Disclaimer: I do not own either properties, otherwise a crossover would have definitely happened by now:P

Chapter 1 – A Surprise Invitation

Ichigo Kurosaki was an adaptable sort. Or, at the very least, he considered himself to be. The majority of his friends may have disagreed with the notion on account of his stubborn behaviour, but that wasn't the point. He prided himself on having an open mindset. While he may have been stuck in his ways to an extent, he truly believed that nothing could surprise him anymore.

"What the hell is this!?"

Of course, there's a first time for everything.

"Eh!? What's that reaction for, nii-chan? A job at MBI sounds amazing!"

The carrot-top didn't respond, instead staring in disbelief at the letter clutched in his hand. He had actually received it a few days prior but had only gotten around to reading it just now; its apparent deadline.

Was it some type of setup? Why was he being asked specifically? He had no clue. Maybe he should give it another look…

Dear Ichigo Kurosaki,

You have been personally selected to intern under MBI for the foreseeable future. We have heard of your achievements from your peers, teachers and other sources and believe that you would be invaluable to our vision. The length of time you will be with us for is unknown at this current moment. However, rest assured you will be paid handsomely for your efforts and I will personally assure you that this will be an enjoyable experience for you. Let us know by Friday, the 17th what your decision ends up being. My associate Takami Sahashi will be by to pick you up, if you accept. I look forward to hearing from you.

Minaka Hiroto, CEO of MBI

Nope, still had no clue. It was too abnormal, too off-putting.

Too convenient.

Graduation had just occurred not even a week before and he was immediately scouted for a company large enough to own entire cities? He didn't like it.

"I don't know about this, Yuzu, Karin." Ichigo muttered. "It seems kinda strange don't you think. I mean, why me specifically? I just finished high school and have no formal training on the front of a medical company." He began pointing at different parts of the letter. "Also, who the hell are they referring to when they say 'other sources'? I don't like it-"

"Ichi-nii, shut up."

He raised an eyebrow at his two siblings who leaned forward in a manner suggesting their annoyance.

"This is a great opportunity for you!" Yuzu puffed out her cheeks. "It's a well-paying job that will give you something to do while you decide what you want to eventually be in life! It's a great stepping stone if anything."

Karin didn't say much except an assertive "do it."

Ichigo just sweat-dropped. Since when had they become so forward? Where did his adorable, quiet, little sisters go?

He wanted to cry.

"Alright, alright." He placated. "I could just be overreacting or something, I guess." After all, hadn't he just been asking for something abnormal to happen in his life? No matter how this turned out, he had nothing to lose. If it was a set-up, he'd fight his way out. If it really was just a well-paying job, he could always use the money.

"Fine." He acquiesced. "I'll apply."

Ichigo looked down at the phone number written at the bottom of the letter. The text was small, microscopically small. Almost as if to shield it from prying eyes. Bizarre.

A few seconds after the initial ring an annoyed voice picked up. "Who is this and how'd you get my number?"

"Uh…" Ichigo blanched for a second. "Is this Sahashi-san?"

He could almost hear the eyebrow raise from the other side of the phone. "Yes, it is. Who's asking?"

"My name is Ichigo Kurosaki. I was given this phone number from Minaka Hiroto. He told me to call it if I accepted his proposed internship at MBI." He coughed awkwardly. "I apologize if I called at a bad time."

There was silence for a second.

"He gave you my personal number, huh." She sighed. "Of course, he did."

Ichigo blinked. Personal number? Why did he get sent something like that?

"Also, no. Sorry kid. You weren't bothering me or anything I just wasn't expecting a stranger to call me." She paused for a second. "So, are you that one from Karakura Town? Am I to assume that you're ready to head over immediately?"

He scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Ah, yeah? I suppose-?"

"Great." She spoke, cutting him off. "I'll be there within the hour. See you soon."

The call went dead as he deadpanned. An hour? They don't waste time apparently.

"Ne, Ichi-nii? How'd it go?"

