I don't know about you guys but I think this chapter came out faster than normal :3

'Well, that was…' Byakuya paused . '…unexpected.'

'For lack of a more polite term,' Renji thought miserably.

He licked his lower lip. Shit, he could still taste Byakuya. Not that it was a bad taste. Come to think of it, his taicho had a very distinct taste that was almost addic-what the hell was he just thinking?

He shook his head and began to smack his face.

'Get those thoughts out of your head, Abarai Renji!' he scolded himself inside his head.

That kiss had messed up his head in more ways than one and he did not like that! What would his taicho say if he found out that Renji actually liked that kiss? He'd be furious! Oh Kami, even Rukia would have an excuse to skin him alive for kissing her beloved nii-sa-

'Abarai, is something the matter?' Byakuya asked, frowning slightly.

That's when Renji realized he was still smacking his face. And it was hurting. A LOT.

'Oh, fuccckkk!' he groaned and winced as he touched his throbbing cheek. 'That was not a smart idea!'

'I'm glad you came to that conclusion on your own,' Byakuya sighed. He stood up from the bench the two had been sharing after the…accident.

The sun was gone now and the streetlights were being turned on one by one.

Byakuya looked about.

'I wonder where Kurosaki disappeared to,' he murmured as he pulled out the little hand game. It was off now and the blank screen reflected his serious face.

'Probably went home,' Renji muttered. He pressed his red cheek with a finger and hissed. Damn, he must have been slapping himself hard.

'It was rather peculiar that this instrument began to utter such loud sounds when he appeared,' Byakuya continued, one hand tracing a knob. 'I wonder if the Ryoka is connected to the boy.'

Renji stilled.

'Now why would that be, taicho? We know that Ichigo's power's have been diminishing so why would we sense any reiatsu, let alone a foreign one, from him?' Renji said casually.

He deserved a medal. Nobody would dare try fooling their taicho and live to tell the tale. If Renji lived to tell the tale.

'I am actually curious as to whether any reiatsu has diminished from Kurosaki,' Byakuya answered as he pocketed the detector. 'I received no such information before I left the Seireitei so I wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet, Abarai. Perhaps we should pay Kurosaki a visit.'

The gears in Renji's head threatened to freeze from sheer panic.

'Come on! Work!' he coaxed, trying to come up with a simple plan.

'Are you hungry, taicho?' he suddenly blurted out. He blinked.

Are you hungry? That's the best he could come up with? And he was a fukutaicho?

'No, Abarai, I am in no mood to indulge in Earth food at the moment,' Byakuya sighed and looked about. 'Now which way is the Kurosaki household?'

'Bu-But, taicho!' Renji said hurriedly as he stood up to face Byakuya and look him right in the eye.

Really, was there no mercy for him today? Must he break Rule no. 3 of being Byakuya's fukutaicho already: do not make eye contact with the taicho under any circumstances. 'W-W-Wouldn't you like to dine first and find a place to rest? As your fukutaicho it is my duty to take care of you and fulfill all your desires!'

Was it the play of the light or were Byakuya's cheeks slightly pinker than usual? Maybe it was just Renji's eyes. He was probably hallucinating from all the pressure of trying to protect Ichigo's fucking secret. Was anyone aware he could probably be executed for this?

'I suppose,' Byakuya muttered, 'I suppose I cannot have you neglect your duty…'

Renji breathed a sigh of relief.

'So, uh, I know a great soba restaurant Ichigo showed me once!' Renji exclaimed and began to walk down a footpath. Byakuya followed solemnly, his eyes focused on the path. 'Food is awesome and I'm sure you'll like it, taicho! I mean, I know you're probably used to finer things but, um, we don't have to eat in there and can go off to a park or something instead! What do you say, taicho? Taicho?'

Byakuya was being unusually quiet. Well, quieter than was usual for Byakuya. If someone was talking to him he would normally give an occasional nod or a, 'Indeed' or even a narrowing of eyes if he was angry about something. But right now, he just had his head bent like he was busy thinking about things.

Renji scratched his head but continued to walk. He would never get Byakuya, no matter how hard he tried. He was probably the only fukutaicho who didn't understand his taicho.

