Ichigo sighed, his face tight with sorrow as he turned to leave, walking away.
"Huh, Wait!" cried Grimmjow, "Ichi, wait a minute!" Ichigo stopped, turning to face his friend, "uh... um, I..." began Grimmjow.
He didn't want his friendship to end, he didn't want Ichigo to walk out of his life; to be honest, he hadn't really expected Ichigo to stop, but he had, and Grimmjow still didn't know what to say. His protests died on his lips; what could he say at a time like this?
Ichigo looked away again, his expression pained, before turning once more, walking out into the night.
As soon as Ichigo turned the corner he burst into a wild sprint, shame burning his cheeks at the tears running from his eyes, turning corner after corner, amazed when he passed the bar. He'd been running aimlessly, how could he not be lost?
"Oof!" he cried as he ran into a very tall, apparently solid shadow, flinging them both into the ground.
"Ichigo?" came a familiar voice.
Shit thought Ichigo, recognising the voice, pushing off the ground to leave, crying in pain out as the figure grabbed his wrist, pulling him back.
"Ichigo, what's wrong? ...You're bleeding!" exclaimed Nnoitra, "heh, see, you're not as durable as I am!" he chuckled before noticing the tears, "Ichigo, you okay?" he asked, his tone suddenly serious.
"I'm fine" mumbled Ichigo, not meeting Nnoitra's eyes, pulling his arm back.
"No you're not! Come on Ichi, the dorms aren't far, I'll fix you up."
"I said I'm fine!" spat Ichigo gruffly, embarrassment mixing with the hurt, standing up once more.
"No you're fucking not!" argued Nnoitra, grabbing Ichigo's arm again, this time joining him at a stand.
"I'm-"
"You're bleeding, okay? You're coming back with me to fix that cut whether you like it or not" Nnoitra shot back, towing Ichigo back towards his apartment. He wasn't taking "no" for an answer.
"Nnoitra, I'm fine, it's just a graze!" protested Ichigo, trying futilely to wipe the tears from his face.
"Ichigo... I won't ask you what just happened... I saw Grimmjow go after you, I can guess it's got to do with him... I won't ask, so come on, I have a First Aid kit back at mine, but you don't have one, do you?" the tall boy reasoned, knowing from previous experience that Ichigo had no First Aid kit back at his place, "better I see you like this, as I've already seen it, than you have to go show other people when searching for one."
Ichigo looked away, still looking undecided, but following willingly, if grudgingly.
Nnoitra's dorm room was in a separate building to Ichigo's and Grimmjow's, which was a relief to Ichigo, who was beginning to think that maybe he was lucky to have run into Nnoitra; he really didn't want to run into Grimmjow right now, dreading the conversation that would come when Grimmjow finally decided how he felt.
They stepped inside, Nnoitra guiding the red head to sit on the bed before moving toward the kitchen, fumbling in the solitary cupboard.
"You wanna stay the night? You don't wanna' run into Grimmjow, do ya? You can stay here," offered Nnoitra, as though reading his mind.
Ichigo nodded, forcing a smile, "thanks," he said, surprising Nnoitra with his lack of argument.
"Hey, you sure you're okay?" asked the pale boy, kneeling in front of the boy, wiping the gash free of gravel with a wet cloth.
"I don't wanna' talk about it Nnoitra, you said you wouldn't ask." Ichigo mumbled, wincing at the sting of the cut.
"Yeah yeah, cut's not as bad as it looked, the blood built up, making it look a bit gory, but it'll be fine with just a bandaid." He replied, changing the subject, pulling a large rectangular bandaid from the First Aid kit, peeling the wrapper off before carefully smoothing it over the cut. He pulled back to inspect his work satisfied before packing the First Aid kit away, grabbing two beers from the fridge on his way back.
"Here, the cure for any a bad mood," he said, passing one to Ichigo.
"Alcohol's good for a bad mood? It works as a depressant," mumbled Ichigo, accepting the drink anyway.
"Only when you're drinking alone! When you're with friends it cheers you up!" Ichigo was informed. He didn't agree with that statement, but let it slide; he needed a drink.
"... So what're you doing for the summer Holidays?" asked Nnoitra, already aware of Ichigo's plans.
Ichigo stiffened, his expression darkening; he and Grimmjow had been planning to go to the alps to learn how to ski, "I don't know..." he said at last; Summer holidays were still a month away, anything could happen in that time.
"You haven't got any plans?" probed Nnoitra, gouging the extent p the assumed argument.
"...Kind of, but I'm not sure what's happening with that" he replied noncommittally, finishing his beer and padding to the fridge to grab another.
Ichigo... you were at the bar before weren't you? How many did you drink then?" asked Nnoitra, he didn't want to drink Ichigo into a drunken stupor.
Ichigo glanced sidelong at Nnoitra, protecting his beer, "... I had three... no, two and a half..."
Nnoitra smiled, judging from previous experience he knew that four and a half beers should just about do it, "Ichigo... are you okay?"
Ichigo started to laugh, which he found quite difficult around the beer bottle between his lips, choking on the fluid that ran into his lungs, spluttering laughs dying slowly, face falling until all traces of humour had left, replaced by depression.
To Ichigo's horror he felt warm drops fall onto his hands, silent sobs shaking his body, catching in his throat. He fought to keep them in, rubbing a hand roughly across his eyes.
