Two chapters today because you guys deserve it and it's the actual day (in the Voice program) where the contestants go onto round 2! Enjoy x

Ichigo walked onto the stage, bright lights blinding him as he heard his name being called out before the audience erupted into a roar. The second round was the arena and his competition was a girl named Riruka in this round. He wasn't entirely thrilled by the notion of it as she was whiny and would no doubt try and sing over the top of him. Then again he wasn't sure if he wanted to be in this thing anymore – maybe his father was right. He stopped when he got to the centre of the stage and lifted his head, his eyes immediately connecting with golden ones. He had thought that when he looked at Shiro his feelings would get the better of him and he would just give in. But now as the memories came rushing back he couldn't help but tighten his grip on his guitar – he was going to show him just how angry he was. "Let the battle commence," the commentator shouted, giving him the cue to start strumming as the bright lights moved onto him.

He continued strumming as the pink-haired girl began the song, his heart aching to just push her off stage and sing the mash-up himself. Don't get him wrong, she had a good voice, but at the minute this song was personal to him and he wanted to sing it on his own just to see the look in those golden eyes when he sang them.

Remember when I sang that song to you – and you called it out of tune

Remember when I said I loved you – and you said it wasn't true

Remember we used to talk for hours – staying up all through the night

Remember when I bought you flowers – and you let them out to die

He brought his head close to the microphone and began joining in, his eyes averting to the crowd as he felt Shiro's gaze pierce him.

But now that's over

Cause I can't keep sleeping in your bed, if you keep messing with my head

Before I slip under your sheets, will you give me something please?

I can't keep touching you like this, if it's just temporary bliss.

Just temporary bliss!

Ichigo watched as Riruka broke off and motioned for Ichigo to start singing the next verse with a surprisingly happy smile on her face. Earlier on in rehearsals she had been begging Grimmjow not to let him have a solo but who was he to complain now – he was just about to voice his opinion.

Remember how I used to kiss you – now you can kiss that all goodbye

Remember how I used to miss you – now you don't even cross my mind

And I can't remember why I ever let you walk all over me

I won't take your shit forever – now it's time for me to leave, yeah~

Ichigo quickly glanced over at Shiro and felt his lips pull up in a smug smirk as he glared at him – clearly what Grimmjow had said was true and now he felt embarrassed for feeling like a fool in front of a crowd.

But now that's over

Cause I can't keep sleeping in your bed, if you keep messing with my head

Before I slip under your sheets, will you give me something please?

I can't keep touching you like this, if it's just temporary bliss

Just temporary bliss~

I'm your one and only, only when you're lonely!

Ichigo chuckled internally at both the words and Riruka who was also smirking at what could only be Shirosaki's stupefied face. Ichigo laughed slightly when he passed the vocals over to her and couldn't help but smile when she pointed to the crowd for the next lines her finger lingering the most on the albino.

When you cry yourself to sleep tonight

You will wish that I was by your side

Yes you will!

I can't keep touching you like this, if it's just temporary bliss

Well, good luck, finding another me

. . .Finding another me!

The pair finished the song, their eyes gleaming and their breath coming out slightly short from the onslaught. Ichigo moved towards Riruka, as the commentator started praising them, and smiled at her. "Thanks for that,"

"Its fine," she replied, her hands on her hips as she faced the judges. "I can tell when a bastard needs putting in place," she smiled, her gaze landing on one spot in the audience and guessed that same person was the one that had broke her heart as well. Wait - did he break my heart? Was I really in love? Ichigo refocused his attention when the judges started voicing their opinions and felt his stomach clench when Shiro went first. ". . . I liked it," he simply stated, his eyes never leaving Ichigo's making him glare minutely so the audience wouldn't notice. "Riruka - I like your style, the way you can sing so high but also quite low. Ichigo – I love how you let so much emotion get into your voice,"

Ichigo resisted the urge to roll his eyes and glanced at Riruka who actually did roll her eyes. Clearly he hadn't gotten the point of the song or he did and was trying not to look a fool on national television. Ichigo tuned out after Shiro had said what he needed to say. He could guess that the other judges knew how it was about Shiro but if they knew any better they wouldn't say anything. His attention was drawn again when the commentator turned to Grimmjow who was just about to choose who got to stay. "Well, first off I wanna say that you both did awesome," he smiled, his blue brows waggling mischievously for some ungodly reason. "If I could I'd have ya both but I can only hope the latter will be stolen,"

Riruka looked at Ichigo and also waggled her brows as if to say 'you're gonna be picked' resulting in Ichigo widening his eyes and shaking his head a little. "Grimmjow - who are you going to pick?" the commentator asked.

The pair waited whilst the dramatic silence went on before Grimmjow replied to the question given to him. "The act I'm gonna choose is . . . Ichigo,"

Everyone around applauded as Riruka brought Ichigo forward in a bone-crushing hug whispering in his ear before she parted. "Good Luck – You'll do fine," she winked.

"You too," he replied, smiling at her – they would have to stay in contact.

Ichigo stepped to the side as Riruka stepped forward waiting for someone to steal her or not. He smiled when Nnoitra pressed his button immediately and gave her one last hug before she walked off stage. At least he would have some healthy competition – maybe this time she would be a bit nicer now that they shared something in common. The commentator turned to Ichigo and pulled him over, her hands sweating as she held his hand for 'reassurance'. Why the hell is she sweating I'm the one choosing! "So . . . You can either stay with your chosen judge and continue the competition . . . Or you can decide to go to drop and see if anyone will take you."

Ichigo glanced at Shiro who was silently pleading him with his eyes to say drop making his heart clench. He wasn't sure if the look was real of if he was acting and some part of his brain was telling him to go for it. "What's your decision?"

Ichigo bit his lip, this time the dramatic pause because he didn't know what to do rather than because the man under the stage was motioning for him to let the audience hang. Ichigo sighed and quickly blurted the first thing that came to mind. "I'm . . . staying,"

He watched as the audience cheered, the judges stood stunned and Shiro froze in his seat, his eyes a mix of fury and sorrow making the berry's mind buzz. This better be the right decision.