Chapter Eleven: I Forgive You
Rukia sat on her sofa, smiling idiotically at her friend, Ichigo. "You mean to tell me that you both found each other, and you actually gave him your number?" she asked sitting forward. The cushions supported her small body, making her look like a small dog on a large pillow.
Ichigo nodded. He was seated on a purple pillow; his chest was at level with the coffee table in front of him. His hands rested on both knees, and his legs were crossed. He had told Rukia of the whole situation after her family birthday party, which he thought was the more appropriate time of the day.
"Yes!" cheered Rukia. She jumped to her feet and hooted some more. She knew that she looked like a complete oddball in front of Ichigo, but she could care less about his thoughts on her outburst. She was happy. Happy for Ichigo. She had really good reasons, too.
She didn't miss the glow in Ichigo's eyes when he told her about meeting up with Grimmjow at Vizard Fashion. To a girl, glowing eyes meant something more than just simple happiness. Next, she could hear the slivers of joy bolting from his mouth when he told the tale. Joy was definitely a signaling emotion in the situation. Lastly, she could see Ichigo's entire expression was one of complete interest. The way he talked about meeting up with Grimmjow seemed all too jovial, despite his remark about not being ready to be anywhere near affectionate to any man at all. Ichigo didn't shy away from mentioning Grimmjow's name or mentioning how nice he looked in a black suit; everything poured out naturally and enthusiastically.
"You have to go!" announced Rukia with fists on her hips. "You will look sexy, too! I shall strive to make you look absolutely eye catching, and I shall not stand idly by and accept those clothes you call regular attire." She walked around the brown coffee table and loomed over Ichigo.
Ichigo didn't look amused at the last statement, but his glowing expression was still there. "My clothes are fine, Rukia," he said crossing his arms. "I just have a more laid back taste." He raised a brow when Rukia tsked at him.
"Either way," said Rukia, "you'll look great." She gestured for him to get up and added, "Get up. We have to get you pre-prepared for that lunch tomorrow."
"I still doubt that I want to have anything close to a relationship with another man, Rukia," objected Ichigo. "I don't see how I can dress nice if I'm not sure I want to keep seeing Grimmjow." He looked down at his hands, which gathered toward his body and clutched at one another.
I can't move on like that, can I? he asked himself as he looked at his hands. He felt two smaller hands take hold of his cheeks and pull his face upward. His brown, sparkling eyes looked up at Rukia for an answer to the question he did not project.
Rukia gave a small encouraging smile and said, "You don't have to move in that direction, Ichigo. You can just say you want to be friends. Nothing is more important than the bond of friendship, especially if Grimmjow is as persistent as you say he was." She jerked her head toward the hallway.
Ichigo could only smile at Rukia. To him, the woman was really smart. Gosh, Rukia. You sure know how to make me feel better. I'm glad you're my friend.
He nodded his head and got to his feet. He walked with Rukia down the hall and made his way into his room. He threw open his suitcase and dumped all of his new clothes on the bed. He spun around to face Rukia, threw up his arms, and said, "Okay, Rukia. Work your magic."
Rukia cracked her knuckles and smiled. "You got it, bro," she said in more American voice. She giggled and got to work on rifling through Ichigo's clothes. She piled different types of clothes separately and hummed at anything she deemed worthy of attention or worth hiding under the bed. After five minutes of working through clothing, Rukia spun around and waltzed toward the new clothes. She fingered each cloth carefully and hummed to herself.
The woman looked at Ichigo and smiled. "I know what you're going to wear," she said. She quickly grabbed a shirt from the bed and rifled for the pair of pants she saw.
I know you're there! Rukia swore as she looked. When she did see the pair of pants, she grabbed them and fist pumped in victory. Then, she held up the ensemble of clothing to Ichigo, who eyed the clothing with a critical eye.
I did buy them, thought Ichigo. He smiled and nodded his head.
"You're the best, Rukia," said Ichigo. He hugged his friend and took the clothing in both hands. He went to the mirror near the other wall and held the clothes against himself. He thought the choices were wise. He didn't look fruity, he didn't look unworthy of attention, and he didn't look like he wouldn't get a man with just one look. Such was the magic of Rukia Kuchiki's fashion taste.
"I have a gift," conceited Rukia as she inspected Ichigo. "With a little bit of mascara and gloss, you'll look drop dead fantastic."
