A/N: Well after Ulquiorra's date I literally ran out of ideas, yup left clean as a whistle. Had to actually come up with the rest of the story and I have to say, the wait is well worth it! Hope you enjoy what I've done with the place ;)

Sorry I just have to point out the end of last chapter again because I am so amused by him not even giving Ulquiorra a second thought... Wonder what he's thinking is so interesting then... ;)

*Recap*

'Well this has been one interesting day, and it's only Wednesday!' Ichigo thought to himself, hands deep in his pockets with a particularly strange grin on his face, 'Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!"

Chapter 4 – Now We're Gettin Somewhere

'Tomorrow' brought exams.

'Well shit.'

It being Thursday, Ichigo had his two 'back-to-back' exams he had whined about to Renji. He need not have worried though; he finished both with a smile on his face, 'See? There's a reason why I haul my textbooks around all the time – and it's not because I'm too cheap for a gym-pass... Wonder how Renji's doing? Maybe we can go out for drinks after we both are done with exams…'

The chair creaked as Ichigo leaned back and crossed his ankles, arms folded behind his head while he tried to think of a way to ask Grimmjow to go as well, 'Only 'cause he's been so good to me this week, no other reason. Nope…'

"Ichi baby, where you at?"

A loud groan poured out of his lips as Ichigo read the text from Renji, 'He only talks like that when he's up to something… What now?'

Already assuming the reason behind the text, he hesitantly wrote back, "Reishi…"

The text back was instantaneous – as if his best friend were staring at his phone waiting ('not a good sign.'), "Greaaat! We'll be there soon! :) Stay beautiful, Beautiful."

Ichigo sighed, but of course it's a 'we', but of course Renji somehow found a new date for him even though he had an exam today too, but of course – he's smoking hot!

The door chimes let in the baboon-man followed by … 'Well damn! He definitely isn't having a hard time finding good-looking guys, that's for sure.'

Renji turned and with a mortifyingly grandiose sweep of his arm, more-or-less pointed the guy in Ichigo's direction. The workaholic found himself suddenly on the spot and sped to put his studying supplies away, making room for the newest contestant.

What? It's not like he's had a single good date yet.

'It's too early in the day for a date - What the hell – I don't want this – he's cute but – I can't believe Renji – no he's definitely hot – I'm gonna sit Ren down and make sure he actually studies – he's tall…' Gulp.

"You Ichigo?"

Ichigo stood and wondered briefly if the guy had just woke up because his voice was a little gruff and his hair was unkempt, "Yeah I am, who're you?" Did that sound defensive? Maybe a little.

He caught a glimpse of Renji's back as it retreated from the cafe, apparently the redhead didn't want to be a distraction from any of his best friend's dates. Ichigo felt a moment of appreciation towards his friend's thoughtfulness - he could be loud and awkward but the guy was nothing if not kind... in his own Renji sort of way.

"Starrk Gingerbuck, my friends all call me Coyote, though I don't really mind what you call me." When he said that he smiled and Ichigo felt all his hackles lower as he returned the gesture. 'Such a sweet smile.'

Both men shook hands and sat down, Starrk unknowingly taking the famed 'Hot Seat' which caused Ichigo to smirk and glance at the barista bar. Of course it was too early in the day so Grimmjow was not present; Tatsuki was there instead and gave a quick 'thumbs up' behind Stark's head.

Warily (and perhaps wearily too) Ichigo brought his attention back to his newest date, noticing that Starrk was as reclined as possible; one long leg stretched out almost under Ichigo's chair, with one arm over the back of his own seat. The affect had Ichigo visibly relaxing as well, not quite to a lounging point but the rigid posture melted to a more natural one.

"Well Ichigo, I hear you're in school. What courses are you taking?"

For a moment Ichigo thought the man wasn't even paying attention as he gave a brief run-down of his school life; Starrk had rested his head on his fist, as if he were bored. Ichigo felt himself get defensive again before slowly realizing that those grey eyes had never once strayed from him yet.

"Do you enjoy working so hard?" Starrk cut in.

Ichigo grinned and gave an exaggerated huff, "I don't enjoy studying all the time and reading my textbooks constantly, no. But I do enjoy great marks and feedback from my profs." Those grey eyes slid closed and Ichigo suddenly felt like chains were releasing him. 'Holy hell, his eyes are so dominating... but not... it's weird. And his body language really threw me off - ' They opened again. '- his eyes though - wow they are intense.'

