"Boss." Tessai stood in the doorway of Urahara's small office in his shoten. Looking up from his paperwork, Urahara saw the reflection of the dim light in his office bounce off of Tessai's glasses.

He set his pen down on the desk. "Yes, Tessai? Is there a problem?"

"Not yet, there isn't." Tessai said. Interest piqued, Urahara waved his hand to encourage the other man to continue his train of thought. "Can you not feel that?"

Closing his eyes, Urahara sighed when he felt what the other man was suggesting. "It feels like Ichigo."

"Hai," Tessai said. "If I were to gauge his mood by his reiatsu, I'd say that he seems a bit unhappy."

Urahara kept his eyes closed, trying to focus on the reiatsu of his lover. "It would appear so. Any guess as to what may have made him this way?"

"Maybe it's because the others found him at school?" Kurōdo's pink ears flopped around as he peeked his head into the office.

The shopkeeper nodded his head. "That is probably a very accurate guess." He stood up from his desk and smoothed out his black haori. "Thank you for making me aware, Tessai." He looked down at the small mod soul. "Thank you for your input, Kurōdo-san. It might be best if you and the others stay away for a bit. I have a feeling things are going to be a little tense around here."

"Mondai nai." Noba bowed his head, appearing out of thin air, and began to drag the pink purse to another part of the house. Urahara was grateful for the quiet mod soul, knowing he could count on him to keep the others in line, if necessary. He grabbed his striped hat from off of his desk and placed it on his head.

"Well, I suppose we should be prepared for our guests."

"How many will be here, sir?" Ururu asked, her small frame coming out of storage room with Jinta close on her heels. "Should we prepare tea?"

Urahara nodded. "That would be wonderful, Ururu-chan. I have a feeling it's going to be a full house. No doubt that all of our visiting members from Soul Society have made their presence known to Ichigo today."

"Hai," Ururu bowed her head. "Come along, Jinta."

"Awww...I want to say hi to the pineapple head!" Jinta said, willingly dragged to the kitchen by the younger girl. Urahara kept the smile off of his face, happy that his two charges seemed to be getting along well.

He walked out to the main area of the actual shoten, and busied himself with the small broom he kept there, pushing the dust from one area to another. He saw a lithe black cat slip into the room, trying to go unnoticed. "You know, that's impolite." Urahara playfully scolded his friend.

"What? I didn't want to bother you. You seemed deep in thought," Yoruichi spoke, her voice deep. She trotted over to him, curling around his leg. He bent down and began to pet her head.

"Are you staying in that form?" Urahara already knew the answer, for if she came over to his legs, he knew that was her subtle way of acting the part of a real feline.

Purrings, the black cat nodded. "I don't want to be a distraction."

"And yet, you're here, rubbing yourself against my legs. Yoruichi-san, you are one complex kitty." Urahara chuckled, continuing to pet her head. He stopped when he heard a gaggle of voices approaching his shop. "It seems like everyone will be here very soon."

"Are you prepared for this?" Yoruichi asked, her golden eyes looking up at him. He shook his head, not wanting to voice his immediate concern. "You know that he's going to be very upset. You shouldn't have kept this from him."

The shopkeeper let out a low sigh. "It was for the best. Do you know that he had a normal afternoon yesterday with Hirako? Do you know that that is exactly what I wanted him to have? All of this," Urahara gestured around his empty shop. "This isn't how a teenager is supposed to live. He should be out there, living his life. He shouldn't have to be the one to deal with Aizen."

"Well, then, he shouldn't be involved in a relationship with you either, if that's the way you want to play it." Yoruichi said, her tail swishing behind her. "But I don't see you discouraging that."

"I love him," Urahara spoke quietly. "I can't change that, nor do I want to."

The black cat snorted. "Then stop saying he should live a normal teenager life. He's chosen this path, Kisuke. You might as well stick by him. But, like I said, you can't be upset if he gets mad at you."

"I know," Urahara bent his head. "I wish there was an easier way of doing all of this."

"There is. Don't lie."

"I didn't lie, Yoruichi. I just..." Urahara scratched the back of his neck, not meeting the kitten's gaze.

Footsteps on the porch announced the arrival of their guests. Urahara did not get to complete his sentence, as the sliding door was pushed to the left, letting in the new arrivals. "Konnichiwa, Urahara-san!" Orihime walked into the shop first, followed close behind by both Sado and Ishida.

