Wish I had a friend named Larry...

One Week Later

"Gahhh!" I groaned, digging my face into the pillow. "It's not fair. While everyone else was kicking butt, I was knocked out and now I'm stuck in the 4th division!"

"Shut up, will ya? We can hear you from the next room!" Renji complained, inviting himself inside my room.

"Why don't you just close the door then?" I stuck my tongue at him.

"The Captain needs fresh air!"

"It's a new invention called the WINDOW, Renji! And besides, when did you start caring about Byakuya?"

"S-shut up..." he mumbled. He walked back to his Captain's room, which was right next to mine, but not before slamming the door shut.

I pouted and sat up, "Well, this is great... Now I don't even have anyone to argue with. Looks like it's just you and me, Larry."

Larry was an ant I met about 2 hours ago. All he does is crawl from one end of the headboard to the other and listens to me complain about how bored I am. At least, I like to think he's listening to me. "So, how are you doing this crappy afternoon?" I asked, reaching my finger out and letting Larry crawl on it.

He didn't say anything. I knew he couldn't, but for some reason I was expecting him to. "Sheesh, be that way then-OW!" In a single second, Larry was just a tiny squished dot on the wall. "Yeah, that's what you get for biting me!"

So it didn't hurt that much... but still... he bit me!

"So who exactly bit you?"

I yelped and jumped. "Kimaru! What the hell are you doing here?!" Kimaru was draped on the windowsill lazily, with one leg propped up. He turned his head in my direction, "I don't see anybody else in here," he said, completely ignoring my question. "Were you talking to yourself again?"

"I was NOT talking to myself. Now answer my question!" I hate it when he always sneaks up on me and asks me a billion questions at a time.

He only shrugged, "I got bored since there wasn't really anything to do back at the barracks, and the Captain asked me to check up on you. So, before I forget to ask... How are you this fine afternoon?"

"Just peachy," I growled. He snorted and jumped in front of me to pinch my cheek, "Aw, is our little baby bored?" he cooed in a childish voice.

I shoved his hand away, "Are you ever going to stop with the nicknames?" I sighed as he only laughed.

"Not until we get a new recruit who's younger than you, but that might take a couple of centuries."

"Great..."

"Oh, I almost forgot! I bumped into Unohana when I came in. She said you could leave whenever you wanted to, as long as you don't train too hard for the next week or two."

"Yay!" I cheered, leaping off my bed and latched onto Kimaru's back. "Now I don't have to listen to that stupid red head next door complain everyday!"

"Kinomi! You're yelling in my ear-!"

"Oi Kinomi! I heard that!"

*

It took a lot of convincing for Captain Ukitake to let me see everyone off the next day. I guess he was just worried that I would open up my wound if I stood up for too long.

"This is the Senkaimon. It will take you back to your world," Captain Ukitake said as the gate glowed blue. "Kinomi, did you find it?"

I grinned, "Yep! Here ya go, Ichi!" I placed the object in his hand.

He stared at it confused, "Um, thanks... But what exactly is this?"

"It's the Substitute Shinigami badge. You can start using this to change into your shinigami form instead of using a Soul Candy," I explained.

"It's not much compared to what you've done for us, but-" Ukitake was cut off shortly. "I'll gratefully accept it then," Ichigo smiled, stepping closer to the gate. "Later!" He waved, and then they were all gone.

Everyone dispersed, getting back to whatever they were doing before. "Kinomi, don't work yourself too hard, or your wound will open up," Ukitake warned.

I gave him a thumbs up, "Don't worry about it, I'll be fine!"

He nodded and walked back to the barracks. As soon as he was gone, I dropped my smile and let out a heavy breath. "Something wrong?" A hand was placed on my shoulder and I immediately froze. "Jeez, you're so tense today," he scoffed and walked in front of me.

"Well, don't sneak up on me like that, Renji."

"I just wanted to know how you're doing. You look troubled."

We started making our way back to the maze like streets of Seireitei, which was almost empty since it was still early in the morning.

"So, what's wrong?" he asked.

I shrugged, "Nothing, really. I just feel... weird. Everything just feels so rushed and confusing, with Aizen doing what he did last week."

"Cheer up," he elbowed me in the ribs, which caught me off guard. "At least you got to see your brother, and I have a feeling he'll be back soon."

"Yeah, I guess..."

He took a hold of my wrist and started dragging me. "Let's go or we'll be late."

I raised my eyebrows, "Late?"

...

"YOU'RE LATE!" Ikkaku screamed as we reached the 11th squad barracks, a bottle of sake in his hand.

"Oh joy... you're half drunk already..." I mumbled.

"Hurry up, will you?" Renji lightly tugged on my wrist.

"Nah, I'm going home. Later!" I waved and tired to walk away as fast as possible. Which didn't really work out too well.

"Come on, shorty!" Ikkaku chuckled as he and Renji both grabbed one of my arms and pulled me inside. They forced me to sit on the patio and shoved a bottle in front of me. "I'm underage." I rolled my eyes.

Ikkaku rubbed his chin, "Hm... I forgot... Well, you can just watch us drink then."

I sighed and sagged my shoulders. I always get dragged into their little drinking parties and found no way to get out of it. And in the end, I'm the one who has to take them home.

Rangiku, Izuru, and Shuuhei were already passed out on the grass. While everyone else was at least half drunk, except for Yachiru who could've passed for being high, with all her bouncing around and shoving sweets down her throat.

Maybe I could sneak away once they all pass out... Nah, I would feel too guilty leaving them here by theirselves... But Yachiru will watch them... Yeah... This could work out...

Once I finished up my plans of escape, something struck me.

"Why the hell are you guys drinking this early in the morning?!"

Heh heh, sorry for not updating for almost 2 months...

My brain went "blargrafshshshshs" on me and this is the best I can do for now

After this chapter, I'm gonna stray away from the original plot. Sorry, that means no Ulquiorra and no Grimmjow T.T

Wasn't life easier before you met me? :)