I scratched my head at the name. I don't recall anyone important by that name, and I know all the captains, lieutenants, down to the 8th seated officers of the Gotei 13 by name and face. I've seen pictures of them and all for my infiltration missions here or there. Who is Aizen I wondered. He's not normal if all of the bosses are looking for him. They're even willing to work together to reach out to him but something about this didn't feel right.

"You wouldn't know him. Neither of you would but the effort must be made and we're offering this opportunity to the both of you. I'll be providing you all with with information you need to help you locate him, you just need to find him."

"But who is this man?" Tayuya questioned the woman before I could. Lady Koibito simply smiled and said we didn't need to worry about that. Tayuya looked up to me telling me that she'll follow my lead on this. I rubbed my head a bit thinking about the money, the house, the future, but also the risk. Finding someone that even this woman can't locate has me disturbed. If the information master can't locate him how can I.

Suddenly a wave of calm washed over me. Something told me that I could do this and that maybe this might be worth it. Find a man, deliver a message, and leave. That's simple and can be done in a day. I took a breath mowing over the situation to one more question. A repeat of an earlier question at that.

"Why me?"

"It doesn't have to be you, but I've a good feeling. You haven't failed me yet, and I've confidence in your skills Ichiro. You've been to many places that many haven't and slipped out intact. Use that one last time, please."

Please? This woman just said please to me. This is that important to her, them, the families. This woman has never said please to anyone as far as I know, and she said it right at me. I looked towards Tayuya and she was as shocked as I was but staring at me just like everyone else. I was the center of this. Why?

No, stop thinking and make a decision. My feeling about this didn't go away fully but it wasn't as bad as before. I hesitated only a moment before offering myself to oblivion with a solid, "I'll take the job."

The devil wearing Prada grinned and with it my soul fell into their hands. I couldn't keep the expression of aggravation off my face at all.

"So what's next for us?" Tayuya rolled her eyes. "We wear these little costumes, wear swords, and just waltz in without a hitch. It's never that easy."

"She brings up a good point," I wagged my finger at the both of them.

"I'll take care of that," Steve sighed. Tayuya gave me a look telling me she doesn't trust this fuck. Her instincts aren't the best but work when it matters. This bastard can't be trusted in the least, but he knows his stuff to include getting guys like me through the walls into the Seireitei. When I've had a job for him, he had all the gear, personnel, and timing planned out well. It's the finer details he loves to horde like a bastard. The lack of those details are what lead me towards my restless nights and night terrors.

"Take the uniforms and get dressed. You start tomorrow morning," Lady "can go to hell" groaned.

"Yes Lady Koibito," my partner bowed still kissing this woman's ass. She shot me a glare and I rolled my eyes but mirrored the same. We both came up in unison before being escorted out of the room by a few women.

"Ichiro," I heard Lady Koibito's sing song call of that name and glanced back at the woman. She made a gesture for me to return. I glanced back to my partner and she rose her chin up telling me to see what this woman wants. She followed her entourage down the stairs out of sight after. I took a breath and returned to the both of them. "For tonight food is on me so do us all a favor and enjoy yourself," The woman adopted a foxy sly smile. She dismissed me with a wave. I scoffed softly then walked out into the hallway. I'm thankful she said that out of earshot of Tayuya though. I don't feel like dealing with that right now.

"Ichiro!" My arm was seized in the grip of one of the many women that overheard what the devil of a woman just said. For all intents and purposes she basically said that the "Off Limits" tag in my back has been lifted and now these women here can pursue me like rabid dogs if they wished. I'm not arrogant enough to say that I'm a Casanova and get all the females. I'm lucky to get the attention of one or two, being one of very few of my color in this place.

"Ichiro-kun, why not let this onee-chan of yours take care of you for the night," the woman that latched to my arm said, smiling sweetly.

"No fair, Kazehana!" Another woman grabbed my other arm, nearly forcing me to drop the clothes in my hand.

"I'm servicing him." A woman who stood taller than the two on my sides by a few inches approached us sporting a wolfish grin of sorts. I knew this woman very well, not in the intimate sense, but the kinship between us. We're kindred spirits. Kuremu the Kunoichi herself stood before me dressed in a light blue kimono, light makeup, and silvery accessories. Her savage smile took a softer turn and asked, "Do you object?"

"I don't know. You did try to kill me before," I said ironically.

"Tried, and failed," she said, shooting a look at both girls in my arms. Both of them trembled a bit before letting go. She huffed and took my hand in hers. "Come. I'm serving you tonight."

"Oh hell no. I'm not risking you going all shinobi/kunoichi on me, you crazy woman."

"You're calling me crazy?" she scoffed in a ladylike fashion. "You? Really?" I opened my mouth to retort but nothing came out. In terms of insane feats, I knew I outclassed her with ease. Hell, I was about to perform an infiltration as a reaper, again. I must be crazy, especially since two reapers were missing. I could only sigh to myself as this woman and I crossed glances. She mirrored it and took my hand once more. "Now, I'm serving you. Do you object?" She asked again, her tone dripping with sexy suggestion. Hot and husky, just how I like it. I fell into her glistening eyes knowing the answer in seconds.

I could only smile a bit before shaking my head. "No, Kuremu." I chuckled a bit feeling some of the weight on my chest ease away. The sight of the beautiful woman with deep amethyst colored eyes, darkened blue hair nearing black, and very fine skin has a way to calming me down. Better still is her body. She was kunoichi and a spy from one of the ninja clans cast out by her family for reasons I was never told, but despite this sustained that body of a ninja. Her big tits around the double D area is a big plus. Standing around five feet ten inches I'd say she's a definite smash over a pass, if I was alive that is.

