ichigo's attention who immediately stopped glaring at him. He had seen the man's grin turn into a frown and he figured the man was just pulling another gag on the class.

"What do you mean?" Keigo asked, confused.

"Yesterday after school, I was informed Miss Ochi was going to return, however last night, she was involved in an accident."

"An accident?" Ichigo asked, clenching his fists. There was only possible way she would have been in an accident. Last night right before bed he heard about an accident and the damages the reporter showed was not of normal nature. He had battled too many unearthly forces to know the difference, but his gut was telling something more sinister was at work.

Gin looked to Ichigo. "Yes." That one word was all Ichigo needed to know to confirm his suspicions. "But rest assured, she's alright and will make a full recovery. However, she will need to take some more time off work."

"Excuse me," Orihime piped up, relieved to know her teacher was going to be ok. "What does that mean? Are you leaving the school?"

Gin's eyes shifted to his roommate. "On the contrary. I was only to be here until that day. Someone else will take over the class until Miss Ochi returns. In the meantime I'll be filling in for another teacher, which I'll be there for the remainder of the school year." He then turned to face the black board. "And with that now out of the way, we'll begin our day's work."

Orihime stared at the man's back several moments, completely in shock by his words. He was going to remain a teacher at their school but was ending his time as their teacher. That still didn't protect her from 'living' with her teacher, but at least it would help to settle Ichigo's mind a bit for being their teacher. At least she hoped he would have a different heart. His words were constantly hurting her as of late.

/

As the bell rang indicating the end of the day, the class was getting ready to leave but Ichigo remained seated. He had to find out what exactly happened. What did Gin know? Orihime saw Ichigo wasn't leaving and she felt dread in her heart, thinking he was going to attack Gin again and thought perhaps she should remain.

"Ichigo are you coming?" Uryu asked as he approached the former reaper.

"No. I'm going to find out what Gin knows before I leave." Ichigo slowly stood and began to put his books in his bag.

Uryu thought a moment. "You fear what I fear don't you?"

"Don't talk riddles with me, Uryu," Ichigo complained, causing the Quincy to frown.

Gin did not pay attention to the students leaving and just sat at his desk, shaking his head. When he thought everyone was gone, he stood and grabbed his books. To his surprise, Ichigo, Uryu and Orihime were still in the room.

"Well this is a surprise," he answered.

"What the hell happened?" Ichigo demanded. "We both know Miss Ochi did not have an 'accident'. She was attacked."

"Whatever do you..."

"Cut the crap!" Ichigo swung his arm, clenching his fist. "You know just as well as I do we can't see them but Hollows still take human lives and create all sorts of havoc. Hollows have been attacking long before Aizen took over Hueco Mundo and they will continue to do so long after we're dead."

Gin's grin faded. "I believe she was attacked by a Hollow, yes," he answered. There was no sign of teasing in his voice.

Orihime gasped. "Miss Ochi. Why would they attack her? She doesn't have spirit energy."

"That I don't know," Gin admitted. "Since arriving here, there's been many things I've noticed and none of it is good. But I am going to find some answers. Orihime, I will be late getting home."

"That's not your home you bastard!" Ichigo hissed.

Gin ignored the remark. "In any case I will find some answers. See you three tomorrow." Quickly grabbing his books, he was quick to make a hasty exit before Ichigo could react.

"Damn him," Ichigo growled.

Feeling hurt yet again, Orihime grabbed her books and left the classroom, silently.

"Do you think he's telling the truth?" asked Uryu.

"You mean about the Hollow attack?" Ichigo looked to his friend. "I don't doubt it. For once that bastard is telling the truth."

"You know it is possible he's been telling the truth all along," Uryu passed comment.

"Tch." Ichigo hated to admit but the Quincy was right. He had been watching Gin and not once had he hurt their friend and it had now been a month since Gin had been in town.

/

Leaving the school, Gin made his way down the street. Using the public bus, since Orihime showed him how, he headed to the hospital where he knew Miss Ochi was. He had to find out for himself if what he was feeling was correct. It did not make any sense. Miss Ochi did not have spirit energy so why would a Hollow attack her?

