Yeah…Chey no own…if you ask Tite Kubo who Chey is he no know…sadly…

Chances

Chapter Three

~~~O tanoshimi Kudasai~~~

Gentle fingers guide me to follow the waiter as we walk through the bustling restaurant. Most people were well dressed and neither of us looked very out of place. His opposite hand reaches forward and pulls out a chair for me as we stop at a table. "You're seat milady…" I chuckle at his playfulness and sit down allowing him to push me in. He walks to his seat and slides into it with an air of elegance in his stride.

A bubbly voice breaks the silence between us and we both glance up at the waitress as she stops at our table. "May I get you something to drink, Kurosaki-san?" Her eyes look over us in both awe and jealousy. Deeper in the pools you can see an innocent longing for something that I'm not quite sure of. She can't be much younger than Ichigo.

Ichigo looks at me and I shrug indifferently knowing that he'll order me something that I like. "Can we get a bottle of your best wine?" I gape at him and he offers a gentle smile as we both watch the waitress nod and write it down on her pad.

"Right away sir and may I say that you two make a lovely couple." She hurries away and I gape at her before we both begin laughing about her high blush.

Ichigo plucks a roll from the basket with his long elegant hands and picks a piece off before popping it in his mouth. I reach across the table and pluck a piece off of it as well before tasting it. Surprisingly it's actually rather good. "I was not aware that you were a wine drinker Ichigo?" He meets my gazes and offers a small smile before nodding.

"I have a few bottles back at the apartment…I can't single out any one drink to be my favorite. I tend to drink a wide variety of drinks since I was a bartender for a year and a half." I roll my eyes as memories of the night he got Kisuke smashed at the bar he worked at. Chad started the bar in town and most of the shinigami stopped in there when they were around.

I frown and vaguely wonder why he doesn't work there anymore. "Why'd you give it up…you seemed to enjoy it so much?" His eyes find mine and he offers me a sad smile. "Rukia didn't like it, did she?"

We both pause as the wine bottle is settled to our side. The waitress smiles brightly and pours us each a glass of wine before taking out her pad of paper. "Can I have an order of Chirashi?" The waitress nods at Ichigo's order and then turns to me I smile brightly at Ichigo and scan my eyes quickly over the menu.

My figners tap my chin before I grin brightly and look up to the young woman. "I'll take an order of your kamameshi." The waitress quickly walks away leaving us both to our thoughts. Ichigo grins brightly at something behind me and when I turn around I notice Orihime standing behind us.

"Kurosaki-kun! Shihoin-san!" She waves brightly while hurrying toward us followed closely by Tatsuki, Uryuu, and Chad. The group looks at us and then at Ichigo with varying grins.

"Well at least you finally figured out how to treat a woman to a proper meal baka." Tatsuki's fist connects with Ichigo's head and Ichigo glares fiercely at the black haired woman. "What brought you to Hime's place anyway?"

"I thought we'd try it out since Yoru-san just got back from her trip home and what do you mean figured out? I know how to treat a woman Tats. It's not my fault my ex was a bitch." All four stare at the angered man in shock and their jaws practically fall open when I reach across the table and pat his hand lightly. Ichigo sighs and roughly pulls his hand through his hair. "Sorry guys…it's just that Rukia was in town today and we got into a fight. She said some things that really made me angry and I guess I'm still a little upset about it."

I pat his hand again and offer him a gentle smile. "It's alright Ichigo…while we're here the guys are going out tomorrow do you want to come?" Ichigo thinks over Chad's offer and nods once before asking for details. I tune out the details and bring my drink to my lips before stiffening as Rukia enters the restaurant with her brother and the man she's supposed to marry.

"Ano…Shihoin-san would you like to join the girls since Kurosaki-kun is going to be with the guys. It can't be fun to stay in his apartment all alone since it's so big." I look up startled at Orihime's in invitation and glance at Tatsuki so see her smiling as well.

I place my drink on the table and clear my throat before offering a bright smile in their direction. "Of course…where should I go?" Orihime pulls a piece of paper from her bag as well as a pen before scribbling down the place, the time, and the dress code.

