Title: Honeysuckle
Status: Complete
Pairings: Kurosaki Ichigo/Ishida Uryuu; Ishida Uryuu/several other male characters
Warnings: Lots of explicit sexual situations, language, brief alcohol use
Summary: Ishida Uryuu just wants to get through his sophomore year of medical school without incident. Then why does he suddenly have to deal with about a dozen Shinigami sexually assaulting him!?
AN: This is a bit of dirty fun, not meant to be taken too seriously, despite the ridiculous length. If there are dissimilarities in my plotline with later manga arcs, it's because I haven't read them yet.
"My mocha latte is cold," Kurosaki grumbles over the lip of its waxy paper rim. "How long have we been here?"
"Two hours and…" Uryuu checks his phone for the precise time, "Thirty-seven minutes."
"Fuck."
He rubs an ink-stained hand over his face and then ruffles it through his unruly hair. The feeling is mutual, Uryuu thinks as he taps his glasses up to rub at the bridge of his nose in attempts to dissolve some of the raging headache there. They have been studying nonstop at the local coffee shop since they ordered drinks nearly three hours ago. The dregs of his Chai have long since gone tepid, his cranberry muffin crumbs crusty, but they are somehow only halfway through the review material for their imminent round of exams. If he had known this semester would be so time-intensive, Uryuu would've held off on his infectious diseases elective.
"Maybe we should take a break and come back?"
"Nah, if I stop I'm not gonna be able to force myself back to this bullshit," Kurosaki vetoes. He shuffles some papers around and bites the cap off an orange highlighter. At this point, Uryuu is pretty sure he's just marking words and phrases at random out of desperation. "Did you bring the textbook for Physio II?"
Handing over the requested book, Uryuu sighs and resigns himself to yet more of this torture. The thing about med school is you do what you have to do when you have to do it and then you party it out when you can. Uryuu learned this within a fortnight of his freshman year and it actually works. Therefore, next weekend he is going to get so drunk. He allows himself a moment to daydream about this promised catharsis.
Immersed as he is in the anticipation almost makes him miss the arrival of a familiar face.
"I thought I smelled beautiful in the vicinity."
"Yumichika?" Kurosaki grunts. He is ogling the flamboyant Shinigami as if he might be suffering a hallucination. This is in part because they haven't seen the man in over a year. More importantly, he is currently rocking the full shihakushou, complete with his decorative modifications butsans gigai. "Ishida, you see him, too, right?"
"Yes, Kurosaki, but no one else does," he mutters with a clear warning glance around them. A few patrons heard Kurosaki's outburst and are looking around for the source. "Let's go outside."
Nodding, they pack up quickly and Kurosaki follows him with Ayasegawa trailing jauntily after them. Behind the café in its conveniently uninhabited alley, they turn to face the man with a gravity of apprehension bourn of similar serious encounters. There are few reasons beyond impending catastrophe that would bring a member of the Gotei 13 to them in the human world. When he merely grins and bats artificially-extended eyelashes at Uryuu, however, they become a little confused.
"What's this about, Yumichika?"
"Do you need assistance in battle, Ayasegawa-san?"
"Oh, no," he dismisses with a flick of his thin-boned wrist. "Nothing like that."
"Then what?" Kurosaki fishes when the man remains silent for several beats. "If it's not a fight, why did you cross over into our dimension without a gigai?"
"I just felt like popping in for a visit to my favorite Quincy," he simpers, turning to face Uryuu fully. Ayasegawa takes a step closer and stares into his eyes. "Though I do wish you would get contacts, dear boy. Those glasses are horrendously reflective and do notdo your amazing baby-blues any justice."
Baffled by this comment, Uryuu is at a loss for words. He isn't sure if this is supposed to be a strange Shinigami hazing ritual or something, but he's beginning to get irritated. They don't have time for social calls from bored narcissists with nothing better to do than bother people. He and Kurosaki still have enough trouble as it is helping them keep the Hollow infestation down. Uryuu is working up to say just that when the man plucks his glasses from his face and drops them disdainfully on the ground.
"Hey—!"
His complaint is interrupted when Ayasegawa runs gentle fingers down both sides of his face, bringing his to within a few inches of Uryuu's. He hears Kurosaki's stunned gasp echo his own as the man closes the distance and presses their mouths together firmly. At this point, Uryuu's poor mind's schema has been so inalterably frazzled that he is unable to react for several seconds. During which time Ayasegawa introduces his hands to Uryuu's ass and squeezes amorously. That shakes his bout of cognitive dissonance right off and has him shoving the man's chest sharply.
