[We return. Sorry for the wait. But the wait will be worth it...18k words worth]
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[Your POV]

You know those moments in life where you feel like you're at the centre of attention? Like, all eyes focused on you. You're the one who's causing everyone around to have bated breath for what happens next. Like if you fail in what you're doing, everyone is screwed. That type of stuff? Well, I loved moments like that. Not only because that's exactly the type of nature a good Soul Reaper is surrounded by, but also because it was moments like that where I worked best. And fortunately for me, I was in one of those very moments right now. 

Here I was, standing in the middle of some random street in the world of the living, late at night, forced to stand between an injured girl and a fierce Hollow looking to kill her. IT WAS SO AWESOME! No--Not because of the injured girl, or her almost getting killed...But because it was the perfect moment where I could see glimpses of my dream. My dream of becoming the greatest Soul Reaper alive! Or, uh...Dead? You know what, that didn't matter. What mattered was killing this Hollow. And you know what's better than just killing a hollow...Have a damn badass entrance to go along with it!!

...It went a little like this.

--Present--

Fear spread across the girl with orange hair, as she lay in the middle of the road, helpless and without hope. Before her, the towering Hollow with glowing red eyes pierced into her soul from above. This was it. She was going to die. That was until... A manly, heroic, voice spoke up from the wind.

"Don't worry! I sure won't forget you anytime soon!"

The voice of the hero called from the shadows, all in response to the Hollow's previous statement of being forgotten by the girl with orange hair. Why had she forgotten him? I had no clue. But what I did have a clue about was that this was the perfect opportunity for a badass entrance. And things only got better not long after when through the Hollow's anger, he lifted a heavy fist high into the sky and sent it down crashing towards the unsuspecting orange-haired girl, when suddenly...the attack stopped. Her life began to flash before her eyes...when something else did the same. It was a figure. As quick as light. A man in black and white robes. 

His arms spread out high towards the Hollow's incoming fist. It was at this moment it was revealed the cause of the Hollows paused attack was this man, whose sword, still covered by the sheath that protected the blade entirely, was currently being used to block any more movement coming from the monster. The sight of such not only shocked the Hollow but also Orihime, the name in which this frightful orange-haired girl carried. Her body now sat behind this man. It was only when she gathered enough strength did she lifted her head to see someone was protecting her. That someone...was me, of course~

Orihime: "H-Huh? Who are you?"

With my head remaining low, a smirk found its way to my chiselled and outlined face upon hearing such a line. As soon as Orihime saw this smile, she immediately felt comforted, and protected. I knew such for a fact. After all, I had been in a similar position with Yoruichi a few years back. It was fair to say that the same presence I had on her, I was having on this human right about now. 

Though, that hardly mattered. I still had to a job to do after all. So it was as Orihime remained lying on the ground, her head slowly rising so she could look up at this hero's bright demeanour, the young girl managed to forget where she was for the time being. Such a response only caused this smiling stranger to chuckle as he finally gave response to her previous question. question.

"Who am I, huh? Haha...That's a line I've heard before."

Out of nowhere, the stranger's body flicked around at great speeds. With this sudden explosion of movement, came a fierce right foot kick to the open gut of the Hollow. With this hero's foot digging deep into the skin shell in which this Hollow's body was covered in, he continued to press further until his foot could reach no deeper. It was only then did the full impact of this strike fully became revealed as the Hollow's towering figure was suddenly sent flying backwards! It was like it had been struck by a truck! An unbelievable amount of force caused this monster to be sent so far down this street that Orihime could barely see it anymore. 

Not that she was really focused on it right now. Instead, her focus came to the man before her. One whose smile only became far more noticeable as he turned around to finally look down at her. It was as he did that, that a lot more was revealed. But not just to Orihime, but for a boy with orange hair and decked in Soul Reaper attire, joined by  a familiar-looking girl with short dark hair, they were left astonished by what they just witnessed. The boy was surprised to see another Soul Reaper here, and not just that, but a Soul Reaper who dealt with the Hollow like it was nothing. But that mattered little right now, after all, I had to answer the question offered to me by this orange-haired girl...

(Y/n): [Looks down at Orihime] "Who am I, you ask? Well, that's simple. I'm..."

"...(Y/n)."

(Y/n): [Eyes closed; chuckles] "Haha! Yeah! You know i--" [Opens eyes] "Wait! How do you know my name?"

"No...But I do."

The voice came once again. This time around, however, my senses were aware enough to the point I realized this person speaking wasn't Orihime. In fact, Orihime hadn't even really said a word since she first brought up the question to who I was. Now, it kinda did suck that someone took the moment away from me to mention who I was. However, my annoyance didn't last for long, especially when my head suddenly contorted to the side where two figures could be seen approaching the centre of the road. One of these people ended up being the short dark dark-haired girl; the other being the orange-haired boy in the Soul Reaper getup. 

Of course, both carried a surprised expression as they drew near. But the surprised look on the girl's face quickly switched to a bright smile as she took off from her current location and charged towards me. I was barely able to catch a glimpse of her lightning-quick movements before I felt a sudden shove of weight pressed against my body. That shove of weight ended up being this girl's body, who had suddenly wrapped her arms around my own as she pulled me into a tight embrace. If it wasn't clear already, we know each other. But if this show of affection wasn't enough, the next bit was.

Rukia: "(Y/n)! I knew it was you!"

(Y/n): "Haha! Hey, Rukia! What's up?" [Hugs back] "Oh my goodness, you got so much taller!"

Such a fact was revealed when the hug finally broke, allowing this familiar-looking girl to take a single step back from our current position...and clock me right in the gut.

PUNCH!

The strike was quick and without hesitation, causing the orange-haired boy's face to contort in shock whilst my body slightly leaned forward. All the while Rukia offered a sharp glare up at my pain-filled face.

Rukia: "What have I told you, (Y/n)? I'm not a little girl anymore!" [Crosses arms] "So stop treating me like me."

(Y/n): [Laughs the pain off] "Oh...Argh...Come on, Rukia. I was only joking around with you."

Rukia: [Mumbles] "Yeah...Like that's much of a surprise."

(Y/n): "Alright. Alright. You've got your point across. Besides, you can't really blame me, right? When we first met you were so tin--"

Rukia: [Narrows gaze] "Go on, (Y/n). Finish your sentence...I dare you."

(Y/n): [Laidback"...No. I sensed I've made a mistake." [Shakes head; smiles] "Anyway! Who cares about all that! How ya been? Why ya here? Is that your boyfriend?"

Rukia: "Wha--Wait--What?! What the hell are you talking about, (Y/n)?"

It was in this moment a very enjoyable grin crossed my lips. All the while I slowly approached my old friend with a twinkle in my eye. Rukia knew what was about to happen.

(Y/n): "Oh, you know~ It's just...We haven't seen each other in so long. I've been wondering how my old pal Ruki is doing!" [Playfully whacks her shoulder] "Clearly good I see if you've moved on~" [Suddenly frowns] "...Renji would be so heartbroken."

Rukia: [Narrows gaze once more] "Don't...call me 'Ruki', (Y/n). You. Know. I. Hate. That."

(Y/n): "And. That's. Exactly. Why. I. Do. It...Boop." 

Following my statement I immediately went about annoying Rukia further by booping her on the nose. This, of course, instantly annoyed the already agitated girl, who didn't hesitate to flick my hand away. But honestly, this wasn't something knew. After all, I've known Rukia for years now. She was really the closest thing I had to a little sister...Which is kinda nice to think about when you've got the history I have. Nevertheless, it's, uh... It's still not easy when you're forced to live with the fact that you've failed one family before. And when you eventually get out of that hole, to find another...It gets pretty scaring when you fear what will happen if you fail this one as well...

(Y/n): [Shakes head suddenly] "Ugh! Anyway..." [Smiles once more] "So...Have ya first kiss yet?"

Yeeeah. I enjoyed my role. It allowed me to constantly tease this poor girl. It's funny though, that's all that matters! Well...Funny to me, anyway. Rukia? Not so much. But it was that last sentence was the thing that really caught Rukia off guard, however. Honestly, I don't know what was quicker. The way her eyes widened in shock. The blush spreading across her face. Or maybe, it was how quick she went at going to deliver another punch right to my chest. This time around, however, I was prepared. Managing to capture her wrist just in time before her hand reached my body I continued to hold it in place as I grinned down at the face of the fluster teenage-looking Soul Reaper.

(Y/n): "Now. Now. Is that any way to treat your old sensei? Besides, I was only joking Ruki!"

Rukia: [Groans] "Would you just cut it with the jokes, (Y/n)?! Argh! And stop calling me that name! I hate it!"

(Y/n): "Oooh...I don't think so. I vividly remember you telling me you loved it. That's why I always call you it!"

Rukia: "I don't...Love it. I hate it. I vividly remember telling YOU that."

(Y/n): "Hmmm...I don't know?" [Scratches chin] "Did you say that when you were whacking me with that broom one time after I embarrassed you on your little 'date' with Renji; or was that another ti--"

Rukia: "(Y/n)!!!"

(Y/n): "Alright! Alright! You're right..." [Chuckles] "...You're right. I know. I went too far. It's clear this guy behind you is nowhere near your type..."

Rukia: [Sighs] "Thank yo--"

(Y/n): "...But Renji on the other hand~"

Rukia: "WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOU AND INVOLVING YOURSELF WITH ME AND RENJI?!"

(Y/n): "Hey, man... Don't make it so obvious and I won't. You're lucky I'm the only one who has noticed. Or everyone would be yelling at you both to just start dating..."

Upon saying those words, I knew I was screwed. But instead of just describing the countless back-and-forth of flying fists coming my way following this point, I'll just say it had the usual choreography that any late '90s action movie had. That should explain it pretty well, right? Anyway, by the time the little tussle came to an end, Rukia and I were locked in a position where my hands were wrapped around her clenched fists. She had gone for two separate attacks, both of which I managed to catch. This left the short girl unable to move, leaving her only source of attack coming in the form of violent verbal shots thrown in one fluid motion.

Rukia: "You're a shit soul reaper, (Y/n). You couldn't teach a snail to move slowly. You only got to become a Captain because Captain Kyoraku got you into the position."

(Y/n): [Grinning] "Pfft! You're acting as if I don't know any of that."

Rukia: "And your chocolate cake sucks ass."

(Y/n): [Gasps; Narrows Gaze] "...How dare you."

It was as all of this happened, that not too far away from our current position, the boy with orange hair was left in complete confusion. All he could do was stare at mine and Rukia's current position, unsure of what to say. However, it seemed it wasn't too long before his own attention was drawn elsewhere, as the voice of Orihime slowly spoke up once more. This time directed at the very boy with the very strange hair colour.

Orihime: "...Ichigo?"

Ichigo: "Huh...? Oh! Orihime, uh..."

Concern and doubt quickly found his face. Probably because this was the classic situation of where someone sees you doing something they're not supposed to see. Kinda like when Yoruichi walked in on me one time trying to learn the electric guitar--a strange instrument I brought back from the world of the living one time. I told her I simply thought it was fun. But Yoruichi proclaimed over and over again about how it was just an attempt of me 'trying to stay young'--and I was immediately like--'Bitch! I am young! I'm only two hundred-something years ago...' Okay...Maybe that was a lie. Also, I didn't call Yoruichi a bitch. 