Ichigo looked back at Rukia from his reflection and asked, "Do I really have to wear the gloss?"
Rukia put her hands on her hips and answered, "Yes. As your personal advisor, dresser, best friend, and sister, I believe the gloss would make everything pop out." She walked next to Ichigo and pointed at the mirror. "Look," she said. "That's the face of a strong man with the best damn eyelashes and lips in the world. You're one of kind, Ichigo. Don't forget that." She smiled at the mirror and sighed.
Ichigo absorbed Rukia's words and looked at himself more closely. He noticed that his lashes were awesome: his lashes stretched out and curved upward gracefully. Then, he looked at his mouth and noticed that his lips were plump and pink. I've been looking like this for how long, and I haven't taken the time to actually look at myself? Ichigo scolded himself. Rukia was right.
He looked at Rukia when he saw her reflection quietly yawn. Ichigo smiled and said, "You should get to bed." He turned from the mirror and draped the clothing over his right arm. He met a defiant looking Rukia, who frowned then yawned again. "Come on, Rukia. I'll walk you to your room."
Rukia pouted. "Can't I stay here?" she asked in a tired voice. She hummed a sigh and rubbed at her eyes; she tapped on her cheeks to stay awake. When her head drooped, she shook her head and slapped herself, but the actions didn't keep her awake.
"I guess the party took more out of you than we thought," chuckled Ichigo. "Yeah. Why not? I haven't had a woman in my bed for two years." He received a playful punch on the arm, and he laughed.
"For a gay guy," said Rukia with a tired expression, "you have more puns than a straight guy." She shook her head and added, "Let's just go to sleep." She turned, ran, and jumped on Ichigo's bed. She landed on the bed with a loud "umphf!"
Ichigo rolled his eyes with a smile. He had always joked with Rukia that way. He set the clothes on a nearby chair and walked toward the bed. He grabbed all of the new clothes and tossed them with his other clothes on the floor. He sat on the bed and rubbed Rukia's back, making the girl hum in approval of the brotherly affection.
He remembered the first time he joked with Rukia. Ichigo forgot to tell the girl that he was gay, so Rukia took it the wrong way. After enduring Rukia's wrath, Ichigo had apologized and told her that he was gay. When the girl heard that, Rukia smiled and hooted with the oddest glee. Apparently, Rukia always wanted a gay friend. After that, he and Rukia were as close as an apple to pie.
Ichigo patted Rukia's back and got back to his feet. As he walked to turn off the light switch, he reminisced some more. He recalled the day he joked with Rukia when Renji was present. Renji didn't want to admit that he got a little jealous, so Rukia had to beat it out of him. The sight was hilarious. Renji couldn't hit a girl, so he had to sit there and cover his head while Rukia pulled at his hair and pinched his cheeks.
That is one memory, I will always keep in my heart, thought Ichigo with a smile. The thought of Renji still made his heart ache a little, but he could bear it because Rukia said he could always keep Renji close to his heart. The question is: will I be able to move on? Ichigo thought to himself. He flipped the white switch on the wall and turned around to walk to his bed.
As he walked he both whispered and thought, God, give me guidance. Using the guiding moonlight cascading into the bedroom between the curtains of his window, Ichigo walked to the other side of the bed and plopped down on the soft clouds for sheets. When his head landed on the fluffy pillow, his eyes closed and slumber took him.
Ichigo, came a voice. The voice echoed in the dark abyss of Ichigo's mind.
Ichigo shifted in his slumber and tried to open his eyes, but he couldn't open them. He put more effort in to opening his eyes, which he struggled with for a few more moments. When he did open his eyes, he was in a tilted world. He looked down and was standing on the pane of a glass window. He stepped away from it and stood fully on the concrete. He looked from left to right and noticed that the ground and sky were on either side of him.
"Where am I?" he asked aloud. He scanned the area and saw no people, heard no sound, and felt no breezed.
What is this place? he asked himself in his mind.
Ichigo, came the voice again. Ichigo recognized the voice. He turned around and was staring at Renji. The other was wearing his SEAL uniform with his hair braided down his back.
"Renji?" called Ichigo. His eyes were wide and his breath was gone. He took in a sip of air and exhaled a small cry. "Renji!" he called out with a smile. He ran to the other and hugged Renji. He didn't fall through; Renji was solid. He looked up at taller redhead, who smiled in return. His face felt warm, and his eyes burned.
