Just like they do most days, Grimmjow and his best friends, Nnoitra and Ulquiorra are gathered together on a bench in their local Neko play park.
The weather is nice and warm, the sun's rays beaming down on them, and not a cloud in the sea blue sky.
Nnoitra's Blonde male Neko, Tesla, is currently playing chase with one of the other smaller male Neko's there, while Ulquiorra's female Neko, Orihime, is relaxing contently in the warm sandbox.
Grimmjow is the only one of their group who doesn't have a Neko of his own.
Nnoitra has tried to persuade him many times, but no such luck.
Why the hell would Grimmjow want one? He enjoys living on his own, having no one else he has to give a fuck about twenty four seven.
But still, something always tugs in his chest when he see's how affectionate his friends are with theirs, and the total loyalty and well, adoration they receive in return.
Jealousy stirring in him, perhaps?
The only reason he even comes to this damn park in the first place is because Nnoitra and Ulquiorra spend so much time here outside of work.
Nnoitra nudges Grimmjow harshly in the side, who flashes the tall, lanky man a deadly glare.
"What?"
"Ya were blatantly starin. Ya should stop bein such a stubborn ass and get one already."
"I told you, I don't want one for fucks sake. Why would I want someone pestering me twenty four seven in my own apartment? I get enough of that shit at work."
Nnoitra shrugs, his lone eye locking onto Tesla, who is now straddling the other male Neko he had been relentlessly chasing around, who whimpers pathetically underneath him.
Nnoitra hisses, jumping up from the bench and stomping over to them.
"Tesla ya lil bastard, get off 'im right now!"
Grimmjow smirks, watching as Telsa's fluffy yellow ears droop and he crawls off of the other Neko, who quickly scurries away from him.
Nnoitra crouch's down, petting Tesla gently on the head to show he's not really angry with him, and Tesla grins, leaning into his owner's touch, his silky tail swaying happily behind him.
"He is right, you know."
Turning his attention away from Nnoitra, Grimmjow stares over at Ulquiorra.
"Huh?"
"They are great companions, in fact, most of them are even more intelligent than most humans. Do not think I do not see how you stare at them."
Grimmjow mentally curses himself for getting caught out.
"Look, I don't need a damn pet."
"They are not merely pets, Grimmjow. They talk, walk, interact with others intelligently, just like humans do. Why don't you consider coming down to the adoption centre with me tomorrow?"
Grimmjow rolls his cyan eyes at the very thought.
"No thanks."
"Just come and look at them. What exactly do you have to lose?"
"OI I SAID NO! DAMN IT TELSA STOP BITIN!"
Grimmjow turns his attention back to a screeching Nnoitra, who is now gripping Tesla around the waist while the blonde Neko struggles to get at the Neko he just pounced on.
"My sanity?"
"Hilarious, Grimmjow," Ulquiorra drawls.
Orihime rushes back over to Ulquiorra, breathing heavily and her cheeks flushed red.
"Ulquiorra?"
"Yes dear?"
"I'm thirsty."
Ulquiorra reaches into his white backpack and hands Orihime a bottle of water, and she eagerly takes it, gulping it down hungrily.
While she does so, Ulquiorra reaches out and plants her down in his lap, running a pale hand through her long orange hair affectionately as she continues to drink.
Grimmjow huffs at the scene, before averting his eyes to the green grass below.
Well...maybe it couldn't hurt to just look.
Right?
As soon as Grimmjow trudges into his quiet, two bedroom apartment, he sighs to himself.
His apartment does feel a little lonely, but he sure as hell isn't going to admit that to anyone else.
Shrugging off his jacket, he heads over to the fridge, looking to warm up some takeaway leftovers and watch some crappy television before going to sleep.
Needless to say, Grimmjow has a very rude awakening the next day.
He wakes up gasping and writhing in shock, ice cold water splashed all over his face, messy blue hair and pillows.
Rubbing his sleepy eyes furiously, he stares up to find none other than Ulquiorra standing over him, a now empty glass clutched in his slender hand.
"Ulquiorra, what the fuck do you think you're doing?"
Ulquiorra calmly places the glass down onto the lone bedside table.
"Well, you were not answering your phone or the door, so I wanted to make sure you were not dead."