"Oh! Konnichiwa, Orihime-chan!" Urahara bowed his head, tipping his hat. "My...we've got quite a few people here today."

"Cut the shit, Kisuke." Ichigo said, walking into the shop with Renji. "You must have known they were here."

His stomach twisting, Urahara lowered his head. "Kurosaki..." Toshiro spoke firmly, yet kept a soft tone.

"I thought we agreed you weren't going to come in here like that," Shinji said, flicking Ichigo's ear.

"Ouch!" Ichigo yelped, grabbing his ear. "What? It's the truth, isn't it?" He rubbed his ear, not bothering to look at Urahara. The substitute shinigami continued walking, heading to the room off to the side of the shop, where the others followed after him. Urahara's stomach twisted as his lover blatantly ignored him when he walked by.

Orihime placed a hand on Urahara's shoulder. "Don't worry, Urahara-san. Kurosaki-kun is just..."

"It's fine," Urahara placed a hand on top of Orihime's. "I'm not upset." He gave her a small smile, happy to see her frown turn up at the sight of his own smile. "Why don't you go in there? Ururu and Jinta are making tea."

The bubbly, buxom girl nodded her head. "Alright!" She walked off to join the others in the room.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Sado appeared from behind, standing close to the Quincy.

Urahara was happy that Ichigo's friends were so concerned about him, but he knew that his lover had every right to feel the way he was feeling. "I'm positive, Yasutora-san. Please, you don't have to ask after me." He held his arm out, indicating that the other two should join the rest of the shinigami in the small room. He was amazed that everyone had fit in there. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, trying to keep himself level-headed. He walked into the room, where he saw everyone was seated around the round table, speaking quietly in their groups. "Now, what brings you all here?"

"Ichigo wanted to know just why we were here," Renji said. "He suggested we come here to meet."

Lifting his head, he saw auburn eyes glaring at him. Urahara did his best to not flinch under the teen's gaze, even though it was killing him inside. "Very good." He decided to meet his lover head on. "What have they told you?"

"Nothing, yet." Ichigo grumbled, breaking eye contact the moment Urahara spoke. "I thought it would be better if we all came here, as there are less eyes and ears to hear us."

Matsumoto let out a mumble. "I suggested Inoue's place, but I was overruled."

"Ran, there's no way we would have fit into her apartment," Renji said, shaking his head. "You must be insane."

Urahara coughed slightly into his hand. "Yes, well. It's not like this room is any bigger than that." He looked at Renji. "Did you want to inform Ichigo just why you're here?"

"It's like this," Renji began. "You see -"

"Tea?" Ururu walked into the room with Jinta, who began placing cups down in front of the group. Renji stopped speaking, allowing Urahara's charges to dole out the tea. Once everything was poured, Ururu bowed low. "If there is anything else?"

The shopkeeper shook his head. "No, Ururu. You've done well." He leaned against the wall, and watched as both Ururu and Jinta left the room, sliding the door closed behind them. "Now, Abarai...you were saying?"

"Right. It's like this. You know that Yoruichi came to Seireitei to tell us what happened, yes?" Renji said.

"Yes," Ichigo nodded. "She went after the attack happened, as I understand."

"Has anyone told you just want an Arrancar is?" Renji picked up his tea and sipped it.

Urahara closed his eyes, hoping that his lover wouldn't glare at him like he thought he would. Rather than egg him on, he kept his head down as Ichigo answered the redhead. "No. I just know that they appear to look like humans."

"Did you know that they have the power of both a Hollow and a shinigami?"

He couldn't avoid Ichigo's eyes any longer. Urahara opened his eyes and saw that his lover's eyes were now on the redhead. "That's why he had a Zanpakutō, then? Because he has shinigami powers?"

"Exactly," Renji continued. "What makes these Arrancar different is that their masks are removed, granting them the power of both a Hollow and shinigami. There were a few that happened naturally, which is the type that Sado fought before, and I'm pretty sure the one that they met while you two were on vacation was of that nature as well. But these two that you met, there's no doubt that they are the result of Aizen and his use of the Hōgyoku."

Urahara felt his heart pang at the mention of the object he had been responsible for. Yoruichi kept herself curled around his legs, a soft rumble emitting from her chest, the soft purrs doing little to calm the inner turmoil that Urahara was currently experiencing. It pained him to watch Ichigo's face go from anger to wonder, back to anger and then hurt.