Renji brought up a hand and wiped away a stray tear on Ichigo's cheek. "Why are you crying?" asked Renji.
Ichigo smiled and answered, "I miss you."
"And I you," replied Renji, who hugged Ichigo back. After a few seconds, Renji let Ichigo go and looked down at him.
Ichigo gave Renji a kiss on the cheek and asked, "Where are we? How are you able to see me? In my dream, I mean." He looked up at the other again and noticed that Renji's eyes were sparkling, and the other's red hair was glittery.
"This is your inner conscience, which allows us to converse in privacy," answered Renji.
The orange haired man looked around once more and said, "My inner conscience seems blank." He shrugged and looked back to Renji.
"As for 'how,' God sent me to speak with you," continued Renji. "He called upon me and told me that I had to put you and another son at peace." He smiled brightly and squeezed Ichigo's arms with a bit of excitement.
"What do you mean?" asked Ichigo. He held onto the other's arms, too, and looked up at Renji with a quizzical look.
"Ichigo," started Renji. His voice was full of happiness, and it made Ichigo want to smile. "Rukia already told you what you needed to hear; I'm here to confirm it. I may be gone physically, but I'm always watching over you. I am here." He put his hand on Ichigo's chest and added, "I'm here in your heart."
"Because I'll always remember you," Ichigo subbed for an explanation. The hand on his chest was strong and warm; he could feel it through his clothing. He wanted to hum from the soft touch.
After taking his hand off of Ichigo's chest, Renji shook his head and corrected, "Because I still love you as much as you still love me." He smiled and continued, "Don't be afraid to move on, either. Don't let your love for me interfere with your decisions. I will always love you; no action could ever break that feeling.
"Live, Ichigo, and make your life the way you want it. Seeing you sad for two years nearly broke me. I cried for your sorrow, and I felt that your sadness was my fault. Then, God spoke to me and told me to stay strong for you, for I may be needed by you someday. So I stayed strong and watched over you from above.
"When God asked me to come to you, I praised him for giving me a chance to see you and soothe the pain. Thus, I am here, but he also told me to soothe the pain of another, which I didn't mind one bit, especially coming as a command from the mighty Lord.
"So smile for me once a day, okay? This meeting is a blessing for you, me, and the other son." He gave Ichigo a kiss on the forehead.
"Dear Lord, you are truly kind," thanked Ichigo as he smiled and accepted Renji's kiss.
Renji stood up straight again. "As for the other son," continued Renji, "tell Grimmjow that God and I have forgiven his sins."
Ichigo raised a brow and asked, "Grimmjow?"
Renji nodded and explained, "He's prayed every night for two years. He would apologize to God, then he would apologize to me. I have listened to him every night, too, and he would beg for freedom from the guilt that eats at his soul. So tell him, Ichigo, that I forgive him, and he can rest."
The orange haired male nodded and sniffed. "I love you, Renji," he said. He gave Renji another hug and smiled against the other's chest.
"And I love you," answered the redheaded SEAL. After hugging Ichigo back for a few more seconds, he let go, sliding his hands from the other's grasp. He adjusted his cover and stepped back. "Live," said Renji. He stood erect and gave a salute. Within moments, the dream faded.
Ichigo sat up in bed panting. He put his hand to his chest and clutched at the shirt. He was blind in the dark that still coated the room, and he couldn't comprehend what just happened. He knew what happened, but he wasn't sure why Renji couldn't visit his dreams earlier. The faint whisper of Renji's advice, "live," echoed in his mind.
He took a deep breath and exhaled a slight whimper. His fingers wiped away the sudden beads of sadness and fell back to his chest. He could still feel the faint warmth of Renji's touch on his chest. He looked up to the ceiling blindly and declared, "I will live... Thank you, Renji." He laid on his back and closed his eyes to the dark abyss once more. This time, there was no dream.
At one thirty in the afternoon, Grimmjow was leaving the office. He stepped into the nearby elevator and pressed the clear button with the number one. He didn't carry a briefcase, for he believed briefcases were for sissy businessmen. He was still dressed professionally; his suit was gray and his shoes were black. His hair was gelled at the sides, while the top was slightly combed back. He never could get rid of his baby hair bangs.