I knew if I even called her a word that was similar to that she'd kick my ass. Nevertheless! I knew the look on this boy's face well. He didn't know whether he should talk to this girl or not, mainly because he didn't know whether he could properly explain to her everything that was going on with, well, everything! So all he could really do was just look at the poor girl in confusion. Luckily for the orange-haired boy--and me, too, honestly. I didn't know how much longer I could hold off Rukia and her anger tantrums for much longer. But luckily for us, we didn't have to worry about our respective problems for much longer, and it was all thanks to the re-emergence of that giant pain in the ass Hollow!

"ORHIIIIIIIMMMMEEEEE!!!!!"

Orihime: "Huh?"

Ichigo: "No!"

(Y/n): "Shit!" [Thoughts] "...I didn't kick the bastard hard enough."

Rukia: [Mockingly] "Well, well, well...Looks like you're losing it, sensei. You didn't defeat the Hollow with a single kick. What a shame. You're getting old."

(Y/n): "Hey! I am so not getting old! I just...Wanted to kill it in a better way!"

Rukia: "Sure. Sure."

(Y/n): [Narrows Gaze] "Fine then. I'll show you."

Following my words, Rukia made sure offering me a cheeky smile that only showcased more of her childlike nature. Honestly, she only did it with me because she knew I'm not a hardass like all those other captains back at the Soul Society. That...and because it annoyed the everliving shit out of me! So she knew doing that could easily get under my skin. And I think such a fact was made known as I somewhat roughly tossed my old friend to the side. 

In doing so, I disarmed my lock on her hands and began marching down the street. It was at the far end of this aforementioned street where the re-emergence of this previous thought to be defeated Hollow could be seen picking up speed as he slithered down the road. His force of nature was met by my somewhat steady approach. Annoying mumbles escaped my lips as I reattached my sheathed sword to my hips, not that it'd remain that way for long.

(Y/n): [Mockingly] "Well, well, well. Looks like you're losing it, sensei. You didn't defeat the Hollow with a single kick. What a shame. You're getting old." [Groans] "Yeah right! As if I'm getting old. I'm still as badass as ever!"

"ORIHIME!!!"

(Y/n): [Yells out at the Hollow] "Yeah! We get it! You want Orihime!" [Mumbles to himself] "Well, sorry, pal. But you can't get to her. You know why...?" [Grins] "Because I'm a hero, and just like any hero, I'm about to end you with my finishing attack~"

Of course, to do such a finishing maneuver, I first needed to retrieve my weapon. Now, doing so wasn't so hard. All I needed to do, as I continued to walk through the dark depictions of the street around me, was slowly lower my right hand and take a firm hold of the smooth handle in which connected to my Zanpakuto, still embraced by its covering. The familiar sensation as my hand ran past the texture, the feeling of the inner spirit waiting to be realized, it brought an aura I could barely describe. 

But that aura was yet to reach its full potential. Something that would come as soon as I freed this mighty weapon from its prison. But before I did that, I had to speak a few special words. It was as I began the process of which, however, that back with Rukia, her 'not' boyfriend wearing the soul reaper attire, and Orihime, the two latter individuals found themselves confused and concerned upon watching me further walk into the distance towards the charging enemy. The boy with the orange hair was perplexed...

Ichigo: "Um...He knows that thing is charging right for him...Right? Like, he's not stupid. That thing will kill him if he doesn't hurry up?"

Orihime was unsure of whether she wanted to watch what was to come next...

Orihime: [Cover eyes] "Oh, I can't look!" [Calls out] "Please, Big Brother! Don't hurt anyone! Please!"

And Rukia, well, by this point, she had dropped her cocky expression to instead replace it with a genuine smile. After all, this wasn't something new. Whenever we joked around in the past, we both knew it was nothing more than that...a joke. So as she watched me go off to do what I do best, she didn't hesitate to begin supporting me from within the corridors of her mind.

Rukia: [Thoughts] "Well, (Y/n)? Time to show me if you've still got it..."

Rukia's thoughts didn't end there, however. As before long, the sound of silent whimpering could be heard entering the air. All it really took was a slight movement of her head to see that the person crying was Orihime. Without hesitation, Rukia proceeded to drop down to Orihime's level on the ground, and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Rukia: "Hey, it's okay. It'll all be over soon."

Orihime: [Whimpering] "Bu-But...My brother..."

Rukia: "Brother...?"

It was fair to say that Rukia was confused at first. However, upon realizing what Orihime met, she couldn't help but find that familiar smile once more. As for me, to make sure that smile stayed that way, I had a job to do. Before getting to that, it's probably best to explain something. Now,  Soul Reapers have swords to fight against Hollows; Zanpakuto's. Obviously these weapons are no ordinary swords. Something that is made abundantly clear when you come to understand that inside of these swords is the spirit of the Zanpakuto. A Zanpakutō Spirit being a part of their Soul Reaper user's soul. 

The appearance and abilities of such inner spirits are a reflection of this; as such, they also share their master's resolve. They exist in tandem with their master; they are born alongside their Soul Reaper, and die with them. Every soul reaper has a spirit inside of their Zanpakuto, and to awaken that spirit, at least to some degree, you have to awaken it. And by doing that, you have to say a set of certain words, as I mentioned earlier. Speaking such words awakens and manifests the Zanpakuto's power. The first form being 'Shikai'; and the second being 'Bankai'. Both forms are incredibly powerful. Normally Soul Reapers saved their Bankai form for tough battles. But me, I never really have to use mine. 

The tendency for being badass and powerful. Honestly, I could kill this Hollow without even using my Shikai form of my Zanpakuto. But seeing as Rukia was around, and she also had friends watching, I decided to show off for once. So, with my hand wrapped around the handle of my Zanpakuto, and my mind focused on the Hollow charging towards me, I prepared myself for the moment I all have been waiting for. And to get things started, I just had to say a set of familiar words. Words that rolled off my tongue as I finally freed my Zanpakuto and allowed it to enter the world of the living.

"Bleed... Rivers Of Blood!"

Simple words, at the end of the day. But sometimes words can be the most powerful thing imaginable. Upon saying these words, a bright red light surrounded the blade of my Zanpakuto as I freed it from its sheath. That red light remained from the start of the base, to the tip of the blade. All remained in bright, crimson, light until finally it tasted air for the first time. And as this cold wind pressed against its firm skin. The Shikai appearance of Zanpakuto was revealed.

The appearance of my weapon had become something I had grown used to. But when I first saw it, I realized my Zanpakuto was unlike any other. And this was only the start of it. More secrets were hidden behind its powerful name. Nevertheless, the name alone was enough to bring fear to its enemies...and awe to its followers.

Ichigo: [Shocked] "Whoa! Look at that sword! It's incredible!"

Orihime: "Wo--Wow!"

Ichigo: [Turns to his left] "Rukia! What is that thing? Why isn't mine like it?"

Rukia: "Because just as yours is a special case amongst normal Zanpakuto, so is (Y/n)'s. Another unique factor is that whilst normal Zanpakuto's carry names. (Y/n)'s is different."

Ichigo: "It is? How?"

Rukia: "It's simple. Whereas Zanpakuto's normally carry names. (Y/n)'s on the other hand doesn't have a name... It has a title."

Rivers of Blood...A title indeed. Unlike most Zanpakuto, in order to awaken the spirit within mine, I was forced to offer a... a lot of blood and pain. Such a weapon like it has carried a long history. One that has felt many victories. The special abilities hidden within Rivers of Blood's crimson blade were many. But I needed but one of these abilities to put this charging Hollow to rest. And it was as this vile creature grew closer, his fierce roar entering the air, that I put an end to all his torment. And I did it all...with a single slash through the air.

[3rd Person POV]

It wasn't exactly known for certain what happened after this moment. All anyone who watched from afar could say that after (Y/n) swung his Zanpakuto through the air, a bright red light flooded the surrounding area. To the point, no sight of the surrounding buildings, streets, cars, could be seen at all. The bright red light remained for about fifteen seconds. It was during this time that people such as Ichigo, Orihime, and even Rukia found themselves growing weak from the extreme amounts of spiritual pressure coming off of (Y/n) right now; and all from a single attack. But whereas such an attack may seem inhuman in how it was conducted, (Y/n) was probably one of the most known Soul Reapers who actually made sure to end the Hollows he fought in a way that'd be most peaceful to them. 

Well, that's if they wouldn't piss him off first. But if they didn't, then (Y/n) would be careful about how he ended them. A lot of Soul Reapers would ask why, but not many would get an answer. But for (Y/n), and those closest to him, the reason he did so was simple. Almost three hundred years had passed since (Y/n) and his family were killed. It's during that time that a lot has surely happened. (Y/n) wasn't sure if his family's spirits were still wandering the earth, looking for a reaper to cleanse them; or if they were already in Soul Society. But there was also another option...That they had been turned into Hollows. It was that thought that frightened him most. If there was a possibility that a Hollow he comes across turned out to be his deceased family member, he wouldn't know what to do. 

He'd struggle to kill them, but in the end, it would need to happen so he could see them again in the Soul Society. But whereas most of the time you don't know the true person behind the Hollow in front of you, (Y/n) decided that the best route of action would be to make sure you faced every Hollow as if it was someone you cared about. And that's exactly what he had just done. He didn't kill the soul trapped within the Hollow. No. He freed it. Gave it new life. Gave it a reason to go on to what awaited it on the other side. (Y/n) always took some joy out of moments such as this one, that's why, as he turned around, he was sure to carry his familiar smile. That was...until he noticed the state of the others.

(Y/n): [Lifts Head] "Huh?"

There, at the end of the street, Rukia, Ichigo, and Orihime all lay on the ground, unconscious. It appeared the force behind (Y/n)'s spiritual pressure had become too much for them to handle. But instead of panicking about it all, (Y/n) slowly returned his smile as he approached the group left to rest in the middle of the street. 

--The Next Day--

Knock! Knock! knock!

With the dawn of a new day taking place some hours later, the vibrant, yet tired, eyes of young Ichigo Kurosaki, slowly began to open to the sound of loud knocking coming from a door. Which was odd...His Father never knocked before charging into his son's room randomly in the morning. It was this lingering thought that was enough to keep the young boy awake, even if he dared to get a few extra minutes of sleep before properly being woken by his alarm later on. It was in the moments that followed that Ichigo realized the knocking wasn't coming from his door at all, but the front door to his two-story home.

Ichigo: "Huh? What in the--"

His focus on the knocking, however, was abruptly cut off when his attention was redirected to his left, where the rolling door to his closet suddenly opened. Once it had reached the end of its course, out stepped none other than Rukia, a steady yawn escaping her lips as she rubbed her eyes slightly. Added details coming from the sight of a makeshift bed crafted within the small space of Ichigo's closet interior; and the yellow pajamas Rukia wore, gave off the feeling she had indeed slept inside the small space last night.

Rukia: [Yawns] "...Good Morning, Ichigo..." [Rubs eyes] "...What's all that knocking for?"

Ichigo: "Huh? Oh. Hey, Rukia. I don't know actually, I was about to--WAIT!" [Suddenly turns to Rukia] "WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING IN MY CLOSET?!"

Rukia: [Blankly] "What were you doing in your bed?"

Ichigo: "What?"

Rukia: "What?"

Ichigo: "...Argh! Forget it!" [Turns back to her again] "Wait! Those pajamas! They're my sisters!"

Rukia: "Oh, are they?"

She asked softly as she glanced down at the checkered yellow pajamas in which she currently dawned.

Rukia: "They were the only ones I found last night after everything went down, so I decided to just use them. They're actually pretty comfortable."

Hearing this only added to Ichigo's shock. He was seconds away from yelling at Rukia once more, questioning as to why she was wearing his sister's pajamas; what she was doing in his house; and when the hell did he get into bed last night! Because the last thing he remembered--

Ichigo: "...Red."

