The music thumped around them, a fast beat that had Ichigo's body vibrating with the erratic drum beats and electric guitar riffs. The lyrics blared through the speakers in a low, sultry voice, but Ichigo couldn't make out any of it. It was all white noise to him, the blood pulsing in his ears blocking out all other sound. His eyes stared up at the ceiling, his head resting on the smooth leather arm rest of the couch, but he didn't see anything. He was on a sensory overload. Smooth, chilled lips trailed kisses up the expanse of his neck, making goose bumps rise on his heated skin. His breathing was shallow, coming out in small pants as Shirosaki continued to brush kisses over his neck, jawline, and cheek. Ichigo sucked in a breath, waiting for those torturous lips to find his own. Shirosaki lifted himself up slightly to look down at the orange head beneath him. He smirked at the state he had left the human in before leaning down and brushing his lips across the soft, pink ones calling him in. Pulling back a few inches, his eyes scanned the hazy chocolate orbs beneath him. "Ichigo," he whispered softly before brushing his lips against Ichigo's again. The orange head let out a small whimper, hands coming up to grip tightly in the vampire's shirt, arms trying to pull Shirosaki closer. The vampire chuckled, his eyes shining with amusement. Leaning down, he whispered in Ichigo's ear, "I have a question for you Ichigo. Would you like to hear it?" He let his breath flow over the orange head's skin, pleased with the shiver that coursed through the human's body beneath him. Ichigo let out a whine, pouting when Shirosaki leaned back further. Shirosaki gave him an amused look, raising a pale eyebrow at him. The vampire smirked, flashing his fangs, his eyes alight with a playful fire. "What do ya say Ichi? Wanna hear my offer?" He purred, tracing a black nailed finger from the hem of Ichigo's shirt to stop in the middle of his chest.
"Wha..what is i-it?" Ichigo managed to gasp out, shaking his head from side to side to clear his mind. His orange hair splayed over the black leather, and Shirosaki leaned forward, twisting some of the hair between his fingers. He locked gazes with the orange head, a smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth when Ichigo gave him a confused look.
"How would you like to work for me Ichi?" Shirosaki questioned, tilting his head to the side. Ichigo blinked, his mind trying feverishly to understand the vampire's words. When they finally clicked in his brain, Ichigo's eyes widened in confusion, his lips parting open.
"Work for you?" Ichigo asked, trying to figure out just what Shirosaki meant. The vampire's lips quirked in a small smile, and he leaned down to rest his forehead against Ichigo's.
"It would just be four days a week from eight at night until two in the morning," Shirosaki responded, running his hand through Ichigo's hair. The orange head stared up at him, still not completely processing what the vampire meant.
"What...um, what would I..have to do?" Ichigo questioned, unconsciously leaning into Shirosaki's touch.
Shirosaki tilted his head, brushing his lips against Ichigo's before responding, "You'd work up here, managing the bar." Ichigo's eyes widened exponentially, as he stared at the vampire in disbelief.
"Your joking right?" He exclaimed, shaking his head, a small chuckle passing his lips. He had to be joking, there was no way he would want to give a human a job at his flourishing night club. It just wasn't feasible. Shirosaki frowned slightly at his words, but quickly shook it off in order to persuade the young man.
His lips brushed over Ichigo's cheek, stopping before the orange head's ear, whispering in a seductive tone, "why would I joke about something like that? I would quite enjoy having you by my side for more than just once a week." Ichigo's cheeks burned as he stared up into Shirosaki's white hair with wide eyes. He made a little noise in the back of his throat, quickly turning into a moan when Shirosaki flicked his tongue out to lick at his ear lobe. Shirosaki blew against the wet skin, making Ichigo squirm. "So what do ya say Ichi? Wanna work for me?" Shirosaki questioned, leaning back to stare down at Ichigo. The orange head stared back, his tongue coming out to run across his lips, Shirosaki's eyes watching every movement.
"I'm not a vampire," Ichigo stated suddenly, a slightly disappointed look on his face.