"Force can be beautiful, too, Ishida-kun," Ayasegawa says, low and sultry. "But we can save that for when we're alone."
"What the fu—"
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Ayasegawa-san," Uryuu says, cutting Kurosaki off before things spiral out of control. He would like to give the Shinigami the benefit of the doubt, since he has been primarily respectful with him in the past. "Is this a joke?"
"Call me 'Yumichika'. I'd love to hear my name in your vibrant, thrilling tenor."
"Did Ikkaku put you up to this?" Kurosaki demands. "That guy has the weirdest sense of humor."
"The only person who 'put me up to this' is myself," Ayasegawa briefly turns to irritably spit. Then he approaches Uryuu again and dons a beatific smile. "I caught one whiff of blooming Quincy and had to have a taste."
This time, Uryuu dodges the kiss before it lands. But the Shinigami uses shunpo and traps him against the dusty red brick behind him. It's the first time he has ever had a body shoved against his in anything other than battle. Uryuu huffs a surprised cry at this, eyes widening when Ayasegawa's tongue traces his ear.
"A-Ayasegawa-san!"
"Yu-mi-chi-ka," the man reminds him, enunciating in a hot whisper.
"Ishida?" comes Kurosaki's anxious question. Uryuu makes eye-contact around Ayasegawa's affected plumage and gives a frantic nod for help. "Get off him!"
Kurosaki pulls the man back by the scruff of his uniform. Taking a moment to recover from the shock of this not-quite-assault, Uryuu sucks the exhale back in as the Shinigami draws his sword.
"If you want to play hard-to-get, Ishida Uryuu," he smiles as he releases shikai. "I canmake you let me touch you."
"What the fuck!?" Kurosaki finally gets to blurt. "Did Kenpachi beat what little brains you had out of you? Ishida doesn't want to mess around right now."
This is getting all too serious now. Kurosaki is reaching for his badge in preparation of an actual skirmish. He doesn't understand why anyone would take a joke so far, but he can sense kidou emanating from Ayasegawa where he stands. And Uryuu knows about his zanpakuto's reiatsu-absorbing abilities from a weird night drinking with Hisagi not too long ago. While he is confident of his innate ability to draw energy from others even when his own spiritual stores are depleted, Uryuu would really rather avoid that eventuality altogether. He takes a second to retrieve his glasses and pocket them for safekeeping.
"I appreciate the offer, Yumichika-san," he assures in a pleasant tone, Subtly, he gestures for Kurosaki to stand down; he does. "But I can't accept your feelings."
"Hmph. Rejection of love is such an ugly concept."
"Even so, I must respectfully decline."
With that, he grabs Kurosaki's arm and gets the hell out of there. He takes three long jumps with hirenkyaku and stops to command him to suppress his spiritual signature before they flee a little further, just in case. They land on the outskirts of town. Uryuu pants softly, leaning against a tree.
"You all right?"
"Fine. Not used to hirenkyaku with…two people."
"I meant about Yumichika," Kurosaki clarifies, watching Uryuu carefully. "Don't know what the hell that was about."
"Odd," he succinctly agrees.
Truthfully, he is deeply unsettled for several reasons beyond the spontaneity of Ayasegawa's solicitation. Why Uryuu, for one? They've known each other for years and the man has never show interest in him other than a stray comment regarding aesthetics. Although he suspected, Uryuu didn't even know the Shinigami was gay. He is certain, though, that Uryuu has never told a soul that he is. Unlike Hisagi, Kira, and Matsumoto, he doesn't develop loose lips when tipsy.
"Maybe we should contact Soul Society and—"
"No, I'm sure it's just one of his whims. He's probably already back in his own dimension." Uryuu doesn't want to add any more embarrassment to this than he has already suffered. The notion of formally inquiring about why Ayasegawa would suddenly decide to attempt molestation churns his stomach with mortification. It's bad enough Kurosaki was with him. "Let's just call it a day and meet up early tomorrow to study."
"If you say so." Uryuu nods and Kurosaki shrugs. "Drop me back by my place?"