"Hey hun…we're probably going to stop by the bar for a little is that alright with you guys? I'm sure by the time we get there most of you guys will be drunk since Ichigo's going." Ichigo snorts and I see a spot of his ego flare up.

Chad turns to Tatsuki and nods softly before we all watch as she tip-toes up to peck his cheek. "Actually Ichigo we lost one of our employees and I was wondering if you'd take the shift until we find another bartender?" Ichigo shrugs softly at Chad's questions before I see realization flicker in his eyes.

He takes a sip of his drink and then sits it down before offering Chad a small smile. "Actually I could just fill the position permanently I miss it…besides, I don't have to worry about having an angry partner to come home to." At his laughter the others join in before waving and bidding us farewell. I watch as Ichigo grabs the piece of paper before tucking it in his wallet for safe keeping for me.

My eyes stray to the Kuchiki family who just now noticed our presence in one of the better tables in the room. "You didn't tell me Orihime owned the place, Ichi. It's nice though." Ichigo chuckles and sips his wine before we both grin as our food arrives. We begin to eat and the conversation flows thin bits and pieces throughout our meal.

Ichigo sips his drink as we both finish and his eyes gaze around before they land on something behind me. He places his drink on the table and offers me a hand. I take his hand in utter confusion and allow him to help me up. As we turn I catch Kuchiki's eyes as they narrow on me. I wink and when I turn back around I notice doors that lead to a deck where there is dancing. "Suzu can you just put everything on my tab please?" The female that was our waitress nod once and offers a kind smile in our direction before tearing our receipt off her pad and placing it in the cash register. "I'm an investor I suppose you could say."

I nod and allow him to lead me toward the dance floor. "Ichigo I have to tell you something." He twirls me once and we begin swaying and I try to stop but he just smiles and continues moving. "It's about Rukia…"

His eyes find mine again and in them I see knowledge well past his years. "I know what you're going to say Yoruichi. I'm not all that stupid. They had been trying to get her to marry him for years now." He drops his head to me shoulders as the song changes to something slow.

Over his shoulder I notice Kuchiki walk out and nearly stop when she sees the position we're in. I suppose to anyone it would look rather intimate. My arms are wrapped around his neck and my figners tease at his slightly longer hair. My head is tilted slightly so its leaning against his head. His head is bowed and placed on my neck at an angle that would suggest he was either kissing it of whispering in my ear. His right arm is wrapped across my shoulders and his figners gently clasp the area of my neck that is just below my ear while his right arm is around my waist firmly. We sway with one another in our own slow motions. "Ichigo…why don't you try to win her back then…if you knew she was only doing it because she was forced to?"

His head rises slightly to he's looking intensely into my eyes. "Yoru-san…it's not worth fighting for if I would be the only one fighting. I'm tired of fighting and trying to be something I'm not. I'm not going to be regal and elegant…I'm me. I'm brash, hot-blooded, and I have the foulest mouth of probably ever. Most of the things about me will never change and if they can't accept it or Rukia can't fight for it then it's not worth it." His words shock me but not as much as they should have. I always knew that he was intelligent if he wasn't he wouldn't have been at the top of his class and he wouldn't have been able to convince the Sotaicho that he should be paid for everything he does. Ichigo is no fool and to be honest I'm glad that he's not. Sure sometimes it takes him a bit but that's because he over thinks everything. Honestly if Rukia didn't fight for Ichigo to stay the way that he was then she didn't love him enough.

I tighten my hold in him and rest my head on his chest as we sway at a slightly different rhythm and begin to twirl effortlessly around the room as if we were battling one another. We twist and curve around one another while effortlessly calculating the next movement and setting up accordingly. "I'm glad…I'm glad that I didn't have to hurt you more by telling you that. I don't…I never want to see you upset like that every again. I want to see you smile, Ichigo." He chuckles softly, not condescendingly or teasingly, and then he lifts my chin with his thumb and index finger.

His lips curve into a dazzling and equally as beautiful smile. "Yoru-san you're part of my light now…I hope you don't mind." I smile back and as the song ends we both part, albeit a small distance, and then he laces his fingers through mine and leads me off of the dance floor.

Rukia's small body twirls in front of us and we both pauses lightly and waist for the dancing pair to pass before walking past them. Byakuya catches my gaze and Ichigo stops to speak with him when he looks as if he wants to say something.

