DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN BLEACH

Shades of Orange

PART 5

Parental Instincts and Oh So Many Other Things

(Ichigo)

When Renji had said that he should come back later, Ichigo hadn't known that the red head had been referring to getting together to have dinner with the old gang.

()()()()()()

"I swear it happened man."

"Sure it did, in your dreams."

"Hey!"

That was the thing about walking in on the middle of a conversation, he never could quite figure out what was going on.

But if history was anything to go by, it probably meant Keigo had told just told a story and no one believed a word of it.

No real surprise there.

"Swear what happened?" Ichigo asked upon entering the living room.

Several pairs of eyes lit up at the sight of him. "Ichigo!"

"Don't just stand there you big dummy, come over and give your friends a proper greeting." Rukia, ever the demanding all sparkly eyed and drunk? The way she seemed to be falling out of her top pointed to yes.

"Friends? You mean you aren't just a bunch of freeloaders?" the orange haired male teased.

"Har, har seems like you're in a good mood Ichi."

"Hn. Not really and who are you?"

The guy had red dye on the ends of his long dark ponytail, skin, the color of chocolate liquor blended with red desert sand, eyes so pale they were almost color-less, a toned body and a rather unusual clothing style.

"Doncha remember when we met last summer at the Pier?"

"Um no I think I'd remember someone who liked like some kind of (sexy) new age reaper."

"Now I'm a bit insulted, maybe I should just come over there, kick your ass and knock some sense into ya?"

"Kazeshini, knock it off!" another male with sandy colored skin, aqua green colored hair, and eyes like shards of light blue tinted glass bopped the darker skinned male on the head before turning his gaze onto Ichigo "This idiot fell off the Pier last summer, would've drowned if you hadn't jumped in and saved him."

"Ah geez Maru, didya have to make me sound so damn lame?"

"I am merely recounting the events as they happened."

Ichigo furrowed his brows in thought. The story about the guys at Pier sounded vaguely familiar but he was bad with faces. "Uh okay so you are Kazeshini and Maru was it?"

"Hyourinmaru, as for last names? Well I honestly couldn't tell you, Kazeshini and I were raised in foster care."

Well that was just a little too much information. Not to mention quite depressing.

"Well uh it's good to see you again but wait that doesn't explain—I mean how did you meet Renji?"

"Oh that? Well my roommate attends the same college as Abarai."

"Hn. Small world."

DING DONG

"Ichigo do me a favor and get the door."

"Sure thing, Renji."

()()()()()()()

He sure hadn't expected to find Tatsuki, dressed in a navy blue wife beater and tight jeans, to be sitting out on the front steps.

She rose to her feet in order to greet the orange haired male.

And then quite with out warning, Tatsuki picked Ichigo up and spun him around as though she was the guy and he was the chick.

It was a little humiliating.

'I think I prefer the Tatsuki I saw that night on the runway.'

After a few minutes the young woman with short cropped black hair set Ichigo back down on his feet.

"You're getting too light Ichigo, what have you been starving yourself or something?" she punched him in the shoulder.

"Kurosaki-kun we're just about ready t—Tatsuki-chan!" Inoue squealed in surprised delight. She ran over to give the shorter woman a hug. "When Abarai-kun told us that he contacted you but hadn't received an official answer on whether or not you'd be able to join us tonight I was honestly quite devastated but none of that matters now because you're here, you're really here!"

Ichigo watched the two best friends reunite for a few minutes and then went back inside the house.

()()()()()

"Ichigooo stop ignoring me I've known you longer than any of these people."

Ah Keigo, always crying out for attention.

Ichigo dug his finger into his ear "Anyone else hear a strange buzzing noise?"

"What? Oh come on surely you can see me right, Ichigooo!"

"Pipe down Keigo! I'm trying to watch Mirajane." (1)

"She told me to pipe down—I really do exist!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes as the plain looking brown haired male cried out with joy "I EXIST!"

"Yeah you exist. Now sit down! All of that spinning is giving me a headache."

Ishida looking very un-Ishida-ish.

Blue-black hair mussed, glasses askew, shirt partially open revealing his toned pale chest, hands clutching the side of his sweaty forehead quite pathetically.

Shit! How much beer had Renji given them?

Ichigo quickly surveyed the room.

The only ones who didn't appear to be intoxicated were Chado and Mizuro.

Although the same thing couldn't be said about the petite plum haired chick hanging off Mizuro's arm.

"DINNER IS READY! BRING YOUR ASSES TO THE KITCHEN BEFORE I EAT ALL OF IT!"

"Oh my head." Ishida let out a pathetic moan and fell face first into Chado's crotch.