He gulped and continued, "I push myself so hard because I know I will enjoy the reward of my good grades – becoming a doctor at my dad's clinic in his stead. I want to help people who are hurting. My dad is a bit of an idiot at times" 'Let's not get into how much of an idiot on the first date' Ichigo thought drily, "but he's always there for us when me or my sisters are hurt, we can always depend on him no matter what." Ichigo felt a little embarrassed and quickly mumbled through the last sentence, "I want to be depended on too."

Starrks eyes slid back into and pierced through Ichigo once more, holding him in place. There was no ferocity in those eyes though, 'Something like quiet dominance? Maybe he doesn't need to be aggressive? Like he knows he's good so doesn't bother - God that's so hot - this guy - '

"Is it always good to be depended on? What happens if you try to help someone and fail at it? Or do them worse to begin with?"

Normally Ichigo would get defensive at such a question, but the lack of aggression coming off Starrk made the student indulge the question seriously, "Well, that's where my schooling comes in, and why I take it so seriously. I want to be trained as much as possible so that never happens – as most aspiring doctors should feel. I know I'm not going to know everything and there will be times when I can't help someone… and honestly it will probably tear me up inside" he stated truthfully, "but I know I'll grow from it and put that new knowledge towards the next patient." Orange brows drew down a bit before clearing, a toothless smile sprouting under them, "I know sometimes I'll mess up, it's my job to make sure I never make the same mistake twice. That's all."

"That's really mature of you Ichigo," came a teasing feminine voice somewhere behind him. "Here are your boys' coffees," Tatsuki came into view placing the steaming beverages down, "You got a real catch here Starrk, Ichigo is a good friend of mine."

"Shut up Tatsuki!" Heated face? Yup, you guessed it. 'I blush too much these days…'

The girl just laughed and ruffled his hair aggressively – affectionately – "I'll talk to you later Ichigo. Play nice boys."

With her retreating steps, Ichigo wondered what happened to his childhood friend while she was away – she seemed almost… bubbly. He shook his head and turned back to his date, 'I'll talk to her later about it.'

"She's right, you know." Starrk looked over at him from also watching Tatsuki leave, "By calling you mature and saying you're a great catch…" He leaned forward, piercing eyes turning appreciative as they roamed Ichigo's face.

Ichigo's rapidly reddening face. 'Why would he say that – he's suddenly so close – how do I even respond to that – shit, he's so handsome' The student had the heart rate of racehorse.

Starrk lazily walked two fingers across the table towards the coffee cups, pausing at the one with an artistically drawn strawberry on the lid. Ichigo long ago gave up on scolding Tatsuki for her artwork – it was his personal logo that she'd dubbed for his coffees and she wouldn't give it up. He watched as Starrk's mouth quirked into a smirk at the picture, 'Those lips move so smoothly, wonder how they'd move against mine?"

As Ichigo fantasized, he felt his coffee get pushed into one of his hands and instinctively wrapped his fingers around it and – belatedly realized – Starrk's fingers that were still present. He ducked his head in embarrassment as his date chuckled and pulled back, 'He did that on purpose!' He noted, but couldn't bring himself to be angry with the small, intimate gesture.

It wasn't demanding at all, just… sweet.

Ichigo wondered briefly if maybe he was the one with the great catch on his hands.

As the student brought his cup to his lips, he glanced curiously at the lid of Starrk's drink and noticed another personalized picture – a wolf howling at a moon – surprising him enough to pause and quirk his eyebrow.

Since Starrk's eyes never left Ichigo once, he caught the young man's question immediately and slid his drink over for further inspection while he talked.

"Tatsuki and I have worked together a couple times." Came the answer, along with a chuckle at Ichigo's carousel of expressions; realization, surprise, thoughtfulness, more surprise and then finally questioning.

He continued like Ichigo had actually spoken instead of just made faces, "Yeah I'm at the academy too, but I do a little different work than her. While she's working in the police department, I'm working in the detective department."

Ichigo was surprised at first, 'A detective?', but then he thought about it, "I guess I'm not all that surprised – you're pretty observant."