Shirosaki smirked, pressing his lips to Ichigo's in a chaste kiss before whispering against his lips, "it's my club. What I say goes, and I want you to work for me." Ichigo inhaled sharply, hands twitching at his sides. He wanted nothing more than to reach up and crush his lips against the vampire's, but his conscience held him back. "So are you ready to give me your answer, or do you need more time?" Shirosaki questioned, raising an eyebrow when a devious glint flashed through Ichigo's eyes.
"I may need more convincing," Ichigo drawled, dropping his voice low, forming each work slowly. It was Shirosaki's turn to shiver, watching with bated breath as Ichigo leaned up, his hand wrapping around the back of the vampire's head to tangle in the silver locks. Conscience be damned, Ichigo pulled Shirosaki into a heated kiss, enjoying the low growl that erupted from the vampire's throat. Teeth nipped at his bottom lip, and Ichigo found himself parting them for a sinfully talented tongue to dart into his mouth. He had kissed both men and women before, but Shirosaki was like nothing he had ever experienced before. The vampire's tongue seemed to come alive inside his mouth, mapping out every dip and crevasse, running across his teeth before curling around Ichigo's tongue in a sensual but heated dance. Long fingers pulled on Shirosaki's hair as the orange head groaned into the kiss. Shirosaki slid his hands underneath Ichigo's shirt, grinning into the kiss when the human jumped, letting loose a whimper that was hungrily swallowed by Shirosaki's mouth. Ichigo squirmed as the cool fingers traced over his stomach, nails digging into his skin as Shirosaki broke the kiss, nuzzling against Ichigo's cheek. He nipped Ichigo's jawline, slowly moving lower to rain nips and kisses over the orange head's neck, stopping at the mark he had given Ichigo during their last visit. His teeth grazed over the mark, sending a shock of pleasure through the human who arched his back, letting out a strangled gasp.
"Mmm," Shirosaki murmured, tracing the mark with his tongue, enjoying the sounds pouring from the orange head's mouth. He knew that his mark would be sensitive and was enjoying teasing Ichigo to no end. Once the bite was given time to heal and scar over, the skin would become sensitive to the touch. His fangs grazed over the mark again, and Ichigo growled, his hand gripping tightly into Shirosaki's hair as he pushed the vampire's mouth closer to his neck.
"I know what you want. Just...just do i-it!" Ichigo exclaimed in what he hoped was a commanding voice, but it trembled violently when Shirosaki pressed his fangs lightly against his neck. Ichigo stiffened, preparing himself for what was to come, only to have the vampire pull back, a grin on his lips, his eyes shining mischievously.
"First you're going ta have ta give me an answer," he said in a teasing tone, chuckling when Ichigo gave him a dark look. "Come now Ichi! It's a simple yes..." he drawled, leaning down to let his breath wash over Ichigo's neck. "Or no," he continued, scowling at the thought of the orange head choosing the latter.
"Fine! Yes! Now shut up already!" Ichigo snapped, glaring darkly.
"As ya wish," the vampire murmured before his fangs buried themselves deep in Ichigo's neck. The orange head's back arched, his hands trying feverishly to grip onto the leather of the couch. When that didn't happen, he lifted one hand to grip onto Shirosaki's shoulder, the other curling around the vampire's neck, holding him in place. Shirosaki hummed around the blood pooling in his mouth, hungrily drinking up the taste of the human's blood. It was sweet but had an underlying bite to it that made his senses swim, the taste of Luppi gone from his memory, all thoughts consumed by the fire flowing through his veins that left him warm and content. Ichigo's nails dug into his neck, and Shirosaki bit harder in retaliation, losing himself in the taste of the human. If it hadn't been for the girly giggle that broke the silence, he would have continued his drink. But, as it was, Shirosaki retracted his fangs, earning him a disapproving whimper from Ichigo. He leaned back to look down at the orange head, Ichigo's brown orbs locking onto his lips as he did so. The silver haired vampire brought his tongue out to lick away the crimson liquid that was staining his lips, eyes watching the trail of blood that trickled down the tanned neck from his bite. The giggle came again, and Shirosaki snapped his head towards the noise, meeting another pair of brown eyes this time attached to a woman with green hair. A young human was with her, and a strange sort of recognition flowed through him. Oh, that was right, he was on of Ichigo's friends! Shirosaki wracked his brain trying to remember the human's name.