Uryuu makes it back to his apartment without incident. He can't sense Ayasegawa's reiatsu, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Preparing dinner, he remains extra vigilant of the energy fluctuations around him. Uryuu manages to eat about half of his noodles before he is interrupted by a new intruder. Luckily, this one actually knocks instead of just showing up in his kitchen. When he answers the door, he is somewhat surprised to see Abarai grinning down at him from the other side.
"Abarai," he greets with a small frown, not bothering to hide his perplexity. "Is something wrong?"
"Nah. Everything's cool. Can I come in?"
"Um."
The man pushes his way in, gigai clad in jeans, band t-shirt, and leather jacket. He kicks off his shoes and commences scoping Uryuu's living space out. Uryuu closes the door and opens his mouth to begin questioning but Abarai preempts him.
"Heard Yumichika stopped by earlier."
"You heard right."
"Bastard beat me to it," he grumbles. "As usual."
"Sorry?"
"Ishida, I know this is going to sound weird but…" here Abarai steps closer and Uryuu tenses, poised to dash away if necessary. "I really like you! Will you go out with me?"
"Um," he repeats.
Looking into Abarai's pleading puppy-dog eyes, Uryuu is more than a little floored by this. Much like with Kurosaki, he and Abarai have typically bickered and disagreed on just about every topic outside of a war situation. No, actually they've argued in battle as well. Unlike with Kurosaki, Uryuu has never developed a deeper bond from daily interaction and mutual understanding with Abarai. He has seen more of this Shinigami than of Ayasegawa, but not nearly enough to warrant love confessions!
"I've been thinking about you a lot lately. About your hair and your hands and the way your pants are always a little tight in the best places. I've been thinking about the shape of your eyes and how they look when you're surprised—just like that. Thinking about your mouth—"
"Abarai, what is this?" he cries, utterly lost. "First Ayasegawa and now you…Is there some kind of contest going for who can freak me out the most?"
"No, of course not! Are you freaked-out? I didn't mean to freak you out."
"Then why so suddenly? Why me?"
"Because…look at you," Abarai vaguely gestures to him by way of explanation. "You're gorgeous, Ishida. And you smell amazing."
On that note, Uryuu temporarily tunes out because he is receiving his second Shinigami-kiss of the day. If he's honest with himself, this one is nicer. If only because it's Abarai, who is more his type and more likable than the infamously vain and judgmental Ayasegawa Yumichika. Despite the arguments. Plus, he's a healthy young inexperienced male and two attractive men coming onto him has Uryuu in a somewhat salacious mindset whether he likes it or not.
So he doesn't shove this time. Uryuu starts to kiss back, slightly. Just a smidgen of return pressure is all it takes to encourage Abarai. The man's oversized hands curve around Uryuu's back and fold him against Abarai's broad chest. His eyes fall shut on the rather pleasant feeling of warm strength against him. Now he understands what those girls are always giggling and gossiping about—the relaxing effects of a man's embrace and all that. Uryuu used to think it was a female thing but damned if he isn't dead wrong.
Uryuu parts his mouth to steal an extra sip of air and Abarai takes the motion as invitation. He deepens the kiss and slips his tongue out to experimentally pet the inside of Uryuu's upper lip. Allowing the intrusion, Uryuu vocalizes an intrigued hum and mimics the action. His aim is intercepted by Abarai's tongue, and if he thought it was a fun sensation on his lip, it's kind of stupefying against his tongue. The lingual dexterity of such a sloppily-speaking person as Abarai surprises him, but he's not complaining. For all he knows, this is the product of decades of making out.
That reminds him: why is Abarai Renji making out with him right now?
He breaks away to ask but Abarai continues kissing down his neck until he reaches its base and sucks a quick bruise there. Uryuu utters a wisp of a moan at that, which seems to encourage the Shinigami. Breathing a throaty groan, Abarai reaches under Uryuu's shirt and drags firm palms up his back. Only to lightly drag blunt nails on the way down. He turns his attention to Uryuu's shoulder, pulling the fabric out of the way to lave a wet swirl over the muscle there.
"Wait, Abarai," Uryuu tries, grasping the man's jacket for leverage.
By now, he can tell they're both enjoying this way too much. The evidence of Abarai's intent is hot against his hip and Uryuu is not far behind. But this entire day has been so strange and he doesn't want to rush into anything so novel without thought. Despite the unexpectedly eager response of his own body.
"Ishida," he mumbles without purpose. Possibly just reminding himself who he's here with.
"What are we doing?"
