Today I thought, "Too hell with it, I'll just let my fingers flow freely." Usually there are clashes in my story because I'm fighting for what I think would sound alright and what my fingers actually type. Today, my fingers are doing all the work and I'm not thinking anything about the story… so… we'll see how it goes!

Actually, I'd like to thank the author of "Naruto of the force." It's a pretty funny story, and it's probably what's kept my funny bone in check. I haven't sent him a message, but I will. Check out his story, it's pretty shway.

X X X X X X X X X

Morning light filtered through the shades, a slim, rectangular beam of light shining a thin part of the bed. Slowly it moved with ease upwards, lighting up more of the comfortable cover sheet. The light shined on a face, making the eyes beneath the lids react to the morning sun.

Ichigo opened his eyes slowly, his mind registering that he was in fact in his room. He let out a breath, still feeling tired. An itch presented itself on his nose and he moved to scratch it. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned for his arm was pinned down by something. Leaning his head towards the right, he stopped and stared at the beautiful face before him.

Not really knowing how, but appreciating it nonetheless, Kurumu lay on his right arm's bicep, sleeping peacefully with her mouth slightly parted. Cute was one word that passed through his mind as his eyes roamed the face that belonged to his girlfriend. Her small nose, her lush lips, her perfectly shaped face made her look all the more maddeningly irresistible. She moved slightly in his half-embrace, making Ichigo realize that an arm was on his chest…

Scratch that, two arms were on his chest. He blinked, suddenly feeling immensely scared. He leaned his head to the left. There, sleeping on his other bicep was one Akashiya Moka. Even in her sleep, she still retained those graceful features that made her the center of attention of most men that saw her. Horror swelled in Ichigo's chest, and thankfully for him they had covers over them for had he seen what they were wearing…

Well, let's just say his white sheets wouldn't be so white anymore.

"Ah how I envy you Ichigo…heh…" Ichigo knew that perverted tone from anyone as he snapped his eyes forward, staring angrily at the doll on his stomach before a smirk appeared on his face.

"Nice dress Bostov." Ichigo snickered even as a tick mark appeared on the stuffed lion's head.

"Oh sure! Look down on me just because you have two banging babes in bed with you…" The mod soul stopped mid-rant as a thought occurred to him that appalled him. "Don't tell me… you actually did bang them?"

"…No." Ichigo replied simply, earning the wrath of the doll in front of him.

"What the hell Ichigo? Are you really that stupid! There's no way you're gay, I'll admit with those two girls next to you… so why haven't you done anything with them!" The doll crossed its arms with a squeak, steam coming out of his nostrils somehow despite him not even needing to breath.

"I'm not a pervert." Ichigo replied with a harsh look, and he would've loved to knock the stuffing out of the mod soul had he not been pinned down.

Kon simply sighed as he shook his head, shrugging. "How did they even get in bed with you?"

Ichigo blinked. That… was actually a good question. Man, it seemed like a lot of good questions were being asked lately. Storing away that random thought, he tried to recall how these two girls managed to sneak into his bed.

Marvelouussss!

What is it?" He asked at Moka's strange gaze. It sort of reminded him of Kurumu when she… oh no…

"Did you enjoy the kiss?"

Ichigo stared, befuddled. Right now he felt like he had been asked a question that would put the fate of the world in his hands. Technically it was true as it was his own little world that hung in the balance.

"Uhh…" Was his oh-so intelligent reply.

"I mean, was it no good? Was it terrible? That's all I want to know." Moka pleaded softly, her eyes cast down at the floor. She was causing Ichigo to panic, and she could tell from his tense gaze and the fact that he kept looking over at Kurumu that he didn't want to hurt either of them.

However, this didn't help at all. Kurumu's face betrayed nothing of what she was feeling or thinking. Her poker-face was on, and nothing was going to move her. But… there was a tiny hint of a smile. After all, she never really was one to hide her emotions. Ichigo didn't know what to make of it though… he had actually thought she would be upset, but she wasn't. A dull thud hammered his chest. Could it be that she didn't mind sharing? The realization of this thought made obvious red-blooded male thoughts flow through his mind, courtesy of his Hollow. Another part of him, the one that hated hurting people no matter what, argued that he do his best to make himself right with both girls. The only part against the sharing was the part that said he wouldn't be able to handle two girls and that it wasn't right.

Needless to say, it was 2-1 in favor of sharing. Ichigo gulped as he reached a conclusion.

"Well…" Ichigo scratched the back of his head. "I… don't really know what to say. We were in trouble and I didn't really focus on it too much…"

His Hollow was yelling at him for being a coward and backing out despite being outnumbered.