He blinked. He had almost forgotten his sisters were still there.

"Well," he smiled lightly. "Your older brother has a job now. I just hope it goes well."

They both grinned back at him.

"I'm sure it'll go great!"

Patting Yuzu on her head for the exuberant response, he headed towards his room. His sisters appeared confused.

"Ne, where are you going?"

Ichigo paused in his steps.

"To go pack, obviously. My driver said she'd be here soon so I can't have her show up without me being ready." He put a finger to his chin in thought. "And considering the fact that I could be gone for a while I better take everything I can think of. Don't want to have to come back home so soon after leaving."

A second passed.

Then another.

"Wait… you're moving…?" Evidentially, they hadn't thought things through.

"Well, yeah." He frowned. "That's what the invitation was for. I'm going to be working for a company situated in Neo-Tokyo. I can't very well do that from all the way out here, now can I?"

Another second passed.

And another.

Then-

"EHHHHHHHHHHH!?"

"ONII-CHAN DON'T LEAVE USSSSSS! I'M SORRY FOR PUSHING YOU INTO THIS! I TAKE IT ALL BACK! ICHI-NII NOOOOOOOOO!"

Ichigo sighed as he looked down at his pant leg currently being held by Yuzu. He had called his friends letting them know his plans, and aside from Orihime who told him that she's gonna visit as soon as she can, nothing out of the ordinary happened. All of them wishing him well and congratulating him for trying to find some purpose in his life. Even Uryu, surprisingly.

That being said-

"DAMMIT YUZU LET GO!"

His anger was fake, and the others present knew it. Karin stood at the back with a grin on her face, trying but failing to keep her face free of tears. She was also holding back her father who kept attempting to punch his son for making his daughters cry.

Stupid goat-face.

"Ichi-nii…" Yuzu's face was so depressed he almost crumbled on the spot. "Please don't leave me."

His expression softened. Looking behind him he saw his pickup car approaching the driveway.

It was time for him to go.

"Yuzu, you told me I should do this and you were right. I think this will be good for me." He slowly pulled her into a hug and let her cry into his jacket. "I know it'll be hard but you can always call me and if you want to I can see about letting you stay with me for a little while, alright?"

She nodded slowly before unlatching herself from him.

"I'll miss you Ichi-nii…"

He smiled fondly before ruffling her hair, ignoring her pout.

"I'll miss you too."

Getting up from the ground he smiled at Karin and nodded at his father.

"That goes for you too Karin, alright?"

She nodded before rubbing her eyes free of tears. Ichigo grinned.

"I'll see you guys around, alright? Take care of the old man for me, alright?"

Isshin blanked at the statement, crying from his son's blatant disrespect. Ichigo chuckled and picked up his suitcase, walking towards the limousine.

Damn, fancy.

"You're Ichigo Kurosaki, right?"

He looked up and was brought face to face with one of the most attractive, and intimidating women he had ever seen. That says a lot.

"Yeah." He steeled his nerves. "I am. It's nice to meet you in person, Sahashi-san."

The woman eyed him up for a second. He felt a little awkward at her traveling eyes, though he wasn't entirely sure what she was looking for. After a second she smiled lightly.

"No need for formalities with me kid. Mind if I just call you Ichigo? You can use my given name if you'd like."

The way it was worded made it seem like an offer. He could tell from the tone and the glint in her eye that it wasn't. It was a demand.

"Ah, yeah sure. I'm not one for formalities either. Glad to meet you Takami."

She gave him a feral grin as he put his stuff in the trunk before sitting in the back across from her. The car sped away at speeds he wasn't entirely comfortable going.

She paid his incredulous expression no mind.

"So." Takami began with a raised eyebrow. "Tell me about yourself, kid. Why exactly the company could use someone like you. Strengths, weaknesses, shit like that."

He looked at her in confusion.

"Wait, we're doing an interview now? I thought I was already hired?"