Then Abarai deftly pops open the row of fasteners lining his shirt and reaches up to rub over a nipple, other hand taking firm grip of his hip to keep him still, as he dives back in for an aggressive kiss. Uryuu squirms, caught between a basic inclination towards pleasure-fulfillment and a wiser warning to sound the alarm.
Ayasegawa's lust-blown violet eyes pop into his head. They had been hazy yet sharply focused on Uryuu in a way no one has ever looked at him before. Like he knew Uryuu was the only one who could deliver precisely what he needed. Then he snaps back to reality because Abarai's are identical. He pushes the man back and takes another look to confirm. The scientist in him is assessing, cataloguing, postulating on these developments. Past the muddling fog of sexual influence Uryuu can see flaws in the logic of Abarai's appeal. This just doesn't make sense. Besides, attraction and socialization are entirely separate beasts and he doesn't want to date Abarai. Of that he is certain.
"Am I going too fast?"
"No—yes, but that's not the problem," Uryuu attempts to explain in spite of Abarai's anxious expression. "Why are you here, Abarai?"
"Because I need you, Uryuu!"
His eyes flare wide at the sound of his given name said so suddenly and in such a tone. Without waiting for a reply, Abarai reaches for him. It's beginning to be unsettling how single-minded he is being. This situation is going to devolve quickly if he and Ayasegawa are suffering the same delusions. At least Abarai's zanpakuto is safely stored with his soul inside the gigai. Still, Uryuu needs to extricate himself from this delicately to avoid trouble.
"Okay. Okay," he comforts, relaxing somewhat when Abarai tries a meek smile. "I just have to go and get something and I'll be right back."
"What are you getting?"
"It's a surprise." Abarai frowns at that, so Uryuu imitates a flirtatious smile he's seen others give and adds, "You'll like it."
"Really? In that case, I'll wait right here."
"Good. I'll be back in a flash."
Uryuu grabs his coat and backs away, still smiling encouragingly. He slips his feet into his shoes and doesn't bother grabbing his keys as he opens the door. As soon as it is closed behind him, he dampens his reiatsu and zips straight out of there.
He takes a disorganized route around town to throw any pursuers off his trail before eventually coming to his final stop: Urahara Shouten. Uryuu figures if anyone in this plane can help make sense of these anomalies, it's that mad scientist. Taking a moment to appraise the property—Urahara is the only spirit in residence at the moment—Uryuu steps up to the back entrance and firmly knocks four times. It is late but not so much so that he should be disturbing anyone's rest. Still, it takes several moments before the door creaks open to reveal the shop-owner. As usual, his eyes are shaded by hat and fenced by fan, but Uryuu is too relieved to see the man to care about his love of aesthetic enigma.
"Uryuu-kun, what can I do for you?"
"I'm so glad to see you, Urahara-san," he begins with a relieved sigh. "I hope I'm not imposing, but—"
"Nonsense! Come in, come in," Urahara croons, gesturing with a wide swing of his arm. "Care for some tea?"
"Tea would be great."
"Have a seat and I'll bring a fresh pot."
Like a lost child returning to the security of a trusted adult, Uryuu melts onto the cushion at Urahara's wide table. He orders his thoughts while he waits for the man to join him. Urahara pours him a steaming mug of green tea and eases onto the floor pillow beside him. Patiently watching Uryuu sip the calming brew, he puts his fan away to offer a benign smile. A wave of gratitude encompasses him at the realization that he has acquired such a powerful ally willing to assist even in trivial matters such as these.
"Do you know of any reason why Shinigami would be invading Karakura to harass mortals?" he begins as concisely as possible without sharing embarrassing details. "Specifically two members of the Gotei 13?"
"Why, no…" Urahara looks away to ponder. "I haven't heard anything about that sort of thing. Why do you ask?"
"Well, its, um. Kind of a long story."
"I have time."
Nodding slowly, Uryuu thinks about how much he's willing to divulge here. How important is it to discuss something so personal with this man in order to avoid future issues with two Shinigami? On the off-chance that it keeps happening, however, Uryuu decides it is necessary.
"I was visited today at two different locations by two different Shinigami: Ayasegawa Yumichika and Abarai Renji." Urahara hums in comprehension and eyes him attentively. Uryuu takes a breath and states, "Their intentions were inarguably amorous in nature."
"Ah."
"Though neither of them has ever shown any sign of interest before today."
"I see."
