Where was I? I uh…I just finished school so…Yea…It's been a while. How are you guys? I hope you're all good. I've been quite the busy bee, making prints for a con I'll be tabling at in Utica, NY. If some of yall are in the area stop by lol.

Anyway, I know you guys have been waiting long so let me not keep you.

Please do enjoy.

Ichigo was sitting in his art class listening to Yoruichi talk about something along the lines of art being an escape goat for those who are lost, but Ichigo couldn't keep his heads on her words because he was too busy thinking about what was to come after his last class today.

His date with Grimmjow.

And he felt bad because he looked more forward to this date than he did with Renjis.

After Grimmjow left to go home last night, Ichigo spent the rest of the night painting his feeling onto his project, the idea he had scrapped because he felt that it was no longer needed. Instead he started painting what looked like a picture of a man sitting under a tree looking at someone afar, another man sitting near him staring at him, but his eyes lost somewhere else. He believed that this was the true way to show everyone involved how they and himself were feeling without having to say a single word. He didn't finish it, just laying down a sketch and some colors because he still wanted to run it through Yoruichi.

Which he will do when the lecture is over and Yoruichi will walk around to look at everyones' progress. Ichigo sighed for what was probably the umpteenth time since waking up this morning. Feeling bad that he was now going on dates with both Renji and Grimmjow. It feels like I'm two timing or something…But it's okay to go on other dates if it's not official right? I think this situation is even worse because I'm fucking Grimmjow…Ichigo groaned to himself, the last bit of Yoruichi's lecture reaching his ears before she clapped and said it's time to show their progress.

"You can either stay in this class or head over to the art room but if I catch you lollygagging there will be hell to pay, you understand?" Yoruichi smiled. The class agreed in unison and some of the student got up and made their way to the other art room, Ichigo being one of those students. He walked into the empty art room with some other students and placed his painting on the easel, not removing the cloth yet since he had no intention on working on it until Yoruichi saw it first. Knowing it will be a while till Yoruichi got to him, he instead took out one of his textbooks of his doctor courses and started to study for a quiz he had in his next class.

A long few minutes passed by and Yoruichi finally entered the class, the person near the door being the first person she tended too. Ichigo watched which direction she was going to go next and decided to study a bit more when she headed away from him. Another few minutes passed when Ichigo heard a cough, the man looking up to see that Yoruichi was squinting at him. "Ah, it's not that I didn't want to paint, I just…wanted the go ahead before I laid down more paint…" Ichigo reassured as he dropped his textbook into his bookbag.

"Yea yea, I know how you work, you were like this since you started. So what ya got?" Yoruichi chuckled as she crossed her hands over her chest. Ichigo turned to his painting as he removed the cloth. "I had a different idea but after looking at it again, I felt that this was a bit more… appropriate for what I was going for," Ichigo explained. "Hmmm, Your theme?" Yoruichi asked as she continued to gaze at the painting. "I wanted a sense of wanting but also loss," He explained. "Yea, it's definitely coming across. The one under the tree wants the one in the far back yes?" Ichigo nodded to her question. "And the one next to the one under the tree doesn't know what he wants which is why his eyes are so unfocused?" Ichigo nods again.

"This is wonderful. Looks like you took that article I told you about to heart. Are you going to show this to someone? I feel like there is a deeper message here," Yoruichi smiled when the boy scratched at the back of his neck, a small blush caressing the bridge of his nose. "Ah well…I was thinking about it," Ichigo chuckled nervously. "Well this is good. Everything looks good so far. My only thing is that you have him as wanting and him as lost but what about the one he is staring at. He seems confused since there is no emotion coming from him," Yoruichi explained as she pointed at the characters on the canvas. "Well…I thought it felt right because I don't know what their thinking either…hopefully by the time I'm done I'll know…" Ichigo explained as he stared at his canvas.

"Well, as long as you are aware. Regardless, this is good and I can't wait to see the outcome, good job Kurosaki," Yoruichi patted him on the shoulder and walked off to look at the last few students. Ichigo got up from his seat to grab some painting utensil, returning when he had everything he needed and began to make marks on his canvas.

And hour passed and Yoruichi deemed the class over. All the students packing up and leaving. Ichigo stayed a few minutes later to make sure no one was around when he hid his picture in the closet, asking Yoruichi for the key to lock it afterwards explaining that he didn't want to carry it everywhere. Yoruichi gave him the key and told him to hold onto it until the last day.

