Hello again! Thanks for taking the time to read this! So in this chapter we find out who she sees at the park! Hehee, I have special plans for this person! Anyways! Onto the story! Rated M for lanaguage in this chapter! This is an AU so there will be some OOCness!

Please Enjoy!

I DO NOT OWN BLEACH sadly I only own my OC's!

"Shiba-sensei?" Mari stammered incredously, she was shocked to see her former teacher and friend.

"It is you! I haven't seen you in forever!" he exclaimed as he stood, he gently ruffled her hair with a smile.

Mari hurriedly rubbed away the tears that threatened to spill "I know, you're the one who dropped off Earth." she muttered.

He laughed, his hands rested on his hips. As he saw her slightly puffy eyes his expression went serious. "Is somethin' wrong?"

"W-What? No! Not at all." she lied, with a small smile.

Kaien sighed "Listen kido, you know you can talk to me. We used to be really close!" reminded the man.

Mari let out a sigh of her own, she drifted over to the fountain and sat down. She picked up her legs, she hugged them into her chest while resting her chin on her knees. Kaien joined next to her. "What happened to you Kaien-dono? After my mom went missing you just stopped talking to anyone and left town." she murmured.

"It's complicated," he said. "Speaking of your mother, have they found her?"

A frown formed on her lips "No, they never even found clues to what happened. As you know, it looks like she just left, but I don't believe it. I just don't, she wouldn't leave me and dad, she loved us." Mari stated, her green eyes locked with his. For a slight second she was afraid of the emotion in the depths of his gaze. Then it dissipated as quick as it came.

"I don't know," he murmured "I think it's crazy either way. It's almost been 2 years hasn't it?" he seemed shocked by the realization of time.

"Yep, 2 years since all hell broke loose." said the auburn haired girl. A pained expression resurfaced on her pretty features.

"Ah, that's right. I forgot about the crash." he agreed.

"How has life been?" she asked him, she was actually interested in what he had been doing all this time. People had been talking. Some said he kidnapped her mom. Some said they ran away together because they were in love and she was pregnant. Others said he was a sad man that couldn't cope. Mari didn't believe gossip though.

"Good! I've been living up north, I just moved back." he said with a broad smile.

"Oh really? That's great, are you still a teacher?" pried the curious girl.

His smile still remained as he nodded. "Yup! I just got a job at this highschool, Karakura High, ever heard of it?"

Her mouth fell open "No way! I go there!" she replied, what're the odds.

He laughed heartily "Looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of each other then! What class are you in?"

"2-A," her voice came out irritated. She hated talking about school, basically because she hated school.

His smile widened, when she caught his gaze a glint of something unknown shown in them. "Ha! That's amazing! I just replaced that teacher!" stated the proud man.

"So you're my new teacher?" she said, shock written on her features.

"Looks like it!" he laughed while his arm snaked around her.

For a moment she was uncomfortable, but then she pushed it away. He was like a second father, he was there the whole time she grew up. It's fine if he touches me, she thought. She smiled at him "Maybe I won't hate school as much."

He laughed once more "I hope, I don't want you to hate my class!" he purred in her ear. She pulled slightly away to see his face, this emotion she knew all too well. Lust. It was clearly displayed in his eyes. "You look just like your mother." he whispered.

She swallowed nervously "K-Kaien-dono," she sputtered.

"Mari! Mari, are you up here!" shouted a very familiar voice.

Mari pulled more away from Kaien, his arm still lingered around her shoulders. She turned to see a surprised man "S-Starrk?" she stammered.

Once Starrk got to the top he saw her, with another guy. It was an odd feeling to see her in another mans arms. He also recieved a cold glare from the mysterious guy.

"What're you doing here?" she asked as she got up from the fountain.

"I came to find you. I wanted to check if you were okay." he said while scratching the back of his neck.

Mari blushed lightly, he could tell. "O-Oh," she whispered while looking down at the ground. She looked so perfect, sad, but perfect. The way the sun shined on her hair was mesmerizing and her fair skin was complemented by the auburn shade.

