Hiya guys hope you're all ready for a brand new chapter, 'cause I'm ready to present it.

Nothing major is gonna happen in this chap, aside for some necessary introductions, few information migration and the introduction of a girl from harem. That's all.

Harem candidates will be :

Tsunade

Yoruichi Shihoin

Unohana Retsu (Yachiru)

Rangiku Matsumoto

Kukaku Shiba

Tia Hallibel (Tier Harribel)

Nelliel Tu Odelschwank

Inaho Kushiya

Haruko Amaya

Aki Nijou

Ajuki Shinatsu

Minori Rokujou

IMPORTANT NOTICE : All the media and it's respective characters belongs to their rightful owners. I am just a fan who is fulfilling his wish to play with the story and characters. I gain no profit from writing this.

BAMF Ichigo

Icihigo- centric

So on with the story!

Aaaaaaaaaaaaa : Third person

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaa" : Talking or just the usual crap from mouth

'Aaaaaaaaaaaaa' : Thinking or thoughts

"Aaaaaaaaaaa" : Kido/Zanpakuto techniques/etc.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Chapter 3 : A New Friend Or Something More?

Ichigo's Bedroom,

Sunlight filtered through the open window and fell directly on a blonde haired sleeping beauty, who was a little too much stacked in the upper department.

Rangiku mumbled incoherently and her eyes opened hesitantly not wanting to woke from a blissful slumber. Rangiku eyes opened blearily with a glaze as she looked towards the unfamiliar ceiling for a few moments before her eyes widen as the previous night's memories came rushing towards her and slammed into her like a 750 km/hr train.

She looked downwards and flushed a little in embarrassment, being in somebody else's shirt which was kinda big but her breast's size substituted that. She tried sitting but, "Aahh!" she groaned in pain from the still healing wound.

A firm hand stopped her from further movements "Hey, just lie down, otherwise your stitches will open up." was the smooth voice of Ichigo in a chiding way, which caused Rangiku to look towards Ichigo's impassive but cool eyes. Seeing him for the first time sitting in there with a tray of food on the headboard and a black cat on his shoulder eyeing her with scrutinizing honey eyes; if that was even possible for a cat.

She expected to be immediately interrogated but was surprised when he gave her some pills and helped her drink water by putting his warm hand on the small of her back and allowing her to lean on him slightly after which he let go and she slumped against the headboard with an angle.

Ichigo lifted the tray and put it on her lap, silently coaxing for her to eat; to which she first hesitated slightly but one can only ignore the stomach for so long and dug in the morning breakfast of crisped bacon and toned milk with vigour but still showed signs of manner befitting for a Lieutenant.

All this while, Ichigo was watching her calmly sitting on the chair while Tsuki was on his lap now, eyes closed. It was good that today was Saturday and thankfully no school was there; nonetheless he would just take a holiday to look after the lady. It also helped the matter that Isshin and the girls were on some trip that is father-daughter bonding, as Isshin liked to call it and Masaki is visiting her school friends from the past.

It was way too much of a coincidence, but who was he to complaint, it was beneficial to him in the end.

After Rangiku finished her meal, she looked towards Ichigo's still cool eyes, but knew he was expecting her to talk. Ichigo then cleaned the dishes, returned and opted to calmly watch her as she tried to stop from fidgeting under his stare.

Giving an almost non-existing sigh she asked, "What do you want to know?" in the voice befitting for 10th Division's Lieutenant.

Now, Ichigo may be a genius, scholar, calm, collected, poised and a lot of things but he was a guy with a naughty side which just chose the so moment to interrupt his thoughts hearing the doubly mean'd question which led his mind straight into the gutter.

A teasing smirk graced Ichigo's lips and he inclined his head a little, "Ho, we didn't know each other that well and you're willing to give me your personal details. I must say I am flattered."

This caused Rangiku's eyes to widen a milimeter scandalously. In all her life she had flirted, teased and tortured many of the mens but nobody had the gall to do that same treatment to her.

This just felt like a challenge to her and she too inclined her head a little upwards making their face an inch apart.

"I wasn't implementing that, but if you wish to know, I am alright with it." said Rangiku with low sensuous voice and a barely concealed smirk on her beautiful face.

This caused Ichigo's smirk to widen even more and he lowered his head seemingly to kiss the blonde beauty; "Meow" only to blink as an irritated voice broke his proceedings.

Glancing towards Tsuki who was on the floor glaring at him; that's what he think from the narrowed honey eyes and then towards the flushed Lieutenant.

He backed a little and cleared his throat to remove his mind from the wayward thoughts. 'I am just gotten used to kissing whoever I liked. It's all her fault anyway, challenging me. Damn! But her lips sure looks delicious. I wonder how will it taste?'