Taking a drag of a cigarette she pondered his question. "This isn't so much an interview as it is a way for me to see what my future co-worker is like." Dropping some ash out the window she coughed into her arm. "Ah, I guess I should say subordinate. You'll be like my right-hand man, working directly under me. At least for the time being."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

"Directly under you? You must have some serious clout within the company, huh?"

She grinned at him.

"I guess you could say that. I'm considered to be the second-in-command actually."

Ichigo looked at her in astonishment.

"Seriously!? That's insane. I hope I'm up to the task."

She looked him over once again before speaking, almost absentmindedly.

"I'm sure you are. Minaka is a lot of things… not many good. In fact, given how put-together you appear, I don't see you particularly enjoying his company." Ichigo sweat dropped. "That being said, he is a genius. I'm sure he had his reasons for choosing you."

'I could never get away with backtalking my old boss that way…' the carrot-top chuckled awkwardly as a picture of Ikumi popped into his head. A faint smile found its way onto his face. 'Still though, she seems nice. Strict, but nice. I could be far worse off.'

"Alright well…" he stopped for a moment. "I'm not sure what to say about myself. I graduated within the top ten of my class… despite people thinking I'm a delinquent due to my hair colour." He trailed off. "I help out at my father's clinic where I can and I enjoy a good run when I have the time."

She closed her eyes.

"What martial arts do you know?"

Ichigo was thrown for a loop. He recovered quickly though.

"I know Kendo mainly. Though, I am able to hold my own in a fight if needed." He raised an eyebrow. "How'd you know? Was I scouted to be your bodyguard?"

She stared at him incredulously.

"Ichigo, look at you. You are ripped as hell, noticeably so." Ichigo blushed. "Not only that; you carry yourself in a way that speaks volumes about your abilities. You seem very experienced in fighting."

He didn't answer.

She took in his unwavering expression.

"As for your other question, no that wasn't what you were hired for. Though, I suppose if the occasion called for it protection would be nice."

Takami expected him to shoot her down. It was a joke, after all. Any sane person could see that she wasn't someone who required help-

"Alright."

She blinked.

"Alright?"

He leaned back and closed his eyes.

"Yeah. I may not know what my job entails but I do know that I make it my business to ensure my friends don't get hurt. I know we're to be boss and subordinate but that doesn't mean I won't consider you a friend. I already might."

She was surprised. Very much so.

"I… see."

The white-haired woman did not enter this conversation expecting to become speechless from the sudden conviction of the young man in front of her. She hated people like that.

Still, the smile that found its way on her face was more genuine than any in recent memory.

The two continued to converse for the rest of the journey. After the moment passed, they carried on as if they had known each other for years.

It was a surprisingly fast companionship the two attained. Neither complained about that fact however.

"We're here, you two. I hope you enjoyed the drive."

Ichigo had to admit the driver was impressive. Despite the speeds he was going they never ran into trouble.

Though he was far more stunned by the structure in front of him.

"Teito Tower…" he breathed.

Takami grinned at his expression. She remembered her first time viewing the building when it finally reached completion. Nudging his side, she motioned for him to follow her.

"Don't worry, Ichigo; your luggage will be taken to your room for you. So, let's just head inside. We don't want to keep Minaka waiting, hm?"

The question was rhetorical, of course. He had no intention of being late given the importance of the meeting.

As they ascended the elevator Ichigo could not keep the awe out of his eyes.

"Damn. I mean I knew the company was rich but just… damn."

Takami chuckled at his comment.

"Yeah, we are. That includes you now, in a way Ichigo."

He noticed that after their first conversation she never referred to him as 'kid' again. He wasn't entirely sure why but he didn't complain. She didn't look much older than him and he never appreciated being underestimated.

The orange-haired teen was about to respond when the elevator doors opened to the top floor.

"Ah! Welcome! You must be Ichigo-kun, yes?" A white-haired scientist-looking man yelled out from the highest platform of the room. "Welcome aboard!"

Takami face-palmed while Ichigo scowled. This was the CEO of MBI?