Well, there was Kira and Hisagi but their taicho's ended up being villains though apparently Gin wasn't all that bad because of-oh, never mind, he was just getting more muddled. He just needed to concentrate on getting Byakuya away from the Kurosaki house, hell, even Urahara's, just so he won't get suspicious and also so that goddamn machine won't start beeping like it was on fire.

'Here we are, taicho! Oh!'

Renji forgot how shabby the place looked. Maybe he should just get their soba and go to the park instead. After all, that place was nicer than this dingy place.

'Uh,I'll go get our meal and then we can head off to the park. Is there anything in particular you would like, taicho?' Renji asked in concern. Byakuya finally looked up. Though that didn't help. His face was a blank.

'Anything will suffice, Abarai,' he said monotonously. Guess he was back to his usual self. Though Renji didn't know whether that was a good thing or a bad one.

'Hai, taicho!'

And Renji was back to his old ways. His shoulder relaxed slightly. He was familiar with this arrangement. He liked familiar. The awkwardness from the kiss seemed so stifling Renji wondered if it was ever going to go away.

Sometimes he truly admired Byakuya's strength. That guy could be calm in the middle of a raid. He would just keep his cool and direct everything like he was a born leader.

Renji sighed as he waited for the waiter to get his order to the kitchen.

He could never be like his taicho; calm, cool, calculating. He was just wild, panicky, and lack for a better word, immature. He always ran into things without thinking; like the time he challenged Byakuya right after he achieved bankai. He had been so confident that he could defeat Byakuya and save Rukia. And he had suffered terribly for that arrogance.

'Arigato,' Renji told the waiter as he took his package and paid.

Well, since the battle for Karakura and now this thing with Ichigo and Grimmjow, Renji had learned to be more wise in his decisions and actions. No more jumping into things without thinking. No more talking high without any backing. He was going to act wisely and with reason. After all, wasn't that what Kuchiki-taicho taught in the 6th Division?

'The park is this way, taicho,' Renji explained as they continued down another pathway lit by streetlights and now fireflies. The little flickering bugs danced about, giving the park they walked into an almost dream-like quality.

Byakuya opened his packed food after they settled on a bench that overlooked the swing set.

'It's kake soba,' Renji explained as he pulled out a pair of chopsticks and dug into his soki soba. 'I, um, Unohana-taicho said it was your favorite.'

'Why did you ask her such a thing?' Byakuya asked quietly. Renji blinked as he chowed on a particular large bit of soba.

'I fhoundh outsch,' he tried to talk through the soba but then paused to swallow it. He gasped aloud and clutched his burning throat. Shit, he shoulda known it was still packing heat! 'Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot!'

Byakuya waited patiently as Renji massaged his throat while gasping for air.

'I found out,' Renji panted, wiping his sweaty brow. 'when you were in the 4th Division hospital after your battle with Ichigo on Sōkyoku Hill. She told me to take it to you and said it was your favorite. You were asleep at that time so I guess you never knew I was the one who brought it in for you.'

'I remember,' Byakuya murmured. He put the soba to one side and looked out into the distance. 'You were waiting for me to wake up that day, weren't you?'

'Uh, I…' Renji muttered sheepishly, not knowing what to say.

His taicho was spot on but he kinda felt embarrassed about being reminded of it. Really, any fukutaicho would be worried about their taicho's wellbeing. Renji had just been doing his job.

'You wanted to say something to me that day too,' Byakuya continued lightly. He turned to face Renji. 'What was it?'

'Huh?' Renji said stupidly.

Did he really want to say something that day? Damn it, why couldn't he remember what he had to say? Was it something complicated or simple? Was it related to work? Why couldn't he remember?

'Uh…t-t-taicho…'

'I see. So you don't remember.' Byakuya looked back to the swings now. 'But I suppose actions speak louder than words, am I correct?'

'Hai, taicho.' Renji froze. 'Wait, what?'

'I understand, Abarai,' Byakuya mused. 'Sometimes it is hard to say what is on your mind. So you turn to doing little things, insignificant things that probably mean nothing to the visible eye. But if one looked a little closer, a little more sharply, they will probably see the reason for those actions. And the emotions.'

'Tai...cho?'

Was this really his taicho talking? And if so, what the fuck was he talking about!