"Keigo?" Ichigo's voice questioned, nearly making the other three in the room jump. The brunette by Nel's side seemed to snap out of a trace as he looked around the busty woman's shoulder.
"Ichigo? Is that you?" He questioned, his wide eyes scanning the room. Ichigo's bright orange hair popped up from behind one of the couches, and Keigo quirked an eyebrow, his eyes darting from his friend to the silver haired man who was hovering over him.
"Oh my it looks like we have a little reunion on our hands," Nel giggled, moving fluidly towards the other two, Keigo in tow. The brunette studied Ichigo when he came into his line of sight, his gaze snapping directly towards the orange head's neck.
"Another love bite Ichi!" He exclaimed, leaning over Ichigo to get a closer look. Shirosaki moved in favor of collapsing onto the couch next to them, his arms thrown over the back of it.
"It's none of your...Ow! Don't touch it!" Ichigo shrieked when Keigo lifted a finger to poke at the mark. While the two human's continued to bicker, well more like Keigo was asking a bunch of questions that Ichigo didn't want to answer, Shirosaki turned to Nel. He found the green haired woman giving him a bright smile.
"Good evening Shiro," she stated politely, nodding her head in respect.
"Nel," Shirosaki stated simply, gaze darting over towards the two human's who weren't paying them any attention.
"I've met your new little toy. I must say you chose well," Nel said, her gaze flicking to Ichigo and Keigo.
"I heard about your little encounter," Shirosaki grumbled, golden eyes narrowing.
"Oh did you? Shinji's such a blabber mouth!" Nel sighed exasperatedly, shaking her head.
"Get to the point Nel. What are you doing up here?" Shirosaki growled, glancing at Ichigo out of the corner of his eye. Nel followed his gaze, smiling softly before her expression hardened.
"I was told you were up here," she explained locking the silver haired vampire with a serious look. Shirosaki raised an eyebrow, crossing one of his legs over the other knee. He tapped his foot impatiently waiting for Nel to speak again. Heaving a sigh, Nel twisted her green hair in her fingers. "I've been keeping an eye on any newcomers to this area as you asked me to do," she stated after a minute. Shirosaki's eyes widened in surprise.
"Don't tell me.." he growled, trailing off. His golden eyes scanned Nel's face, looking for an answer.
"Yes. Tousen and his lackeys have been spotted around these parts," her voice was low, but the nervousness of it could not be hidden. Shirosaki stood from his seat, and began pacing the length of the room. Ichigo and Keigo had stopped their bickering in time to hear the last part of the two vampire's conversation, and now Ichigo was following Shirosaki with his eyes, raising a confused eyebrow.
"Who's Tousen?" He questioned his confusion, making both vampires jump. Shirosaki sighed, running a hand over his face, his fingers curling around his chin as he tried to think of a way to explain it to the orange head without scaring him.
"Tousen is to us what gangs are to you," Nel explained, straightening the strap of her dress. Ichigo looked over at her, tilting his head to the side.
"So he's a slayer?" Ichigo questioned, fighting to keep the smile off his face. He found it amusing to think that there were actually vampire slayers running around and it wasn't just part of the myths. Shirosaki scowled, shaking his head feverishly.
"No. He comes around under the soul pretenses to hurt those we care for. He blames a select few of our kind for killing his wife, so he goes around delivering the same punishment to all of us. We've pushed him off our land numerous times now, but he keeps coming back," he explained, his mind flashing with images of the orange head in the mad man's grasp. A strange sickness clenched at his stomach, and he quickly pushed the horrid thoughts to the back of his mind.
