Hey guys! Thats right, another chapter! I'm a little unsure for how often I want to update since I planned to update only once a month, but you guys keep reviewing so much that I feel I need to post these chapters sooner. I'm such a sucker for you guys and your wonderful thoughts on the story. So I guess if you keep reviewing like this I might just have to update weekly. But I'm sure I can do it!

This chapter starts out in Toushiro's POV.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

I was laying on my back on the roof of our house. It was still dark out in the early morning setting and I could see my breath. It was very cool out but the cold never bothered me, it was actually very relaxing. The moon was still out, lighting the surroundings until the sun would come in a few minutes to do its job. The moon was nearly a perfect sphere in the sky. It'll be full Sunday night.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard Ikkaku shouting about there being no food in the fridge. It was strange that he was up this early but I guess it was only the full moon coming closer. It tended to make us restless.

"Quit your yelling. Some of us are trying to sleep and you of all people could use some beauty rest." Yumichika mumbled from another part of the house.

"Hey! I can hear you!" Ikkaku shouted.

"Well it was meant for you to hear!" Yumichika roared back.

"Shut up you guys! You're giving me a headache!" Rangiku only made more noise.

"Well maybe if you didn't drink sake til you passed out, you wouldn't have a hangover now." Ikkaku chided.

I could imagine her rolling her eyes right about now. Things got quiet again. Even on the roof I couldn't escape their bickering. Just another part of our punishment. Forced to live for eternity with each other. At one point I'm not too proud of, I tried to leave them behind. Of course it didn't work but I sure felt like shit for it, and they even forgave me. I did this to us and I was trying to abandon them. After that I swore to free us of this curse no matter how long it took.

Before I knew it, the sun was up and the others were awake. I jumped off the roof landing firmly on my feet. I walked into the house avoiding the others since I knew what they were going to try and say. I had made the mistake of telling them about the party and not only are they going but they are making me go as well. I looked in the fridge which was completely empty like Ikkaku said.

"Whose turn is it to get groceries?" I called out. 6 bottomless pits and an empty refrigerator do not mix.

Rangiku came into the kitchen. "Oh yeah," she said sheepishly rubbing the back of her head. "I was gonna do that today."

I rolled my eyes and went into my room. I might as well get some time alone before they drag me to that party later today. I thought about everything that would be troublesome later. Luckily I was finished with that assignment with Karin already with a week to spare. I would probably have to get groceries since I knew Rangiku would forget about it. Why did I even bother trying to get them to do anything?

I sighed and closed my eyes in another desperate hope that I could just sleep and not wake up. The one thing everyone feared yet I craved. The only thing that made life what it was. Death.

"Shiro! Wake up!" I heard Momo yell into my ear. I cracked my eyes open and looked to my right where she stood.

I sat up and looked at the time. I fell asleep for 6 hours? I just shook my head and got out my bed. That was another thing. We were always tired before a full moon, like we were saving up our energy for it. Restless when we should be sleeping and tired in the middle of the day.

"What do you want?" I asked Momo who was still glowering down at me.

She rolled her eyes. "We're leaving to Nel's pool party." and then she left the room.

I considered locking my door and just go back to sleep but thought against it. Knowing her she would probably just break the door down. I followed her out the room where all the others were standing. I guess they were all waiting for me. You'd think they couldn't do a thing without me.

When we showed up at the party Nel was pretty excited we came. There were a lot of kids from school there as well. Both her house and her pool were decently sized. As we walked over to the pool a few guys started whistling at Rangiku in her swimsuit. Only we would find the irony in giving her wolf-whistles.

The first thing they did was jump in the pool. It was hot out but as much as I hated the heat I didn't plan on getting in the pool yet, if ever. Kids swimming back and forth and dunking each other underwater did not appeal to me. I briefly wondered if Karin was coming but I quickly dispelled that thought. What did I care if she came?

I was currently sitting on a lawn chair, still fully dressed, not even near the pool. This was as close as I was getting to be in the water.

You're not getting in the water? Renji asked after a few minutes. He was water wrestling with Ikkaku.

No.

Why not? Momo complained. She was swimming on back while glancing over to me.

