Whoo, finals are over and I can relax a little! I'll apologize with a longer chapter =D. So, we're continuing to build the drama and cut off relationships. Also there is hot smutty sex in this chapter, but it is edited out to AO3. I will always post my stories there unedited, but don't here because of the ban on MA writing. Still working on moving some of my other stuff over too. Let me know what you think!

Rukia woke to a missed call from Ichigo the night before. Because of the late hour, Rukia's heart pounded in her chest. Not pushing to reveal her suitors ate her alive, and she'd grown paranoid. Did Ichigo already know? Why else would he call so late? When she returned from her college, Orihime informed her Ichigo stopped by, but when she went over, no one was home. She tried calling him too, but he didn't answer. Orihime told her he seemed upset. Rukia didn't ask Renji to keep quiet about it; however, she planned to… it just didn't work out like she hoped. Ichigo must have gone home and confronted Renji and he spilled everything. Rukia sat up and swallowed, afraid to listen until she forced herself to hit the voicemail button.

"Rukia, we need to talk. Renji told me about the other guys. I don't appreciate being led on and if what he said is true, I'm cutting off whatever this is now. Call me back."

Rukia sighed. Still, it was better to deal with it now instead of waiting. Rukia bundled up, and ran her fingers through her unruly hair, took a deep breath, then headed toward Ichigo and Renji's apartment. The amount of blood rushing to her head from the building stress made it ache. Orihime was sleeping or she would have woken her up for a pep talk, but she would have to just be honest. She owed Ichigo that much. It wasn't fair and put her in a terrible light with him. "Whore" came to mind, and it made her cringe to think he may see her as one because of her hesitancy to tell him the truth.

When she stepped outside, the bright sun illuminated the afternoon and the Earth seemed still. All she heard was the calls of birds strong enough to stand the winter. It was peaceful… for now. Rukia raised a hand and knocked. Kiko barked her response, making sure everyone in the apartment realized they had a visitor. She heard the firm "hush!" from inside and immediate silence from the rambunctious puppy. There was a pause before the front door swung open. For the first time since they'd met, Ichigo did not smile when he saw her. Instead, he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorway.

"You have something you need to tell me," he started.

It was a statement, not a question. Rukia wrapped her arms around her waist. "I do. Can I come in?"

It seemed like Ichigo considered saying no, but he swung the door back and blocked an eager dog from speeding past him. Rukia entered and watched as Ichigo sat on the couch. Kiko was busy jumping up and down around her. It was imperative to stay consistent with Kiko because if someone gave in and gave her attention when she begged, next time she'd beg even harder because it worked once. Rukia followed Ichigo to the couch with Kiko nudging the backs of her legs with every step. The moment she sat down, Kiko's head was in her lap, tail wagging like a whip. Rukia continued to ignore her. Kiko whined and pawed at Rukia's foot, which didn't even earn her a glance. Finally, Kiko sat calmly and Rukia rubbed her head.

"Good girl!" Rukia praised.

Turning to look at Ichigo, Rukia began. "There are four people interested in me, including Renji. I tried to tell you during our date, but I wasn't persistent enough. After we kissed, I thought I missed my chance to discuss it with you in the best moment in hopes you wouldn't think less of me. I still want a relationship with you."

"Did you worry that I'd think you never took me seriously?" Ichigo spoke. "That you're a liar? That you were toying with me?"

"I wasn't toying with you!" Rukia exclaimed. "I didn't seek these people out either. I told each of them from the very start I was getting to know you and they didn't care."

"And you still kept hanging out with them, anyway?"

Rukia remained silent. When he put it in perspective, she looked horrible no matter how she tried to rationalize her reasons. She could have cut off Grimmjow, Kensei, and Soi Fon when they made their intentions known, but she risked keeping them around. It dawned on Rukia that she ruined any chance she may have had with Ichigo. The intense glare he shot her showed not just anger but hurt.

"I thought I could still be just friends with them," Rukia whispered. "I realize it wasn't smart. I never meant to hurt you, but I guess my question is where do we go from here?"

Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest. "Are you letting the other people go?"

Rukia stopped herself from saying yes because it wasn't true. Soi Fon and Grimmjow were important to her. Kensei she could say goodbye to and Renji was just a friend, but it wasn't possible to dismiss Grimmjow and Soi Fon so easy.