"Yeah… thanks."

The woman next to him grinned at the expression on her new-found friend's face. She just knew that they would get along famously.

Minaka didn't seem to notice. Or care.

"So! I'm guessing that you would like to know what you will be doing from now on, hm?"

Ichigo bit back a sarcastic remark and nodded slowly. This man took eccentric past Urahara and into Kurotsuchi levels. He was not a fan.

The white-haired man just grinned wider. "Takami-kun will be bringing you up to speed with that now, not to worry. I just wished to meet you in person. I'm sure I'll be hearing from you soon."

He made a shooing motion with his hands smiling as they backed out of the room.

The two didn't say a word until they entered the elevator.

"You were right." Ichigo grunted.

"Hm?" she glanced over, confused.

"I don't like him."

Takami laughed hard. Harder than she had in what felt like forever. In a move that surprised even her she playfully smacked the boy's shoulder.

"I like you Ichigo. I feel like we're going to get along just fine."

He looked over at the smiling woman and chuckled.

"I think so too."

"And this here is one of our many laboratories. This focusses more on the psychological aspects of our medical advancements."

Ichigo nodded, half-listening. In truth, his mind was elsewhere. His fight or flight instincts were going haywire. There was something off about the whole place.

The scientists were… few and far between. For such a huge building, especially with multiple laboratories of this size he was expecting many people. That was not the case. In fact, there was a severe lack of anyone. The teen was going to bring it up but figured he'd keep his cards close to his chest. There must be a reason for it, after all.

Combined with that, Takami had been slightly jittery for a while now. He doubted this was normal for the woman who appeared so well put-together.

"…chigo? Hey, Ichigo! You listening?"

The hybrid blinked. Must have zoned out.

"Ah, yeah. Sorry about that."

She sighed, a wilted expression on her face.

"It's fine. Just please try to pay attention. I'm not doing this because I want to."

He smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to do this."

The woman gave him a small smile before leading him away. It looked forced, he noted.

"At least I'm talking with you. You're definitely preferable to a good amount of the people left here."

He rose an eyebrow at the word left. Did that mean she got along well with someone who wasn't here anymore? Or was that an implication for something else.

Maybe he was reading too much into it.

As they reached the end of the hallway, she suddenly stopped, hesitating. Ichigo frowned as he took in her form. To him it looked as if the woman did not want to go through there for some reason. Was this what she had been so reprehensive about this whole time?

"Ne, Takami. You alright over there?"

The woman bit her lip as a wave of anxiety washed over her. The fact that she, of all people, could feel connected to someone this soon was nerve-wracking to her. But she did and she was scared of what will happen once Ichigo learns what was done here. He was obviously someone with a strong sense of justice.

That is not something welcomed in a place like this.

She instinctually flinched at the hand that rested on her shoulder.

"Are you worried about going through there?"

He looked deeper at her expression and sighed.

"I feel like I can be honest with you, so I will be." She stared at him in confusion. "I knew from the moment that I got the letter that something was up here. There is no way someone fresh out of high school would get recruited so fast."

She felt her heart rate accelerating. He continued.

"There's something abnormal happening in this place which is the main reason I accepted. It was worrying but I've seen far stranger things in my lifetime than I think you'd expect."

The scientist felt the words held meaning beyond what she could understand.

"I'm guessing that after I go through those doors I can't just leave the way I came. Some secrets need to be kept, but don't worry; I won't freak out." His smile was small but in her mind, it was powerful. "Just trust me a little, alright? I won't run or judge you. I promise."

Takami didn't say anything. Inwardly she was astounded at the boy's intellect. Of course, the whole thing would seem a little fishy to the average person, but to deduce this much? Not to mention how he seemed to know exactly what she was feeling.

'Just who are you Ichigo…?'

And being asked to trust him? She hadn't trusted a person since Mina- since him. Something about this young man just made her feel secure about everything, though. It was strange.

It was a wonderful feeling, however.