Ichigo quickly averted his gaze and made his way towards the kitchen.

Not that it was a very long walk, he simply had to move a few steps and he was there.

()()()()()()()

(Aizen)

Aizen Sousuke did not appreciate being ignored. If one should choose to ignore him for too long, things might get ugly.

He felt no real to desire to get blood on his hands but he would do what was necessary.

Force was just a last resort though—it had barely been a week and half.

Perhaps the boy simply had not bothered to answer his phone yet.

Young people—ah they were so very flighty, never could quite make up their minds about anything. (what to have for breakfast, what to wear on a first date, what television program to watch)

Of course Aizen himself had never been so indecisive during his childhood or in his teens—his mother hadn't permitted it.

Yes that was it—the boy simply hadn't made up his mind yet.

Not a problem. Without lifting a single finger, Aizen could easily bring the boy to him.

Then again—should he really resort to such an underhanded scheme? Mind play (while it certainly did have its perks) was not necessary.

Aizen was fully capable of bringing others to him without games.

It wasn't in his nature to be rash—to jump without thinking.

The boy HAD wanted him that night he had sensed it, long before he had tickled the youth's brain cells.

Aizen had simply brought the boys' hidden desires to the surface.

For no human (no mater how guarded) could truly mask all of they're inner secrets.

Not even Aizen himself (though he had certainly tried on more than one occasion)

Time, it was all a matter of time.

The boy, Kurosaki Ichigo, would come to him.

"Uh-oh I know that face, is our little Sou-kun thinking naughty thoughts?"

"I think he is, Kisuke."

Urahara. Shihoin. Two of the most annoying individuals Aizen had ever met.

"Did you have a reason for coming here or—

"We're here for the party of course!" Yoruichi's cat-like eyes sparkled brightly. "Where is the birthday girl?"

"Obviously she is not here."

Hinamori was most likely somewhere at the other end of the house pestering Hitsugaya-kun.

Urahara snorted "We gathered that much."

"Then kindly show yourselves to the door."

"Now, now Sousuke-kun don't make me bend you over my knee and spank you, " Yoruichi teased as she made her way around the room, stopping to turn and look out the window.

Aizen was not the least bit amused.

"The official party does not start until 8pm sharp, surely you can find some other way to entertain yourselves until that time?"

"First you changed the day, now you changed the time. I'm beginning to think poor Hinamori-chan won't be having a party at all."

"The party was shifted to a different day and time at her request. A good parent should always listen to their children."

"Really?" the blond let out a snort, "And I suppose you're going to tell us that she was also the one who decided to celebrate her birthday in December even though she was clearly born in June?"

Who the hell was this man to lecture him?

If Aizen were a lesser man he'd wring the older blond by his neck.

As it was…

"Hinamori was away at school during her birthday, so it is only natural that she should want to celebrate it during the winter break."

"A likely story," The man with dish water blond hair picked up the glass, crowned shaped paperweight lying on the desk and started tossing it up into the air. Treating it like it was a toy and not a nearly priceless antique. "I bet—no I know what really happened," pale gray eyes pinned themselves on dark brown "You turned her into your little live china doll again didn't you?"

The paperweight was slammed down onto the desk.

A speckle of spit flew out of Urahara's mouth and right into Aizen's face.

"Don't even try to deny it! Yoruichi and I both saw it, moments ago in fact, right before we interrupted you and your daily maniacal planning." Urahara sneered at him "That familiar glazed over look, the plastic smile, the practiced pose," the blond picked up the paperweight once more and then smashed it against the wall—missing Aizen's head by less than a inch.

"You disgust me! Thinking you can use innocent children as your own personal puppets!"

Back still turned to the window, the woman with mocha toned skin added "You'll slip up one day Sousuke," she spun around, cat-like eyes flashing dangerously "And when you do, I'll be right there to laugh in your arrogant, aristocratic face."

()()()()()()()

"My, my why the rush? The way those two just stormed outta here I was beginning to ta think yer office caught fire."

"Apparently Urahara and Shihoin believe me to be some kind of evil mastermind who has set out to corrupt and destroy the lives of all the innocent children around the world."

"Oh? And how exactly did they come to that sort of conclusion?"

Yes, how indeed?

()()()()()()()

(Ichigo)

Of course Ichigo should have seen this one coming. If he had just thought things through, the pieces would have come together.

But an intervention? Wasn't that just a tad bit extreme?

"Sit down Ichigo, this is for your own good." Rukia's voice was firm now—no longer intoxicated, as it had been earlier.

"That's right, we're doing this because we care, Kurosaki-kun." Inoue smiled warmly at him.