However…

"Then… can I give you another kiss to see how it goes?" Ichigo flinched as her startling gaze caught his eyes. Now his blood was pumping, as any males' would when confronted with the possibility of having two girls as opposed to one. Yet, Ichigo kept clinging on to whatever it was that told him this wasn't a good idea.

He was forcefully pulled out of this thoughts when Moka reached around the back of his neck and pulled him into a kiss, apparently fed up with waiting for a reply. Ichigo's eyes widened, startled and shocked as he looked toward's Kurumu to see her reaction. Surely she would've been mad now!

But she wasn't…

Instead she was still smiling. She… didn't' actually mind? Was she doing this for his happiness? Now he felt like a jerk. Kurumu was being so selfless… was he really going to take on Moka as another girlfriend?

Before he could continue, he realized the kiss had ended. Moka's cheeks were coated in a light pink, her face obviously pleased at the lip-to-lip contact. It was her first real kiss with someone she loved. It made her feel giddy on the inside! But now she looked into Ichigo's eyes, and noticed he was battling inside his mind.

Ichigo, despite having just been kissed, sighed with annoyance. This really was all getting to be too much for him. However, he immediately regretted his sigh as he looked up to those shining emerald eyes to see them shivering, not from the cold, but from sadness.

"As I thought… you didn't enjoy it." Moka looked downcast, feeling like she would never reach Ichigo's heart.

"Actually…" Moka paused, her tears receding as she looked up at him. "It…" He seemed hesitant, "It… wasn't bad. It was… alright."

Ichigo furiously scratched his head, his muscles feeling taut with tension as he breathed out a harsh sigh. Moka continued to stare, not believing what she had just heard. Joy blossomed in her heart, feeling at last that she had made a step closer to Ichigo's heart.

But…

"I'm sorry I made you do this." Moka bowed her head apologetically, confusing the boy, "I just… I really do love you… just the same way Kurumu-chan does."

Ichigo blinked as he turned towards his girlfriend, who had been strangely quiet all this time.

"You can't deny a girl's heart Ichigo." She smiled as she walked up to him. She could tell by his look that he still felt immensely guilty, but she quelled those thoughts by a sweet and gentle kiss that eased his worries.

"It's alright Ichigo. I don't mind…" The look he gave her made her grin cheekily, "Well, not a whole lot anyways."

"But…" Ichigo tried to protest, but was hushed by a finger to his lips.

"But nothing." She said, cutting him off gently. "I want you as happy as you can be. If it means having another girl, then it's fine." The she girnned with a little mischief, "However, I do expect to be first in everything… and I mean everything!"

This got the desired effect as Ichigo's face turned red. She could see his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed hard. The sensual moment was ruined though when the two nearly fell to the ground when a third person decided to enter the hug.

"Thank you so much Ichigo, Kurumu-chan!" Moka's voice stated happily before it dipped down to a lower, hushed tone, "I really do appreciate it. I'll try not to get in the way."

The two girls, much to Ichigo's surprises, seemed quite happy. They didn't seem to be rivals anymore. Sadly though, as soon as the thought made its way through his brain, he was proved wrong when lightning sparked between their eyes for a brief moment. Ichigo suddenly flinched, nearly yelping when he felt both cheeks—that is, the ones on his rear—be squished by two different hands.

"Like I said earlier. I get first dibs on everything!" Kurumu say, effectively drawing the line at what Moka could and could not do with Ichigo.

"No way! It's still his choice! If he decides to do things with me, then you should let him!" Moka contested, earning another war of sparks.

"Geh…" Ichigo hung his head, suddenly feeling out of energy. Both girls noticed this and looked at him.

"Sorry. I guess you're a bit tired after going through all of this right Ichigo?" Kurumu asked, looking up into his eyes.

"Yea..." Was his only reply.

"I guess we'll call it a day then." Kurumu said. "Let's go back home Ichigo."

Marvelouussss!

He actually didn't remember even changing out of his clothes. The last thing he remembered was entering his room, after Yuzu and Karin began bombarding him with questions that is. Yuzu huffed at being brushed off, but Karin seemed to have a mischievous glint in her eye, and actually let Ichigo simply stalk off to his room with both girls in tow. He collapsed in his bed and… well… that's all he could remember.

"Hmm. Never thought I'd live to see the day where you grinned like a pervert." Kon commented deviously, earning the ire of the orange-head.

"I wasn't grinning!" He roared in a low tone, trying not to wake up the girls.

"You're right, you were also drooling!" The stuffed mod toy was really getting on Ichigo's nerves, but he couldn't do anything about it! Not with his arm's pinned at least.

"I'll get you…" Ichigo growled, threatening the mod toy who didn't seem the least bit worried.