"Well, look who it is," said the man from behind Mari, he came up next to the younger girl.

Starrk was confused, did he know this man? When they locked eyes Starrk felt like he was going to be murdered. They had an ominous glint to them, one that Starrk didn't want to find out about. "I'm sorry, should I know you?" Starrk questioned.

The man smiled "Hmm, I guess not. I knew you before you got into the car crash." the man held out his hand "I'm Shiba Kaien."

"Starrk Coyote." replied the brunette. If Starrk knew this man, did that mean he could've known Mari?

"Shiba-sensei, I think I should go. But I'll see you at school." Mari told him as she hugged him. Starrk watched as Kaien hugged her, his fingers were low on her back. Starrk's gaze turned cold, if he dared to go lower Starrk would punch him. He could see the smirk on the other mans face.

"I better and don't be late! Now, go have fun." Kaien said releasing the young girl. She nodded while walking towards Starrk. As they walked silence hung in the air between them. Why did they have to suffer so many awkward silences?

Starrk cleared his throat "Who was he?" asked the curious brunette.

"An old friend and former teacher." she replied simply.

"He was a friend of yours too?" Starrk questioned.

"What are you trying to get at Starrk?" snapped the obviously irritated girl.

"Did we, at one time, know each other?" he asked, he held his breath as he awaited the answer.

She stopped, her head down with her auburn hair serving as a curtain. He saw her hands fisting at her sides. "No."

He didn't quite believe her, but he wouldn't pry, for now. "Oh, okay. C'mon, I have to pick up Lilinette, she's already called complaining about how she wants to go home." he rolled his eyes.

Mari began walking once again, they fell in step beside each other. "I'm sorry about lunch," she murmured loud enough for him to pick up.

"Nah, it's fine. But I think you better talk to your dad, he was pretty upset." he replied.

She looked up at him "He doesn't understand how I feel." she told him with a sigh.

For a moment he seemed to be lost in her eyes, they were familiar. At that moment he wanted to kiss her, too comfort her. Well, maybe too test out how she felt. "Sometimes it's hard for people to relate. I'm sure your father tries to know but he just can't." Starrk murmured.

She nodded, breaking the eye contact "I know, I get it he has issues and stuff. I just don't know why he can't stand to be with me."

Starrk wasn't sure either. It's not like he knew what went on inside her life. Before, he sure as hell didn't know she took medication for who knows what reason. As they approached his car he opened the door for her, he caught sight of a blush dusting her cheeks. He smiled as he rounded the other side, maybe he could spend some more time with Mari.

Mari was thinking about different things on the ride to get Lilinette. Kaien would be her new teacher, that's weird. Really weird. After 2 years he just decides to randomly show up? I don't like the sound of that, she mentally noted. And what about Starrk, if she wasn't careful he'd start to suspect things. Then it came to Lilinette. Mari had a feeling the small girl had a strong intuition and she had obviously caught on to things.

Mari was jolted out of her thoughts by the sound of a car door shutting. "About time!" Lilinette growled at her brother.

"I didn't have too pick you up." Starrk retorted.

Lilinette gave a little 'hmph' while crossing her arms and looking out the window. Mari watched as Starrk rolled his eyes and sighed. She never did remember them fighting as much as they did now. But then again, they don't remember that. Besides the quick exchange between Starrk and Lilinette the car ride was quiet. This day exhausted Starrk and Mari, both were ready to curl up to sleep.

At home Mari lumbered up to her room then passed out on her bed. She didn't even care it was only 4:30. She didn't even care to change! Sometimes when she doesn't take her meds it makes her lag. So now she was just dealing with the side-affects. Luckily God decided to bless her with a dreamless sleep, something she was desperately in need of.

Starrk barely made it up the stairs, damn it. He needed to get back on his normal sleeping track. Go to bed early, wake up late, after work take a nap. He flopped back on his bed, his heavy eye-lids closing. In an instant he was out of it. Sleep came naturally to the brunette. He didn't stir till late the next morning, he was woken up by giggling and the smell of breakfast.