"Alright." She relented. "I just wasn't sure if I should get someone like you involved in all this. You seem to be a genuinely good person…"

Ichigo felt touched. He could tell that expressing herself was not something the woman in front of him was used to. Still he was determined and she could tell that.

She opened the door.

"What the hell…?"

It was a bunch of pods?

A quick glance at the amount put his estimation at around one hundred. They were big, too. Certainly, large enough to contain people. Was that what was going on at MBI? Were their medical advancements a bi product of experimentation…?

"I assure you, it's not what you think." Takami chuckled mirthlessly. "In fact, if you somehow did guess what this all was then I think I would have to question your sanity."

His eyebrow rose at her words.

She didn't elaborate.

They continued onwards as he looked more carefully at the pods. At least half of them appeared empty. Though he estimated a good forty or more still had something in them. They appeared humanoid, but it was hard to tell due to the thick glass.

Eventually the two passed by two more doors and were met with a conference room. Off to the sides Ichigo noted a number of hallways leading out of the area and branching off elsewhere.

"This is the place."

Takami took a seat at the table. She motioned for him to do the same.

"Ichigo I'm going to say some things here. Some that won't make sense, right now."

He nodded slowly.

"I'll just be blunt then." She leaned forward. "We are, as a company, studying a race of alien life forms known as Sekirei."

Aliens?

Ichigo was surprised. Though, not as much as he guessed he should be. Aliens, while he hadn't given it much thought before, wasn't out of the realm of possibility.

"Alright." He shrugged. "I've heard of less believable things before. So then, what was I hired to do exactly?"

Her eyes widened exponentially, clearly dumbfounded.

"You're not at all doubting my words? I'd thought you'd have more common sense than that."

The carrot-top looked at her, an annoyance present. After a few moments, he shook his head.

"I may not be the best in guessing intentions, but I am well-versed in dealing with liars. You aren't lying right now, nor do I have any idea why you would. As I said, I've dealt with weirder things. Extraterrestrial lifeforms are par for the course at this point."

She was silent for a moment.

"You're a strange guy. You know that, right?"

He smirked.

"So I've heard."

Takami smiled back, tentatively.

"Alright, then. Even though I'm still slightly unnerved by you accepting things so quick I guess I should give you a basic overview about Sekirei."

The scientist's explanation was in-depth and Ichigo mulled it over. Of course, a normal person would want proof to verify such words but he knew it would be coming sooner rather than later. Instead, upon finishing, he decided to ask some questions.

"So, there are one hundred and seven Sekirei in total, then?"

"That's right."

"The majority are female and have abilities ranging from elemental manipulation to enhanced physical strength?"

"Yup."

"And our job here is mainly to adjust them so they are all in an equal playing field for some free-for-all Minaka created."

"Mhmm."

"I see."

…

Truthfully, he didn't. It was pretty far-fetched. Not to mention twisted. He almost regretted all that stuff he had said about being accepting. Still, he wasn't going to back down now.

"So, these… Sekirei. They speak Japanese, correct?"

Takami shook her head.

"In a way. We had to help adjust their dialect to modern-day standards but they came with the basic knowledge of the language inside of them." She stood up. "I take it that you wish to meet some of them? Get proof of my claims."

He followed close behind her as she headed down a corridor marked 'completed adjustments.'

The journey from one room to the next was far longer than Ichigo envisioned. Scowl in place he muttered to himself as they passed yet another door they weren't meant to go in.

"Where exactly are we going, Takami?"

She spared a glance over her shoulder.

"We're going to meet one of the Sekirei, of course. She is one of the friendlier ones. Her abilities allow her to fight using cloth. She usually wears a veil for ease of movement in combat."

That was interesting. Weird, but interesting. He had never heard of someone using something as unconventional as some cloth in battle before. Aside from the rare times Yoruichi had, that is.

"Here we are."

His thought process stopped as Takami pointed towards a door with a number '10' above it. It looked innocuous enough but he was worried about what was inside.