Kuremu (Kuu for short) ushered me to follow with soft tugs. I walked with her feeling her aura smother me, blinding me from my surroundings. "Lady Koibito finally separated you from that ruffian of a woman," Kuu grumbled harshly. I smirked a bit at this. Tayuya is always nearby in some way and seems to take extreme interest in looming females. If not Kuu, then Tayuya would've chased off those women from before. "I can't fathom why you insist with traveling with her. You waste your money on that flat chest."

"She's a good opposing force that can keep me grounded. She can be stern one moment and a raging bitch the next, but she's good for me and has never betrayed me. That's the most important thing in this unlife we share."

"Hmm," Kuu huffed, but I could tell she took my words to heart. "As long as that's all you feel towards that woman. If you start liking her physically, I'd beginning assuming you're a man of poor tastes. I have heard of this short-stack fetish that popped up in modern times though. Hopefully, that's not you."

"If the most lovely woman in this establishment is servicing me my tastes can't be that bad."

"The finest woman you've ever seen," she corrected me gracefully. So much so I couldn't argue it.

"Very true. Isn't it a bit obtuse though to judge someone for their tastes in women? It's the 21st century in the human world. Everything is permitted nowadays," I retorted slightly bemused. I could feel and jealousy through our intertwined fingers. I'd never tell Tayuya that a better looking woman with big tits is jealous of her. Her head is already big enough to compensate.

"We are not the living and neither are we bound by time here. Although, I can still recall my days as the consort of a prince long ago. I've yet to locate the slatten that killed me. Speaking of which, this new task you've accepted for our mistress, I think you should reconsider," Kuu softly whispered the last part.

She and I share a very alike persona same with our instincts. It's how we've survived for so damn long despite the company we keep. I could feel sometime off by this job the moment I was escorted up without the normal bullshit. Typically the whore queen would give throw food at me, get me docile, and then tell me her demands. This time around we went straight to buisness while sober.

"I'll be fine, Kuu. Don't worry your pretty little head over a guy like me. It's going to come out of your tip for your services tonight." Kuu sniggered a bit shaking her head from side to side. She hand tightened around my own though showing me the seriousness of her words.

"Ichiro, I know you don't like listening to other people. I know you despise conformity of any kind. I know you strive to avoid situations that oppose your ethics, but please listen. Something serious is in motion here, and ig you spearhead through this like a bull you'll be swept away along with that partner of yours. I don't know what my mistress wants of you, but I know a fool's errand when I see one." Kuu glanced back at me, a frown cursed her beautiful face as she reached for my cheek. Her soft, warm fingers molded to it. "We've known each other for enough years to call you friend, so please be careful."

I brought the woman's hand to my lips and placed a soft kiss on top. Her eyes widened only a moment before she gave me a look of longing and concern. We've done this song and dance for many years. Since she tried to kill me and failed, we're reached a sort of pairing. I've learned many special moves from her while I've helped her familiarize herself with the modern world as I know it. I'm unsure if what we have between us is love or just deep friendship, but she cares for my well-being despite never once admitting to it. The same could be said about me. I can count the jobs we've done together with four hands. When I didn't desire Tayuya to be placed in harm's way, I'd come to her for help. And when I asked, the answer was always yes. Anytime she spoke I listened carefully. Any day she desired my help I never refused her.

The Kunoichi frowned at me but said nothing at first adding to the silence between us until she said, "I've a gift for you. I'll present it in our room."

"The same room as always," I asked the proper lady. One who's fallen from a noble consort to a woman of pleasure. Apparently during that time period it wasn't that uncommon. I was born in the 1990's so can only base my knowledge off text books and word of mouth. Kuu returned it with a softer smile that wiped mine from my lips.

"Yes. I'll ensure you're satisfied tonight." I caught a tone of hopelessness behind those words and frowned.

"You sound as if this may be my final job."

"No one else succeeded. I've little faith, even in your abilities, to succeed where others of higher skill have failed."

That hurt my pride a bit. She's the last person I want to hear this from next to my partner. "They probably has the same skill as you, correct?" She nodded a bit, curious as to where I was going with this. "I've gone up against many powers stuck in the 9th century for years and used modern day tactics to gain an edge. Don't underestimate progress, especially over 4 thousand years of it."

Kuu spared me a glance before turning back forward and pulling me down the stairs. In their time bows and arrows mixed with swords and spears were typical means of armament. When I bring out HE (homemade explosives) with cell phone detonators, and black powder rifles that's when things turn towards my advantage. This side of the Soul Society is stuck in a period centuries in the past and don't condone use of weapons. I on the other hand couldn't give two shits about their feelings. I'd I have to make bombs and fashion muskets to survive I will. It's not hard to get one of these black smiths from the Last Samurai period to fashion me a weapon I can use in certain fools. I just can't make it commercial. Others have tried and won't be one of them. I've seen what happens to those that push for progress in this world. Doesn't end well when you trying to change the Status Quo.

Kuu guided me to my/our room. Out of all the ladies here she's one of the few I'd allow to see me unarmed and unaware. The feeling is often mutual between us, because she's the one who'd come correct instead of the others with untoward intentions. It's all in the soul and the vibrant green that surrounds Kuu is pleasing to the eye. Her intentions are honest whilst the others don't move an inch without that Lady's word. Kuu reminds me of Tayuya a lot or maybe vice versa.

"Did I meet you first or Tayuya, Kuremu?" This came out my mouth before I could stop myself.