Starrk slipped out of his bed, threw on some sweats, then traveled downstairs to check out what was going on. He was running his hand through his messy brown hair when he spotted breakfast on the counter. The giggling was coming from the living room so he peeked around the corner.

Lilinette and Mari were both eating while watching something on TV. Obviously it was funny. His sister was the first to notice him "Oh, hey Starrk." she smiled.

Mari looked over at him, he caught the blush rising into her cheeks. Oh right, he forgot a shirt once more. "Good morning you two, what're you watching?" he questioned while joining them on the couch.

"It's called Ghost Bust with Don Kanonji!" Lilinette exclaimed.

"It's funny," Mari added.

He smiled "Who made breakfast?"

Lilinette fixed him with a wry look "Who do you think, dumb butt." scoffed the pajama clad girl.

Starrk rolled his eyes, gently shoving his sister who landed in the startled Mari's lap. Too bad for Lilinette since Mari had her breakfast in her lap causing it to go all in her hair and on her clothes. Mari stiffled a laugh while Starrk smirked at his fuming sister. "STARRK! YOU MEANIE!" she screamed.

Lilinette stormed up the stairs to the bathroom to take a shower leaving Mari and Starrk in an awkward silence. "Are you going to eat?" Mari questioned.

"Maybe, but I thought I'd check on you two first." he explained while stretching his arms in the air then along the top of the couch.

Mari set aside her plate since Lilinette had ruined the rest of the food. "Since Halloween is coming up Lilinette and I are going shopping for costumes. Would you like to attend as well?"

Starrk raised an eyebrow "I can't, I have some things to do this afternoon." he replied.

Mari nodded "That's fine, I just thought I'd ask." she murmured then stood. He watched as she left to go upstairs. He yawned, his fingers began to massage his temples. Even though he slept a long time he was still tired, for some reason he mostly always felt sleepy. He then went to get ready before he had to go meet Harribel, Szayel, Ilforte, and Ulquiorra for lunch.

Mari wore some old jeans, her white t-shirt with her favorite band logo on the front, a red cardigan, and old black converse. She lazily put her hair up in a side ponytail, it's not like she had anyone to impress. Once she went downstairs she saw Lilinette thumbing through a magazine, obviously waiting on the other girl. "Ready to go?" Mari said.

Lilinette tossed the magazine behind her with a wide smile "I thought you'd never get done! Yeah lets go!"

Since Starrk couldn't take them, they had to walk. The store wasn't too far away but Mari was about sick of walking and running. Lilinette was constantly rambling about random things, Mari had no idea how Starrk managed to live with the girl. Just listening to her was wearing the older girl out. "But you see, it wasn't me who trashed the art room. It was actually some girl by the name of Erika, maybe? I just don't know why my teachers think it's always me. I mean sure, I once played a prank on the teacher. Oh wait! We're here!" Lilinette exclaimed after her long, boring story. Mari sent a silent thanks to God for ending the torture.

Picking out a costume was more difficult then it seemed. Or maybe Mari was too picky because Lilinette found hers almost in an instant. Let's just say it was short, and small in areas, but there was no changing that girls mind. After an hour or so Mari finally decided on a wolf themed costume. It had a wolf tail and ears, with a cute white dress with a black corset and black collar.

Lilinette was all for it, she was also secretly thinking that a wolf was Starrk's favorite animal. That didn't seem to cross Mari's mind at the moment. The thing with Lilinette is, she knew. She knew that Starrk and Mari had chemistry and worked in the shadows to draw them together. Her brother also deserved happiness.

On the way home things were awkwardly silent. Mari wished she had her medication, too bad she hadn't even talked to her dad after what happened the day before. Her emotions spiked at random times and sent her into anxiety attacks. It just wasn't good, she needed the pills. She prayed that Lilinette didn't say anything too stupid.

"Mari," said the small voice of Lilinette.

"Yeah?"

"The other night when I was sleeping I got this weird dream. But the more I dreamed I figured out it was not a dream but a memory." the one-eyed girl murmured.

