A/N: Hi faithful readers! Here is the next installment of Love&Loss, I hope you all enjoy it. I know I enjoyed writing it. I'm sorry that it wasn't out sooner, but I've been busy with my senior year of high school. You guys know how it is. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Check chapter one.


Chapter One: (December)

Working on cars again was relaxing; it kept frazzled nerves calm and assured that his future held no fights. Or, well, fights he started. Nnoitra was still annoying and Starrk Coyote was pretty cool. The original impression he had on him yesterday wasn't completely accurate. Yesterday the man had been half asleep and far too eager to hire him; today he was… still half asleep and turning out to be a really cool boss.

Even if he seemed a little too trusting.

His first day went good, as long as you didn't count the first hour when he was forced to wait for his boss to wake up and let them in.

Even that hadn't been so bad.

The next few days were good too. Grimmjow settled into his new routine just fine; he never went anywhere other than work and the house. Nnoitra became more tolerable every day and his bosses sleeping habits ignored and were worked around. No fight made its way to him either, which was disappointing. Everything was becoming very mundane.

That is, until, a month later when he ran into a familiar teenager with orange hair and ultimately started his rivalry.

-Love&Loss-

Ichigo hated snow, cold and the flu. Winter was not his favorite season. His favorite season was fall, when everything was changing and the sun wasn't shining down trying to kill all of the earth's inhabitants. Not that he hated summer or spring, it's just that autumn was infinitely better than both of them. They had redeeming qualities and Ichigo enjoyed them. Winter was a different story; in fact, it was a whole other series.

So, taking all this into account, it was safe to say that trudging through the streets in ankle high white death (a.k.a snow), cold and miserable wasn't the highlight of his life.

School should be cancelled in the winter; that way he could sleep in till noon and munch on Yuzu's baking comfortably at night. All without the biting cold of Jack Frost.

But, alas, it was not to be; for one, nobody would sign that petition, it was too ingrained into every human's DNA that summer was for school vacation and two, he would get fat. He wasn't vain by any means, but anybody would have a problem with that.

The walk from school to home was only about half an hour, but it would've been a week to him. Finally the two story house hew so loved came into view and joy filled him.

"Finally."

When he walked in there was silence. No attack from an over excited—crazy—father or cheerful greeting from his younger sibling or less enthusiastic one from the other sister.

One quick look around showed most of the lights were shut off and a wrapped plate of food on the counter. There was a note beside the covered dish in Yuzu's handwriting. A quick read through and he was warming up his dinner in the microwave. His father had gotten them out of school early for an impromptu trip to the museum.

Isshin Kurosaki was insane.

Later, when he was settled in his room working on a paper for chemistry and munching on some chops with an episode of Big Bang Theory playing in the background, his phone beeped. A picture of a black tribal tattoo took up his screen.

Renji.

WANNA GO TO THE MOVIES?

Ichigo looked out his window.

IN THIS WEATHER?

There was absolutely no way; he loved his friend, but not that much. It beeped again.

YES, IN THIS WEATHER. COME ON ICHI LIVE A LITTLE.

NO BESIDES IT'S LATE.

SO? IT'S A WEEKEND, PLUS YOU'RE ALONE.

HOW THE HELL DID YOU KNOW THAT?

IM OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE.

CREEPER.

OPEN THE DOOR LOSER.

He was very tempted to just let the guy freeze. Renji knew he didn't like the cold, so why the hell was the red head outside asking for a movie date?

He was not caving in.

He was not walking to that door.

He was not letting that baboon in.

He was not—"Took you long enough slowpoke."

Life was not fair.

"Renji, what are you doing here?"

His friend stomped his feet and slammed the door shut. There was a snow blanket over him. Ichigo helped with his jacket, scowling unhappily. "Thanks man," Renji unwound his scarf and kicked off his shoes, "and I'm here because both of our families are away and I thought you could use the company."

"My family isn't-" The message light was blinking.

"Are you serious Ichigo? Look at the sky. It's black. Have you checked the time?"

The teen's voice was background music.

It was dark out and hours had passed since he'd gotten home. How had that happened? Ichigo shushed Renji and walked to the answering machine. The coat was draped over the couch carelessly and without fear of consequence.

He pressed play.

"You have, one, new message." The automated voice rang annoyingly, then his father's voice boomed out.

"Ichigo! My son! Our trip is going to take a bit longer than necessary!" Why was old goat-face yelling? There were familiar voices in the background.

"We ended up driving out of the city to visit some of my college friends! I'm sorry my son, but it seems you will be alone tonight! Good night! Remember Daddy loves you-augh! Karin no!"

The machine beeped.

Ichigo repressed a smile. His sister had probably hit their father over the head for being too loud. He loved his family, but wow, were they overwhelming.