She didn't get upset, but instead pondered my question, cupping her chin and looking upward thoughtfully. "My attempt on your life was eight years ago, so technically we met first; then you insisted with suffering the presence of that shortstack. After which, I approached you again, but for business and not for pleasure."

"The fact you call fighting and assassination pleasurable is a bit creepy," I said dryly.

"Says the man that sells people, facilitates occasional assassinations for the bosses, and enjoys his acts of "excessively explosive' terrorism," she retorted slyly.

"You got me there. I do enjoy good business or hunting."

"What I can't comprehend are your antics. You like the prospect of taking a life but not the ensuring bout," she scoffed a bit.

"I don't like fighting. It's messy, loud, and annoying when there's witnesses I cant account for."

She groaned, rolling her eyes, "Simply silence the witnesses."

"Not all of us have sociopathic tendacies like you. Also, I don't like taking life when it's unnecessary."

"You do when it's humorous or a spectacle," she wagged a finger at me. "Remember what you call the Ninja Mansion? How many were engulfed in that explosion?"

"Okay, yeah, I see your point. The explosion was cool though, and besides, that place needed some light. Everything was dark." I took a breath to put a pause on our banter a bit.

We reached my room in the center of the inner south wing. Kuu pulled the sliding door open then guided me inside. It's not really my room, but since I come here a decent amount of times a month for work, they let me have it. Kuu let go of my hand and walked to the dresser to the left past the bedroll and placed my Shinigami uniform neatly on top.

"Get comfortable and I'll get your bath ready, Ichiro."

"Can you not call me that?" I let my distress show. I know I've long forgotten my name since coming to this hell hole, but that doesn't mean I need them giving me random ones.

"Just get comfortable," she said again, sounding amused by my distress. I pulled at my shirt and tossed it unceremoniously into a random corner. Kuu swayed her hips up to the large tub. A wooden pipe of sorts hung above it, and a handle with string attached to allow water to flow into the bath. The woman pulled at her kimono and watched it drop down to the ground, leaving her in her white undergarments. Not really underwear, but more like see-through white layers, blessing me with a sight I'll never get tired of. Kuu pulled at the hair ornaments and pins in her hair and watched them fall down past her shoulders, glistening in the soft candlelight. She glanced over her shoulder and smirked at me. "You're staring, Ichiro."

I said, "You caught me." Unashamedly, I held my hands up in a surrendering gesture, feigning a false sense of guilt. "What should I do to make up for it?" She chuckled and got back to working on the bath. I kicked the boots off my feet and pulled on the strap keeping my trousers from hitting the deck. I kicked them away and lastly placed my glasses next to my uniform.

"I've still that present for this mission," she reminded me.

"Really?" I reached into my knapsack and pulled out a small decorative box about eight inches in length. "I've a gift for you as well. Had a feeling I'd see you today."

"Such a generous man," she giggled cutely. I watched her walk towards the bedroll and reach underneath. She pulled out what appeared to be a wakizashi. The wrapping was dark blue and the guard was black, much like its sheath. I'm not much of a swords kind of guy, but I knew a nice one when I saw it. Kuu approached me with the sword in hand and presented it to me. "This was forged by the Hanazuki Clan. They're a branch of the Feng clan and serve them by crafting these blades from soul steel. I felt it would fit suit you. It's the shortest you can get for this sword."

The sword dropped into my hand, warm to the touch, and had excellent balance. "Hmm." I tucked the box under my arm and gave the sword a draw. The blade was in pristine condition, guard shiny despite it's onyx sheen, and the hilt fit good in my hands. I could conceal this well enough. I sheath the blade and held it to the side. I pulled the box out from my arm and presented it to her next. "Thanks for the blade. I got you this some time ago and haven't had the... Well didn't know the right time to give it to you."

She batted her eyelashes and smiled. "For me? How romantic." She teased, but could see how touched she was by the gift regardless. She took it from my hand and opened the box. Her eyes widened as she gazed upon the little treasure. In the modern day, a hairpin doesn't mean much outside of looking fancy. This one, however, was different. It was silver-yellow and shone in the soft lamp light. What appeared to be a sapphire was at the end, in the center of a pink and blue painted lotus flower. The stone was special mainly because it was a spirit stone. A little phenomenon discovered some time ago, stones that can gather spirit energy around them. It can be used as a battery for storing spirit energy or kept as the fancy accessory. Regardless of its practical uses, the price of these gems put spirit iron to shame. Even a small gem the size of a dime would cost more than some noble houses could afford. The metal as well is made from a special alloy reserved for certain clans for their kunai. In her profession this is an item to be cherished

There are more reasons for the woman to look at me in wonderment and anxiety. Kuu has long adopted a Japanese name, but she truly follows the path of a Wuxia, a Chinese sect of warriors who operate in secrecy, but can also function in the open. These sticks hold significance, as they are reminiscent of ancient Chinese customs uncommon here. She knows I understand this, and it is part of learning one's enemy.

She reached up and caressed my cheek softly. Probably the softest she'd ever done towards a man without the intent to kill him. She pulled my averted eyes back to focus on hers. "You can't be serious..."

I... I didn't know what to say, but words came out anyway. "I wanted to get you a gift for always helping me, giving me advice, and killing guys I couldn't reach. You've worked from the shadows without even my partner knowing, and I appreciate your support." My chin weighed heavily on my shoulders as I lowered my gaze to the floor. "I've been meaning to get you a gift that could display my, umm, feelings toward you in some way, and this is what felt right." I felt fucking stupid stumbling over my words like this. If she laughed at me, I wouldn't blame her. When I looked up, her eyes mirrored mine; they were focused and resolute in a manner I'd never seen from the playful woman before. She was serious, and I had only seen those eyes that sharp when she killed someone.