The colour was so constant upon Ichigo waking up that he believed it was either the remnants of a long lost dream or the earthly alarm that came through the shining light that was the sun. But now he knew otherwise. He remembered it. He remembered it all. Rukia had punched the ever-living spirit out of his body, allowing him to use the abilities of a Soul Reaper, and they took off to deal with the cause. However, they weren't expecting the cause to be at Orihime's house, a classmate of Ichigo, nor that the Hollow in question would be her dead brother. 

The case in question of fighting the aforementioned deceased wasn't any easier. Ichigo remembered clearly how he struggled in the fight, until a smiling stranger arrived. He wore similar clothes to Ichigo but had a white cloak. He also had a sword that was...So much more badass than his own! Even with the memories slowly flooding back, Ichigo remembered how jealous he was of it in the moment. He probably would have remembered more if it weren't for a sudden interruption.

"ICHIGO! GET YOUR ASS DOWNSTAIRS! WE HAVE GUESTS!!"

Ichigo: "...Huh?"

Ichigo knew that loud and annoying voice immediately...It was his Dad. But such a conclusion was only left unanswered in the long-run when he processed the final bit of his Father's sentence.

Ichigo: "Guests? In the morning? But we never have guests...?"

Rukia: "Maybe it's relatives; or a new neighbour?"

Ichigo: "Eh. I don't know. My Dad isn't really--Hey! Forget that! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY ROOM?!"

It was after Rukia finally answered that question that we skipped a few minutes later. It was during which Ichigo; and a sneaking Rukia behind him, still dressed in her pajamas, could be seen walking down the stairs to the first floor of the Kurosaki homefront. Ichigo, wearing a blank white T-shirt and some loose pants, proceeded to run his hand through his orange locks. Annoyance and confusion reigned supreme in his mind. Added on by the faint sound of voices coming from the kitchen a short distance from his current location.

(???): "Oh, you should have seen me when I was younger! I was always helping my Mother around the house. After all, it's a man's duty to help out his family, right?"

Ichigo's Father: "Oh, you're most certainly right about that! Haha! I barely got a moment to myself when I was a kid."

(???): "Well, you know what they say after a happy wife, happy life--"

Ichigo's Father: "It applies for your own mother sometimes too! Hahaha!!"

(???): "Hahaha!!!"

Loud laughter was quick to fill the air as the two voices came together in union. Instantly Ichigo knew that one of the voices was his Father; Isshin Kurosaki. As for the other voice, it sounded somewhat familiar. He didn't know why until he reached the bottom of the staircase. It was in this moment he came to see the person his father was talking to was... The smiling stranger from the previous night! Shortly after this discovery, Rukia slowly poked her own head around the corner.

Isshin: "But still, (Y/n), having to grow up with just your mother and so many siblings. You surely would have had your hands full as the oldest, no?"

(Y/n): "Oh, you're telling me! It was definitely a struggle somewhat. But they helped where they could..." [Turns towards the kitchen] "Speaking of which, it seems you have some good workers as well, Isshin."

It was as (Y/n) said such words, that both himself and Ichigo's Father turned towards the kitchen in the Kurosaki household, to see the other children of the youthful Father; Karin and Yuzu Kurosaki, Ichigo's younger sisters.

Both girls wore gentle smiles as they exited the kitchen with plates of food ready to serve. Yuzu (left) bringing over a healthy serving of bacon and scrambled eggs for (Y/n), whilst Karin (right) brought some over for her Father.

(Y/n): [Smiles brightly] "Why thank you very much, young lady."

Yuzu: [Giggles] "That's okay!"

The short ginger-haired girl was quick to giggle and smile at their homes guest, all before returning to the kitchen with glee. As for Isshin's other daughter, the tomboy-looking Karin, she also brought her father a plate of food.

Isshin: "Haha. Why, thank you, Karin, aren't you a lovely young la--"

Karin: "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever. Enjoy the food, Pops."

Without even batting an eye, Karin turned around and joined her sister in returning to the kitchen. The cold shoulder approach from his daughter, however, made Isshin immediately lose his appetite.

Isshin: "Aww...I swear, (Y/n), my baby girls are so cold to me lately!" [Suddenly starts crying] "Why did you have to leave me, Mother! Our children hate me!!!"

It was as Isshin began to cry profusely, that he turned his focus to a large portrait of a beautiful woman with flowing orange hair. Such being Isshan's wife. And that wasn't even a guess. Literally, upon (Y/n)'s first arrival into the home, one of the first things Isshin said to him was--"Look at this portrait of my dead wife! Isn't she pretty?!"--Or, at least, something along those lines. Either way, just looking at it was enough to make Isshin cry more, leaving (Y/n) feeling rather awkward.

(Y/n): "Um..." [Chuckles Awkwardly] "...I wouldn't worry about it too much, Isshan. I mean, I get my fair share of cold shoulders. Haha! You should just see the ones my--"

"What was that, that you were about to say, (Y/n)...?"

It was in that moment that a sudden wave of fear rushed across (Y/n)'s fearful face. Sweat beginning to build as he nervously looked towards the kitchen. Isshan's gaze followed also. Ichigo attempted to do the same, but was cut short due to the wall being in his way. Nevertheless, the young boy who still stood at the foot of the staircase was now intrigued. That was a new voice. He hadn't heard it the previous night when he heard the voice of (Y/n). And this one was of a girl.

Ichigo: "That's strange. Who's voice is that?" [Glances down at Rukia] "Do you kno--"

Ichigo's sentence was abruptly cut short, however, when he glanced down at Rukia to see the short girl now had her gaze narrowed sharply. But not at (Y/n), but towards the kitchen entryway, despite not seeing it fully. Her gaze was so sharp that Ichigo could literally hear the tension coming from it. Upon noticing such a reaction, he quickly turned his focus back towards the kitchen table, in hopes of seeing who this voice belonged to. And, oh boy, was he glad to have done that. 

For it was as soon as he turned his head back that he was greeted by a shocking discovery. Appearing from the kitchen of his own home, holding a tray with five glasses of orange juice on display, came a bombshell of a woman. One with bright purple hair, glowing dark skin, dressed in tight leggings and an orange singlet that was also...rather tight, at least, in certain areas--Not that Ichigo was looking! The sudden shake of his following this sighting was a clear sign that he was simply...ugh...trying to...um...Focus?

Ichigo: "Okay...That woman is so fine. Like, supermodel fine."

Rukia: [Rolls eyes] "Pfft. Please. She's not all that...Even if (Y/n) thinks otherwise."

Ichigo: "Wait. You know that person?"

Rukia: "Yeah. She's (Y/n)'s stupid girlfriend or whatever. Her names Yorui--"

Out of nowhere, Ichigo proceeded to grab Rukia by the crop of the yellow pajamas in which she wore and began shaking her about.

Ichigo: [Shaking Rukia About] "You can't just be keeping this shit from me, man! If you know babes, you have to tell me! I mean, I know I don't exactly come off this way normally. But that lady down there is--"

Rukia: [Blankly] "A pain in the ass?"

Ichigo: "Well, I mean..."

Ichigo didn't finish his sentence. He just turned his focus back to Yoruichi, who was serving out the glasses of juice to (Y/n), and the rest of Ichigo's family, all with a smile on her face. It was enough to make his cheeks red. However, he was quick to return to his normal 'stoic' way with a shake of his head before finally taking the final steps to touch the wooden floor of his home's living room, and eagerly approached the table in which Yoruichi now took a seat at. As for Rukia, she just looked on at Ichigo at him with disgust. She really didn't see what boys saw in Yoruichi. She was just a girl...A girl Rukia didn't like whatsoever. 

Isshin: "So, (Y/n), how long have you and Yoruichi-chan~ been married for? You both seem so young."

(Y/n): "Um...About four years now?" [Turns to Yoruichi] "Four years work for you?"

Yoruichi: "I don't see why not."

(Y/n): [Turns back to Isshan] "Yes. Four years."

Isshin: "Oh, okay. And jobs? What do you both do for work?"

(Y/n): "Well, I'm a defence teacher. Help people protect themselves from things they can't do normally by themselves."

Yoruichi: "And I'm a Yoga teacher."

Isshin: "Oh! Yoga! That's cool and young!" [Laughs] "I'm not sure if you can tell, but I do Yoga all the time!"

Karin: [Blankly] "Really? No one can tell."

Isshin: "Karin..."

Yoruichi: [Speaking to Isshin] "Yeah...I help people stretch. Actually, it's funny we bring this up. I actually helped (Y/n) stretch last night. Didn't I, dear?"

Yoruichi said with a seemingly innocent smile as she stared right at (Y/n). All (Y/n) could do was smile blankly as he chuckled awkwardly.

Isshin: "Oh, I see. And how did you meet? The place must have been somewhere special, especially if your wife is such a good-looking person?"

(Y/n): "Uh, well--"

Out of nowhere Isshin looked over his shoulder whilst seated on the chair and began screaming at the portrait of his dead wife.

Isshin: "I MEANT THAT IN NO WAY OHER THAN A COMPLIMENT, MY LOVE! I WOULD NEVER CHEAT YOU!"

(Y/n): "Um..."

Yoruichi: "...Okay?"

Karin: [Sighs] "Our Dad is so weird."

Yuzu: [Drops head] "I know...It's a real shame."

Isshin: [Turns back to you] "Anyway, you were saying, (Y/n)?"

(Y/n): "Oh, um...Yeah. It was special, I guess. We, ugh...We met at, um...Oh, yeah! We met at a--"

Yoruichi: "We met at a market. It was alright, I guess." [Turns to you and smiles] "I found out (Y/n) was boring that day and that he didn't like fun."

(Y/n): "Hey! I do so like fun!" [Turns to Isshan] "I like fun." [Turns back to Yoruichi] "I just like fun that's more by the rules. Well...Mostly."

Yoruichi: "Oh, that so, dear? Well, what about the time we were left outside the, um...principal's office at our old school, and you decided to pass the time by taking me into the storage closet and--"

(Y/n): "--Playing chess! We were playing chess!"

Isshin: "Oh...Okay."

Yuzu: "I love chess! It's so much fun!"

(Y/n): "Oh, ugh..."

Yoruichi: [Smiles at Yuzu] "I'm sure it was, sweetie. But (Y/n) and I were actually talking about a different kind of chess where we take our clo--"

Before Yoruichi could finish speaking, she was suddenly cut off by (Y/n) suddenly tossing his arm around his 'wifes' shoulder and immediately bringing her close to his body. As he did so, he put on a forceful smile, making it seem everything was alright, as he whispered into Yoruichi's ear.

(Y/n): [Whispering] "Don't you dare ruin that child's innocence."

Yoruichi: [Whispering] "What? I knew about sex at that age? What's so wrong about it?"

(Y/n): "A lot of things! A lot!" [Turns back to the others; Speaks Out Loud] "...We were playing normal chess...hehe..."

Something (Y/n) made sure to repeat a few more times for the children present. Speaking of the children, Yuzu, Karin, and their Father could only just blink repeatedly upon such a response by (Y/n). As for Yoruichi, she just looked at her 'husband' with a slight grin, as she knew full well they did have play 'chess' in that closet. Before any more could be brought up about this, however, the conversation was suddenly given a detour when a somewhat nervous Ichigo finally made his presence known. Though he didn't exactly place his eyes on anyone other than Yoruichi herself.

Ichigo: "He-Hey, Dad? Um...Hehe...You called for me?"

Isshin: [Turns around] "Oh! Ichigo, there you are! Finally you are--Um...Are you okay, son? Your face is red?"