"So, what are you guys doing here? Who sent you here?" Ichigo asked.

"Yamamoto-soutaichou," Toshiro spoke. "Prior to these events, Soul Society and Seireitei had a 'wait and see' attitude. However, he recognizes now that that might not be the best way to play this out, so he sent us here. No one expected Aizen to succeed so quickly."

"Okay, I get that. But why you guys, specifically? Surely there are others that could have handled the assignment." Ichigo began to sip his tea, it having gone unnoticed until now.

Renji began to speak once more. "Well, Yamamoto suggested I go, since he knows that we're friends. And then he told me to find someone I trust to go with me. So, I asked Ikkaku." Renji groaned. "And, since Ikkaku was coming, Yumichika said that he had to come to."

"I would never go on a mission without him," Yumichika defended himself.

"And then, Ran heard about what we were doing and said she wanted to come too. And that brings us to Hitsugaya-taichou, who was sent to keep an eye on everyone." Renji took a deep breath.

Ichigo shook his head. "Well, I'm honored that you guys are here. When did you get here? This morning?"

"We've been here since Saturday!" Matsumoto let out.

All the shinigami groaned, save for Ichigo. By mistake, Urahara decided to look over at him and could see that the anger that had been there before was back in full force, if not even more obvious. "I see," Ichigo said, standing up. "Well, I guess that means you guys already have a place to stay."

"Sit, Kurosaki." Toshiro said, gesturing for the orange-haired to sit back down. When Ichigo didn't move, Toshiro spoke once more. "Please, sit back down, Kurosaki. We haven't told you the rest."

Urahara begged his lover silently to sit, hoping that his thoughts would reach him. Yoruichi uncurled herself from Urahara's legs and walked over to Ichigo. "Listen to what he says, Ichigo." Yoruichi's voice was gravelly.

"Fine." Ichigo sat back down, the sound of his backside hitting the ground echoing through the quiet room. Sado sighed as Ishida pushed his glasses back up on his nose. "What?" Ichigo threw a look at the two of them.

"Nothing," Sado met Ichigo's gaze, his own unwavering. Urahara had hoped that Ichigo would not direct his anger towards his friends, but it seemed as if that was a lost cause.

"May I continue?" Toshiro asked, looking around the room. Urahara gave a small nod, and saw the others around the room do the same. He was curious as to what was going through the minds of the two Visoreds. He was grateful that neither of them spoke up, and just kept to themselves.

Ichigo shrugged. "You asked me to sit. So, I'm listening."

"It's true that an Arrancar is born when the Hollow removes its mask. But, removing the mask from your...run of the mill Hollow wouldn't get you much of anything. If someone were to declare war on Soul Society, then they would have to use something greater than a Menos."

"Wait, what? There's something out there that's stronger than a Menos?" Ichigo asked, his voice strained.

"From what we've gathered in the past, there are three classes of Menos." Toshiro continued. "The one you battled prior to these two, the extremely large Hollow, that stands seven stories tall - that's a Gillian. They would be considered a small fry, compared to the other two."

Ishida pushed his glasses back up his nose. "Did you say small fry?" The Quincy's voice stopped the taichou from continuing on.

"Yes. I did. Because, compared to the strength of the other two, they are most definitely the weakest of the bunch." Toshiro looked at Ichigo. "The next group would be the Adjuchas, who tend to lead the Gillians into battle."

The shopkeeper watched his lover's face become paler. "And the last?" Ichigo asked, his jaw slack.

"The last would what is called a Vasto Lordes. They are human in size. Their power is stronger than that of a shinigami taichou. Their combat level is higher than a taichou." Toshiro's voice was quiet. "If there are more than ten Vasto Lordes under Aizen's control, then it will mean the end of Soul Society."

Auburn eyes met Urahara's, the earlier anger long gone. Now, all Urahara could see were the eyes of someone facing the undeniable truth, he could not win this battle alone. "Aizen has got his eye on you, Kurosaki." Toshiro said, forcing the silent bond to break between Urahara and Ichigo.

"What?" Ichigo turned and looked back at Toshiro. "What do you mean?"

Shinji coughed into his hand. "I think that's enough information for now." He stood up and stretched his legs out. "I don't know about you, but my ass is sore from so much sitting."

"Sure, that's what you want us to think," Yumichika said, batting his long eyelashes.

Ichigo stared at Shinji. "No, Hirako. I want to hear what he has to say."