"See, told you."

Renji was almost right behind him when the orangette turned. The taller boy hadn't come because he'd thought Ichigo would want the company at all. Ichigo knew this. Renji had come because he didn't like being alone in an empty house, any more than Ichigo liked storms.

His bed would be warmer with two bodies.

"Wanna watch Sahara?"

The smile he was rewarded with warmed him like the sun never could.

"I'll make the popcorn." Renji declared and rushed to do just that. Ichigo went to set up the movie, "Don't forget to bring up the drinks!" He shouted down.

"Don't worry about it Berry!"

There was a routine when Renji slept over. An action flick would be picked and agreed upon by both parties; then popcorn was made (three bags) and beverage brought out; then they would settle in Ichigo's bed, all dressed down in their pj bottoms and hit play. After the movie was done and depending on what time it was, they'd either get another movie and more popcorn or go to bed.

Tonight, it was the latter. It was only a weekend, but they were tired. So as soon as Sahara finished and the popcorn bowl discarded to the floor, Ichigo shut off the light and snuggled under his covers. Renji hated sleeping on the edge.

Quiet dominated the room. The only disturbance was the wind hitting his window now and again in mock anger.

He was half asleep when Renji finally decided to reach out for him. Ichigo's back was pulled against a warm hard chest. It didn't startle him awake; like the movie, this was routine. So, with everything done, the two friends drifted to sleep.

-Ichigo-

He was outside again.

When Ichigo had woken up that morning, curled into Renji's side and deliciously warm, he'd thought, this is going to be a great day. Unfortunately for him the morning had been deceiving. Renji—the Lord help his pour soul when Ichigo threw it to hell—had magically convinced him to go Christmas shopping with him early. Never again, Ichigo vowed, would he allow the redhead to lull him into a false sense of peace and security with his smile. It forced his guard to take a vacation in the Bahamas. It was fucking December for Christ sakes! He was not meant to be outside this time of year.

The light had yet to okay them to cross.

Renji had his arm around the Ichigo's shoulders but that didn't help one bit. Cold plus Ichigo equaled unhappy teenager.

He loved his best friend but as soon as he was warm, he was killing the guy, painfully. With a fork.

They hadn't even gotten anything yet.

Their friends were impossible to shop for. None of them really wanted anything, mostly. Rukia was easy. All she liked and wanted was anything Chappy the Bunny related. Orihime was a mystery; Tatsuki was a mystery. All their male friends just mostly shrugged off the holiday. The only one's easier to shop for other than Rukia, were themselves.

They'd been best friends forever. Ichigo could shop for Renji in his sleep.

The walking stickman lit up and everybody leapt into motion. Hopefully the next store would have something.

When they finally got into the building, Ichigo sighed loudly in relief and soaked up the heat that the building provided.

"It's not that bad Ichi."

If only looks could kill…

People drifted from store to store; chatting with their friends and lugging bags filled with clothes or other stuff with them.

Delicious smells form the food court drifted toward them, snagging the boy's attention.

Lunch, it was decided, would come first.

They had all day after all.

When they were both munching happily on their chosen food product from the chosen fast food joint. The fries were drenched in gravy and cheese making a wonderfully tasteful poutine and the pizza was thick with cheese and heaped with meat.

They were growing boys.

"You could always just resort to gift cards."

Renji looked appalled, he made a sound of disgust, "Why don't you just say outright that you have no Christmas spirit. Next thing you know, you're just going to say you asked the guys what they wanted!" Ichigo stopped chewing and looked away. There really wasn't anything to say to that.

"Oh my god! Ichigo Kurosaki!"

Okay, he knew he did something bad but he wasn't interested in this holiday. Renji bordered on obsessive though, just a tad.

"Don't look at me like that." He demanded.

His friend only scowled, "Next year, I'm helping you buy good gifts."

Ichigo shrugged, "You're going to make me poor Ren."

"I would drive you to poverty today, but I have a feeling you're already there this year."

"Shut up loser."

Renji just laughed and finished off his lunch. The redhead slapped the table, "Come on! We…" Ichigo gave him a look, "I have to hit a lot of stored today." Ichigo shrugged, "I'll meet up with you later, I got to get the gift cards at the information desk."

His friend nodded then threw away his garbage and was off on his spree. Maybe just a little more than obsessed, he thought as he caught the start of his friend whistling Christmas tunes. Just a tad more than obsessed.

After taking care of his trash, he made his way to one particular store. There was no doubt in his mind that Renji was currently buying his presents. It was just a feeling. He walked up to the front desk and smiled at the woman standing behind it.

"Hi, I would like to order a book."