Because hes waiting for that girl, aren't you? Rangiku snickered from some unknown place.

No way. Why would he want to see her. Momo snapped.

I just tuned them out. Why couldn't they just give it a rest? She was my partner for a stupid school assignment and they have to assume I liked her. I stood up and was about to go find some food until a scent distracted me. It was Karin's.

I looked to my right and there she was, just arriving to the party. She was wearing a red two-piece bikini, the bottoms were small shorts. It looked really good on her and I didn't expect her to wear a suit like that. It showed off her surprisingly curvy figure. She always wore t-shirts and shorts that didn't reveal anything about her shape, but this... I looked away when I realized I was staring. Now I feel like a dirty old man.

"So I see you made it." Karin said as she walked up to me. I looked into her deep blue eyes, focused on not looking anywhere else.

"You seem happy to see me." I baited. I don't know why but I always felt the need to mess with her a little. It helped distract me from other things I guess.

She quickly looked away. "You wish." She then examined my clothes. "You're not going swimming?"

"What makes you say that?" Sure that was a stupid question on my part but this conversation was better than watching people swim circles in pissy water.

"You're not in a swimsuit for one. What you can't swim?" she mocked.

I smirked and crossed my arms. "I just don't want you drooling over me if I take off my shirt." She thought of me as some cocky asshole and I couldn't help but play the part for her. Her reactions were just too funny.

Karin scowled at me and left muttering "Yeah right." as she passed. I turned back to looking for some food. I finally found food but all it had was finger carrots and celery. Was this some kind of vegetarian party? I can't even think about eating little vegetables when I was really craving some kind of meat. Oh well. I just went back to the chair and mindlessly looked around.

A few hours past and it had gotten even hotter out. And here I am still sitting in this damn chair sweating my ass off. Even after hours of swimming the party was still going on as lively as when we arrived if not more.

Are you guys ready to go yet? I asked irritably.

Whats wrong with you? Ikkaku asked.

Hes just in a bad mood cause hes hot. Rangiku laughed. Toushiro doesn't like the heat, remember?

"Shiro, you should come in if you're hot." Momo said. She had gotten out and sat next to me in an attempt to get me in the pool. It wasn't working. Theres no way I'm was getting in that pool.

"I fine." I lied. I was just hoping they would want to leave soon.

The sound of something crack caught my attention. It wasn't loud but I heard it and I just got the feeling something wasn't right. After being cursed for so long I've had to stay alert because things always seemed to turn bad. I knew the others heard it too as we all looked to where the sound came from. It was a large branch, the size of a tree hanging about 25 to 30ft above the deep end of the pool. It was about to fall.

I glance at the pool. No one was in that part of the water so I really don't care. I looked at the pack who were getting out the pool. I glared at them and stood up with Momo following behind me. "You guys ready to go-"

My question was cut off by the sound of the branch falling into the pool. The kids jumped out of the water and it looked like everyone was alright. But something still didn't feel right... and then my blood ran cold. I didn't see her.

"Karin is under there!" I heard someone yell as they pointed to the deep end of the pool.

I didn't even give it a second thought. I threw off my shirt and shoes and jumped into the pool. At first I couldn't see with all the bubbles blocking my view. I quickly swam to the bottom and saw Karin unconscious. She was stuck under the large branch. I grabbed around her waist and pulled her from under the wood and started swimming up. Once I reached the surface I swam to the edge of the pool and got Karin out.

The other kids at the party all ran over and circled Karin who was still unconscious on the ground. I got out the pool and knelt over her. She wasn't breathing. Ignoring the shouts and crowding of the other kids, I plugged her nose and brought my lips to hers.

()()()

"Granny. Do you know about the old tomb in the forest?" I asked curiously.

She looked at me for a second then set down the cloth she was sewing. "Why do you ask?"

I hesitated for a moment. She seemed unnerved by my question and I didn't want to upset her. "Some of the other kids are saying a demon lives in it."

She looked at me seriously. "You do not go near that forest under any circumstance. Is that clear?" she asked, not harshly but stern all the same. I nodded my head quickly even though I already felt guilty. I already planned to go visit the tomb in a few days with the others.

