Chapter 27:

Ichigo watched as Unohana finished diagnosing the injured Arrancar in silence. Veneno had not regained consciousness since the attack. He watched Unohana perform different medical kidos on his injured body but he still wasn't waking up. Ichigo hoped he wasn't in a coma or worse.

As she finished bandaging Veneno's right arm, Ichigo dared to speak. "So... how is he?"

The Captain gave him a reassuring smile. "He'll be fine. His worst injury is his right arm. I've done all I can for now. It's still mending, but with any luck he'll be able to use it by morning with no lasting issues."

"That's good to hear."

"It's fortunate that he's an Arrancar. His healing ability is far above average for a Soul Reaper. It shouldn't take him that long to heal. With that and my treatment, he'll be just fine."

"Yeah..." Ichigo glanced over his shoulder toward the hall. Earlier, as they were bringing him into the sickbay, no one wanted to treat his wounds. Even when ordered to help by the Captains, the Squad members were hesitant and unwilling. As Unohana was treating him, the other Squad members verbally discouraged her from doing so. Their reasons were all the same. Because he was an Arrancar, he did not deserve treatment. They would rather have him suffer and possibly die rather than help him.

Ichigo clenched his fists which didn't go unnoticed by the Captain.

"Something bothering you, Ichigo?"

He looked up. "It's not fair," he told her. The image of Veneno's hopeful eyes and cheerful smile in his memory willed him to speak his heart. "He was injured and they wouldn't help him. You were the only one. Thank you for that. But... But they're only doing it because he's an Arrancar. They were fine with him before."

"Before they knew what he was."

He nodded. "I saw everything change. A week ago, he was having lunch with these people and having a great time and laughing together. They were friends. Today, those same people are avoiding him like he has the plague. Nothing's changed, but to them..."

"Sometimes giving something a title is enough to change how a person feels about the object," Unohana said. "That's why they say ignorance is bliss."

"But he hasn't changed from how he was with them. Just calling him an Arrancar is enough for them to... You know."

"Like I said, giving something a title is what people have a problem with. For example, if I were to give you a bowl of something and told you to eat it and you were to ask me what it was and I didn't tell you, you would be somewhat willing to eat it without concern. Now, if I were to do the same thing only I told you that you were to be eating a bowl of live worms and uncooked meat, would you be at all willing to eat it now that you knew what it was?"

"I guess you have a point. I know what you're saying. But still..."

"I know. It is rather unfair. No matter how much good he does, he will never be seen as anything but an Arrancar."

That was exactly how Veneno felt. That was what he feared. "I'm just watching it happen. It must be even harder for him since he's experiencing it first hand."

"It is a pity."

The door to the private room opened and the Lieutenant came in with a tray of supplies. Rather than walking straight to the bed, she walked close the the wall, avoiding it. She didn't want to get anywhere near the Arrancar.

"Thank you, Isane. Is this everything?" Unohana asked gently.

Isane nodded, keeping her distance from the bed. "Captain, everyone is talking about him. They don't feel comfortable having him here."

"As long as he is injured, he stays put. Our job is to heal and not to judge. Remember that, Isane."

"Yes, ma'am, but still..." She swallowed. "He's the reason we were hiding in that sewer a few months ago."

"That may be... but that is the past. If he is trying to do better, what right do we have to make it difficult for him? We should be encouraging his effort."

Why couldn't the others think the way Unohana did? Ichigo could tell that Unohana meant what she said. Ichigo could tell that Veneno was trying. The last thing he needed was for everyone to make an enemy out of him before anything started.

Unohana took something off the tray and moved closer to the bed.

"What's that?" Ichigo asked.

"It's a painkiller," she explained. "His healing process will be painful. His arm is still mending. When he wakes up, he'll be in a lot of pain, going through the worst part of it. I want to make him as comfortable as possible if I can."

Even unconscious, Veneno was frowning as if he were in a lot of pain. It would be a good idea to ease it as much as possible.

Veneno's eyelashes started to flutter. He was finally waking up. He opened his eyes slowly and his gaze traveled across the room, trying to decipher where he was. Things were still hazy for him. He could see the blurry outlines of people in the room with him. He squinted looking at the lights over his bed. He looked away, blinking to get his eyes to adjust. His blurry vision started to fade and he could make out things more clearly. He could see three people, there was white everywhere and lights. There was something moving towards him. Something sharp.

A needle.

"No!" he shrieked. "No!" Veneno started thrashing, trying to get away. He tried to knock the needle away with his injured arm and started kicking and screaming. "No, get away from me!"

Ichigo jumped up and held Veneno down, knowing why he was reacting this way. "Veneno! Veneno, calm down! It's ok! It's ok!"

"No! No!"

"It's me, Veneno! Calm down! It's alright! It's alright! You're ok! It's alright!"

Veneno's screaming turned to rapid breaths, backing onto his pillow. Ichigo could see his green eyes rapidly dart one way and then another, still frantic.

"It's me, I'm right here! It's ok. It's alright. You're fine. You're ok."

Veneno finally calmed his breathing to simple pants and gasps. Finding Ichigo's arm with his left hand, he squeezed like a child clutching his teddy bear. He had curled his legs up to his chest, making himself as small as he could and used Ichigo's arms as a shield.

"What the hell?!" he cried. "Keep that thing away from me! Don't come near me with that!" Veneno's eyes shut tight as he became aware of something else. "Ow! My arm!"

"That's why I was going to give you a shot," Unohana explained calmly. Apparently, she was used to patients freaking out during treatment. "I knew you would be in pain so I wanted to give you something for it."

"He has a phobia of needles," Ichigo quickly explained. "He's afraid of them since..."

"Explain no further. I understand. Mayuri will do that to you." Unohana looked at the Arrancar wincing in pain, holding his arm in his lap. "Are you sure you don't want something for the pain?"

"No, I'll deal with it. I don't want that needle anywhere near me."

"Fair enough. It's no problem if you change your mind. Just let me know." Unohana put the needle inside a small box and latched it and put it on the tray and took the tray out of sight. Only then did Veneno relax. "Just fair warning, you will be in a lot of pain for the next few hours while your arm finishes healing. It was a terrible break. Completely shattered. I couldn't count all the pieces, just to give you an idea of how bad it was. Naturally, the healing process won't be easy."

"I'll be fine."

"Yes, but even your healing will take time. I'm just saying."

Veneno kept his bandaged arm close to his body, showing her that he did not want that injection.