"I'm a stuffed lion Ichigo, I don't feel pain!" Kon cackled, making the two girls on either side of Ichigo shift slightly in their sleep

Ichigo stiffened greatly as… well… other parts stiffened at the same time. He could feel the smooth, sensual legs of the girls rub against his own. Not only that, but they were now on top of him, gently, teasingly making their way up closer to his crotch as they snuggled even closer to each him, seeking the comfort of his warmth and scent.

"Whoa!" Kon cried out, not particularly liking the 'tent' that propped up behind him. This wasn't no camping trip!

"I guess I better leave before it erupts! Later Ecchi-go!" Kon said, making one last comment before leaping off of Ichigo and scurrying out of the room. It was just in time too as he heard the frantic calls of "Bostov! Bostov!" coming from Yuzu's room.

'The little…' Even in his mind, Ichigo managed to mutter dark thoughts towards the little stuffed toy. At the moment though, he had other problems to attend to. Of course, as a man, these weren't necessarily problems. What kind of guy considers two hot girls next to him a problem? No, they were more like, eh, decisions rather than problems.

"Is it morning already?" Ichigo heard the soft, sleepy voice and turned to his right. Kurumu managed to get up, propped on her side using her arm. She yawned cutely, making Ichigo's heart pump madly… even more so when he realized she was practically wearing nothing. The only thing covering her was a white, see-through negligee that only barely covered the most sacred of parts of the feminine body. Ichigo felt the blood rush to his head, thankful that Kurumu had gotten off him because at the moment, he was using the freed hand to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Isss wit?" Ichigo's blood froze as another feminine voice quirked up next to him. He slowly, painfully, turned his head towards Moka. He was almost afraid of what she was wearing. He was almost relieved… alas… though she was wearing more, it wasn't by much. She was wearing a slim nightie, one with a short hem length that, had the covers not been covering her legs, would've revealed more than just her legs. As it was, the top left little to reveal, and though she wasn't nearly as big as Kurumu, her chest was supple enough to warrant Ichigo's gaze at the mounds that teased him oh so much, peeking slightly from the nightwear.

Quickly, now that he wasn't pinned down he rushed to the bathroom.

X

'Why are they dressed like that?' Were Ichigo's maddened thoughts. 'WHY?'

Ichigo grimaced when a voice inside asked, 'Why not?'

He ignored it.

His back was pressed against the wall, his body practically on fire at the rather hot awakening. Man, why did he have to be weak and give in? He probably wouldn't even be in this mess if he hadn't accepted!

Though, if he were actually being honest with himself, this probably would've happened eventually anyways, whether or not he wanted it to.

Ichigo sighed, finally cooling down as he splashed some cold, cold water on his face. Man… he was still in the same clothing he was in from last night. He must've been worn out by all the drama, not used to dealing with anything other than fighting. He looked at himself, noticing that he indeed was scowling less and less. His features weren't so rough and jagged anymore. Still, he wasn't completely free. He still had a harsh look, one that would still make people think of him as unruly.

As he contemplated himself, he heard a knock on his door… that is, the door to his room. 'Shit!' Ichigo cursed mentally. Yuzu would always call him down for breakfast. This wasn't what made him worry. What made him worry was that she would sometimes enter his room to wake him up, especially if the family had woken up late. Quickly, he exited his bathroom and opened the door to his room, though only enough for his head to peek through.

"Breakfast is ready Ichigo." Yuzu told him, though, from the way she was craning her head she most likely wanted to see what was going on inside. So far as she knew, the girls hadn't left, which only left one logical conclusion… one that made her cheeks puff up in annoyance.

They had slept in Ichigo's closet!

Oh Yuzu, if only you know knew… if only you knew!

"Alright. I'll be downstairs in a moment." Ichigo said rather quickly, wanting Yuzu to go away as quickly as possible. He even went as far as to block her view by moving his head in tandem with hers.

Giving up, Yuzu left with a "fine!" and sulked downstairs. Ichigo blinked, not really understanding her problem before closing the door, relief flooding him.

It was short-lived, however.

"Good morning Ichigo!" Kurumu beamed at him as she came up to him and hugged him, planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. Then, upon noticing his tent, she whispered in his ear. "I see you're energetic this morning."

Ichigo was only thinking one thing. '…'

Oh wait, he wasn't… at least not with the head on his shoulders.

"Yes, good morning Ichigo!" Moka stated from behind Kurumu, also approaching him. "I… hope I wasn't too intrusive. I know I'm not as close to you as Kurumu is, but I was hoping this could close the gap a bit quicker."