Ichigo finished locking up the door and left the classroom only to be stopped when he heard his name.

"Ichigo!" Ichigo turned towards the voice to see Rukia, Tatsuki and Orihime walking towards his direction. "Hey guys. Finished class?" Ichigo started. "On our way, the teacher changed classes for today since we needed computers and our regular class didn't have any," Tatsuki answered. "Ah, I see," Ichigo replied as they all walked off in the direction of the classroom, Ichigo following since it was also in the direction of his next class. "So, anything eventful happened this weekend?" Rukia glanced at Ichigo, the man glancing down towards her in question then forward once again.

"Nothing really, just did homework, went to the movies, the usual," Ichigo spoke, holding back some of the truth. "Eh? Didn't you go on a date with Renji?" Orihime spoke up, the other two girls sighing in the process. "What? You…You knew?" the boy looked at them surprised. "More like how could we not. Renji doesn't really know how to keep his mouth shut sometimes," Rukia giggled. "Neither does this girl," Tatsuki sighed as she tapped Orihime's head. "Sorry, I didn't know it was supposed to be some kind of secret," Orihime pouted.

"I mean it's not really a secret or anything," Ichigo spoke up. "Speaking of which, have you guys seen Renji today? He hasn't texted me at all which is strange since he's usually blowing up my phone," Ichigo asked as he took out his phone to see if he received any messages. "Hmm, last time I saw his he was talking to Byakuya," Orihime answered cheerfully. "More like Byakuya was lecturing him. He probably messed up his paper again or something. I swear that man wants to get lectured by him," Rukia rub the bridge of her nose in annoyance.

"But at least Renji is finally taking his classes seriously because of him," Ichigo nervously chuckled. "I guess that's true. Speaking of classes. How are you doing? Your double majors giving you a hard time yet?" Rukia elbowed Ichigo playfully. "Nothing but exam after exam. I have to write a research paper for my online class but I don't think it'll be that difficult," Ichigo explained. "As long as you're still living to see another day," Tatsuki smiled at the ted head. "I won't go down that easily," Ichigo stopped walking when the girls did. "Well, this is our class, lunch with everyone later?" Rukia asked as she opened the door to the classroom. "Yea. See ya then," Ichigo walked off after they waved their goodbyes, the man continuing to walk to his next class.

::+::

Ichigo was sitting in his last class, the day beforehand uneventful. He had actually bumped into Renji before this class, a bit surprised when the man didn't want to meet his eyes. He didn't question it but he'd be lying if he said it didn't bother him. Did I do something? Why the heck was he acting so weird? Ichigo thought to himself. Maybe something happened with him and Byakuya yesterday? He continued to ponder. He shoved all his thoughts to the back of his head since he knew he wasn't going to get an answer. At least not yet anyway. I'm sure Renji will tell me eventually since we are best friends… or maybe he won't because of the relationship we are in now? All of this is so complicated… Ichigo sighed to himself. The thought that he was going on a date with Grimmjow after class not making it better.

Ichigo was scared. He was genuinely scared of what could happen during this date. The fact that he still doesn't know why Grimmjow asked for one in the first place scaring him the most. The worst-case scenario being that someone had dared him to do it and it was nothing but a joke. He leaned his head down and pouted to no one in particular. I really hope this isn't a joke… he sighed to himself.

The class went by smoothly, Ichigo being called a few times when it looked like he was nodding off, the red head being able to play it off very smoothly by answering all the questions thrown at him correctly.

He was now standing in front of his locker, putting most of the books he knows he won't be using away because he refused to carry so many books back home. He looked at his phone to see that it was a few minutes passed 5, the thought of Grimmjow not showing up like he predicted already seeping into his mind. "I mean…I didn't really expect anything," He whispered to himself.

"Didn't expect what?" Ichigo jumped when he heard the familiar voice. He turned to meet Renji's questioning gaze. "Renji! Don't sneak up on me like that you bastard!" Ichigo yelled, closing his locker and catching his breath. "Ah, sorry dude. I didn't think you were so lost in thought. But what are you mumbling to yourself about?" Renji asked as he walked off with Ichigo who threw his bag over his shoulder and headed towards the entrance.

