I woke up from my nap with a smile. My headache was gone and to my surprise, Ichi is curled against my side with his head on my shoulder. He looks so innocent and young when he sleeps. I know I should wake him up, it's late and I need him to help me to the restroom. But he hasn't been sleeping well since the accident so I press the nurse call button and carefully shift him over.

My nurse comes in with a smile and motions to the bathroom door. I nod my head and she comes over to unhook my IV and lower the bed rail. Slowly I stand up and lean against the nurse. Carefully we shuffle to the bathroom and she helps get me set up the steps out so I can have some privacy. Once I finished my business and washed my hands, I let her know I'm done and she helps me back.

"Alright Grimmjow, PT came by earlier while you were sleeping. I can call them back now or we can do it tomorrow morning. It's your choice hon."

"Morning please Rangiku. Don't bring in the dinner tray.. 'm sending Ichi for real food..."

She laughs but nods her head and leaves the room. As soon as the door shuts, Ichi opens his eyes and yawns. Heh sometimes he is more cat like than me.

"Hey Grim. What are you doing in the chair? Did you fall?! Are you hurt?!"

"Calm down Ich... 'm fine. Used the bathroom... Didn't wanna get back in bed... Rangiku helped."

He nodded and sat up on the bed then looked at the clock and frowned.

"It's late Grim, why didn't you wake me? Guess you're hungry huh? What do you want to eat and I'll go get it.."

"Was thinking Ramen or maybe pizza. Whatever is closest.."

"Pizza or Ramen both can be delivered. I'll order some Pizza and drinks. Then we need to talk about this morning."

He stood up and grabbed his cell phone and stepped out into the hall. I sighed and rubbed my face with both hands.I knew Ichi was embarrassed and upset about this morning. Probably thinks of himself as a pervert now. Heh. I like him as a pervert but I won't tell him that.

I always knew this day would come. Even when we were kids. My biggest fear is that he will tell me I'm confused because of what happened or worse he will reject me and leave. I don't want him out of my life so if all he wants is friendship than that's fine with me.

He walks back in a few minutes later and drags the visitors chair over so we sit face to face.

"Grimm about this morning..."

"Ichi stop. Listen good 'cuz you know... 's hard for me to talk. First off, know that... I love you. Have always... Loved you. This morning was... Amazing. I only wish... I was stronger so I could... Return it. I can't begin to tell you... How many dreams... 've had 'bout that very thing?"

I stopped for a moment and took a drink of water and there was a knock at the door. Ichi answered it and brought in the pizzas and drinks and sat the boxes on the bed. He plated a couple slices on a napkin and gave them to me then took some for himself.

"I know right now... I'm weak and can't do much... But I will get better. I love you Ichi. Please... Don't leave me."

I closed my eyes as I felt the tears run down my cheek. Before I could open them again Ichigo was beside me holding my head against his chest.

"I'll never leave you Grim. No matter what. Hn.. I've been in love with you since that night you saved me from those older boys. I was going to tell you that you should never feel ashamed to react that way. Especially not to me. Yeah its not easy right now but you're getting stronger every day. It will get better and then we can go home and really work things out. But for right now, you should just focus on healing and getting stronger."

I nodded my head and Ichi sat back down. We ate our meal in comfortable silence. After we were finished I looked at Ichi and smiled.

"Hey Ich... Since I missed out on PT... Can we go for a walk?"

His face lit up with a megawatt smile and he nodded his head and took my hand. Carefully he helped me stand up and put on a shirt. Then he linked his arm around my waist and I put mine over his shoulders in a light hug and together we walked out of the room.

Rangiku sat at the nurse's station and smiled as we walked past. We had to stop for me to use the bathroom but then we were off again. He took me downstairs to the indoor atrium and I couldn't have been happier. For the first time in weeks, I could smell the fresh air and feel the sun on my skin.

There were other patients here with their families and loved ones. Kids were at the pond feeding the fish and turtles. I could hear the birds chirping all around. It was beautiful. We sat on a bench for a while just talking and enjoying the freedom of being our of that hospital room.

We stayed out for about an hour when my pain started up again. I smiled apologetically at Ichi but he shook his head and took my hand. Slowly we made our way back upstairs to my room. Ichi gave me a quick shower and changed my clothes and sheets before leading me back into bed. He hooked my IV back up and started the machine again then pushed the button for my pain medicine. Before I drifted back to sleep, I felt him place a soft kiss to my eyes.

"Good night Grim. I love you too..."