Moka smiled pleasantly, Ichigo's eyes nervously shifting from girl to girl. This really was too much for a man who had just woken up…

Seriously…

"G-Good morning." Ichigo replied, finally having found his voice. Oddly enough, it was next to the watering pan of the hamsters inside his head. Right now, they were spinning that wheel as fast as their little legs could.

Growl…

Ichigo noticed Kurumu's blush as she looked at her stomach before looking up at him sheepishly. "Heh, guess I'm kind of hungry."

Grooowwl….

Moka blushed as well. "I'm kind of hungry as well Ichigo." However, unlike Kurumu, she didn't really need human food… and Ichigo knew this all too well.

"What are you doing?" Kurumu demanded when Moka approached both of them, not liking that glint in her eyes.

"I'm a Vampire, remember?" Moka replied, Kurumu now understanding what was going on. She looked at Ichigo, who looked unsure. She sighed. She had promised that, as long as Ichigo wasn't denying it, she wouldn't interfere… damn…

Moka bowed appreciatively to Kurumu before she pressed herself against Ichigo's chest, leaning against him as she moved her head closer to his. "May I?" She asked, her heart already pounding madly as his intoxicating scent filled her nostrils, warming up her body.

"Sure." He really couldn't say anything else. She needed to eat the same way he did. Ichigo shivered when Moka moaned, even before she had sunk her teeth into his neck. Ichigo tensed slightly when Moka licked the area where she was going to bite, savoring his taste, this bite having a whole new and different meaning now than it did before.

Finally her fangs dug in, the liquid flowing freely into her mouth. She gripped his shirt tightly, swallowing the blood in her mouth before taking another gulp. It was intoxicating as ever, but this time she felt like she was even more connected to Ichigo. Her arms moved out over his shoulders before wrapping around him, the front of her body pressing tightly against his. Slowly, her body moved against her will, striving to be closer, to satiate the searing heat pooling in her belly. His invigorating taste swamped her senses, nullifying the sounds of Kurumu's eager tone that was asking her to stop.

She did in due time, pulling away slowly with a glazed look. She closed her eyes; her body twitching erotically as teasing shivers ran across her more sensitive areas. She licked her lips, taking in the last drop of blood that had somehow managed to escape the initial feeding.

Thump

While Moka was still in her delirious state, Kurumu hurriedly rushed over to Ichigo, who had passed out. Thankfully no blood had escaped his nostrils for it had already been taken by Moka.

X

"Geez, what's taking them so long? The food is going to get cold!" Yuzu muttered beneath her breath, getting a strange look from her sister.

"Relax, they're probably just changing or something." Karin remarked, Yuzu's eyes widening in fright.

"They're not… changing together?" Yuzu asked, suddenly fearful. Karin shrugged.

"Who knows?" Either way, it didn't really matter to her. She didn't have a clue why Yuzu was reacting this way. They both knew this was eventually going to happen… despite their dad not sharing in their faith in Ichigo's manliness.

Yuzu was about to get up when she heard footsteps trekking down the stairs. Her cheeks turned red in annoyance upon seeing the girls dressed in Ichigo's clothes. So they had changed together!

"Or, they could've changed in the bathroom and taken turns." Karin replied to her sister's thoughts somehow, causing the normally calm girl to blush in embarrassment.

"I-I knew that!" She replied.

"Sure…"

"I did!" Yuzu pouted when her sister didn't believe her. Well, it didn't matter. They were here now and that was all that mattered!

However, both sisters were surprised to find Ichigo looking worse for wear. He looked absolutely haggard, and was practically dragging his feet along the ground. Moka looked absolutely delighted despite the fact Kurumu was glaring daggers into her skull.

"Yo." Ichigo greeted his sisters unenthusiastically.

"What happened to you?" Karin arched an eyebrow at her brother's strange behavior.

Ichigo blinked, realizing his mistake and instead tried to look as energetic as possible. "Err… nothing. Just had a rough night."

"I'll bet." Karin replied cryptically, while Yuzu looked on at the exchange with confusion on her face.

"So what's for breakfast?" Ichigo asked, opting to ignore the comment. It really was a pain when he didn't have the energy. He turned towards Yuzu who seemed a bit happier now that her brother was paying attention to her.

"I didn't have enough to make anything fancy," Yuzu lamented, but then perked up, "But I did have enough to make Okayu and Tamagoyaki for everyone!"

With that said, everyone ate breakfast rather calmly despite the hectic morning. Even though Yuzu was jealous of the girls, she always appreciated it whenever anyone enjoyed her cooking. The girls had complimented her, and that had made her opinion of them change slightly for the better.

Karin simply shook her head at the insanity of it.

