Chapter 7:

Ichigo woke up early the following morning and looked at the clock, groaning when he saw it was only six in the morning. Burying his head under his pillow, Ichigo sighed deeply and tried to go back to sleep. When nothing happened, he groaned and shifted to look at the ceiling. Hearing his phone beep, Ichigo ran his hand over his bedside table to find the object. Unlocking the phone, he saw it was a text from Grimmjow and smiled as he read it.

' Hey Ichi, sorry if I woke you. I'll be round about 10, sound good? '

' Sounds good, see you then. '

Ichigo sent his reply before standing up to stretch and groaned in satisfaction when his spine popped. Scratching his hair, Ichigo pulled on a shirt before quickly taking his medication and made his way to the bathroom slowly to shower and wake himself up properly. When he got out, Ichigo returned to his room and found it was half six and sighed, only four and a half hours to go.

He snorted at the thought, counting down the minutes until he saw Grimmjow again, how pathetic was that, it made him sound like a love-struck school girl. Pulling some clothes on, he made his way downstairs and found he was the only one up, not surprising considering how early it was. Fixing himself some breakfast, Ichigo sat down at the table and ate slowly to bide his time. By the time he finished, another half hour had passed and he could hear his family starting to get up.

Standing up to clear his plates away, Ichigo frowned to himself as he washed them, remembering the party. Since yesterday hadn't gone so well, his 'incident' had completely driven everything else from his mind. Now though, he remembered seeing Rukia and Grimmjow in that conversation and his frown deepened.

I wonder what it was about, it looked intense, whatever it was. Gotta remember to ask Grimmjow about it later.

"Ichigoo!" He jumped as his father yelled his name, cursing as he spilled water over his now ruined shirt and turned around to glare at the man.

"What the hell?!" He pointed at his shirt and his eyes narrowed. "I was planning on wearing this today, now I've gotta go change! Thanks a lot old man!" Pushing past his father with a huff, Ichigo went upstairs to change his shirt before returning downstairs. Sending Isshin another glare, he sat down on the sofa with a sigh and rubbed his head. "Damn idiot."

He looked up as his mother came into the room and sat down next to him. Reaching out to play with his hair, Masaki smiled softly. "How are you feeling today Ichigo?"

"Definitely better than yesterday." He joked, rolling his eyes when his mother frowned at him. "Really, I'm fine."

"Ok, try not to overdo it please."

"I won't, promise." Ichigo sighed and stood up to stretch before looking at Masaki and smiling. "Grimmjow's coming by around ten to pick me up and we're going to his. You ok with that?"

"Sure." Ichigo's smile widened and he turned to go, but halted when Masaki continued. "Just be careful ok? I know you really like him, and you two have been spending almost all your time together. I don't want you ending up hurt."

Ichigo turned to look at her and smiled, reaching out to squeeze her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry mum. Me and Grimmjow are good, he's supportive, he won't hurt me." She nodded, but Ichigo knew she still had her doubts and sighed. "He's a good guy really, I know he doesn't look it, or act it sometimes, but he is, trust me."

"You love him, don't you?"

Ichigo froze at the question, frowning slightly. "I don't know, I mean, we've only been together a few days. I like him, a lot, but love? I don't know yet."

Masaki nodded and smiled at him. "Ok, I'll stop questioning you now." Ichigo smiled briefly before leaving and she sighed as Isshin came and sat next to her. "He's grown up so much recently, he shouldn't have to shoulder so much at his age."

Isshin placed his hand over hers and squeezed it softly. "I know, but Ichigo's strong. You've seen it, he's become a man."

"I just wish we saw it sooner, so there was something we could've done."

He sighed and looked away at that. "I know, I wish that too. But like Ichigo said, there's nothing we can do but make the most of the time we have left."

They both looked up as Ichigo walked back in and he paused, looking at them both with a frown. "What? Is there something on my face?" Isshin shook his head and beckoned him closer. Ichigo eyed him dubiously for a moment before sighing and walking over to sit between his parents and looked at them both in confusion. "So, what is it? I'm not in trouble am I?"