Unohana smiled sweetly at him, changing the subject. "But you're a real hero, I hear."

"I am?" Veneno seemed surprised.

"Yes. I had both Captains Ukitake and Kyoraku and Ichigo carried you all the way over here so we could heal your injuries. Captain Ukitake told me that you were injured protecting him."

Isane looked up in surprise. Ukitake wasn't the type to lie, especially about something so serious. Could this Arrancar have truly risked his life to protect the Captain's?

Veneno looked down as if it were no big deal but Ichigo could tell he was being bashful. "It... it wasn't like I did that much. He was just laying there so I decided to help. It's not like I care or anything."

"Regardless, you have his thanks and mine." Unohana turned to Ichigo. "He should rest here for the night. There's nothing more you can do here so why don't you return to the World of the Living? Your group must be worried."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Captain," Isane started to protest. "You said he'll heal quickly. Why does he have to be here? He can rest in his room."

"It's best that he rests here," Unohana explained. "If his pain gets worse, we won't be too far to treat him. It's quieter than his room, I'm sure. It'll be easier and better for him. He shouldn't move around much anyway."

Ichigo knew she was just using the arm as an excuse. When Unohana said that it was best for him to rest in the sickbay, it had nothing to do with his injuries. It was because of the other Soul Reapers. She was trying to protect him. Word had already gotten out about him entering the sickbay for treatment. There would probably be a herd of paranoid Soul Reapers waiting just around the corner to ambush him if he were to go back to his room. Here they could keep an eye on him and them.

"You're in good hands," Ichigo told him. "I might get in trouble if I'm away any longer. I should get going. You good?"

Veneno didn't want Ichigo to leave yet. He was still upset and needed a friend to comfort him. Reluctantly, he nodded and bid Ichigo farewell. "You'll come back to visit, right?"

"Of course I will. You'll be out of here by morning but don't worry, I'll find you."

Veneno smiled, keeping his eyes down. "Ok, then get lost, already."

"See you." Ichigo waved to Unohana and Isane. "Take good care of him, ok?"

"Don't worry about a thing."

As soon as Ichigo left, Veneno had a sad look in his eyes. Now he was left alone with two unfamiliar Soul Reapers who had access to needles. He griped the white sheets nervously. Even in a room full of people, he felt so alone. If the Soul Reapers were to attack him, it would be difficult for him to defend himself with his injury. He was in a weakened state.

There was a light knock on the door and it slid open. "Are visitors welcome?" asked a familiar voice. Ukitake entered the small room, holding something behind his back. "I just wanted to drop this off." He set a vase of flowers on the nightstand by Veneno's bed. "I wasn't sure what you liked, but I didn't want to show up empty-handed."

Veneno looked at the light blue vase holding a dozen colorful flowers. "Those are for me?"

"Well, you were injured on my account. I wanted to show my gratitude. It's also customary to give someone a gift if they are not feeling well. I get so many gifts from people when I'm under the weather, it feels good to give something back."

Veneno had never been given flowers before. He hadn't been thanked for saving someone from a Hollow either. He felt humbled.

"You should get used to it," said Unohana. "Captain Ukitake is always giving gifts to people. He's a very generous man."

"... Thank you..." Veneno said in a small voice.

Ukitake smiled. "You're welcome. I have a few minutes before I have to get back to work. My papers are buried under all that rubble so some members from my Division are helping me dig them out. The repairs should start soon. But as long as I'm free, would you mind if I keep you company? You seem lonely."

Veneno avoided Ukitake's eyes. "It's up to you. You don't have to if you don't want to. I'm not lonely."

Ukitake pulled up a chair and sat down.

Veneno smiled. The Captain was given a choice and he chose to stay with him. He wanted to be here. Veneno never asked him to keep him company, yet here he was. Veneno's chest felt warm. This was a rare moment when Veneno didn't care when Ichigo would be returning.

As the sun rose over New York city, the Soul Reapers started to gather their belongings for their departure. Victor prepared them one final breakfast and made sure everyone had everything they needed before leaving. They would be leaving for the Soul Society by the afternoon but everyone was encouraged to pack early.

Victor and Cedric seemed busier than usual. Maybe it was because there were so many people they had to assist as opposed to only caring for Linnette. Rangiku alone had boxes and bags towering to the ceiling in the upstairs bedroom in addition to her own luggage. They must have been trying to find a way to help her transport everything back to the Soul Society without making a second trip. Victor was making another grocery list, most likely to restock after catering to the extra company for the past week and a half. He kept running to the fridge to check on supplies. Every time he turned around, someone else had their hand inside, lessening their supplies.

"We're down to two eggs," Cedric told him after breakfast was finished and being cleaned up. "That won't be nearly enough, will it?"

"Not if Linnette wants scrambled eggs for breakfast in the morning. She loves those." Victor wrote it down on his list. "How's the milk?"

Cedric peeked inside the fridge. He pulled out the carton and frowned, giving it a hollow shake. "It would seem Ikkaku left us with an empty carton."

"At least he had the decency to put it back this time. I found it on the table last night."

"He could at least do us the favor of not putting an empty carton back in the fridge." Cedric flattened the container with his hand and tossed it into a plastic box under the sink which Ichigo guessed was the recycling. "Next?"

"I've added strawberries to the list. Linnette loves those."

"Chocolate dip?"

"Good thinking." Victor wrote on the notepad. "She prefers white chocolate dip for her strawberries. It will be a nice treat for her."

"Can I help with anything?" Ichigo asked. He felt guilty just standing around while these two worked alone. Even though he had been running off a lot lately, he was still a guest in their home. He should at the very least clean up after himself and help them out a little with the chores.

"No, we have everything covered. Feel free to offer Linnette some company. You'll be leaving shortly and I'm sure she'll miss you."

Victor had a point. He owed it to Linnette to spend some time with her at least. He went off to go find her.

As the hour of their departure creeped up, the Soul Reapers all did their part in making sure the house was left in proper order. Rangiku counted her bags for the tenth time and started to move them downstairs one by one. She wanted Ikkaku to help her carry her things but he had disappeared. She tried to find Ichigo, but he was using Linnette as an excuse not to assist with her belongings. Rukia was helping clean the house with Hanataro, feeling they should to their part to help with the cleaning. A good part of this mess was theirs and they knew for a fact that the others weren't going to clean anything. Byakuya and Yumichika had also disappeared so it looked like Rangiku was on her own. Even Cedric had vanished without a trace.