A few knocks on the door later and someone walked out.

"Takami-chan? What are you doing here?"

Ichigo backed up many paces as he held his nose in an attempt to stop a nosebleed. Standing in front of him was a woman so attractive that very few girls he had met could ever hope to compare to. Of course, her being practically naked didn't help things any.

Takami sighed.

"Uzume. What have I told you about coming to the door with just your panties on?"

The brown-haired alien pouted at the retainer before running back inside. Not even five seconds later she was back, fully clothed. How did she-?

"Ichigo, come say hi. I promise she's decent now."

Running a hand through his shoulder-length hair he grumbled and got up from his place on the floor. He really hoped this girl didn't turn out to be a Yoruichi or something. He wasn't sure he'd be able to handle that daily.

Uzume, who had only just noticed him, blushed brightly at the attractive young man in front of her.

"Wh-who are you…?"

Ichigo raised an eyebrow at the rather unexpected stuttering.

"Ichigo Kurosaki. I'm a new employee here, at least for the moment." His scowl lessened. "I think I caught that your name was Uzume, right? It's nice to meet you."

Uzume's blush only increased that much more.

"Yea-yeah. Nice to meet you too, Ichi-kun."

Ordinarily he'd complain about such an informal pet-name, but he decided to just let it slide. No sense in arguing about something so arbitrary on the job.

Instead he leaned against the wall, scowl in place once more. He closed his eyes and began to think about the situation more clearly.

'Well Uzume seems pretty normal, if a little shy for whatever reason.' He reasoned. 'In fact, she seems so normal that there is very little reason for me to believe she isn't human. Aside from her… extraordinary good looks.'

Just showing him their abilities didn't seem like a good way to prove they were extraterrestrial, either, he decided. He knew beautiful girls like Orihime who also happened to have special abilities after all. Who's to say that this isn't the same thing?

There was one way to know for sure, though.

"Uzume, how'd you like to spar with me?"

Both of his companions blinked at the question before laughing. Loudly. Ichigo's eyebrow twitched.

"What's so funny, huh?"

Takami recovered first.

"Ichigo, I did tell you that Sekirei have special abilities, right? I'm sorry to say but an ordinary human would have no chance in standing up to them. Especially not one of the strongest like Uzume over here."

That piece of information intrigued him. It appears that even after the supposed 'balancing step', certain Sekirei remained more powerful than others. It made sense. Not everyone was born the same, after all.

"That's good to know." He replied. "You told me that the single numbers were in a different league but I hadn't guessed that the others weren't fully balanced yet. Makes sense though. With a multitude of abilities like you were mentioning before it wouldn't be possible for everything to be even."

Takami and Uzume looked at him in surprise at his deduction.

"That being said," he grumbled. "I'd prefer not being underestimated. I promise you that this fight will not be as one-sided on your end, as you think. So, please?"

The girls looked at each other before shrugging. If he wanted to fight, it wasn't their fault if he got hurt.

Leading the two away from the area she punched some numbers into a nearby keypad leading to a wide-open room.

"Damn."

Ichigo whistled. It reminded him of Urahara's underground training area. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Uzume began stripping…?

He quickly turned away with a blush on his face much to the laughter of the two behind him.

"I had no idea you were such a prude, Ichigo." Takami grinned. "Your appearance and attitude had me fooled. I actually had you pegged for some type of bad boy."

Ichigo just grumbled causing them to laugh louder. Everyone's a critic.

"Alright Ichi-kun I'm done changing. You can turn around."

He did so and almost immediately regretted it.

"Gah! What the hell are you wearing!? That doesn't cover shit!"

Uzume blinked.

"It's my combat uniform. This is how I battle. I thought Takami would have told you this before meeting me."

'She did say Uzume used cloths…' Ichigo chagrined. 'That didn't mean that I expected her to only be wearing said cloths, though.'

"Hey Ichigo." Takami called out. "Why exactly do you wanna fight Uzume, anyway? Is it for revenge on her meeting you topless?"