"I have also never made overtures of any kind, of course."
"Is that so?"
"But the strangest thing about these occurrences," Uryuu furrows his brow as he recalls it, "Is that they both seemed to be overtaken by some incontestable emotion or influence. Ayasegawa-san even drew and released his zanpakuto."
"Really?" Now Urahara's eyebrows rise in contemplation. "How bizarre."
"Indeed. So I was hoping you might have some knowledge or advice…" Uryuu gestures with his hands, palms upturned, "That might help elucidate or resolve these issues."
"I'm afraid you are not going to like my answer." Shaking his head sadly, Urahara sighs and gives a wry frown. "I'm surprised your father chose not to mention it."
"Ryuuken? Why would he know anything about this?"
"Because what you are beginning to experience is a cycle inherited through your Quincy lineage known as the Honeysuckle Event." Uryuu stares open-mouthed as Urahara continues in a matter-of-fact tone. "This is the point in a young Quincy's life whereupon he or she emits a low-level, high-grade pheromone of sorts designed to attract the strongest possible mate as your life's match."
Setting aside the uncanny similarity of his words with some version of 'the Talk', Uryuu cannot accept that he would have failed to learn this about himself—about his people—at a previous point in time. Not only that, but the idea that his 'strongest possible mate' is apparently a man of Shinigami lineage!
"No," he whispers, beginning to shake his head. "No, you must be mistaken."
"I did say you wouldn't like it."
"But this—this can't be possible. A Quincy paired with a male Shinigami? The fact that Shinigami are souls has no significance?"
"Oh, do you prefer females? I'm sure Rangiku-san would be happy to—"
"No, I—that's not the point!" Taking a steadying breath and a mental step back, Uryuu asks, "Why honeysuckle?"
"Because the chemicals you produce are commonly interpreted as the nectar of wild honeysuckle."
"Wait, both Abarai and Ayasegawa mentioned the way that I smelled nice…" Feeling foolish for not noticing that earlier, Uryuu removes his glasses and sets them on the table to soothe his returning headache. Annoyingly right between his eyes "This has to be some kind of joke. I've never heard of anything like this."
"It was a rare condition among your people. Said to only occur in about five percent of the population, and only among those with immensely dominant genes. It was a way for the best-of-the-best to find one another at mating age and give them the chance to produce the strongest possible offspring."
"Then why would it influence males to take interest in me?" he snaps, irritated and offended at his own idiotic body. "I can't produce offspring without a womb. Or without a living human being, for that matter."
"An interesting question. Perhaps your innate preferences as well as those who you affect come into play. There could be other reasons the trait was so rare. I posit that there is one person in particular that you are biologically drawn to—that your body is attempting to draw to you."
"Don't you dare say 'soul mate'!"
"It's not just biological, by the way. The very fabric of your reiatsu is infused with it, a golden beacon crossing both physical distance and spiritual dimensions."
Uryuu gulps down the rest of his tea and stares at the sopping leaves at the bottom of his cup. He thinks about the way he reacted to each man and how they behaved with him. During both propositions, Uryuu felt sure he did not want to follow through with anything beyond casual contact. His judgment remained unimpaired, unlike theirs. Does that mean he gets to pick but they have little choice in the matter? Would the effect wear off after a while? How long is this going to persist? And what happens if he never finds that 'ideal mate'?
Taking a breath to voice some of these questions, Uryuu is silenced by the look Urahara turns on him, contemplative and curious. It occurs to him now that Urahara also falls into the category of susceptible individuals. A shiver runs through Uryuu as he waits. He doesn't know why the effect would be delayed with this man in particular. Perhaps Urahara is able to resist it to some degree.
Anticipation begins to build and he is privy to the sight of Urahara slowly falling under a sort of sway, almost like becoming intoxicated. His eyes fall to half-mast and gain that cloudy aura, body language shifting perceptibly. Urahara lets a lazy smile curl across his face and a light flush creeps up his neck. It becomes the same look of absolute desire demonstrated by his previous suitors. He is sure he will never get used to that look directed towards him. By now Uryuu's breathing is elevated. His blood is dancing an excited beat beneath his sensitized skin and when Urahara reaches for him, he doesn't oppose.
