Out the Door
By: eternalsailorsolarwind AKA youkai_girl
Disclaimer: Bleach and all of its characters are owned by Tite Kubo, his Japanese publishers, and Viz. I only play with them for grins and giggles.
A/N: Written for the Week #78 prompt at bleach_contest: endline challenge. The actual quote in this case is "Are there any questions?" Urahara sends out the troops. Ichigo lingers behind. Urahara/Ichigo.
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"Are there any questions?"
The question hung in the air as Urahara waited for an answer. None forthcoming, he nodded once, sharply, and the small gathering of Ichigo's nakama – both human and Soul Reapers – stood and left the room, intent on their Espada target. Surprisingly, the Vaizard hung back, allowing his friends to leave first. The shopkeeper arched an elegant blond eyebrow in a silent question.
Ichigo spoke not a word, but closed the distance between them. Urahara found himself yanked towards the younger man, his striped hat knocked off his head by the force of the movement. The kiss was surprisingly gentle, but the former captain had earlier discovered his lover's well-hidden softer side. Telling his brain to shut up, the blond lost himself in the kiss, letting sensation rule.
After a few, short, minutes, the shinigami substitute pulled back, licking his lips as if to savor the taste of the kiss. That never failed to get a rise out of the scientist, who ruthlessly shoved his arousal to the side – this was not the time. "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"
Ichigo gave a one-shouldered shrug. "Just felt like it. You know, in case…."
"You'll be all right, Ichigo," replied Urahara with a grin. "Battered, bruised, and cursing a blue streak, but fine. You always do."
The orange-haired young man nodded at the truth in the statement, then mock-saluted as he flash-stepped out the door.
The scientist shook his head fondly. "I'll be here when you get back."