Both Fullbringer and Sekirei blushed at the reminder causing her to smirk at them.

He recovered quickly. "No, it's not that dammit. I just learn people's intentions easier by battling them rather than through words. I don't know why, I just do."

Neither of them expected that answer.

Uzume smiled lightly.

"Well, alright then Ichi-kun. Get ready!"

Not even a moment later the girl jumped forward, veils ready to entrap her opponent. Ichigo leapt backwards in a dodge before grasping one of the offending piece of cloth and tugging hard. Not expecting the sudden movement Uzume tumbled for a moment. Using the momentum given Ichigo swept her legs out from underneath her and drove his elbow into her gut causing her to collapse onto the floor.

Takami was stunned.

'Wha-what the hell was that…? He knocked her to the ground with minimal effort.' She may have not been going all-out but there should still be no way that an ordinary human could keep up with her. Not like that.

Uzume gasped for air. Hunched over she grit her teeth and forced herself back into a standing position.

"Hey, you alright over there Uzume? Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

She narrowed her eyes at the boy in front of her.

"Don't underestimate me Ichi-kun. I wasn't planning on using my full speed but I guess I have no chance now."

Suddenly Uzume blurred out of existence. At least, it appeared that way for a normal human.

Takami was about to yell out for her to stop but before she could-

"GAH!"

The veil-wearing Sekirei fell to the ground. Ichigo stood over her body with an uncompromised expression on his face.

'Did… did he stop her somehow?' Takami was stunned. 'I could barely see her move, let alone him. How is that humanly possible!?'

Ichigo looked down at the girl gasping for air on the ground and sighed. Getting down to her level he began to gently coax her into breathing properly by rubbing her back.

"Hey, you alright?"

His voice was soft, tender. A tone he was only used to giving his sisters. He wasn't sure why but the girl in front of him injured in such a way bothered him. It felt wrong somehow.

Uzume gave him an annoyed look which melted after seeing his expression. She blushed and turned away.

"Yeah… yeah, I'm fine. Just a bruised ego, is all. Thank you, Ichi-kun."

He nodded before standing up and offering her a hand. Smiling brightly at him she grasped it and let him hoist her up.

Then she 'accidentally' landed on top of him.

"Oh, I'm so sorry Ichi-kun. My feet much have slipped."

Ichigo's mind shut down as the incredibly busty girl rubbed herself up against him. He had no defense.

Thankfully, Takami broke out of her stupor and pulled the girl off him, much to her annoyance.

"You know better than that Uzume. Don't harass our newest employee."

Uzume pouted and turned her head away. She was just having fun. The alien rarely got the chance to mess with a prudish boy like Ichigo. Let alone such a cute one.

"Thanks, Takami." He grunted. "At least now I can believe what you're saying now."

The women blinked at him.

Uzume looked unconvinced. "Really, Ichi-kun? I didn't even manage to use my cloths against you. You trounced me before I even could." She grinned. "Speaking of which, I didn't know humans were capable of speed to that degree."

He smirked.

"I think you'll find I'm full of surprises. Though, don't expect to get everything out of me right away." He turned back to address them both. "As for me believing you, I could tell during that fight that you expected a different result. That you really didn't think I would put up a fight. If you had no basis for thinking that I'd find it odd considering physically I look far stronger."

"Speaking of which," Takami cut in. "You managed to beat one of the strongest Sekirei in the facility with little to no effort on your part. In fact, I didn't even see you move. How do you explain that?"

Ichigo narrowed his eyes.

"I don't need to. I was hired by Minaka to work here at the company and that's my intention. We all have secrets here, there's nothing saying that we have to share them all."

Takami looked like she wanted to argue but decided against it. She hated not knowing things but knew it was pointless to push. There wasn't much she could do beyond getting Karasuba or Miya involved.

She'd rather avoid killing him, though.

"Fine, fine. I won't push for details." She relented. "Can you at least tell me if you're human, then?"

