A/N: I'm sorry for the late update. There were a lot of things going on and I needed to prioritize. BTW, I hate this chapter. It was meant to be deep and really conflicted but it came out like this. Flames are welcome.
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Chapter 9
Confrontation
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Kabukicho, Shinjuku
10:35am, June 18th
It was so unlike Ichigo to be followed around. He would have sensed immediately that something was amiss. He was brought up like that, initially for his safety which later became useful in his job. Perhaps it was because of the distraction named Stark.
The goateed man was sitting in a rented car in the driver's seat, languidly smoking a cigarette. He watched as the berry disappeared into an alley, where he was sure there was a back entrance to that strip club. The Candy Shop. It was hardly a name that could stand out, but it was easy to remember nonetheless. He knew who owned the place, just remembering Urahara's dagger like smile had shivers running up and down his spine.
Asking for a "time off" from his boss was really easy. Stark then wondered if Gin-sama had suspected something. Well, he would not put it past the man. That man had uncanny instincts and that was what made him the man he was today. He was sure trouble would dog his every step if anyone found out about his feelings for Ichigo. He didn't want to die, but he didn't want to lose the berry either. He sighed. He was also sure that Ichigo found himself in the same quandary.
Suddenly, he felt the cold barrel of a gun pointed to his temple.
"Look at what we have here." The voice came from an undoubtedly female source.
The man raised his hands, showing he wasn't hiding any weapons. "Long time, no see, Yoruichi Shihoin."
The woman grinned cordially. "So, what brings you to this part of town?" the woman asked, gun still pointed to his head. "You can't claim to be sightseeing now, can you?"
The man did not answer. He felt he was in enough trouble as it was.
"You know, on second thought, Ki-chan would love to see you. Why don't you get out of the car… and no tricks please."
The man sighed in defeat. He unclasped the seat belt and took the keys and put them into a breast pocket before opening the door. He knew that he would definitely get hurt if he tried anything, after all, the woman watching him was not only the fastest in the business, but she was one of the most lethal killers as well, probably next to Urahara. It was easy to see where Ichigo got his talent.
They made their way through the same alley Ichigo earlier went into and reached a nondescript door. "Do be a darling and knock on the door for me." Yoruichi asked sweetly. The man rapped on the door sharply and it was opened by a dark haired girl.
"Hi there, Ururu." The woman cocked her head to the side as she smiled at the girl.
"Welcome back Miss Yoruichi." The girl greeted as she meekly bowed. She stood by as the pair went in. The threesome ascended a flight of stairs to reach the main living area of the building.
The bespectacled man raised his brow as he saw the pair walk into the living room, followed by Ururu. Then he remembered the face of that man who handed Ichigo-kun over. So, the man was still alive then.
"Welcome to the Candy Shop." The woman spoke in her husky but genial voice, though he made no mistake about the gun pointed at the back of his skull.
"You remember Tessai, right?"
Of course Stark did. He was the one took Ichigo back from that derelict building. He remembered the image of the man carrying a shivering Ichigo, all bundled up in his huge coat which was a big contrast to what he was doing now. The man was wearing an apron over a white muscle shirt and a pair of jeans, cleaning what appeared to be an antique vase which he immediately put down as they came in.
"Please do sit down and make yourself at home." The man bowed, very much treating him like an honored guest though a gun was pointed at his spine.
Stark sat on the black leather couch. He mused at the fact that Urahara was living comfortably though simply as he took a look around.
"Ururu-chan, could you please make us some tea?" the dark-skinned woman asked.
The girl bowed meekly bowed once more and went out of the room as silent as a mouse. The woman then turned her attention to the bespectacled man. "Where's Ki-chan?"
"Tenchou is upstairs, tending to Ichigo-kun." Yoruichi raised her brows at what he said, but held her tongue. Questions would be asked later, out of their guest's earshot. "Could you please tell him we have a guest, Tessai?"
The room was deathly silent as Tessai went to fetch Urahara. Their teas remained untouched. Yoruichi was furtively observing Stark out of the corner of her eye while he still seemed as lazy and carefree as ever. She had no idea though, how much turmoil he was experiencing beneath the calm exterior.
Stark did not share the surprised look on the woman's face when the man told her Ichigo was here. Though he was sure as hell did not want to see Urahara.
Urahara set the book he was reading down on the nightstand as soon as Tessai mentioned about their unannounced guess. An unnatural feeling of anger and protectiveness enveloped his person. Stark dared to follow Ichigo into his haven. He would not allow the man to disturb his nephew's peace.
Footsteps announced Urahara's arrival. Shadowed eyes looked at Stark, as if boring a hole into his whole being. If looks could kill, then he would've been dead by now.
Urahara remained silent. He knew what this man was after, but he would not let him do anything, not in his territory. Yoruichi was no doubt enjoying the staring contest between the two men with a hint of curiosity. She knew though that it was not the time to satiate her curiosity though.
"Yoruichi, please leave us." The woman raised her brow but complied, knowing full well her friend meant business.
The blond man approached Stark slowly. He then lifted the man's chin with a finger and looked straight into his eyes. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you now." he whispered, every word punctuated with threat.
The words seemed stuck in his throat, but he forced it out. "I love him." he said, evenly meeting the man's eyes. Urahara let out a bitter laugh. "You seem so confident to say that."
"But it is the truth." Stark countered.
"Tell me then, if you really do love Ichigo, tell me why he is hurting so much?"
Uncomfortable silence was the only answer the younger man could give. But if he could, he would do everything, anything for Ichigo.
Urahara sat across the goateed man, leaning forward as he did so. The tension between the two men was palpable. The blond man then leaned back and took his hat off to run a hand through his hair haphazardly. "Please leave. Leave now before I change my mind."
Stark reluctantly stood up and slowly walked toward the stairs. He really was not sure how to feel. Somehow he knew that whatever the outcome, he would still lose Ichigo. As he descended the flight of stairs, he felt his heart become heavier. As he reached the foot of the stairs, he looked back, hoping to see Ichigo's orange locks one more time. But there was only silence that bade him goodbye.