Nnoitra couldn't help it, he was always the supportive type; usually he could channel his compassion into verbal advice and encouraging. Slowly he wrapped his arms around the red head, resting his head on Ichigo's, holding him even after the sobs died away.
Ichigo stiffened in more ways than one, heat spreading over his cheeks. He was pressed up against the tall boy, Nnoitra's loose black hair brushing his face.
Holy Jesus fuck... is that... am I... Ichigo's eyes widened in realisation, frozen in disbelief.
"Ichi? You okay?" asked Nnoitra.
"Nnoitra... I'm gay..." trailed Ichigo in disbelief, turning his head up to face the tall boy, depression dissolving into joy, "I'm gay! Nnoitra, I'm gay!" he cried out, pulling away to start pacing the room.
"... Um... good for you...?"
"No, I mean I'm gay!" cried Ichigo again.
"... Yeah, I got that the first three times you said it... why's that such a good thing...?" asked Nnoitra, completely baffled by Ichigo's outburst.
"Look, I'm hard!" he motioned to his groin, embarrassment forgotten, "I'm hard because of you! I'm gay! That means it's not just Grimmjow! We really can go back to the way things were! Nnoitra, I'm gay!" yelled Ichigo, his smile blindingly wide.
"Ohh... so that's what was going on..." commented Nnoitra, finally understanding, "you know you've had everyone worried. None of them had seen you two have an argument that lasted more than 10 minutes before."
"I'm gay..." was all Ichigo said in return, off in his thoughts.
"...Okay, you're gay, wanna' make it official?" offered Nnoitra, smirking when Ichigo whipped his head around, shock written over his face.
"You mean...?" Ichigo asked, receiving a nod, "but I'm gay..."
"... yes I see that..." said Nnoitra, referring to Ichigo's groin, a baffled expression on his face, "That's why I'm offering...don't gays tend to go with guys...?"
Ichigo stared at his baffled, "but you're not gay, you have a reputation for being a lady killer."
"I go both ways" said Nnoitra with a shrug.
"Oh..."
"So d'ya wanna'?" he asked again, trailing a finger lightly across the bulge in Ichigo's pants, smirking when Ichigo grabbed himself at the feeling, unintentionally trapping Nnoitra's finger, blushing when he let him go, "since you're clearly interested."
"...Sure... I hadn't expected you to ask... but yeah, I am gay after all..." Ichigo trailed off.
Neither of the boys were virgins, not by any stretch of the imagination, both of them had had their share of one night stands, while also plenty serious relationships, though Nnoitra had had substantially more one night stands, and Ichigo far more serious relationships.
"Good, because your little proclamation about my making you hard has given me a little problem of my own," he informed Ichigo, pulling the orange haired boy's hand to rest on his own erection, a muffled sound of surprise escaping when Ichigo proceeded to undo his pants, slipping his hand beneath the fabric and squeezing gently.
"You're not shy, I like that" growled Nnoitra, pushing Ichigo on his back, leaning in for a kiss. Ichigo flinched, sharply turning his head to the side, "...what happened to that confidence you just had...?"
"Uh... sorry, I just... I'm not used to... kissing guys..." Ichigo replied, steadying his nerves before leaning to press his lips against Nnoitra's, opening his mouth into the kiss. He had to stop himself from backing away as Nnoitra's unnaturally long tongue slid into his mouth, dominating the kiss, a new sensation; he wasn't used to submitting. He let Nnoitra take the lead, allowing the boy to undress him, his own fingers fumbling in his mission to free the tall boy of his clothes.
Nnoitra couldn't help laugh to himself at Ichigo's situation, to be completely willing and prepared for sex, yet still be a virgin in so many respects, trying his best to overcome his nervousness. It was charming, a refreshing change from the kind of people he usually slept with.
He gave the boy a hand, deftly running his fingers along the cloth, undoing the buttons quickly, slipping the last item off of his shoulders.
"You know how this works?" he asked the orange haired boy.
"Mostly... from common sense and the internet... but I've never done it before so I don't... uh, you might have to... uh..."
"Heh, teach you?" supplied Nnoitra, an amused grin on his face, "don't worry, Ichi, you'll pick it up," he assured the boy, leaning in close to his ear, "and don't worry, I'll be gentle."
Ichigo stiffened, feeling a finger rub against his entrance, quickly sitting up, eyes wide in alarm, "What're you doing? I'm a man!"
Nnoitra sighed, "Ichigo, we've been through this, you're gay remember? That means you have sex with other men."
"No, I mean... I'm a man!"
"...Well done... you're a man. Are you having second thoughts?" he asked annoyed, pulling away from Ichigo, a sigh evident in his voice, "You picked a killer time for it."
"No! I mean, I'm a man!" cried Ichigo in vain.
Nnoitra struggled to keep his temper in check, "Thankyou Ichigo, do you have anything relevant to say that you haven't already? Coz' otherwise I'll go get you a spare blanket-"
"Spare blanket? Nnoitra, I mean..." trailed off Ichigo, clearly frustrated, "...I'm not a woman..."
Nnoitra's eyebrow twitched as he fought not to make sense of Ichigo's rambling, eyes widening with sudden understanding, "...Wait, you don't mean... do you mean you... thought you were gonna' top?" he asked incredulously.
"Oh, is that what you call it..." mumbled Ichigo, "well yeah, I'm a man after all..."