Ichigo: [Abruptly looks down at his Father] "Hu-Huh? What? Sorry?"

Yuzu: "Ichi...Why is your face red? Did you pee the bed again?"

Ichigo: "Hu--What?! No! Yuzu!"

Karin: [Grins] "...I think that answers your question, Yuzu."

Ichigo: "No it does not, Karin! I didn't--" [Turns to Yoruichi nervously] "I-I-I would never..."

Yoruichi just looked at the boy with a raised eyebrow and a slight grin. As for (Y/n), he eventually jumped between the two faces with his large toothy grin and a hand up for a wave.

(Y/n): "Yo, Ich-I-Go! How's it goin', bud?"

Ichigo: "...H-Huh? Oh. Um...Fine, thanks?"

Isshin: "Hey. You know my son, (Y/n)?"

(Y/n): [Returns to his seat] "Oh. Yeah. I ran into Ichigo yesterday when were moving our stuff into the house next door."

Isshin: "Huh? That's odd. We never saw you moving in." [Turns to Ichigo] "Why didn't you tell me you saw people moving in next door? We all should have gone over to help them settle in?! Have you no respect?!"

Ichigo: "How can I have respect when you punch me every morning after I wake up, old man?!"

Isshin: "Old man? I'm still young!"

Ichigo: "Yeah, right!"

The arguing between the two only continued to rise, eventually coming to a halt as father and son had each other in a headlock over their side of the kitchen table. Meanwhile, (Y/n), Yoruichi, and Ichigo's sister were left to watch in shock. It was as Isshin continued to keep his son in the headlock that he turned back to his guests with a smile.

Isshin: [Smiles brightly] "So, (Y/n), is it just you and your wife? Or do you have anyone else taking up all the space next door?"

(Y/n): "Oh, um...It's really just me and Yoru--"

"Big Brother!!"

(Y/n)/Ichigo: "Huh?"

Both males turned their heads at the call of the name. Obviously, both were expecting Ichigo to be the target. But to everyone's surprise...It was (Y/n), as out of nowhere, Rukia, wearing a high school uniform, jumped out from the side randomly to pull (Y/n) into a tight embrace. All the while she talked in a voice that seemed much more cheery compared to her usual one. Now the scene was left silent as the Kurosaki family watched this person suddenly appear out of nowhere and pull (Y/n) into a hug. (Y/n) himself being shocked, whilst Yoruichi was surprised.

(Y/n): "Uh, um...Hey, uh..."

Isshin: "Big Brother? (Y/n), is this girl your sister?" [Thoughts] "And when did she even get in here?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh, uh, no, she's, uh--"

Rukia: "Big brother! You came over here without me! No fair! Haha!"

(Y/n): "Um...Rukia? Hehe..." [Leans in closer, gets serious] "What the hell are you doing?"

Rukia: [Mutters back] "I'm just fitting into this little play of yours." [Giggles loudly] "Haha! Big Brother! I missed you!"

It was as Rukia continued to giggle and smile happily that she secretly glanced up at Yoruichi, the girl sitting next to (Y/n) looked down at the short female with a stern stare. The pair knew what game was afoot. And neither one liked it. As for (Y/n), he was left to simply stand in place and deal with it, as the Kurosaki family just watched on in confusion.

--Later--

A little later that morning, as Ichigo and Rukia were walking to school--Something in which Rukia had been doing a lot since she met up with Ichigo due to reasons yet to be explained--but what was different to the other days was that the pair were currently joined by (Y/n) and Yoruichi. However, this time was spent with each person carrying different facial expressions. Ichigo was bored, and a little disappointed that Yoruichi was already dating someone. Rukia was smiling and giggling like a school girl as she hugged (Y/n)'s arm. (Y/n) was fearing for his life. And all because, as Yoruichi walked, she didn't once take her gaze off her boyfriend. It was clear she was mad.

(Y/n): "Um, Rukia...?"

Rukia: [Looks up at you] "Yes, Big Brother?"

(Y/n): "Okay, you can stop calling me that now..." [Out Loud] "Um, anyway. Ugh, you can drop the act now? Haha..."

Rukia: "Act? What act?"

She said with confusion and a tilted head as she looked up at (Y/n).

(Y/n): "Y-You know what act, Rukia. I know why you're doing this so you can just stop..." [Leans down and whispers fearfully] "Look. If you don't want to do it for your sake, do it for mine, okay? I don't wanna be put in the doghouse by Yoruichi, okay?"

Rukia: "...I don't know what you mean, (Y/n)?"

Oh...But she did. For a good while now Rukia had been...adamant that (Y/n) shouldn't be dating Yoruichi. You see, Rukia never liked Yoruichi because she knew the history in which the dark-skinned girl had. Basically, think of her as the popular girl at a high school that did stuff for fun even when it went against the rules, and Rukia didn't want someone like that being with (Y/n). Even if he could be annoying at times. He was still her friend, and someone who taught her a lot growing up. 

Now, as for the whole 'Big Brother' thing, a few years back Rukia found out from (Y/n) that Yoruichi had brought up how he didn't like Rukia being around (Y/n) so much, with (Y/n) just explaining that Rukia was just a little sister to him. This didn't seem to be enough for Yoruichi, but it was enough for Rukia to come up with a plan to annoy the shit out of her. The only problem was that it was at (Y/n)'s expense. Such as right now, where the male was left to be between all of this.

Ichigo: [Speaks to you] "So...Are you really Rukia's brother or what?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Oh...Haha. No, I'm--"

Rukia: [Still hugging you] "Uh, huh! (Y/n) is my Big Brother!"

(Y/n): "Um...No, I'm not!" [Chuckles Nervously] "Let's just make that clear, okay?" [Looks at Yoruichi] "...Okay?"

Yoruichi: [Crosses arms; narrows gaze] "...Uh, huh. Sure. Whatever you say."

Rukia: [To you] "Hey! That's not nice, big brother! You are so like a big brother to me."

(Y/n): "Yeah, 'like', that's the key word. I've known you since you were a kid but we're not related."

Rukia: "Yeah, but...We're kinda like siblings?"

(Y/n): "No. We're not. We're friends. Besides, you know Byakuya, he'd kill me if he saw you acting this way."

In this moment, Rukia proceeded to cross her arms and close her eyes as she turned her head like an eight-year-old...And might I make something clear, this woman is over two hundred years old, and ONLY seems to act this way with (Y/n)...whenever Yoruichi is around. Everyone else she's all grown up with and stubborn towards. But Rukia found no problems with this moment.

Rukia: "Hmph. So what if Byakuya finds out? Big Bro (Y/n) will surely beat him anyway." [Giggles and hugs you more] "Big Bro (Y/n) is the strongest! Haha!"

(Y/n): "Well, I mean, that is true--"

Yoruichi: [Narrows Gaze] "Hmmm..."

(Y/n): "B-But, um...That still doesn't matter. You should, uh, re-really stop this now Rukia."

Rukia: "But I really did miss you, (Y/n)!"

(Y/n): [Leans down] "Um...Rukia...Please stop, okay? Before 'she' sees!"

Rukia: [Narrows Gaze] "What do you mean before 'she' sees, (Y/n)...?"

(Y/n): "Um..."

Rukia: "Don't tell me you've come all this way to see me, only to just bring 'her' with you, (Y/n) and forget about me...?"

Yoruichi: "You know I can hear you both, right?"

(Y/n): "Uh--"

Rukia: "Yep. We know that."

Yoruichi: "(Y/n)...?"

(Y/n): [Turns to Yoruichi] "Um...Well...Hehe..."

Yoruichi: [Narrows gaze tighter] "Hmmmmm..."

(Y/n): [Thoughts] "I'm going to pay for this later..." 

Luckily for (Y/n), he'd soon be saved from this moment when a confused Ichigo decided to forgo the whole 'what the fuck is going on' mindset and simply speak his mind.

Ichigo: "Okay! That's it! I've had enough. Can someone please explain to me what is going on?" [Turns to Rukia] "What's going on?" [Turns to you] "Who are you?" [Turns to Yoruichi] "An--And...And, um..."

Yoruichi: "Yes?"

Ichigo: "Um...U-Uh...Hi?"

Both Rukia and (Y/n) just looked at Ichigo in confusion. Thankfully for everyone in this moment, Rukia was able to pick things back up and explain it...all while still holding onto (Y/n)'s arm.

Rukia: "Okay, well, you know how I explained to you what a Soul Reaper was, right, Ichigo?"

Ichigo: "Pretty much, yeah?"

Rukia: "And you remember how I told you some of the best are referred to as Captains?"

Ichigo: "Uh, huh."

Rukia: "...Well they made a mistake and made (Y/n) a Captain."

(Y/n): "Wha--hey! Not cool!"

Ichigo: "Oh...I get it."

(Y/n): "No, you don't! I am so cool! And...important! Yeah!" [Turns to his left] "Right, Yoruich--"

Of course, upon turning towards his girlfriend, (Y/n) was quickly reminded that she wasn't exactly happy with him still. The way in which she still had her arms crossed and looking in the opposite direction hinted as much.

(Y/n): [Sighs] "...Screw my life."

Ichigo: [Suddenly turns to you] "--Hey! That still doesn't explain why the two of you are walking to school with us! Actually! Forget that coming to school with us. What are you two even doing here? Don't you guys have your own place to be at?"

(Y/n): "Hmm? Like where? Soul Society? Pfft! That place is boring! Especially now with all the crap Captains have to do."

Rukia: "Hey, actually, that brings up something I've been wondering." [Looks up at you] "Why are you here, (Y/n)?"

(Y/n): "Huh?"

It was upon looking down at Rukia that (Y/n) was greeted by a look of pure curiosity. Yet, whilst such a question seemed innocent enough, for reasons unknown, (Y/n) seemed hesitant to answer such right about now.

(Y/n): "Oh...Uh--Ha! Haha! You know what, Rukia? That's actually a funny question."

Rukia: "It is?"

Yoruichi: [Turns to you] "It is?"

(Y/n): [Quickly turns to Yoruichi] "Ye-Yep. It sure is...Remember?"

The last word was clearly labelled out as being important, and if the tone in which (Y/n) used wasn't enough, the look he made with his eyes was. Nevertheless, Yoruichi seemed to neither notice, or care. Instead, she just looked at her boyfriend weirdly before turning her focus back to Rukia. A sudden seriousness finding the girl's persona.

Yoruichi: "It's not funny. Actually, it's serious. Rukia, we've come to--"

(Y/n): "--Fight a Hollow!"

Rukia/Yoruichi: [Suddenly turns to you] "Huh?"

Ichigo: "...A Hollow? Again? How many are there?"

(Y/n): [Frantically] "A lot! Like...A lot, a lot. And, um...Yoruichi and I have been tasked to kill a very dangerous one. Ain't that right, babe?"

The scene that followed was (Y/n) once more turning back to Yoruichi. As he did, he spawned his best pleeful face as he begged her to just go along with it. Yoruichi didn't say anything at first, however. Instead, she simply narrowed her gaze as Ichigo and Rukia watched on in silence. Nevertheless, Yoruichi eventually crumbled.

Yoruichi: "...Yep."

(Y/n): [Joyously] "Yep!" [Turns to the others] "Yep! See! That's why we're here! It makes all the sense! Right?"

Rukia: "Um...I suppose so."

Ichigo: "Well...Whatever. As long as you guys aren't staying in my room like this one--" [Signals to an unknowing Rukia] "--Then I see no problem." [Sighs] "Still doesn't explain why you guys are walking to school with us. It just makes no sense!"