"No of course not." Masaki replied and smiled warmly at him before pulling him into a hug. Ichigo froze for a second before hugging her back. "We just wanted to tell you how proud we are of you. You've grown up a lot recently and taking everything so well."

Ichigo frowned before slumping slightly and hugging his mother tighter. "Well I can't fall to pieces, what would the twins think?" Pulling back, he smiled at her. "Besides, I have a reputation to uphold, I can't just give up, it's not who I am."

"Exactly, raised like your old man!" Ichigo rolled his eyes and elbowed Isshin in the stomach when he grabbed him. "Exactly like me." He wheezed and Ichigo scoffed, standing up again.

"Yeah, whatever, if I could've lived to be in my forties, I really hope I wouldn't end up like you. Crazy ass old man." Muttering the words, Ichigo left and went back to his room, shaking his head at his father's behaviour. Grabbing his phone from the desk, Ichigo saw he had another text from Grimmjow and couldn't help but smile before opening it.

' Great I'll pick you up the. How do you feel? '

Ichigo snorted, why was everyone so worried about him? ' I'm fine stop worrying, I have enough of that here. Ask me again and I'll punch you. '

Setting the phone on the desk, Ichigo sat down with a sigh and pulled his homework from his bag. Since he was spending the day with Grimmjow again, and the day before had been wasted, this was probably the only chance he would get to do it. Ichigo shivered at the thought of what his teacher would do if he turned up empty handed on Monday and quickly got to work. His phone beeped and Ichigo paused, picking it up to read the text before scoffing and set it down again, returning to the work in front of him.

' Got it, I'll ask again then when I see you. '

...

Ichigo sighed after finally finishing the paper and leaned back with a groan. His eyes opened when he heard a car door shut outside and frowned, glancing at his watch to see it was ten and cursed. Looking out the window, Ichigo's suspicions were confirmed when he saw Grimmjow's car and his eyes widened when the bell rang, cursing again before leaving his room to make his way to the door quickly, praying no-one had answered it yet.

Just his luck that as he skidded down the hallway, Isshin was answering the door and he groaned, quickly shoving the man out of the way and grinned at Grimmjow who raised an eyebrow. "Morning."

"Uh, morning!" Ichigo smiled nervously before kicking his father when he went to get up. "Come on." Grabbing Grimmjow's arm, he hauled him inside, quickly past his father and into the main room. He came to a halt when Grimmjow stopped and turned to frown at him. "What?"

"Are you ok?" Ichigo's eyes narrowed and Grimmjow chuckled, catching his fist as he threw a punch. "Yeah I know, you'll punch me. I'm not asking about that. You're acting weird, that's all."

Ichigo blew out a breath and nodded. "I'm fine, just wound up I guess. Dad has been doing my head in all morning."

"Aww my poor damsel in distress, don't you worry I've come to your rescue!" Before Ichigo could react he was pulled into Grimmjow's arms and being kissed firmly. When Grimmjow pulled away, Ichigo looked at him dazedly for a moment before scowling and slapping his arm.

"I am not a damsel!" Stepping away, he sent the older teen a dark look before shaking his head. "Don't make me out to be some sort of girl who needs protecting, that's not me. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

Grimmjow's expression softened and he smiled, holding out a hand which Ichigo took after a moment. "I know that Ichigo, doesn't mean I don't care or worry about you though." He blushed at that, quickly turning his head to hide the red staining his cheeks. He knew he was unsuccessful when Grimmjow chuckled and kissed his head. "Wanna go then before your dad appears?"

"Yes." Tugging on his hand, Ichigo sent his mum a quick smile when they passed the clinic before leaving. "So, did you manage to clean up everything? I would've helped but…" Ichigo trailed off, pulling a face when recalling what had happened.

