Ichigo shivered under the golden glow of Shiro's eyes. He had expected a trick, or something, once he woke up this morning, but Ichigo never could've prepared himself for the pure, unfiltered Shiro laying before him. The god was dressed in boxers, and looked positively edible, sprawled out across Ichigo's bed in all his glory just for the human to take in.

And boy did Ichigo take Shiro in. His eyes traveled down the other's body, from his chiselled chest down to his slightly curved waist, and even further to Shiro's-

"Ne, Ichi, like what ya see?"

"Sh-Shut up, baka."

Shiro snickered and inched closer to the dazzled orangette. Brown eyes snapped onto gold as their bodies finally made contact and Shiro's warmth spread through Ichigo like fire.

"May I have a kiss, Ichigo?"

The orangette nodded his permission. Hot lips clashed against his own, instantly drawing submission from the light. Shiro slid his tongue over Ichigo's lips, soft like petals, and only took more when Ichigo gave it. Surprised, but not stunned by Ichigo's consent, Shiro slipped his tongue into an awaiting mouth to taste his sweet orangette.

Ichigo pulled back when he needed air. He panted, baring his neck and dragging Shiro closer. He needed air but he also needed to feel more of Shiro's lips. The other wasted no time in giving Ichigo what he wanted. He kissed along Ichigo's neck, stopping when he felt Ichigo's pulse. He gave a teasing nip, and listened to Ichigo's excited gasp, before he sucked until a purple mark was left behind.

Ichigo groaned and brought Shiro's lips back to his own. He kissed back this time, his tongue twirling around the other's when it entered his mouth. He leaned back for air, panting against Shiro's chest. He felt the other's arms around him, Shiro's grip both firm and comforting. He mentally thanked Shiro for not touching him without permission. Shiro could've just as easily slid his hands anywhere he liked, but they remained still.

"Shiro," Ichigo murmured, "that was, u-umm. . . it felt really good."

Shiro felt his cheeks warm. "Thanks, Ichi. . . anytime you want that again, just let me know."

Ichigo nodded and slid out of Shiro's arms. His heart was still racing, pumping excitement through his veins, but he knew he'd reached his limit for that morning. "I will," Ichigo said before standing tall. He moved towards the mirror in his room and immediately scowled. "Damn it, Shiro! Y-You. . . you gave me a massive hickey!"

Shiro chuckled and sat up. "I think it suits ya. Says yer mine in an obvious way."

"Sure, that's great and all, but I gotta wear a friggen sweater now!" Ichigo marched out of the room. Shiro chuckled and laid back in bed. Ichigo wasn't really mad at him. No, if he was, Shiro would know for certain. Shiro heard Ichigo enter the bathroom. He hummed and walked to the kitchen to make breakfast. Ichigo stepped out of the bathroom just as breakfast was ready.

After Ichigo finished his toast and eggs, he placed the dishes on the counter. He walked towards the living room. A moment later Shiro heard him cry, "Have you seen my sweater?"

"Which one?" Shiro asked, a knowing smirk on his face.

Ichigo shifted through the coats in the closet. "The grey one! The one that I wear all the time!"

Shiro shrugged. "No idea, Ichigo, sorry." Shiro, of course, knew exactly where Ichigo's sweater was. Shiro had hidden it under Ichigo's bed. He was going to wear it while Ichigo was at work. Shiro glanced at the clock. It seemed that Ichigo was going to be late if he didn't hurry.

Ichigo sighed and grabbed his satchel. "I'll be back in a few hours."

"I know, I know," Shiro sung. Ichigo rolled his eyes and left, locking the door as he did so.

Shiro chuckled and crept to Ichigo's room, as though he'd get caught any second. It didn't matter to Shiro, caught or not, it was win-win for him. He knew Ichigo had a thing for bad boys and, well, even though stealing a sweater doesn't exactly count as doing something bad, Shiro could easily play on the fact that he was breaking one of Ichigo's rules. So if Ichigo were to return home right away, Shiro would get caught, and immediately turn it around on Ichigo.

Meanwhile, he had Ichigo's sweater, and Shiro would enjoy his prize all day until Ichigo got home.

"So, lemme guess, you lied to Shiro about working today again?" Rukia questioned, eyebrow raised.

Ichigo melted under her gaze, knowing that he'd been caught. "Yeah, well, I figured a couple hours would be better spent here than getting devoured by Shiro's gaze all the time."

Rukia snickered. "You mean you crash here because you can't stand a lustful gaze? C'mon Ichi, you know he undresses you with his eyes every time he glances at you, but he keeps his distance. He wouldn't do anything without your permission. You told me that."

"I know, it's just. . ." Ichigo thought about this morning and how willingly he gave in to Shiro. He might've done something he'd regret, but Shiro held back. "I don't want to rush into anything."