Grimmjow checked his watch and tapped his foot. Why did I have to have my office at the very top of this damn building? Why the hell did I listen to that guy with that sixty-six floors idea? he cursed to himself. Blue eyes shot up to the red numbers that indicated the floor he was on.
"Fuck," he cursed aloud in the lonely gray elevator. "Thirty-one in five minutes. You've got to be kidding me." He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. He whistled a made up tune to occupy himself as he waited for the elevator to reach floor one.
He heard a ding and looked up. Fuck! Only twenty-nine, cursed Grimmjow. He cursed himself again for the sixty-six floor idea. His blue eyes lowered and fell upon one he hoped not to see, Luppy.
By all means, Luppy was a good worker, intelligent, and very focused. The only characteristic that Grimmjow couldn't stand was Luppy's tendency to make every moment extremely awkward, especially when he made shifty eyes at others and wasn't afraid to speak his feelings.
When the violet eyed man entered the vicinity of the elevator, Grimmjow did his best to keep looking at the numbers at the top. He didn't want to talk to Luppy; he really didn't want to end up in a awkward elevator moment.
"How was your day, Mr. Jaggerjack?" asked the strange man. He held a briefcase and wore a plain black suit.
Shit! thought Grimmjow. Does he have to sound awkward?
Grimmjow looked to the shorter man and forced a small smile. "My day was great, Luppy? How's work in the office?" he replied. He looked at Luppy, but his focused vision was on the crevice of the elevator in the man's directions.
"Wonderful, Mr. Jaggerjack," replied Luppy with a girlish smile. "I just had a wonderful time correlating the data for the company sales and predicting sales for the next year. I must say that everything looks very charming." Luppy looked Grimmjow up and down and asked, "Someone seems anxious."
The blue haired man didn't answer. His Ichigo was his business. Luppy had no right to that kind of information.
"No need to look so upset," waved off Luppy.
Grimmjow looked to Luppy with a confused face. One brow was raised, while his mouth was shut in a frown. He uncrossed his arms and casually put them in his pockets. "I'm not upset," he defended. Blue eyes looked back to the numbers to show Luppy that Grimmjow wasn't interested in the conversation anymore. He tried not to frown when he heard the other sigh with a girlish huff.
Luppy looked up at Grimmjow and said, "Good luck on your date, Mr. Jaggerjack." The elevator rung, revealing the main lobby.
Grimmjow watched Luppy leave, and he could only stare in amazement. How the hell did he know? he asked himself. After shaking his head from thinking about the event any longer, Grimmjow made his way out of the elevator and into the throng of people in the lobby.
He occasionally nodded his head and smiled when workers addressed him or bid him good day. Grimmjow had to stop and shake hands with a man who was visiting his company because Pantera brand cars were simply beautiful. Why the man was visiting the office building puzzled Grimmjow, but he didn't care. He had to see his Ichigo.
When the brief meeting was over, Grimmjow looked at his watch and almost yelped in surprise. He had ten minutes to get to the address he was given. Shit! he cursed for the hundredth time that day. Grimmjow slipped through the last wave of people and exploded out onto the pavement after pushing open the clear doors.
He quickly turned and ran for the parking lot behind the building. He didn't stop until he reached his car door. He quickly pulled out his keys and hit the unlock button. Then, he climbed into the driver's seat and inserted the key into the ignition. He turned the key and quickly pulled on his seatbelt. With the same speed, he turned his head and reversed out of the parking lot and drove into the street.
Grimmjow quickly pulled his phone out of his pocket and blindly navigated to the notepad on his phone. After a few moments, he looked down and read the address out loud as he kept looking back and forth between the phone and the street.
Where?! he panicked. That's a little more than ten minutes away. Shit! Grimmjow tossed his phone on to the passenger seat and gripped the steering wheel with a new fury, nervous emotion. He rotated the steering wheel and made a left. He cursed when a car turned in front of him after completely turning on to the next street.
"Asshole!" he cursed aloud. Grimmjow quickly made his way on to the next lane and sped past the douche that cut in front of him. He really didn't have time to open the window and give the driver his signature finger. Grimmjow made another right, then he made his way down a large main street.