Unlike Ichigo's thoughts which had taken a 180° from berating himself to pink lips; Rangiku's were focused on only one thing 'He was gonna kiss me. And I was letting him.' Sure kissing was not a big thing for her; the big thing was that she did not know him, heck she doesn't even know his name for that matter. She then looked towards his lips which were plucked a little as in thoughtful expression then flushed a little, 'His lips sure look interesting.'

Now seeing this you can only guess how Tsuki was doing.

Her eyes were still narrowed and her tail was flicking while her nails were glistening in all their sharp glory; sharp enough to scratch metals. 'I don't like whenever he kiss someone, especially this orange haired chick, for some reason.' Ichigo was very secretive about many things. And only few of his friends know about his intimate moment with girls, but they knew he was just enjoying himself and doesn't take it seriously; but you just can't hide anything from the Goddess of Flash if she doesn't allow you to hide it; which she never does.

Ichigo after the embarrassing moment focused on the real point "Okay, I would like to know a many things but first," Ichigo bowed his head a little, grinned and said "My name is Kurosaki Ichigo, it's a pleasure to meet you." he lifted Tsuki in his hands "And she is my sweet kitty cat, Tsuki-chan." to which Tsuki lifted a paw in greeting.

Rangiku smiled a little at this 'So he has some manners after all. Looks plus charm, a dangerous combination.' "Matsumoto Rangiku. Pleasure is all mine, Strawberry-san and hello to you to Tsuki-chan." said Rangiku with a teasing smirk.

"Oh, so strawberry it is huh, Rangiku-chan?" she just doesn't know the fact that Ichigo had risen from the harmless teasing years ago and knows how to use it against anyone. Rangiku laughed at him in good humour while Tsuki scowled.

"Aside from that, tell me each and everything about the monsters." said Ichigo, his emotionless tone returning in full force; but the atmosphere had lighten from their mutual teasing.

Rangiku forced herself not to squirm under the powerful gaze, even more powerful and cold than Kuchiki Byakuya. It was easy to forget his this side under the easy-going one.

Rangiku took a deep breath and explained it to him with as much secrecy as she could. Even if she is to tell him in detail the subject was too vast for in such a little time. She was forced to be brief and vague about it. She told him about Soul Society in general and their work to guide souls and kill hollows saving souls and the work function. While she was telling him this, Ichigo's face was like a stone.

"I am sure there is more to it. You're not giving me the complete picture here, Rangiku-san." Ichigo said in his calm and collective voice, while Tsuki was on his lap, eyes closed but a ear in full attendance indicating she was listening to the talk aswell.

Ichigo felt like she was leaving important information out which was necessary for him to know. Ichigo was adamant to know as much as he could, for to live a normal life with only the little abnormal voice in his head and then to know one day that there is a superpower above all, threw him out of the loop. Well he want to protect those close ones to him and without the knowledge he is just unable too.

Many were the reactions she expected but not this. In an exasperated voice she responded "Of course, the topic is too vast. This will take a lot of time."

Ichigo just raised his eyebrow a little "I don't have any place to be. Now tell me more about the physical structure of Soul Society and then...the people who run it and your mission here?"

Rangiku took a deep breath seemingly readying herself for a long explanation. She was ready to tell him just because he was going to do her duties in the future, even if he doesn't know about it now.

Street,

Ichigo was walking on the street dipped in thoughts, dissecting all the information he got from the now sleeping Lieutenant.

The only reason he knew this is because of her badge, not that she told him anyway.

From what he understood is that Soul Society was a very huge place. It is divided in two part; the Rukongai comprising of total 360 districts equally divided in all the 4 directions was the place where the normal souls without much Reiryoku inhabit and a Seireitei, the centre place responsible for the real protection of souls.

The main head was Central 46, making any important decisions and all the rules, descend by Gotei 13, which does the original work of guiding souls to Soul Society and killing the dark or tainted souls, Hollows.

But what Ichigo really gauged from the information is that, the top official's focus was so much towards killing Hollows and making spineless rules that they had deterred from their primal job of protecting the souls.

The most intriguing part for Ichigo was the knowledge of zanpakutos. A sentient, living being essentially apart of your own soul, made from yourselves, living in your inner world with immense power and knowledge beyond comparison than yours.

Ichigo had a theory and he was very much eager to try it and that's the reason he was going to a place known only to him and Tsuki. Ichigo was thankful that Tsuki had gone to somewhere, somewhere he was also unaware of.

Mountain,

Ichigo stood atop the peak of one of the many hills surrounding Karakura, looking over the town from the perch of clearing. Only few tree reside at this height and grassy field stretch far wide. Not an even ounce of pollution or human being at the place for it was one of the rare, nigh touched region of Karakura.