"What kind of feelings?" she whispered, stepping a bit closer to me. She reached up and massaged my temple next, never once breaking eye contact with me.

"I'm not sure," I confessed. "Hell, I barely understand what feelings are some days after being sort of dead. But," I reached up to her hand and pulled it down from my head. I held it gently in my own. "You're important to me and wished to convey it somehow."

She looked down at the pin. "You realize how much this is worth?"

"Do you?" I held the sword up between us, my gift next to hers. A blade is hard to come by, even for an organization like this. This blade wasn't scavenged like the sword Lady Koibito gave to us. This was custom-made to fit my grip, the length suits my reach and height, and the colors are my favorites. She requested a blacksmith to make this, which is five times more expensive than getting it through the usual channels. Both gifts cost dozens of souls. Gifts that aren't given on a whim. The worth of these aren't measured by something at trivial as funds. The cost wasn't even an afterthought.

She took a breath then closed the case. "Are you asking me to marry you?" she asked upfront and without reservation. The pin was a gift of intimacy leading towards engagement.

"Marriage doesn't mean much here so, no, I'm not."

"Then what are your intentions gifting something like this to me?" She asked quickly with aggression in her tone. "Even after I... gifted you Life."

"What do you want to hear from me? I got this for you because I'm thankful... For our friendship," I muttered, the words tasting like ash as I said them, and my shoulders began to shake. This was a lie and too obvious. I can't lie to those that matter. I despise lies in all forms and hate myself for speaking this one despite the truth being apparent. The shame of this lie and disappointment in my self gripped my chest like a vise, but held strong against the typhoon of emotions beating against my rational mind. The look in her eyes show both hurt and deep rooted offense from my words. They told me exactly what she was thinking.

Who in their right mind would fashion a betrothal gift this precious and thoughtful for a friend?

Who would spend a fortune to give away to another, a friend at that?

Why can't you tell me what you truly feel?

I'll give you everything; why can't you do the same?

What's stopping you from being a man and taking what's yours?

I wished to turn away from her piecing gaze. Gifting me a life as well was a blatant show of affection. For any warrior, or someone who takes a life for a living, a blade is as crucial as one's own life. She gifted me one, custom-made to fit me. As a man, I returned it in kind with a pin made of precious stones and metals. A very feminine and yet practical accessory using her favorite colors, metals, and length perfect for quick executions. The message this gave shown she's more precious to me than a hundred of those pins. But I can't admit it. I can't afford to nor do I truly wish to. Once it's said, Lady Koibito will get exactly what she desires from me. It's one reason she's allowed Kuremu's free rein to follow when I asked her to. Allowed her to service me when no other woman could and when it was ironically convenient. Kuu belonged to Lady Koibito, and if I allowed myself to fall, then I wouldn't be capable of fulfilling my promise made beforehand.

'I can't do it.'

The irrational side of my mind told me to say 'damn the consequences' and not to hurt the woman standing before me, mere seconds away from tears. It told me to fall into it, to give in to it. "I can't," I whispered, fighting back the urge to take it back.

A frown marred her lips, and she closed her eyes to me before turning her back to me. I had rejected her, despite everything, and could never take it back. "I see," she said, stepping back away from me and walking to the dresser. My heart dropped into a pit as I watched her place the box down and return to the bathtub, carrying on with her work in silence. No snarky remarks or steely glances. There was only apathy.

"Damn it, Tayuya was right." I rubbed my head roughly. Tayuya knew that I was saving money and helped me get that damn gift when I confided in her about it. She straight up told me I was either stupid or in love. In the end, she called me stupid when I explained my reasoning for getting the gift. My partner knows damn near everything about me, and I her, so it made sense to get her advice. She told me to get a fan or an umbrella instead of a hairpin because it would cause more harm than good. It seems like she was right.

The rest of the time, Kuremu didn't bother looking at me. She helped me bathe, get dressed, and poured me drinks silently. Once she was finished with her service, she bowed her head. She'd never bowed to me before. She bows to customers she services out of indifferent professionalism, and that customer is now me. Seeing this now, I felt strange, wrong even. She gave me a cold, indifferent goodnight, and left leaving the door open. A blatant show of disrespect towards me and symbolizing the fact that the service was not only terrible but that I would never be able to request her again.

The women here choose their partners and decline whomever they wish without consequence. She's telling me to never call upon her again and she'll never look me after this night. As the gravity of this development spread through out my body I found my knees weak and back slouched. By the grace of god my wobbly legs supported the ton on my shoulders up to a chair I collapsed into as the years began to play out before me. I knew what I did wasn't right. Kuu has suffered from betrayal and that sort of trauma never goes away. I knew what that pin would mean to her, to us. I knew what the possibilities would be, and yet I still went through with it. I allowed emotions to take control of me and placed reason to the side like a fool.

Worse yet, "I lied to her..." I heard these cursed words drag like knives past my lips.

The weight of my choices came crashing down upon me. It slammed into me like a runaway box truck. "Damn it." I slammed my hands to my head. This wouldn't have happened had I been more patient. Damn it, I could've waited for a better time to give her that. Why did I have to complicate this? I could've taken the sword, thanked her, had a nice, hot night, and went on this mission tomorrow without a hitch. No, I ruined it opening the forbidden box, crossing that line we've always danced around like a fierce bonfire. I felt the pin still on the dresser and sighed. I would've felt better had she kept it, throw it at me, or tossed it out the window. That's preferable to simply leaving it behind like that. No, she wanted the message to be absolute. She even placed it in a place that can be seen from any angle in the room.