Arriving at the hospital, Gin made his way to the reception desk and asked where Miss Ochi's room was. He was pointed in the correct direction and before long he entered the woman's room. She seemed to be resting comfortably.

As he looked at her, he noticed she was awake. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."

Miss Ochi turned her head to look over at the strange man of her room. "And you are?"

"Oh, forgive my rudeness." Gin walked into the room. "I'm Gin Ichimaru and I've been teaching your class while you've been away. Monday I stop teaching your class and someone else will take over until you return. I heard about your unfortunate accident last night and wanted to see how you were doing."

"Yeah. I'm not really sure what happened, really," Miss Ochi explained. "I was walking home from the market and just as I was reaching my door, something came from out nowhere. It was so fast. Next thing I know I'm on the ground with a huge bruise on my leg and it's really odd too."

She moved the blanket a bit to show him and sure enough there on her leg was the strangest bruise he had ever seen. They were thin little lines, crossing each other like shoe laces.

His eyes opened, revealing his icy orbs. There was no doubt about it. That was markings of a Hollow hand. "How did you get away from this attack?"

"I don't even know if it was an attack but the bruises suggests otherwise," she replied, tucking her leg back under the sheets. She didn't like the way he looked at the bruises. "All I know is one moment I'm reaching for my keys and the next I'm on the ground in pain and there's a few people rushing towards me while one called the paramedics."

"Very peculiar," he breathed before looking to her. "You are one lucky lady to be alive. It almost looks like someone was trying to attack you on your blind side."

"I'm just a school teacher, why would someone want to attack me?" Miss Ochi asked, confused.

Gin shook his head. "That is a mystery probably no one will be able to answer." He then added to himself. 'At least no human that is.' He then grinned. "At least now I can inform your students you are indeed doing well."

"Thank you Mr..."

"Please, call me Gin. Calling me by my last name is just so formal," he slightly teased, grin in place, eyes narrowed once more. "I should be going now. I need to return home and work on marking the latest projects the teens have done."

"Thank you Gin," she replied with a smile. "Hope they are not too much trouble for you."

"Not at all," he answered. "They are well behaved. I best be going now."

"Of course."

Gin gave one last smile before turning away and leaving. Now he had his confirmation. It was a Hollow attack. There was only one person who could shed some light onto the matter, Kisuke Urahara, the former Captain of Squad 12 from over 100 years ago.

Making his way out of the hospital, he turned in the direction he knew where Kisuke's shop was located. It didn't take him long to hop on a bus that would take him as close as possible to Kisuke's shop. Once arriving, the man in question was standing outside as if he was waiting for someone.

"What, you came all the way out here to greet me?" Gin teased as he approached the man.

"Actually, I did," answered the man with the bucket hat. "I heard about what happened last night. And I just knew you would have gone to question her."

"And how did you know that?" Gin was surprised but he didn't show it. Kisuke was expecting him.

Without so much as a word, Isshin Kurosaki, originally known as Shiba, stepped out from the shop. "I think we both know by whom."

"So Ichigo told you I was his teacher." Gin kept his eyes in narrow slits as he watched both men very carefully.

"He has expressed his dislike on the matter," Isshin answered. "So what have you found out about Miss Ochi?"

"Who would have thought the former Captain of Squad 10 would still talk like a Captain." He just couldn't help himself on the matter. He had to tease the former Captain like he had done years ago.

"Gin, you're not scoring any points," Isshin insisted. "This is a serious matter."

"That it is." Gin's grin disappeared as he opened his eyes. "It was the work of a Hollow, no doubt about it. She has bruises on her leg but they are not the typical Hollow talon. This had very narrow like markings crisscrossing like stitches."

"That is quite peculiar," Kisuke answered as the shadows around his eyes darkened. "She has no spirit energy so why would a Hollow attack her?"

"Well if anyone can crack the case, it would be you," Gin remarked.

"And what makes you say that?" asked Kisuke.

"Come now," Gin replied, tilting his head. "I have no spirit power, but that doesn't affect my memory. You were always often one step ahead of Captain Aizen."

Kisuke grinned. "Perhaps."