He knew this place just by accident. After completing his Taichi training; Ichigo's Sensei advised him to continue practising it in the company of nature and feel the power inside, which was principle rule of Taichi.

He was apparently on a school project based on bird which led to the discovery. Lets just forget about that and focus on the matter at hand.

Ichigo sat in a familiar stance and started reciting his training exercises and practised the technique told by Rangiku to do Jinzen, a sword meditation according to her which by practise requires a sword and which he didn't have at the moment.

But Ichigo is nothing if not hopeful; he wouldn't know if he didn't try; that's what always Ichigo's theory of life. To which he was using at the moment.

He relaxed his muscles, eased his breathing, letting the worries and tensions from his tendons flew and focused on the flow of air in his lungs and then to his mind.

He didn't know how but after few moments he felt a spiralling motion in his brain; as he was being flushed in a toilet. Instead of resisting, he complied with the motion and felt himself lose conscious.

Inner World,

Ichigo just laid there somewhere, he don't know exactly where except he was not at the hill anymore, if the coarse feeling of rough land on his back and the excess temperature rise around him was anything to go by.

A triumphant smirk grew on his face as the realization stuck him, he had accomplished his goal, his theory was right!

Ichigo slowly opened his eyes and was not very surprised to find the gigantuous volcano in all his glory still leaking lava which flowed covering the whole land in a network of rivers.

Even after all this years he still remembers this place, how could he not? Afterall this place gave him her, his first true friend.

But there were some notable changes. The winds weren't threatening to cease his existence, the sky was still filled with ash clouds that wasn't spitting it's wrath on the poor soul beneath it, the lava pools were still. All in all everything was peaceful and calm.

The glaringly obvious change was of the forge. It looked like it was complete. The scarlet and obsidian walls were clean without a trace of soot which was impossible in such a terrain; it was thoroughly polished. A big entrance made of shining metal with swords imprint on the front in an 'x' like manner. No windows and monument was way too high for it's terrace cannot be seen; which passes the clouds.

Seeing this Ichigo took a deep breath before being ready to find his precious one.

"Oof.."

"Ichi-sama."

As Ichigo was going to step towards the volcano, someone hugged him tightly from behind.

He tensed for a moment before hearing the heartfelt words of the person.

"Inaho-chan." Ichigo said but it sounded like a question confirming her identity even though he found it unnecessary due to her familiar sweet voice. He knew she was her, the same coloured sleeves and the aura was a dead giveaway.

The said girl nodded against Ichigo's back between his shoulder blades, her face pressed against it and Ichigo's heart pumped in his ribcage harder.

For a long Ichigo didn't know how much, they stood like a statue. Her left arm circling his ripped stomach pressing herself to him, right one directly over his heart feeling the thundering pump and relishing in the feeling. Her brown tail curled over his abdomen. Both her cat ears flat against her head, face pressed on his back earning warmth from him. Her heart beating in an erratic fashion, still unable to grasp the reality which she so longed for.

Ichigo was also not faring better. Wanting to see her face after so long and hold her close for all she's worth, but wanting to take it slow, at her pace.

Feeling her shoulder quiver and something wet staining his shirt; he forced her hands and turned only too again let a small oof as she hugged him furiously from the front now; crying openly, pressed against his hard pectorals making it harder for him to look into her eye.

Seeing that she wasn't going to let him free any sooner, he sighed and hugged her back.

His left hand over her slim waist and his right palm rubbing circles over her back. Ichigo's face in the crook of Inaho's neck, his nose pressed against her smooth skin; smelling her unique scent and memorizing it.

For a long time they stayed like that, hugging feverishly, loving the feel of being in each other's arms.

"Ichi-sama..."

"...you came."

Inaho said much like whispered in his chest, without any movement.

Ichigo smiled a little hearing her gentle voice and rubbed his face on her unblemished skin affectionately to which she mewd in response cutely.

"I promise, didn't I?" Ichigo responsed in his deep, baritone voice.

Neither moved for few minutes before Ichigo had it.

He untangled himself even though her arms were still holding him lightly, he palmed his rough, calloused hand on her soft cheeks looking sincerely at her red eyes which were still leaking her salty tears.

With his right thumb, Ichigo wiped the unwanted drop of water before placing a small sweet kiss on her forehead. Repeating the same gesture he had done few years ago.

Inaho basked and bathed in her master's warmth and smiled a little from the affectionate kiss.

Ichigo looked directly at Inaho's swollen puffy eyes from crying but looking still very beautiful. The same feline ears pressed on her light brown hair head, and quivering of her red lips. Still beautiful as ever.

Inaho's eyes were captivated by the soft, endearing gaze of Master. So gentle and beautiful.

She always thought that her master's eyes were the most beautiful thing in her world. Expressing his heart.