I shot my eyes towards the open door, practically smelling the soul of the person outside it. "Aren't you going to come in?" I fought to mutter instead of snarl like a feral animal. "Tell me you were right and that I'm a dumbass! I'm ready for it!"

"I don't beat men when they're down... All the time." Tayuya stepped in front of my doorway from the side of it dressed in only a robe top and black shorts and top. Her arms were crossed over her chest looking upon me softly. With sympathy even. That's the last thing I wanted from her right now. Anything but that.

I turned away from her gaze and receded inward instead. Without further word she walked in. I felt her approached, heard her steps coming closer, and practically tasted her soul now she was in my domain. "And you're kicking your own ass harder than I ever could. Even on my best day."

"Tssk," I scoffed but couldn't retort. She's not wrong, again. I wondered how long she was listening in to us now. Maybe she predicted this would happened and wanted to be nearby just in case.

Tayuya walked around the chair I leaned back in and wrapped her arms around my neck and rested her chin on top my head. "I told you not to give chingling a damn hair pin. I told you what it meant and how she'd react, but you didn't listen." I felt warmth from my partner penetrate through my cold skin and touched my soul. "I know that bitch's kind. She's been used and abused by guys that gave her empty hope and that's exactly what you did. Gave her empty, fucking hope. All and all, I told you so."

Ever the blunt one, Tayuya let me have it while physically comforting me. I closed my eyes and breathed out, "What hope is there when we... I can't be honest without compromising everything, or us."

"Oh," the woman giggled in my ear. "You gunning after me now? Dumbass," she smacked me over the head softly. More a pat than a smack if anything but got the point across. "You should stick to what your good at: being a scoundrel and getting us out of poverty. That's why we took this last job, right? So we can stop running around out of necessity."

"Yeah, you're right about that," I felt my energy returned at that thought of having that manor and all that money. I the future if I take a job it's because I'm bored not so I can eat the next week.

"I know I'm right. As for Mount lady, she's gonna need a minute. She got killed by some son of a bitch, right?"

I snort a bit at the names these two have for one another. Short-stack and Mt. Lady are some funny nicknames for women of opposing body types, motivations, and origins.

"Yeah, the daughter of some government offical, beautiful and unique so taken by a noble family to marry one of the patriarch's sons, and forced into a harem where she fight tooth and nail for years. Forced to become an assassin for that family and so on and so worth."

"Some girl forced to marry and become a tool for murder. A story as old as time," my partner scoffed.

"Yep. I know you were listening for a time," I rose my chin and met my partner's eyes. "Are you gonna ask me?"

She shrugged. "Sure, why not? Why did you say no?"

"Because it wouldn't change anything. She's tied to Lady Koibito and can't afford to be tied to that damn woman. And besides," I leaned my head back a bit to look at her. "I've got you don't I?"

Tayuya smiled a bit. "Good. I'm all the woman you need," she said, and her eyes seemed to change color, becoming red, while her pupils dilated. "You'll never leave me for another bitch, my partner. If you do…" She leaned in until her icy-cold breath brushed against my ear. "I'll kill her, I'll kill you, and then I'll kill myself."

Without a word I rose my finger up to her forehead and flicked her.

Snap!

"Ow, fuck!"

This time I scoffed. "Don't start that toxic, creepy shit. It's not cute."

My partner glared at me, plotting on how to get her revenge, then suddenly smiled softly. The smile was so soft it creeped me out more than that Yandere shit from before. "But you feel better now, right?" She rubbed the spot I had flicked and smirked at me.

I blinked and pondered her words. She was right. "Yeah, I do feel much better now. Thanks."

"It's my job." She placed a supportive hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry about Mt. Lady." She gestured to the door. "Maybe once we're rich we can strike a deal for her," Tayuya suggested making my brow raise.

"You're willing to deal with a woman like that?" I asked my possessive partner. Any inkling that I may walk away for another she swoops int to remind me why we're stuck together. Any woman that gets too close she'd fight off like a rabid bitch. But now she's suddenly willing to allow the woman she hates to respect near me. Talk about character development.

A frown appeared on her lips. "If she gets a big head I'll chop off her legs and carve out her udders." My partner made some cutting out movements with an imaginary knife. "Speaking of chingling, what are your feelings for her? Is it like a desire to just fuck or marry or some shit like that?"

"I'm more interest in getting this money over fucking." I noticed her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Answer to your question is no. I've no desire to marry Kuu."

"But she's your type," she pointed out swiftly.

"Yeah, you're right, but so are you, and you don't see me trying to fuck or marry you," I reasoned.

Tayuya huffed but smirked crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm too good for a bastard like you." Despite how hardy she wanted to sound I know my pseudo confession made her happy.

"Girl, I'm so far out of your league I'm already 74-3 on the eighth inning," I laughed. I know nothing about baseball, but she's an avid baseball fan. Hearing this excited the meanest left hook I've ever caught in hand. It was mean one too because there was enough power behind it to knock me off my chair and send me to the floor and few feet away. I rolled back to my feet with ease. The smile on my face grew all the wider from her reddened fury filled face.

"Fuck you!"

"You wish you could you virgin," I slapped my hips proudly.

"I'll break your tool so you'll never fuck again," my partner snapped as she suddenly fired a kick at me Dynamic Entry-style. I leaned in and followed up with a tackle. As a show of superior flexibility, the moment I dodged her kick and slammed my shoulder into her stomach, she reached down, grabbed the back of my neck, and wrapped it around. Her leg then slid around my locked arm. I fell into a headlock, and my left arm and shoulder were securely pinned. The moment she leaned back a bit, I felt something creaking.