"Kurosaki-kun," Orihime tried to get the substitute shinigami's attention. Urahara was grateful that the girl was trying to keep the peace, but he knew his lover's will was stronger than anyone's in the room.

"Damn it, Toshiro! Just tell me what you meant by that!" Ichigo said, slamming his hand down on the table.

The white-haired captain grumbled low. "Can't you remember that I have a title?"

"Apologies, Hitsugaya-taichou." Ichigo's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"All I meant is that Aizen is the reason those two Arrancar came and fought you. They were there on his orders. They were there to observe you for him. No one else. They didn't just show up in the human world because they became lost." Toshiro's temper was starting to flare. "They were here to report back to him. They were there to see where your strength lied."

Ichigo stood up quickly. "Arigato, taichou." He fled the room fast, no one able to stop him.

The room erupted as everyone began to talk, trying to talk over each other. Urahara sighed, having a feeling he knew where his lover ran off to. He looked around and caught Shinji's eye. The Visored nodded and walked out of the room.

"How could you tell him that?" Renji asked Matsumoto, the buxom girl avoiding his eyes. "You heard what Urahara had said. It was best to say that we had just gotten here today."

Matsumoto mumbled quietly, "I didn't think it was that big of a deal."

"Kuchiki-taichou had said it was best to not inform him of our being here until absolutely necessary." Renji said, torn between scolding Matsumoto and getting up to go and find Ichigo.

Urahara cleared his throat, pulling his fan out of his pants pocket. He began to fan himself, waiting for the others to look at him. When he finally had everyone's attention, he flipped his fan closed. "Now then, thank you for coming here. I suggest we adjourn for the afternoon, as there isn't much more that we can do." He looked at Toshiro and Matsumoto. "Where are the two of you staying?"

"With me!" Orihime stood up, adjusting the sling on her arm. "Is...is that okay?"

"Of course it is," Urahara said, nodding his head. He looked at Ikkaku and Yumichika. "What about the two of you?"

"Still unsure," Ikkaku shrugged his shoulders. "We've managed so far."

The shopkeeper sighed. "Well, if you need a place to stay, now that the cat is out of the bag, you two are welcome here."

"They can stay with Sado," Ishida said, looking at his silent lover. Sado nodded his head in agreement. "I mean, that is, if they want to."

"He does have a spacious apartment. And I would feel better if there were two shinigami at your level to stay with the two of them. Perhaps Yasutora-san and Ishida-san can show you two where it is?"

Hiyori jumped up. "What about me?"

"I have a feeling Shinji is going to be a while." Urahara bowed slightly. "You're more than welcome to stay here."

"Nah," Hiyori shook her head. "No, thanks." She looked at Toshiro. "Something wrong, baldy?"

"Excuse me?" Toshiro asked, looking at her. "What did you just call me?"

"I said -"

"Hiyori, if you wouldn't mind?" Urahara got between the two of them. "Perhaps now is a good time to head out."

The small Visored walked towards the sliding door of the shop and quickly turned to face Urahara. "Next time, don't get in my way, old man."

"Of course," Urahara chuckled. He knew that the girl had more bark than bite, as was his experience back in Soul Society, but chose not to tease her any further. He waited until she was gone to head back to the room. He saw that the others were starting to gather their things. He saw the redhead lost in thought. "Everything alright, Abarai?"

Renji turned and looked at him, blushing. "Yeah. Just thinking."

As Sado and Ishida were walking out with Ikkaku and Yumichika, Urahara touched Sado's shoulder. "I'll have Ichigo call you in a bit. I think he needs some time to process everything."

"Mondai nai," the silent giant spoke the words he had heard the alien mod soul say to him earlier in the afternoon. He knew there was a reason why he liked both Noba and Sado. They always went straight to the point, there was no hemming or hawing. "Have him call Inoue." He took Ishida's hand, the Quincy giving him a reassuring smile. Urahara was pleased that the two of them were still in tune with one another.

"I will," Urahara said. He watched Orihime walk out with Toshiro and Matsumoto, the two quibbling back and forth with each other like the true friends that they were. He turned and looked at Renji. "So, do you want to talk about it?"

The redhead shook his head. "Not really. Aren't you going to go and find Ichigo?"

"I know where he is," Urahara said, shrugging his shoulders. He watched as Yoruichi jumped up onto Renji's lap, where the redhead began to pet her mindlessly.