-Love&Loss-

Grimmjow snatched his jacket off the back of the chair and jerked it on. He had bought it at some hunting store last month; it wasn't pretty or the 'latest fashion' but he liked it and it kept him warm.

"See ya tomorrow boss!"

There was no reply, Grimmjow smirked and made his way to the door. When it was pulled open, cold air gently blew through. It was one of those warm winter days, when it was actually possible to go outside and not freeze to death. He was very thankful for that.

A quick look at his watch showed he had time to still stop at the store he needed to be at. The store he needed to go to was in a mall blocks away from his work. But he could make it; he knew what he wanted anyway.

Soon he was walking in the front doors and, not quite, rushing to HMV. There was this movie he had been intending on seeing for a while now, but had kept forgetting about it until now. The Hunger Games were supposed to be good; he hoped he wasn't wasting money buying it. Grimmjow wasn't one that was much for movies, but there was that occasional film that caught his attention.

The mall was crowded, not horribly so but enough to get on his nerves and make him mash his molars together to keep from growling. Keeping close to the wall, he gratefully entered the entrance of the store and took a moment to calm down.

Just get the movie and get out. That was the plan. Stick to the plan. Muttering about the plan Grimmjow grabbed the nearest copy of the movie he wanted and went to pay. The line-up, unfortunately, was long and required the customer to have patience.

Christmas music played over the mall speakers and everybody (almost everybody) wore something that was related to the holiday. Whether it be the traditional red and green colors or just the mascots of the season. Today, Starrk had even been dressed up (somewhat); the man had worn a brown knitted sweater with a reindeer adorning the front that his nice had made him. Supposedly his sister was one evil she-devil and made him wear it under threat of castration. At least, according to Grimmjow's very tall coworker.

At last, it was his turn and he paid the man behind the desk.

Part one, complete. Part two, commence.

Time to go home.

The mall closed at six during the weekend. Now, following tradition, the crowd would've been thinning out by now, considering it was half an hour to closing. But it was just as crowded as it had been when he'd first entered, granted, only twenty some minutes had passed. It still should have never been this crowded. When Grimmjow got outside it was dark and noticeably colder. The bluenette turned and began to walk back. The night was calm and quiet; couples walked hand in hand and traffic was light. Maybe… maybe he'd get a present for Nina this year.

He looked at the bag, maybe if I don't like it she can have the movie.

Someone bumped into him harshly and the movie went flying from his hands. Grimmjow grunted when he landed on his ass.

"What the hell!" Two voices shouted angrily.

The words echoed into the night; the only real noise out there.

The teen's head snapped to the side to spot his assailant. The other boy was rubbing his shoulder and glaring at him, "Watch where you're going!"

Grimmjow bristled and pushed his way to his feet, "Watch where I'm going?!" he cried incredulously. When the other boy pushed his way back up too, Grimmjow shoved him. "You should watch where you're going! I mean you practically-"

A car whizzed by behind him and a noticeable crack echoed in him. His head whipped behind him to look for his bag.

It lay in a tire track, looking perfectly fine; he reached for it and ripped the plastic away that covered it and then yanked the cover off. He growled, more fucking plastic. When that was gone he opened it and his eyes widened in horror.

The disk was cracked in half.

He had just spent good money on this!

Angrily, he threw it down and turned to find who was responsible.

Nobody was there.

Grimmjow looked frantically around until he spotted his assailant. Ten long strides brought the blue headed teenager close enough that he could reach out and yank the boy back by his collar. The boy gasped and turned to glare at him, "What's your problem?!" he demanded.

Ignoring it, Grimmjow got in the smaller teens face, "You owe me for the DVD you broke,"

Shocked brown eyes stared at him incredulously, "Excuse me?"

He held out his hand, palm up, "Thirty bucks."

A flame began to blaze in the other's eyes and he glared all the fiercer, "I don't owe you shit." Then turned and away.

He was not going anywhere.

Grimmjow dashed in front of him and shoved him back by his head. The toque the guy had been wearing went askew and ended up hiding half his face.

"Hey!" he shouted angrily, then reached up and yanked the knitted cap off. Orange hair fell over his forehead and stuck up at odd angles. The hair color gave Grimmjow pause for a second, a weird sense of de ja vu settling in, but then he remembered his anger.

Brown eyes sparked and glared at him so harshly, he should've fallen dead right there.

Repeating his earlier gesture of hand out, pam up, he said, "You made me break my new movie. You owe me thirty bucks."

The boy ignored him in favor of smoothing down the unkempt hair and putting the toque back on. Finally, after an eternity of the stupid orange head righting his jacket of non-existent messiness—all the while the bluenette's anger boiling—he finally received a reply.

In the form of the finger and a very calmly given, "Fuck off. I don't owe you anything."