"I got time," Grimmjow reassured himself. "I got time." He made his way down the street for a few minutes and turned at the designated street. He looked out his windows to look at the address numbers on the pillars of gates and brick walls. He hoped that he was close by; he looked at the address numbers once more and felt a wave of brief relief. He was only a few homes away.
Grimmjow pressed down on the pedal and pulled up toward a home with grand decor. He turned off his car and stepped out of his side. He closed the door after slipping his keys into his pocket. Grimmjow tugged gently at the collar of his jacket and smoothed out the pants. His fingers made their way to his hair to check that nothing was out of place.
He sighed a breath of relief when he found that he wasn't damaged. Grimmjow put on a more brave smile and made his way to the path leading toward the door. He was impressed at the Roman columns and the dragon door.
Quite the choice of architecture, he mentally noticed. Roman and Japanese... Who would have thought that the owners were interested in something other than their own culture?
Just as Grimmjow got to the foot of the steps at the front of the home, he heard the large doors open with a loud creak. He looked up and gaped. Nothing could compare to the sight in front of him; the mansion didn't get him to drop his jaw. Thus, the sight he was witnessing was far better. He's beautiful, thought Grimmjow.
Ichigo shyly smiled. His cheeks were tinted with bits of pink, and his doe eyes were cast downward. He looked back at another, who was Rukia. The woman nodded at him, and Ichigo nodded back with a smile. He mouthed, "Thank you." Then, Rukia closed the door, leaving the two men alone.
He had told Rukia of the dream he had, and Rukia was super happy that Renji finally knocked the final pieces in to place for Ichigo. Ichigo was able to say that he wanted to try dating again and that he wanted to give Grimmjow a chance. He owed that bravery and decision to Rukia and Renji. He thanked Rukia and prayed to Renji to give his thanks. He thought he got a response when his chest lit with great warmth.
The orange haired man turned around in his black shoes, and tucked his hands into the pockets of his dark dress pants. His untucked, red shirt crinkled every time he moved in an awkward motion. The black band around his wrist shined in the sun, the black studs in his earlobes glinted, and his black necklace was in beads with a small eagle on the end.
The clothes were the last to get Grimmjow's attention. He couldn't help but stare at Ichigo's prominent eyes and glossy lips. He gulped, closing his mouth. After two years, I'm still acting like a dumbstruck teenager, thought Grimmjow. I'm sure he saw me gaping like an idiot, too.
Ichigo chuckled to relieve the silence and finally said, "You wanna get going, Grimmjow?" He stared at Grimmjow's blushing face.
Funny, thought Ichigo, he was much more confident two years ago. How cute of him to blush and feel just as awkward. Knowing that the other felt just as off as he did made him feel more comfortable. He smiled and walked toward Grimmjow. I have something to tell you, he mentally announced. But I'll tell you later.
"You look great," commented Ichigo looking Grimmjow up and down. The other's suit just made the other radiate both masculinity and professionalism. A smile appeared on Ichigo's face when Grimmjow stuffed his hands into his pockets and smiled a tad bit bashfully.
"So do you," replied Grimmjow. He felt the warmth in his chest double when Ichigo smiled and blinked his long lashes. He gulped again and added, "You hungry?" He really didn't want anything to be super awkward, but he figured that would be hard when the entire situation was awkward. His shifting feet and fiddling fingers were the trademark of awkward at the moment.
Ichigo nodded and asked, "Are we gonna stand here, or are we going somewhere?" He kept his smile when Grimmjow stuttered and asked him to follow. He shook his head.
Grimmjow couldn't believe he stuttered like he did. The whole way he walked to the car he had his hand on his mouth to prevent any other traitorous mumbles from escaping. He wanted to make the best impression possible. He knew that one more mistake could cost him Ichigo, so everything he did had to perfect. At least, that's how the thoughts ran around in his mind.
The blue haired man didn't know how adorable he looked to Ichigo, though. To Ichigo, the stutter was absolutely cute and attention drawing. He found that a man's little faults were just the bread crumbs of the larger and better personality.
Why is he covering his mouth? Ichigo mentally asked. He walked faster to catch up to Grimmjow and quietly chuckled when he heard Grimmjow grumbling to himself. He averted his gaze toward the gates, making his eyes widen at the car. Is that even real? he asked himself. How does someone have a car like that? I don't think that design's anywhere else.