"Yeah I know you would've, but there was no way in hell I would've let you after what happened." They reached Grimmjow's car and Ichigo raised an eyebrow as he was trapped against it. Grimmjow placed his hands on either side of Ichigo, looking at him with a serious expression. "Don't you overdo it ok? I don't want you collapsing again, please."

Ichigo nodded and smiled, wrapping his arms around Grimmjow's neck to pull him down and kiss him. "Promise, I know my limits."

"Yeah you better." He sighed and pulled away, allowing Ichigo to get into the car as he went around to his own seat. "Because I don't know them yet. Trust me, when I do, you aint getting away with shit when I know you're at that limit."

The orange head rolled his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, whatever." Grimmjow snorted in reply before starting the car and drove back to his house. When they pulled up, he stopped the car and sighed, looking at Ichigo who frowned back. "What?"

"Ready to meet my parents? I told them I was picking you up so they know you're coming over." Ichigo's face paled slightly and Grimmjow chuckled. "Did I mention my uncle was here too?"

"No, you didn't, thanks for letting me know though." Ichigo sighed heavily and shook his head before getting out of the car, casting the house a wary look. "This is going to be fun…"

Grimmjow came up beside him and caught his hand, leading him towards the house. "Don't be like that, I'm sure you'll be fine. You're just too damn charming for your own good."

"Charming?"

"Definitely, how else do you think I fell for you?" Ichigo stopped at that, looking at Grimmjow with wide eyes.

"W-what?"

"Well you know…" Grimmjow frowned for a moment before shrugging and looking away. "I love you." He murmured the words and Ichigo remained staring at him in shock, his mouth opening slightly but couldn't find any words to say. Grimmjow sighed and rolled his eyes, grabbing Ichigo's arm to tow him towards the house. "C'mon, stop freaking out already. Just forget I said anything."

Ichigo dug his feet in, making them come to an abrupt halt in front of the door. "I love you too." He murmured in amazement before laughing, spinning around to grin at Grimmjow. "I love you." Throwing himself into the older teen's arms, Ichigo hugged him tightly, his smile widening when Grimmjow pulled him closer.

After a moment Grimmjow sighed and pulled away, pressing a chaste kiss to Ichigo's lips. "Come on, we better go inside."

Ichigo sighed in defeat, stepping out of his arms and nodded. "Ok." Murmuring the word, he followed Grimmjow inside and looked around cautiously. His eyes landed on Nel and he relaxed when she grinned. "Hi."

"Hey, I see you're better today?" When Ichigo nodded, she smiled before winking at Grimmjow, making him frown and look at the teen questioningly. "What was that about?"

"Oh, nothing really." Grimmjow shrugged before smiling at him. "We were talking about you yesterday. Nel was the one who made me realised I really do love you."

Ichigo's expression softened and he touched Grimmjow's cheek before grinning. "I love you too." Standing up on his tiptoes, he kissed Grimmjow, hooking an arm around his neck to pull him closer.

When someone cleared their throat, he pulled back quickly with a blush and stepped away to put an appropriate distance between them. Sending Nel an apologetic look, she sighed and shook her head. "As long as I don't walk in on you two going at it, it's fine."

Ichigo's eyes widened in shock. "Yeah, sure thing…" He replied faintly as she left and Grimmjow chuckled.

"It wouldn't be the first time." He shrugged when Ichigo turned to give him an incredulous look. "What?"

"I so do not want to know." He held up a hand when Grimmjow raised an eyebrow. "Your previous uh, relationships are none of my concern. I don't want to know who you've been with or what you've done, ok?"

"Ok." He smiled reassuringly, catching the hand and kissed it. "If you don't wanna know, that's fine." Ichigo frowned before hesitating. "What, is there something you do want to know?"

"Just… one thing." Again he hesitated before looking at Grimmjow questioningly. "You and Rukia, what's going on?"

Grimmjow's eyes widened slightly in surprise and he cleared his throat, letting go of Ichigo to step back. "Damn it Ichigo, don't ask me about that."

He opened his mouth to ask again, but they were interrupted when Grimmjow's uncle walked into the room and appraised them both. "Hello again Ichigo, still here I see."