Nnoitra couldn't help it, his annoyance disappeared, replaced by a bout of laughter, holding his hand to his forehead as he laughed at the ceiling, head titled back.
"You couldn't have chosen a better way to say it!?" he questioned, still chuckling to himself.
"Hmph, see if you do better in that situation" replied Ichigo indignant.
"Ichi, I have done better in that situation, and I was more of a virgin that you are," he informed the boy, "but back to the question, you really think you're gonna' top?" he asked disbelievingly.
"I am a man after all!" cried Ichigo.
"Yes, yes, we've established that now I think. Maybe you don't understand how gay relationships work... basically, there are two men... I'm also a man, believe it or not. My point being, it's not about whether you're a man, but whether you're the more dominant man; I prefer to establish that through the kiss, did I not dominate that kiss in an instant? The next sign is to look at who you're attracted to, so far you've liked me and Grimmjow right? We're both without a doubt Seme material-"
"Seme?" interrupted Ichigo, confused.
"Uh... well, it's more a popular label, Seme and Uke, the Seme is the dominant, and the Uke is the submissive." He explained, "So we're both Seme material, now think of that kid... what's his name, you went to highschool with him... uh... Mizaro? Matsuro?"
"Mizuiro Kojima?" asked Ichigo. Why had the conversation turned to his high school, womanizing friend.
"Right! The short one with big eyes and black hair right?"
"That's the one-"
"Well then? You attracted to him? Asked Nnoitra.
"Huh!? Why-?"
"Just answer the question" he demanded impatiently.
"Uh, well... no... that's just... weird." Trailed Ichigo, unsure of what Nnoitra was getting at.
"Well he's pure Uke material. Yeah, I know he goes for older women, but forget his personality, most Seme would get something from him, or people who look like him: short, slender, doe eyed, cute, the kind of boy to scream and blush below you. And that is how you tell if you're a dominant or submissive!" finished Nnoitra, rather pleased with how smoothly his explanation had gone.
"But then... I'm not short or doe eyed... I'm not your description of an Uke," he argued, determined to persist.
"No, but you fit the description of someone who prefers Seme, which makes you the Uke."
"But I... so I don't look exactly like an Uke, but not and obvious Seme either...?" he asked, catching up.
"Yeah, there're a few people who you can't tell from looks, a bit like that friend of yours who like older women... you wouldn't think it from looking at him, right? Well, same for you."
"Oh... are you sure I'm not Seme material...? I'm not so sure about being the... Uke..." he commented, eyeing Nnoitra's uniquely long length.
"Heh, well I don't bottom, so if you change your mind... but you can try to dominate the kiss if you like," he offered peaceably.
The orange haired boy nodded, leaning forward to lock his lips around Nnoitra's, pushing his tongue inside, instantly on the offensive. The slick muscles slid over each other, Nnoitra quickly overpowering Ichigo, pushing him onto his back, reaching down to tweak a nipple, making the fair haired boy cry out, grinding his erection into the tall boy's groin.
Ichigo didn't give up without a fight, fisting Nnoitra's hair and pulling him closer, saliva running from the corners of their mouths, but soon enough they had to break for air, both panting as they released each other.
"I'm impressed, it's been a long time since I've had a proper competition," he winked, causing a blush to spread across the panting boy's face.
Slyly he reached down between Ichigo's naked legs, grasping his length lightly, teasing him, "you're sure you want to stop now? I have no intention of letting you top..." he informed the boy sadly, a smile hidden in his voice as he rubbed his thumb along the tip, slender fingers twining around the shaft masterfully, "you're absolutely certain?"
"Ah! Nnoi- ah! Okay! Oh God, okay!" agreed Ichigo, breaking, "but you said you'd be... I mean it's not gonna'... hurt, is it?" he asked, nervously.
"Heh, Ichigo, give me some credit, it's not my first time doing this," he assured the boy, "there are many ways to prepare beforehand, and I certainly don't have these long fingers for nothing."
Ichigo gulped, he didn't know what he meant, but his tone of voice was devilish.
"As long as it doesn't hurt," was all he said, wrapping his arms around Nnoitra's head, pulling him down on top of him.
"If you like."
Nnoitra leant into for another kiss, less demanding this time, leaning over to retrieve a bottle or lubricant from the top draw of his side table. Without breaking the kiss he squeezed the substance onto his fingers, reaching down to prod a finger against Ichigo's entrance, letting him know he was there, before sliding a single long finger inside.
Ichigo gave a protest, muffled by Nnoitra's mouth as the boy added a second finger, sliding in and out.
"Ah! Nnoitra! That feels- Nn... It feels..." he panted, clinging to Nnoitra's shoulders as the other boy stretched him, taking his time to let Ichigo become used to the feeling.
"Doesn't hurt, does it?" asked Nnoitra, adding another finger at the shake of Ichigo's head.
"Nnoitra! Uhh! Why are you... Your fingers...!" breathed Ichigo, toes curling into the blankets.
"I'm preparing you, stretchin' you little by little, otherwise it'll hurt when I take you" he explained, pulling out at three fingers; his cock was long, but it wasn't very thick, Ichigo didn't need to be stretched that far.
Ichigo blushed at his words, aware of what was to come but embarrassed all the same.
Nnoitra quickly slicked up his erection with the left over fluid, lining himself up against Ichigo's opening, sliding inside easily.
