Szayel: Grimmi Grantz does not own Bleach, because if she did, there would be numerous ridiculous yaoi scenes between Grimmjow and I, Ulquiorra and Grimmjow, and Ishida and Ichigo.

Grimmjow: She would put me...wi' that idiot Ulquiorra? And you, ya' pink haired fairy?

GG: Shut up Grimmjow, you enjoy it. *swings magical watch in front of his face*

Grimmjow: I...love...Szay-chan...and...Ulqui-chan...

Szayel: mmm... *winks*

Ulquiorra: I will not say that I object to this...

GG: OH yes. This is a party.

Ichigo, Uryu, Orihime and Szayel had finally arrived in Soul Society. Szayel looked around, curious and eager to get into studying this landscape and the building structures and all the new things he wasn't aware of in this place. Uryu was calmly freaking out in his head, wondering how they would explain this without being captured or killed for being traitors.

"Oi, Ishida...What should we do now?" Ichigo grumbled, scratching his head.

"We should probably go see the Captain Commander," Ishida replied coolly.

The foursome walked pointedly through Soul Society, recognizing the building that contained the office of Captain Commander Genryusai. Szayel was calm and collected, Ichigo was somewhat clueless, Ishida was calculating, and Orihime was just happy Ichigo and Ishida weren't dead. Like usual.

"Szayel, you can't...change or...be invisible or anything can you?" Ichigo asked.

"For the time being, no. Do I not look handsome in this outfit?" Szayel grinned and flourished his arm.

Ichigo tried his best to conceal his laughter.

As expected, when they reached their destination, there were guards outside.

"Shuhei! What are you doing here?" Ichigo called.

"Squad 9 is on guard duty at the moment. What do you... Is-is that an...!"

"Espada? Yes. Pleased to meet you, I'm Szayel Grantz, former Octava Espada," Szayel stepped forward, offering his hand to Shuhei.

"Don't worry, we have proof that he's on our side," Ichigo assured.

"Ah... Okay... Pleased to meet you too, I'm Shuhei Hisagi, Squad Nine Lieutenant," Shuhei shook Szayel's hand vigorously.

"Anyways, we need to get inside to talk to Old Man Genryusai. It's important," Ichigo pointed out.

"Ah jeez, what did you do this time, Kurosaki?" Shuhei joked.

"Nothing bad! I swear,"

"I guess I can let you guys in then,"

Shuhei turned slightly and waved his hand, calling to the guys behind him. They grunted and nodded in response, allowing Ichigo and company to enter the building. As expected, the building was exquisitely but tastefully decorated, with many shades of red and tons of potted plants. Szayel studied each detail of this new style. Upon reaching the door to the Captain Commander's office, the foursome discovered two more guards with whom they were not familiar.

"Ishida Uryu, Inoue Orihime, Kurosaki Ichigo and guest," Uryu said to the guards.

They looked at each other and nodded their heads, stepping to the side. Ichigo grabbed the handle to one door while Uryu latched onto the other. They both pulled at the same time and the room behind the door was revealed. The Captain Commander sat at his desk with wisdom written on his face.

"Ah, Ichigo, Uryu, Orihime...What brings you here today? Please introduce me to your guest," the old man spoke kindly.

"Well, Genryusai-sama, our guest is what we came here about. This is Grantz Szayel, and he's a former Espada who wants to join the winning side. He's a scientist and he's brought with him his crucial files for proof the he's switched sides," Uryu explained.

"Well, let me get Kurotsuchi-taicho down here and we'll look at these files,"

Genryusai dispatched a hell butterfly quickly. All the while, he was scanning Szayel over and over with his piercing eyes. Everyone waited for a moment is an awkward, tense silence before Kurotsuchi appeared in the room.

"You needed me to look at some files, Genryusai-sama?" Mayuri pulled a device out of his robe.

"Szayel, would you mind?" the Captain Commander motioned toward Mayuri.

Szayel pulled off his glasses and let his hair hang in his face dramatically. Retrieving the small chip from them, he walked to Kurotsuchi with an outstretched arm. Mayuri took the chip and shoved it into a port on the device and its screen lit up.

"You'll find that I've included information on how Arrancars are made, as well as personal information for each Espada," Szayel said, almost gloatingly.

Mayuri scanned the files quickly.

"He's telling the truth," he stated flatly.

"Well then Szayel, welcome to Soul Society. You'll be working with Kurotsuchi Mayuri here, captain of Squad 12, the research department. Good luck,"

"Arigato," Szayel had a triumphant look on his face.

"Well come on, you'll be starting right away," Mayuri said impatiently.

