"I-I-I jus' never expected Strawberry ta be a... a man." Grimmjow said, his voice slurred as he held a cup, staring at the ceiling. "H-He jus' looks so much like a woman, ain't he?"

"Yeah." Nnoitra muttered as he tipped his head back and took a long gulp from his cup.

Kenpachi rolled his eyes. They were pathetic. He wasn't worried about them. It actually hurt his pride to say it, but he was worried about Ichigo. The way he looked after he found out Grimmjow knew. Looked like he was regretful.

He lifted the cup towards his lips and took a sip.

While they were drinking, Stark was left in his office, his eyes slightly wide as he stared at the last place Ichigo stood before he left. He stayed silent for a good fifteen minutes before closing his eyes and sighing, rubbing his face tiredly.

He stared at the file in front of him, seeing Ichigo's picture on the side. He picked up the file and stared at it, a tired look on his face. Ichigo had went into the office and gave him a picture, then started explaining why he needed the job and told him he was actually... a male.

Stark narrowed his eyes.

He knew something was strange about him.

He was too butch.

After Ichigo had told him, he said he was going to resign and left his office. He would admit he was a little shocked. He wasn't expecting that.

He closed his eyes and sighed, opening them a second later and staring at the picture Ichigo had given him to confirm he was actually a man. He was grinning at the camera, sitting on the side of a hill with a shirt and jeans, waving to the camera.

Hm, he didn't know anyone that would actually disguise themselves as a woman just for a job.

He stayed quiet and set the picture down, standing up and getting ready to head home for the weekend. He walked out of the office, holding his bag and turning his head to stare at the desk Ichigo used, seeing that he had already packed his stuff.

He walked towards the elevator, pushing the button.

The others weren't going to be too happy on Monday.

Ichigo was almost home, holding a bag while taking a deep breath. He didn't feel anything. He shouldn't have even went there to work in the first place. He wasn't feeling remorseful that he quit. He should be glad. He can start wearing jeans and shirts again.

He can walk around without heels.

Slowly, with a depressed look on his face, he went for his house, carrying a box in his arms. He sighed sullenly as he walked up the steps.

He's never been this depressed since his mother passed away.

Walking inside his house, he set down the box and walked to his room, immediately taking off his clothes and putting on a pair of jeans and a shirt. Sighing, he walked out of his room and sat on his couch, seeing Zangetsu make his way towards him.

"I'm in trouble." Ichigo muttered as he stared at the shaggy dog.

Zangetsu whined, almost seeming to know that something was upsetting his master. Ichigo sometimes felt like the only one he can go to for advice was his dog, which was really just pathetic.

Ichigo rubbed his forehead, a deep sigh leaving his mouth while looking at the ceiling.

What could he do?

He should tell his dad.

Yeah. Then go on a long trip and hope they forgot about him. He stood up and grabbed his keys and cell phone, heading for the door and putting his shoes on. He sighed before walking out and down the steps.

Thank god it was the weekend.

Grimmjow and them probably won't find out until Monday.

He walked out of his apartment and closed the door behind him, locking it and turning to walk down the steps. He sighed once more and shook his head before closing his eyes. This really, really was a bitch.

What can he do now?

He supposed he could take that job from Aizen. But he didn't really like the man. Shinji also said that the manager of the restaurant he worked at said he would take him back if he asked for the job he had before.

His lips tightened, shaking his head and walking down the sidewalk, just going to go for a long walk until he went to the restaurant to ask for his job back. He couldn't believe it. He scowled. He actually couldn't believe it.

He was sad he quit that job.

Here he should be finally glad that he quit that job and could start wearing his men's clothing again. But he was actually sad he quit. He gave an aggravated sigh and shook his head. He raised his hands and curled his fingers into fists before hitting his head lightly.

Get over it, Ichigo.

That job was nothing.

You only took the job because it had great pay.

You're not sad that you won't see the others.

He walked down the sidewalk quickly, his hands clenched tightly into fists by his sides and his glare concentrated on the ground in front of him. When he looked up he found himself heading towards his dad's house. He walked up to the door and grabbed the door knob before turning it and walking inside.

As soon as Isshin heard the door open he ran for it, about to attack until he faltered at the depressed look his son had on his face. He frowned and raised an eyebrow.

"Something wrong?"

::

Monday came around. It was the day most people felt slow and tired. People pulled themselves out of bed to face the day head on and go to work to earn money. Some people stayed in bed for a few more minutes. Some people just stayed in bed. Some people were confused when they didn't see the secretary at the desk.

Grimmjow frowned, holding a cup of coffee in his hand, staring at the empty desk in confusion.

He came in a few minutes late. He always came in a few minutes late after nine in the morning. And Ichigo was always there before him. His eyebrows furrowed together as his frown grew, heading towards the office.

Even when both Kenpachi and Nnoitra walked in, Ichigo still hadn't walked in.