"Oh, did you remember to water goat-chin?" Ichigo asked his sisters, who both shook their heads.

"Make sure to water him on your way out." Karin stated, Ichigo nodding.

Moka and Kurumu sweatdropped.

X

Breakfast ended soon and the triangular couple headed back towards Ichigo's room.

"So… what do we do now?" Kurum asked, bouncing slightly against Ichigo's bed.

Needless to say, Ichigo had to look away lest he be mesmerized by his girlfriend's body.

"Actually… I was wondering if you'd like to go out on a date Kurumu?" Ichigo scratched the side of his head, wondering if she would accept.

The answer was obvious.

"Of course!" Kurumu said delightedly, surprised that it had occurred to Ichigo before her. "Where do you plan on taking me?"

Ichigo smirked. "That's a surprise."

"Well what about me?" Moka asked… and that's when Ichigo realized that this seriously was going to be a lot more trouble than it looked. It didn't help that he hadn't actually, with words, accepted her as his new girlfriend. It helped even less that he hadn't even bothered to clarify his words. And to add insult to injury, he didn't have the heart to… well… break hers. So… for the moment, he had to think up of something and fast.

"I'll… take you on one later." Ichigo's tone was a bit uncertain, but Moka paid no heed to it as her face brightened significantly.

"I can't wait!"

Kurumu and Ichigo shared a look. They would have a long talk undoubtedly about the situation.

But for the moment…

X

"Ready to go?" Ichigo asked as Kurumu came down. Ichigo, for one, was rather surprised that she was dressed so… modestly. She was wearing a light-blue V-neck shirt, one that actually drew attention away from her chest and more towards her face. She was also wearing jeans at that.

This utterly confused the boy, especially after waking up with her practically naked next to him. It was a nice change of pace though, and it made him feel even more relaxed around her.

"Ready!" Kurumu replied, putting on her shoes near the doorway before she noticed Ichigo turn back.

"Are we missing something?" Kurumu asked.

"No." Ichigo replied, "I forgot to water my dad."

Kurumu blinked… then sweatdropped.

"The flower on his head is growing nicely." Ichigo commented, not really noticing the estranged look on his girlfriend's face. Really, Ichigo had no idea just how much he had actually adjusted to his father's antics.

"You crack me up Ichigo." Kurumu smiled before giggling. Ichigo looked questioningly at her before she shook her head. "Never mind. Lets' get going!"

X

Kurumu breathed in the crisp air of Ichigo's home town. It was getting to the point where it was hot enough to be warm, yet cool enough to indicate the coming of fall. It was a perfect temperature. Regardless, Kurumu wondered if she should've brought a light sweater along. She was used to the constant no-change-in-temperature climate of Youkai Academy.

She smiled. Well, one of the perks of having a boyfriend is that you get to warm yourself up with them. Hence why she was snuggled close to him, her head resting gently on his shoulder.

"You know." Kurumu began, "Your family is something else, especially your dad."

"Didn't I tell you before?"

Kurumu smiled. "Well, yea you did, but honestly I wasn't expecting it to be the truth. I thought you were exaggerating."

Ichigo frowned. "With him, nothing is an exaggeration." Ichigo muttered towards the end as Kurumu giggled at his look.

"Not only that, but you guys make the weirdest face." This earned a questioning look from him, "I mean, if only you could've seen what I saw. It was hilarious!"

"Eh?" Ichigo looked incredulous. "So me and my dad fighting is a source of entertainment for you?"

Kurumu shrugged playfully. "Sure." She grinned before Ichigo shook his head exasperatingly. But… he couldn't help but smile. It really was hard to feel any sort of negative emotions when she was around, especially since there was no more fighting he had to do.

Oh if only he could predict the future…

"So where are we headed." Kurumu asked before noticing the odd look on his face.

"Err…" Ichigo scratched the side of his head, "I don't know…"

Kurumu giggled. Well, that was Ichigo in all sense of the word. She hadn't ever known him to plan ahead of time for… well… anything. "How about we get something to eat?" She suggested.

"Didn't we just eat?" Ichigo asked.

"We did, but I meant like a little snack. There has to be a cookie shop around here right? Or maybe a cake shop! Oh! Or maybe one of those little places where you get to pick your own candy and put them in a little bag!" Ichigo noted Kurumu's utterly cheerful tone and couldn't help but grin. That was her sweet tooth talking. She really had a knack for sweets.

"I can't say there isn't." Ichigo said, still musing over Kurumu's hyperactivity "but I guess we can look around."

Kurumu nodded fervently. "Sounds like a good idea!"