He allows himself to be pushed to the tatami-topped floor and leisurely kissed. Where Ayasegawa was selfish and opportunistic, Urahara is considerate and careful. He keeps his weight off Uryuu while hovering above him and brushing his hair aside to smooth a hand over his neck. Where Abarai was rough and insistent, Urahara is gentle and inquisitive. He trails tickling fingertips over Uryuu's side and pauses at each new point of contact for approval. In other words, Urahara is seducing him where the other two Shinigami simply sought to take him.
This is probably why he doesn't draw his bow when Urahara's hand settles over the zip of his slacks. Heat radiates from his face and the way Urahara's tongue nudges against his is inspiring. The slow build of pressure and friction through thin fabric is a revelation. Uryuu moans appreciatively when the man pops open the clasp and slides down the zip to take better hold of him over his white boxer-briefs. His knees open to each side on their own, allowing Urahara to settle comfortably between them. Hips replace the pleasure of his hand, which immediately seeks to roam in its newfound freedom. Up his belly, over his side, around the swell of his ass, and down the back of a thigh to caress at the back of his knee. And all the while he kisses Uryuu into a state of licentious simplicity.
Uryuu's body subconsciously matches the rhythmic roll of Urahara's, meeting his slow thrusts. Dimly, he registers the quiet chorus of their increasing groans, as if from outside himself. He pulls at the fabric of Urahara's kimono until the man obligingly shucks it off. Next, his fingers concurrently push into wavy blond hair, knocking the hat aside, and under the hem of the man's pants in a blatant request. Urahara leans back to smirk at his audacity and nip playfully at the edge of his jaw line. Soon, Uryuu feels the fizzy bubble of tension rapidly expanding in his lower abdomen. He is naïve, yes, but even he knows what that signifies.
"Urahara," he moans in warning.
The man gives him a wide grin before dipping down to reinitiate a heated kiss. His pace quickens and Uryuu's eyes slip shut in expectation, hands closing over Urahara's working biceps. Uryuu's orgasm hits him in three startling waves, causing him to break the kiss and make an interesting series of sounds. He feels Urahara's answering low groan reverberate against the hot shell of his ear. Something like liberation settles over Uryuu as his heart incrementally slows.
A few moments later, Urahara shifts back and sits up to retrieve his kimono. He leaves his hat where it lies. Uryuu retrieves his glasses but otherwise remains mussed. They gaze at each other in silence a while. Then Urahara clears his throat.
"That should help subdue the effects for a few days."
"What?"
"I told you earlier, didn't I? You're producing pheromones," he explains while readjusting his clothes and straightening his hair. "The secretion of which is diminished when you fulfill the purpose of their design."
"So, consummation eliminates the need for this secretion and creates a window of cessation?"
"Precisely, Uryuu-kun," Urahara beams. It's not the first time someone has been appreciative of his intelligence. It is, however, a first to see it accompanied by the gleam of fresh satiation. "Though that is not the sole reason of my indulgence, I assure you."
He understands what Urahara is saying, both explicitly and subtly. And of course his modest confession would be more mature as well as hold more sway than Abarai's or Ayasegawa's. Still, the simple truth is that Uryuu has no more of a relationship interest for Urahara than he did for them. Moreover, he can't shake the idea that this phenomenon is causing these men to act against their true will. Yesterday none of them had given any thought to wooing Uryuu, much less becoming his 'life partner'.
"I'm flattered, Urahara-san," Uryuu carefully enunciates, praying this won't end up like his other encounters. Not even Uryuu is delusional about being able to take a man like Urahara in a one-on-one fight. Besides, he doesn't think he could handle a match with someone he just effectively had sex with. "But I—"
"It's all right. I can be an adult about it," he smiles good-naturedly.
"Thank you for everything," Uryuu gushes, relieved once again due to this man's benevolence. "You've saved me a great deal of trouble, I'm sure."
"Glad to be of assistance. If you would like to use the restroom before you go, feel free."
Uryuu nods, considering the state of his underwear at the moment. Then, "Actually, is there any way I could stay here tonight? I left Abarai at my apartment and—"
"That would be unwise."
"Oh."
"My restraint is limited, given your continued—though reduced—radiation of enticing essence. If you stayed the entire night, I am not confident I would not end up in your bed."
"In that case, I'll get out of your way as soon as I can," Uryuu promises with a nervous tremble in his voice because…the way Urahara watches him is conspicuously predatory.
"Hey, Ishida, what's up?" Kurosaki casually greets when he shows up at his apartment. "Change your mind about studying tonight?"