"And that's why you decided to throw cold water over me in my sleep you sadistic little bastard? Wait...how the hell did you get into my apartment?"
"I picked your lock, it was not that hard."
Grimmjow groans loudly, throwing his toasty blanket back over his head.
"Ugh whatever, I'm not in the mood to yell at you. Get lost so I can go back to sleep."
"Sleep? It is one in the afternoon, Grimmjow."
"And your point is?"
"The adoption centre is only open until three," Ulquiorra states.
Grimmjow grunts from beneath the blanket.
"Not this crap again, I said I wasn't going with you."
"Do I have to drag you out of that bed?"
With a snort, Grimmjow tugs the blanket around himself more firmly.
"I'd like to see you try- AHH!"
Grimmjow lands on the wooden floor with a hard thud, quickly rubbing his now sore backside from the fall.
"ULQUIORRA YOU LITTLE-"
"Enough, now get dressed, or do I have to do that for you as well?"
Grumbling curses under his breath, Grimmjow watches Ulquiorra head back into the living room, and starts to search for something decent to wear.
Well, he might as well get this crap over with.
Parking his blue Jeep in the adoption centre car park, Grimmjow cuts off the purring engine and stares forebodingly up at the looming white building dead ahead.
Does he seriously want to do this?
What's the damn point, when he knows he's definitely not gonna let Ulquiorra persuade him into bringing one home with him?
Ulquiorra however has other ideas and is already out of the car, and begrudgingly, Grimmjow gets out too.
As they enter the surprisingly quiet building, Grimmjow pauses to take a good look around.
The reception area is small but well organized and tidy, a row of white plastic chairs against the wall on one side along with some assorted magazines laid out on a wooden coffee table.
There is a round oak desk situated at the front, a petite, big breasted blonde woman perched behind it, shuffling some papers and tapping into a computer.
Obviously running out of patience to put up with Grimmjow's dawdling, Ulquiorra drags him over by the arm to the reception desk.
The tan blonde peers up at them, a warm smile on her plump glossy lips.
"Yes, how may I help you?"
"My friend here is considering adopting a Neko."
The blonde nods, turning to look at Grimmjow.
"I see, well if you wouldn't mind filling out some forms first, and then you can interact with some Neko's that are available for adoption right now."
The woman digs out some papers from her desk, handing them over along with a pad to lean on and a pen.
Grimmjow and Ulquiorra quietly sit down on two of the plastic chairs.
As Grimmjow fills out all the basic information that's needed, his name, address, employment status and income, he pauses when he gets down to the next section.
"What the hell does Neko preference mean?"
Ulquiorra, who is flicking through a magazine, pauses to look over at the form.
"It means male or female."
Grimmjow quickly scribbles down 'male'.
He doesn't get on well with human women, he sure as hell isn't going to stick himself with a female Neko.
The rest of the form is easy enough, and after completing it, Grimmjow hands it back to the woman, who reads it back to him to confirm what he's written down.
"Thank you, if you would like to take the door to your left and that will take you into the male Neko playroom, where you can interact with them and pick one that suits you best."
Grimmjow nods and trails after Ulquiorra through the left side door.
Inside well...it's not what Grimmjow was expecting.
Of course, he's never been to one of these things before, but still.
It is set out much like an actual play room, with random toys strewn in various places on the worn carpet, beanbags to sit on, and of course, a handful of young male Neko's joyfully messing up the place.
Grimmjow cringes at the tacky bright flower wallpaper plastered on the walls, but is brought back to reality when Ulquiorra smacks him on the back of the head.
"Ow, what the hell?"
"Go and interact with them, don't just stand there gawking like a fool."
Grimmjow narrows his eyes, before grumpily flopping himself down onto one of the pink beanbags.
One of the Nekos in the room, a small, lithe male with shoulder length straight black hair, tiny lilac ears and a short tail, instantly pays attention to him, forgetting the squeaky toy he had in his mouth and rushing over to stare up at him curiously.
Grimmjow's blue eyes flicker down to the name tag attached to the Neko's matching purple collar, which reads 'Luppi'.
Grimmjow tentatively reaches a hand out, and surprisingly the Neko bows his head straight away, letting Grimmjow pet him on the head.