Downstairs, Ikkaku peered around corners, checking each room. He crossed the dining room and went over to the office. Victor was sitting at the desk, talking with someone on the phone. Ikkaku couldn't understand what he was saying. The conversation was in English. Still, Ikkaku had to act while he saw his chance. He knocked on the wooden door frame and stepped inside. Victor didn't look up or stop talking, but Ikkaku knew he had heard him. He stood in the middle of the office and waited for Victor to acknowledge him.

The phone conversation lasted longer than he expected. Ikkaku was starting to lose his patience. He had to do this before he changed his mind. "Ahem."

Victor continued talking, ignoring him.

Ikkaku frowned. He stepped forward. "Ahem!" When Victor still didn't look up, Ikkaku stood in front of him beside the desk, making it impossible for him to not notice. "Ahem!"

Victor kept his eyes on the corner of his desk, speaking with the person on the other end of the phone. Ikkaku didn't know what they were talking about but it couldn't have been that important. Ikkaku put his hand on the edge of the desk and leaned over.

"I said, ahem."

Still he was ignored. Temper this close to boiling, Ikkaku made sure he would have Victor's undivided attention. He reached over with his left hand and pressed the receiver, holding it down with his index finger and cutting off the woman's voice on the other end. Victor's blue eyes rolled upward, looking at Ikkaku without lifting his head. It made him look like an animal ready to attack though his relaxed posture and expression did not change.

"Now will you listen to me?"

Victor hung the phone up, pushing Ikkaku's finger aside. "May I help you?" he switched back to Japanese.

"Don't be a smartass."

Victor folded his hands in his lap and waited for Ikkaku to continue.

"We're going to be leaving in less than an hour."

"I'm aware."

"So..." Ikkaku swallowed his hatred and did what was only fair. "So I wanted to say something before we left. Thank you for letting us stay here and for your hospitality." Ikkaku lowered his head slightly in a bow but made sure he could still see Victor's face. He wasn't about to expose the back of his neck to this man, so it wasn't a real bow. Victor was lucky to get this much from him.

"You are welcome. Is that all?"

Ikkaku's eye twitched. "You know I don't like you and-"

"The feeling is mutual."

He stopped there. "Huh?"

"You heard me. I don't like you either. I never did. Since the first moment I saw you, I've strongly disliked you. Your attitude, choice of words, habits, your whole demeanor in general. You're the type of person I do not want around my little Linnette. You come off rather boorish."

"Hey, I know respect! At least I-"

"There's respect and then there's honor. I'm sure there are some things you would do when coming into another person's home... then there's how you behave when coming to this home. Your kind of respect has its limits when confronted with someone like me, to whom you have a history with, as brief as it may be. I've already decided that you did not like us so I can only imagine your discontent when discovering that you would be spending a good part of your time in our home with us in close proximity to you. Sort of like being in enemy territory, am I right?"

"Not exactly."

"But you do not like me and now you have no choice but to stay with me. You're less than happy about it. You may be willing to meet me halfway, but you will not go out of your way to make my life easier. You won't start any fights, but you will not thank my kindness either."

"I just showed you gratitude a second ago!"

"And it kills you inside, doesn't it?" Victor stood up. Ikkaku did not back up. He was already standing in front of Victor's chair when he was sitting. Now that he was standing, he and Ikkaku was toe to toe with each other. He was an inch or two taller than Ikkaku. He stood his ground, refusing to be intimidated by this man in white. "I know you are afraid of me."

"What?! I am not! Don't you insult me-"

"Whether you admit it or not doesn't make it any less true. You know that I am stronger than you. If I wanted I could snap your neck in two with no effort at all. You run at top speed but I will always be faster. No matter how much you train, no matter how strong you get, I will always be stronger."

Victor's calm voice sent a chill down Ikkaku's spine. Victor was absolutely right. He had to train everyday to get to where he was now. Victor always had it. He never had to train. His strength came naturally. He never had to try. It was always there and was always going to be there. Ikkaku knew Victor's strength surpassed even that of his Captain's. To make matters worse, there were two of them. Victor had a brother. Cedric was just as strong and just as fast. Whatever he could do, Cedric could do as well. They shared everything. It did frighten him. These two men were impossibly strong. They were always going to be better than him. They were always going to be a threat.

"You also understand that my actions are based on the whims of my little princess. If Linnette wishes it, for whatever reason, I could kill you. Of course, she doesn't have to order it. I wouldn't mind killing you. I don't like you so it's unlikely for me to ponder it. I would just do it because I wanted to. Just give me a reason and I will."

Victor reached forward and drew a line across Ikkaku's neck with his right hand. His fingertips brushed Ikkaku's throat like feathers. His hand fell to his shoulder and adjusted his shirt collar. His hand was barely touching him yet it felt as if Ikkaku was being pressed into the ground. He could sense his strength even through such gentle contact.

"Humans are fragile creatures. Soul Reapers are fragile, too, when you think about it. It would be very easy for me to kill you." Victor's hand left Ikkaku's shoulder. "But I won't."

"Because she hasn't ordered it?" Ikkaku breathed.

"Despite what you may think," said Victor, "we are capable of our own decisions. We do have free will."

"It doesn't seem like it. You cater to the whims of a little girl. You're practically slaves."

"Then you are a slave to your Captain. You follow his orders and do as he tells you. Yet you have free will, do you not?"

Ikkaku did not answer.

"Our relationship is complicated. How would you begin to explain it? She created me, therefore she is my mother. Yet we were created for a purpose. We take care of her as our child, therefore she is our daughter. Even she does not know how this happened, yet here we are. She created us. We live for her. We live because of her. We live to protect and love her. As intelligent as I may be, I still cannot explain what we are. We've wondered, we've debated. Finally, Cedric and I decided that it does not matter. We're here and we are who we are. Why do we need to know what we are? It won't change anything. Putting a label on us may be a nice identification, but it won't change what we are or who we are."

"Wouldn't it bring you peace of mind? To finally know what you are? You'd have your answer. You'll know. That way you can finally stop wondering. It would be nice to know so you'll no longer be a mystery."

Victor chuckled, amused. "That's what Cedric thought. He would come to me in the middle of the night and ask if I had any idea what we were. Ichigo is a human, Rukia is a Soul Reaper, those things in the masks are Hollows, Veneno is an Arrancar. But what are we? What would you call us? What is our identity? Where do we fall? He wanted to know that answer. We're clearly not human. We're not Soul Reapers or Hollows. What are we? We are just simply... Victor and Cedric."