"So he knows you're.." Ichigo started to question, but Nel held up her hand to stop him from finishing it.
"He believes we are some intricate gang. That's all," she gave him a hard glare as she spoke, silently telling him to keep his mouth shut. Keigo jumped onto the couch next to Nel, wrapping both his arms around one of hers. Nel looked down at him, raising a curious eyebrow.
"There's no way you could be part of a gang! You're too sweet and beautiful," the brunette exclaimed in a breathy sigh. Nel stared at Keigo, a soft smile on her lips.
"I seem to have been neglecting you sweetie. How about we head to the dance floor so I can make it up to you?" Nel questioned, resting her finger on the tip of Keigo's nose. The brunette flushed, quickly nodding his head, his arm coming up to wipe the corner of his mouth before the drool could spill from his lips. Nel giggled, her fingers wrapping around his wrist as she pulled the stuttering brunette towards the door. She stopped before the stained wood, tilting her head to look back at Shirosaki and Ichigo over her shoulder. "Enjoy yourselves you two! I apologize for interrupting your fun time!" She called in a sing song voice before disappearing down the marble steps, Keigo in tow. Ichigo stood, rooted to his spot as he stared after the bubbly female.
"She's something else," he remarked, flicking his gaze to Shirosaki who nodded his head.
"Nel is more human than most, but she's good at her job," the vampire responded, stuffing his hands into his pockets as he sauntered over to the orange head.
"What is her job?" Ichigo questioned, his body going rigid when the silver haired vampire stood in front of him.
"She's part of security like Halibel, but she scours the streets for any dangers there might be. Nel works better with people than Halibel does," Shirosaki explained, pulling one of his hands out of his pocket to brush his fingers over Ichigo's cheek. The orange head snickered at his words, remembering how cold and aloof the blonde had seemed when he first saw her talking to Ulquiorra. "So, since you are going to be workin for me I should show you around," Shirosaki stated, grabbing hold of Ichigo's arm and pulling the orange head towards the bar. Ichigo took in a deep breath when he stood on the side of the bar he was usually facing. It was a weird feeling that left him giddy and smiling like an idiot. He traced his fingers across the stained cheery wood, trying to contain himself from jumping up and down in his glee. Shirosaki leaned against the other side of the counter, his elbow propped up as he watched Ichigo investigate his new work space. "You look good back there," he said, causing Ichigo to turn to him with an ear to ear grin on his face.
"This is great! I don't know what to say!" The orange head exclaimed.
"Ya don't have ta say anythin," Shirosaki reassured a small smile on his lips. Ichigo nearly squealed, his eyes darting around to take in the rows of glasses, bottles, and different fruits and non alcoholic beverages from behind the glass of the small coolers.
"When do I start?" Ichigo asked after a moment, turning his brown orbs onto the vampire who was still watching him intently.
"You could start as soon as tomorrow if you wish," Shirosaki stated, snickering when Ichigo's mouth fell open in surprise. Quickly righting himself, Ichigo nodded his approval, joining the vampire on the other side of the bar. "I'll have Grimmjow meet you at the front of the club at...oh say seven thirty. He'll show you the ropes," Shirosaki explained, walking towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Ichigo questioned, tilting his head to the side, shifting from one foot to the other, having no idea if he should follow the vampire or not.
"Hmm? Downstairs, I figured you might enjoy some time in the actual club," Shirosaki answered, cocking his hip. Ichigo flushed in embarrassment, hanging his head to hide his blush. He slowly walked over to the vampire, following the man down the stairs and into the front room. Nnoitra, Gin, Grimmjow and Ulquiorra were waiting in the dimly lit room when they arrived, their gazes snapping in Ichigo's direction when the orange head appeared from behind the door. Grimmjow was the first to react, a devious grin touching his lips as he locked his teal gaze on the orange head.
"So? Did ya say yes?" He questioned, the anticipation in his voice clear as day. Ichigo nodded, grinning like a five year old when everyone in the room verbally announced their pleasure. "Finally! I've been wanting a bartender up there forever!" Grimmjow exclaimed, clapping Ichigo on the back. The orange head stumbled, shooting a glare at the teal haired vampire, who just smirked back.