"For now." He sent Grimmjow a meaningful look, letting him know he wouldn't be forgetting their conversation any time soon. "Nice to see you again, uh…"

"Aizen." He strode forward and grasped Ichigo's hand to shake it. "We weren't properly introduced before."

"No, nice to see you again Aizen." Ichigo smiled and pulled his hand back. "How's the restaurant?"

Aizen sighed at that, a small smile playing on his lips. "As busy as ever, I rarely get any time off but Grimmjow's father insisted I come over today. Apparently Grimmjow is introducing another one of his flings and I'm here to disapprove." He chuckled as Ichigo's face paled and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, you seem fine. You're definitely above most of the people he brings back here."

"Hey, don't go telling Ichigo things like that." Grimmjow frowned at his uncle and sighed. "I want to keep his around you know."

"Do you?" Aizen raised an eyebrow at the statement, looking between the two and noted Ichigo's drawn expression. "Well Grimmjow, I think you have your work cut out for you." He turned to leave, calling over his shoulder. "Don't take too long."

Once he'd left, Grimmjow sighed deeply and looked at Ichigo who had his arms folded and was eyeing him expectantly. "Now?" When Ichigo nodded he sighed again and ran a hand through his hair. "Look, just don't get mad ok?"

"Why would I get mad?" Ichigo's arms went slack when he understood. "You've slept together?" When Grimmjow nodded, he felt his heart stutter painfully and it took him a moment to ask his next question. "When?"

"C'mon Ichigo, don't you know enough?"

"When?"

"Ah jeeze…" He pinched his nose and sighed deeply. "The day, uh, the day before you asked me out." When he looked at Ichigo he had a blank expression, but couldn't hide his shaking hands. "Look it didn't mean anything ok. It just happened. She was going on and on about Abarai and I wanted her to shut up 'cuz it made me think about you and it just kinda got out of hand." He snorted and smiled wryly. "Would it be bad of me to admit I was thinking about you the whole time?"

Ichigo sighed deeply after a moment before mentally shaking himself. "You are an asshole." He muttered, shoving Grimmjow's shoulder roughly. "You slept with one of my best friends and the next day go out with me." He snorted and shook his head. "You really are a jerk."

"Ichigo-"

"Don't." He interrupted, glaring at the older teen. "Don't even bother explaining yourself; I don't want to hear it." He turned to leave but was halted when Grimmjow grabbed his arm so turned back to look at him. "What? What else could you possibly have to say now?"

"You think I don't regret it?" Grimmjow asked, tightening his grip on Ichigo's arm. "You don't think I didn't know this would happen when you found out. She wanted to tell you, but I stopped her." He paused and sighed deeply, his expression softening and he touched Ichigo's cheek with his free hand. "I know it hurts but damn it Ichigo I love you and I am not letting you go like this."

Ichigo stopped pulling on his arm and looked up at Grimmjow. "Why me? Why were you thinking about me?"

"Isn't it obvious?" When Ichigo shook his head, Grimmjow smiled softly. "Because I liked you, and at the time me and you weren't even on speaking terms. Rukia was the closest I could get to you."

Ichigo blushed, cursing himself for getting flustered instead of angry. "I can't believe you did this." When Grimmjow frowned he chuckled lightly. "Damn it I wanted to be angry, not goddamn this." He sighed, leaning up to kiss Grimmjow before he could ask what he meant. "Be thankful you have a way with words and that I love you, otherwise I would be long gone by now."

"So you're not leaving?"

"No. But you better damn well never look at Rukia in that way or I swear to god I'm done." Ichigo threatened and Grimmjow nodded quickly.

"Done." He sighed and pulled Ichigo into his arms to hold him tightly. "I didn't think I was going to be able to talk you down then." He murmured quietly into Ichigo's hair. "I seriously thought you were gunna leave me."