At that, Uryuu releases a great lungful of captive air. He had been terrified that Kurosaki would not be exempt from this idiotic 'event' or whatever it is. It wasn't just that he had nowhere else to go—there's no way he was going to intrude on Sado or Inoue like this—but also that he would've hated lumping Kurosaki in with them. Those he must avoid at all costs until he can figure out how to stop exuding 'fuck-me' vibes to every powerful male Shinigami in the galaxy. It is unspeakably fortunate that he has at least one friend in this realm who he can potentially rely on for help through this crisis. The only obstacle will be working up to explaining it.
"It's a long story."
"Well, I just made onigiri if you want some."
"I'm starving," Uryuu admits, following the man inside. Smelling Yuzu's signature recipe, he smiles with delight. "Kurosaki, I could kiss y—"
He cuts himself off with a cough a couple of words too late. Of course he would say something dumb like that to his last ally. It doesn't help that he has kissing stuck on his mind. Discomfited, they avoid eye-contact as they move to sit in the small dining area next to the kitchen. Uryuu focuses on nibbling his onigiri and trying to think of the most diplomatic way to request spending the night here. Although he's been to Kurosaki's apartment before, he's never stayed over. They've made strides in their friendship over the past five years but not quite by that much.
"So, what's up?" Kurosaki repeats once they finish their meals.
"You remember this afternoon, the incident with Ayasegawa?"
"Yeah. Did he come back to bother you?" he growls, bristling at the idea. "Because I will gladly help you kick his ass."
"No, I haven't seen him again."
"Good."
"But Abarai paid me a visit."
"Renji was here!?"
"He may still be, actually," Uryuu sips some water and pushes at a rice grain on his plate, avoiding Kurosaki's intense gaze. "I left him at my apartment."
"Why was he at your place?"
"He came to confess to me."
"He what?"
"And we sort of…made out for a while."
Kurosaki is silent for a long moment. His eyes move over Uryuu, noticing subtle cues like the unsightly hickey that must have appeared on his neck by now. The moderate disarray of his clothing and hair. Lingering teeth marks on various areas of his skin. And the way he remains lightly flushed even over an hour after his 'meeting' with Urahara. Uryuu waits for him to integrate and adjust.
"…You're fucking kidding me. I didn't even know he was into guys!"
"I went to see Urahara-san after that."
"Yeah, I bet he'd know what's going down. It can't be normal when two typically professional guys decide to wig out and fawn after you all of a sudden—no offense. What'd he say?"
"Well…"
"What," Kurosaki asks in a flat tone full of trepidation.
Uryuu adjusts his glasses and turns towards the window as he says, "On second-thought, I'd rather not say."
"Oh, no you don't. Ishida, tell me what's going on or I'll go and ask him myself."
Since Kurosaki isn't one to make idle threats, Uryuu winces and resolves to prevent that. He can't imagine what might happen if Urahara got the chance to explain what happened between them less than an hour ago. Not sparing any private details.
"Basically, I'm broadcasting."
"…The hell does that mean?"
"I—it's sort of like—have you ever heard of the Greek myth about Sirens?" He finally meets Kurosaki's eyes, vacant with incomprehension. "They were mystical creatures who would sing and lure fisherman and sailors to them by the sounds of their voices. When these men heard their calls, they were helpless to resist them."
"You're singing at people to make them fall in love with you?" he asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Not singing, but that's the general idea."
"Why would you do that?"
"It's not on purpose!" Uryuu shouts, insulted. "It's a Quincy thing! Apparently."
"Ah. Another weird 'Quincy thing' to hold over Shinigami, is that it?" Uryuu levels a vitriolic glower at him. "So, what are you going to do about it? Keep suckering these guys in until you have a full fan club? Hey, why are they all guys, anyway?"
Uryuu's forehead falls into his palm. Trust in Kurosaki to think of all the dumbest things before seeing reason. This is the main grounds for why Uryuu has not been able to allow the man any closer into his life than he already is. There's no way you can rely on someone who is habitually this dense. A combination of fatigue, too much studying, and stress is forcing his mood to plummet. At least his headache is finally gone. Though he suspects Urahara's 'treatment' may be the cause of that small mercy.
"I'm gay, Kurosaki."