"Then why don't you go and find him?" Renji asked. "You don't seem like the type to avoid a confrontation."

Chuckling softly, Urahara gave a small shake of his head. "I'm not really avoiding it, Abarai. I recognize I made another mistake. He will not be very happy with me, whenever I do approach him. I think it's best to let Shinji take the brunt of his anger, in case he says something to me that he cannot take back."

"What do you mean?" Renji kept petting Yoruichi, the black cat purring happily.

The shopkeeper shook his head. "I'd rather not discuss it right now. Please, make yourself at home." He looked at the black cat. "Play nice, Yoruichi."

"Mmm..." Yoruichi purred loud.

He got up and made his way down the hallway, heading towards the opening that led down to the training facility underneath his shop. He could feel Ichigo's reiatsu spike and ebb in the most haphazard manner. "Boss?"

Urahara saw Tessai standing in the hallway. "Yes, Tessai?"

"You sure it's wise to go down there right now?"

"I'm so glad everyone is so concerned for my well being. I'll be fine. How's dinner coming along?" Urahara asked, changing the subject quickly.

The larger man shrugged his shoulders. "It should be ready in about twenty minutes. Do you want me to go down there with you?"

"The less people down there, the better." He didn't bother to keep talking, grateful that his old friend wasn't the one to keep pestering him for more answers. He opened the small trap door and began to descend down the ladder, pulling the door closed.

His breath left his body as the reiatsu in the immediate area was overwhelming him. Urahara made it to the bottom of the ladder, only to quickly dodge out of the way of Shinji. He saw that the Visored had his mask on his visage, his Zanpakutō out. "Hirako?" He stepped out of the way as he watched the familiar black wave of Ichigo's attack, Getsuga Tenshō.

"What are you doing down here?" Shinji's voice was garbled. "I need more time!"

Purely on instinct, Urahara spoke quickly. "Chikasumi no tate!" The blood mist shield absorbed the energy of Ichigo's second wave attack. He looked up and saw that the white and red striped mask of Ichigo's inner Hollow was on his face.

"Aw...does someone not want to play?" Ichigo's garbled voice taunted him. Is it him? Or is it actually Ichigo? Did I make him that upset? "Come on, fucker. You know that he's angrier than shit at you." Shiro.

Urahara kept the blood mist shield up as Shiro made his way over to him. "I understand that. I know that he's got every reason to be upset with me. Will you let me talk to him?"

"He doesn't want to fucking talk right now. He wants to fight. And so a fight he'll have. Now, back the fuck off, old man. Shinji and I were having some fun, trading blows." The black and yellow eyes seemed to be full of amusement. "And I ain't talkin' about just sword fighting, if you know what I mean." The Hollow grabbed his groin.

The shopkeeper knew that the Hollow was trying to make him upset. Judging from the denials that were being yelled at him by Shinji, he knew that the Hollow wasn't speaking the truth. Not that it mattered all that much. He had hoped that Ichigo would not decide to do something like that if he wasn't around, but he knew that he had pushed his lover into a state which could have easily been avoided if he had just told the truth.

"Nake, Benihime." He swung his sword at Shiro, and watched as the Hollow held Zangetsu in front of him, blocking the energy attack effectively. "Enough. Let me speak to him."

He watched the mask disappear from Ichigo's visage and moved forward to catch the falling substitute shinigami. "Stay back!" Ichigo screamed at him, falling to his hands and knees on the floor.

It pained him to keep himself away from his lover. "Ichigo..."

"Get...out of...here." Ichigo seethed. "I am not ready to talk to you."

Sheathing Benihime, Urahara nodded his head. He turned and saw Shinji had removed his own mask. "I'll be upstairs." Shinji opened his mouth to say something, but Urahara held up his hand to firmly stop him. "It's fine. Just...keep at it." He walked over to the ladder and began his ascent.

"Mask on. Now." He heard Shinji command his lover. He didn't bother looking back, for he knew that Ichigo needed time right now. He opened the trapdoor and dusted himself off.

He only hoped that through this rigorous exercise, Ichigo would listen to his side of the story. Sighing, Urahara pulled his fan out and began to fan his face, trying to make the cool wind make the water that wanted to make its way out of the corner of his eyes disappear.

...

A/N: Well, someone is pretty upset. Remember what I said at the beginning of the story. "Loosely based on canon". Up next, a reconciliation? Or something else? ^_^ Thanks for reading!