"Yes Granny. I will not go." I vainly promised.

She smiled at me and placed her wrinkled hand on my head. "Such a good child." she then pulled something out of her sleeve. "I have something for you."

She pulled out an old rusted chain and handed it to me. It was nothing special but then I saw what was hanging on it. On the chain was a four pointed star like non I'd ever seen. It was so shiny and light that I had no idea what it was. She smiled at my reaction to it and spoke again.

"You must take great care of it." I nodded while still eying it. I couldn't tell what it was and Granny must've seen my expression as she aided me. "Its pure silver." My eyes widened upon hearing that. How could we afford silver? I was the only one who worked yet I had never made enough to buy something like this. The village was very poor and no one ever got paid a lot for their work. "It was your father's. I knew he would have wanted you to have it." she explained.

I wrapped my fingers around the necklace and smiled sadly. "Thank you."

"Is she okay?" I heard someone say.

"Back up and give her some room to breathe." That was Nel. Which means I was still at the party. So I wasn't dead! I'm so gonna kick Grimmjow's ass for throwing my in the pool. Although it wasn't his fault atree fell onme.

I still couldn't breathe though. I knew I wasn't in the water yet I still felt like I was drowning. Then I felt a pair of soft lips on mine. They felt warm and I couldn't deny I liked the feel of them against mine. But seriously, who was kissing me while I was dying? They blew air into my mouth. Then I understood what was going on. I was getting mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Suddenly I was able to take a breath and I started coughing up chlorine water. I opened my eyes but not by much. I was able to make out some colors above me though. Teal and White. My eyes shot open. Holy Shit.

Without thinking I bolted my head up which collided with his. Everyone else, who was for some reason crowding me, jumped back like I just came from the dead. No I didn't die. I grabbed my head and laid down on my back again. He had a hard ass head because that hurt. Then everyone started asking if I was okay. God I wasn't okay with all the yelling! It was making me dizzy.

I heard Nel starting to take charge. "Okay everyone back up. She doesn't need you all rushing her." She turned to Toushiro who was still looking at me intensely. "Can you take Karin inside?"

He nodded and without saying anything else he picked me up bridal style and started to walk over to the house. I could've walked on my own but it seemed he wasn't going to let me even try. Oh well, who was I to turn down a generous offer that just so happened to piss off every girl – and even a few guys – there? I could feel the glares all over again. I almost died, do they really need to be jealous because him saved my life?! I dared to glance at Hinamori and boy was she heated. When we went by her I could've sworn I heard her growl. Crazy bitch.

When we got inside he set me down on a couch. I sat up and looked around. Nel had a nice house. I then looked to Toushiro who had walked out of my view from the living room. He came back with a towel and handed it to me.

I took it and smiled at him. "Thanks." I motioned for him to sit next to me on the couch and sat to my left. "So I'm going to assume you were the one who got me out the pool?" He nodded. He looked like he was thinking really hard. "You okay?" I asked.

He looked at me like I was crazy. "You're asking me if I'm okay?"

I laughed. "Well whatever. That was really heroic of you. Especially that 'Kiss of Life'." I baited. Thats right I can tease him too. But when I looked at his reaction I thought I was dreaming cause his cheeks turned pink. No way! I made the Toushiro Hitsugaya blush! I deserve a medal of that. Take that you psycho fangirls!

He looked away seemingly embarrassed. I then realized that he was shirtless. This time I'm sure I blushed. He had muscles. He was still pretty lean but they were there. I don't know why I'd think he wouldn't but he did. Six pack and all. I then noticed something on his right upper arm, just under his shoulder. He had four long scars that ran across his bicep. From the way they healed I could tell they were pretty deep when he got them.

"What happened?" I asked not looking away from his scars.

"What?" he asked. He then saw what I was looking at. "Just an accident from a few years ago." he stated. I didn't believe that. They looked like claw marks, but what animal could've done that?

I brought my hand up to his arm without realizing it. Something about them was familiar. When I touched the scars I felt a weird jolt rush through my body. Toushiro stiffened and took in a sharp breath the second my fingers touched them. His eyes were wide and seemed to haze over, like he was seeing something that I couldn't. He looked like he was afraid. "Toushiro? Are you alright?" I asked.