And Stark was oddly working instead of sleeping.

Grimmjow frowned when he walked towards the copy room, seeing that Ichigo wasn't there. In fact, his stuff was gone. He narrowed his eyes, seeing Nnoitra glance out of his office and stare at the desk before frowning.

Even he was checking.

Where was Ichigo?

The desk was still empty when lunch rolled around. And that's when the three men walked into Stark's office with frowns on their faces, seeing that the man was looking out the window before he turned to stare at them. He didn't say anything. He knew why they were there. Over the past few months they had grown close to the disguised man. So he assumed they watched out for him.

"Where's Ichigo?" Grimmjow asked while folding his arms over his chest. "...She... is usually here before I arrive to work."

"You can drop the act now." Stark said at the same time all the men in the room blinked. They frowned. "I know that Ichigo Kurosaki is actually a male."

They all widened their eyes and gawked. Stark didn't react to their expressions. Ichigo had a lot of guts to walk into his office and tell him he was a male working as a female. Which was his dad's idea he seemed to point out a lot. Grimmjow slammed his hands on the desk and narrowed his eyes, glaring at the man.

"Where is he?"

::

Ichigo slept soundly, frowning slightly when he heard Zangetsu whining. He opened his eyes and glared at the wall before sitting up, looking around his room to see that Zangetsu wasn't in there. Okay… then where is he? He looked around the corner, seeing Zangetsu sitting in front of the door. The Strawberry sighed. He must want to go outside.

Just when he was about to get up the pounding on the door made him freeze and widen his eyes. Oh, god! Who is it!

Burglars?

"Ichigo! Get yer ass out here!"

No! It's worse!

It's his former bosses! He crawled under the blanket, his eyes abnormally large. Maybe if he stays quiet they'll leave. Nope. No such luck. They continued pounding on the door, yelling at the people that yelled at them to shut up. The Strawberry scowled when Zangetsu scratched the door.

Stop that!

They'll know he's in there!

"We know yer in there!"

See?

Ichigo slipped out from under his blanket, crawling across the floor and towards the window. Maybe he can- He suddenly slipped under his bed, seeing Grimmjow look through his window. Jeez. Talk about being a stalker. He stayed still, his eyes remaining wide and looking around wildly. Oh, damn! He's stuck! Surely they were all looking in through his windows.

Bastards.

Go away! He doesn't work for you anymore! They continued yelling at him to come out, threatening to knock down the door. Yeah, right! He'll charge them if they do that! Everything suddenly went quiet, making the Strawberry frown. Are they gone? He swallowed hard from the adrenaline that coursed through his veins. That was scary and exhilarating at the same time.

He looked out from under the bed, crawling across the floor to the large window. He peeked from underneath, blinking when he saw a police officer escorting the three back to their car. The three only snarled and waved their hands dismissively at the man.

Oh, thank god!

He felt bad that the cops had to come by, but jeez… He can't face them. He was too scared, yes he would admit it, so the only thing he can do at the moment with financial issues is… to take back his old job. He sighed, sitting on his floor and staring at the carpet for a long time. Well, maybe being a waiter is better than being a secretary.

But that sure was scary.

He looked up when he heard Zangetsu whine, seeing him stare at him for a long time.

"I'm not going back."

He would just have to make the best of it.

Outside Nnoitra scowled at the cop, seeing him drive away. The other two were also scowling before they jumped into the car. He stuck up his middle finger when he drove around the corner. It'd be scary if he suddenly came back.

"Bastard! Doesn't he know who I am?" Nnoitra huffed and folded his arms across his chest.

"No. Not many people do." Grimmjow said while rolling his eyes with a scoff. "He's in there. I just know it." He said, turning his head to glare at the apartment.

"What? Ya smell 'im?" Nnoitra asked while rolling his eyes, opening the back car door and hopping in with a frown.

"Ah, shut up." Grimmjow said as he jumped in the car.

Kenpachi frowned before getting into the driver's seat, a very angry look on his face the whole time. They all continued to scowl as they drove off, the Strawberry watching from the edge of his window. Once they drove around the corner he stood and sighed out of relief. Good. Now, maybe he can phone Shinj-

The door opened, in walking Shirosaki.

Ichigo jumped and screamed.

The two cousins stared at each other for a very long time. Shirosaki stared at the orange haired man with a frown. He opened his mouth while Ichigo remained frozen.

"…Did you just scream?" Shirosaki asked while quirking an eyebrow.

"…No."

"Liar."

Ichigo scowled before letting out a sigh, walking over to his couch and sitting down heavily. Shirosaki frowned at his cousin's behavior. He only came over because Isshin was yelling frantically that the cops called him and told him people were bothering Ichigo. He thought they were Yakuza. The albino continued to stare at his cousin, his eyebrows raised curiously.