For a moment, Ikkaku actually felt sorry for them. Just for a moment. It must have been difficult for them. Even lonely. They were two of a kind. The only two of their kind. They were Linnette's protectors, her creations, her family. That was their role but not what they were. It must have been frustrating for them. To go through life without an identity. If asked what they were, how would they answer?

"Cedric finally decided that he no longer needed to know. It would be nice to have closure... but it wouldn't change anything. We will still be Victor and Cedric and we will always be there for Linnette. We are her family and she is ours. We do not need any more than that."

Just as Ikkaku was starting to see these men in a different light, he forced himself to scowl. He did not want to give Victor the satisfaction of seeing him wearing a softer expression. He had his suspicions of Victor was well. Why would this man be so open with him? It may have been a trap to get him to drop his guard. "Expecting pity or something?"

"No." Victor smiled at him. "I just wanted you to know what you're hating."

Victor actually intended to share his personal background and thoughts with Ikkaku in hopes he would understand him a little better? Was that Victor's intention? Ikkaku wasn't sure what Victor meant, but he did not want to be played with. He roughly shoved Victor away with his arm, trying to get some distance between them. Victor didn't even stagger. He was rooted to the ground like a tree. He purposely stepped back to give Ikkaku the room he desired. However, this wasn't what he wanted. He wanted to push Victor aside to show him who was boss; that he wasn't going to be intimidated by this man. Instead, Victor stepped back on his own accord, which Ikkaku took as pity. It was like a mother pretending to be scared when her child played peek-a-boo with them.

This was why Ikkaku hated them so much. It wasn't just their devotion to a young girl or their unequaled speed and strength. It was the fact that they pitied those who were beneath them. Holding back their true power just so someone else could feel better about their own strength. It was like throwing a match because they didn't want to hurt their opponent's feelings. The only thing that was hurt was Ikkaku's pride.

"See? That's the kind of thing that pisses me off!"

Victor didn't say anything.

"I know I couldn't have pushed you back that easily, but you gave me an inch anyway. Don't do that."

"Why not? Wasn't it what you wanted? To push me away?"

"I'll do it with my own strength, my way, as I damn well please. I don't need your pity."

"So if you cannot do it yourself, it is not worth doing?"

"You don't get it, do you?" Ikkaku growled. "If you are in a battle and you win, you are the winner only if you truly defeated them in battle. You don't win by having the other person throw the match. It doesn't make you or anyone else stronger. Never hold back your true strength and power in a match. Not to make someone else feel better or to save their pride. You give it your all every time. When I push you back, I want it to be because I have the power to do it, not because you felt sorry for me and decided to let me have my way. I hate it when people hold back what they can do. If you have power, use it. It doesn't matter if-"

Suddenly, Ikkaku found himself in the air and his jaw was in pain. Victor was holding him off the ground by his jaw one-handed. Ikkaku grabbed onto Victor's arm with both hands to steady himself and to try to break free. It was useless.

"This is why I hold back," Victor said coolly. "Right now, at this very moment, I can count 78 different ways I can kill you. Just as we are now."

Pressure increased on Ikkaku's jaw and found it harder to breathe. Victor's hand wasn't near his throat, but he was still able to cut off Ikkaku's air supply by bending his head backwards.

"We hold back because we have to. If we did not, every time we hugged Linnette, she would be crushed. Every time we carry her, she would be crushed by the pressure from our speed. Everything we touched would break. Every human being we come across would be dead. I understand that giving up doesn't help anyone, but holding back helps people as well. If we did not hold back, so many people would be dead because of us. Some times it is better to hold back just to keep from being alone."

He was right. If these two didn't hold back, everyone they came across would be killed by their power. They would be alone either because they would end up killing everyone or because people would be too afraid to get near them. Now that he thought about it, Kenpachi did wear those restraints simply because he was too powerful. His Spiritual Pressure alone was phenomenal. No one would be able to get near him. He needed to keep his true power under control. These two must have had to do the same thing. It wasn't out of pity but out of necessity.

Victor dropped Ikkaku like a burning chunk of coal. He fell to the rug on his knees, taking deep breaths. Victor pulled him to his feet with the same hand he had used to drop him and held him close to his face. "Don't be so quick to judge, Ikkaku."

Taken by surprise, Ikkaku fumbled for an answer. Not by Victor's strength, but because this was possibly the first time he had ever addressed Ikkaku by name.

After he said that, Victor pulled away.

"Ikkaku? Ikkaku?" Yumichika popped into the room, head turning from left to right until he spotted his friend. "There you are. I was looking all over for you." He looked Victor and Ikkaku up and down. "Is something going on?"

"Nothing," Victor answered with a smile. "Ikkaku just came in to thank me for our hospitality. That's all."

"He did?" Yumichika looked at Ikkaku.

After a moment, Ikkaku nodded. "He did let us into their home so it's only right."

"Oh." Yumichika grinned. "Then it's only fair that I do the same." He lowered his head and bowed to Victor. "Thank you for your hospitality."

"You're quite welcome."

Yumichika picked himself up and motioned for Ikkaku. "Everyone's getting ready to go. We're leaving in a few minutes."

"Fine, I'm coming." Ikkaku followed Yumichika out of the room, making sure not to turn his back to Victor, even for a moment. Although Victor said he would not harm him unless he posed a threat to Linnette, he wouldn't put it past him because he openly admitted that he didn't like him and wouldn't show any hesitation.

"I'm surprised," Yumichika whispered as they left the room. "I thought you hated him."

"I do. But he did let us stay here so the least I can do is say thank you."

He grinned.

In the living room, everyone was bustling around, trying to get everything ready for their departure. There was a leaning tower of shopping bags and boxes Rangiku stacked in the middle of the floor which kept growing with each trip she made. Ichigo had a sinking feeling she was going to have him carry some of this stuff back for her. She bought them, therefore she should have to carry them. It was her fault for buying so much.

At the moment, Ichigo was left alone in the room while everyone else had scattered off. He didn't have much to take with him. He was given a plastic bag for his clothes, which was all he had really. He looked around the kitchen, wondering if he should take some food back for Veneno as he had been doing all week. He felt guilty, knowing that the Soul Reapers had practically eaten them out of house and home, so he didn't want to take anything if he didn't have to. Then again, Cedric was going to go shopping that day so maybe he could get away with taking something small.