Luppi seems pretty friendly, but for some reason Grimmjow just doesn't really feel like he's connecting with the raven haired Neko.
CRASH!
Ulquiorra promptly moves away from the play room door, just as a rowdy orange male Neko crashes through it, hissing wildly and digging his black claws into the door frame.
Spiky orange hair protrudes from his head, his Neko ears and tail only a slightly lighter shade and with such a fiery attitude to match perfectly, this Neko sure is something else.
The Neko's chocolate brown eyes are wide as he tries his best to cling on for dear life, his claws starting to chip at the woodwork.
The other male Neko's in the room turn to stare, but none of them seem that surprised by the odd behaviour, which leads Grimmjow to believe this particular Neko probably pulls stunts like this often.
A purple haired, tanned skinned woman is stood behind him, gripping him firmly by the collar in an attempt to push him further into the room.
"Damn it Ichigo, do we have to do this every time!"
Hissing even louder, the Neko glares over his shoulder at her.
"Then let me go back to my damn room, I don't wanna do this stupid shit anyway!"
Grimmjow watches the scene unfold with piqued interest, his hand still slowly petting Luppi.
But he doesn't fail to notice the knowing smile that creeps on to Ulquiorra's pale lips now.
The woman manages to shove the unwilling Neko fully into the playroom, who lands on his ass with a loud thump before growling and rushing back towards the door.
But he reaches it just a few seconds too late, and it's already locked behind her.
The Neko scratches uselessly at the door for a while, before giving up and slumping against it, his fluffy ears drooping in defeat.
Ulquiorra sidles over and crouchs down next to him, offering the Neko his hand to smell at.
The orange haired Neko glares up at him coldly.
"You want to lose a few fingers today?"
Ulquiorra quirks an eyebrow, retracting his hand.
"Feisty little Neko, aren't you?"
Ulquiorra gestures for Grimmjow to come over quickly.
Grimmjow somehow manages to manoeuvre himself out of the low beanbag, and Luppi whines as he watches him move away, but soon goes back to playing with the other Neko's.
Ulquiorra shifts away as Grimmjow crouches down in front of Ichigo, who instantly tenses up more and pushes his back into the door, his fangs bared and his ears pricked up and alert.
The first thing Grimmjow notice's is that unlike the other Neko's in the room, Ichigo isn't wearing a collar.
Calmly, Grimmjow offers his hand just like Ulquiorra did before him.
"I'm Grimmjow."
The Neko growls warningly at it.
"Do you guys have a death wish-"
The Neko's fiery words die in his throat as Grimmjow places his other hand on Ichigo's head, fingers gently stroking those surprisingly soft orange spikes.
Ichigo finds the anger draining out of him as Grimmjow starts to scratch behind his ears, a soft purring rumbling through his chest.
Grimmjow chuckles at the response, letting the now more relaxed Ichigo lean into his touch.
"Ulquiorra?"
"Hmm?"
"I fucking hate you."
Now gathered in a cosy office, Grimmjow and Ulquiorra are sat in front of another wooden desk, the purple haired woman from before, wearing the name tag 'Yoruichi' on her loose black blouse, is perched behind it.
"So...you really want to adopt Ichigo?"
Grimmjow frowns at her surprised tone.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I?"
"Well...he's a bit, temperamental, as you already witnessed earlier."
"I can handle him," Grimmjow huffs.
"I should warn you, apart from displays like you saw earlier, he likes to rip up things or chew them to bits, so if you have anything expensive, you might want to keep it well out of sight."
Retrieving a thick, beige folder from the desk drawer, she holds it up in front of them both.
"Well, inside of this folder are all the things you'll need to know about Ichigo, such as his current health status, his current doctor and dentist, his heat schedule and how to manage it-"
"Wait, heat schedule?"
Yoruichi pauses.
"Yes, Ichigo is unlike the other male Neko's here. He's one of the rare male Neko's that go into heat and can give birth to offspring."
Grimmjow turns to stare at Ulquiorra, who looks just as surprised as him.
"Hmm interesting, I have never heard of such Neko's," Ulquiorra wonders out loud.
