hehe... I think I watch too much tv. Sry for the Heroes ref in this chapter thinks a Bleach/Heroes cross-fic could be quite fun

CHAPTER 5

Days passed and we saw no-one, the Shinigami lodgers did their level best to ignore me. That was good, I didn't want them in my face. Even the suspected entrance from Aizen and the rest of the Espadas was lacking. And Orihime grew more beautiful the longer I spent with her. She didn't want to leave my side, and I must admit the feeling was mutual. The times I looked into her eyes, the times I ran my fingers through her hair and the times I touched her soft warm lips with mine. i was enamoured, bewitched, a spell I did not wish to break.

A knock on the door brought me back to my senses. Who could it be? It had been so quiet recently. I was wary until I reminded myself bad guys don't knock on doors, they usually barge in take what they want and leave. I admit I have done similiar myself in the past.

I opened the door to see Ichigo stood at the other side.

"What do you want?" I growled at him.. He just stood there not reacting to my mood. "Well?" I was growing impatient.

"I've brought you a present." Now he was taking the piss.

"And why would I want a present from you? The idea is absurd!"

"Its not just for you, you're so vain." He took a breath. "Its an ally, someone who will help us in our fight, plus she needs somewhere to stay."

This was getting unbelieveable. "Does it look like we're running a doss house here?" I snapped at him.

"Well... yes, you're here, Hitsugaya and Matsumoto stay here too, and I'm sure Orihime would like her."

"HER?" It had suddenly occurred to me that he was palming off another woman into this household. Not another giggly one like that Shinigami bitch, that would be too much to take. "Who is it?" I questioned.

"Well, she needs to stay somewhere to get stronger, and I figured that this would be the safest place."

"I said WHO IS IT?" at times, especially when Ichigo is around, patience is not my best virtue.

Ichigo turned round and grabbed the figure behind him and gently pushed her forward. She looked at me and I looked (or rather stared in shock) back.

"YOU!!!!!!"

Orihime had heard all the commotion and had come to investigate. She saw the new guest, ran towards her and hugged her "Awwwwww... she's so cute!!" Looking up at Ichigo she asked. "Who is she?"

Ichigo smiled at Orihime's expected reaction. "This is Ne..." he never had chance to finish as I interrupted him.

"Neliel Tu Oderschvank. Yes I know her"

"Herro Uwqwiorra" She still stared at me. I turned back to Ichigo, "You do know she's an arancarr, an Espada, like me. She is number 3 - or was until that position was removed from her."

"Yes, I know. I've seen her number, its on her back." he responded.

"Really? then you've seen her adult form." I looked deep into his soul, "and I see you are quite taken by her form - is this why you want to help her?" I smiled knowingly at him.

"Ithigo's my fweind. Ithigo's gonna hewp me." Nell spoke up.

"Yes Neliel, he will." I turned to leave the room, "She can stay but I don't want anymore waifs and strays joining her." I suddenly had a thought and turned back to Ichigo. "Why doesn't she stay at your house?"

"No she can't do that. I had enough trouble with Rukia staying there, my family wouldn't leave her alone. Nell's got a mask on - how would I explain that?"

I sighed, Ichigo was being thick again. "Hallowe'en's coming up, that's an easy explaination. By the way, how's your Shinigami girlfriend?"

"Rukia? She's not my girlfriend."

"Ha, she ditched you? After you went out of your way to save her too!"

"I never saved her cos she was my girlfriend, I saved her cos she was my friend. Anyway how do you know about that?"

"Orihime told me, she tells me alot of things."

"Ah", Ichigo said knowingly, "...so that's what you do at night."

"Never you mind what we get up to at night, its none of your concern." I glared at him, "I could ask you the same, but your hand's probably tired from lack of female intervention!"

Ichigo snarled at me, "that was low. I haven't time for girlfriends, I have to get stronger, to save the world!"

This was getting amusing, I laughed loudly, "What are you - some kind of Hero?"

"If I have to be I will. No one will stand in my way!"

I stood before the annoying little kid and laughed. I laughed so loudly and for such a long time, that the Shinigami ran in to see what the commotion was.

The anger in Ichigo's face was visible. "Why are you laughing? I WILL DO IT! I'll prove to you!"

"To me?" I laughed at him again, "You think I really care? I only care about myself and Orihime, everyone else is worthless." I was aware of something tugging on my robes, I looked down.

"Uwqwiorra, is Nell uthleth too?"

"Yes Neliel, in that form you are worthless as well. Return to your adult form and then we'll talk." I kissed Orihime on the cheek, then took my leave of the room leaving the stunned occupants staring after me.

TBC