"Do you have everything?"

Ichigo turned around and found Cedric staring at him from behind the tower of shopping bags. "Yeah." Ichigo held up his lone plastic bag. "I don't have much."

Cedric approached him. "Did you want anything for the Arrancar?"

He looked up, surprised. "You know I've been sneaking food to him?"

"I do now."

Ichigo chuckled at himself.

"Of course, I did have my suspicions." Cedric eyed Rangiku's bags as if he expected them to fall any second. "You know I don't speak very often. Not as much as Victor, at least. But that makes it easier for me to observe. I watch and listen. Not just to what people say but how they say it. Their actions, their tone. It's how I understand." He looked back at Ichigo. "I noticed you asking for food and not eat it. Things go missing at the same time you do. And there are times when you take food and then sit at the table and eat a large amount. That to me says that you have not been eating the food to take and are giving it to someone else."

"You caught me."

"It's fine. Linnette is the only one who eats in this house. Most of what you have taken are sweets and we limit how much she is allowed to have. It's not a problem."

"Thanks."

"With all the trips you keep making, I take it the Arrancar likes the food you bring him."

Ichigo didn't know what to say.

"I have to ask... After everything he's done, why do you insist on helping him? No one else seems to approve and has given up on him. They don't care."

"Well, I do."

"Why?"

"Why do you do things for Linnette?"

"Because I love her." Cedric didn't hesitate to answer. "Does this mean that you love the Arrancar?"

"No. But I do care about him."

"Why? Wasn't he an enemy?"

"Weren't you?"

Cedric didn't answer.

"Things change and so can people."

"But he is an Arrancar. Does he count as 'people'?"

"Do you?" Ichigo didn't mean to insult Cedric by bringing that up, but there was no going back after he said it. "I mean, you guys changed. You're not who you were before when Linnette was a rising star. You've improved. You've gotten better."

"And you're implying that the Arrancar has?"

"His name is Veneno and yeah, I do think he can change."

"For the better?"

"... He could."

"You paused."

"People can change for the better or for the worst. That's just a risk you take. A person can change. You just have to give him a chance."

"Do you think Veneno deserves a chance?"

Ichigo spoke his mind without even having to think about it. "I think he deserves a chance to live, which is something no one has ever allowed him before. All he's ever known is pain and fear and was never able to do the things most of us take for granted. He wanted to take a walk without looking over his shoulder for someone who wants to kill him. He wanted to take a nap out in the open, which is something's he's always been afraid of doing. Most of all, he's wanted to have someone to share all these things with him. He wants a friend. He's always wanted friends. That's why he cloned himself, so he could have someone to talk to, but as he said, it's no different from looking in a mirror. They're all him, so he already knows everything they are going to say, how they think and how they feel. It's pointless. Then he made the Hollow Reapers to get rid of his enemy and to have some companionship but even that didn't work out the way he wanted because they couldn't talk to him or do anything. The guy was practically going insane with that kind of life. The least I can do is be the one thing he's always wanted. I can be his friend."

Cedric listened to him without interrupting.

"He already had some sort of connection with me before, and since no one else is willing, I'll do it. Besides, once you get to know him, he isn't so bad."

"What is he, then?" Cedric asked.

"He's actually a pretty nice guy. I think he puts on a front because he's afraid and unsure. He still has fear and hatred, but I think he's starting to let go of that. I mean..." Ichigo tried to put it into words. "I mean... I saw two Venenos so far. I know the one that everyone's aware of, the one filled with fear and hatred which makes him do the things that he did before. And then I met the one who hasn't experienced the things that would make him hate so much. The Veneno I saw without memories... I think is the Veneno he would have been if we hadn't hurt him the way we did. That Veneno didn't know about the experiments or the pain or the loneliness. The only thing that bothered him was the fact that he couldn't remember anything about his past. Other than that, he seemed pretty happy. He's a sensitive, nice guy."

"And now?"

"Now..." Ichigo thought back to how Veneno was behaving now that he has regained his memories. "Now I think he's conflicted between who he was back then and who he was when he didn't remember the pain. He's somewhere in the middle. If he can forget the horrible things that happened in his past, he would be like he was before."

"But the past effects personalities. What happened to you in the past made you who you are today."

"That's true. But..." Ichigo shook his head, thinking about how conflicted Veneno was. He was at war with himself. Should he be that Veneno or the other one? Who was he really?

"Personally," Cedric said, "I think Veneno has been given a great opportunity. Now he had experienced life two different ways. He has known Soul Reapers to be his enemy and he has seen them as his friends. This may be what's making it so difficult for him to judge. Neither one are lies, but he still has no idea what Soul Reapers are to him now that he has seen them in different light. He can't decide if they are still something to be hated or people he can actually get along with."

"Yeah, that's the problem."

"The Soul Reapers are probably going through a similar thing themselves."

Ichigo blinked. Cedric had a good point. Ichigo was so focused on Veneno's struggles that he hardly thought about how similar the Soul Reapers' were. Should they trust Veneno or not? He was their enemy before, yet they had been living with him all this time and never noticed that he wasn't one of them. It was the same thing. Veneno couldn't tell if Soul Reapers were still his enemy anymore than they could about him. The sides had lived together without issue. Now that the masks had been removed, now there was a problem.

"I can tell you care about him," Cedric said. "Everyone else has given up but you haven't. You're giving him a chance."

"I gave Linnette a chance."

Cedric smiled and approached Ichigo. He put a hand on his shoulder, lowered himself and touched his forehead to Ichigo's. "And it is because of that that we are here now."

Ichigo remained perfectly still. He could feel Cedric's strength and his warmth. A comforting strength, like that of a parent and protector. It had an odd way of making Ichigo feel safe. As if Cedric could deflect any danger that came his way so he was free to let down his guard. If this was the power he possessed, it was no wonder Linnette clung to him so. At the same time, it reminded Ichigo that this strength could be used against him if he was deemed the enemy. Comforting as well as threatening. It was a strange combination.

Cedric pulled back and gave Ichigo a pat on the shoulder which nearly knocked him over. The pat was gentle, but Ichigo was weakened by what had just happened. When Cedric had touched his forehead to Ichigo's, it made him feel like a child again. It also took him by surprise. Cedric had never done that before. It was the closest he had ever come to showing someone other than Linnette affection. It wasn't meant to be affectionate, though. It was a way for Cedric to let Ichigo know that he accepted him. It was also his way of showing gratitude.