"Yes, Ichigo's the first one I've ever come across in my time working here for the past fifteen years. He's a very unique Neko indeed. Which is why I've spent time making sure if anyone did adopt him, there's every detail in here to make sure that he doesn't accidentally get pregnant. Unless of course, you want to breed him then-"
"No! No I do not, one Neko is enough," Grimmjow insists.
"I thought so. Just read everything in this folder and you'll be fine. Ichigo will be more work than normal Neko's, so I would understand if this changes your mind."
She silently stares at Grimmjow expectantly.
Grimmjow rolls his eyes, before reaching over and grabbing the folder.
"Guess that explains why he's so darn pissy. But it's nothing I can't handle."
Yoruichi nods, a smile creeping onto her lips.
"Well, apart from that he isn't any different from other Neko's. Do you have any questions for me?"
Grimmjow shakes his head.
"Nah, I'm good. Can I take him home now?"
Yoruichi nods.
"Yes, he should be packed by now and waiting out front for you with Halibel."
Grimmjow curtly leaves without even a backward glance, and Ulquiorra stays behind to shake Yoruichi's hand.
"Thank you, I apologize for my friends rudeness."
Yoruichi just laughs.
"Oh don't worry about it, just make sure your friend there takes good care of Ichigo, he deserves it."
Ulquiorra nods, before following after Grimmjow.
Grimmjow meets Ichigo at the front, and watches as the blonde receptionist, who must be Halibel, gives the Neko a tight hug and a quick kiss on the forehead.
"I'm going to miss you, little Ichi."
Ichigo scowls and wipes his forehead, but he can't help the small smile that takes over his lips.
"It's Ichigo, but yeah I'll miss you too Halibel."
Halibel ruffles his vibrant orange hair before turning to Grimmjow.
"You better take good care of this one, he's special."
Grimmjow rolls his eyes at her, before picking up Ichigo's luggage, which only consist's of one large suitcase.
"Yeah yeah, you don't need to worry. Come on Ichigo."
Ichigo obediently trails after Grimmjow to the car park, lingering outside the car hesitantly as Grimmjow finishes packing the luggage into the trunk.
Ulquiorra opens the car door for Ichigo, who gulps and shakes his head vigorously.
"I..."
Grimmjow, wondering what the hold up is, stares over at the pair.
"Are you guys getting in any time today or what?"
Ulquiorra sighs, glaring over at him in annoyance.
"Grimmjow, you do realize most Neko's are not huge fans of travelling in moving vehicles?"
Grimmjow frowns.
"Well, no, I wasn't aware of that. Give me a break I don't know everything. So, what should we do?"
Ulquiorra puts a hand on Ichigo's trembling shoulders.
"Give me your keys and you sit in the back with Ichigo on your lap."
"What, no way in hell are you driving my damn car-"
Ulquiorra waves his hand swiftly at him to shut him up and points at Ichigo.
Ichigo is visibly trembling, his chest heaving and obviously on the verge of a panic attack at the thought of getting in the car.
Grimmjow quickly comes around the side of the Jeep, shoving the car keys into Ulquiorra's open hand and wrapping his arms around Ichigo.
"I swear to God if you even put a scratch on my car-"
"Yes yes, you will hung draw and quarter me and serve me to the whales at sea world, you have told me before."
As Ulquiorra gets into the drivers seat, Grimmjow slips into the back seat, gently coaxing the terrified Neko onto his lap.
Ichigo whimpers but allows Grimmjow to tug him in and secure the belt around them both.
"Ulquiorra, is this even legal?"
"Well, somewhat."
"You son of a-"
"Ah ah, you should watch your language around your new house guest."
Grimmjow takes a deep calming breath, focusing his attention back on Ichigo.
He gently rubs up and down Ichigo's upper arms, trying his best to comfort him.
Ichigo whimpers again as the engine starts, cowering back against Grimmjow's broad chest.
Grimmjow's never been one to baby anyone or anything, but something about the petrified orange Neko on his lap seems to bring the sappy side out of him that he didn't even know existed.
Grimmjow wraps his strong arms around Ichigo's waist, whispering into his ear.
"Shush shush, I promise you, nothing is going to happen, okay? I'm not gonna let anything hurt you."
Ichigo snuggles his head into Grimmjow's chest, scrunching his eyes shut.
Ulquiorra glances back through the mirror as he drives at the scene unfolding in the back, a rare genuine smile ghosting his lips.