"What happened?"

"Ah, it's… too long." Ichigo said while shaking his head.

"I've got time." Shirosaki said just as he plopped himself down on the couch beside his cousin.

Ichigo frowned. When he said that he meant that he didn't want to say anything. He closed his eyes and shook his head. To hell with it. He started explaining from the beginning, with his damn father and his plan, to how all three of his bosses found out. He then finished with how he told Stark that he was actually a male and that he quit. Shirosaki didn't say a word or laugh throughout the whole thing. He nodded several times to show he was listening.

When the Strawberry was done he had his face resting on his hands, hanging his head.

"Well, cuz… I don't know how ta help you." Shirosaki said as he frowned. "I'm also guessing you don't wanna face your bosses."

Ichigo nodded.

"…I'd say you're fucked." Shirosaki said.

"I know."

"And your pay won't be that much if you work at the restaurant again."

"I know."

Shirosaki patted his cousin's head reassuringly, making the Strawberry's head hang lower. He felt awful. He didn't want to go work at the restaurant but if he wanted money he had no choice. And Shinji said the manager would give him back his job if he asked.

"Can you pass me the phone?"

Shirosaki frowned and sighed. He stood up and walked across the room, grabbing the phone off the receiver and handing it to the depressed Strawberry. He didn't want to quit at that place, he could tell, but he was too damn stubborn to admit it. The albino frowned, seeing his cousin push several buttons and hold the phone against his ear.

"Ah… Hat 'n Clogs?"

Hat 'n Clogs? There's only one guy he calls that. Shirosaki frowned. So Isshin was telling the truth? That idiot Kisuke actually got a restaurant? Wow. He never would have suspected that. Ichigo scowled and glared at the wall.

"What do you mean you knew I was going to call?" Ichigo asked.

Shirosaki grinned.

"…Yes, I need a job." Ichigo said dejectedly.

He flinched and glared at the phone.

"No, I didn't!"

The albino frowned in confusion. He didn't what?

"I didn't have sex with them! I'm coming to work today! Good bye!" Ichigo yelled as he hung up the phone.

The albino grinned once more.

::

"Ichigo?"

Shinji stood in the back room, his eyebrows raised in shock at seeing the Strawberry. Ichigo scowled, seeing the blonde's shocked stare. He put on his black and white striped button up shirt and black vest. He then grabbed his white apron and tied it around his wasit, ignoring the blonde the entire time. After ten minutes of staring Ichigo for fed up.

"What?" Ichigo asked his friend with a scowl.

"Why are you here?" Shinji asked while looking incredibly baffled. "What about your job at Los Lobos?"

"I quit." Ichigo said as he looked away. "They found out I was actually a guy."

"Wha- How?"

"Now, now. Keep your private lives to yourselves while you work~!"

They both jumped and screamed, turning to see Kisuke giving them a wide grin. He had them dress all fancy when they would work, and the restaurant was fancy as well, but he dressed so casually while working. And when one of the customers would want to thank him they would be quite confused at the man's attire.

"Now get all pretty and start taking orders." Kisuke said as he pointed towards the restaurant, which was already piling up with customers.

"Shut up!" Ichigo snapped, grabbing his pen and pad and stomping towards the restaurant.

He then went into professional mode when he walked into the room. He started taking people's orders with a wide smile on his face, which was fake, and went from one table to another. He would go in the back and make their drinks and walk out and hand it to the people that ordered with a bright smile on his face.

Kisuke watched from the door with a wide grin on his face.

He didn't fool him. He sounded quite depressed from the phone call. But he had been expecting Ichigo's phone call sooner or later. He's just surprised he lasted so long. He turned when he heard the bell chime from the front door. He should really take down that bell. It was disturbing everyone's dinner.

He made a surprise sound when he saw the people.

A big grin soon crossed his face.

He quickly rushed into the back room and grabbed the tray holding drinks from Ichigo. The Strawberry widened his eyes and steadied the tray so the drinks didn't fall.

"W-Wha-"

"There's some people that walked in and I need you to get their orders." Kisuke said as he continued to grin. "They're at table nine~!" He stopped the Strawberry before he could leave. "And which table do these drinks go to?"

"Table six." Ichigo answered with a frown.

"Great~! You may go~!" Kisuke sang as he stepped aside.

Ichigo frowned. As soon as he stepped out of the kitchen he plastered a smile on his face, walking towards table nine. He should be glad he's still used to the routine. Kisuke walked of the room with a grin, standing at table six with a wide grin. The people at the table stared at him with confusion, looking at his attire.

"Whose drink is who's?"

"Hello, I am Ichigo Kurosaki and I'll be your waiter tonight." Ichigo said as he walked up to the table with a smile. "What may I get you?"

"Uh, yeah… Why'd ya quit? That's what I want."