"Ow! Jesus woman! You said you'd break my package not my shoulder."

"Little did you know, I can go both ways," she stated nonchalantly and yet smug.

"Can you not," I growled.

"Maybe, on one condition."

"Name it."

"I want you to give me a massage tonight. The one you never got because you decided to be a dumbass and not listen to me."

"Fine," I snapped. "Just let me go!"

Her grip on my neck loosened and her leg rolled back over my shoulder. I groaned as I pulled myself out of her grip and sat back in the floor. I glared harshly at the bitch to see a sweet and victorious smile on her lips. She got up to her feet and walked towards the massage rack. Her pulled off her kimono top left in her shorts and leggings now.

"Hurry up dumbass before I fold you like pretzel again." I watched her place her hands on her hips and flick it like a snobby bitch.

"Right." I climbed back up to my feet and grabbed the oil on my way to get this shit over with.

"Do a good job and I might return the favor," she sneered.

"Bullshit. You'd never barter when you've the high ground."

"You know me so well," she said in a teasing tone. I rolled my eyes first and got to work in her legs first massaging her ankles first and slowly making my way us. My partner made the occasional moan or demand to be harder or softer but outside that there was silence between us.

The silence persisted when she rolled over to her back revealing her chest in all its perky glory. My breast vision tells me she's gone up to a 38B over the years we've been together. Nothing impressive but cute on such a ferocious woman. Her eyes remained closed and didn't moved an inch as worked on her navel moving up towards her chest and shoulders.

"You're a strange man, you know that?" Her eyes opened and focused on me. Then they fell down to my waist and frowned. "Are you even a man?"

I grabbed a nipple and pinched it.

"Ahh! Damn!" She lurched. I caught a wild kick aimed for my head and weaved another. She threw a punch at me next full of rage like a blind raging bull. I caught her wrist and twisted it drawing a circling sending her spiraling back down to the table. I held her down pinning there wirsts over her head. My body hovered over hers straddling her waist and leaning inwards just inches from molding my chest against her own. Her eyes widened at shock of what just happened and a little further after a good 39 seconds of me peering straight into her eyes. I could see her thoughts racing with confusion and anxious of what's about to come next. What am I going to do now that I've the high ground now?

I reached up to her cheek and cupped her chin leaning in until our noses touched. "I'm a man alright," I leaned back from over her body releasing her. I threw my legs over the side and landed back in my old position. "So don't test me more than you need, Yuyu. I'd rather not play that game with you of all people. I've finished the massage by the way," I pointed out picking up the towel from the floor. I tossed it at her and she caught it. Her cheeks were puffed out like she was pouting. It was cute to say the least.

I felt a sudden shift in her aura and tilted my head a bit. "Something wrong?" I asked based on what I felt from her.

Tayuya blinked then sighed hard. "I still don't know how the hell you do that. Or make your eyes glow." She flipped up off the table and landed right in front of me. She threw her arms into the sleeves of her top mid-flight before landing right in front of me. "I don't get you sometimes. And why do your eyes glow purple? Kinda girly doncha think? Red or blue or black would be better."

"Whatever," I said, rolling my glowing, girly eyes. When peering at another I can see their aspect, I've decided to call it. It's my bullshit filter and saved me dozens a times. When I focus though I can feel things as well. I can feel when someone is sad or distressed. I can feel their hurt at times and it's annoying in a place that's too crowded. My eyes tend to glow when I focus this sense stuff I got. It's why I can pass as a reaper as well. If a normal soul tried to waltz into the Seireitei they'd be picked out by anyone paying attention. High spiritually adept individuals like us are atypical and scouted by reapers at times. An excellent way to become hollow chow.

She examined me a bit closer before making a huff and walking past me. "By the way." Her hand show out and slammed palm first into my package and grabbed a handful. I shot a sharp look down at her, and she returned it with one sharper than razors. "Grab my nipples like that again..." her threat hung in the air. I nodded slowly and her thankfully released my balls from her grip a moment later.

First I breathed a sigh of relief. I couldn't move neither did I dare to. Crazy woman will give a man a jewel clipping for free. "Ow," I murmured as I nursed them with light squeezes. She has to go for that balls.

"Stop being a baby." She dropped her ass on my dresser crossing her arms over her chest and legs as well. I noticed her snagging the box and sitting down in its place. She opened it and smirked a bit before closing it. "Damn shame she left this. You put a lot of money in this." She started tossing it up in the air and catching it gingerly.

"Thanks for the reminder." I took the box from her hand and walked back to my knapsack to shove deep into it.

"Look, you knew the risk. When you do stuff without your heart and head in it, it doesn't work. You knew this. I knew this. Get over it and focus on what's important. We can fix it later."

"Were it so easy," I sighed harshly.

"Focus on the mission. Let's get a plan together on how we're doing this. I'm not sure if you care but we're in different divisions." She held up a badge for 1st Division pulled from the folds of her leggings. "I'm guessing Lady Koibito wants me to search or gather information in First?"

Tayuya was right. I slapped my cheeks to get my mind right before facing back to her. The job is what's important. What's done is done. "First has the largest prison with the most contengencies in Soul Reaper land," I reminded her as I walked to the dresser and sat down next to her. "They assigned me to 13th: Information and Survalience." I held up an ID card. "I found this in the hakama when I searched it the moment they handed these off it us. In the clothes we've an identity but as you can see, this isn't my face."

"Let me see that," she snagged the card from my hand and looked it over. "This is a white guy and his name is Katsuragi? How are you going to infiltrate when you're... Darker?" She tried to put delicately.