Her grip on Ichigo's back tightened as her heart pumped harder in her chest. Less calm, more ragged.

She knew this feeling, oh does she knew it.

Love. She loved her master with her very core. She doesn't mind if Ichigo doesn't respond in kind. She will always love him, despite him.

But he cares for her that much was obvious and that alone rose her heart to seventh heaven. Her heart felt light. She loved him even then and now too.

A zanpakuto spirit in love with her wielder! The thought in itself was absurd. But she can't help. It was pure, unadultered love without malice or need.

She just wants to love him. To be by his side always. To protect him. To support him if he ever fails. To provide a shoulder when the burden becomes too much for him alone.

But it was going to get difficult. Her master has set his foot in the world she never wanted him to hear of. It will only bring pain and trouble for him.

She knew it was bound to happen one day.

But...

No, no buts. She will stand firm inbetween his master and danger along with her companions whose only purpose in the world is to protect him by making him strong and powerful.

But for now she can enjoy the moment, live it wholeheartedly. Rejoice in being with her master after so long. The feeling of his kind attention, his gentle grasp on her as if she was made of glass, his presence was too much on her mind and hence the damn broke. Salty tears again made her way in her eyes and a smile on her lips.

"Idiot." was the reprimanding word of Ichigo as he draw the beauty again in a gentle embrace.

Despite being admonished she smiled and returned the embrace with much more vigour, completely forgetting about Ichigo's soaked shirt.

But neither cared. It was worth it.

Ichigo too let a small smile grace his face as he hugged her loving the feel of her lithe body against his hardened one.

It suddenly gnawed at him that she had been lonely all this while. Inaho lonely. The words didn't felt right too him.

He had his family, his pet, his friends all with him, but who does Inaho. No one.

He looked at the now calm girl in his hold. Eyes closed and a genuine happy smile on her beautiful.

Me.

She has me.

He tightened his grasp pushing their body together, molding her pliant body on his rock hard one which resulted in a small blush on her face, enhancing her beauty even further.

'I will always be with her from now on. I am sorry Inaho-chan. I am truly sorry for not coming here sooner. But that's the past. From now onwards whenever you look sideways you will find me with you. Always by your side. Always.'

Fierce resolve, pure determination burned in his eyes. Every fiber of his body demanded to burn away the the cause of her sadness, to exterminate the one who cause her hurt or pain and return it ten no twenty times.

Ichigo words alone made a promise, a promise which he was going to keep till his last breath. The world be damn!

"Ichi-sama, you're crushing me."

"Oops, sorry Inaho-chan. Its been so long I have seen you and you know." here Ichigo smiled sheepishly and rubbed his head resulting in Inaho giggling at him.

After the reunion, Ichigo looked here and there.

"Inaho-chan why this place is so calm and how come the building is repaired?" Ichigo said while pointing towards the only building there.

"Come, lets take a walk, Ichi-sama." saying this Inaho took a hold of Ichigo's right arm and started walking towards the black monument.

Ichigo having full trust compiled.

"Ichi-sama, what the lady said was true about Zanpakuto's but she didn't tell you everything or doesn't know it. I will tell you everything." Inaho started explaining and Ichigo kept his ears open wanting to learn as much as he can.

"First of all, I am your zanpakuto and you are my shinigami." Ichigo didn't fail to notice the possessive edge in her voice " A shinigami's mood decides the weather of his Inner world. At that time you were crying and depressed, hurt and remorseful, feared, scared and worried for your Kaa-san which was reflected here, but now you're calm and hence the stillness."

She would have continued if Ichigo didn't raised his hand "From what you are telling it seems I was shinigami when I was 9 without my knowing."

"No, Ichi-sama anyone with a vast amount of reiryoku can have a zanpakuto. The main reason for a zanpakuto spirit to born is to balance it's weilder's soul. When a soul contains high amount of power it's body is unable to store hence sentient beings like a zanpakuto spirit is brought to life from them and gains abilities from the wielder's unique nature and maintains the equilibrium restoring a mass amount of power within itself."

"So I had much more power than anyone. There can be only two reason, one I am an expectation or two...anyone or both of my parents are shinigamis and hence the inheritance." finished Ichigo with a thoughtful voice.

"I am unaware of that Ichi-sama but it can be highly possible. Any questions?"

Ichigo shook his head still in thought.

"Ok, continuing. The reason for the repaired building is because..."

"Of me." only to be interrupted as a striking voice announced it's presence.

Both Ichigo and Inaho turned towards the obvious source. Ichigo tensed while Inaho remained calm.

Ichigo started formulating a plan if the intruder seems hostile. His thoughts came to an abrupt halt as he laid his eyes on the beautiful intruder.