Should I tell him? I mean Grimmjow knows about me and Renji so it'll only be right if I tell him…, Ichigo reasoned with himself.

"Grimmjow asked me out on a date yesterday," Ichigo spoke, surprised at how calm he sounded. "What?" Renji stopped walking, surprised at their current conversation. Ichigo stopped walking and turned slightly to look at his friend's somber expression. "He asked you out? For real?"

"Hn," Ichigo nodded his head. "I see…When is it?"

"It's was supposed to be today…But I don't have any classes with Grimmjow today so I haven't seen him. Honestly…I think it was a joke or something…I don't really see Grimmjow asking me out on a date seriously…," Ichigo said in what was barely a whisper, a chuckle at the end to hide that he was a bit hurt. Renji watched his expression, wondering why Ichigo looked so hurt.

"But it's whatever. I expected as much to happen," Ichigo chuckled as he turned back around to continue his mission on leaving the building, Renji walking beside him. "So how was it yesterday. With Byakuya and that show?" Ichigo started up, wanting to change the topic of conversation. Ichigos' eyes looked to the side to stare at Renji, a bit shocked that the red head looked a bit flustered, a small blush marinating the bridge of his nose.

"Did something happ-"

"NO! Nothing happened! Why would you even think that?! We just watched the show and did some work! That's all! That's all we did! Ah will you look at the time! I have a class soon so I guess I'll see you later! Don't worry about Grimmjow! He's a jerk anyway and not worth your time! Ok bye!" Renji left as quickly as he came.

Ichigo stared at his back as he disappeared around the corner and could only imagine what happened between Byakuya and Renji. What he hopes is that maybe Renji is starting to realize that his feelings aren't for the person he thinks they're for. He sighed to himself, grabbing his phone in his back pocket when it vibrated, a scowl appearing on his face when he saw it was a message from Grimmjow. He opened the text and saw that all it said was he was going to meet him at his house at 6, and to look pretty.

Look pretty? I'm not a girl…, Ichigo thought to himself as he finally left the building, a little pep in his step as he headed home, a bit excited that the date was happening.

::+::

Ichigo was sitting on his couch messing with Shiro, the boy looking like he was ready to step out at any minute wearing a pair of grey skinny jeans, a blue tight-fitting shirt and a black loose cardigan on top. Shiro started barking like a mad dog when the bell suddenly rang throughout the house. "Yo, calm down. You'll hurt yourself," Ichigo chuckled as he made his way towards the door, opening it to see Grimmjow dressed to impress. He had a blue button up dress shirt, the first two buttons being undone. His legs hugged nicely by some very tight dress pants and his feet laced with some very nice black dress shoes.

Ichigo blushed at the man, noticing that he was staring intently at Ichigo, the red head realizing that he was also staring a bit longer than usual. "Uh…Am I…Am I underdressed?" Was all Ichigo could muster up to say. Grimmjow barked out a laugh as he said, "Don't even worry about it. We aren't going anywhere, so what you have on is perfectly fine."

Ichigo realized what he said and looked at him a little sadly. "So.. the date…,"

"No, no. It still happening. I just thought instead of going out for the date, I can bring the date to you," Grimmjow grinned as he lifted up his hands showing bags full of groceries. "I thought I'd cook for you," the tall man said silently as he looked away, not used to Ichigo seeing this side of him. Ichigo stared at Grimmjow in bewilderment. Grimmjow knows how to cook? He thought, And he wants to cook for me?! Ichigo internally yelled, a blush making itself known on the bridge of his nose, those freckles Grimmjow likes so much making an appearance.

They both looked down when they heard a bark from the side, seeing that Shiro had made his way towards the door and was looking up at them both. "I guess…I guess we should get inside…," Ichigo spoke up as he moved his body enough to let Grimmjow in, Shiro following after the man. Ichigo slowly closed the door and breathed in, turning around to see that Grimmjow had already disappeared into the kitchen.

"Do you need help with anything?" the red head asked as he walked into the kitchen to see that Grimmjow was taking out all the things he had in the bag. "Nope! You can go do you until I'm done. I know where everything is so you don't have to worry," Grimmjow said as he opened up one of the cabinets from under the sink and grabbed some pots and pans. "I see…I guess I can use this time to clean out the room for my sisters," Ichigo pondered to himself. "I can help you with that after we eat too if you're not done by the time I finish," Grimmjow turned to him, a toothy smiled in place.