"You—you're gay?" The incredulous pitch of his voice is annoying, but at least he doesn't sound disgusted. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"It's not like I was hiding it, Kurosaki. I figured it was kind of obvious, actually. I was one of a handful of men in the handicrafts club in high school, I've never dated a woman, and I have a ridiculous soft spot for adorable things like butterflies and kittens," he grumbles at the table, too weary to lift his head right now. "Not to mention I just told you I made out with Abarai and Urahara."
"You made out with Urahara, too!? Is there anyone you haven't kissed today? Damn."
That gets his attention. Uryuu looks up to see Kurosaki shaking his head and sighing in irritation. He can't understand why Kurosaki would care who he kisses one way or another. Much less get angry about it. Unless he just hates the mental image of Uryuu kissing a man. Still, the disapproval stings.
"What, Kurosaki? Does the idea of me being intimate with someone offend your sensibilities?" he snarls, narrowing his eyes at him. "Or do you just despise sluts in general?"
Kurosaki scoffs but refuses to answer. With a rude screech, Uryuu stands from his seat and stalks towards the door. If this is how Kurosaki wants to be, then Uryuu can do without him.
"Where are you going?"
"Away from you."
"Ishida, wait," he says as he grabs his wrist. The touch sends something heavy and foreign washing through Uryuu. That more than anything makes him stop when he was ready to yank out of his grip and keep going. Kurosaki makes an unusual face before he says, "You can't go back to your place, right? Renji might still be waiting."
"What do you care?"
"Look, just stay here tonight and we can figure stuff out in the morning, all right?"
"I'd rather not be around someone who's going to judge me, if it's all the same."
"I'm not judging you!" Kurosaki snaps. Then, taking a second to recollect himself, he says more levelly, "You just surprised me. Kiss whoever you want, I don't care. But for your and Renji's benefit, you should probably avoid him and anyone else who might show up tonight."
Uryuu appraises him with skepticism. His body language is in accord with contrition, however, and Uryuu knows he has few options. Though he doesn't like Kurosaki's understated insinuation that Uryuu is manipulating men against their will—for all he knows, he is—he would rather stay here than ask anyone else for asylum. Plus, they still have to study in the morning; Uryuu is not letting a quirk of biology impact his grades!
"Fine."
"Fine," Kurosaki mimics, dropping his wrist. That swirling feeling evaporates within seconds of losing contact and Uryuu frowns in puzzlement. "I'll lend you some pajamas."
"I'll sleep in what I'm wearing."
"It's not a problem. We can put your clothes in the wash tonight."
Kurosaki walks down the hall to his bedroom to retrieve black lounge pants and a blue t-shirt. Uryuu is left standing in his living room with an unpleasant emptiness in his stomach, despite the recent meal. Almost like a craving, the vague impression propagates until he has to bring a hand up to press against it, just below his sternum. It's not hunger he's feeling, though. There is more to it than that.
Uryuu thinks about what Urahara mentioned, the 'strongest possible mate' thing. If he is painfully sincere with himself, he could admit that there is only one Shinigami who might possibly fit that description, in his opinion. Yet, that man is wholly unaffected by whatever influence is being generated by his body and spirit. Also, the idea of dating Kurosaki seems unspeakably foolish, given how they tend to bicker nearly constantly. Conversely, the idea of dating Kurosaki sounds like a hell of a lot of fun.
It doesn't make sense. But neither does this entire situation.
He takes the offered outfit without complaint and wanders into the restroom to shower and change. When he emerges, Kurosaki is tucking a sheet over his sofa, plopping a pillow at one end and a folded blanket at the other. He darts a quick look at Uryuu before mumbling something indecipherable and heading straight for his bedroom. Uryuu watches him close the door and then collapses onto the makeshift bed.
As usual, sleep comes slowly. One drawback to being a genius and having an eidetic memory is that his mind automatically rehashes and catalogues the day's memories before it will allow him to sleep. Given today's events, this is a complicated process. Uryuu runs through the novel physical sensations first, of which there are legion. Of course, thinking about sex begins to arouse him. He clenches a fist into the blanket and lets out a slow breath to move resolutely past it.
Next are the emotional tokens. Mostly surprise and confusion, with a healthy dash of irritation mixed in. The latter is largely allocated to Kurosaki for being insufferable as usual. With that acknowledgment comes a slew of complicated thoughts directed at the man. Uryuu can smell him clearly on his borrowed clothes. The scent triggers an uncomfortable barrage of feelings he has no intention of analyzing. Instead, he forces a hard shut-down and finally goes offline.