"Not yet Grimmjow." Ichigo whispered back, clutching the back of his shirt tightly. "I am going to leave you though, even if I don't want to." Clearing his throat he kissed Grimmjow quickly and smiled. "But until then I'm planning on staying, as long as you haven't slept with any of my other friends?"

Grimmjow snorted and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sorry I forgot to mention me and Abarai had sex the other day at school."

Ichigo shoved his arm gently, but couldn't help but smile. "Idiot."

Brushing his hair back, Grimmjow sighed before shaking his head. "I am sorry about it, you know that right?"

Ichigo nodded, playing with the button on the teen's shirt. "I know." He looked up when he heard approaching footsteps and stepped out of Grimmjow's arms as a woman walked in. Ichigo guessed it was Grimmjow's mother; they both had the same shade of blue eyes and when her eyes landed on him, she sighed softly.

"I take it your Grimmjow's latest interest?" She asked, observing him careful and Ichigo shifted uncomfortably under the scrutinising gaze. "What's your name?"

"Ichigo, its Ichigo Kurosaki."

"Isshin Kurosaki's son?" He looked at her in surprise and she chuckled. "I used to work with him, a long time ago. Before he decided to settle down and open up a family clinic." She sighed and shook her head. "I must go and see him again some time." Coming back to her senses, she looked at Ichigo and smiled more warmly at him. "My name's Rangiku."

Ichigo smiled back. "Nice to meet you Rangiku."

Grimmjow looked between the two in surprise; his mother never liked anyone he brought home, ever. She always acted with a cold disdain towards everyone, what made Ichigo different? "Grimmjow never told me who you were so I'm sorry about the reception." She sent Grimmjow a slight frown which he returned with a shrug. "Usually the people he uh, indulges in aren't to your standard."

"What, you mean drunk or naked?" Ichigo asked with a wry smile and Rangiku laughed.

"Exactly, come on through, Grimmshaw wants to meet you and lunch is about ready." She beckoned them to follow and Grimmjow caught up to Ichigo's side as they did.

Ichigo looked up at him and grinned, quickly grasping his hand. "I like your mum, she isn't at all what I thought she'd be."

"Yeah? Wait 'till you meet my father." Grimmjow chuckled when his face fell, quickly kissing his forehead. "But, if my mum likes you, which is something new for sure, he probably will to."

As they entered the dining room, Ichigo could see everyone was already seated and let Grimmjow lead him to a chair before sitting next to him. Nel sat across from him next to Aizen and winked at him so he smiled back. As Rangiku took her seat, Ichigo looked at the other end of the table where another man was sat and he identified him as Grimmjow's father. It wasn't that hard of a guess, he did have blue hair after all, even if it was starting to grey around the edges and Grimmjow had gotten his sharp features from his father by the looks of it.

"So you're the boy who's gotten the family in such a state are you?" He asked quietly, the words seemingly amplified in the quiet room.

Ichigo felt his mouth go dry and swallowed before nodding. "I guess so, I'm uh, Ichigo Kurosaki."

Grimmshaw raised an eyebrow at that. "Kurosaki huh? I haven't heard that name in a long time. I didn't realised we lived so close to you. I take it your father is Isshin?" When Ichigo nodded he sighed and lent forward, pressing his fingers together. "I owe your father a debt of gratitude so I will give you the benefit of the doubt. I hope you aren't like the others Grimmjow cares to mix with."

"I- I don't know, I guess not." Ichigo shrugged and glanced at Grimmjow who rolled his eyes and entwined their fingers under the table. "I don't really know who Grimmjow has been with, and frankly I don't want to know either." He was surprised to find this family was so open about Grimmjow's discretion and was blushing by just talking about it.

Aizen got up suddenly and with a look at Nel, she stood too. "We'll bring the food in."

They left momentarily before returning with plates and set them out. Ichigo smiled gratefully at Nel when she set one in front of him and looked down at the food. His eyes widened when he took in the sheer perfection of the food on the plate, his mouth watering and quickly rubbed at it to make sure he wasn't drooling.