Needless to say, they spent a good hour walking through the streets of Karakura. They came across all sorts of shops, but had yet to encounter the object of Kurumu's desires… other than Ichigo that is, but that's a different sub-plot all-together.

"Oh! What about over there?" This phrase was said many times and likewise, Ichigo was dragged many times to wherever Kurumu went. Ichigo, for one, didn't actually mind. He didn't mind shopping, like most guys since he usually did it when he was younger. Stupid dad and never taking responsibilities… ehmm…

Anyway, he never did mind shopping, so this whole date with Kurumu was actually turning out to be a positive thing for him. He had never had a normal relationship… or any for that matter… so this was a pleasant experience all-in-all. Though… he could've gone without the jealous stares. He didn't like the way some of the punks would eye his girlfriend, grinning with grins that made Kon's seem docile. At least the stuffed doll wouldn't do something horrendous. He grinned smugly though when a few of them remembered who he was and backed away.

Ah, the awesomeness of being the alpha male in this town.

"I found it!" Ichigo turned around; looking up in front of the store they had stopped at. It was a little bakery, one of those quaint ones that you would find in small towns. However, Karakura wasn't a small town, but the fact that this one had managed to stay in business meant the sweets inside must've been particularly tasty.

One fact that was not lost on Kurumu.

They entered the store. Immediately their senses were bombarded with the scenes and scents of sweet bread, pastries, cookies, and other delectable delights.

"Hello! What can I get for ya?" A plump, rather happy-looking man came from behind a door that stood behind the wide array of sweets, cakes, and breads.

"Ohh…." Kurumu's eyes glistened as she looked at all the types of foods. Truly, this man was remarkable in his ability to cook up such things. She would definitely have to learn the secrets behind these cakes!

"We're just looking around at the moment." Ichigo replied for Kurumu, who seemed lost in her own little world. The man simply let out a hearty laugh.

"Ah, I take it she likes sweets then?" Ichigo nodded, "In my experience, if you can't give your girl anything fancy or expensive, sweets are always something you can give them." The man said sagely, earning a curious look from Ichigo.

"How'd you know we were together?" He asked. The man let out another chuckle.

"It's obvious." Was his simple reply, not that Ichigo understood, but the man was being amiable so he let it slide.

"I'll have the strawberry vanilla shortcake!" Kurumu said, finally having come to a decision.

"Alright! One shortcake coming up!" The man jostled over to where Kurumu was pointing before placing the cake in a box. Then, she noticed one problem.

"Err… I don't have any money." Kurumu frowned when she checked her pockets. She hadn't really expected to go to the human world, so money had never been an issue.

She was pleasantly surprised, though, when Ichigo simply paid the money. "That's the way to do it son." The man chuckled jovially as he rung up the register before handing him the boxed cake, "Enjoy!"

They left the store and Kurumu turned towards Ichigo. "That was very nice of you Ichigo. I thought you didn't have any dating experience?"

Ichigo shrugged. "Sometimes goat-chin makes sense." Then he shuddered, "It's always a scary thing when he makes sense…"

Kurumu smiled. "Either way, I'm glad. Here's your reward!" Ichigo was pulled down before he felt the soft lips of his girlfriend on his cheek. He turned red when an older couple looked at him, smiling at their moment.

"Ha! You're all red Ichigo!" Kurumu teased gently.

Ichigo simply let out something akin to a growl, though, it wasn't menacing at all.

"You sound like a tiger Ichigo." Kurumu mused.

"Careful, I might bite." Was his shot at making a comeback. However, it back-fired horribly.

"I'll let you bite me anywhere Ichigo. Just not too hard, k?" She winked at him, making his body practically light on fire despite the cooling temperatures.

'Oh man…' Ichigo though in embarrassment.

"We should eat our cake before it spoils." Kurumu said, opting not to harass the hormonally charged boy.

With that said, they headed towards the little park that resided in every town. Ichigo momentarily stopped upon reaching it. He remembered when he had battled one of his first Hollows here. He had been trying to save a little boy and it was the first time he had performed a Konso as well.

"Something wrong?" Kurumu asked, peering up at Ichigo's oddly distant look.

"Yea, just remembering something." He said softly. It hadn't even been a year, had it? Or maybe even over an year… he didn't really remember since he never kept track.

Kurumu tilted her head, pulling Ichigo close to her.

He looked at her, pulled out of his reverie, and grinned. "Sorry, just remembering where it all started."

Now she knew why he was looking so distant. She smiled at him, which seemed to ease his memories a bit.

"I see a park bench over there. Let's go sit there." She told him. They strolled down the hill, the serious mood dissipating with each step.

However, upon sitting down, they noticed one little problem. "Aww… we didn't get any spoons." Kurumu pouted.