"...That wasn't so-OH!" cried Ichigo as Nnoitra kept pushing deeper still, his length reaching further than Ichigo was prepared for. Ichigo couldn't help fisting the blankets, eyes wide at the new sensation. It didn't hurt, Nnoitra had prepared him well, but fuck did it feel weird.
Nnoitra smirked smugly, pulling out again before pushing back in, arching Ichigo's back in a silent scream as he rubbed against his prostate, speeding up.
"Oh my...! Nnoitr—AH! Ah!" he cried, gasping in pleasure.
Nnoitra increased the strength behind his thrusts, causing the bed to rock, bumping lightly against the wall.
Ichigo wrapped an arm around the tall boy, the other reaching between his legs to join Nnoitra's, which was pumping firmly along the engorged flesh.
Ichigo couldn't believe he was having sex with Nnoitra, the feeling of having something so far inside of his was new and strange, but Ichigo could tell he was truly gay... he wanted this to happen again sometime.
Nnoitra grunted with effort, forcing himself over and over into the boy, amused by the look of extreme euphoria over Ichigo's face. The boy really did look like a virgin.
"Oh my God, Nnoitra..." he chanted, he could feel the heat coiling in his abdomen, waiting for that moment when it could escape.
Nnoitra had such a long cock, slender too, Ichigo couldn't help wonder how Grimmjow would feel; he'd seen the boy naked a billion times, Grimmjow wasn't as long, but much thicker, the wider girth promising a larger stretch...
"And that was it, Ichigo was done, "G-Grimmjow...!" he groaned as he orgasmed, white fluid coating their hands and stomachs.
Nnoitra scowled but was too far gone to complain, reaching his own orgasm inside the boy, thick ropes of come exploding from him.
Ichigo was bright red, humiliation mixed with pity for the other boy; to have a partner say someone else's name at the climax... It had happened to him once before, and he'd been so humiliated that he'd run off. The feelings inadequacy had lasted for weeks.
"Nnoitra... Oh fuck, Nnoitra I didn't mean that..." he attempted to explain, lost for words.
"Well, so much for being just gay, seems to me like you have a thing for Grimmjow after all" Nnoitra remarked; it was his turn to pity the boy as he watched his face fall, frustration radiating from him.
"I guess so... but it was still... I mean you were..." he tried to explain again, desperation in his eyes as he looked to Nnoitra for the words.
Then he stiffened, suddenly realising that they were still connected, blushing as he awkwardly pulled away, relaxing when Nnoitra slipped out of him.
"Don't worry about it Ichi, not the first tie it's happened. Besides, I wasn't after your feelings anyway, this was just a onetime thing." He replied.
"Yeah, but it still must feel like shit." Muttered Ichigo, lying down, surprised when Nnoitra's arm swung loosely over him, his lithe form spooning him from behind.
"Not really" he shrugged, "so, what're ya gonna do about that whole Grimmjow fetish you've got going there?"
"G-Grimmjow fetish!? It's not a fetish! It's a... a... like a... a crush...? I dunno, but it's not a fetish!" cried Ichigo indignant.
"Okay, okay! It's not a fetish" laughed Nnoitra, "but what're you gonna do?"
"Dunno..." replied Ichigo, a yawn racking his body, "I'll think about that tomorrow..."
"You sure you don't wanna talk about it? While it's fresh in your mind an all? ...Ichigo?" Nnoitra peeked over Ichigo's shoulder, huffing a laugh when he realised the boy was asleep, "Seriously, if I didn't know better I really would think you were a virgin."
Just then came a knock on the door, "Nnoitra? You there? Is Ichigo with you? He'd not in his room..." called Grimmjow from outside.
"Yeah, come in" Nnoitra called back.
Grimmjow let himself in, stopping with shock when he found Nnoitra and Ichigo lying naked together, the red head asleep.
"What-! ...Is Ichigo...? Did you guys...?" asked Grimmjow, lost for words, unsure of what he was eve asking.
"Have sex? Yeah, Ichigo decided he was gay"
"Uh, sorry, I'll just go," mumbled Grimmjow turning to the door.
"Hold on! You're not gonna' ask why he had sex with me when he said he had a thing for you?"
"He told you that!?" Grimmjow cried, shocked.
"More or less."
"Well... are you guys...I mean... like a..."
"A couple? Are we dating?" asked Nnoitra, "Nah, don't worry, he knew it was a onetime thing when we started, I'm not leading him on or anything" he assured the blue haired boy, amused at the relief that surged from his body.
"Right... well I guess I'd better go..."
"You know he likes you," Grimmjow was informed, stopping in his tracks.
"How do you know? Beside him telling you, how could you know!?" Grimmjow demanded; he was kind of hurt that Ichigo had slept with Nnoitra, but he couldn't decide why.
"Well, let's just say it wasn't my name he screamed at the end..."
This got Grimmjow's attention, his eyes widening, face flooding with heat, "He screamed my name when he...?"
The tall boy nodded, grinning.
"...I don't know what to do" admitted Grimmjow, sinking to the ground, "I'm not gay... but he's... and he's my best friend..."
"He really likes you Grimmjow, he was so happy when he realised that he was just gay, that he didn't have to ruin your relationship... turns out he was wrong, but he was happy while it lasted." He smiled, appraising how Grimmjow was taking it: he seemed to be numbed by the news.