Starrk let a long and low laugh, it made Ichigo smile in response. "Thank you, although if I weren't observant then I wouldn't be very good at my job, hmm?" He settled and continued speaking, "Tatsuki has been working with the boys on the streets; she seems to be really good at breaking up fights and investigating disturbances," Here both men smirked, "And they in turn have handed over the more mysterious cases to me and my team. You could say we've chatted over the water cooler a couple times…" He chuckled.

Ichigo found himself rather amused with Starrk's humour, 'I could get used to talking to him, he seems really genuine.' "You must really enjoy your work then?"

However, the look on Starrk's face turned rather serious, "Well, yes and no." He shifted back in his seat, "I also enjoy being depended on and helping our fellow citizens. Not much more makes me happier than comforting a family with answers and justice. But, unlike Tatsuki, I work there full-time and the hours are long and daunting. Not only am I always tired, but there isn't much to my life outside of work." Here he nodded to Ichigo, the younger man holding a small empathetic candle to what Starrk meant, "I would work all day surrounded by people but come home to an empty house, my friends long ago grew tired of being turned down to nights out so they've stopped calling. Basically the only thing I talk about with people is work... well, that is until recently…" Here he trailed off and fixed Ichigo with another piercing gaze.

Ichigo felt like this was an important moment and resisted the urge to squirm while Starrk seemed to look for answers in his face. Apparently the detective found something because he finally spoke (after a very pregnant awkward silence), "Ichigo I'm going to tell you something that may make or break this relationship." He paused again, worried and hesitant.

Ichigo did the only thing he could think of to comfort the man, he reached over, grabbed Starrk's hand and squeezed. The man paused and then gave a quick squeeze back, smiling broadly, "Alright, no sense hiding it anymore. I… I have a child."

Ichigo's body froze while his brain raced – using all his energy stores to run miles in a minute. 'A child - but that involves a woman – just how old is he – how old is the kid – well he's on a date with me so he must be either over women or bisexual – a child is a big step – am I even old enough to deal with a kid – I barely feel like an adult…'

Starrk watched intently as Ichigo's mind soaked in the newest piece of information. He rubbed small circles in the slackened hand that still barely clung to his. Starrk cleared his throat and waited for Ichigo to slowly come back to him, "Let me explain a little more, please."

Ichigo nodded mechanically, wondering if he should retract his hand. Starrk still held it but it wasn't forceful, he was giving the younger male the opportunity to pull away or tighten his grip. The choice was his and the metaphor did not escape Ichigo. He held still and listened.

"As I was saying, I was never engaging in conversation outside of work-related affairs. I was with people at the office or out on the job, but never was I with people, if you know what I mean. I always felt alone, going home was becoming depressing so I spent longer days at the office, pulling ungodly hours. It was getting to the point that my boss finally pulled me aside and gave me mandatory vacation, 'Get outta your funk Starrk,' he said, 'I need you, not this shell you've become. I'll have your cases covered, just be back in two weeks Monday. Now get outta here!' So I did." Starrk gave a sheepish grin to his date before continuing, "I went home, packed a suitcase and got myself a randomly picked train ticket. Once I got off the train I bought a bus ticket and got off on the very last stop. Figured wherever it took me would be OK. Maybe the place would hold an answer for me."

Ichigo smiled in spite of himself, 'The man really doesn't know how charming he is…'

"Anyway, when I got kicked off the bus I finally took in my surroundings. Would you believe I was standing in a rundown, peeling-paint playground? I just sat on the nearest bench and watched the surprisingly large crowd of children play. Some were in the sandbox making castles, some were sitting inside a dome-shaped structure playing cards, and the rest were running around crazily playing a game of 'Grounders'. They were all laughing and carrying on and I was seriously debating getting on a different bus and trying again. But then she came out."

Here Starrk seemed to be lost in his memories, Ichigo barely getting over his jealousy of this mysterious woman to appreciate the adorableness of the man sitting across from him.

He continued, "This little girl with green hair and the brightest pink eyes you'd ever saw came tearing across the road like a bat outta hell."

'He was talking about a child,' Ichigo felt silly for being jealous, 'Aww how adorable is he?!' He grinned.

