Ichigo was bored. Classes were…a drag at best. It didn't feel much different than high school Only…only that in high school he had friends. Here in Soul Society most were too afraid to talk to him or had this silly notion of Ichigo being a hero of some kind and worshipping the floor he walked on. It annoyed him. During the first few weeks his annoyance had been relatively subdued, still thanks to Zangetsu, but as they were gradually splitting into two separate beings again Ichigos old persona came back. He was even able to hear Shiros voice again. And nothing had ever made him happier.

Ichigo pulled a face as he was pulled back into reality. He was currently sitting outside, having found a hiding spot under one of the trees and retreated there with a stack of books. But his already limited peace seemed to take another beating as he saw a group of girls at the corner of the building pointing in his direction and whispering, giggling among themselves.

"Why not have a little fun once in a while, ehh? King?" Shiros familiar dual voice spoke up in the back of his mind.

Ichigo gave the mental equivalent of a quirked eyebrow as he prompted his hollow to elaborate. As he listened he could feel the smile on his face stretch slowly. He got up from his position on the grass and collected his books, tucking them away under his arm securely.

Within the blink of an eye he vanished from his spot and reappeared in from of the girls. Some of them shrieked in surprise but calmed down quickly as Ichigo put on a smile he normally reserved for his sisters alone. One that spoke of kindness and love. He was aware what sort of effect it normally had on Yuzu, she turned to butter in his hands. And apparently it worked. The girls were wearing various degrees of blushed now as he looked down at them.

"I am sorry, dear miss." He directed his attention towards one of the girls, she had stood out to him as something like the leader. "But it would help me if you and your lovely friends could carry a message to any other person who sees the need of seeking me out. You see, mademoiselle, my private time is precious and small, I find myself hardly having the time of day to finish my books. While your presence is greatly appreciated and only adds to the lovely scenery, I cannot help but be distracted by such beauty. Would you please carry my request on to the others?" He asked.

On the inside he heard Shiro cackling as he watched her grow redder and redder with each word he spoke. Nothing but a sputtering mess now she nodded her consent. Going down for the killing blow Ichigo lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it softly.

"Thank you." He breathed, adding another smile and turning away. There was no doubt in his mind that Shiro was a bad influence on him.

"That was really mean, Ichigo." Ichigo heard a voice to his left. He turned and found Shinji and Kisuke grinning at him. Ichigo shrugged.

"If it gets them to leave me alone I'll do about anything." Ichigo simply said.

"That bad, huh?" Kisuke asked him. Instead of answering Ichigo simply threw him a long look. "Ahh, I see."

"Really, you're the only guy I know who would not take advantage of this." Shinji told him, looking at Ichigo with almost disappointment.

"Advantage of what? I want nothing of these girls." Ichigo told him.

"Yeah, but why not? I swear you're such a prude." Shinji told him, poking his side.

"This has nothing to do with being a prude and everything to do with me not wanting to have anything to do with people I hardly know and are happy to believe in the fairy tail version of me they have conjured up in their heads, without any drive to actually get to know me. No thanks really, I can do without such people in my life." Ichigo said, some of his frustration seeping out.

"Waah, someone's pissed." Shinji said, grin stretching. It was good to have the old Ichigo back, even if he wasn't 100 percent there yet. Because the move he just pulled was about as un-Ichigoish as it got. Ichigo seemed to contemplate something for a few seconds.

"You up for a spar?" He asked finally, looking at Shinji.

"Sparring? Against you? While you still have your god-mode switched on? Do I look suicidal?" Shinji asked him back, shaking his head quickly. "Go ask Kenpachi or someone equally insane." He added.

"Can't leave the grounds." Ichigo reminded him patiently. "And Kenpachi is banned because he scares off the first years."

"I'll have a word with the Soutaichou, having your movements restricted like that sucks. Maybe we can get him to allow you to visit a few of the Divisions." Shinji said, frowning in thought.

"Really?" Ichigo asked. Eyes bright as he looked at Shinji. The whole academy was on his heels and all over him, he was already savoring this taste of a normal conversation, but being able to leave would allow him to flee from his fan club more often.

Shinji saw the hope shining in Ichigos eyes and knew that he had to get Shunsui and Juushrio to persuade the old man into letting Ichigo leave a few times. From what he had heard Ichigo spent most of his time in the library. It was one of the places with the strictest rules for being quite and letting other people have their peace, so it really wasn't that surprising. Still he had heard someone say that he virtually spent all of his time outside of class in the library and if the stack of books he was carrying with him was anything to go by the rumors were nothing but true.

Taking an interest in them Shinji tilted his head and read the first title on the book. 'Soul Society: An advanced guide through Laws and Regulations.' He blinked and reread the title.

"Why the hell are you reading a book on law of all things?" Shinji asked eyebrow quirked. Kisuke looked surprised before also taking a closer look at the book.

"Ahh uhm…" Ichigo stammered a little.

"Yes?" Kisuke asked, dragging out the 'e'.

"I-I'm reading every book in the library." Ichigo told them softly.

"Every?!" Shinji yelled back. "Why the hell would you want to do such a thing?"

"Uhm…it was actually one of my goals before I wanted to finish high school…but well I ended up here, so I got to start anew." Ichigo told them.

"Y-You're a bookworm." Shinji said, shock written all over his face. "Ohh my god, why didn't I see it before? A prude down to a T. Of course, you would be a bookworm too." Still mumbling to himself Shinji shook his head. Ichigo simply blushed and clutched his books to his chest.

"There is nothing wrong with liking book." He said, glaring at Shinji.

"Of course, there isn't." Kiuske quickly intervened. "Well we'll see you around Ichigo. And don't worry we'll get Juushiro and Shunsui to talk to the Soutaichou." With that he pulled Shinji away and they vanished out of Ichigos sight.


"Soo, you want us to talk to Yama-jii?" Shunsui asked, amusement dancing in his eyes. Shinji nodded.

"The kid had picked up raiding the library for heavens sake! We need to get him help!" Kisuke shook his head at Shinjis antics.

"I'm sure Yama-jii will say yes. He seems to have a soft spot for Ichigo." Juushiro said, smile as kind as always. He quickly conjured up a hell butterfly and repeated their request to the Soutaichou. Sending it off into the dim light of the late afternoon. Shinji pecked his cheek. "Thank ya, Juu-chan." He said nuzzling his face into Juushiros neck.

Kisuke watched them with a smile. It was a wonder that they had not drifted apart, all these years of waiting for the right moment, the right time. And worrying that their lovers might no longer want them back. Even Kisuke couldn't have planned for it to go this seamlessly. It was almost as if the last 100 years never happened. Kyoraku looked over at Kisuke and saw him smile at Ukitake and Shinji. With a grin he pulled him over and started littering his neck with kisses and soft bites.

"W-What's with you all of a sudden?" Kisuke panted as he moved his head to let Shunsui have better access.

"Hmm? Ohh you just looked a little jealous there. Can't have that can we?" Shunsui mumbled continuing to turn Kisuke into a sputtering mess. Yes, it truly was like the last 100 years never happened.


A/N: I hope you liked it. :) It will probably be a slow burn from here on out since I don't really like the idea of making Shinji and Kisuke have a crush on Ichigo right from the start...I still can't believe I am actually writing this...Please tell me what you think...I worry a lot XD

~ Sal