A beautiful teenage girl with chin length dark pink hair was standing on the base of the stairs leading to the monument. She garbs a beautiful kimono coloured pure silver with designs of black blades on it everywhere. The black obi is fitted tightly around her slender waist enhancing her hourglass figure and uplifting her huge bust. She wears black, soot covered fingerless gloves on her hands. Her skin pure, refined and creamy. All in all she was very beautiful.

Ichigo was way entranced by her that it took a moment for him to gain his bearings and he immediately put himself in front of Inaho in a protective stance.

Seeing the confusion elongated, Inaho put a comforting hand on Ichigo, moving him to a side.

"Hello Master, I am pleasured to meet you." said the newly arrived pinky as she disappered only to reappear in front of Ichigo with a lightning speed and knelt on one knee, her head bowed.

Ichigo was genuinely taken aback by the sudden turn of events.

Lightly giggling Inaho chimed, "Ichi-sama, she is also your zanpakuto spirit just like me."

This confused Ichigo a bit, if she was his spirit then how come she didn't appear at that time.

Quickly deducing Ichigo's internal turmoil, Inaho addressed Ichigo "Your powers was still at premature stage and so she was not born at that time."

"Hey hey comeon stand up. Don't just sit there." Ichigo told the new girl in haste, uncomfortable at seeing a girl kneel.

"Huh God! I was thinking when were you going to command." she said in a sarcastic tone dusting the invisible dirt off her not at all dirty kimono.

Ichigo raised a brow at the turn of her behaviour and frowned.

"Hey! It was not an order. It didn't felt right to see you like this, but if you want to think as such be my guest." Ichigo rebutted in the same sarcastic and haunting voice.

Not one to back of she replied superiorly and then colourful words soon started jumping between them.

Inaho had to shake her head, she had told her to be polite!

Seeing that the competition was not going to end any time soon she intervened their oh so loving conversation.

With a big intake of breath, she bellowed "ENOUGH!"

Both Ichigo and new girl blinked owlishly at her, first time seeing her roar, which in turn caused Inaho to blush a storm in embarrassment before she regained her composure.

"Azuki-chan, you shouldn't say such awful things to Ichi-sama. Say sorry to him." Inaho told the now named Azuki in a scolding manner which didn't had the reaction she expected.

Instead Azuki turned her back to Ichigo, nose high in air "Who would say sorry to him? He was equally responsible since he commanded me as if I am his slave."

"Hey wait a second. Why should I say sorry to you? You were the one who first comes, calls me Master then kneels infront of me and when I ask you to stand up you go all babbling on me. Huh whose fault is here?" Ichigo said in an annoyed tone.

"Why yo~"

"Ichi-sama is correct Azuki-chan."

Seeing no way to escape and a little embarrassed in quick to judge Ichigo, she growled, turned her back towards Ichigo and with a quiet tone mumbled sorry to Ichigo. Who despite hearing that, couldn't miss a chance to play with the busty beauty as his playful side came at full force.

"What was that Azuki-chan? I couldn't hear it. Can you please repeat that?" Ichigo said with a small smirk on his face and a soft purring voice as he inclined a little towards Azuki's ear, his breath fawning over her exposed neck making her shiver in delight.

With a deep breath Azuki all but shouted the next words "SORRY!" and turned around only to blush intensely with their face so intimately close to each other and lips very near.

This caused Ichigo to narrow his eyes a fraction as he inclined more towards the girl with their lips now only a hair's breath apart making her stood still in anticipation or something, no one can tell.

"Beautiful."

Ichigo breathed over her parted lips and watched in amusement as her eyes widen in mortification. Not wanting to miss the chance he pecked her on her cute nose and then she just literally exploded with her face a darker shade of red and she exclaimed with a cute 'kyaah' before dashing towards the monument and banging the door close.

"That wasn't nice of you Ichi-sama." said Inaho with a flush on her cheeks. She was waiting patiently to let their first meeting be go smoothly. She knew of Ichigo's flirty side and was kinda hoping it would not show now; well sometimes hope can be rolled over, grinded the remains and incinerated them to air.

She sighed as Ichigo was still chuckling Azuki's misfortune.

"So lets proceed with the explanation, Ichi-sama."

"No."

"Huh" came the confused reply of the beauty.

This surprised her greatly. She expected him to ask a dozen of questions; about his power, about the world but he simply said 'no'.

"Just tell one thing. Can I come here again?"

Inaho's eyes softened as she remembered the time when he had asked the same question. But unlike that time, she can smile and gave him an answer which would make both of them happy and also the one behind the closed doors whose ears were planted tightly on the surface, a blush adorning her cheeks as she listened intently on their conversation.

"Yes you can come here as many times as you want Ichi-sama." Inaho said with a beaming smile which brought a subsequent wide smile on Ichigo too.