"All I remember thinking is 'Here comes trouble!' and by God how wrong I was!" He laughed, "I should've been thinking 'here comes Hell itself!'" His eyes crinkled, "The little brat was wearing a skull beanie with flames on it, a vest that wasn't done up nearly enough for a little girl and short-shorts." He frowned at that before carrying on, "A war cry literally ripped out of her lungs and she threw herself at that playground. She launched herself over the kids in the sandpit, swiped a couple playing cards from a kid in the dome and climbed right up the highest terrace of the playground. She stood on top with her hands on her hips declaring royalty and demanding followers. And ya know what? The kids listened," He laughed, "They all filed into groups under her terrace and carried out her 'instructions'. It was mind-blowing and I decided to stay and watch the kids some more."

Ichigo continued listening, Starrk was down-right handsome with his wistful expressions and light laughing, he wanted to listen to Starrk talk all day but they still needed to get down to how he became a father… Ichigo frowned slightly at that, 'I'm definitely not ready for that yet, that's too much too soon – will he expect me to –'

His inner panic was cut off by Starrk as he resumed rubbing circles into his knuckles, "So anyway, at first she seemed to be a little demon to me. Ruining everyone's play and taking over like that. But then I noticed she was actually doing good for her little 'kingdom'. The cards she stole were fake aces and the found-out little boy kicked over a sandcastle on his way to 'jail'… unfortunately she chose to attack the boy and they started an all-out brawl… she's an aggressive ruler I'll give her that." Another chuckle. "After a bit a loud whistle rang out and all the kids ran back to the building across the street. A woman was out there – whistle in hand – and herded them all back inside. I was surprised to see the building was an orphanage…"

Ichigo started, finally piecing together where this story was going, and gave a knowing smile, which his date caught of course.

"Yeah yeah, I'm a sap. Shut up. Anyway, long story short: I rented a hotel nearby and sat and watched them all play every day. Watched her play. And just when it started feeling too close to stalker-ish I decided to go in and fill out the paperwork. Three days later I started back at work and my boss couldn't have been more smug. I thanked him anyway because as much as he may be a cocky bastard now he did give me the opportunity to fill my empty shell. I have someone who keeps me busy and I'm still tired as hell but at least I'm happy." He looked back into Ichigo's eyes searchingly, "That little girl is my world now and I'd love to incorporate you into it too but I realize that children are not always something a young man is interested in. I understand if you don't want to continue seeing me."

He gave a quick squeeze to Ichigo's hand and pulled back, grabbing for his coffee and taking a long swig.

Ichigo frowned at the loss of warmth and sat back, "Well I mean… I really like you and I'd love another date…"

"…but?" Starrk prodded.

"But… I don't know if I'm ready for… for -"

"You wouldn't have to meet her right away obviously; we can hang out – just us – for as long as you need. I just, well I didn't want to trick you or make you feel like I was hiding this from you… You deserve to know."

Ichigo nodded and took a deep breath, "And I thank you for the honesty, really, you are a great man… I'm just… I just…" he frowned and looked down, "I just don't know… kids are generally a big deal –"

Ichigo jumped when a hand found his chin and pulled his face up, 'When did he move – he's so close – and warm - '

Starrk had tilted Ichigo's face up and looked deep in his eyes, "I understand Ichigo, don't worry yourself. I like you as well and would love another chance with you but will respect your space while you figure things out. I can be a gentleman when I need to be…"

He leaned down and gently pushed his lips against Ichigo's. Starrk's warm breath washed over the younger male in a wave and left not even a wisp of coherent thought in the poor teen's mind.

He pulled back and smirked, only an inch from Ichigo's nose, "But I never said I'd play fairly." He winked at the befuddled face in his hand before stepping away to gather his coffee and coat, "I don't want to push you Ichigo, take your time figuring things out." He turned back around and trailed a thumb across an orange brow before sliding down to the still slightly dampened lips, "But don't keep me waiting too long…" he purred.

Ichigo's mind was in tatters. 'What was – that voice was – wow – my first – so nice – he stole my first kiss! – I want another – what a man – '

"Ichi-dear! What a surprise!"

Ichigo barely had time to register that Starrk was gone before he was hailed by none other than Kisuke Urahara himself. The man walked in like he owned the place, 'Duh, he does own the place.' Ichigo reminded his straggling mind, coming back slowly to reality. "K-Kisuke, it's uh nice to see you again. *ahem* Although you really shouldn't be surprised I'm here." He hesitantly smirked.

Kisuke just waved his words away dismissively and floated over to the barista bar to make himself a cup, hip-bumping Tatsuki in the process and consequently starting up a friendly banter with his most senior employee.