He blinked and seemed to snap out of what that was. "Y-yes. Just... I'm fine." he struggled out. He stood up from the couch and quickly left outside without another word.

What was that? Did I make him uncomfortable by touching his scars? I didn't know what to think. He looked utterly confused, like he didn't know what happened either. Once I walked back outside he and the rest of the Spectacular Six were gone. I didn't have a chance to follow them because Grimmjow practically tackled me as he kept saying how sorry he was for throwing me in the pool. I didn't hold it against him and forgave him quickly. Besides, it was weird to see Grimmjow sorry for anything.

On my way home all I could think about was how weird Toushiro acted right before he left. Today was definitely a hectic and confusing day. The fact that I got the 'Kiss of Life' from Toushiro didn't really hit me until I got home. It was a late reaction because all of the sudden I just couldn't wrap my head around it. And what was worse was that those insane groupies would find some other way to torture me.

And what about Toushiro? I hope he was alright. I had a feeling Momo was gonna have my ass for doing whatever I did to him. Thank God it was Saturday which meant I could try and talk to him before school. I don't think I want to talk with him around people with homicidal tendencies towards me when we interacted.

Once I got home I made sure not to bring up the almost drowning thing. I was completely fine and I didn't want to get Dad started. I was actually really glad Ichigo and Rukia were out of town and couldn't go to the party.

Then another thought came to mind. What was that dream I had? It was like the one I had when I first got here. And the necklace was the same. This place was so strange. Odd things have been happening since I got here and none of them have been good. Ever since we came to Seireitei I've been having the worst luck yet. Before it was little things like losing my key or falling asleep during a test, but know it was stuff that could kill me. Well today was the first that could kill me but I had a feeling that more was to come.

Dinner was surprisingly quiet without Ichigo or Rukia. They were so lucky they got to leave this weekend. I would've passed up the pool party to go back to Karakura to visit some friends but they were persistent in not letting me or Yuzu go with them. They said it like I wanted to go with them when I just wanted to see my old friends and get away from Goat Chin.

Monday was a pain in the ass. All day I was getting looks from girls all over the school. I'm surprised half of them knew who I was. Needless to say the whole mouth to mouth resuscitation thing was blown way out of proportion, and thats understating it. From some of the rumors I heard, the one that stood out the most was that I tore Toushiro's shirt off, pulled him into the water with me, and then proceeded to 'pounce' him.

What. The. Hell.

Unfortunately I haven't talked to him since the party either. I couldn't get a hold of him on Sunday and I wasn't talking to him in front people with these rumors going around. But it didn't really matter cause I was still getting death threats from half the girls at school.

One thing I was thankful for was that we didn't have Dodge Ball in P.E. anymore. That didn't stop the glares I got from Hinamori and the rest of the fangirl population but at least I wouldn't get bruised. During the entire time of school I couldn't stop myself from glancing over to Toushiro. He seemed back to normal though. Never paying attention to anything around him. He always looked like he was in another place so I found it hard to know what he was thinking about or if he was trying to avoid me.

On my way home things turned from annoying to infuriating. And of course I'd hear this terrible news from Ichigo. "Karin, whats this I hear about you and some guy?" he sounded angry.

I looked to Rukia and Yuzu for help but they seemed very curious about the subject as well. "I don't know. What have you heard?" I tried reverse psychology on him.

"That you were making out with some boy in a hot tub at Nel's pool party." And then I remembered that reverse psychology doesn't work in these types of situations. I hadn't heard that one yet. And did I hear hot tub? Where did that come from? Nel didn't even have a hot tub!

We were still walking and we were about half way home, I was in front with Ichigo behind me and Rukia and Yuzu taking up the rear. "Don't even think about taking off." he said in a low voice. Damn.

Thats one thing I always hated. Me and Ichigo were a lot alike – or so they tell me – and would always think of the same things. I let out a sigh. "Thats just some stupid rumor. It didn't even happe-"

"Whats his name?" he cut me off. He must've been really pissed. But I wouldn't let that keep me from giving him a hard time.