"It doesn't make sense?"

A smooth and pleasant voice quickly entered the air. Turning his head a little from (Y/n)'s own, Ichigo was greeted by Yoruichi and the seemingly innocent smile she offered him currently.

Yoruichi: [Smiles] "...Is there a problem with us walking with you, Ichigo?"

Ichigo: "...U--Uh, um, well...Uh--" [Chuckles Nervously; Blushes Slightly] "...N-Not at all, actually. I-I was just wondering because, um..."

Rukia: "Hey, Ichigo is right. Why are you coming to school with us, (Y/n)? Is the Hollow at the school? Though, that can't be. I would have picked up on it surely, right?"

(Y/n): "Oh. The Hollow? Um...Right. Well, all you just said and more is easy to explain actually. The reason we're going to school is because..."

--45 Minutes Later--

"...I'm your new student, (Y/n) (L/n), it's nice to meet you all."

It was fair to say that when Rukia heard those words, she was shocked. Her jaw left to drop slightly as she took in the sight before her, as (Y/n) and Yoruichi stood at the front of the classroom both dressed in school uniforms. The funny thing is, Rukia didn't even know when, or where, they got them from. Yet, here they both were, standing in the very classroom Rukia had only come to know for the past few days now, ever since she suddenly rocked up due to her situation with Ichigo. Speaking of which, he had his own reaction to the news.

Ichigo: "Oh, you've got to be kidding me!" [Turns to Rukia and Whispers] "Rukia, what the hell is going on? First you suddenly go to my class, and now this guy? This isn't fair!"

"And I am Yoruichi Shihouin. I also will be attending this class. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Ichigo: "Okay...Maybe this is perfectly balanced in fairness."

That simple introduction, mixed with the bow in which Yoruichi offered, causing her chest to jiggle in the motion, was more than enough to enlist not only a reaction from Ichigo, but every other male in the crowd of students before her. Though theirs was a little more...untamed, compared to Ichigo.

"Yoruichi-sama!!!"

"Yoruichi!!!"

"I love this school!

"Yoruichi, you can sit next to me!"

"No, sit next to me!"

"Yoruichi! Sit on m--I mean, sit next to me!!"

"Yoruichi-chan! You're so pretty!!!"

Yoruichi: [Giggles innocently] "Oh, you're all so nice! Thank you for the warm welcome!"

However, whereas Yoruichi acted all cute and adorable on the surface, inside her mind, though, she was cracking a wicked grin. After all, she enjoyed toying with teenagers' emotions. It was one of her favourite hobbies. She knew she was pretty, so using that against others was something she found very amusing. She did it to (Y/n) all the time! But unlike her boyfriend, when it came to others that weren't her boyfriend when it came to teasing the group of boys in front of her, she continued to let their belief grow...before suddenly tearing it down.

Yoruichi: "...I'm also (Y/n)'s girlfriend."

"Damn it!"

"I hate this school!"

"Why! Why can I never get lucky!"

The reactions continued to come in their disappointment from the boys of the room for Yoruichi, however, as this was going on, (Y/n) was getting his own reaction from the opposite gender that made up the room. Unlike the boys, however, even after hearing that he had a girlfriend...The girls didn't stop.

"Hehe~ He's really cute."

"So cute, right?!"

"He seems so mature. Yet he looks so young!"

"Sucks he has a girlfriend though."

"Pfft. As if that'll stop me..."

"Girl, you're bad!"

"Well, what can I say? Maybe the new student likes bad girls~"

That one reaction came with a certain look put on display by this particular female student sitting at the front of the class, one who didn't hesitate from offering this look directly towards (Y/n). Such a sight left (Y/n) to smile awkwardly from the sighting. Not because he was nervous because of the girl or anything, but because Yoruichi--Who was still seemingly smiling innocently towards the crowd--had now latched her arms onto her boyfriend's arm. It was in this position that she gave him a suggestive squeeze to his muscular arm in the hopes he'd understand what she was 'suggesting' at.

Yoruichi: [Grumbles through her smile] "Don't even think about it, mister."

(Y/n): [Turns to her fearfully] "Think about it?! Think about what?! I wasn't thinking about anything! I swear!"

This time around Yoruichi said nothing, she just kept the same position as before. Though that wasn't to say people in the crowd didn't like the sight, and not just the group of girls from before, but also in the dead centre of the room, the exact spot where Rukia currently sat. It was in this same moment that the teacher of the room, Ms Ochi, a woman with tied up short brunette hair and glasses with an energetic nature, made way to the middle of the front of the class with a welcoming smile for her new students.

Ms. Ochi: "Thank you (Y/n) and Yoruichi for that nice introduction. If I can be honest, I was a little surprised when I got told suddenly this morning that I was having another pair of new students in such short notice after just getting one the other day, but you both seem like nice, young, children, so the more the merrier, I say!"

Random Student: "Plus they're hot as fuck!"

Ms. Ochi: [Turns towards the class] "Hey! Who the fuck swore in my class?! Huh?! What do I say about fucking swearing in my classroom?!" [Suddenly turns back to you; smiles softly] "Now then, why don't you both find a seat and we'll get started, hmm?"

(Y/n): "Um...Alright?"

Both (Y/n) and Yoruichi carried uncertain looks on their faces as they glanced at one another following Ms. Ochi's sudden, um...Outburst? Nevertheless, both soon found themselves heading towards the crowd of students to find their places. It was as they did so, however, that in the middle row on the right side of the room, a familiar figure could be seen. In this spot, a girl with short brown hair named Tatsuki Airsawa could be seen. Seen what? 

Well, complaining about the girls in front of her and their continuous remarks about the new student, of course!. The familiar figure, however, sat next to her. That person being none other than Orihime, the girl whom (Y/n) had saved the previous night. But whereas due to (Y/n)'s meddling, he caused the young girl to forget everything that happened seemingly. Orihime still found herself keeping her gaze lingering on the male.

Orihime: "...Hmm? He seems so familiar. Like I've seen him before. But where have I--"

Tatsuki: "What was that, Orihime?"

Abruptly, Orihime was pulled from her thoughts and turned to Tatsuki, who had cut off her own rambling upon hearing her best friend's voice.

Orihime: "O-Oh, Tatsuki! Uh, sorry...Hehe...I was just rambling to myself again..."

Tatsuki: "Oh? What about?"

Orihime: "Um..."

As this single sound escaped her lips, Orihime shifted her gaze back to (Y/n) as he began making his way past the seated girl. Not a single glance was shared between them. Not one. Yet this movement only further suggested the feeling inside of Orihime, that somehow...she knew this boy. Though, it also led Tatsuki to take this silent oggling as something else.

Tatsuki: [Lightly slaps Orihime's arm] "Girl, are you serious! You've got the hots for the new kid too?"

Orihime: "Hu-huh? What--"

Tatsuki: [Leans in] "I thought you liked Ichigo?"

Orihime: [Instantly starts blushing] "Wha-What? No! Tatsuki! Don't say silly things like that!"

Tatsuki: "Oh, come on, Orihime. Besides, you've been to his room before, right? If he's brought you there, surely he likes you as well."

Orihime: "That...was just for studying."

Orihime said as he lowered her head and remembered the moment. Her blush had now lessened, even so, the thought was enough to keep the pink tint present constantly. It was as this scene happened, another was taking place. Now, time to give the layout of this classroom. Besides the open area at the front for Ms. Ochi to stand, before this area, there were three rows of desks set out in the small square box that was this Japanese High School classroom. In each row, six seats were set out. From a quick glance, there were two free spaces currently. One on the far left near the back of the classroom between two girls in the front and back, and the space in front of the girl ahead of Yoruichi just so happened to be taken up by Rukia. 

(Y/n) originally planned to take this spot. Not for the girls or anything, of course! But as fate would have it, this spot would soon be taken by Yoruichi. Who practically shoved her boyfriend out of the way to get to it first. She seemed happy with her victory at first until she realized...She actually had to still do the boring classwork. Realizing such left her depressed, forcing her to look around the room for further entertainment. She didn't find much, only the surroundings she was left with. To her right was the wall, so...that was a waste. On her left, however,  a tall, muscular boy with tanned skin and hair covering most parts of his eyes could be seen. He didn't seem like much of a talker, nor a chance of getting flustered by Yoruichi's flirting, so that was another downfall. 

It was from this point that Yoruichi realized her fate was doomed. Leading the girl to abruptly drop her smile and allow her head to fall onto her desk in pain. Meanwhile, with (Y/n), he found himself smiling at Yoruichi's cute reaction. Such was enough motivation for the boy to find his own seat. Eventually, he found it in the centre of the class, and just up from Yoruichi's seat in the row across from her. It also happened to be right in front of the tall muscular boy across from (Y/n)'s girlfriend, and right behind Ichigo. This also meant that (Y/n) was sitting pretty close to Rukia, who proceeded to look over her shoulder and offer a smile at her old friend. He smiled back, however, unbeknownst to the male, Yoruichi happened to notice such a thing. 

Even with her now miserable look on life, mostly due to realizing the predicament her boyfriend had put her in by bringing her to this school, she now found a new sense of it. Her eyes narrowed in agitation. But it was different compared to the way she did it earlier when walking to school. This seemed more...serious. At last, the outcome as such wouldn't come. On a good note for Yoruichi, the school day would go by pretty quickly, in which the two new students would showcase their skills. For (Y/n), it was excelling in all sports and physical relating classes. Such as during gym class, where in a game of Basketball in the school's gymnasium, where he, Ichigo, and a few of Ichigo's friends absolutely kicked butt against another class. 

(Y/n) even managed to score an incredible slam dunk on full-time, sealing the win for their classroom '106-2'. Meanwhile, in Yoruichi, she excelled in art class. Not exactly because what she painted or drew was good. But mainly because she was willing to be the 'model' for the classroom to take 'inspiration' from. However, when she went to remove her clothes, the teacher quickly told her to keep them on. Something Yoruichi acted confused by, whilst the nervous and blushing male teacher and the rest of the class offered a foray of different, disappointed, reactions. However, that still wasn't to say that Yoruichi didn't leave them with 'inspiration' even with her clothes kept on. 

The point being, the day wasn't so bad. And before either newcomer knew it, it was lunchtime! It was as soon as the school bell signalled such that the two Soul Reapers stepped out of their designated classes to meet in the busy hallway. Yoruichi exiting the art class with a confident smile, as a group of boys with heart-shaped eyes slowly left the room in a single line behind her. The dazed expression suggested that this was their new favourite class. As for (Y/n), he had just finished math class; and honestly...He hated it. He hated every second. He never wanted to step in that room again. But he was given eventual relief when his eyes landed on his girlfriend. The pair offering each other a smile before joining hand-in-hand as they joined the majority of students in heading for lunch themselves.

--Lunch Time | Karakura High School Rooftop--

Ichigo: "...I can't believe my injuries have healed in a day. This is impossible, right?"

Rukia: "Surprised, huh?"

(Y/n): "I see you haven't explained it to him yet, huh, Rukia? Haha!"

Ichigo: [Turns to you] "Explain? Explain what?"

Rukia: "No, not yet, (Y/n)."

Ichigo: "Can someone tell me already?!"

The loud voice of Ichigo sounded in annoyance as the group of himself, (Y/n), Rukia, and Yoruichi could be seen gathered on the rooftop of the high school. It was in this particular spot that the four could be seen eating lunch, but right now, the topic was still set on the events of the previous night.

Ichigo: [Sighs] "...Why do I feel like the odd one out in this group?"

Rukia: "That's because you are, of course!"