"What should I do...?" he asked, lost.
"Well if you ask me you should catch this little boy alone and fuck his brains out... he was really good, and I've already prepared his innocent little mind for you" he smiled sweetly.
"...You seriously think I should... with Ichigo..."
"Yeah, you like him don't you?" probed Nnoitra, curious about Grimmjow's feelings.
"What!? As a friend! He's just... he's just a friend..."
"That's really all he is to you? You couldn't see yourself with Ichigo in the future?"
"Well... I mean, if I were gay... he's good looking and all... but I don't look at him like that... he's a friend."
Ichigo mumbled something incoherent, causing the pair to stiffen, relaxing when he quietened once more.
"Why don't you think about it? Things are gonna' stay as awkward as they are now until you guys decide anyway" he advised.
"Grimmjow..." mumbled Ichigo again. The blue haired boy stiffened, frozen at the sound of his name, a blush creeping over his face. Ichigo had just mumbled his name in his sleep... after sex sleep!
Ichigo struggled to open his eyes, waking at the sound of voices, "Grimmjow...?"
"Uh, I better go," whispered Grimmjow, shooting out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.
"Grimmjow?" asked Ichigo again.
"Nah, just me I'm afraid" replied Nnoitra, chuckling to himself as the orange haired boy fell asleep one more, snuggling against him, dreaming of his best friend.
"So Itsygo, are you going to tell me what's happening between you and Grimmjow or not!?" demanded Nel, her voice more playful than usual, brought out by the alcohol.
"There's nothing going on-"
"There's something going on! You two had a fight! You guys never fight! I mean you always fight, but this is different, you're avoiding eachother!" she cried, grabbing Ichigo by the collar, pulling him closer, "tell meeeeeee!" she whined.
"Tellme! Tell me! Tell meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee e~!"
"Nel, I'm not going to tell you... this is something I have to figure out on my own." He stated solemnly.
"Hmph!" she pouted dramatically, arms crossed, "Grimmjow would have told me!"
"Then go ask Grimmjow," Ichigo replied, annoyance bubbling to the surface.
"Ichi! Nel! How're ya?" greeted Nnoitra, sidling from across the room to join them.
"Hey Nnoitra, not bad, yourself?" greeted Ichigo back.
"Yeah yeah, doin' jus' fine!" he replied, voice dangerously close to a slur.
Nel sat in discomfort, a scowl on her pretty face, studiously ignoring the tall boy.
"Nel, how're ya?" asked Nnoitra again, his wide mouth pulled into a knowing grin.
Nel glanced icily at him, saying nothing, before turning her attention back to the bar surface.
"Well, I can see when I'm unwelcome, C'ya Ichi!" he waved, sauntering off.
"What was that all about?" Asked Ichigo, baffled by Nel's behaviour, "I though everyone liked Nnoitra..."
"Clearly not" she replied sharply, hesitating at the shock on Ichigo's face, "sorry, we have some history... Ichigo... you aren't very close to him are you?"
"...Not really..." answered Ichigo carefully. How much did she know?
"Well don't get too close, he's a bad person. He'll use you then throw you away, you understand! Don't get too close to him!"
"O-okay... I'll be careful around him," he assured the girl, relieved when he calmed down.
"Let's go, I don't want to be in the same room as him," she said, "come on, Itsygo."
They made their way to her apartment; she didn't attend the same University as Ichigo and his friends, but rented an apartment nearby, in between hers and theirs.
"Where's Peachie... and Dondon...?" asked Ichigo, referring to Nel's flat mates as he pet her dog, Bawabawa.
"Pesche and Dondochakka went to visit their family for the weekend" she explained, "I'm all alone... except for Bawabawa! He's here to keep me company!"
She ruffled the animal's fur on her way to the fridge, pulling out a platter of brightly coloured shots.
"Ooooh! Let's play truth or dare!" she decided suddenly, feeling like a genius for thinking of it; she wanted to know Ichigo's secret after all.
"Nah, not really in the mood..."
"Well get in the mood!" she demanded, "because we're going to play it!"
Ichigo sighed; there was helping it when she was like this.
"Okay! Truth or dare?" she asked, her tone becoming comically serious.
"Truth" said Ichigo automatically.
"What's going on with you an Grimmjow?
Ichigo sighed, rolling his eyes, "dare."
"Hmph! Fine, I dare you to... hmmm... let me do your makeup! And you have to keep it on for the rest of the night!" she proclaimed, towing him to her bedroom.
She laughed at Ichigo's blush when he noticed the bras flung around the room, amongst other clothes, "Come on, sit down at my dresser... okay!"
She picked up the eyeliner, drawing expertly atop the upper lid, "Stop squirming!" she demanded as she turned to the other eye, building up the eyeliner at each top outer corner.
Next she picked up the mascara, swiping across each row of lashes, both upper and lower, building the sediment until they were remarkably longer than before.
"Next is..." she mumbled to herself, giggling as she swiped the blush across his cheeks, choosing her brightest pink and over applying.
"Oooh! The final touches!" she exclaimed, giggling at Ichigo's scowl, "now make an O with your lips! Not like that! Lie this!" she demonstrated, gliding the oily lipstick across his lips when he complied, "And we're done!" she giggled some more, "Noe let's dress you up!"