'I have probably taken you for granted, Abarai. Never acknowledged your determination and loyalty. Especially when it comes to being my fukutaicho. I apologize if I ever made you feel like you had no place in my division. You are, in fact, the driving force.'

'Uh…um…thank…you?'

'Abarai, I am sorry I never noticed before. But today, I saw so many signs I just needed to think a bit more before I gave my verdict.'

'Your…verdict?'

'Your dedication to my mission, your insistence on caring for my wellbeing, the dinner, the park, and of course, the kiss.'

Renji's eyes widened. Oh shit, Byakuya could not be thinking what Renji thinks he's thinking! There was just…so many things that was wrong about that assumption! Renji didn't feel that way! Or at least, he didn't think so! Not that he was aware of! He couldn't! He wouldn't! He shouldn't ! Should he?

'Abarai…'

When did Byakuya get this close? Why was he leaning in? Why was he-OH SHIT, WHY WERE HIS LIPS ON RENJI'S?


Ichigo groaned. He scrunched his eyes. Kami, he must really be out of it. Why was he seeing strange shapes dancing before his eyes?

He blinked several times to adjust to his surrounding. When everything cleared up, his vision returned. And he could see the shapes more clearly. Then his eyes widened.

'Huh,' Grimmjow muttered. 'I was wondering what those strange shapes were too. Who woulda known.'

'WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?'

'Oh, Ichigo! Nice to know you're finally awake!' Urahara said brightly as he leaned away from hovering above Ichigo. Yoruichi did the same with a sly smirk.

'And whose bright idea was it to make out over me while I was in a coma?' Ichigo seethed as he sat up from the mattress he was lying on. He glared first at Urahara and then at Yoruichi who raised an eyebrow slyly. He narrowed his eyes at her.

'Guilty,' she sang and crossed her legs while batting her eyes innocently.

'Little minx, ain't she?' Grimmjow smirked. 'You could learn a thing or two from her.'

'Like hell,' Ichigo snarled at him. Then he remembered why he had gone into a coma in the first place.

'Why the hell did you kick me in the head?' Ichigo snapped.

'Well, if I hadn't Byakuya would've been dragging you back to the Seireitei right now,' Yoruichi pointed out.

'You could have done it in a less violent way!'

'Not as fun.'

'You're not supposed to have fun when you're trying to avoid getting caught!'

'You have such boring tactics, Ichigo! I'm surprised you're not an old man!'

'Shut up!'

'Don't stop her! She's awesome!' Grimmjow snickered. 'Can I meet her?'

'NO!'

'What?' Yoruichi said in confusion.

'He's arguing with Grimmjow,' Urahara explained.

'Ohhh! Like a couple?'

'Yes.'

'NO!' Ichigo yelled and glared at the two of them. 'Can someone please explain to me why Yoruichi almost tried to kill me? And why the hell is Byakuya here in the first place?'

'Temper, temper,' Urahara sighed and shook his head.

'I am just one step away from taking your head off, hat-and-clogs…'

'So basically, turns out the Seireitei managed to detect Grimmjow's reiatsu before it disappeared here…'

'Oops,' Grimmjow muttered.

'…so they sent Byakuya, probably with a device to find Grimmjow's signature reiatsu, and then bring him back there. Unfortunately, Byakuya managed to find you and we had to bring you to my place before everything went out of hand. I do believe Renji was distracting him. Isn't that what you saw, Yoruichi?'

'In more ways than one,' Yoruichi drawled and winked at Ichigo. 'Can't say I blame Renji! Byakuya is quite the catch! I was wondering when he'd settle down with someone!'

'What is wrong with you people?' Ichigo muttered. He looked out the window and his eyes widened. 'Shit! I'm late! Yuzu is going to be so upset if I miss dinner!'

He quickly scrambled up and pulled on his shoes before sprinting out into the night.

'Don't forget!' Urahara called. 'Practice tomorrow in the morning! And don't be late or I'll send Yoruichi to wake you!'

'Don't even think about it!' Ichigo snarled under his breath as he tore around the corner. Then he realized something was off. Grimmjow wasn't making any snide remarks.

'You mad about something?' Ichigo muttered.

