I loved him.

I still love him.

And I will probably love him in the future as well.

But I know

Beyond all doubt

That he will never love me

Because

His heart has already been stolen.

--------------

"Rukia's the one in trouble, and yet you're acting like a spoiled brat."

Byaukya turned to face the red-haired ponytailed man, eyes empty of anger. "It is none of your concern how I act."

"It's my problem if Rukia's involved." Renji's chest swelled with his gallant words.

"Unless you two are lovers, I dare say it isn't."

Renji deflated a few inches.

--------------

"Ichigo."

He twisted around to face her, eyes hopeful at her sudden word.

"Rukia... You're....."

She was smiling a smile tainted with apology and regret. At least, half of her face was. Her body was fading into nonexistance. "I wonder if I'm dying."

--------------

The whites of Orihime's eyes became the most potent thing about them. They were widened in pure panicked fear.

Her hand grasped the knob of her apartment door until she felt it raw with pain. Pain was good. Pain would help her focus.

"Who are you?" She breathed out parted lips. "Why are you in Kurosaki-kun's body?"

The transformation in the man before here was immediate. His straight back moved to a slinking slouch. His jaw became loose. His eyebrows relaxed as a sleazy grin stretched across his face.

"You noticed eh?" Ichigo's body twisted past Orihime and into the room, hands stuffed in its pockets casually. "Not surprising. You always were so attuned to this guy, weren't you?" It turned its head back towards her and winked while stucking out its tongue. "I wonderrrr whyyyyyyy....."

"Get out."

It ignored her and walked into HER kitchen as though it had lived there every day of its life. "Got any Cheese Whiz? I really like that stuff. It gives Ichi-chan indegestion, you know." It snickered as it rifled through her fridge and turned to her cabinets to resume its quest for cheese.

She grabbed its arm, fear mixed with courage in her face. "Where's Kurosaki-kun?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"TELL ME WHERE HE IS" Her face contorted as rage filled it.

A smack resounded to the room.

Then a thump as the girl fell to the floor.

Ichigo's face twisted into a disgusted sneer. "Be silent, you pathetic little child."

His body leaned down before her fallen body and lifted her chin to meet her eyes using its cold hands. "I despise you." Ichigo's once warm brown eyes were staring at her with passionless revulsion. "Watching you makes me want to wretch my guts out. And I'm positive Ichigo feels the same."

Orihime began to tremble.

A/N: I updated again. IM SO PWOUD OF MYSELF