"You're right. Don't rush. Savour him, Ichigo. Let him treat you right and only take the next step once you feel ready. Build a strong relationship. You're gonna be bound to him for the rest of your life anyway, may as well get some pleasure out of it."

Ichigo sighed and rested his head in his hands. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Besides, I know a good man when I see one." Rukia suddenly scowled. "And bad ones. Here comes the worst one I know."

Ichigo followed Rukia's gaze to the café doors. He gulped when he saw Grimmjow step inside.

"Want me to get rid of him?" Rukia questioned.

Ichigo shifted nervously in his seat. Before he could answer, a green-haired woman appeared beside Grimmjow. She grabbed him by the collar and dragged him across the café. "Oi!" She called, "You Ichigo Kurosaki?"

"Y-Yeah?"

She smirked and yanked Grimmjow out in front of her.

He stumbled and landed in front of Ichigo. Grimmjow slowly bowed his head. "Ichigo," he murmured, "I want to say I'm sorry."

The woman cleared her throat and grabbed Grimmjow by the back of his neck. "And?"

"And that I was an asshole!"

She grinned. "There ya go."

Ichigo blinked in shock. No one, not even Grimmjow's mother could command respect from him. Who was this woman?

"It's. . . um, not a problem, Grimmjow," Ichigo mumbled, feeling his insides turn to Jell-O.

The woman let go of Grimmjow and thrust her hand forward. "My name's Nelliel, but just Nel's fine. Can we do anything else for ya, Ichigo? Cook? Clean?"

Ichigo shook her hand, biting his lip when it occurred to him that he wouldn't have to introduce himself. "N-No, that's fine! An apology is great!"

Nel let go of Ichigo's hand and placed both hands on her hips. "Please, I insist! At least allow Grimmjow to carry some of your things home!"

Apparently Ichigo didn't have a choice in the matter as Nel took his satchel and handed it to Grimmjow.

She grinned at Ichigo. "Let me get you a coffee too, huh? How do you like it?"

Ichigo chuckled nervously and glanced at Rukia. She shrugged, "Your usual then, Ichigo?"

He slowly nodded.

"Your usual?" Nel's eyes widened softly. "You come around here often?"

"Yeah," Rukia answered as Ichigo fidgeted with the chain hanging from his pants. "He's in here just about everyday after work. I'll go getcha that coffee, Ichigo."

Nel produced the money for Ichigo's coffee, giving Ichigo a small wink. He nodded and released the chain for his wallet as Rukia headed back towards the counter. Nel smirked, "Grimmjow said you liked coming here. Wasn't sure if we'd find you though. If someone broke my heart as bad as he broke yours, I'd abandon everything that had to do with that someone."

Ichigo glanced at Grimmjow, assessing his expression. Blue eyes twitched in frustration, but it was apparent that Grimmjow wasn't allowed to talk.

Ichigo gulped and slowly shrugged. "Rukia and I are friends, so. . . I stuck around because I felt safe here. She lets me stay as late as I want."

Nel slowly nodded. "Do you still work at the library?"

Ichigo glanced at Grimmjow again. The man turned his view towards the far window, clearly not interested in their conversation. Ichigo glanced back at Nel. "Yeah, it's change a bit since then. We've expanded the building."

"Working at a library sounds amazing! I love reading."

"Well, it's more looking after books than reading them, but yes. . . I love reading too."

"Oh? Of course, you're taking care of the stock." She wandered towards him. "But, if you work in a place that deals with books, then don't you get to read all the books you can?"

Ichigo shrugged and made himself smaller so that Nel could sit next to him on the couch. He felt uncomfortable with her and Grimmjow still standing. "Not really. I'm usually exhausted by the time I get home, so I don't read much."

"Don't let him fool you!" Rukia shouted as she returned with Ichigo's coffee and Nel's change. She placed the coffee on the table and Nel's change in her hand. Rukia crossed her arms. "Ichigo's lying his ass right off if he says he doesn't read. Instead of binging Netflix like a normal person, I've seen him marathon Shakespeare. My name's Rukia, by the way."

Ichigo shot Rukia a small scowl.

Nel giggled to herself. "Nice to meet you, Rukia. I take it you and Ichigo are friends?"

"His only friend, since all he does is keep his nose in a book. Nice to see him getting along with someone that isn't fictional." She took the final vacant spot on the couch next to Nel. Rukia shot a glare at Grimmjow as he took a seat on a wooden chair and placed Ichigo's satchel on his lap. Rukia grumbled, "Ichigo hasn't exactly been known to socialize since a certain kitty broke his heart."

Grimmjow shot at glare at the barista that threatened murder.