When they got to the car, Ichigo's door was opened, so Ichigo sat down. Whoa. This car is really- The orange haired man jumped when he felt an object reject his seating. After the car door closed, Ichigo lifted his hips and grabbed at the contraption that was poking his butt.
"A phone?" he asked aloud. "Someone texts and drives." Ichigo held out the phone until Grimmjow got into the car. When the other looked at the phone, Ichigo said, "I believe this is yours." The other blushed, so Ichigo just smiled.
Grimmjow took the phone and replied, "Yeah, sorry. I was uhhhh...frustrated with it, so I sat it down." He quickly turned away and closed his door. Then, he put on his seat belt. When he heard the faint click of the other seat belt, Grimmjow looked at Ichigo and gave a warm smile.
"Thanks for..." Grimmjow looked down whilst rubbing the back of his head, "Thanks for agreeing to today. I missed you." He felt his cheeks warm up more as he dug in his pocket and pulled his keys free. He turned on the car and settled both hands on the wheel.
"Nervous, Grimmjow?" asked Ichigo. He had his hands folded on his lap, and he was looking at Grimmjow with a comfortable stare.
The blue haired man let out a sigh and replied, "Yeah." He laid his head on the headrest and added, "Very nervous."
Funny how he read me like that, thought Grimmjow. His eyes rolled to look at Ichigo, who was sitting and smiling. To Grimmjow, that was the posture of an angel, a patient angel. Just as Grimmjow was going to give bigger smile, he felt that wave of stomach turning pain wash over him. He frowned and brought his head forward.
To be sure that God would be with him the whole way, Grimmjow touched the outline of the rosary under his shirt and performed the sign of the cross. He looked back at Ichigo and lied, "For safety precautions." Ichigo's expression didn't change.
The orange haired man studied Grimmjow's actions. This guy is an open book, thought he. Ichigo frowned when Grimmjow shifted uneasily and put the car in to drive. He continued to watch the other as Grimmjow drove. He noticed the frowns and the constant shifts. He caught the sighs and the forced smiles in his direction. He's in pain, Ichigo concluded. I can't see him like that. Renji would want me to put him at ease.
"Grimmjow?" called Ichigo. His head was against the headrest and turned toward the driver.
"Yeah," answered Grimmjow with a small smile. He glanced at Ichigo and pulled to stop at a red light. "What's up?" He looked at Ichigo completely.
Ichigo looked into those sea blue eyes and felt the cold chills of the sea wind captivating him. The sea wind was slow and gloomy. The ocean eyes were fogged with a type of unrest that the orange haired man assumed to be the guilt Renji mentioned.
"I had a dream last night," Ichigo started, "and Renji was there." His eyes saddened when Grimmjow frowned deeper.
"Yeah?" asked Grimmjow. "Was he healthy?" He pressed on the gas and rode down the block; he made a left on the busy street.
"He came to me in my dream," said Ichigo. He hugged himself and continued to look at Grimmjow. "He wanted to tell me something about you." He saw blue brows dip due to confusion. "Renji told me that you prayed to him and God for two years, Grimmjow, and he, along with God, believed you shouldn't have to suffer anymore. He said for you to rest at peace, for he and God forgive your sins." His body jumped a few times as Grimmjow pulled into the parking lot of a restaurant.
Grimmjow felt his heart jump when Ichigo mentioned his prayers for the past two years, and his lungs lacked air when Ichigo said that Renji forgave him. So you heard me? Grimmjow mentally asked out to Renji's soul. I'm glad you did. His next breath was clear and fresh. His stomach rested, his chest felt relief, and his mind cleared.
"He forgives me?" asked Grimmjow as his hands slipped from the steering wheel. He pulled the key from the ignition and put them in his pocket. His hands, then, rested on his thighs and felt only the touch of the expensive material.
"He does," reassured Ichigo.
The blue haired man smiled effortlessly. Hearing that from Ichigo felt great. He didn't feel the guilt gnawing at him anymore. His shoulders didn't feel heavy from the weight, nor did his chest want to cave in. His soul was at rest.
His fingers went to the rosary and unbuttoned the two buttons at his collar. He loosened his tie, too. Then, he pulled the rosary free, showing the red braided fabric and clear beads. The cross hung at the end in a shiny coat of silver. Grimmjow kissed the cross and thanked God for his forgiveness.