"Are you sure you're fine by yourself?" Grimmjow walked over to Ichigo and turned him around so that he could push him towards the living room. "I promise you that I don't need anything. I want you to go do what you want, while I cook you up something delicious," Grimmjow reassured as he stopped in the archway that connected the living room and the kitchen. "But are you really sure? I feel wrong just leaving you here while I go do work elsewhere," Ichigo turned to look at the tall man when he finally was let go. "It's fine. Besides, if I need something you're just a few feet away," Grimmjow said as he kissed Ichigo's forehead, said man blushing and turning away.

"F-Fine! But don't destroy my kitchen you hear me Jaegerjaquez?!" Ichigo yelled as he ran up the steps and walked into a room. "So cute," was all Grimmjow said before he turned back into the kitchen hearing small footsteps following him. He looked down to see Zangetsu, positive Shiro had went up along with Ichigo.

"Yea, You can stay and help me cook," Grimmjow patted the dog, a small huff of approval leaving Zangetsus nose. Grimmjow chuckled and turned towards the stove as he began to prepare tonight's feast.

::+::

Ichigo leaned back and stretched his arms above his head, he turned to the clock on the wall to see that's it been almost an hour and a few minutes. Looking at the almost empty room, some cans of paint still seated around the room, Ichigo wondering where he was going to put them now that the closet was too full to fit anything more.

"I should really stop buying so much paint. Some of these I haven't even opened up yet...," Ichigo sighed to himself. "Looks like you're almost done with the room," Ichigo jumped and turned around to see Grimmjow leaning on the doorframe. He squinted at the man before him, annoyed that people keep spooking him. "Why is everyone sneaking up on me today?" Ichigo grunted, Grimmjow chuckling and moving towards Ichigo to grab his hands. "Just wanted to tell you that I'm done. You can come down now so the actual date can start," Grimmjow said as he placed little butterfly kisses on Ichigos neck.

"Salty," Ichigo laughed at Grimmjow when he kept licking his lips. "Well I was moving around a bit, so I was working up a bit of a sweat. Let me go wash my hands and I'll be right down. I have to give Shiro and Zan their food too," Ichigo said as he maneuvered around Grimmjow and headed to the bathroom. "I can do that for you if you want," Grimmjow followed him out of the room. "You're being so generous, but I will take you up on that offer," Ichigo walked into the bathroom, his date turning around and heading down the stairs back into the kitchen, Shiro and Zangetsu waiting near their bowl.

"I go it, I got it," Grimmjow chuckled as he walked over to the cabinet to grab their bag of dog food and pour it in their bowl, the man putting it back and washing his hands after so that he can start placing the food on the island before Ichigo came down.

Grimmjow placed some shredded pork in the middle of the island, a plate of mixed vegetables and some freshly baked bread beside it. He also put two bowls of different rice beside it, one jasmine rice, the other brown rice, following some chicken pasta. He looked up when he heard someone whistle, Ichigo staring at the island in astonishment. "Grimmjow this amazing. Did you really cook all this?" Ichigo breathed as he sat down in the seat closest to him. "Is it really that hard to believe that I know how to cook?" Grimmjow chuckled as he grabbed a bottle of red wine from the fridge, putting it in a bucket of ice, two wine glasses in hand as he put them near Ichigo.

"What's hard to believe is you doing something nice for anyone," Ichigo chuckled as he grabbed the wine bottle and poured himself and Grimmjow some wine. "Well when you're on a date with someone as sexy as you, how could I not go all out?" Grimmjow retorted, grabbing the last of the utensils and putting them in their rightful place, the man sitting down in the empty seat that was diagonal from Ichigo. "I bet you say that to all the guys you've taken out on dates," Ichigo slid Grimmjow his wine glass, the two clanking them together in cheers.

"Ha, I hate to break it to you but you're the second person I've gone on a date with. So I've never said those words to anyone," Grimmjow was grabbing food and putting it on Ichigo's plate, placing the meal in front of him then reaching for the food once again to fill up his own plate. Ichigo semi-chocked on his wine, putting the glass down and staring at Grimmjow in amazement. "Wait are you serious? I'm the second person you've got on a date with? Like ever?" Ichigo continued to stare at the man, said teal putting his plate in front of him and sighing in defeat. "Yes. You are the second person I've gone on a date with," Grimmjow looked away a bit flustered but turned back to add, "Like ever." Ichigo chuckled at his actions.