Ichigo: "Hey! What the hell, Rukia--"

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "--Haha! Don't worry about it, Ichigo, I'll explain things for you... Your injuries are healed because of Rukia using Kido on you."

Ichigo: "Ki...Do? What's that, some medicine?"

(Y/n): "...Medicine?"

He asked with a seemingly innocent smile. That smile carried on as he looked past Ichigo to make eye contact with Rukia.

(Y/n): "You really haven't told him anything, huh, Rukia?"

Rukia: "Well, I've only been here for about a week or so. I haven't had enough proper time to explain everything, (Y/n)."

(Y/n): "Still, I thought I taught you the basics in enough of a basic manner that it shouldn't be too hard to give poor Ichigo the rundown."

Rukia: [Places hands on hips] "Hey. If you want to give him the boring lessons, go ahead, sir!"

She said in a mocking tone. Of course, (Y/n) decided to take it in another manner.

(Y/n): [Smiles] "Well, it's nice to at least hear you call me 'sir' now." [Turns to Ichigo] "She'd never show such respect back in the day." [Turns back to Rukia] "Now I can die happily knowing you've become a good representative of my training methods."

Rukia: "Yeah. Yeah. Whatever. Don't get cocky of yourself, (Y/n)."

(Y/n): "Cocky? Ha! You wish I was cocky about myself. I'm just confident."

Ichigo: [Mutters] "...And I'm just as confused as ever."

Ichigo's words came in a silent mumble, one in which took place as he dropped his head into his opened palm. Luckily for Ichigo, this confusion didn't last for long.

"Don't worry about it too much, kid. They're always like this when they're together...Tsk. It's honestly a little annoying."

Ichigo: "Huh?"

Turning his head, Ichigo was greeted by the person talking. That person, of course, was none other than Yoruichi, who could currently be seen frustrated by the fact she couldn't properly work out how to do this 'juice box' which she had gotten from the school's cafeteria. Yet, even with her constantly looking over the straw, the cause of her frustration, it seemed to also be quite obvious that the words in which she spoke also annoyed her. As much as she tried not to let them on. Nevertheless, Ichigo looked past this for a moment as another thought came to mind.

Ichigo: "Actually, that's got me thinking something--" [Turns to the others] "Hey, Rukia?"

Rukia: "Yes?"

Ichigo: "You and (Y/n) seem pretty close. You're both Soul Reapers right? What? Did you two know each other back where you came from?"

A momentary pause came after hearing this from both Rukia and (Y/n), the pair glancing at one another in silence, leaving Ichigo more confused. You could only imagine how much worse that confusion got when both began to laugh abruptly. This not only caused Ichigo to raise a stray eyebrow, as he questioned what was so funny, but also caused Yoruichi to drop her head into her arms in frustration. Yet again, this was ignored as (Y/n) and Rukia took the priority in the current moment.

Ichigo: "What? Something funny?"

(Y/n): "No. No. Haha. It's just...Rukia and I don't just 'know' each other."

Ichigo: "...Okay? And what's that supposed to mean exactly?"

Rukia: "What we mean is, back in Soul Society, I didn't just know (Y/n). He was my teacher. He taught me how to be a Soul Reaper. Well, most of the stuff at the start, anyway."

Ichigo: "Oh...Really?"

(Y/n): [Sighs and Smiles] "Yep. It's a funny story, actually. You see, when I first got to Soul Society, I came across this boy named Renji--"

Rukia: "--Who I became friends with after he had met (Y/n)--"

(Y/n): "--Yeah. Basically, I knew the situation Renji was going through, and whilst I couldn't help him when I first met him, after I started climbing up the ranks for being a Soul Reaper, I went to visit him and help him out--"

Rukia: "--That's when (Y/n) met me. And seeing as during this time both Renji and I decided to become Soul Reapers--"

(Y/n): "--I took them back with me. They started going to the Soul Reaper Academy then--"

Rukia: "--Where (Y/n) would help out from time to time. So basically, whenever he showed up, he gave me and Renji and tips that could help us grow stronger--"

(Y/n): "--Yep. So there it is. That's how I met Rukia."

Ichigo: "Oh...I see. Well, that explains some stuff I had been wondering, I guess."

Honestly, that statement was more than true. Ever since Ichigo had witnessed (Y/n) sitting in his kitchen this morning, and after the events of the previous night came flooding back to him, Ichigo had been questioning so much about his life. He had already struggled to deal with Rukia suddenly living in his closet, as well as Hollows, Soul Reapers, and the new lifestyle he had somehow found himself in. It all had become so much, so to have two other random strangers enter his life out of nowhere was something he struggled to properly comprehend. 

But in saying that, after hearing such a statement, he had managed to find some understanding. At least, more than he had before. However, even in saying that there was still so much that got his head ticking, searching for answers to the questions building up. There was still so much stuff he didn't understand that made his newfound knowledge feel like it was lacking. Such as why his wounds were healed. Why were (Y/n) and Yoruichi going to his school? And the one question that reigned above all...Why were they even in the World of the Living in the first place?

"Yo, Ichigo! There you are! We've been looking all over for you!"

Ichigo: "Huh?"

(Y/n): "Hmm?"

Rukia: "What?"

Yoruichi: "..."

With each character giving off some kind of sound to the sudden inclusion of new voices, well, except Yoruichi anyway, all four soon cast their gaze in the direction the noise came from. It was in doing so that the three Soul Reapers and the designated Reaper, came to see quite the...sight? For upon turning around, all four were greeted by the scene of three boys, one larger than the other two, left to stand in front of their current location on the roof, whilst all holding up a strange pose.

...Yeah. It was fair to say everyone was thrown off in this moment. And they weren't help when the two shortest people in the trio before them decided to do what they did next.

"Bwahahahahaha!!!

Ichigo: "Um...Alright?"

Ichigo stated with an awkward chuckle. You see, the three people standing in front of him currently were his friends, Mizuiro Kojima (left); Yasutora 'Chad' Sado (middle); and Keigo Asano (right). They had been Ichigo's classmates for what felt like forever, as for Rukia, they had been her classmates for a few days. But that wasn't to say (Y/n) had no idea who these guys were though. In fact, he knew each one of the boys standing in front of him due to his recent success in gym class. Yep! It just so happened that during (Y/n)'s most favoured class of the day that he had been lucky enough to be placed on the same team as Ichigo and his friends. 

That meant (Y/n) got to know Mizuiro, Chad, and Keigo all the while he flew as a talented basketball player. Something (Y/n) honestly didn't know he was capable of. Nevertheless, good or not, (Y/n) still found enjoyment in being in the class thanks to these mentioned individuals. And whilst both Mizuiro and Keigo weren't exactly the normal people he'd hang around; and Chad wasn't much of a talker; they all still seemed like alright people to (Y/n). To the point he could consider them people he wouldn't mind sticking up a friendship with. The only person who really didn't know these people was Yoruichi. The only one she recognised the slightest was Chad. Speaking of which...

Yoruichi: [To Chad] "Hey. You're the really tall guy I sat next to in class."

Chad: [Still holding the pose from earlier] "Indeed. I'm Yasutora Sado, bu--"

Ichigo: [Without looking at Yoruichi] "--But people call him 'Chad'; so feel free to call him that."

Yoruichi: "Oh...Alright then."

It's as Yoruichi took this in that she felt movement coming from beside her. A simple glance was all it took to reveal (Y/n) had now crossed his arms, his eyes also closed, all the while he leaned his back against the steel bars that ran across the entirety of the edge of the rooftop behind him.

(Y/n): "Ha...You should have seen us out there, babe. Chad and I were unstoppable in basketball earlier. We TOTALLY destroyed the other team." [Grins] "Ain't that right, Chad?"

Chad: [Blankly] "...He's right. No one could touch us."

Yoruichi: [Nonchalantly] "Oh, that so? Wow. Good job, babe. I'm sure you were great."

(Y/n): "Yep. You know it!"

The hefty grin across (Y/n)'s face still remained as he spoke, completely disregarding the lack of interest in Yoruichi's voice as she continued to struggle with the juice box in hand. It was in this same moment that Ichigo finally turned his attention back to the strange pose his friends were showcasing.

Ichigo: "Anyway, are you guys okay? What are you even doing with your hands?"

Mizuiro: "What are we doing? Bwahaha! 

Ichigo: "Yeah. And what's with the laugh? It's kinda annoying."

Keigo: "Bwahaha! Yeah? What do you mean, 'what are we doing'? You know what we're doing!"

Ichigo: "Um...No, I don't."

Keigo: "Wait..." [Opens eyes] "Really? You don't know what we're doing?"

The no response look on Ichigo's face was all that was needed for Keigo and the others to get an answer. It was upon realizing that Ichigo wasn't joking around that the three high school boys finally dropped the pose and began to explain what they were doing. Well, what Mizuiro and Keigo were doing. Chad was kinda forced into the act by his friends. Nevertheless, it was as this happened, that (Y/n) could still be seen grinning as he leaned against the metal bars behind it. It was as he did so that he finally opened his eyes and looked up to the bright blue sky above. 

It was unclear what his thoughts contained in the moment, but they were soon parted when his gaze dropped back down to the rooftop. In particular, onto Rukia, who could be seen putting up the friendly and bubbly act (Y/n) had seen her perform earlier in class when asked a question, who could be seen doing the same towards Keigo right about now. He was clearly flirting with Rukia, and whilst (Y/n) knew she didn't like it, he couldn't help but smile seeing Rukia have such a normal life...

Yoruichi: "You really shouldn't lie to her, you know."

(Y/n): [Turns to Yoruichi] "Huh? Lie? What are you talking about?"

Yoruichi: "To Rukia. Earlier, when she asked what we were doing here. You lied. You said we were here for a Hollow when that isn't true."

(Y/n): "Oh...Well, I mean, yeah. Kinda. But, hey. The World of the Living has powerful Hollows all the time so maybe if we--"

Yoruichi: "...That's still not why we're here though, (Y/n). In case you forgot, or chose to forget, we're not here for a Hollow. We're here to bring Rukia back after she wouldn't return to Soul Society herself. Which, if you would have told me before I came along with you, I would have chosen to stay behind, but--"

(Y/n): "--But because you love me you decided to come along for emotional support, right?"

Just like how Ichigo's silence earlier was enough of a response, the same could be said for Yoruichi right about now. All she did was stare at her boyfriend as he was left to come up wit his own answers. It was once he found the only answer available that he decided to drop his head.

(Y/n): [Sighs] "Look...I know. Okay? I know... I'll have to take this away from her soon. But she seems so happy here, and you know what Rukia's life was like when she was little. So something like this could really--"

Yoruichi: "--Help her? (Y/n). It isn't your job to help her anymore. You did that by teaching her how to hold her Zanpakuto properly. By learning Kido. Those things which can help her survive. But this...It's just a lie. She can't have it for long."

(Y/n): "I know. I do! Really. I just... Thought that maybe letting her enjoy it for just a little bit longer would be good for her. You know, before she has to go back to her old life?" [Smiles softly] "Kinda like how...You help me move on from my old one when I struggled to do that?"

As soon as (Y/n) said those words, Yoruichi knew exactly what her boyfriend was doing. He did this every time he wanted to get to her core. After all, (Y/n) knew for a fact that Yoruichi became sentimental when it came to their past. Especially when it involved her helping him through moments he struggled with. Such as moving on from the loss of his family. For when (Y/n) first became a Soul Reaper, all he wanted to do was search the land all over again. 