Ichigo put a hand on Grimmjow's shoulder. "Feel better?" he asked. "I was going to tell you when we got to the restaurant, but I couldn't stand to see you cringing in your seat the entire way." When Grimmjow looked at him with the ocean eyes, he felt a cool feeling breeze over his skin. The ocean waves were calm and beating gently against the shore of Grimmjow's glassy eyes. The shine was sparkling over the water, showing that the blue haired man was at peace.
The orange haired man felt like he was inhaling fresh sea air. Seeing Grimmjow at peace put him at peace, too.
Grimmjow looked to Ichigo after setting the rosary down on his chest. "Thank you," he said. "Your words have confirmed that Renji heard my prayers, and I'm glad that you've agreed to be here with me...despite our past." He was repeating himself, but he really meant what he said. He looked at the gentle hand that covered his, which was on his lap.
"Two years would be too long for a grudge, Grimmjow," said Ichigo with a comforting smile. "Like I said, I forgave you a long time ago. I also find you very adorable." The truth came out oddly for Ichigo, so he blushed a little and took his hand back. "Don't be so nervous, either. It's bad enough that I'm feeling odd, too."
The blue haired man looked up at Ichigo and chuckled with red tinting his cheeks. He stared in to Ichigo's eyes; there he saw the sparkle he wanted to see for him. "And you still have the eyes of an angel," said Grimmjow. His smile was stuck on his face as he unbuckled his seat belt and got out of the car. He walked around and opened the passenger door.
He looked in when Ichigo didn't step out. His smile was still in place. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Ichigo looked at Grimmjow with a shy smile. He hadn't heard a compliment from a man in two years, and Grimmjow's comment just made his heart flutter with a bit of pride. He still believes that I have the eyes of an angel...
"I'm fine," he replied; Ichigo stepped out of the car and stood at the side as Grimmjow closed the door. He did his best to appear casual; thus, he looked about. "Karakura's Finest," Ichigo read aloud. He was looking at a sign on top of shop, which had an old school design. There were swinging wood doors and wood framed windows. He saw the signs advertising pie and other sweets. Then, he caught sight of the picture of a Japanese boy eating an American burger. An orange brow raised at that.
He looked to Grimmjow and opened his mouth to ask, but Grimmjow beat him to the line.
"This place may be a bit generic on the outside, but there's a bunch of good stuff in there. There're actually retired Japanese Americans running the restaurant, and their love for the states came with them," explained Grimmjow. "Besides, I really like the pie here." He looked at Ichigo, who was still staring at him quizzically. "Apple," mentioned Grimmjow.
Ichigo just smiled and shook his head. "I'll be the judge of their apple pie," he said. He crossed his arms to appear like a professional food critic.
"Be ready to be amazed," challenged Grimmjow. He slipped his hands into his pockets and gestured for Ichigo to follow him inside. As he pulled out a hand to open the swinging door, Ichigo had replied to his words.
"I'm always ready," countered Ichigo. He gave Grimmjow a sly smile and walked inside the restaurant. He waited by a sign that commanded all customers to wait for seating.
My angel, Grimmjow thought with pride. He walked inside and waited with Ichigo.
A waitress came by and gestured for them to follow her. Her dress billowed about her as she walked in cowgirl boots toward a booth at the back of the restaurant.
Grimmjow's mind wasn't on the waitress or the restaurant. His attention was occupied by the orange haired man who was accompanying him. The best part is that I can see him. As if I were looking at the true embodiment of both beauty and love. Chad was right; seeing it is truly a miracle.
Author's Note:
I hope you all liked that chapter. :) I shall work to make the next one awesome! I made the dream part for both awesomeness and story transition. Do you all like? Si or no? Now, we all can get down to business.
I had to listen to a bunch music to finish this chapter up. Teehee. One more thing, I'm sorry for updating late. I would usually post weekly, but my college time is being taken by assignments. So the updates will be random in the future.
On a side note, I have an announcement. I am also working on Inugami x Ichigo FF fics. Though, they are one shots for now. I find the pair really fun to work with, and I have written two stories of the pair already. I'm not advertising my stories, for my main point is to reach out and ask for help. Help me create a new wave of awesome stories. Look on my profile under "Revolution" for more info.
Thanks, and I'll see y'all in the next chapter.