Ichigo's eyes were closed so he couldn't really see the customers. Only when he opened his eyes to stare at the one that asked the question did he widen his eyes with shock. His jaw fell open when he saw the three people sitting at the table, all frowning and glaring at him.

"W-W-Wha…" Ichigo's eyes continued to grow wide.

He turned and glared at the man dressed in green, seeing him give him a wide grin. That damn bastard! He should have kept his little damn candy shop!

"Uh… We don't have that." Ichigo said as he gave a nervous grin. "Is there anything else you would like?"

Ichigo's hands trembled, trying to steady his hand holding the pen. Nnoitra frowned and gave him a glare, tapping his fingers on the table impatiently. Okay, if Berry wanted to play hardball he'll play. He looked at the menu with a frown.

"Nah, I want what I want." Nnoitra said as he looked at the Strawberry once more.

"I-I said we don't have that." Ichigo said as he chuckled nervously. "I'll get you anything else instead of that."

"Awright." Grimmjow said as he smirked. "I want strawberry shortcake for dessert."

Ichigo scowled. "We're fresh out of that."

"Then what's that?" Grimmjow asked as he pointed at the next table over, with a guy eating strawberry shortcake.

"…We just ran out." Ichigo said.

"No, we didn't~!" Kisuke sang as he appeared out of nowhere, holding a small plate with a cake in his hand. "Here you go~!" He said as he set the plate down in front of the stunned man. "And Ichigo… No lying~!" He said, wagging his finger in front of his face like he was disciplining a child.

Ichigo frowned.

"…Who was that?" Nnoitra murmured with a frown. "Frickin' creepy guy."

Ichigo sighed and closed his eyes. "Is there anything you would like?"

"Yeah. Why'd ya get another job so damn fast?" Kenpachi asked as he looked through the menu.

"Because the manager said all I would have to do is phone and I can get my job back." Ichigo said as he glared at him. "We also serve food. We don't serve answers to questions."

They all frowned and glared at him before telling him what they wanted to eat and drink. Ichigo gave them a fake smile before turning. As soon as he turned a scowl made its way onto his face. He was going to kill Kisuke. As soon as he got into the back room people in the restaurant turned their heads when they heard yelling.

"You knew they were here!" Ichigo yelled accusingly while pointing at the man.

"Kurosaki, be quiet. I'm trying to cook."

"Be quiet, Ishida!" Ichigo snapped.

Uyruu rolled his eyes before going back to cooking, the main chef. Despite such a young age he knew how to cook pretty well. Ichigo jumped the man and strangled him for a few moments before getting his former bosses' drinks. He took a deep breath as he held the tray before he opened the door and walked out with a sparkling smile on his face. Hand them the drinks, thank them for coming, and get the hell back into the kitchen so you don't have to face them.

That was Ichigo's plan to deal with them.

"Here you go." Ichigo murmured as he placed the cups in front of the three. "Thank you for coming by. Your food will be ready shortly." He said as he turned.

He widened his eyes when long fingers grabbed his wrist, being forced to sit down in the empty chair. Dammit! So much for getting out of there quickly. He sat down and looked at his lap.

"Look at us." Grimmjow ordered as he glared at the Strawberry.

Ichigo looked up with a scowl.

"Holy shit, ya really are a guy."

Ichigo tried to stand up to leave when both Kenpachi and Nnoitra placed their hands on his shoulders and forced him to sit down. He folded his arms over his chest and looked to the side. Jeez. What now? They were going to get pissed at him?

"I want ya to work fer me." Grimmjow said as he pointed to himself.

Ichigo snapped his head towards him, his eyes wide. "W-What? But I quit being the secretary!"

"Not as the secretary, but as my assistant." Grimmjow said as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Stark can complain an' whatever, but since I would hire ya he can't say shit."

"…Uh… No." Ichigo said as he shook his head to decline, closing his eyes with a frown.

Grimmjow frowned in frustration, as did the other two men. He grabbed a napkin and wrote a number on it, glancing up to see the Strawberry remaining unmoved. He placed the napkin in front of him and leaned back, seeing Ichigo open one eye and glance at the napkin. His eyes grew as wide as saucers when he saw the number.

It's more than when he was working as a secretary!

Ichigo stared at the paper with wide eyes before shaking his head.

"No! I quit! And I refuse to work for you!" Ichigo yelled as he stood. "Excuse me. I think your food is done." He said as he rushed towards the kitchen.

As soon as the door shut he leaned against the wall and covered his face with his hand. Why did they have to go there? How did they even know he was working there? He stayed silent before slowly raising his head, seeing Kisuke staring at him from around the corner. He gave a wide grin before disappearing.

The son of a bitch!

"Order up!"

"Shut up, Ishida!"

I thank all those that reviewed. I'm so very sorry about the late, late, very late update. ^^' I did not mean to take this long but life was very important. I apologize for taking my time. ^^