"That's really hard to believe coming from the man who would sleep around with just about anyone," Ichigo said as he picked up his fork and started eating his meal. "I didn't sleep with just anyone. They had to be my taste," The man grinned mischievously as he also began to eat his meal. "Oh? And what exactly is your taste?" Ichigo took a sip of his wine, putting the glass down and taking a bite of the bread, a small moan escaping his lips telling Grimmjow that he liked how it tasted.

"You," Grimmjow answered slyly with a lick to his lips. The red head blushed in return and put his head down, his fork playing with his food before he picked up a carrot and ate it. Grimmjow laughed at his actions, leaning his head on his hands as he stared at the berry, continuing to eat his meal.

They sat in a comfortable silence, the two of them eating up everything Grimmjow made as they talked about things that didn't really matter, Grimmjow watching Ichigo most of the time, said man too embarrassed to look directly in Grimmjows direction.

"The food is really good, Grimmjow," Ichigo broke the silence quietly. "You think so? Guess I should thank my dad for teaching me how to cook," Grimmjow chuckled as he put his fork down and pushed his plate forward, telling Ichigo he was done with his meal. "Your father taught you how to cook?"

"Yea. He's a very classy man and takes pride in how he holds himself. He told me that just because I have good looks doesn't mean I can't learn how to do things for myself. So he taught me how to cook," Grimmjow explained. Ichigo hummed in acknowledgement, pushing his plate to the side, full from Grimmjows hard work. "Well tell your father thank you for me," Ichigo chuckled, eliciting a laugh from Grimmjow who stood up and grabbed their plates to put in the sink. "You can just leave it there. I'll dump it in the washing machine later," Grimmjow complied and went back to his seat next to Ichigo, the red head pouring them some more wine.

"You know…When you didn't show up to come get me I thought that you were lying about the date," Ichigo started quietly, wanting to tell Grimmjow how he felt. "There was a part of me that was saying it was all a joke. That someone probably dared you to do it or something…," Ichigo continued, looking up when Grimmjow grabbed his hands. "I might be a dick half of the time, but things like this I take very seriously. I didn't come to your locker 'cause I was out getting all the ingredients to make you this meal. I wouldn't do anything to piss you off so badly that it would lead you never wanting to talk to me again," Grimmjow reassured with a smile.

This bet was a terrible idea!, Grimmjow heard Nel scream at the back of his head.

I am an idiot. I wouldn't do anything to hurt him yet I made a bet like this behind his back. I have to tell him…, Grimmjow thought, his breath a bit shaky on how he was going to go about it.

He was going to start talking but stopped when Ichigo beat him to it.

"Hey Grimm?" Ichigo spoke, turning to Grimmjow with a heartwarming smile. "What's up?" The teal man answered, the man burning the expression Ichigo had into his mind. "I just wanted to say thank you…for all this I mean," Ichigo started. "I know we didn't start off being the best of friends, and then you doing, uh, that after you saved me. I never really thought our relationship would end up like this. But it's really weird. Having you here and treating me…well… so nicely. I thought for the longest time that you were just a big jerk…but this was really nice. Seeing this side of you made me realize that you aren't all bad and…uh…haha, sorry I'm rambling," Ichigo lifted up his un-held hand and scratched the back of his head.

"No, you're fine," Grimmjow chuckled, the red head blushing and turning away for a second. "Anyway, uh, I, I just wanted to say thank you for this date. I really enjoyed myself tonight and I…I hope we can maybe…do this again?" Grimmjow swallowed his question, not wanting to ruin the moment.

"Yea…Of course. I'd like that too, berry," Grimmjow answered, regretting the bet he made with Renji and hoping that everything will turn out just fine in the end.

Yooo, but like this was pretty slow huh? I was trying to figure out the right way to write out this chapter and this was the best I can do. I feel like I could have done something better but, alas, this is what my brain came up with. And don't Worry. I'm going to write up a story explaining everything that goes down with Renji, so that you can see his progress but that probs won't be the last thing you see…Maybe it'll be it's own story, not sure yet.

Anyway! Hope you guys enjoyed this. Please leave some feedback and I'll try to have the next chapter up soon.

Until next time!

Ciaosu~!