Nel giggled and aimed a soft smile in Grimmjow's direction. "Kitty. That's a good one, Grimm! Maybe I'll start calling you that?"

"Please don't."

Ichigo took a sip of his new coffee as he stared across the table at Grimmjow. He swallowed then said, "Whatever happened to your partner, Grimmjow? Weren't you married?"

Grimmjow's face darkened. "We got divorced. Then I moved."

"That's why he's back here," Nel added. "I found him all beaten up a few days ago. He said he deserved it for hurting you, Ichigo."

Ichigo blinked. "Me? But. . . I haven't seen Grimmjow in years."

Grimmjow rubbed his shoulder, still bitter about the memory. "Yeah, well, whoever the guy was must've cared a lot about you. Hit my head so damn hard that I can't even remember his face."

A clock rang across the room. The cuckoo indicating that it was officially 2pm.

"Sweet!" Rukia ripped off her hat. "Don't go anywhere! I'm gonna join you after I get changed."

"Okay," Nel nodded. She glanced at Ichigo, noticing the bliss on his face. "Enjoying your coffee?"

A dust of pink coated Ichigo's cheeks. "Y-Yeah. Thanks."

"No problem."

Rukia tossed her work attire on a hanger and placed a quick kiss on Renji's cheek before she rounded the counter and joined Ichigo and the others. Ichigo raised a brow as Nel stood. He followed their lead and headed outside. Ichigo mumbled, "You and Renji seem closer."

Rukia chuckled and gave Ichigo a playful elbow to the side. "Not that it's any of your business, but, he said he loved me last night."

Ichigo's eyes widened. "R-Really!? That's great, Rukia!"

"Keep it down!" She hushed, embarrassed. "Sure, I guess."

"You guess?" Nel cut in. "A man says he loves you, you take that shot."

Rukia bit her bottom lip. "Of course. Renji's a great guy. I'm just worried about screwing up."

Ichigo shot her a supportive grin. "Don't worry about it! You guys are great together. You'll be fine!"

Nel snorted, "Like you're one to talk, Ichigo."

The orangette gulped. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, c'mon! Grimmjow treated you like shit and you forgave him. That tells me you've moved on, and I'm willing to bet someone is helping you to do that. However, you would've mentioned you're living with someone if it was serious, and you probably would have wanted to talk it over with them before letting me and Grimmjow into your life." She stopped walking to yank Ichigo's collar down. "Plus, you're trying to hide a massive hickey, which mean you're in denial about your feelings."

"W-o-w! She's good! I didn't even notice it," Rukia said, boosting her height with the tips of her toes to get a better view of Ichigo's hickey. "Was it Shiro?"

Ichigo blushed furiously and lifted his shirt back up. "Of course, it was Shiro! H-He's such a pervert, Rukia!"

Nel chuckled at the scarlet colour creeping across Ichigo's cheeks. "But you like it, Ichigo. The sooner you admit that, the happier you'll be."

Ichigo scowled and folded his arms. "No way! He's just a flirt!"

Ichigo slowly opened the door to his house, expecting to be attacked by Shiro at any moment. To his surprise, Shiro was lazily sprawled across the couch with one brow raised.

"Yer home early," he stated. "Don't you usually get home around 7:oo?"

Ichigo frowned at him. "I wasn't going to work today. I went to the café. Also," Ichigo marched over and grabbed Shiro by the sleeve. "Stop. Stealing. My. Sweater!"

Shiro chuckled, forgetting that he was wearing the grey sweater Ichigo had been looking for this morning. "But Ichi, it smells like you, and it smells so good."

Ichigo scowled as his cheeks turned scarlet. Shiro knew he was in trouble but he also knew that he had just won this argument.

Trying his luck, Shiro slowly leaned in and pinned Ichigo against the wall. He heard Ichigo gasp and Shiro grinned. Ichigo closed his eyes as he felt Shiro's lips on his own. Shiro's tongue played with Ichigo's lip, requesting access to taste Ichigo. The orangette groaned as he let Shiro in his mouth.

Shiro leaned back, letting Ichigo catch his breath.

"Yer so beautiful when you're all embarrassed, Ichi."

Ichigo pouted and looked at the ground. "A-Am not."

Nel leaned against the wall near the front entrance. She cocked her eyebrow and said with a grin, "So, are you two fucking, or what?"

Ichigo's eyes widened and his whole face turned red. He buried his face in Shiro's chest, refusing to meet the woman's gaze.

Shiro looked over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes. "And who're ya?"

Rukia stepped out from behind Nel. "Relax, Shiro. She's a friend. And she's also the one who is housebreaking kitty."

"Would ya stop callin' me that!?"

Shiro's suspicious glance turned to a glare as soon as he heard that voice. "What's he doing here?"

