Even Now

Even Now - Chapter 9 "Plans"

Chapter 9 —Renji—

"Plans"

When I said I wanted to go to the Mountain this summer, there was only one reason behind it. Onsen. Why onsen? First, I do love onsens. Second, I thought that this would be a public onsen where men and women take a bath together, and naked-oh, okay, they don't have to be naked, they may wear towel or bathrobe-but hell, I was wrong.

"Oh, no sir... It was 5 years ago... Now, we separate the Onsen for men and women.." The okami made an apologizing face as I let my jaw dropped in shock. The lady tried to explain to me, "It caused so much trouble, we got some complains from the ladies about some pervert guests..."

I could not say anything.

I might be one of those pervert guests...

"Ah, well, let me show you the way to the men's Onsen..."

I sighed.

It was not that bad. After all, this was not a bad place for a vacation, even though I could not see Ruk... err.. the girls naked, at least I could enjoy the onsen.

This was not that bad.

I put the warm wet clothe on my head. I rested my back on the rock behind me, enjoying the heat of the water. This was not bad at all. I could relax here. I closed my eyes and smirked cockily. So far, my plan to make Ichigo realize his true feeling for Orihime-chan was going well. I bet Tatsuki would do her part excellently. If her words could not help, I believed her fists would.

Plus, with Ulquiorra around, I believed Ichigo would be extra protective with Orihime. That would leave some space for me to get Rukia's attention. Well, if Ichigo realized his true feeling for Orihime, maybe Rukia would realize that Ichigo was not the one for her. Maybe she would start to think about me... Oh well, or at least with Ichigo being out of picture I could have a better chance.

My plan did not sound half bad.

I smiled.

"What's your plan?"

I opened my eyes.

Tsk.

I forgot about this guy.

I tilted my head to look at the emo guy.

He crossed his hand in front of his pale chest. There were only two of us in the onsen. He was so quite until now; I almost forgot that he was actually here.

"What's your plan?"

He repeated.

As usual, it was hard to read his facial expression. He had such a poker face, but somehow this time I could see anger radiated from him. He looked slightly irritated. Maybe it was just my imagination, but it was like he always looked like that.

When I did not answer him, Ulquiorra continued, "I know you asked me to come to provoke Ichigo."

I smirked, I knew he was not stupid, "You knew, eh"

"Yeah."

"And yet, you come."

He looked at me in the eye.

He said nothing.

"Why?"

He sighed, "Because I thought it would be interesting."

"Oh yeah?"

He said nothing to answer me.

He didn't have to.