"No fair!" cried Ichigo indignantly, clinging to the last of his pride, "you said I had to let you do my make-up, not play dress-ups!"
"Hmph! Fine, I'll just get you next time... unless you want to choose truth..."
Ichigo scowl deepened, glaring at the pretty green haired girl; she was enjoying this too much.
"It's my turn, truth or dare?" he challenged, vowing not to let her off easy.
"Truth."
"Okay... let me think about this for a second..." trailed Ichigo, thinking his hardest, "Ooh! I've got it! How about: You're lover's been turned into an animal and the only way to restore them is to mate with them! Which animal would you choose that they be!?"
"Eewwwww! Oh my god Itsygo! Who thinks of that!?" she screamed with disgust, staring at him with disbelief.
"Well?" he asked, curious to hear her answer.
"I think I'd let them stay an animal!" she exclaimed.
"Aww, answer the question!" he insisted.
"... ugh... well... I suppose... a... goat...?" she asked, uncertain.
"A goat!? Of all the animals in the world, you chose a goat!?"
"I like goats!" she protested his tone.
"Enough that you wanna' fuck em'?"
"No! I had to choose one! So I chose goat! Why, what would you have chosen!?"
"I don't have to tell you" he replied, nose in the air.
"Fine! Truth or dare!?" she demanded, suddenly serious. It was payback time.
"...Dare."
"Okay, dare." She replied sweetly, an evil glint to her eye, "Dress up in girl's clothes to match your pretty make-up, and go door knocking! But when they answer ask them if they want to hire your... services for the night!"
"What!?"
Ooh! I like it! She thought sadistically, towing him one against to her bedroom and pulling out a bras, two T-shirts, and a clingy black dress.
"Put this on" she ordered, continuing to search through her wardrobe as he changed into the dress that barely covered his ass, stuffing the bra with the shirts.
She re-emerged once again, holding a pair of fishnet stockings and passing them to him before readjusting his neckline to be a little more revealing, showing the shirts beneath the dress.
He hopped around as he tried to pull on the stockings, managing only with Nel's help. When he was done she gave him a once over; she would never usually wear those clothes together... they made him look like a real whore.
"Perfect!" she declared, passing him a pair of her heels, disappointed when his feet were too big, "Hmmm, oh well, you're tall enough as it is."
She pulled him to the door, pushing him into the hallway, motioning for him to knock on the door, watching from the doorway as he did so.
Ichigo knocked awkwardly, hoping that no-one was home, heart sinking when the door was opened, a scantily clad blonde girl opening the door, "Who is it Lillinette? Drawled a lazy voice as a shoulder length brunette man sauntered up behind her.
"Uh... h-hello, I was wondering If... either of you would be interested in... purchasing my... services for the night...?" mumbled Ichigo at a stutter, staring decidedly at the ground.
"Can I Starrk? Please, can I?" begged the girl, Ichigo shooting rod straight at the thought that someone might actually try to purchase his services
"... I don't think he's being serious..." commented the tall man lazily, eyeing Ichigo's long, fishnet clad legs all the same.
"But he asked us! Of course he's being serious!" she cried.
"Uh, actually... uh, Nel, uh, she... uh, she..." stuttered Ichigo in an attempt to explain, saved when Nel burst into a fit of laughter, breaking her cover.
"See Lillinette? It was a dare."
"Oh..." she mumbled, disappointed, turning to Ichigo, "I would have hired your services." She informed his solemnly before closing the door in his face.
Ichigo was bright red right up to his hairline, glaring at Nel who giggled madly at him.
The rest of the dare went much the same, though the occupants ranged from amused to annoyed, and as the night progressed, Ichigo became more and more confident, the alcohol catching up to him. He started using a feathery high pitched voice, batting his eye laches at everyone he asked, swinging his hips in what he considered to be an enticing fashion.
Nel was laughing uncontrollably at this point, something about this room in particular amusing her, Ichigo brushed it off, too drunk to notice. He knocked on the door clumsily, asking in a sing song voice, "Well hello mister, care to join m-" he cut off abruptly, realising who had opened the door.
Ikkaku stood before him, a look of utter incredulity on his face at the sight of Ichigo dressed like a prostitute, Nel giggled behind him. He opened the door wider, revealing Yumichika and Renji sitting on the floor, peering around the doorframe to get a better look.
Ichigo turned fifty shades of pink, mortified as his the room exploded with laughter, wild hoots and cat calls mocking him.
He turned on his heel and ran, bursting into Nel's apartment before a giggle escaped his throat as he crumpled into a little puddle of laughter, giggling hysterically with embarrassment. He could still hear his friends laughing down the hall, the sound muffled when Nel stepped through the door, closing it behind her.
Ichigo schooled his laughter, seeking revenge, "Truth or dare?"
She studied his expression, noting the danger in his eyes, "...Truth" she decided, playing it safe, earning a scowl from her friend.
"Really? Not gonna' mix it up a little?" he asked.
"I'll mix it up when you do," she countered.
"Fine... swallow or spit?" he asked, content when she blushed, mouth dropping open.
"You really just asked me that!?" she demanded in amazement.
"Mmhmm, go on, answer." He dared her.
Her eyes narrowed, "fine... I swallow..." she admitted, meeting his gaze.
"Next! Truth or dare?"
"Dare" he replied simply, answer at hand.