"Come on! Why not?" Rangiku's whiny voice came from the stairs and both Cedric and Ichigo looked up.

Byakuya led the group down the stairs with an annoyed expression on his face, Hanataro and Rangiku in tow. "It is no fault of mine you purchased more than you could carry back with you."

"Aw! But that's not fair! I can't leave my stuff behind. Say, Hanataro, would you-?"

"Carry your own things," Byakuya interrupted. He crossed the room and stopped to speak with Cedric for a brief moment. "Everything has been taken care of upstairs."

"So the odd machine in the playroom is gone?"

"Yes. Everything is as it was before, just as I found it."

"Thank you."

Byakuya looked around the room, trying to find the rest of the group. Ikkaku and Yumichika came in through the dining room together, which only left one person. "Where is Rukia?"

"Right here, brother." Rukia came in from outside with Linnette. Why they were outside no one knew, but Ichigo suspected the two of them had been playing one final game together.

"Do you have everything?"

"Yes, brother. I'm ready."

Byakuya gave one final look around to make sure everyone was present. "Good. We'll be leaving now."

Linnette tugged on Ichigo's arm. "Do you guys really have to leave?"

"We've been here over a week," commented Ikkaku. "Aren't you sick of us yet?"

Linnette ignored him, keeping her eyes on Ichigo. "You can't stay one more day? Or two?"

He gave her a gentle smile and patted her head. "I guess not. Byakuya and everyone's been ordered to go back. They'll get in trouble if they don't return soon."

"Can't you stay?"

"I think I have to go with them. Sorry."

Linnette looked down sadly and slowly released her grip on his arm. "Oh. Ok."

Ichigo didn't mean to get her upset. He tried to find words that would offer her a little comfort. "I'm sure we'll see each other again soon. We keep running into each other, after all. Don't worry. I still have all the letters you sent to me. I'll write to you if you write to me."

It offered little comfort, but she managed a smile.

The Senkaimon opened in the center of the living room and Byakuya started to lead everyone through it. "Let's go."

He suddenly stopped when he saw Victor standing nearby. They looked at each other for a long time and then nodded. It was as if they were having a silent conversation. Then Byakuya turned and entered into the dark portal connecting them to where they needed to go.

Rukia quickly bowed to Victor and hurried after her brother. "Thank you for everything!"

Hanataro bowed as well. "Thank you so much."

Yumichika and Ikkaku entered after him without bowing, having already said their thanks.

"Isn't anyone going to help me carry this stuff back?" whined Rangiku. "I can't carry it all."

"You should have thought of that before you bought it," yelled Yumichika and Ikkaku in unison.

She whined and grabbed as many as she could and dashed into the Senkaimon.

Ichigo started to follow, pausing to say good-bye to Linnette and her guardians. "Thanks, guys."

"Linnette would love for you to stay one more day," mentioned Cedric.

"I know. Sorry."

"Don't forget to visit me!" Linnette chirped, holding onto Cedric's arm with both hands.

"I'll see you real soon, ok?"

Satisfied with that answer, Linnette waved with a smile on her face. "Bye, Ichigo!"

"Bye! See you." With that, Ichigo jumped into the Senkaimon after his friends and the living room disappeared behind him.

Hours passed and the sun slowly sank behind the walls of the Seireitei, painting the buildings yellow and orange. Veneno laid in bed watching from his window. Ukitake had left his side after chatting with him for twenty minutes. After that, he didn't have any other visitors. It was quiet and peaceful, but he couldn't rest. The pain in his arm kept him up, throbbing and stinging. No matter how many times Unohana offered him painkillers, he refused. He would rather have the pain than face a needle.

He also didn't feel comfortable enough to sleep. He was vulnerable in this room. He didn't feel safe. To escape this feeling, Veneno piled the pillows on either side of his head to act as walls. He felt a little more protected. He felt a little claustrophobic, but he felt more secure now that he no longer felt exposed. It was a security issue. The pillows would protect him and make him feel secure, even if it was only around his head.

While he lay in bed, he attempted to sort out some of these conflicting feelings he had been having. The one he was focusing on right now was a confusing issue. While he didn't want to sleep with someone around out of fear that they would attack him while he was helpless, he also wanted someone there so he didn't feel so alone. It was contradictory. If people were around then he would be in danger. If they were around, he wouldn't be lonely and they may offer to help him if he were in danger. He didn't know what to do.

Even now, he could still hear the whispers of the Soul Reapers. What if they came into his room and attacked while he lay in his hospital bed? He was injured. He couldn't move his right arm and he couldn't attack in this weakened state. He was ample prey for paranoid Soul Reapers.

The door slid open and Veneno flinched. He pressed his head into the mattress, trying to hide behind the pillows. Of course he knew it wouldn't help much with the rest of him exposed.

Whoever had come in was certainly taking their sweet time getting to his bed. He could hear them taking slow, soft steps, sneaking their way into the room. One small step after another, they approached. He listened, hoping it wasn't an attacker. A head came into view over his pillows from the foot of his bed. It was the Lieutenant of this Squad. She was keeping her distance as she had since his arrival.

When she caught his eyes upon her, she jumped back into the wall. "Oh!" she gasped. "I- I didn't know you were awake..."

"Well, I am."

Isane slid her back along the wall, coming over to the other side of the bed. "My, uh, Captain asked me to check up on you."

"Ok." Veneno looked out the window, keeping watch over her out of the corner of his eye.

She approached the bed. "How... How's the pain?"

"Bad."

"Is it keeping you up?"

"Yeah."

"Would you like the medicine to take the edge off?"

"No."

"Oh. Ok. Alright."

Veneno knew she was supposed to do something else but she wouldn't get any closer. She took a seat near the window and kept an eye on everything from there. He could see her shaking hands writing things down on a clipboard.

"Are you afraid of me?" he asked.

She stopped writing and looked up. Veneno wasn't looking at her but she knew he expected an answer. "Well... honestly... yes."

Veneno swallowed.

"I am afraid of you."

"Why?"

Isane took her time in answering. "Well... You're an Arrancar."

"That's why?" Veneno's voice didn't show it, but inside he felt a pain in his chest.