Ichigo stepped back so he could look Shiro in the eye. "Don't worry, Shiro. He's fine. We've, sorta, patched things up." Ichigo glanced at Nel. He huffed and awkwardly grabbed Shiro's collar, dragging him lower. "N-Now! Don't lie to me. I know you're the one who banged Grimmjow up, so I want you to apologize to him!"

Shiro's eyes widened. "Ya want me to what?"

"You heard me! We're all gonna be friends now. So, go apologize!"

As soon as Shiro was released, he began to fidget nervously. This was the very last thing he had expected for this afternoon, and he suspected that it was payback for the stunt he pulled this morning. Shiro huffed and muttered, "Sorry fer kickin' yer ass."

Ichigo grabbed a pillow from the couch and threw it at the back of Shiro's head.

He groaned and muttered, "Sorry, Grimmjow, for overreacting. Ichigo can obviously handle himself and I'm glad you two have agreed to move on."

Nel glanced at Grimmjow. He murmured, "Apology accepted. . ."

Ichigo smiled and picked the pillow off the floor. "There! Isn't this much better?" He placed the pillow on the couch and sat down. Shiro lifted him into his arms, much to Ichigo's protest, and sat down with Ichigo on his lap. Rukia chuckled and sat in the chair. Grimmjow sat at the opposite end of the couch to Shiro, while Nel sat in the middle.

The green-haired woman shot a suspicious glance at Shiro and Ichigo. "So, not in a relationship, but sharing the same home and the same seat?"

Ichigo huffed, "It's complicated." He turned on Netflix. They watched some movies together, Nel eventually ordering pizza. Around 10:00, Rukia decided to head home and called Renji to pick her up, and at 11, Nel and Shiro had both passed out.

Ichigo grabbed the remote and paused the movie.

Grimmjow glanced at him. "So, are we really good? I know I treated you like less than shit."

"Y-Yeah, well, I think so. . ." Ichigo gave him a small smile.

Grimmjow smirked and blushed as he felt Nel's grip on his hand. He glanced at her as she slept.

Ichigo chuckled. "You seem really happy with her. And might I say, like much less of an asshole."

"Ha ha. . ." Grimmjow glanced at Ichigo and Shiro. "You seem much more confident with him. He's blunt or otherwise straight forward, but, he respects you. Tell me, how do you feel about him?"

Ichigo blushed and opened his mouth to reply when Grimmjow interrupted him.

"Well, you better let him know."

Ichigo slowly nodded. "I know. I'm just. . . nervous."

"About what? You are a great guy, Ichigo. Just do what's going to make you happy." Grimmjow glanced at his watch then gently nudged Nel. "Time to go, Nel."

She blinked awake. "Grimm? Oh, did I pass out?"

"Only for an hour. C'mon, I'll walk you home."

She snickered, "Alright, tough guy." Nel stood and stretched her limbs. Ichigo carefully slid off of Shiro and walked Nel and Grimmjow to the door. He waved them goodbye and the two of them left.

Ichigo was left alone with Shiro. He tiptoed back to the couch and kissed his cheek. "Everyone's gone, Shiro. Let's go to bed."

Shiro mumbled and rolled towards his side.

Ichigo rolled his eyes and shook Shiro gently. "Bed, Shiro."

A white brow was raised. "What's this? Ichi asking me to go to bed with him? I must still be dreaming."

"Yeah, yeah. . . Maybe I'll let you spoon me too, if you hurry up, and if you're lucky."

Shiro sprung to his feet and bolted towards the door. He stopped at the entrance and bowed, gesturing the to the bedroom. "Yer highness."

Ichigo scoffed and marched past Shiro into the dark room. He yawned and plopped onto the bed face-first, burying his head into the pillow. He felt Shiro's weight beside him, a tender hand brushing the hair on the back of Ichigo's head.

Ichigo hummed and turned to head to the side to look at Shiro.

"Even in the dark, Ichi, yer the most handsome man I've ever seen."

"Shut up."

"I ain't lying."

"I know you're not." Ichigo smiled and turned the other way, inching back towards Shiro.

He raised a pale brow. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Well, you were fast getting into bed, a-and. . ."

Shiro immediately understood and curled up around Ichigo, sliding a hand over his waist. "Mmm. . . guess that makes me the luckiest guy in the whole world, huh?"

Ichigo blushed and squirmed to adjust his body in the hold. He hadn't really been spooned properly in a long while. Shiro smirked and let Ichigo adjust before curling closer to him again.

"Ya got work tomorrow?"

"Nah. . . let me sleep in."

Shiro nuzzled the back of Ichigo's neck. "Sure thing, King."

Ichigo blushed but ignore the nickname, letting sleep consume him.

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