"Ichigo trust me man, you'll feel loads better when it's all out." Renji was nursing his final beer of the night.

"Anything that is said tonight will not be repeated out side of this circle," Ishida now looking more like his usual pompous self, addressed not only Ichigo but the entire group.

"What's going on? Are you on drugs Ichigo?" Keigo had just come out of the bathroom and his hands were still slightly damp.

"Sit down and shut up dummy!"

Chizuru poked the boy in the forehead.

"I'm not dumb!" Keigo whined.

"Shhh!"

"Oh I get it, this is like story time right?"

"Where did you guys find this kid anyway? He seems pretty retarded."

Kazeshini, apparently did not know how to censor himself.

Keigo wasn't really an idiot. His IQ was actually well over 210—it was just that he was starved for attention—of course Ichigo was the only one who knew this.

"If you bad mouth Keigo again I will get up out of this chair and personally kick your ass."

"Aw I feel so happy."

"Be quiet Keigo!"

"So for those of you that don't know the real reason for this little get together, we will tell you now." Rukia turned to the buxom brunette who was currently sitting on the end of a tacky yellow and maroon colored love seat. "Inoue, the lights please."

"Got em'"

"Oh thank you Kazeshini-san."

"Please just Kazeshini or Kaze, the san is not necessary."

"Ahem."

"Oh um sorry, please do continue."

"Right so it's like this—

"Um Abarai-kun perhaps it would be best if Kuchiki-san and I went first."

"She's right. Sit down Renji. You'll have your chance in a minute."

"Hmph, whatever."

Rukia grinned and then put a flashlight up to her face "Our story begins in a little place called Tickle Town-"

"Tickle Town?"

"Shh!"

"Now Tickle Town is no ordinary place to live. It's special and only a small handful of people have actually seen it."

"Have you seen it Rukia-chan?"

"I have, the other night in fact."

Ichigo groaned inwardly.

Why did he have a feeling that this stupid tickle town place had something to do with him?

"Really?"

Seemed Keigo was enjoying it, at least.

"Shh!"

"Like all towns, Tickle Town had it's own history of unfortunate deaths and hauntings."

"Hauntings? Like Ghosts?"

"Close. This particular haunting," her voice went deeper "Is about a vehicle that picks up young men and devours them in one fell swoop."

Devours as in? Okay perhaps now would be a good time to cover his ears.

"When you say devour you mean what exactly?"

"Think long and hard and I'm sure it will come to you, Keigo."

"So it's like a vehicle demon then?"

"Sure Keigo, that's exactly what it is."

"Cool and does it like drag the guy down to hell with him—do they oooh get to ride on the—

"No, there is no hell," Rukia smirked "Quite the opposite."

She was—now Ichigo knew she was.

"Well how can that be—I mean where else can a demon go besides—

"There is no hell!" Rukia's left brow twitched "Can I please continue the story?"

"Fine. But I still think it would make more sense if t—OW!"

"Oops my hand slipped."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes at the dark skinned male with pale iridescent eyes.

Kazeshini was beginning to get on his last nerve.

'Keep it up asshole! You'll find out what happens.'

Wanna give him a runnin start King?'

"Kurosaki-kun is everything alright?"

'Nah doubt a guy like that needs one.'

"Everything is fine Inoue, continue with your story."

Ya know maybe after you're done wiping the floor with that Kaze prick over there, ya could invite the pretty one out for breakfast or coffee or somethin'?'

'Pretty one?'

'The one who looks like he has an ice pick shoved up his ass.'

Actually not that I was looking or anything but I thought he had a pretty nice ass. Wait! What the hell am I saying? Stop putting dirty thoughts in my head. Fuck off Shirosaki!'

"Shit! He's doing it again. That's enough Rukia! Hit the lights."

Ichigo blinked.

What the hell was Renji talking about?

The only thing he'd been doing was sitting, as had been requested.

()()()()()()()()()

Half an hour later

Kaze, Maru, Chizuru, Keigo, Mizuro, Mizuro's girl and Tatsuki went home.

So now it was just Renji, Rukia, Chado, Inoue, Ishida and himself.

"It's that damn Aizen I'm telling you, he's completely fucked Ichigo's brain cells over, pretty soon the poor guy won't know left from right."

"Asshole! I'm standing right here."

"Look Ichigo I know you're probably kinda pissed but I had to do it—these guys deserve to know the truth."

"My business is my business."

"Not when it can put you in a freakin' coma!"

Oh not this again. Ichigo rolled his eyes.

"Coma? Are you sick Kurosaki-kun?"

"What is he talking about Ichigo?"

"Nothing. Renji is—he's just being an idiot, meddling in business that is not his."