The urge was there, begging to be let out. It had been so long since he hit anything. It would be so easy to just swing back and punch the punk so hard his grandparents felt it. He had to just give in and everything would be good.

Some other voice told him not to, to be the stronger man and walk away.

He was about to, but then the other guy knocked shoulders with him and the control snapped.

Grimmjow grabbed him and did what came so naturally to him, he punched.

-Love&Loss-

Ichigo's day hadn't been all that great. To start off with, his old man had been extra annoying that morning; it didn't his mood either that he had been up all night putting the finishing touched on his last school assignment before Christmas break. Then Renji had cancelled the plans they'd made today because his parents decided for an impromptu trip to visit some relatives out of the city. All his other friends were busy too, so he was all alone. When he finally got sick of his brooding, he had actually decided to go for a walk. This is how desperate he was. He had only been out an hour when he had met the icing on the cake. Blue icing to be exact.

The punch was unexpected and it hurt like hell! Ichigo's head rang a little, the guy was strong, and he shook it to clear it.

The second fist he saw coming and he dodged out of the way. Taking a few steps back he looked his opponent up and down. Definitely strong and definitely looking for a fight. Blue eyes blazed bright and held a little eagerness.

The fists came at him again. Backing up, he dodged and blocked, holding in an anger that was fuelsed by his annoyingness of the day's events.

He used his forearm to block, then twisted his wrist and grabbed the guys arm and snatched the collar of his jacket with his other hand. Ichigo yanked and smashed their heads together.

In retrospect it probably wasn't the smartest move, but instinct was instinct. He should've punched the jerk.

They stumbled away from each other, both reeling and knowing a headache would soon come. Ichigo resisted the urge to cover his head and glared at the blue eyes, blue haired stranger.

A group of friends stood off on the side watching them, waiting.

The bluenette moved and Ichigo tensed. But then all the other did was swipe some snow from his pants, muttered something about it not being worth it and walked off.

What. The. Hell…

Shocked, he couldn't move. Was he bipolar?

Ichigo opened his mouth as if to say something, then snapped it shut. Had that really just happened? A cold gust of wind suddenly blew in his face and he remembered he really hated the cold. He was shivering, had probably been all along, but was too busy brooding to notice.

Time to go home.

-Ichigo-

His phone went off when he was in the shower and washing shampoo from his hair. The song Prayer of a Refugee blasted from the tiny device and made its way down the hallway to the bathroom, through the door.

It barely played ten seconds before Ichigo came crashing in and lunged for it.

"Renji?!"

There was silence. Then, "Miss me much?" the other boy chuckled.

Ichigo scoffed and picked himself off the floor, "Who would miss you?"

Reni's laugh made him smile. He plopped down on his mattress and plucked a loose thread from the towel around his waist.

"So, what you call for pineapple head?"

There was more laughing and more smiling. "Can't a guy call his best friend just to say hi?"

"Not when he bailed on his best friend." There was teasing there, but also the annoyingness that had been building almost all day.

Renji went quiet on the other end.

Shit, Ichigo thought guiltily, I have to get better at hiding it.

"Sorry Ichi." His best friend whispered.

Groaning Ichigo covered his eyes, "No, no, I'm sorry Ren. I've had a bad day."

Renji hummed in sympathy, "We're both sorry then. If it makes you feel any better I had a pretty sucky day too."

Ichigo's mouth twitched a bit form its frown, "Just a bit." he admitted.

A full smile bloomed when Renji laughed again.

"So what happened that made your day so horrible." A dog barked in the background. "Other than the obvious, of course."

Ichigo stayed quiet for a second, "I went for a walk and stayed out for close to three hours."

He got up and began to rifle through his drawers for boxers.

"I wasn't really paying attention on where I was going and bumped into this guy. He had bright blue hair believe it or not. He apparently had some kind of DVD and it broke when he fell. The guy tried to blame me for it."

"Fucker." Renji exclaimed.

"I was trying to walk away, but he doesn't let me and starts throwing punched."

"What the hell." The red head growled through the phone. A dog barked again, more insistent. "So I knocked out heads together."

His friend burst into a full laughing fit, "You're crazy!"

Ichigo laughed a bit himself, "He left afterwards."

"Good."

They talked for a while more than said their good-bye's. Ichigo fell into bed; quite a bit happier than he had been all day. Today hadn't been so bad, he decided. He settled into his covers; tomorrow was Monday and one of the last days of school, everything was looking up.


There we go! I hoped you all enjoyed it and you can expect the next chapter to out sometime around... January 31. Maybe a few days before that. So now that all the reading is done for now, if you would all be so kind as to write your comments down in the white box below and maybe even some CC it would be welcomed. Happy Reading!

Yours truly,

~Klaanvdia