He gave her a look. Checking a glance over at Uzume he saw she was interested as well. He shrugged. "I am. Mostly." No elaboration was given.

Takami searched his eyes for a few moments before relenting. "Alright. Good enough for me. Let's keep going then. I'll bring you to the place you'll be staying for the foreseeable future."

With that she headed out of the room prompting Ichigo to follow behind.

Uzume saddled herself next to the carrot-top and peered up at his scowling expression. She smiled. He was interesting to her.

Ichigo noticed her expression but ignored it. He figured she just wasn't used to seeing someone his age.

Looking briefly over her shoulder Takami was surprised to see Uzume standing so close to their newest recruit. She smirked internally.

He'd fit in well.

The tour continued on. It felt as if Takami had a very obvious goal in mind and kept giving long strides to stay just ahead of him. It was curious, to say the least, but he decided not to ask. Perhaps she wanted to avoid overwhelming him on his first day? A nice sentiment, but ultimately unnecessary.

Though, some personal space would be appreciated.

"Uzume."

The girl beamed up at him. "Hm?"

Ichigo's eye twitched. "Could I have my arm back please…?"

"Hm…" the Sekirei put a finger to her chin as if in deep thought. Then she grinned. "Nope!"

He face-faulted.

Truth be told, he didn't necessarily dislike having such a beautiful girl hanging off of him. It was more the fact that they had been walking in what felt like circles for an hour now.

…

…

…

Wait a second.

"Takami…?"

The older lady smiled back. "Yes?"

He forced a weak smile onto his face. "You wouldn't happen to be walking us around in a circle are you…?"

"Now why would I do that…?" her smirk was bloody. "I'm just glad to see you two getting along so well. Poor Uzume doesn't normally have anyone around her age to talk to. Aren't you glad to be able to help…?"

Ichigo's eyebrow twitched rapidly. His teeth felt brittle as his smile faltered.

"Yeah… right. Lucky."

Uzume beamed.

Takami chuckled.

Ichigo scowled.

'I just want to get this tour over with, so I can process everything. Is that too much to ask!?'

Suddenly, his guide stopped.

"Alright. We're here, Ichigo."

Swiping a card across a panel adjourning the door, she stepped inside.

"Welcome." Takami motioned behind her. "to your new home away from home."

Ichigo nearly dropped to the floor. This was his new room!?

"THIS SUITE IS BIGGER THAN MY FAMILY'S ENTIRE HOUSE!"

Takami chuckled at his rather overblown reaction but couldn't deny the fact. While she never went inside, she figured the high-rise ceiling of the teenager's new penthouse was more than likely larger; if only by a slight amount.

"Alright," she patted him on the back, "let's show you around."

Ichigo followed her in a daze as he took in the amenities provided to him. A full master bedroom with two guest rooms. A full-order kitchen, dining room and giant living room that had the largest television he ever laid eyes on. Oh, and his bathroom contained a bathtub that doubled as a hot tub. Yeah, sure, why not.

"So." Takami grinned at the expression adorning his face. "What do you think?"

Uzume giggled. The Sekirei could tell he was overwhelmed but was trying not to explode.

She exchanged a look with her favourite handler. Time to change that.

"Ne, Ichi-kun…?"

Uzume whispered in his ear. Breathily, and with obvious intent.

"Would you care to break that hot tub in with me…?" she draped herself around him. "I'd love to get to know you, and this room, on a more intimate level… is that alright with you, Ic-hi-kun…?"

Ichigo didn't respond.

Blood shot from his nose as he collapsed to the ground.

Idly he could hear the sounds of laughing from around him, but he could feel everything going dark.

'Just what did I sign myself up for this time…?'

A/N: And cut! The start of me uploading plot bunnies that I think of rather than keeping them on my computer for all eternity :P. Idk if anyone is going to read this considering how specific and small these two fandoms are but we'll see. Lemme know if you enjoyed or have any ideas! Thanks!:)