Ichigo's Bedroom,

After the trip to his Inner World, Ichigo returned to his room to tend to the injured Lieutenant's needs only to be confused and surprised.

"Where is she in her current state?"

Truth to be told he was a little concerned about her well-being, she was heavily injured and nobody could see her to even provide aid. He hoped wherever she was, she was in a good state.

Afterall she was a Lieutenant, the second best. And someone on that position, sure must have some survival training skills and intelligence.

Oh she sure has some. The way she was trying to oversmart him and her attempt at secrecy of afterlife was enough proof of that.

Atleast he thought so.

But he didn't know why, he had some hunch that they were going to meet soon. With her here in the Human World, he was damn as hell sure they were gonna 'collide'.

Ichigo suddenly smirked...

She was beautiful afterall.

Some people just have perverted mind. Nothing seems to deter them from that path.

Karakura High, Monday,

"Class, today we have another student. Be respectful to her." Ochi-sensei said in her 'no-shit taking' tone in the homeroom class.

It would have been effective if most of students' attention wasn't sticked to the said new student who was smiling seductively. Many of the boys have hearts in their wide eyes while the girls were comparing their breasts to the newbie's.

Seeing that the situation is under control ...ahem... albeit in a disturbing way and overchecking 5 times that Ichigo is at present absent, she motioned for the newbie to proceed with introduction.

"Hello everyone, my name is Rangiku Matsumoto. It's nice to meet you."

Many boys just fainted from her angelic voice, but were still respectful and mute.

"IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU TOO RANGIKU-CHAN!"

While some expressed it quite vocally...cough...Keigo...cough.

"Shut up you dolt!" which just so happens to attract Tatsuki, who with her usual self beat the deepshit out of him, blacking him out with a bruised stomach.

Ochi-sensei's eye twitched at this, but she let it go...for now. "Ok, Rangiku you go sit towards the left of the empty desk towards the window."

Rangiku simply obliged, her eyes searching a certain flamehead.

Lunch Break,

As the bell ranged signalling the start of lunch hour, Keigo dashed towards Rangiku to 'greet' her only to lose his conscious courtesy of Tatsuki's back hand. While that usually does't have the desire affect in the past. After Tatsuki's punch which had enough force to sent him riling back, Keigo's head banged against Chad's rock solid chest and he subsequently lost to the world while Chad just scratched the said spot.

Many onlookers gulped, quite wary of Chad's power now.

"Hello, Matsumoto-san."

Orihime's ever cheerful voice broke Rangiku out of her trance thinking about Ichigo.

"Huh, hello..." she trailed.

Quickly understanding her mistake she bumped herself over her head a little, looking very adorable "Oh sorry. My name is Orihime Inoue. Nice to meet you."

Rangiku smiled a little in good will and quietly noted that Orihime has more than average reiatsu "Nice to meet you too, Orihime-chan."

"This is Tatsuki Arisawa, my best friend."

"Yo."

"He is Yasutora Sado, but we all call him Chad." Inoue introduced the Mexican who replied with a grunt.

"My name is Mizuiro. It's a pleasure to meet you, Matsumoto-san."

Rangiku seeing his sly smile replied with her own small fake smile "Oh, the pleasure is all mine."

"And the out of the world pervert goes by the name, Asano Keigo. It would do good to you to remain as far as you can from him along with someone else." blurted out Tatsuki slipping 'praises' of thee Keigo 'accidentally'.

Seeing that all introductions were over without a trouble,

"Oh! What a Beauty!"

spoken too soon.

Seemingly out of nowhere a strong arm came and took hold of Rangiku's soft hand and held them in a strong grip.

Everybody's head whipped towards the owner of the obvious arm only for some to scowl, some smiled and some were just plain indifferent.

"Oh the said someone is here." muttered Tatsuki with a dark look.

Ichigo who ignored his 'best friend's words introduced himself, "Hello, my name is Kurosaki Ichigo, miss..."

Catching the hint and snapping from the shock, Rangiku, even though they already knew each other acted as the new girl; replied in kind, "Matsumoto. Rangiku Matsumoto, Kurosaki-san."

"Oh, don't be so formal, Rangiku-chan. Ichigo is just fine." said Ichigo and lifted the now astonished Rangiku's hand and kissed the back of her palm successing in bringing a lovely hue of red on her cheeks, to which many boys glared including Tatsuki while many girls groaned.

"Uh-uh okay." whispered Rangiku still baffled.

Ichigo chuckled at this and neared the distance between her ear and his lips. "Rangiku-chan, meet me at school's back, now." breathed Ichigo on her ears eliciting a shiver of pleasure from her.

Without waiting for reply, Ichigo strode'd towards the said destination leaving the class into utter silent.

Schools' backyard,

Rangiku was walking steadily towards the leaning strawberry alone, escaping the eyes of big mob attracted by her assets. It was a tedious task.