"It uh, looks amazing." He looked up between the three adults, unsure who was responsible for such a feat. "Thank you."

In the end, it was Aizen and he waved the complement off. "It was nothing, you didn't think I couldn't cook did you?"

"Of course not." Ichigo replied, his blush returning to stain his cheeks. "I think it looks perfect and can't wait to try it."

"Well then," Aizen waved his fork at the plate. "Try some and tell me what you think."

Very aware that everyone was watching him, Ichigo picked up the fork and gripped it tightly. The last thing he wanted to do was drop a forkful of food down himself because he nervous enough that his hands were shaking. Trying to get a bit of everything, Ichigo quickly ate it before grinning.

"Like I said, perfect." Aizen smiled in satisfaction before starting his own dinner, starting the rest of on their food. For a while they ate in silence, Ichigo becoming increasingly and uncomfortably aware of Grimmjow's father looking at him. When he glanced up, his suspicions were confirmed when their eyes met and he quickly rubbed at his face. "Is there something on my face?"

"No." He replied, looking at Ichigo curiously. Grimmjow looked up to see the two locked in eye contact and snorted.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

His eyes left Ichigo's to look at Grimmjow and the orange haired teen slumped back in his seat, the man definitely had a powerful presence. "Oh nothing." He said to his son, shrugging slightly. "I was just wondering whether or not he had been in your bed and if so, why is he still here and if not, that is indeed a new concept."

Ichigo blushed violently, his mouth opened but nothing came out. Clearing his throat he tried again. "I don't see how it's any of your business if we have slept together or not, but no, we haven't. I have been in Grimmjow's bed, nothing happened." Ichigo stopped and looked at Grimmjow with a soft smile. "I see no reason why we need to rush things."

Grimmjow smiled back before looking at his dad with a frown. "Are you done? Why are you asking him about that anyway?"

"No reason, just curious." He returned to his food and Grimmjow scoffed, looking at Ichigo who was pushing his around his plate.

"Ichi." Brown eyes flitted up to meet Grimmjow's and he smiled nervously. "You ok?"

"Yeah." Ichigo nodded and looked at his father quickly. "He's just… frank."

Grimmjow snorted. "You mean pushy." When Ichigo's lips twitched as he tried to hide his smile, he touched his cheek. He smiled as the cheek flushed and lent closer to him. "You're really cute when you blush."

"I'm not cute." Ichigo murmured back, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Sorry I'm going to have to disagree with you on that." Bending down, Grimmjow pressed their lips together briefly. "Can I say it again or will you hit me?"

Ichigo's eyes widened and his blush deepened when he realised they were being watched. Pulling away he quickly focused hard on his food as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. He was grateful when no-one questioned their kiss and the rest of lunch passed calmly, small talk keeping the conversation flowing.

When they were finally excused, Ichigo happily followed Grimmjow out of the dining room, breathing more easily when they left the room. Opening his eyes he saw Grimmjow was looking at him intently and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You handled yourself well." He said, smirking proudly. "Most people try to charm him, it's really funny. Sometimes I introduce people to see his face as he tries not to lose it." Sighing wistfully, he shook his head. "But you, you really are something else."

Ichigo rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but smile. Moving forward, he wrapped his arms around Grimmjow's waist and sighed deeply. "Why do people keep saying that?" Pressing his head to the man's chest, Ichigo closed his eyes and listened to his steady heartbeat for a moment. "I just want to be normal."

"Sorry Ichi, it's too late for that." Rubbing his back, Grimmjow didn't miss the shiver and smirked, leaning closer to brush his lips over the teen's ear. "What's wrong, tense?"

"Mmm, something like that." Ichigo nuzzled his face to the strong torso in front of him. "Gunna help me out?"

"I can give you a massage?" He chuckled when Ichigo looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. "What, I do a good massage. Care to try?"

Ichigo bit his lip, temptation playing on his face before he nodded. "Yeah, go on then." Blushing madly, he let Grimmjow take his hand and lead him upstairs.