Ichigo watched unsurprised as Tessai came in a moment later, both Jinta and Ururu hanging off of him and bickering with each other. Ichigo smiled at the sight and corrected his thoughts; Jinta was berating Ururu while she apologized profusely and hid under Tessai's arm. Tessai sat at the bar and deposited the children in their own seats, accepting a cup without question from his husband.

Ichigo grabbed his cup and sat at the bar on the other side of Tessai, listening in on Kisuke's conversation with Tatsuki.

"So how was England Tatsuki-dear?"

"It was good. My family there was kind to me, too kind really. I did nothing but eat and explore. And make friends." She added, almost as an after-thought.

Kisuke and Ichigo both perked at that but the shop owner was a little faster than the younger male, "Friends hmm? Any particular ones stand out in your mind?"

Ichigo – for the first time in his life – witnessed a blushing Tatsuki. Everyone was silent for a moment before Ichigo pounced, "Who is he Tats?"

"Tell us everything." Added a smirking Kisuke.

She sighed, "I knew I wouldn't be able to hide anything from you two, damn it." She took in the 5 silent pairs of eyes and sighed again, "Alright alright. He's not much taller than me, he's quiet and very mature for his age. He and his mother are sort of at odds with each other but for whatever reason she seems to really like me – almost too much actually, it's kinda weird…" She trailed off, unaware of Ichigo and Kisuke smirking at each other before she continued, "Anyway, she let Mizuiro use her car pretty much every day and when I wasn't with my family he showed me around London. That's pretty much it." She was smiling way too much for the cool-guy attitude she was trying for.

"Mizuiro eh?" Ichigo teased.

"Sounds serious, was this tour guide of yours a proper gentleman I wonder?" He trailed off in fake concern..

"Guys! He was!" She was definitely blushing hard now, Ichigo wasn't sure who this boy was but this Mizuiro character apparently left an impression on Tatsuki. "He is too damn gentlemanly if you ask me." She grumbled.

"…"

"…"

Both men looked at each other and burst out laughing, Tatsuki realized what she said and waved her arms in front of herself frantically, "Wait no! That's not what I meant!"

Too late Tatsuki.

Ichigo and Kisuke began a parody of driving together, Ichigo playing as Tatsuki, "Oh Mizuiro, show me something completely new today!" He said in a high-pitched voice, clutching Kisuke's at arm flirtatiously.

Kisuke chuckled and pointed forwards, "Look there, a cliff overlooking the city at sunset! It's magnificent isn't it Miss Tatsuki?"

Ichigo giggled into his hand and looked up into Kisuke's eyes, "How romantic."

"It is indeed a beautiful sight, Miss Tatsuki, let's head back now before our families think wrongly of our time together." And politely extracted himself from Ichigo's embrace.

Ichigo crossed his arms and pushed out his lower lip into a pout while Kisuke 'drove' with a stoic look on his face.

Both only lasted about five seconds before bursting out laughing, clutching their sides and howling. Tatsuki got over her blush-fest and tapped them both. On their heads. With her fists.

While both boys rubbed their goose eggs, Tatsuki huffed and grabbed a cloth and spray bottle, "You guys suck, you know that right?" and began furiously cleaning the already immaculate countertop.

"Tatsuki-dear, the children are present, please refrain from talking about our unsavoury after-school activities in front of them." Kisuke chastised with large, twinkly smile he tried to hide behind his hand.

Ichigo laughed and reached for his coffee. He just couldn't be like this with anyone else - even Renji (since he only recently discovered which team Ichigo played on), he had missed these two very much; Kisuke rarely came into his shop anymore now that Tessai took up a full-time nursing job at the hospital – he had to watch the kids. As for Tatsuki, she seemed to be more… feminine, and that itself was a shell-shocking thought. 'This boy better be good to her or I swear I will destroy him. I've always wanted to visit England anyway…'

As he thought of all the changes that's been happening around him, he couldn't help but think back to his date he had literally moments before Kisuke came in, speaking of which….

"So! Ichigo! You laugh at me and yet you seemed to be having a good time on your date just a few minutes ago."

'Damn it Tatsuki!'

Now Kisuke's eyes were on him and Ichigo was nervous, "Ah yes, I've noticed our Ichi-dear has been making his rounds on my video surveillance!"