Szayel flashed Uryu and Ichigo a grin and mouthed "arigato" before flash stepping off with Kurotsuchi. Ichigo grinned and Uryu pushed his glasses up, the smallest hint of a smile forming on his face. Now it was time for those three to return home to Karakura Town.

As soon as they stepped through the Senkaimon, the fresh air of the human world hit them like a train. It was early fall, and there were traces of the summer heat still popping up. The leaves had begun to turn golden and red and danced in the breeze. Uryu, Ichigo and Orihime had decided to go to the park, and they sat on a bench, worn out and tired. Suddenly, Orihime forcefully encircled Ichigo in her arms.

"Gomen, Kurosaki-kun! Arigato! You...saved me. You had to save me...again. I'm sorry I'm so weak," she sobbed.

Ichigo's arms were wide in shock, but he gently pulled them into Orihime, patting her on the back awkwardly. Releasing Ichigo, she repeated the process with Uryu.

"You too Ishida-kun! I apologize..."

Uryu's arms stayed limp at his side. For some strange reason, he didn't want to hug Orihime but instead had the urge to hug Ichigo.

"It's fine, Inoue. You had no choice," Ichigo assured halfheartedly.

"I'm sorry...but I have to go. Tatsuki must be going crazy," Orihime stood up from the bench.

She bowed to Uryu and Ichigo with one last "arigato" and hurried off. Uryu and Ichigo were together on the bench.

"Good job, Kurosaki," Uryu said softly.

"You too Ishida, you kick more ass than you look like you could," Ichigo laughed.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" Uryu asked, turning to face Ichigo.

"Yeah, it is,"

Uryu lurched forward and wrapped his arms around Ichigo. Ichigo's first reaction was to pull away, but it felt good. He wrapped his arms around Uryu and gave a light squeeze. The two sat this way for a few moments before Ichigo whispered in Uryu's ear.

"I thought you were going to die a couple times,"

"You were...worried about me?"

"Of course I was,"

"I was worried about you too...Ichigo,"

"Uryu,"

They pulled apart slowly and neither said a word. The boys once again reclined on the bench as crazy thoughts ran through their heads.

What was that? Why did Ishida hug me like that? And why did it feel so good? I don't...like him...do I?

Ichigo...I don't think you know just exactly what you do to me. I just hope you feel the same way...

They sat for awhile, just thinking. No talking. When the sun began to set, they said quiet

goodbyes and headed home.

The next day at school was awkward for Ichigo and Uryu. They didn't talk to each other, just pausing for an occasional acknowledgement nod or wave of the hand. Orihime went on not noticing anything, though it was obvious to most everyone. (I...kind of have a thing against Orihime. Just a little. otakulove67 haaah.) Neither Ichigo nor Uryu wanted things to continue as they were, so Ichigo decided to find out just what was going on. At lunch period, Ichigo spotted Uryu walking alone outside. He strode confidently to the Quincy and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Uryu,"

"Yes Ichigo?"

"What...happened in the park?"

"We hugged. That's normal," Uryu replied coldly.

"You know as well as I do that that was far from normal," Ichigo said angrily.

"So it was a little closer than usual. So what?"

"A little closer? Uryu, we've never even high-fived,"

Uryu was panicking a little.

"It just seemed appropriate in the situation," He started to turn away.

Ichigo grabbed him firmly by the shoulder and took a step closer to him. Uryu could feel Ichigo's breath on his face.

"Uryu. Do you...like me?" Ichigo asked hesitantly.

"Yes, I consider you a good friend,"

"Not...like that. I mean as in a...relationship type of way," Ichigo pressed then held his breath.

"Well...I wouldn't say...It's not exactly... It's not not..." Uryu stuttered.

Uryu was cut off by soft lips pressed to his. It took him a minute to realize they were Ichigo's. Ichigo sighed deeply, enjoying the act more than he should. They stood frozen, with Ichigo bending down and Uryu standing on his tip toes. Then, Ichigo broke the kiss.

"That's what I thought," he muttered.

"Ichigo...what was that?"

"I was testing something,"

"And what conclusion did you come to?" Uryu smirked.

"You're kind of...hot," Ichigo replied.

"There's no kind of about you, Ichigo. I'm glad you finally realized," Uryu grinned and pulled him down for another quick kiss.

A/N: Blah, longer chapter, Ishida and Ichigo are gay for each other! How cute XD Soon, Orihime's heart will be broken by this fact...mauhhhhhaahahahaaa

Uryu: *releases from kiss with Ichigo* Thanks for making this dummy finally realize. Love you, Grimmi! REVIEW PEOPLE!