Ichigo is all to eager to get out of the car as soon as Ulquiorra parks it, Grimmjow almost toppling out of it trying to hold Ichigo still.
"Ichigo, damn it...STOP!"
Ichigo hisses as Grimmjow manages to unbuckle the seatbelt, jumping out of Grimmjow's lap and into the quiet street.
Grimmjow untangles himself from the belt hastily, looping a strong arm around Ichigo's waist to stop him from scurrying off.
"God relax will you. Ulquiorra, take him inside while I get his luggage."
Ulquiorra hands Grimmjow back his car keys before prying a wriggling Ichigo from his grasp and steering him into the apartment block as Grimmjow retrieves Ichigo's belongings.
When Grimmjow lugs Ichigo's suitcase into the living room, he finds said Neko sniffing curiously at his leather couch, his tail wagging slowly and ears twitching.
Grimmjow frowns over at Ulquiorra, who is just coming out of the spare bedroom.
"He is just becoming used to how the apartment smells. While you were gone I put fresh sheets on the guest bed and did some cleaning up."
"You know, it's fucking creepy how you know where all my stuff is."
"Well, someone has too."
Grimmjow scowls.
"The hell is that supposed to mean? I keep this place clean don't I?"
"Define clean."
"Well...you can walk around easily enough," Grimmjow mutters.
Ulquiorra snorts.
"I see. Well, if I were you I would start reading the information Miss Yourichi handed you."
"I will I will, besides, how hard can this be?"
"Do not underestimate this, Neko's are more work than you would think, Grimmjow. Especially Ichigo here."
Ichigo, his nose currently planted in one of the plush couch cushions, sits back up at the sound of his name.
"Ulquiorra?"
"Yes, Ichigo?"
"You smell...weird."
Grimmjow laughs, shifting the suitcase over to one side.
"That is because I smell of my own Neko, Orihime."
Ichigo crawls across the couch, sniffing the air closer to Ulquiorra curiously.
"Speaking of which, I should not leave her alone for much longer, she becomes rather sad when she is left alone for too long. If you need any advice I am only a phone call away. Oh and Grimmjow, I can give you the name of a site so that you can order some things for Ichigo when he is in heat."
Grimmjow, now leaning back against the kitchen counter, frowns.
"Huh, what do you mean?"
Ichigo starts to ignore the two of them, slinking off into the bathroom.
"If you do not get them something to vent their frustration out on, they tend to use whatever they can get their hands on. Believe me, my leg is still recovering."
Grimmjow's eyes widen as realization smacks him in the face.
"You mean like...sex toys?"
"Exactly. If you are not going to let him breed when he is in heat it would be in yours and his best interests to purchase some. I will text you the website later, and do not worry, they are a very discrete service."
BANG!
CRASH!
Grimmjow rushes into the bathroom, seeing Ichigo planted face first in the bath tub, the shower curtain pulled down on top of him.
"Seriously? You haven't even been in here five minutes and you're already wrecking the place."
Grimmjow moves the shower curtain and brings Ichigo's head up, looking for any cuts or bruises.
Ichigo huffs, wriggling out of his grip.
"Get off, I'm not a kid, I'm fine!"
"No, you're just a pain in my ass."
"HEY!"
Grimmjow hears Ulquiorra leave, the front door clicking shut loudly behind him.
"Why don't you go check out your room while I fix this back up? It's the bedroom on the right."
Ichigo's ears perk up, and he dashes out of the bathroom excitedly.
Grimmjow quickly fixes the curtain back up and some shampoo bottles that have fallen, before carrying Ichigo's luggage into his room.
When he goes inside, Ichigo is sprawled on the freshly made bed on his stomach, his tail swishing lazily in the air.
As Grimmjow sets the luggage down beside the bed, he can hear the soft purring coming from Ichigo, and he grins to himself.
Just something about hearing Ichigo content and purring happily makes him feel...well...kind of content too.
Shit, he's already getting soft.
"Ichigo?"
"Hmm?"
"I'm gonna leave you to get settled in, if you need me I'll just be in my room, you don't have to knock just come in. And if you feel hungry or thirsty, just get whatever you want from the fridge, this is your home now too."