Ichigo face-palmed, he'd forgotten about the video cameras in the café! They were tiny, unnoticeable things that Kisuke installed just this past year. He wondered how often Kisuke paid any attention to the monitors and if they were set up to record, 'That could be bad news for me…'

"Was the date any better today Ichi-dear? I thought you seemed a little frazzled when we first arrived." Ichigo could have sworn those eyes were twinkling.

"His date was smoking hot, Kisuke, and the guy kissed him." Tatsuki supplied, smirking as the blush faded from her face and moved over to occupy Ichigo's.

"Oh my! That was your first kiss too, wasn't it Ichi-dear?" 'Damn both these guys to hell!' "SO! Was it good?"

Ichigo didn't answer, he just tilted his coffee back and drained it away.

"That good eh?" A deep voice rumbled in his ear, accompanied by a warm hand planted on his shoulder.

Ichigo choked and spluttered on his coffee, turning quickly and coming nose-to-nose with his newest favourite colour in the world.

Grimmjow. Shit.

Ichigo backed up quickly and bumped into the barista bar, causing the cups on the counter to clatter slightly. He missed the look shared between his friends as he stared into those blue eyes and gulped, "G-Grimmjow! Didn't see you there! What're you doing here?" He definitely didn't just squeak. Ichigo Kurosaki did not squeak.

Grimmjow raised a pretty blue eyebrow and pointed to his nametag, "I work here, remember?"

Mortification filled him as Ichigo nodded but didn't otherwise move. He couldn't, his mind was racing again.

'How could I be so stupid – he's so beautiful – this isn't good – what do I say – are we gonna talk again – but Kisuke – shit Kisuke and Tatsuki too! Shit Shit Shit…'

Grimmjow just cocked his head to one side, and waved his hand in front of Ichigo's face, "Earth to Kurosaki! I thought we got over the whole 'getting lost in my eyes' nonsense, hmm?" He smirked, gently pushed Ichigo back down into his seat and walked around the counter – greeting Kisuke and his family, and Tatsuki before he promptly disappeared into the employee locker-room.

There was silence for exactly ten seconds before the questions came.

"What the hell was that, Ichigo?"

"Well, that seemed a little intimate."

"You and Grimmjow are coming along nicely Ichi-dear."

Even Ururu and Jinta got in on it (kids these days and their perceptiveness).

"Wait weren't you just on a date with someone else?"

"Um excuse me but do you really like Mr. Grimmjow?"

Everyone looked at Ururu and seemed to want to hear the answer to her question specifically.

'Of freakin' course they do.'

"Um guys r-really, how can you ask me that? Like Jinta just politely pointed out," He gave an evil eye to the kid and got a stuck-out tongue in response. "I was just on a date with Starrk. So why would you ask me if I like G-him." He spotted blue and mumbled the last part. 'Damn it, this just gets better and better.'

Kisuke chuckled and leaned forward with a dangerous glint in his eyes, "Well since you got to have some one-on-one time with this Starrk character," he pulled Ichigo out of his seat, dragged him a ways and practically threw him down in his usual seat, "we will give you some one-on-one time with our lovely Grimmy-dear." He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and Ichigo gulped at the implications of one sinful two-letter word in that particular sentence, feeling a full-on blush wash over him.

Kisuke straightened and waltzed over to the blue-haired barista, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and leading him back to Ichigo's table, "Grimmy-dear, be a good boy and sit here hmm?" Kisuke pointed at the famed 'Hot Seat' with an evil grin.

Grimmjow looked at the seat in question and up into the panicking brown eyes belonging to Ichigo, "But isn't this-I start in ten minu-"

"Grimmy-dear, if you would just sit down then I would be more than happy to take care of your shift this evening. But just this once." Kisuke smiled deviously, one finger waggling in his employee's face.

Grimmjow looked back at Ichigo, blue eyes searching brown for a moment before he slowly, oh so slowly, lowered himself into the Hot Seat. Ichigo's mouth fell open as he took in the sight, the implications, and tried to calm his butterfly infested body. Kisuke just tilted his hat forward and walked away, smirk firmly planted on his face.

Ichigo watched him walk away, saw all his friends turn away and studiously ignore him before he turned back to Grimmjow.

Grimmjow, who was in the Hot Seat.

Grimmjow, his date.

'Oh shit.'