"The way your eyes keep darting around the room, I'd say that Abarai might actually have a point for once, Kurosaki."

"Who the hell asked you? Since when do you give a damn about what goes on in my life anyway, Ishida?"

He had always hated Ishida's holier-than-thou I know everything tone. But tonight it was really eating at him.

"Ichigo!" Rukia looked at him in disbelief.

And Rukia what right did she have to look at him like that anyway?

She wasn't his freakin' mother!

"No I'm sick of this shit! All of you treat me like I'm some kind of idiot! You think I don't know, think I'm not aware of how fucked up my life is? Do you really believe I want to spend the rest of my existence fighting off perverts and clinging to my fucking virginity?

News FLASH! It doesn't matter—tell ya what, why don't I just unzip my pants, bend over right now and let all of you FUCK ME IN THE ASS—it could be like a royal gang-bang parade!

He let out a humorless laugh.

—Hell why stop there, why don't you just invite the entire neighborhood over—Rukia can get out her video camera, film the whole thing and then broadcast it all over the FUCKING WEB!"

The blow to his face snapped Ichigo back to the land of sanity.

He'd never seen his best friend looking so completely and utterly disappointed in him.

"Chado, wait I—!"

Without a word, the taller male brushed past him, opened the door and stormed out into the night.

()()()()()()()

"Coffee, black."

"Wow kid you look like shit. Somebody run over your cat or something?"

"Its Ichigo and no I just pretty much hate my life right now."

"Whys that? You seem like a pretty well put together kid to me, got all your teeth, face is acne free, look like you're pretty ripped underneath that pricey down jacket, carrying a novel written by Shakespeare underneath the crook of your arm, so you're clearly educated. Doesn't sound like such a bad life to me."

"Its Ichigo. And I don't need to be lectured by some no name "wannabe bartender" so just give me my damn coffee!"

"Hey now don't go gettin' all pissy on me, I'm just sayin' a kid like you—

"I'm not a kid, I'll be 20 in 7 months."

"Heh, really? Well that changes things a bit— in one quick move, the "wannabe-bartender" lifted Ichigo off the stool he had been sitting on and pulled him towards the back room.

Sure he could scream—but its not like anyone was here—the place was deserted.

And really why should he bother?

At this point was there really a major difference between this spiky haired "wannabe bartender" and Aizen "the fake-taxi driver?"

"Oh sit down and chill the fuck out. I'm not gonna rape you."

Ichigo raised his eyes in order to get a better look at the "wannabe bartender"—the guy was attractive in a rugged and rough manly kind of way, his grin was a bit unsettling but not unpleasant. Hair pulled back by a bandana that was surely better suited for a biker—then again the guy was wearing a short-sleeved white t-shit and dark blue jeans underneath that stupid lemon cream-colored apron.

The man sat down, propping two large black leather booted feet onto the already cluttered desk.

"I don't care much for formalities—never have, so here's the deal I'll call you Ichigo, you call me Kenpachi. Sound good?"

'I think it would be best to nod or somethin' King.'

Ichigo nodded.

"Alright so let's just cut straight to the chase—You're miserable, I'm miserable. No one else is coming to this dump tonight, so let's just lock up the diner and go for a drive. I won't try anything funny, just want a little company—So how bout it Ichigo?"

"I don't even know you."

"What's there to know? I'm in my thirties, have one daughter who is away at college right now, wife left me 2 and 1⁄2 years ago—ran off with some fruit loop underwear model named Rose. I have one dog, she only bites if you grab her tail. I'm actually a construction worker but I'm watchin this place for a few days as a favor to a friend. I like red meat, toned bodies, sleeping in the nude and you. Now before you start whining about what a pervert I am, I want to reiterate that I will not touch you," tiny ink black colored pupils met his own light brown ones "Unless you ask me to."

()()()()()()()

Next Day…

New viewpoint

(Nel)

She never saw the man on the motorcycle before. And it wasn't like the guy could hide himself for such a long time without any of them noticing.

So she reached a conclusion—the only conclusion that seemed to make any sense—Ichi was not quite as single as they had all been previously led to believe.

She couldn't recall ever seeing the orange haired young male looking so completely relaxed.

She never intended to make Ichi unhappy. None of them really had, things just sort of turned out that way.

()()()()()()

"You've been looking out that window for quite awhile Neliel, is there something of interest out there?"

Nel turned around at the sound of Halibel's voice "It's just—I think we might have a problem."

"A problem? What kind of problem?"

"Ichi has a lover, at least I think he does. I doubt the man is his father, the body language was far too intimate."