"Well, after what you did, how could I not?" Now she was speaking without hesitation, motivated by anger more than fear at this point. "That stunt you pulled... We had to flee for our lives. Friends were attacking friends. It was pandemonium. People were in pain and afraid. Turning the people we care about into Hollows. It was horrible having to watch that. We had to hide from the ones who have turned and live in fear of who could be next. I mean, do you have any idea what it's like to watch your friends turn into monsters before your eyes and attack you? Do you know how horrible that is?"

"No. I wouldn't know," Veneno answered. "I've never had friends."

Isane was taken aback my his answer. "Never?"

"No. That's why I tried to make my own."

Isane started to understand. "You mean... The reason why you did that was... You were making friends? That's why you turned them into Hollow Reapers?"

"I didn't want to be lonely anymore."

She felt sorry for him. "So that's why you did it..."

"It wasn't the only reason," he said. "You're not the only one who's afraid."

"Hm?"

"I'm afraid of you."

"Me?" Isane gave an amused chuckle. "Really? Why?"

"Because you're a Soul Reaper."

"So?"

"So I'm an Arrancar."

Isane's smile vanished. "Oh."

"You're an enemy. You want to kill me. I'm lonely. The best way I could get you to not hurt me and to be my friend was to do what I did."

"That's silly. You didn't have to turn people into Hollows. You could have gained our friendship without having to resort to that."

"You don't want to be my friend now."

Isane stopped. She didn't know what to say to that.

Veneno winced, the pain in his arm getting worse. Unohana warned him that it would be excruciating.

"Are you sure you don't want the shot?"

Veneno shook his head from side to side. "No. I hate needles. I was tortured with them in that lab."

Isane sat back down.

Veneno panted, waiting for the pain to subside. "It's not fair. To bring me back into the world only so I can be alone."

"You don't have to be," Isane said.

"Oh, please. No one wants to get near me. Soul Reapers avoid me like I have the plague. They're afraid of me. Even you admitted to that. What does it matter anyway? I'm an Arrancar. I'm the only Arrancar here. I am all alone."

Veneno shut his eyes and the pain intensified then slowly died away into a constant throbbing. He opened his eyes again, small tears clinging to his lashes.

"They didn't mind being around me when they thought I was like them. I dress like a Soul Reaper and live among them and they think I'm one of them. Only then was I welcomed. Once they found out the truth, they avoid me and whisper about me. They're afraid of me."

"Based off of the past..."

"No. It's not that. It's me. What I am. I'm an Arrancar. That's why. They were fine with me before but now that they know what I am, things are different. I'm not doing what I did before but I'm still feared. I'm still alone. I'm trying to do better. I'm doing things different. And still they hate me. They still look upon me with fear no matter what I do. When I have done nothing to harm them, they fear me. I've done nothing and I'm hated. No matter how much good I do, no matter how much I try to help people, they still hate and fear me. It's not who I am, it's what I am. I'm not a Soul Reaper. They can never accept me. My actions mean nothing. I've tried to change and be better. I'm trying to be a better person. But the one thing I cannot change is what I am and that is why they hate me so. I am an Arrancar... and I will always be an Arrancar."

Isane truly felt sorry for him. She was ashamed at herself for how she felt before. She was acting on fear because he was an Arrancar. She even confessed that was the reason she feared him. It was because he was an Arrancar. No matter how hard he tried to be a good person, no one would ever see him as anything but an Arrancar. She felt his pain. She felt his hopelessness. He was trying as hard as he could and no one would accept him.

"I was given a second chance. That's what I was told. But no one will give me one. I helped save that Captain, and they're still whispering about me. I helped protect them and I get attacked. I'm trying, but it's pointless. No matter what I do I will always be hated. They're afraid of me and I'm afraid of them because of that fear." Veneno's voice changed slightly, as if he were holding something that kept stinging him. "It's not my actions. It's me. The reason they hate me is the one thing I can never change, no matter how much I do. I will always be hated and feared. No matter what. No matter how much I try, how much good I do... It doesn't matter. Soul Reapers will always hate and fear Arrancars."

Isane moved closer and touched his chest with her fingertips. "I'm afraid of Arrancars. But I'm not afraid of you. Not anymore."

Veneno's green eyes fell on her and now she saw why his voice had sounded so strange. He was fighting back tears.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have judged you like that. It's my fault. I should have gotten to know you."

"What does it matter?"

"How many of those whispering Soul Reapers have come in here and spoken with you?"

"... None."

"I think if they actually took the time to get to know you, they'll forget their fear and no longer hate you."

"They didn't hate me before. It's like I said. It's me being an Arrancar that's why."

"Captain Ukitake and Unohana have been in here visiting with you and they know you're an Arrancar and they're not afraid of you. They don't hate you. And neither do I anymore."

Veneno searched her face for any signs of falsehood. There were none. She wasn't afraid of him anymore and now that she wasn't afraid to come closer, he could see what a friendly face she had.

"I just want what everyone else has."

"You do have friends. Ichigo and Akon. Ukitake seems to like you, too. To them, I don't think it matters. You being an Arrancar or not. They trust you. They like you."

Veneno looked away. "You trust me?"

"Sure."

"How? And why?"

She couldn't come up with an answer.

"You just do?"

"Well... I trust that you wont hurt me."

"Why?"

"Because you said that you're trying to do better. If you really mean it, then..."

The pain in his arm throbbed again. It kept stinging. Constant pain.

Veneno kept his head turned as he spoke. "I... think I'll take that shot now."

"Really?" Isane was so surprised.

"Quick before I change my mind."

Isane ran and grabbed the painkiller from the tray. She read the label to make sure it was the proper medicine and checked that it was the correct amount. She came back to the bed. "Ok."

As she removed the cap, she noticed that Veneno had his eyes shut tight, turning away from where she sat with the needle. His upper teeth were biting into his lower lip, expecting horrendous pain. His left hand balled into a fist and he whimpered. It took everything he had to remain still on that bed.

"Ok. All done."

His eyes snapped open. Huh?"

"All done."

He turned his head. "That's it? Didn't you use the needle?"

Isane held up the empty needle. "Yes. Why? Something wrong?"

He looked at his arm but couldn't find anything amiss. "I didn't even feel that."

"Our needles are thin. They shouldn't hurt took much."

"In the lab... then the needles were gabbed into me..."

"Oh, well, that's them. We try not to hurt anyone if we can avoid it. Besides, this is medicine. It's supposed to help you feel better. We're not experimenting on you, we're trying to help you." Isane smiled. "So, did it work? How do you feel?"