"Heh, well I've been thinking of this since your last dare," she giggled, sadism colouring her tone, "okay, basically, go knock on Ikkaku's door, and French kiss one of them for at least thirty seconds" she grinned, "you can choose which one, I don't mind!"
Ichigo was speechless, staring at the green haired girl like she'd grown an extra head.
"You expect me to kiss one of them!? But we're all guys!"
"So? It's a dare Ichi, everything's forgiven when it's a dare." She stated matter of fact.
"But I... no! No way!" he refused.
"Then you have to choose truth!" she tittered with triumph, "Go on then! Choose truth!"
Ichigo hesitated... he was gay after all... but no, he wasn't about to kiss any of them, they weren't his type... whatever his type was...
"Fine... truth" he sighed in defeat.
"Eeee!" she squealed in delight, "Finally! Okay, so what's going in with you and Grimmjow! Spill it!"
Ichigo told her, the alcohol impairing his decision making as he decided to tell her about the night spent with Nnoitra, going into detail in places that he perhaps oughtn't have.
He thought Nel would be angry about him sleeping with Nnoitra, with all the bad history between them, but instead she was relieved. Apparently it was all okay if there was nothing serious going on: If it's only a one night stand then he can't break your heart.
"oohhhhhhhh..." she sighed at last, finally feeling content in the knowledge that he held no more secrets from her, "so then why not ask him out?" she asked at last.
"Because he's straight?" asked Ichigo rhetorically, raising his eyebrows.
"So? Some of the greatest gay men start out straight!" she insisted.
Ichigo eyes her sceptically, "name one gay man that you know that started out straight."
It wasn't that he didn't believe that some gay men started out straight, he was certain many did; he just had a sneaking suspicion that his friend had made that up on the spot.
"Fine! ... John... Free...azer..." she lied, "yeah, John Freeazer started off straight!" she declared.
Ichigo looked at her, blank faced.
"Fine, I don't know any, but they exist! Back to the point! Ask him out, it can't hurt." She advised.
"Uh, yeah it can, we're best friends, hardly any friendships come out in one piece when you put them through the grinder."
"So? You're best friends! Real best friends survive that kind of thing, that's why you can say you're best friends." She insisted.
Ichigo sighed, there really was no winning with her.
"...Ichigo... at least think about it. Maybe if you try confessing to him... a little nicer. He might say yes." She patted his arm, sad for the boy.
"Haaaaaaah..." he sighed, deep in thought, "maybe I should..."
"Whaaaaaat? He's gay? Are you sure?" asked Renji dubiously, eyeing his friend from across the room where he was picking up their drinks, "but he's so... not gay looking..."
"You're sure?" pressed Rukia.
"I'm sure! He told me!" insisted Nel, an eye on Ichigo for when he returned.
"He could have been lying..."
"Why would he lie about something like that?" she asked.
"Could be anything!" exclaimed Rukia, refusing to believe that Ichigo was actually gay.
"He didn't ever seem gay when we were dating," piped Orihime.
"That's because he wasn't then, it's only happened recently..."
"I'm not buying it!" decided Rukia, arms crossed.
"It's true! And he's crushing on Grimmjow, that's why they've been fighting!" she insisted again, frustrated that they didn't believe her.
"Oh, you're talking about Ichigo?" asked Nnoitra, popping up from nowhere, "Well I can vouch, he's gay alright!"
"Whaat!? How do you know?" question Yumichika.
Nnoitra just winked, his trademark grin spreading over his face.
"He's lying! Ichigo wouldn't choose you, even if he were gay!" insisted Rukia, unable to grasp the concept of a gay Ichigo.
"He'd not lying..." mumbled Nel, a light blush over her cheekbones, "Ichigo told me about that too..."
"Oh? I didn't think he would," grinned Nnoitra.
"... Well... he was pretty drunk... and the ultimatum was going and making out with either of those three," she pointed at three very shocked faces.
"Heh, well I can see why he chose the truth!" laughed Nnoitra, inviting the others to laugh along with him, "Oops, Ichi's coming back, C'ya!" he called, waving to them and Ichigo as he walked away.
"Ugh, that took forever!" complained Ichigo to come very uninterested friends... they were all thinking about Ichigo and his apparent homosexuality.
That night Ichigo received analysing looks from all of them, and even Rukia had to admit that maybe, just maybe he was gay after all.
"Nel, hey thanks for coming," he greeted gratefully, guiding her to a stall a little more closed off from the rest of the bar, "I was I hoping I could talk to you about something..."
Nel smiled, she'd always been Grimmjow's confidant; his side of the story was going to be a lot easier to come by than Ichigo's.
"Shoot! And bypass the story line, I already know about it, tell me how you feel." She insisted, shocking Grimmjow with her forwardness.
"Wait, how much do you know?" he asked.
"Everything. The kiss that started it all, your little confrontation, Nnoitra and Ichigo sleeping togeth-" she clapped her hands over her mouth in dismay, "Oh shit! You didn't know about that did you!?"
"Uh... actually..."
Her eyes bugged, "You knew!? But how!?"
"Uh... accidently walked in... Ah! Not while they were-" he cut off, correcting his little mistake, "afterwards, when Ichigo was asleep... did he tell you... I mean Nnoitra told me that he... when he..."
"Oh, about calling your name at the end? Awkward stuff, huh?"