Alarm flared throughout Mari, her eyes showed it the most. "W-What was it about?" Mari dared to ask.

"Well, I was about 6 or 7, you were like 11, Starrk seemed to be 16. It was Christmas, I could tell by the decor. Happy lights were everywhere, we were all huddled by the fire with hot coco." a small smile spread on Lilinette's now dreamy face. "But there was someone else. From what I could tell it was Starrk's girlfriend, I think it was Harribel."

Mari stiffened at the sound of that name. She remembered the tall, tan, busty girl with flowing blonde locks. Mari also remembered the awful jealously of the day Lilinette was describing.

"You wouldn't speak much, it was obvious you didn't like Harribel. And when Starrk went into a room with her privately I wanted to spy-"

"But I said no because I wouldn't watch him kiss her or any girl." Mari finished her story with aggitation laced in her voice.

"So we did know you!" exclaimed the younger girl.

"Yeah, you guys did. Are you happy you made me admit it?" Mari snapped.

Lilinette's features expressed her confusion "W-What?"

The auburn haired girl fisted her hands tightly at her sides, her knuckles turned white from the pressure. "You wouldn't understand, you were too young when it happened and you're still too young." Mari told her.

Lilinette frowned "What're you talking about Mari? I'm not a kid anymore! I'm 13!" she shouted.

"That's still young, kid! You wouldn't get how much I used to love Starrk!" Mari yelled back, she gripped her aching head while staggering to the side of the road.

Lilinette took in a deep breath of air then let it out in a long sigh. "Used too? Don't you still?" she questioned.

Uncontrolable tears began to cascade down Mari's pale skin. "I-I can't love him. I can't love anyone."

"Why the hell not? He loves you!" Lilinette growled in her brothers defense.

"My heart will never allow it. I'm not capable of love anymore." came the whispery voice of the broken hearted older girl.

"Mari," Lilinette murmured, her hand rested on Mari's shoulder. She felt the girl shaking with mixed emotions.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lost my temper." Mari said as she wiped away her dumb tears.

Lilinette gave her a forgiving smile "It's fine, it takes a lot to hurt my feelings. C'mon, I grew up with Starrk."

Mari looked towards the shorter girl "Do you think Starrk remembers anything? Do you think he'll be mad I didn't tell the truth?" she asked in fear.

"I don't know, maybe, but I think he'd only be mad at himself. Only because he didn't recognize you earlier." replied the light green haired girl.

"I didn't want him to recognize me, because if he did," Mari sniffed "I wouldn't be able to contain my feelings. But look at me! I'm a fucking wreck! This is why I don't use my feelings." a drawn out sigh left her lips to clear some of her cluttered thoughts.

A soft smile spread onto Lilinette's youthful face. "Sometimes we have to use our feelings. It's the only way we can get over things. If you never deal with it then it never goes away." Lilinette wistfully said.

Mari raised an eyebrow at the younger girl "When did you get so wise?" Mari joked. Lilinette laughed, gently punching Mari's arm. The older girl went serious once more. "You're right. I just hope I can fix things and tell him how I feel. I'm afraid though, what if he doesn't feel the same way?"

Lilinette shook her head with a smile "Are you kidding? By the way Starrk looks at you he's obviously smitten as a kitten!" she said.

Mari blushed "Thanks for listening to me," murmured the now slightly uncomfortable girl. She had never opened up to someone so much, besides Momo.

"Anything for a good friend!" chimed Lilinette as she began to skip down the street.

Mari smiled, please feel the same way I do, Starrk.

The long haired brunette yawned as he found his seat at his table. Harribel arrived not to long ago with Szayel and Ilforte not far behind. Of course Ulquiorra is late. But that didn't stop Starrk from ordering, he was hungry. He had to skip breakfast.

"Oi, Coyote, are you listening?" Szayel growled impatiently as he snapped his fingers in front of said man.

"Hmm?"

"I was asking how your new guest is doing. You were complaining last week, so is he/she nice?" asked the now slightly annoyed pink haired man.