"That was rude Ichigo. You should at least let me say what happened." I scolded. I turned around and started walking backwards. I loved to see his expression when I made him angry.

"Karin. Who was it." That wasn't even a question this time.

"Fine but remember; it didn't happen like that." I had to stress. "Toushiro Hitsugaya."

Both Ichigo and Rukia's expressions changed. From being upset and amused they turned to concern. They glanced back at each other like they were confirming something and I furrowed my eyebrows at them. Whats up with them?

Ichigo finally said something. "I don't want you being around him." I just rolled my eyes and and turned around. Like I was gonna listen to him.

To my surprise Rukia backed Ichigo up. "Please Karin. I don't think you should be hanging around him either."

Ok now I'm confused. They didn't want me hanging around him because they thought I kissed him? That didn't sound like them... well it didn't sound like Rukia. Ichigo was always overprotective when it came to me and Yuzu. But before Rukia was giddy when she thought about me with a guy. It can't be because of who he is, could it? Before Rukia didn't seem to care when she saw me with him earlier. This was literally an overnight change of heart.

"You guys are making a big deal out of nothing." I said not bothering to face them anymore.

I could feel Ichigo scowling at me. "I'm serious Karin. Don't go near him."

I scoffed. Who was Ichigo to order me what to do? "You're not the boss of me. I don't have to listen to what you say." I pouted, sounding like a three year old. A childish but I didn't care, he was getting me mad.

"Its whats best for you." he tried to reason.

I turned around and faced him again. "Best for me? I'm old enough to make my own decisions and I don't need you trying to look out for me." I snapped. I could see he was trying to protect me, from what, I had no idea. But it just got me angry to see that he didn't think I could take care of myself.

"Whats so bad about me hanging around Toushiro? You guys don't like him or something?" I inquired. They didn't answer so I just walked ahead.

Trying to tell me what to do? Not happening. I was going to do whatever I wanted and they couldn't do anything about it. And its not like they were telling me anything as to why I shouldn't be around him.

When I got home before the others I headed into the kitchen to grab a snack. I grabbed an apple and started to head upstairs to my room. I was stopped when Ichigo grabbed my arm. "Look I just need you to listen for once." he said sternly.

I jerked my arm from him as I spoke. "I'll talk, hang out, or kiss whoever I want so don't try and tell me what I can and can't do." And with that I went to my room and slammed my door.

Stupid Ichigo. He could try all he wanted to reason but I wasn't about to do a thing he said. I sprawled out on my bed and looked up at the ceiling. That little argument actually tired me out, if you could call it an argument. It was more so me doing the arguing. Now that I think about it, Ichigo has never raised his voice at me or Yuzu once. I'll give him that, cause theres no way I couldn't with the things I tend to say.

But then I thought about what it was all about. It was obviously something to do with Toushiro... I just didn't know what. We've had the same class with him for over a month but they never seemed to resent him, even when he came over last week. All I could think of was earlier today in class, Ichigo and Rukia seemed to be wary around him. And at lunch they kept an eye on him.

Something must've happened between them and Toushiro that I didn't know about. I heard they're door close from down the hallway. Perfect time to go ninja and do some eavesdropping. I walked out my room and tiptoed down the hall. Once I got outside their door I stopped and put my ear against it. It was muffled but I did pick up some of the conversation.

"...that bastard.... I know its him!" Ichigo shouted.

I heard Rukia sigh. "Are you sure? We can't..." Damn I couldn't hear that well. They kept drifting in and out.

Ichigo gawked. "Of course I... You didn't see him last night... I did. He is one. All of them are."

They were silent for a moment before Rukia spoke again. "We... make sure before we do..."

I heard they're footsteps coming to the door and I quickly ran back to my room. As soon as I closed the door I thought about everything they said. Apparently they hate a guy because of something that happened last night, but Rukia isn't sure if its him. And I guess this guy has friends too. What if 'him'was Toushiro? It would make sense as to why they don't want me around him. 'Him' must've been Toushiro and 'all of them' must be the rest of the Spectacular Six. Something happened between Ichigo and Rukia and them last night and I was going to find out what.

So there you have it, Chapter 3. I hope you guys liked it. Please review and tell me what you think! Luv ya!