Ichigo lifts his face up from the bed.
"Thanks, Grimm."
"Grimm?"
"You don't like it?"Ichigo asks, a little hurt obvious in his voice.
Grimmjow just smiles at him.
"Nah, Grimm's fine."
Grimmjow leaves Ichigo to his own devices, heading out into the living room and retrieving the orange folder on his way to his room.
Page after freakin page, how long is this damn folder?
So long in fact, Grimmjow ends up falling asleep, the folder covering his face as he dozes on his king size bed.
The closed door to the room slowly creaks open, Ichigo curiously poking his head around.
Smiling devilishly, he comes fully into the room when he see's Grimmjow is fast asleep, a black marker clutched in his clawed hand.
"I see now why you wanted to see me so urgently."
Ulquiorra sets his mug of warm coffee down on the coffee table, staring at Grimmjow.
Grimmjow, who is sat on the leather couch opposite him, runs a hand through his tousled blue hair.
His usually clean face now sports long black whiskers, a black kitten nose and a marvellous moustache.
"The little shit drew all over my damn face with that marker while I was asleep, and the stuff won't come off!"
Ulquiorra hides his face behind his hands, his shoulders shaking.
"IT'S NOT FUNNY YOU BASTARD! I HAVE WORK TOMORROW, THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?"
Clearing his throat, Ulquiorra sighs.
"Calm down, I know a good way to remove it. Where is Ichigo?"
Grimmjow nods towards the closed door to the right, a chair propped up against it, locking it from the outside.
Faint scratching can be heard from the inside.
"Grimm...can I come out now?"
"No! You can wallow in there about what you've done you little shit!"
"WELL IF YOU ASK ME I MADE YOUR FACE LOOK TEN TIMES BETTER, SO YOU SHOULD BE THANKING ME!"
Grimmjow growls, leaping up from the couch.
"YOU CHEEKY ASSHOLE, HOW ABOUT I COME IN THERE AND RETURN THE FAVOUR THEN!"
"Grimmjow, it is nothing more than a bit of harmless fun, most Neko's are mischievous by nature."
Grimmjow points a shaky finger at Ulquiorra.
"I DIDN'T ASK FOR YOUR INPUT! JUST TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO!"
"About what, exactly?"
"WELL MY DAMN FACE FOR STARTERS, AND HOW THE HELL DO I STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN, CHAIN HIM TO HIS DAMN BED?"
"THE HELL YOU WILL GRIMM, UNLESS YOU WANT TO LOSE A FEW LIMBS!"
"OH REALLY, YOU THINK YOU CAN STOP ME ICHIGO?"
"For the love of God, stop shouting, you are giving me a headache,"Ulquiorra growls out.
Grimmjow huffs, plopping back down onto the couch.
"Fine."
"Good. Now, as for the permanent marker, rubbing alcohol should do the trick. The mischievous behaviour, that will dwindle down when he becomes more comfortable with you. I suggest for now you be extra vigilante and not give him the chance to do something like this again."
Draining the last of his coffee, Ulquiorra gets to his feet.
"Do not keep him locked in that room for much longer, it will only make him rebel against you more. Oh, and I informed Nnoitra about this, and he wants to come round with Tesla tomorrow."
"Wait, Is that gonna be...okay? I mean, introducing him to another Neko so soon?"
"Yes, in fact if anything, it will most likely make him more comfortable. Although male Neko's generally tend to not get along that well unless raised together, since Ichigo also has female qualities I believe the two will get along just fine. When is Ichigo's next heat cycle due?"
Grimmjow scratches his head.
"Uh, I think it's about two weeks away?"
"Then he will be fine around Tesla tomorrow. I text you the website by the way, you should order from it tomorrow so that the stuff arrives in time for it."
Grimmjow nods, showing Ulquiorra out.
Locking the front door, he walks over and stops outside Ichigo's room.
"I should keep your ass in there for longer."
Indignant huffing can be heard from the other side of the door.
Grimmjow moves the chair to one side, and then retrieves the rubbing alcohol from one of the kitchen cupboards and a clean cloth, heading into the bathroom to get the damned markings off his face.
So, I've wanted to write a Neko story for a while, and I finally managed to get one typed out the way I wanted!
I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter, and thanks for reading!