"Easy. By obtaining masks and skin modification pills and contacts to make it happen. With it I can look damn near any race though the skin shift hurts like hell." I shivered a bit from the memories. Taking those pills and changing skin color is like getting a tattoo everywhere at once even on your balls. It's horribly unpleasant but necessary for infiltration.

"That's how it works? You just take like, race pills and wear a mask and no one's the wiser?"

"New reapers from the academy or transfers come through regularly so two more in a crowd of hundreds won't be too strange. Trust me, I've done this a few times."

"I never really knew that... And your thing with that pale bastard." She finally brought that up giving me a dirty look. "I thought we share everything with each other. You remember the deal?"

"How can I not? You're my partner; we're practically a conjoined couple. We share money, time, our pasts, and our futures with one another. I get it," I took a hard breath out. "We share with each other what we can't with another."

"And you couldn't share whatever the hell you were doing with that snake eyed bastard?"

"No," I said seriously and meant it. I meant it as seriously as a death in the immediate family and met her gaze to convey this. She wasn't going to back down though and it shown with she placed her fist against my cold beating heart.

"You have to tell me about these jobs. You know that right?"

"I don't have to tell you everything."

"Yes the fuck you do!" She pushed hard against my chest. "You wanna be like the others or some shit? The fucks that hide from me and stab me in that back!"

"You know I'd never bring harm to you. Get us both in shit situations sure, but I'd never harm you or betray you." I took her hand in my own and squeezed it. "You believe me, right?"

She peered heavily into my eyes, searching and digging through the top layers of my thoughts. Whatever she found helped calm her down a tad enough to breath out a hazy, cold breath. "Yeah, I do. You'd never hurt me, intentionally, but if you're willing to run off with out me, do shit behind my back, what else are you gonna do? You could have a stash of money hidden somewhere and plotting to leave me for all I know!"

"I made a promise to give you the means to rise up, have a home, and live an easier existence here. I plan to do just that. I've thrown myself to the wolves for that promise working for that man. Yes, I did it under your nose, but you couldn't go where I was going. I couldn't subject you to acts I committed just to survive," I retorted slightly annoyed and amused by this woman's bullshit. Trust is a big factor in our relationship and never breaking that trust is our covenant. I knew these missions would place a strain on this trust if she found out, but I'd rather lose her while she's walking away on two legs than obliterated from my world.

"I'm not apologizing for keeping you safe or keeping you out of the loop. If you don't wanna be my partner because of this, I won't stop you from walking." A look of disbelief shot towards me and nodded affirming how serious it was. Tayuya pondered my words a bit. Despite her aggressive nature, she knew when to calm her ass down and think rationally instead of blatant acts of violence. She and I have been together for years and she knows I never mince words when something is serious. This was serious and for a reason.

"Okay," she breathed out. The fact she acquiesced left me full of relief. "Tell me at least this. Human or not?"

The question was simple and yet complicated. She wished to know what about these jobs forced me to strain the trust between us and yet never speak of it. There are jobs that encompass both human and inhuman things alike. The inhuman jobs pay very well and have paid very well. Tayuya literally just brought to my attention she knew about my stash of funds from these jobs I've kept hidden from her too. These jobs felt they weren't worth the money because of what was destroyed to complete them. I suppose my mind was brought into perspective of what's out there, but what I had to do to survive haunts me.

"Inhuman Yuyu." I answered her question plainly.

Suddenly I felt her arms around my neck and my face at her naked chest. She held me close to her taking me into her warm embrace. "I understand," she whispered needing no other words. My arms crepped up and wrapped around her petite form as the visions of those days returns.

"Was the money good?"

"Yeah."

"Was it worth it?"

"Yeah."

"On the bright side at least you got something out of it."

Yeah, I suppose that's something.

After a bit less than ten minutes of me lamenting about life, we got back in the subject of the job. I laid down half naked on my futon with only my boxers on and Tayuya sat against the pillar at the head of my bed roll almost as naked as me wearing only her panties, leggings that wrapped under her foot, and yukata top over her body. Seems she's decided to get comfortable in my room for tonight, again. What does a man have to do to get at least an hour of privacy with his thoughts?

Regardless, we came up with a plan on how to go about things. Tayuya questioned me of certain points of interest in Reaper land same with meet up spots. I've wandered the Seireitei during each infiltration but that places is massive. I don't have the cheat ability they call shunpo so had to walk everywhere as always. Not mu h ground you can cover during two to three day operations and only three hours of leisure time. I told her what I could same with points to start out her search. First I'd say is getting familiar with an officer and gathering information during which I'll be in the network getting information on this man and relay it back to her. We'd meet up twice a day and be in constant communication via cell phones I have stashed as well.

Gotta love the digital age. Maybe I can head to the Rec Rooms again and play some games. Watch some anime as well. It's been a minute. Last one I was watching while over there was Claymore and that shit was crazy. If I ever see a woman with a blade are big as me and swinging it around like it was a stick I'm taking a rain check that day.

"Hey," I felt my partner shake my shoulder. "You know I got your back right, you dumbass?"

"Yeah," I reached up and took her hand. "I got you too, you crazy bitch," I chuckled from the most endearing way she could tell me she cares abkut my wellbeing. "One last job and you're free Yuyu."

"We're free," she emphasized. "We're in this together, remember?"

"Yeah," I said, though my thoughts gravitated towards Steve. Whenever he was involved with a job of mine, it's always gone south and nearly gotten me killed more than once. Even the few jobs from Boss Kaido and a few others from Lady Koibito all turned sour when he had a toe in the water. In this one, he's fully endorsing it, and this one is within the Seireitei. I've a bad feeling about this, but I guess I'll see.