Kind of like how he did when he was a spirit left to wander the earth. But it was thanks to Yoruichi that (Y/n) learnt restraint. He learned to be patient. She helped him in the moment he needed enjoyment the most...and now he wanted to do the same for Rukia, if just for a little bit. And as much as Yoruichi was against that, the way in which (Y/n) looked at her right now. With a full smile on is face and that look in his eyes that drove the inner girl inside Yoruichi crazy, was all he needed to do to finally break her.

Yoruichi: [Sighs] "...Fine. Whatever. You can keep up with this lie for a FEW more days. But that's it, okay? Just a few."

(Y/n): "A few is all I need! Thank you, Yoruichi! I promise I'll make this up to you!"

Yoruichi: "Yeah, well..." [Smiles to herself] "...I guess living in a house with you whilst pretending to be married could be hot. Like you come home from your pretend job, I'm in the kitchen...making dinner. You come up from behind. Wrapping your strong arms around me..." [Closes eyes] "...And then you whisper in my ear. Telling me how you missed my scent. Then you turn me around. I complain about the food I was making, but then you shut me up by bending me ov--"

"Hey, Rukia! Guys! Come look! I finally figured out how to do the juice thingy with the straw!"

Yoruichi: [Suddenly opens eyes] "Wha--"

Upon opening her eyes, however, the day dream in which had previously preoccupied Yoruichi's mind was suddenly destroyed. All in the instant of hearing (Y/n)'s voice. It was once her eyes opened that Yoruichi twisted her body around to find no sight of her boyfriend in his previous position. Instead, he could be seen running over to Rukia and his new friends, all the while holding up his juice box into the air--The straw noticeably placed through the correct spot on top. This only caused the purple-haired girl to drop her head and sigh. Not only because her boyfriend ditched her...but also because she didn't figure out this stupid thing with the juice box straw before (Y/n). It was fair to say that this, added on by the fact Yoruichi hated being in this school, that today was most definitely not her day.

--Later That Afternoon--

Fortunately for Yoruichi, the second half of the day had gone by rather quickly. The next thing she knew, the school bell was ringing and she pounced out the front doors of the living hell behind her with endless amounts of glee.

Yoruichi: "Yes! Ah ha! I'm done with school! I no longer have to do this shit ever again!"

Ichigo: "Um...You do realise it's on again tomorrow, right?"

Instantly, Yoruichi's gleeful smile dropped, as well as all of her energy.

Yoruichi: "...No. I didn't."

The miserable look in which she now carried proceeded to hover over her slouched body, even as a chuckling (Y/n) came by to toss his arm over his girlfriend's shoulder for support.

(Y/n): "Come on, Yoruichi, you'll be fine. Besides, remember what Ichigo said? He's going to take us somewhere fun!"

Ichigo: "Hey! Hold on! I said no such thing! I told you guys that I'm ditching you all because I have to get stuff for my Dad at the store--Alone!" [Grumbles] "I've already had enough of this weird crap for one day."

Ichigo seemed pretty stern on that plan. Of ditching these Soul Reaper weirdos and do something normal for a change. However, the change in which came was Ichigo's plans. As his idea to ditch the group quickly changed when the slouched over Yoruichi slowly turned her head to look at Ichigo. Upon doing so, the fluster male was greeted by her pouting expression.

Yoruichi: [Pouting] "...Please take me somewhere less boring than this..."

Ichigo: "U-Uh, um..."

(Y/n): [Smiles calmly] "You heard her, dude. Now you have to take us somewhere fun."

Ichigo didn't respond. He just looked at (Y/n), before back to Yoruichi. This was all that was needed for Ichigo to realize there was nothing he could do now. The next thing he knew, it was late in the afternoon. The sky had since turned as orange as his hair. Speaking of the orange-haired boy, his expression he had upon leaving the school--bored and annoyed out of his mind--still remained even to this point, as he carried three large paper bags of food his dad had asked for. 

Meanwhile, next to him on the sidewalk going along the riverbank of the town, (Y/n), Yoruichi, and Rukia, could all be seen munching on doughnuts that Ichigo HAD bought for his family. But had instead been confiscated by Yoruichi after claiming they'd 'be fun enough to cheer her up'. And going off by how sparkles filled the eyes of the previously depressed female, these doughnuts were most certainly doing the job.

Yoruichi: [Chewing noises] "Aww!! These are so good!"

(Y/n): [Chewing noises] "Why can't Soul Society have these?!"

Rukia: [Chewing noises] "They're the best thing I've ever eaten!"

Ichigo: [Scoffs] "Oh, brother..."

He grumbled silently with a roll of his eyes. However, Ichigo's gaze was quickly drawn elsewhere when his eyes landed on a small green hill positioned to the far left. It was on the side of the riverbank, in fact, it was directly next to it. What was most odd about this all, however, was this seemingly lacking spot managed to catch Ichigo's eye, to the point his gaze remained on it for a long period of time. At least until his thoughts were eventually broken that was.

"Ichigo...? Ichigo?"

Ichigo: "Huh?"

Shaking his head, Ichigo turned to his side to see that Rukia was the cause of the voice. Now she, along with (Y/n) and Yoruichi, looked at him in confusion. All the whilst their mouths were half filled with the remains of mostly chewed doughnuts.

Rukia: "Is everything alright?"

(Y/n): "Yeah, you seemed to be looking at something?"

Ichigo: "Wha--Oh! Um, yeah. I-I'm fine. I just...I just thought I saw someone is all."

A statement he quickly brought to an end before picking up his pace along the sidewalk.

Ichigo: "Anyway! Don't worry about it. Let's just hurry up and get home so I can yell at Dad for making me do his job right after school."

It was immediately after finishing his sentence that Ichigo's walking speed picked up, before too long, he was in front of the pack, his feet stomping along the sidewalk. Clearly something was bugging him.

(Y/n): "Um...He's not normally like this, right, Rukia?"

Rukia: "Honestly, it's hard to say. Ichigo does seem to always have stuff on his mind, and he doesn't normally like to talk about it. He's kinda the brooding type when he's in this mindset."

(Y/n): "...Is that so?"

(Y/n)'s words became more delayed the more he processed what Rukia had just said. Mainly because as soon as he heard such a detail about the orange-haired boy, he couldn't help but to compare it to himself. Surprisingly though, (Y/n) wasn't the only one to pick up on this detail.

Yoruichi: "Ha! Who are you talking about Rukia? Ichigo or (Y/n)?"

(Y/n): "Huh? Wait--" [Turns to Yoruichi] "What? What are you talking about?"

Yoruichi: [Smirks] "It's nothing personal, babe. I'm just saying, 'brooding'; 'doesn't like to talk about it'; it kinda sounds like you, (Y/n)..."

(Y/n): "Wha--No, it does--"

Rukia: "Actually, now that you mention it, Yoruichi. It kinda does sound like--"

(Y/n): "--It does not! Okay!"

No response came from the pair of females. All they did was look at (Y/n) in disbelief. Fair to say that just annoyed (Y/n) more. Though, unlike Ichigo, he didn't storm off. He just laughed it off...as he always did.

(Y/n): [Laughs] "Guys...Come on. I mean, sure, maybe I go a little quiet sometimes. But I'm no 'brooding' type. I don't have the bone structure in my jaw for that. I mean--Haha--Do you know how much work it takes to constantly look off into the distance as if you're deep in thought? There's no way I could handle all of that!"

Rukia: "Um...(Y/n)?"

Yoruichi: "Are you have a mid-spiritual life crisis? Because if so...It's okay, you know?"

(Y/n): [Smiles abundantly] "What? Crisis? Who's having a crisis? Not me! I'm fine! Are you having a crisis, Yoruichi?"

Yoruichi: "Uuh..."

(Y/n): "No. No. You're right. We should keep going. Hey, you know what? I'll go first!" [Turns around] "Hey, Ichigo! Wait up!"

Without a second more (Y/n) took off for Ichigo in the distance, his smile still present as ever. However, in doing so he did manage to leave behind Yoruichi and Rukia, who normally don't get along, but right now they could agree on something.

Yoruichi: "Yep...He's definitely going through something."

Rukia: "You're saying it, sister..."

The two just continued to watch the scene before them before they returned to walking themselves, though not a single word was shared between them. A short while later, the group of student and fake students alike all ended up back at the front of Ichigo's home. It was at this point that (Y/n) and Yoruichi said goodbye to Ichigo and Rukia; the latter of which forced to sneak into the young boy's home. Honestly, the question entered (Y/n)'s mind about why she didn't just stay with him and Yoruichi. 

But after a few seconds of realizing what would happen if she did do that (Y/n) decided to just let it go. A smile found his face as he watched Rukia go about her day, happy to see her gather somewhat normal life in the short time she had been here. Well, as normal as sneaking through the window of someone else's house, anyway. But before he could focus on it much longer, his focus was suddenly directed elsewhere when a pair of arms wrapped around his neck from behind. That, plus the familiar chest pushing against his back, was all it took for him to crack a smile.

Yoruichi: "So...Now that the kids have gone, does that mean Mommy and Daddy can go home and have some fun~"

That one sentence caused (Y/n)'s smile to evolve into a full on grin, similarly matching that of Yoruichi's own.

(Y/n): "Oh, fun, huh~ What did you have in mind, my dear?"

Yoruichi: "Well...Why don't you follow me inside and I'll tell you? Or, better yet...I'll show you~"

That invitation was, obviously, more than enough to capture (Y/n)'s full focus. Nevertheless, that didn't stop Yoruichi from taking hold of her boyfriend's hand and beginning to pull him towards the house they had set up as their own. The sound of giggles and laughter happily filled the air before the pair disappeared behind the front door and ventured into their new home. As they did so, however, they failed to notice someone watching. That person just so happened to be Ichigo's Father, Isshin Kurosaki. The old man of the Kurosaki household just so happened to be looking out the window while drinking some coffee. However, his face now carried a sour look. All because he was struggling to process what he had just seen.

Isshin: "Were they both just...Wearing High School uniforms? But they said they had jobs? Wait...No. This could only mean one thing...that...they... Are both into dress-up in the bedroom! Yet also in public?! How shocking! How young-like!" [Suddenly starts crying] "My beloved wife! Oh, how I remember when we used to do the same! Ohh, I miss you so much! Why did you leave me!!!!"

And so the pain-filled emotional tears of Isshin Kurosaki continued to fill the walls of his home as he once again mourned next to the portrait of his deceased wife. Unbeknownst to anyone in this neighbourhood, however, this...kinda...normal life was about to quickly change. But for some, the change had already begun. It was later this very night, as the moon stood full, and the dark blue sky was flooded with white specks of beautiful stars in the sky, that Ichigo could be seen mumbling in his sleep.

Ichigo: "...No, we can't do this..." [Snores] "...Y-You're married, and I'm still in High School..." [Snores] "...Yes, you're...you're hot...so hot...Ooh, okay then, fine. We can do it but just for a--"

SLAP!

Ichigo was suddenly awakened from his dreams due to a sudden surge of pain through his left cheek. This pain only grew once his eyes suddenly snapped open and his body launched upwards from his lying state.

Ichigo: "Argh! Yoruichi! We should--Ugh...Ow? Why is my cheek sore?"

"Oh, good, Ichigo. You're awake."

Ichigo: "Wha--"

Focusing his gaze upon the suddenly included voice, Ichigo was soon startled to find (Y/n) in a crouched position on the edge of his opened window. His body decked in a Soul Reaper's attire with a grin across his face, but that wasn't what Ichigo was focused on.

Ichigo: "(Y...(Y/n)? What are you do--Wait! What the fuck are you doing here? And...Did you slap me?"

(Y/n): "Slap you? What? No. I'd never do such a thing."