"...yeah... that's actually what's got me so... confused. I'm not gay. Completely not gay. I can't imagine a world in which I'm gay... but When I heard that, I... well I mean it's flattering, if weird."
"So... you like Ichigo or not?" she prodded, steering him back to the question.
He sighed, "I don't know... did he tell you... how he really feels? We didn't really go into detail when he told me..."
"Oh? Well yeah, he said he really likes you, more than he should, but that he doesn't want to force you into anything... he freaked out at first, but then when he came to terms with being gay... well he came to terms with liking you, in his own little way."
"You mean... he actually... I mean seriously likes me?" he asked, agitated, "that's just, It's just..."
He stood up abruptly, "Sorry Nel, I've gotta go clear my head for a bit" he mumbled apologetically before racing out of the bar into the cool night air, gulping large breaths.
He hit the pavement at a run, letting the adrenaline pump through his body, physical strain helping him not to think. Soon he came across a park he knew well, a five minute walk from the dormitories. He was about to head on back when he spotted a flash of orange, hair illuminated by the street light.
"...Ichigo...?" he wondered. What the hell could Ichigo be doing in a place like this at night, but the shock of Orange hair was unmistakable.
Grimmjow steeled himself, taking a deep breath before walking over to his friend, sitting lightly beside him.
"Hey," he greeted, not looking at him.
"...Grimmjow..."
"... Hey look, I've been thinking, I'm really sorry I kissed you... I didn't think you'd think anything of it... but, well, about this whole thing... I don't know. I just don't know how I feel, or what I want, or anything! But I know what I don't want, and that's to lose you as a friend Ichi... you're my best friend..."
Ichigo ran a hand through his bright locks, inhaling deeply, "You're my best friend. I don't wanna' lose you either."
"Ichigo... you never really told me... tell me how you feel, what you mean, coz' don't know what to think anymore."
"...I'm... gay, Grimmjow, completely gay." He replied, shame burning at his cheeks, though he couldn't understand why.
"Yeah, I know, I found you asleep in Nnoitra's arms the other night," he informed the boy, cracking a smile at the shock that played over Ichigo's face, "I also heard you screamed my name at the climax."
Ichigo flushed, mumbling something incoherent.
"What was that?"
"...It wasn't really a scream..." he defended himself, only just audible.
Grimmjow couldn't help but chuckle to himself, "Ichi... do you seriously like me... like that...You actually want a... relationship...?" he asked, sobering.
Ichigo hesitated, "Yep, I'm pretty hung up on you, way to go heart throb!" scraping together some humour, "but, don't force yourself Grimm, I don't want our friendship to fall apart."
"...Not that I'm disagreeing, but you and Orihime seem pretty cosy still, that worked out, Me and Rukia too."
Ichigo's head shot around at this, "you and Rukia dated!?" he demanded eyes bugging the taller boy nodded, "how come I was never told about this!?"
"Cos it lasted two days... we didn't really tell anyone, but we agreed to keep it quiet so you didn't have to choose sides."
"You guys... seriously..?" he asked, suddenly emotional, reaching over to hug his friend, hastily pulling away as he remember their situation.
"Idiot," he grumbled, pulling the boy back into a hug, "doesn't matter what happens, you want a hug, you'll get a fucking hug."
He wrapped Ichigo in his arms and they sat there for God knows how long, comfortable, relieved to be talking again. Eventually they pulled away, both feeling better about life.
They dawdled back to the dorms, finding the deserted corridors, unsurprisingly so, as it was already 2.00 AM.
Grimmjow walked Ichigo to his room, dropping him off on his way to his own, grabbing hold of Ichigo's wrist as he made to close the door, "Ichi, like I said, I don't know how I feel... but, I know I want to be friends with you again. Why don't you stop avoiding me? We'll figure this shit out another time."
Ichigo let a small smile grace his face, "Yeah, sorry for being such a dick."
"Aww, Ichi, I know you can't help it, it's a part of who you are."
This startled a laugh from the shorter of the two, who playfully punched the other, closing the door with a smile. Things were hopefully going back to the way they were. They'd talk about this another day, but for now, Ichigo was going to sleep. He was dead tired.
A/N
7, 500-ish words this chapter :D That's longer than any individual fic I've written. So there you go, it took a little longer than usual, but more words, so it's worth it, right?
So... Yeah, Nnoitra's out of character, and I'm thinking Grimmjow is too...
...and I'm really not so happy with this chapter :( It's becoming predictable... and the general idea is over used... and I'm not sure about how I wrote it...
Ahah... whoops...
Oh yeah, sorry guys! I know this is a GrimmIchi fic, don't worry, that'll come later, but I felt like an IchiNnoi sex scene so...yeah, I wrote one ^^'
Oopsies... getting a little fluffy over here :/ Maybe I shall have to fix that. Anyway, I'll try my best to make up for this chapter with the next!
I can feel the story winding down, it seems a little short to me, yet it's by far my longest fic yet. Anyway, probably only the one last chapter, unless I'm hit with a twist.
(Oh, and has anyone noticed my favourite writing technique...? there's a hint... Look! There's another! ...yeah, I like "..."'s, sorry if they're over used ^^)
Please Review! I reply to all reviews and PMs!
I'm open for fic requests!
And if you see any mistakes in any of the chapters, please let me know!
Thankyou for reading, I hope you're enjoying it so far! :D