Halibel looked thoughtful as she processed this new information. After a minute she spoke "If Kurosaki really does have someone we'll just have to try twice as hard to pull him away from this mystery lover and closer to us."

"B-But Ichi has always been so nice I don't want to hurt him."

"We won't hurt him, I couldn't live with myself if I ever brought down any real kind of harm down on that boy."

"Should we contact U—

"Do not speak of that man's name, Neliel! You never know who could be listening in."

"Oh honestly Halibel, I don't think anyone around here is a threat to us, they're just college students."

"Just college students? Need I remind you of your brother's ex? We all believed her to be completely ordinary right up until she put a bullet in his—

"That was different!"

"Was it? I'm not pointing any fingers at Kurosaki but—

"His name is Ichi, why do you guys refuse to call him by his first name?"

"Because he has not yet earned it!"

Nel was getting tired of this. "And who made that decision? You? Grimm? Ulquiorra? Tell me Hali because I'd really like to know."

"Stop acting like a spoiled brat clinging to her teddy Neliel, the mission must always come first."

"Yeah well maybe I don't want to be a part of this stupid mission anymore. Ichi never did anything to us, why can't we just leave him alone?"

She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. Any minute they'd be rolling down her cheeks.

"Neliel doesn't want to make Ichi sad. Neliel cares about Ichi."

"There is no place for foolish human emotions—we are on a mission, one that will be completed."

()()()()()()

(Aizen)

"Wonderweiss, remember to keep your elbows off the table."

The short little blond boy of German decent babbled something unintelligible before moving his elbows down.

Aizen smiled at the scene. Kaname was always so very patient and gentle with Wonderweiss.

Treating the little "miracle child" with the utmost care.

"Seem ta have trained him well eh Tousen-san?"

"Please do not speak about Wonderweiss as though he is some kind of monkey in a circus, Gin."

"Monkeys are actually quite intelligent Tousen-san."

Tousen was not amused.

But Aizen was.

His two most trusted companions (although fiercely loyal to him) were as different as night and day.

The texture of Gin's hair was a lot like water (one could just slide their hands through it) Length, short and pale silver in color. Kaname's hair was more like a horses mane, long, easily tangled and dark brown (almost black in color) Where as Gin didn't mind having bangs fall into his face, Kaname kept his own hair held back in tiny braids.

Gin's skin was like the color of an off-white seashell, while Kaname's was a fine sepia tone.

Gin's eyes (on the rare occasion when open) are blood red in color. Kaname's eyes remained a pale milky violet sort of color even though his sight had been restored.

When speaking to those that do not know them, Gin's tone is often mocking, Kaname's arrogant.

During their free time… (Aizen does NOT deny his companions/business partners their own personal space) Gin goes out to gamble and picks up cute little blonds from casinos, bars and nightclubs. Kaname stays in and writes advice columns for the "Bankai Press" and creates new and exciting recipes for both traditional and non-tradition cuisines.

Outside the office, Gin likes to wear clingy, silky, and more often than not, somewhat revealing clothing attire in various shades of blue. Kaname prefers loose cotton fabrics in loud colors (orange and purple being his favorite)

"Hm check out the article on page 6, seems like a new gem was discovered on the night of that fashion show down on Quincy Street."

Before Aizen can question what his silver-haired companion is talking about, Gin set down a magazine right in front of him.

There in bold letters in the top right hand corner of the page, the headline reads.

Everyone is Asking. But No One Seems to Know. Just who is this new age Aphrodite?

There was nothing particularly fascinating about the article—it was pretty standard—Young fashion designer pulling off a successful show—blah blah blah—experienced some problems with some of the younger models—blah blah blah—ah here!

New Age Aphrodite, 5'9, estimated to be between 18-20 years of age, appears to have a tight knit friendship with the young designer and a few of Karakura's Top Models, charmed both critics and camera men alike with her pretty brown eyes, flawless skin and that too-cute-to-be-intimidating scowl.

Below the article there was a picture of "Aphrodite" posing with 2 other models, "Hercules" and "Hera"

Underneath all the layers of clothing, heavy makeup and hair extensions there was no mistaking it—"Aphrodite's" true identity.

It was the boy, Kurosaki Ichigo, flanking his right side, Kuchiki Rukia and flanking his left side, Inoue Orihime.

Aizen smirked and brushed his finger over the glossy photo.

Ah I see. Now I understand why you were in such a rush that night.'

TBC

(1) Mirajane ~ character from Fairy Tail. Don't ask why I just think it would make sense for Chizuru to be a little fangirl gaga over this chick. Shrugs.

A/N 2) Kaze and Maru? LMAO…but really I couldn't resist, I figured I already mentioned Muramasa and Koga, why stop there?