Ichigo: "So why does my cheek hurt?"

(Y/n): "How am I supposed to know? You were dreaming, you probably just hit yourself?"

The statement seemed enough to the point Ichigo actually considered if he had struck himself during his dream. It sounded insane, but then again, his dream was starting to get wild. Though he refused to focus on it for much longer as he got down to the real question at hand.

Ichigo: "What the hell are you doing in my room? It's like..." [Turns overs to his left] "--Two o'clock in the morning?!" [Turns back to you] "Why are you here?!"

(Y/n): "I got word that a Hollow is active right now. Thought I'd see if you wanted to tag along?"

Ichigo: "Wha--At Two in the morning?! In my room?! Hell no!"

(Y/n): "Well, technically, I'm not in your room. I'm half hanging out your bedroom window. Now, come on. Let's go have some fun."

Ichigo: "No! Fuck you, man! I already have to deal with this shit from Rukia, I ain't dealing it with anyone...Well, maybe unless Yoruichi--"

(Y/n): "Fine then. The hard way it is then!

Ichigo: "Huh?!"

(Y/n): "It's alright! You just need a helping hand is all!"

And that very helping hand ended up being (Y/n)'s own, one which immediately headed straight for the stomach of Ichigo. It was in the short time that this happened that the orange-haired boy managed to take in a familiar sight. A blue glove with a fire symbol on it. It was the same as the one Rukia wore when she'd punch the living spirit right out of Ichigo's body. It was this sudden realization that caused Ichigo's eyes to widen.

He didn't want to be punched right now! Luckily for him, (Y/n) didn't punch him. Instead, it more so seemed like the veteran Soul Reaper had reached into Ichigo's body and pulled out his soul. The next thing Ichigo knew he was wearing his own Soul Reaper attire, with his massive Zanpakuto on his back, as he was pulled out the window by (Y/n), the madman that he was.

--30 Minutes Later--

...Thirty minutes later and Ichigo's impression of (Y/n) hadn't really changed. In fact, it had only gotten worse! Because, for one, not only was he forced to be out of his body when all he wanted to do was sleep, but also the major factor...THERE WAS NO FUCKING HOLLOW! At least, that was the vibe the annoyed Ichigo was picking up on as he currently sat on the edge of a big, one over an underpass, in the middle of his childhood city. He would have jumped off...But technically he was already dead. Though he was tempted to do so nonetheless with how casual (Y/n) was being right now as he sat next to him.

(Y/n): [Breaths in] "Ah! Take in the cool breeze, Ichigo. Isn't it great?" [Sighs] "I swear, you can't beat the air in the world of the living."

Ichigo: [Bored out of his mind] "...Uh, huh. Yeah. Sure. It's great..."

(Y/n): "Something the matter, man? You seem down?"

Ichigo: "Oh, I don't know! Maybe the fact I was pulled from my bed in the middle of the morning when all I want to do is sleep."

(Y/n): "Well--Haha--Don't worry about that. Your soul being taken from your body isn't going to affect how you are tomorrow. In fact, when you'll be sent back to it, you'll wake up with a full nights rest and ready for the day to come! It's pretty cool, actually!"

Ichigo: "Yeah...Cool."

Silence came following Ichigo's recent sentence, his head beginning to hang low as his thoughts took over. He didn't really settle on one thing to actually think of, however, before his focus was returned to (Y/n).

(Y/n): "That's not what I meant when I asked if something was the matter, though."

Ichigo: "Huh?" [Turns to you] "What do you mean?"

(Y/n): "Oh, nothing much. Just earlier when we were walking home from school, you just seemed down. Thought I'd ask if everything was alright?"

Ichigo: "Pfft. Yeah, right. Why would you care?"

(Y/n): "...Maybe because I know what the face you've been carrying this entire time I've known you really means?"

Ichigo: "Oh, yeah? You know what it means, huh? Pfft...Not like I've heard that one before."

(Y/n): "And that's something I also know. Pretty well, actually..."

Turning to (Y/n) once again, Ichigo's curiosity rising. The orange-haired boy found the young man next to him looking out from his position on the bridge, at the beautiful lights that canvases the city before him. A sense of peace washed over Ichigo in this moment. One he hadn't felt in a long time. A sense of peace that gave him enough comfort to allow (Y/n) enough time to keep speaking.

(Y/n): "...Back when I was alive, which was--I don't know? Three-hundred-something years ago...? Whatever. Anyway, when I was alive, and I called this world my home, I had a family. Kinda like yours actually."

Ichigo: "Please. I don't think anyone has a family like min--"

(Y/n): "You mean with the overbearing Father? The sisters with different personalities yet they still clearly have so much love inside of them? Trust me, Ichigo, something like that isn't very rare. Well, your case, maybe. For me...I have an overbearing Mother, though, admittedly, not on the same level as your Dad. But she was still known to be there, even when you really didn't want her to be..."

A brief pause came from (Y/n) as Ichigo realized the seriousness the moment had now scooped up. So instead of brushing it off with his usual persona, he decided to hold back a little as (Y/n) continued to speak.

(Y/n): "As for siblings though. I had four brothers and a sister. She, uh--" [Smiles downward] "--She was actually the one that made this red scarf for me. It, um...It was her favourite. She gave it to me on the...on the, um...Urgh!" [Shakes head] "You know what? I'm losing track. I mean--haha- I don't know how much longer I can keep you focused on my rambling so let me get back to what I was saying. What...I'm trying to say is, my family could be over the top at times, but at the end of the day, I'd still do anything for them...I mean, why wouldn't I, right? I was the oldest. I was their big brother. They needed me for things, and I tried to always be there for them. That's as much as one big brother can do, right?"

Ichigo: "...I suppose."

(Y/n): "It's funny, actually. Looking at your family this morning, I couldn't help but be reminded of my own. It, uh...It was definitely nice to see something like that. I haven't been around a family in a good while now. So seeing how you all acted gave me a flash at what my life used to be..."

Ichigo: "...Before becoming a Soul Reaper?" [Chuckles hesitantly] "Because, um...Going off what Rukia said, it sounded like you had always been a Soul reaper, right?"

(Y/n): "Hey, now. I may be old in the sense of things. But I'm not that old...Kinda. I mean, I managed to fit in at your school today, right?"

Ichigo: "Haha...Yeah. Yeah, I, uh...I guess you did."

A combined awkward laugh filled the air shortly after Ichigo's statement. It was a nice ice breaker, one which Ichigo felt was needed. After all, by this point, the young boy already knew where these thin waters led. It didn't take a genius to realise (Y/n) had lost his family. In what way? Ichigo didn't know. But for someone who had lost someone himself, he knew what this topic was like, and how hard it was to even bring it up. It was because Ichigo understood that that he found himself loosening up into the conversation. And for the first time, in a very long time, Ichigo felt like he could let go of the stonewall persona he had been carrying for so long now and instead be free a little. Even as awkward as it felt doing so. 

Ichigo: "So, um... You really taught Rukia. huh? Haha...So I guess I have you to blame for the annoying training she put me through?"

(Y/n): "Oh, uh, probably. I mean, Rukia was always a stickler for the rules after she came out of the Academy. But when I was training her and Renji, I always told her to never let the rules block you from doing what was right. Even the rules I taught her. Don't let them block you from being the person you are."

Ichigo: "Yeah, well, I think the person Rukia is, is someone who likes beating the shit out of me. I swear, everything she does involves hitting me with something."

(Y/n): "Yeah? Knowing Rukia, that sounds about right. But, hey, it really does help. I mean, my own teacher wasn't easy with training--Even if he was a slacker of a Captain. But that what I mean about the rules. Don't let them hold you back from being yourself, and being able to teach people in a way they may not understand."

Ichigo: "I guess, I just..." [Sighs and leans forward] "...I guess I'm just still trying to comprehend all of this Soul Reaper shit. I mean, just a few weeks ago I was a normal kid. Well, as normal as someone could get for seeing spirits. Even before I got these powers I could--"

(Y/n): "--See dead people? Yeah, me too, man."

Instantly Ichigo turned towards (Y/n) with a surprised look on his face. Seeing the reaction was one that made (Y/n)'s smile continue to grow.

Ichigo: "Wait. You...Also saw spirits?"

(Y/n): "Yep. Almost everywhere I went. Sure, it was scary at first. But I got used to it over time. The only thing that sucked was that every time I tried to tell someone they'd just--"

Ichigo: "--Think you were crazy? Yeah...Me too."

Dropping his head once more, it appeared as if Ichigo had fallen back into the slumps. But with a slight movement of his own head, (Y/n) was pleased to fine a gentle smile across the boys face instead. One that made (Y/n) happy that the true intentions of this little midnight action was worth it.

(Y/n): "Oh, well. Can't really blame them, right? It's something they just don't understand. We've all got something special about us."

Ichigo: "Yeah, but I guess mine isn't really special when a bunch of other people can do it, right?"

(Y/n): "Perhaps. But who said that's whats special about you? Maybe there's something you just don't know about yet? You've just gotta give it time. It took a while before I realized what was special about me."

Ichigo: "Wait. What's special about you?"

He asked in eager anticipation, pouncing up from his slouched position, before pausing as he realized what he had just said.

Ichigo: "Um...Sorry. I didn't mean to make that sound rude. I was just--"

(Y/n): "Nah. It's cool. Don't worry about it. As for your question though, what's so special about me is--"

"Someone! Someone, please help me!! The monster is chasing me?!"

Out of nowhere, the sound of a little girls voice flooded the air, interrupting (Y/n)'s sentence and causing both himself and Ichigo to turn their heads. Upon doing so, they were greeted by a wave of smoke going up in the distance just around the nearby corner. And whilst they couldn't see anyone, they had a feeling they knew what was going on. For the time being, Ichigo remained in his position and just watched what was going on. All the while, next to him, (Y/n) jumped to his feet and stood on the edge of the bridge. Looking up at the man next to him, Ichigo stared in slight awe as (Y/n) grinned and cracked his knuckles. No fear corrupting his energetic spirit one bit. Even as continued destruction filled the air in the distance.

(Y/n): "You know, I kinda lied earlier when I said I got a report about a Hollow. I really did it just so we could have this talk--"

Ichigo: "--Wait. So there was never a Hollow...?" [Realizes] "THAT MEANS YOU WOKE ME UP FOR--"

(Y/n): "--No reason? Pretty much. But I wouldn't say that now, right? I mean, we just had a pretty good conversation, a heart to heart, if you will?"

Ichigo: [Grumbles] "Pfft. I wouldn't..."

(Y/n): "Besides! Here we are, and over 'there' is a Hollow wreaking havoc. So that means us Soul Reapers have got a job to do."

Ichigo: [Lazily rolls eyes] "...And what exactly is that job, huh?"

(Y/n): [Grins] "...Being badass heroes, of course! Now, come on. I'll teach you a few basic things on the way."

It was with this forward-thinking mindset that (Y/n) launched into the air, and leaped off the bridge. As he did, he freed his Zanpakuto, the crimson blade reflecting in the beautiful moon light. As for Ichigo, he stayed put for a moment. In this time, he thought about everything. About how his life had changed. About how all of this felt so unreal. And yet, there was a part of him inside that felt kinda excited for what this moment ahead meant for him. It was with this pumped up energy that he joined (Y/n)'s previous position on the edge of the bridge and stood up. In doing so, he cast his gaze in the direction of all the chaos. And for the first time, in a long time...He felt as if there was finally something that matter in his life. Something that he could do, to make up for the pain he had brought to life in the past...

[To Be Continued...]