"You are grieving…" The tone of Byakuya voice sends Ichigo's hand into clenching my own tightly but not tight enough to inflict pain. "I apologize for this but that does not give you the right to flaunt another woman in front of my sister…"

I gasp as Ichigo merely glares harshly at the man in front of him as if he's going to actually murder him…if looks could kill. "Kuchiki I believe that I may come here at any point I want seeing as I pay for part of this establishment. I treated Yoru-san, my mentor and friend; to a nice dinner because she took care of all my bullshit after your fucking sister decided that she just didn't care to love me anymore. So you can shove that shit up your ass!" Ichigo pushes past him and I laugh softly at the stunned noble and follow shortly behind Ichigo. We walk out into the crisp night air and walk through the bustling streets. "Do you still want to go to the arcade?"

I look up at the sky and shake my head while smiling softly to myself. "No I think I'm fine just walking around town if that's alight with you." Ichigo just nods and wraps an arm around my shoulders before walking down the street and winding his way through town.

As time passes we fall into an easy conversation. We talk about anything and everything ranging from training and his newest attacks and bond with his zanpakuto and inner hollow. I tell him about my family and what I went to speak with them about. We talk about Kisuke and how he and I met. I tell countless stories about my childhood and the kind of boys my family tried to set me up with. He laughs softly when I tell him about how I dealt with my family when I finally had enough. I told them I was a lesbian and didn't want to marry a disgusting pig. Soon we find ourselves back at his apartment and head for our rooms very much tired and very much excited for tomorrow.

~~CxB~~

We enter into the usually rambunctious bar to be greeted with the loud laughing and talking of a singular table filled with Ichigo and his friends. Music played lightly through the speakers and Ichigo was standing behind the bar creating a set of shots for the men. He looks like he was in his element and it actually made my mouth water a bit when I notice that sexy bartender smirk planted firmly on his lips. We pull up chairs and join the fun only to be offered shorts. Everyone downs them and Ichigo looks utterly proud when Keigo finally passes out completely obliterated. "He's such a light drinker that was a weak short it shouldn't have finished him off like that!" Ichigo nods agreeing with Renji's loud declaration. Ikkaku and Yumichika down another set of sake cup before grinning. They have a drinking night once a month where the men from the Seireitei that had been to Ichigo's school join everyone for a night of drink at Chad's bar. They'll return with huge hangovers tomorrow morning because we all know Ichigo make the sake extra strong as well as the shots.

"So, how was your night ladies?" Tatsuki pecks Chad on the lips and settles into his lap with a grin. Chad merely stay silent waiting for Orihime, who ultimately will, to answer the question.

Ichigo raises a brow at me and I offer a grin to tell him I had fun. "Well first we ate dinner at some café and then we went to see a movie. After that we went shopping and then went to a club. After everything else we came here to meet up with you guys. It was really fun." I watch as Chizuru rolls her eyes and stare at Ichigo before downing a shot.

"Yoruichi is much more fun than Kuchiki. I'm glad we invited her instead. She actually has some fun!" Ichigo's mouth drops open and Renji bursts out laughing. The dumbass laughs so much he spills his sake on himself.

"Yeah Ichigo…Rukia never let loose she always worried something would go wrong. I like Yoruichi keep her around will ya?" Ichigo nearly spits his drink out of his nose and I begin laughing hysterically before he begins yelling at me and telling me not to laugh. I just laugh more and he tells me to shut up before flipping me off.

Renji finally composes himself and the door opens to reveal none other than Matsumoto Rangiku and most of the women's association. Soi-fon trudges in and crosses her arms as Rangiku eyes everyone curiously. "Is this where you guys come every month without me?"

She pouts and Renji shrugs softly. "Don't worry about it usually it's an all guys night and Ichigo makes us smashed but tonight the girls stopped by after their night out. Oi, Ichi, can you get the ladies something strong to drink…all of them?" Ichigo stands with a devilish smirk and returns to his element. Soi-fon finally notices me when I shout to Yumichika to pour me some sake. She hurries to me side and begins asking me what I'm doing here.

As she begins firing off questions about me and other stuff Tatsuki eyes her for a moment. "Oi, Yoruichi, is this the girl that you call your best friend?" Soi-fon instantly blushes a deep crimson at the term and I nod and pull her close to my side.