'Dunno. You tell me.'

'How should I know what you're thinking about? I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Byakuya's here now!'

'What d'ya know? You do know what I'm thinking about.'

'What the-? Are you still pissed about the whole Byakuya thing?' Ichigo sighed in irritation. No reply. Ichigo sighed. 'Okay, fine, we don't have to talk about that but don't ignore me! Say something!'

'What's there to talk about?' Grimmjow said shortly. Ichigo could almost imagine the guy crossing his arms as he spoke in his arrogant tone. Ichigo rolled his eyes.

'Jeez, fine, don't. I'd rather not to talk to someone in a bad mood,' Ichigo replied coldly. He slowed to a jog as he neared his house.

'Hypocrite.'

'Excuse me?'

'You heard me. When you're in a bad mood I bear with it! But when I get pissed, oh crap, I'm such a pain and everything! Fucking hell, berry, at least I'm considerate!'

'Considerate? Oh, fuck no! Hold that thought! When you want sex I don't even get a say in the matter! You just go right ahead and stick it in and when you're done, you just leave! Now how the fuck is that considerate?'

'You like it.'

'That is not the fucking point! The point is-this argument is pointless! Admit it, you're just arguing with me because of the whole Byakuya thing!'

'Like hell! The guy looks like a stuck-up prick!'

'Grimmjow, it was a joke! I never dated him! You're just jealous!'

'No fucking way, berry!'

'Why is that so hard to admit? It's not that big of a deal!'

'Grimmjow Jaeguerjacques does not get jealous of anyone!'

'Is this about ego? Fucking hell, Grimmjow, give it a rest! It is human to be jealous!'

'Take a good look at me, berry! Do I look human?'

'Well, it doesn't hurt to have real emotions!'

'I don't feel real emotions!'

'Then what's sex? Hm? Do you just do it with me because I'm there? Or is what everything you said a lie? Do you even care about me?'

Grimmjow was silent even though Ichigo could feel the Espada's energy and rage flying about. But Grimmjow was speechless. And that pissed him. Because Ichigo was really pushing his buttons; buttons that he never wanted to ever go to because it opened up doors he feared of facing.

It was odd to see the Espada like this; trapped, cornered, confronted. It kinda made him…vulnerable. And he didn't like it. He hated being bared raw. Worse, it was Ichigo who was doing it. So it was just adding fuel to the fire.

Ichigo sighed. He had stopped walking to argue with Grimmjow. If he stayed any longer his family was going to get even more worried.

'We'll continue this some other time, Grimmjow,' he exclaimed. 'For now, let's just get home. You don't have to answer.'

Grimmjow didn't say anything. And as Ichigo searched the corners of his mind, he couldn't find the Espada anywhere. Ichigo frowned. Where had he gone?

'Oof!'

Ichigo almost stumbled off his feet as he bumped into someone which surprised him. Who could be out this late at night?

'Sorry, it was my fault,' he muttered.

'Next time just watch it!' the voice said rather rudely. Ichigo scowled and looked up, ready with a retort, but then froze. His eyes widened.

'Ichigo?' Grimmjow suddenly said in alarm. 'You're reiatsu suddenly jumped! What's wrong? What-'

He was now seeing what Ichigo was seeing and he stilled in shock as well.

'Oh fuck,' Grimmjow muttered. 'No…'

'…fucking…' Ichigo murmured.

'…way,' Shirosaki breathed as he stared in bewilderment at Ichigo.


Want to kill me for the cliffhanger, don't you? :3

So these are two more pairings I'll be writing about! IILesGeMeAuxII and I have a couple more in mind to spice this story up but it's still centered on Grimmjow and Ichigo! Also, I hope nobody is getting tired of Grimmjow and Ichigo fighting and arguing about pointless stuff! Just that this is what you get when both lovers are stubborn and refuse to look weak ;D

Oh! And I hope everyone knows what soba is! If not, it's buckwheat noodles that be eaten cold or hot. Over here, both Byakuya and Renji are having it hot. Byakuya's soba, Kake Soba, is basically hot soba with thinly sliced scallions on top and a slice of fishcake. Renji's soba, Soki Soba, is soba topped with pork.

Till next time everyone! And thanks for reading ^_^