That phrase triggered a funny memory, causing Ichigo to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Kurumu asked, noticing his sudden shift in mood.

"It's nothing." Ichigo shook his head before Kurumu eyed him. "Well, when we were younger, dad used to tell us to always cary a fork and a spoon wherever we went. He went through a phase where he didn't like using the utensils in restaurants."

"That's the first time I've heard you calling him dad." Kurumu noted, her voice gentle.

Ichigo grinned softly. "He was less insane back then." The he paused to think, "I don't actually know when he fell off the deep end." He tilted his head in thought before shrugging, giving up.

"I'm sure he does all those things because he cares about you." Kurumu replied before earning a look from Ichigo, "Well… most of the time."

"I guess." Ichigo acquiesced.

The mood slowly simmered down as their original dilemma had not changed.

"We could save it for later." Ichigo suggested, but Kurumu didn't like that idea very much.

"But I want to eat it now…" Kurum whined like a little kid, causing Ichigo to shake his head.

"I know, but it's not like we're going to pick up the sticks and use them as forks." Ichigo said off-handedly. However, this actually gave Kurumu an idea, one that made Ichigo wish he hadn't said anything.

"Then why don't we use them?" Kurumu replied as she picked up a stick from the ground.

"Are you serious?" Ichigo asked incredulously. "You don't know where they've been!"

"On trees?"

"But you found that one on the floor!" Ichigo crossed his arms, his face narrowed in annoyance, "Dogs could've pooped on it you know."

Kurumu grimaced, immediately dropping the stick.

"So what do you advise we do?" Kurumu asked as she wiped her hands on her pants.

"I don't know." Ichigo shrugged. Both were left in thought for a while.

Suddenly Kurumu snapped her fingers as an idea hit her. "We could use our hands!" She said excitedly, liking the idea.

Ichigo, not really knowing what else to think, and since she wasn't going to give up, he capitulated and agreed.

However…

"You're going to have to feed me though Ichigo. I touched the stick with my eating hand." Ichigo all but sweatdropped... until he thought about her words.

Needless to say, his ears turned a bit red. It didn't help that Kurumu caught on rather quickly. Sometimes she was too perceptive for her own good.

"What's the matter Ichigoo?" She drawled out teasingly, looking at him with a certain look.

"N-Nothing." Ichigo stammered as he grabbed the cake box… though… he didn't know why he did. Maybe it was to distract himself. One never knew why flustered people did strange things…

Kurumu got from her spot before planting herself firmly next to Ichigo. They had been sitting across from each other up until this point. "Come on, you're not going to let me eat with a hand that might've touched a dirty stick right?" She teased him, edging her curvy hip closer to his.

Ichigo gulped. "N-No…"

"Then feed me." She grinned at him, making him frown despite his blush.

"You have your other hand…" He tried to argue, but was battered down.

"That's not my eating hand. Now," She opened the box, slowly dipping Ichigo's hand into the cake before saying sultrily, "Feed me."

Ichigo could feel his heart hammering in his chest. "Uhh…" He wasn't sure he could handle it… not that many males could, but Ichigo even more so. He was already feeling the blood rushing to his head, among other parts. Despite his earlier protests, his hand seemed to be moving towards Kurumu's mouth of its own accord.

He gulped again, staring in awed fascination before his mind went blank when her mouth took in his fingers. His heart hammered as he saw the delightfully sensual teasing she was doing and the innuendo she was hinting at. He knew… and it didn't stop him from staring wide-eyed. A shiver went down his spine when he heard that wet, smacking noise as she pulled away from his fingers before taking them back in again. Her tongue swirled around his finger, trying to take in every bit of cake she could, knowing full well Ichigo was watching intently. Ichigo's eyes lingered on her neck, his eyes watching as the food trail down her throat. He couldn't figure out why, but he was starting to feel frustrated.

"May I have another piece?" Ichigo noticed the lascivious look in her eyes. His head felt like he was about to explode. He felt like passing out.

But he didn't.

"S-Sure." He stammered, unsure as to why he decided to continue fueling Kurumu's teasing.

His body knew though.

In her mind, Kurumu was celebrating. Her teasing was just making Ichigo more and more prepared for what was bound to happen. She loved him, and she wanted to express that love so very much! Though she said she would wait for him until he made up his mind, there wasn't anything stating she couldn't shorten that time.

And so the teasing continued. Though she was making wonderful progress with Ichigo, she realized one fatal flaw in her plan.

'I think I'm going to be sick…' She grumbled in her mind as her stomach yelled at her angrily for eating the entire cake.

"Something wrong?" Ichigo asked after having snapped out of his dazed and confused stage.