"Soi this is Tatsuki, Chizuru, Mizuiro, and the one passed out is Keigo. You already know Orihime, Chad, and Uryuu. Oi, Strawberry hurry up with those drinks I want to get Soi plastered tonight!" I watch as Ichigo merely shoots me a glare before smirking and ducking into the storage room.

His voice suddenly floats out of the room and toward our ears. "Chad where's my favorite shit?!" Chad stands and walks back before Ichigo walk out holding a completely blacked out bottle that was absolutely small. He pull out some tools and then turn holding a shot glass. He turns back around and hurries back into the back room only to close it tightly when he returns. He move toward the table and hands out the drink before handing Soi-fon one. Ichigo downs his like a pro and everyone follows suit. I notice Soi-fon's cheeks begin to tint and know that with a few more shots of anything in here she'll be to the point of no return.

"Ichigo what the hell did you put in that shot?!" Rangiku eyes Soi-fon with awe and Ichigo smirks and places a long finger to his lips. Rukia, the only other member aside from Yachiru who wasn't there, enters soon thereafter to find a sight se never thought she'd see.

I'm laughing wildly and somehow everyone ended up playing strip poker. I'm sitting in my bra and Ichigo is shirtless while everyone else is pretty much naked. Most have boxers or bras and underwear but still it's hilarious. "You fucking cheat!" Renji points a finger at both of us as Ichigo begins laughing wildly and stands to grab the tray and refill the shots. He looks over and adds two more shot glasses to the tray. I turn around and notice Byakuya standing behind Rukia. Everyone slowly begins dressing again for a round of none stripping go fish. I pull up two chairs as Ichigo sets out the shots and Byakuya takes his seat without another thought. Rukia hesitantly follows. "Yer late taicho…ya know what the means!" Ichigo's eyes widen and then narrow and he walks away and into the back room. He returns with a shot glass filled with a concoction I don't even want to know about because it looks like it could take a man down in three shots. Ichigo places it in front of Byakuya who quickly gulps it down and I watch as his cheeks tint a bit.

Ichigo returns to his seat and we all take our shot. "I should have made your shot stronger but I didn't want you to end up like Keigo." He jabs a thumb to the bathroom where we can make out Keigo lying on the floor passed out while hugging the toilet bowl in the first stall.

Byakuya chuckles and I mean really chuckles before nodding just once and sipping his sake that Ikkaku poured for him. After about an hour we all lean back and relax for a few minutes. "Mizuiro can you take Keigo for the night Yoru-san is in my guest room plus you're apartment is closer." Mizuiro nods and stands only to walk into the bathroom and heft Keigo onto his back. He waves and leaves. Everyone begins trickling out that are Ichigo's human friends and Chad and Tatsuki leave giving Ichigo the keys to lock up since Tatsuki was wasted.

Rukia eyes the place carefully and then watch as Ichigo wipes down the bar as if he's done it all his life. He careful washes the glasses and cups before drying them and placing them where they belong. He locks the storage room and then wipes down our table. We all lift our chairs back where they belong and Ichigo locks the back door before coming back around. Everyone heads out and I tug Soi-fon up trying to carry here and failing cause she keeps moving. Ichigo nudges me and hefts her into his arms taking the weight off of my arms.

"Are you all staying with Kisuke then?" My question startles the quiet group and Byakuya nods softly surprisingly very intoxicated. "I guess Soi will stay with us for the night. I'll take care of her don't worry." We reach Ichigo's apartment complex and we wave as everyone files past and down the street toward Kisuke's. Ichigo walks up the stairs and I unlock the door before we both walk in. Ichigo places Soi-fon gently on the couch and pulls out a pillow and blanket for her. He places a cup of water and two aspirin on the table by her head.

We walk into the kitchen and eat something quickly before locking up and going to be. I shower and carefully look back over my day. I smile despite myself as I change into one of Ichigo's tee-shirts that I stole and a pair of my fabric black shorts. I tug my hair up and hurry to bed. I can't wait to see what Soi-fon is like in the morning hopefully Ichigo makes her something greasy for breakfast because she'll need it to get over that hangover.