"Oh, yeah, she's nice." Starrk replied.

"She?" Ilforte smirked "So your guest is a girl?"

Starrk scowled while shooting him a harsh look "Yeah, so what?"

"What's her name?" Harribel spoke up.

"Mari," the brunette simply said. All three people froze, each one had a look of equal shock. Mari? Is he being serious? Was running through their heads.

"Starrk," Harribel barely said above a whisper "do you remember?"

"Remember? What're you talking about." the confused man questioned.

Szayel sucked in a sharp breath "Well, then. Looks like we have lots to talk about today."

Mari smiled as she ordered her new favorite ice cream, birthday cake. Yachiru was happily dancing around Lilinette and Mari's table. "You haven't been here in awhile Red! Where've you been!"

"Busy, I'm sorry. I'll come back more often." Mari reassured the small, pink haired girl.

Yachiru switched her attention to Lilinette, a smile spread on her childish face. "Who're you?" she jumped around the 13 year old, poking her in the head.

Mari could tell the light green haired girl was irritated. She knew that it took a lot to get used to Yachiru. "My name is Lilinette," said the very aggitated girl.

The oldest girl laughed, she hadn't seen Lilinette this exasperated in a long time. Yachiru pulled herself up a chair and sat down, her small legs swinging back and forth. "Soooo," she sang "What're we doing?"

Mari smiled while ruffling her pink hair "Well we're eating ice cream. Something you've done all day." Mari said as she wiped sprinkles off of Yachiru's face.

The little girl laughed, loudly, startling both Lilinette and Mari. "I love ice cream! Birthday Cake is my favorite! It's the yummiest!"

Mari pulled out her phone to check the time as Lilinette and Yachiru talked about ice cream flavors. That conversation soon turned into a fight about the best flavor. Mari ended up dragging Lilinette away from the shop. 'VANILLA IS THE BEST!' is what Lilinette was screaming on the way out. Mari wouldn't deny it was very entertaining. When they got home it was strangely silent. The two girls walked into the living room to see an unreadable Starrk sitting in a chair. Lilinette swallowed uncomfortable "I'm going upstairs." she murmured then ran away.

Panic started to rise up in the now lonely girl. Mari watched as he lifted his eyes to her, they were narrowed and serious. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked with a sharp edge in his words.

"What're you t-talking about?" Mari stammered with worry.

He stood, then walked over to her. She backed up as he towered over her "I think you know," he growled.

"I-I'm sorry! I meant t-to tell y-you t-today!" sputtered the panicking girl. She thought she might cry, the feeling of him being angry at herwas terrible.

He crossed his arms "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

She shrugged, her eyes fell to the floor. "I was scared," she whispered, her voice was thick with emotion. Her stomach was doing flips as her heart just about blew out of her chest.

"About what?" he snapped causing her to cringe.

"I was scared you wouldn't be the same! I was scared because you lost your memory about us! Why should I try and fix something that doesn't work!" she yelled, tears now trickled down her cheeks. Fuck, she was crying. Suddenly anger built up inside her, how could she be so weak against him? Obviously he was surprised she was upset as well. He stepped forwards but she pushed him away. "Don't you dare!" she snapped.

"Mari I-" he was cut off as she shook her head.

"No, I'm done Starrk, have a good night." she hissed then stormed upstairs. Her mind was swimming at this point, she had no idea what too feel anymore. When she got to her room she buried her head in a pillow. By the time she fell asleep her pillow was soaked with pent up tears, which only made her more angry. The voice in the back of her head kept saying 'I told you so'. So many things had happened in the last two days that shouldn't have. She shouldn't have yelled at her dad and she shouldn't have opened up to anybody. Especially to the people in this house. They said time heals all wounds, boy, they must've been fucked up to believe that. Because time definitely couldn't heal her, and now it was proven.

Thanks again for reading! Hmmmmm, I wonder what will happen for Mari in the next chapter. I was kinda cruel to her in this last little part, I didn't want her to fight with Starrk. D: Oh well, it ended up that way! Bye bye!