"Err…" Kurumu hesitated, not really wanting to worry Ichigo. "Where's the bathroom?"

X

Ichigo sighed. His body was finally cooling off after that rather heated dessert.

'Damn…' Was one of the many thoughts crossing the flustered boy's mind. He didn't even try, and yet, the image of Kurumu gently nibbling and sucking on his fingers constantly kept coming to mind.

He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He honestly didn't know what to think of it… other than it was damn sexy. He knew full well what she was trying to do…

And it was working perfectly!

"Gah!" Ichigo let out a frustrated grunt, scowling at the people who eyed him weirdly. What's their problem?

Still… even as frustrated as he was, he had to admit it was kind of nice.

"Why are you grinning?" Ichigo blinked before looking down, staring at the vigilant gaze of one short Kuchiki Rukia.

"I'm not grinning." Ichigo replied flatly.

"Yes you were."

"No… I wasn't." Ichigo emphasized.

"Yes… you were." The two locked gazes, neither of them backing off. It was Rukia who decided to pull away, causing Ichigo to smirk smugly.

"Anyways, what are you doing outside?" Rukia asked, noticing Ichigo was actually looking rather snazzy if she had to admit.

"I'm…" Ichigo was hesitant, "on a date…"

He couldn't help but feel indignant at the disbelieving look Rukia sent him… despite him having told her about it yesterday. "I never would've imagined." Rukia commented.

"Is it really that hard to believe?" Ichigo nearly growled.

"Actually, it is." Rukia replied with a smirk. Ichigo simply just "Tch'd" in response.

"So what are you doing here?" Ichigo asked.

Rukia's features suddenly turned serious. "Honestly speaking, the Captains want to have a word with you about where you've been."

Ichigo sighed. "Why? It's not like I'm actually affiliated with them. I'm just a substitute." Ichigo said, carefully veiling his words in case there were eavesdroppers.

"Normally, yes, but there was one log that was found. It said that Captain Kenpachi had gone over the check how you were doing…"

'My ass.' Ichigo mentally replied.

"…but when he was asked about where'd he been, he said didn't know what we were talking about. Not only that, but they found records of you actually being sent on a mission, but they never bothered to check up on your status."

Throughout this, he didn't tell her about Kisuke. He seemed to have known despite the fact that no one else did. He also had a hunch the headmaster had something to do with it, but didn't know what.

"What should I tell them?" Rukia asked, her arms folded in front of her. "They need a few words from you."

Ichigo shrugged. "Just tell them I went to check up on some Hollows."

"For months?" Rukia raised a disbelieving eyebrow.

"I also got an education." Ichigo replied cryptically, making Rukia confused.

"Alright…" She said before turning around. "Let's just hope they don't send Captains to haul you back." She turned around and walked away.

Just another problem he had to face, he supposed.

He heard the tell-tell sign of the bell jingling, indicating the door was opening. Kurumu came out of the mini-market, a water bottle in hand as she gulped down said water.

"That's the last time I ever tease you…" She spoke up before thinking about it, "At least with cake anyways."

"That wasn't very nice." Ichigo replied, causing Kurumu to giggle. "What's so funny?"

"You were pouting."

"I'm not a little kid." Ichigo replied.

"Doesn't mean you didn't pout." She countered before Ichigo gave up on the argument.

"I guess you're feeling better." He said before smirking, "That's what you get for eating the entire cake."

Now it was Kurumu's turn to pout. "That's mean Ichigo! How could you be mean to your girlfriend?"

"You were mean first." He said, tilting his head up in defiance… though… this made him look oddly childish as well.

Kurumu wanted to counter, but failed when a short laugh instead burst from her mouth. "I don't know why," She began, "But ever since we've arrived, you've been doing all these cute little things. Not only that, but you seem really relaxed at home."

Ichigo was about to open his mouth before Kurumu cut him off, "Yes, even with your dad driving you insane."

Ichigo wondered about that. He supposed it was true in a way. He didn't have to do anymore fighting and he didn't have to worry about Kurumu getting hurt. Not only that, but Karakura was a peaceful place, so maybe that was another reason he was so relaxed.

He was pulled away from his thoughts when Kurumu took possession of his arm once more. Ichigo noted the suddenly serious, yet happy gaze Kurumu looked at him with. "It's nice to see you like this."

Ichigo's features softened just ever so slightly, a grin tugging on the corner of his lips. "Thanks."

"I love you." She said with a smile.

"I love you too."

They leaned in, intent on making their actions true to their words before a familiar voice stopped Ichigo, freezing his heart.

"Ichigo… is that you?"

Ichigo turned his head painfully slow towards the voice.

"Tatsuki?"