Veneno studied his arm and smiled faintly. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

It didn't hurt anymore.

Isane closed the door behind her as she left Veneno's room. She was surprised by how pleasant their conversation had gone. She wasn't expecting Veneno to be so... She couldn't describe it. Somehow during their conversation, she had forgotten that she was talking to an Arrancar. It was perfectly understandable why so many people would not notice. Their conversation had also hit her hard with a sense of reality and guilt. She had never considered an Arrancar to have personal feelings like a Soul Reaper, or anyone else for that matter. Veneno had shown to be a real person with real feelings and fears. She had never considered the possibility that an Arrancar might be afraid of Soul Reapers. Hearing his perspective of them had changed her perception of him. All this time she thought he was the one to be hated and feared. Now she saw that it went both ways. He thought they were the ones who needed to be feared and hated and he managed to support his reasoning with several examples. She was wrong to judge him without knowing all the details. He wasn't as evil as she thought he was in the beginning.

"Lieutenant!" several Squad members hurried down the hall towards her. "There you are! You said you were going to check on something for a minute but that was half an hour ago. We thought something had happened to you."

"No, I'm fine. Why would you think that?"

"Because you said you were going to check up on the Arrancar in that room. When you didn't come back..."

"Yeah, we thought it might have attacked you or something."

Isane blinked. They thought Veneno had hurt her because she was gone longer than expected?

The Soul Reapers nodded their heads, agreeing with the woman who had spoken up. "We also know how you felt about this. You sided with us and wanted to refuse treatment. Unohana was the one who forced you to."

"I wasn't forced. I was allowed to say no, but..." Isane knew there was no way to explain it. Not in a way that wouldn't make it sound like she was forced, anyway. Usually if the Captain wanted something done, no one had the right to refuse her will. As Captain, she had the authority.

"Why are we treating the Arrancar anyway? After what's happened in the past, we're seriously helping it?"

"But you guys heard the rumor. And Captain Ukitake said so himself so it's been confirmed."

"What has?" Isane asked.

The Squad members turned to her. "Captain Ukitake was here before saying that he was going to visit the Arrancar to thank him for helping him. It's only in the sickbay because it got injured protecting Captain Ukitake. That was the rumor, at least. But the Captain told us that it's true. That's how it happened."

"But I don't see why an Arrancar would want to do that. Why would it help a Soul Reaper? It doesn't make sense. But if the Captain confirmed it, it must be true."

"But there's another rumor that the Arrancar has been bringing in those Hollows that keep attacking at random. If that's true, then why would the Arrancar be trying to help fight against them and even go out of its way to protect a Soul Reaper Captain? It doesn't make any sense."

Isane knew she would have been wondering the same thing and would have shared in their disbelief and fear if it weren't for her conversation with Veneno. She also couldn't help but notice that they kept referring to the Arrancar as 'it'. This bothered her slightly and she couldn't understand why.

"It doesn't matter," said one of the Squad members, then looked at the Lieutenant. "Are you alright? The Arrancar didn't hurt you when you went in, did it?"

"No, of course not." Isane had to laugh at that. "Why would you think that?"

"Because it's an Arrancar. Besides, you're just as scared of it as we are."

Isane paused. "I was... but not anymore."

"What?"

"I said I'm not afraid of him anymore."

"Why not?"

"Did it threaten you, Lieutenant?"

"No, nothing like that," Isane told them honestly. "We had a very nice conversation and it turns out that he's a really nice guy. I was kind of surprised."

"The Arrancar? A decent guy?" The others couldn't hide their skepticism.

"Yeah. I mean, didn't at least a couple of you get along with him before?"

"Not really. Well, we never actually met it before. Maybe, but it was dressed as a Soul Reaper so we thought..."

"But you have said hello to him before, haven't you?" Isane pressed. "And his name is Veneno. You can stop calling him an 'it'."

"Even if we did see him about before and said hi to him, that was before we knew what he was."

"So now that the masks have been removed you can't get along with him? Everything has to change?"

The Squad members looked at each other, unsure. "Well... it's an Arrancar."

"I know. I felt the same way until I talked with him and realized that he's not so bad."

"But it's an Arrancar," one of them complained.

"Have you actually talked to the guy?" Isane asked.

The Squad member didn't answer.

"Everyone managed to get along with him just fine before. He's never really changed from the Soul Reaper we thought he was. But now that we know he's really an Arrancar, that has to change?" Isane felt foolish for how she felt before. Now she was starting to sound like her Captain; who actually wasn't wrong in her reasoning. "I sat now with him and realized that he's a decent person. It's actually us he's afraid of."

"He is? Why?"

"Because everyone's afraid of him and hates him, and just when he thought he had met people who could be his friends, we turn away from him and plot to kill him when his back is turned. He's heard people whispering about him and everyone here wanting to refuse treating him. And everyone pointing out that he's an Arrancar all the time, and what Soul Reapers do with Arrancars."

"Well, that's... Um..." They couldn't argue. Isane could tell they were starting to feel ashamed from the regret in their eyes. Isane didn't need to explain any further.

"I think," Isane went on, "that if we ignore the fact that he's an Arrancar, everything will be as it was before. Personally, I don't think you have any right to hate him until you've actually met him. Then you can judge him all you like."

The Soul Reapers looked at each other. They still looked unsure but knew their lieutenant had a point. They didn't even know what they were hating and fearing so much. Isane was correct. Many Soul Reapers seemed to get along fine with the Arrancar before.

Isane started walking away, then stopped and looked at a cart of medical supplies. She started thumbing through them for no apparent reason. The Squad members looked at each other again. Nodding their heads in silent agreement, they quietly approached the door to the Arrancar's room.

Veneno looked up and saw four Soul Reapers enter his room with held breath. They kept their distance and kept the door to his room open, as if for a quick escape. He stayed in his bed, holding his bandaged arm in his lap. None of them seemed to have weapons so they might not be planning to assassinate him.

"Uh..." squeaked one of the smaller women. "Did you want some company?"

Veneno shrugged. "Do what you want."

Some started to move towards the door. Veneno's eyes fell. The sadness in his eyes caught their attention and they stopped.

"I guess we could talk for a little bit..."

Veneno glanced up.

Outside the door, Isane listened. It was slow going and clumsy, but it was a start.

So much in this chapter.

What went on between Ikkaku and Victor... Emotions from Veneno... T^T

Please review! ^-^