"Gin, why don't you not worry about what we are doing and just concentrate on your own life," Isshin remarked. "You have been given a life sentence to the World of the Living, trapped in that gigai."

Once again, Gin frowned. "Must you remind me of the obvious? It's already bad enough as it is with dealing with Ichigo and his constant glaring at me through class."

"You must admit," Isshin began. "You did work for Sosuke Aizen and he did hold Orihime hostage as bait and now you're living with her. Many would frown upon that as she is a minor."

"I'm not some kind of pervert," Gin answer. "I would never take advantage of someone's hospitality. Besides she has me very concerned."

"Why would you need to worry about her?" Kisuke asked, curious.

Gin looked to the two men and made a decision. "She's been having nightmares as of late, which deals with her time held in Heuco Mundo. Nothing really happened to her, which I made sure of, but these dreams have her crying in terror through the night of events that never happened."

Both men before him looked at one another, a little perplexed by this admittance. "What sort of dreams?"

He shook his head. "She won't elaborate on them but if I were to wager a guess I would think dark natured dreams of torture and perhaps even sexual assault."

"She did witness a lot in while held hostage including watching Ichigo nearly die twice," Isshin answered. "But that shouldn't manifest dreams of that magnitude."

"The human mind can conjure up many unusual dreams, but this is something that seems to be out of her ability to create. She lived a life of hardship as it is with her brother dying and turning into a Hollow and never before had she had such dreams until after I arrived.

Kisuke watched Gin in earnest, making sure the man wasn't lying. "Ichigo doesn't know this does he?"

Again Gin shook his head. "If Ichigo were to learn of this, I'd think he'd try to find a way to detach my head from my shoulders, saying it's my fault."

"He has a point," Isshin agreed. "From the first moment Ichigo saw Gin in his classroom, he has wanted to rip him apart."

Just to try and lighten the mood, Gin looked to the former Squad 10 captain. "Thank you for that vote of confidence. Speaking of which, I should return back to Orihime before it becomes too late. Don't want her to worry now, do we?"

Isshin took a step forward. "Gin, one more thing. If you were able to go back in time and redo everything you did, would you do it all over again?"

Gin stopped for a moment and thought about the words. If time travel was an option would he actually go back in time and do things differently? The answer was yes.

With a grin he looked at the man. "I would go back and prevent Captain Aizen from trying to steal the Hokyoku from Rukia Kuchiki." He then turned away, leaving the two men on the street.

"You know we can't interfere," a female voice replied, coming out of the shadows. "With Ichigo's powers gone and he being here, there's nothing we can do."

The men turned to see a short black haired young Soul Reaper approach them.

"Well, well. Miss Kuchiki," Kisuke greeted. "How long have you been listening?"

"The entire time," the woman answered. "I can't stay, I was requested to come here and find out why someone with no spirit energy was attacked."

"So they even learnt about it," Isshin replied.

Kisuke smirked. "Never doubt Mayuri and his ability to spy on others."

"Yes, it was from Squad 12 where the word originated from," Rukia admitted. "Head Captain wants you to keep an eye out on the matter. For the time being, no one is to really be here except for the one assigned here." She then turned to Isshin. "I had no idea you were related to Kaien."

Isshin sighed. "The idea was for no one to find out," he answered. "It's good to see you again Rukia. Safe trip back."

"Thank you, sir." She turned away and opened a Senkaimon back to the Soul Society, leaving the two men alone. She too didn't like what Gin told them. Orihime was her friend and knowing her friend was having bad dreams, disturbed her, but like she already had said. She couldn't do anything about it. She was ordered not to interfere no matter what.

"If I were to wager a guess," Kisuke replied once the woman was gone. "I would say there's a new force at work, but what sort of game they are playing, that's a mystery."

Pulling out a lighter, Isshin flicked it reveal its flame. "Yeah," he quietly agreed as he stared into the flame. "But there's nothing we can do. For now it's in the visible enemy's hand..."

Kisuke looked to the flame and gave a nod of agreement. Who or what was doing this and what did Miss Ochi have to do with it. Hopefully they would find the answer before it was too late.