"That's only because you get too drunk to remember how to mix anything properly," Ulquiorra commented, making Grimmjow growl.
"Shut up ya emotionless bastard!" He yelled at the raven haired vampire. Ichigo rolled his eyes, deciding that this must be normal behavior for the two. Everyone watched the two bicker for about ten minutes before Gin broke the silence.
"How's about we go celebrate your new job with a drink ya?" He offered, and Ichigo readily agreed. Gin grinned, ushering the group into the lower level of the club. Inside, the lights had dimmed down low, the main sources of light being the dance floor and the candles that flickered on the table tops. Gin led the group towards the bar where Shinji stood waiting. "We need a celebratory drink Shin!" Gin commanded cheerfully. The blonde smiled warmly, darting off to grab the glasses. Once he came back, Nnoitra lifted his glass into the air, grinning broadly.
"Here's ta our new bartender!" He cheered, bringing the glass to his lips. The others cheered, taking a drink as well. Ichigo couldn't help but smile like a little child. Never before had he ever felt so welcomed.
After saying his goodbyes to Shirosaki and the others, Ichigo followed a buzzed Tatsuki, drunk Inoue, and a hammered Keigo out of the club, excitement already flowing through his veins at thoughts about starting work at that very club the next day. He had told his friends about it and they had shared in his excitement, congratulating him over and over again. As they crossed the street, heading for the car, Ichigo spotted a lone figure leaning against the brick building facing NightStalkers. The hood was pulled up on the person's sweatshirt, but Ichigo caught a flash of purple above the figure's eyes, as the person's gaze followed the orange head. "Hey! You! Hold up for a second!" The figure demanded, and Ichigo froze, recognizing the voice. It was Luppi, the one Grimmjow had warned him about. Tatsuki glanced back at Ichigo and then towards Luppi who was walking towards the small group.
"Ichigo?" She questioned tentatively, bouncing from leg to leg as if getting ready for a fight.
"Don't worry about it Tatsuki. I'll meet you at the car," Ichigo mumbled. Tatsuki hovered for another moment, nervously glancing between Ichigo and the stranger, before nodding her head and following after Inoue and Keigo to the car. Luppi stopped in front of Ichigo, lowering his hood so he could study the orange head.
"What do you want?" Ichigo asked, keeping his voice as calm as he could, but his heart was thundering hard against his rib cage. Luppi didn't speak for some time, just stared at Ichigo with a calculating look. The orange head was just about to leave when he spoke in a dark voice.
"What is your relationship to Shiro?" It was a simple question, but the man's tone made Ichigo's blood freeze in his veins.
"I bumped into him at the bar," Ichigo responded, flinching when his voice came out a little more high pitched then he would have liked. Luppi seemed to study him, dark purple eyes scanning his expression. Luppi's lips formed a hard line as he folded his arms across his chest.
"Good, I didn't want to have to waste my time fixing things if it was more than that. So who marked you?" He questioned, pulling the collar of his sweatshirt aside to expose a scarred over mark on the curve of his neck. Ichigo knew he did the gesture to put him at ease, but it just made him feel sick to his stomach.
"I don't see how that is any of your concern," he commented, glaring at the raven head. Luppi scowled, gaze darkening dangerously.
"You should watch your back and your mouth. You never know what sort of people lurk around here," Luppi growled, Ichigo flinching at his words. The next moment, the raven head was gone, disappearing down an alley. Ichigo watched him go before quickly turning on his heel and darting towards the car. Tatsuki gave him a weird look when he slid into the back seat, but he just shook his head as she pulled the car out of the parking lot. The whole ride home Ichigo stayed silent, his mind replaying Luppi's warning over and over again in his head. Just what did the small man mean? He couldn't put his finger on it, but he felt a cold chill run down his spine every time Luppi would pop into his head. He needed to stay away from this man.