"So," Tayuya leaned over hovering over my face. "We sleeping together or you gonna be a dick and tell a pretty young thing like me to leave? We both know answer, don't we?" she smirked.

"Just lay your pretty ass down," I said with a scoff.

"You think my ass is pretty?"

"You know your ass is pretty, now lay down!" I patted the side next to me. Tayuya sniggeted a bit before laying down with ease next to me. I felt her arm slide up my bare chest and grip my shoulder as she pulled herself up to lay against me.

"We got this, okay?" she tried to reinsure me. Her cold breath brushed against my ear.

"Right," I said, but couldn't help feeling unsure about any of this. At least the money is good.

"And you're not allowed to run away from me either. Once we're rich, we stay together," she reached for my hand and grasp it tightly. "Can you promise me that?"

"Yuyu." I wrapped my arm around her waist and felt the warmth shared between us. "You know don't make a girl a promise I can't keep," I repeated each time she asked me a question similar to this one. To stay with her past the extent of my promise. I always thought of what I'd want to do if I struck it big enough to just disappear or live lavishly for a few centuries. Tayuya and I have the spiritual energy to survive here for a long time. A lot of us do. Kuu has been here for over four centuries, and I'm stronger than her. That means I could be here for much, much longer than her and outlive her in this afterlife. I don't see myself just, existing as these people do though. That's not enough to keep me going.

"Of course you don't. Asshole." She drew closer to me and rested her head on my shoulder. "You'll be fine so don't worry. We're gonna... kick ass," she yawned before falling silent. I waited as her grip lessoned and her breathing evened out as sleep took her.


It's been a few hours, nearing midnight.

I leaned up from the bedroll, careful not to wake her, and pulled the cover over her as she rested. I waited watching her closely to ensure she was truly asleep. Once satisfied, I climbed up to my feet and grabbed my robe top in the way up to my door before leaning against it. In moments I felt an icy cold presence behind it and frowned. It's always the same with this man. He always has his own path and his own angle. He always has an ulterior motive outside of the obvious and it seems I'm the only one that understands this. If Lady Koibito knew she'd never would've worked closely with this man.

"What's the real mission, Jin?" I spoke one of the names Steve gave me to call him. His crystal cold soul penetrated through the paper of the sliding door threatening to steal every bit of warm out of this room. My own energy was used to hold back the glacier the best I could if anything to keep Tayuya unaware.

"I've a messege I want you to give to him, and an item to bring back to me." The snake of a man's words slithered through the cold and around my neck. I gulped a bit but kept my nerve.

"Lady K and Kaido know nothing about this, do they?"

"They know enough, just as you do, old friend."

'Of course,' I wanted to sigh but held it back. "I want you to promise me she'll be unharmed and unspoiled." I've strove to keep my ladies out of his crosshair and he knew this. Working with Lady Koibito simply worked around this. Tayuya was always willing to work for that woman no matter the task. This man took advantage of that for the first time today.

"What about you? Don't you care about yourself," he chuckled sounding like hisses from a vile serphant. I know it's from an injured throat or some shit he suffered years ago and never investigated for good reason. Anyone that tried ended up dead or worse. I said nothing though in response. "On one condition. One life and she lives and lives very well after this."

He wants me to kill someone for him too? "Whatever." I relented. I've assassinated many for his bonuses prior to this. "Who?"

"You know who. They're in our way."

I felt my chest seize at the thought of it. It's not the first time I've imagined killing her for good but to do it now of all times. I wanted to demand more information and why it has to be now, but knowing him this bastard will never disclose his scheme to me.

"A good deal, don't you agree, Ichiro? Her life for the life of your toy?"

"Do not... Call her that," I snarled quietly.

"Oh, my bad. Didn't mean to offend." Fucker is playing with me now. Mocking my inner turmoil even knowing if I do this I won't make it unless the gods themselves see me through. "I'll sweeten the deal. I'll let your other toy go as well. You do love sacrificing yourself for them. It's in your nature."

I felt my fist tighten enough of hurt. I looked up from the floor to the sleeping form of my partner and thought of my promise. It's stupid to risk my existence for words, but that's all I ever had in this life and the one before. One life for theirs and this mission to fulfill my promise. "If I succeed what will happen to me?" I asked having a faint idea.

"You? You... Will either be nothing or fall to darkness. Either way, you will cease to be."

'What kind of cryptic bullshit is that?' I palmed my head thinking of this mission and the future.

"Why are you doing this to me? I've never wronged you or refused your jobs? I succeeded where all others failed. What have I done to deserve this?" I demanded. This place is supposed to be my afterlife but instead of resting in peace men like that shackle me, collar me, and force me into thankless service. The same when I was alive. What have I done in a past life to be sacrificed for other's aims?

"You've done nothing, Ichiro." The softness of his voice left me perturbed. What came after left me chilled to the bone. "It was your father... who sinned."

"My father?" I thought back to my days alive. I never really had a father. I had a surrgate mother that didn't want a sickly child like me. She gave me up and was adopted by a crime family. I had poor health and a weak body but a sound mind to compensate. I never tried to find my biological father nor cared to. Jin though, he sounds as if he knows that man but how? I whirled around and threw the door open to nothing but an empty hallway. He was gone without a trace. I wanted to laugh despite the bomb that fell on me. The implications along left me rattled.

"So my father sinned, and I have to bare the weight of the consequences huh?" I closed the door back. I can't bare that weight forever when I don't even know who or what the man is.

"Damn it," I cursed this life. Just what the hell is going on?