"So mind telling me, what are you doing here?" came the question of Ichigo cutting the tense silence crisply with his stern voice very much different from the earlier playful one.

Rangiku's gaze settled on him watching his slouched pose with a glint.

Seeing that buttering her words would do no good, she decided to be blunt about it.

"I am here because I am powerless."

Rangiku waited for his questionnaire which again to her surprise never came other than a raised eyebrow and a small opening of his right eye gazing at her with a look which just screamed 'Explain'.

So she did.

"When I thrusted my Zanpakuto in you for the power transfer, my early mindset was to give you just a minimal part of it so that you can defeat the hollow, but instead you took all."

"So what now, are you gonna take it return?"

"No, I can't."

Ichigo's mind was on override again thinking the possibilities for her admission, before he gained a knowing look and had to then suppress a sigh. He's normal life was surely gone, wasn't it?

"So you want me to take your job till you regain your shinigami powers, don't you?"

"Yes."

Sigh. "Okay."

"Huh?" again this was not the answer she was accepting, but meh her work is happening, so who was she to complain?

"From what you told me earlier, your mission was to kill menos grande and that the number of your kill would be recorded. So someone have to do your job otherwise Soul Society would know your predicament and we donot want that to happen and also I can protect the souls. So I am ready to do it, but under certain conditions." at the end his voice became sharp and cold so as to make it very important.

"What?" ask Rangiku uncertainly. Though she was glad of his decision, his tone left no room for argument and that threatened her.

"First, I want to know each and everything that happens till I am doing your work, no hiding. Second no one and I mean no one from my family or friends to know harm and be as far from it as possible. Is that acceptable?"

Rangiku nodded quickly, the terms were acceptable.

Seeing that his words reached her brain, Ichigo gave a big smile and handshake'd with her, "Pleasure doing business with you, Rangiku-chan." while Rangiku chuckled in response.

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine."

Ichigo seeing the mood, inclined a little and kissed her on her pink lips lightly with closed eyes and immediately loved the feeling.

Rangiku's eyes widen and a small blush appeared on her face before she closed her eyes and savoured the taste of him to the best. It wasn't any other kiss she had which were forceful and hungry. No this was sweet and light.

Before she could even register what happened, the slight weight on her lips vanished.

"What was that?" asked a little dazed Rangiku, coating her lips with her pink tongue and savouring the lingering taste.

Ichigo seeing his appreciable work gave a small grin in response and traced back to class but not before giving a quick reply "It's for the start of a beautiful relationship."

"Yes it is." Rangiku smiled a little looking towards the future. Atleast something good came out of it.

In all the romance they were unknown of the small obsidian figure in the bushes glaring at them with sharp golden eyes.

If looks could kill Rangiku would be dead a long time over.

Outside School Gate,

The rest of the class was boring as hell apart from the rumour that Rangiku and Ichigo are an item.

With a sigh, Rangiku walked towards her destination and gave a silent groan as almost half the male body of her class were sneaking up on her and surely were doing a rather pathetic job. Even though she couldn't sense them now courtesy of her power loss.

But she put that in the back of mind and thought of all the stores. They were so much different and what is that creamy substance with a candle on top. Her inspection came to a halt as a voice which she easily recognizes, spoke.

"What are you doing here, Rangiku-chan?" Ichigo says as he stand by Rangiku who was for some reason was intently watching the cake shop.

Her eyes widen as she jumps a foot in air, surprised. Ichigo chuckles in amusement watching her pout.

"You surprised me there, Ichigo-kun. And to answer your question, I was just looking at the item there." pointing towards a chocolate cake "We don't have those things in Soup Society."

"Those my dear Rangiku-chan are known as Cakes in Human World. They are very soft and sweet to eat and are mostly eaten during occasions." Ichigo explains.

"Oh." Rangiku nods in understanding "They look delicious."

Ichigo smirks seeing her face, "You want to taste?"

Rangiku's eyes whipped towards Ichigo, "You would buy me one?" Rangiku asks really wanting to taste the delicacy.

"Of course, consider it as your gift from your host in the Human World."

Rangiku whoops in joy and drags a now laughing dandelion head towards the shop. In all the talk she completely forgot about the stalking boys, who were crying anime tears from that moment when they saw Ichigo walking towards the blonde haired bimbo.

The message was clear, 'Back Off'.

We now see the orange haired duo walking towards Kurosaki household. After Ichigo made Rangiku vomit her real plan he immediately said no; but he was slightly expecting that. When question what about the shop which gave her a artificial body, she bluntly said he was a jackass who couldn't even let a lady live there. Completely ungentlemanly from Rangiku's opinion.

After some persuasion/seduction from Rangiku's part, he allowed her to live with him.

The conversation was somewhat this way.

Flashback, few minutes earlier,

"Ichigo-kun, you wouldn't let a lady sleep on the street, ne?" Rangiku asked seductively leaning on Ichigo's right arm and pressing bust there.

In response Ichigo laughed and backed from her before smiling and said, "You don't have to do such things, Rangiku-chan. I am inviting you to live in my house."

With a small smile she grasped Ichigo's right hand and both walked towards their destination.

"Thank you."

Ichigo just smiled in welcome.

Flashback end,

Ichigo smiled slightly as he watched Rangiku's curious expression as she asked many questions regarding the Human World, the school and his family members in general. Especially girls clothing store.

After satisfying the big curiosity of Rangiku and promising a tour to girl's stores, they found themselves in a two stored house. Slightly larger than the neighbourhood's.

Sensing that his father at present absent, he relaxingly walked towards the front door, Rangiku beside him.

"I home!" Ichigo announced as he and Rangiku entered the living room watching as both the girls and Tsuki greeted their brother and jumped on his shoulders respectively.

After hugging his sisters and giving a good pet to Tsuki he introduced Rangiku who was being curiously watched by his sisters.

"Yuzu-chan, Karin-chan, this fair lady's name is Rangiku Matsumoto. Say hello to her."

"Hello/Yo." both the girls cried their respective greetings.

"Hello both of you girls." Rangiku responded to the twin girls in kind, already seeing the high esteem both the girls keep their big brother in.

She was kind of glad that Ichigo was the one to receive her powers.

"Ichi-chan, welcome home." said Masaki rounding the corner and giving Ichigo a welcome hug.

"Whose your friend, Ichi-chan?" questioned Masaki her eyes never leaving the blonde.

"My name is Matsumoto Rangiku. It's good to meet you Kurosaki-san." Rangiku greeted politely and bowed as per tradition.

"Oh! Just call me Masaki. Why don't you have dinner with us."

"Errr Kaasan, there is something I have to tell you." said Ichigo drawing everybody's attention.

"Kaasan, Rangiku-chan here doesn't have a home to go." said Ichigo indicating towards Rangiku who nodded anxiously.

Seeing Masaki's confused expression, Ichigo elaborated "Rangiku-chan just came to Karakura as a transfer student and her luggage along with the money got robbed after school. She was hoping to get a lodge but now she can't so I offered a place to her. Can she live here, Kaasan?"

"Ofcourse Ichi-chan, she can stay here as long as she want." Masaki said with a very sweet smile, happy to help someone

"But the clinic room is still in repair." Karin reminded them.

"Oh don't worry. She can stay with Ichigo in his room."

"Yes, she can stay in my room. I will take the floor and you can use the bed." Ichigo said.

"Thank you so much Ichigo-kun. I really appreciate it." said Rangiku, happy to meet such good people. Everything is going correct.

Ichigo waved her with a smile.

"Kaasan, where is Oyaji?" Ichigo asked as everybody was eating dinner. Rangiku too after changing in Masaki's clothes.

"Isshin has gone to a long seminar in London. So it will probably take weeks before he's here." Masaki replied before resuming eating her meal.

This caused Ichigo's eyes to narrow, 'He's away. Again a coincidence. Suspicious.'

At night, Ichigo's bedroom,

Rangiku is safely enjoying her lay over the soft mattress while Ichigo is sleeping over the makeshift bed, Tsuki curled near him, purring in pleasure as Ichigo stroked her absentmindedly.

"Ichigo." Rangiku called in dark, facing towards Ichigo's sleeping form.

Ichigo replied with a grunt, too asleep to speak.

"Thank you." Rangiku said sincerely with a honest smile.

No reply.

Rangiku giggled at that and watched the beauty and calmness of the moon through the open window, before the soft cool breeze lulled her to sleep.

"Your welcome."

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

And that's that. Phew!

Now to the fact why I was late to post this. First of all, when I started writing this story, I was preparing for my board exams. And then the next two months were dedicated for the preparations of my entrance exams. And now I am free.

Though not free exactly, I still had few courses to do, college selection and all the load shit. But I will try my best to atleast post one chapter of this story every month.

A reminder to all, this is my primary story, the rests are just for fun and doesn't hold any importance so don't think of getting quick updates.

And don't expect to get reply from me as soon as you PM me. I rarely use my internet and opt to enjoy the outside life more.

And if you are interested you can read my other fics. And if you don't, nobody is going to fine you, guys(and girls).

Just PM me if you have any complaints about anything. I would very much like for you to help me improve my work. It would also help if you can comment on the personalties of the characters I have wrote about.

Other than that, thank you all for your support you have shown my stories.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

So, that's it guys, till then bye-bye.

-Sky Kurosaki.