"Two of them yes," Rukia answered. "The other two, Soi Fon and Grimmjow, mean something to me. Each of them brings something to the table I've grown to care about. It's the same as with you."

"You realize no matter how you try to rationalize it, you kind of fucked us over before we ever got started. I don't share."

Rukia played with the hem of her jacket. "So, is this it?"

Ichigo stood up and pulled the hoodie of his red jacket over his head. "You aren't willing to cut the others. I don't come second best to anyone. So yeah, whatever you want to call this is over."

He walked to the door. "You can leave now."

Rukia blinked at his rudeness before frowning. She went up to him and poked him in the chest. "You have every reason to be upset. I messed up and I'm sorry. I should have told you from the beginning, but I wasn't toying with you. I enjoyed our time together and hope maybe we could still be friends at least."

Ichigo opened the door and said, "I'll think about it."

Sarcasm dripped from his words as he slammed the door behind her. Rukia sighed and returned to her apartment. Orihime sat in the living room eating her favorite cereal with sugar added on top. That was the most normal food her best friend liked. Rukia swallowed back her frustrations and plopped down next to her. Orihime took one look at her and put her bowl down, concern written over her features.

"It didn't go well?" Orihime probed.

Rukia loved her best friend's ability to read her mind. Orihime understood by her body language. Rukia lowered her head in response.

"Did he end things?"

Rukia nodded. "I figured he would. He's furious with me."

Orihime shrugged and sighed. "I'm sorry Rukia. I know you liked him a lot, but at least he's one less person you have to figure out your feelings for. It really wasn't fair to him."

"That's true," Rukia began, "but they didn't care. I figured Ichigo would, and I had every intention of telling him. I just-"

"Wait, I thought you told him on your date last night?" Orihime interrupted. "You didn't?"

"I didn't try hard enough then Renji told him."

Orihime's face contorted. "Oh no, that's terrible."

Rukia laid down. "Tell me about it."

Orihime grabbed one of Rukia's feet. She placed it in her lap and massaged. Rukia sighed in content, flexing as her best friend applied pressure to the sole of her foot.

"What will you do now?" Orihime asked. "Are you going to try to win him back?"

Rukia bit her lip. "I can't. His condition was that I drop the others."

"So, you care for Ichigo, this Grimmjow guy, and Soi Fon I'm guessing?"

Hearing it out loud made Rukia realize just what kind of predicament she allowed herself in. "Yes, but I guess I'll just give Ichigo his space and hope we can remain friends."

Orihime reached out to grasp her friend's hand and smoothed her thumb over her skin. "I hope so."

Rukia spent the rest of the day in a daze. She fumed about Renji telling Ichigo. It wasn't his place; she planned to tell him! She texted Renji asking why. So far, he hadn't responded. Rukia rolled her eyes. If he was just ignoring that was fine because she couldn't care less about him right now. Instead, she texted Grimmjow. It had been some time since she'd seen him and now that the cat was out of the bag; she felt less guilty about spending time with him. She just wanted to lounge.

What are you up to?

Grimmjow texted back within five minutes.

Just got off work. Miss me or something?

Rukia's annoyance and fondness for this man spiked. "He's such a cocky jerk."

After a bit of banter between them, Rukia agreed to go to his place. Grimmjow said he would have a few friends over that evening and they planned to watch the MMA fight. He tasked her with bringing a snack. So much for just lounging around. Still, her curiosity peaked at what types of friends Grimmjow had. Were they all like him in personality? If so, she could hear the arguments brewing. Grimmjow told her to come over eight. It was four so Rukia had enough time for a trip to the grocery store. Spicy edamame would do the trick and it didn't take long to prepare. She pushed her confrontation aside, bundled up, and traveled to the store. Orihime worked tonight, or she'd ask her to come with her. To show her appreciation of Orihime's constant support, Rukia bought her some semi-sweet chocolate chips and celery. Rukia never met someone with weirder taste buds in her life, but she loved Orihime like a sister and teased her about it like a sibling.

Rukia had enough time after getting her ingredients to stop by Mezamiz and order a chai tea latte. It was the perfect thing to help warm her chilled bones. The brunette drove the familiar way to her workplace. She'd return to work tomorrow, but she still enjoyed stopping in for a drink or scone. Rukia swung the door open and froze. Leaning over the counter was Rangiku. Skintight blue jeans hugged her frame, accentuating her curves. Timberland heels covered her feet and her green fluffy jacket showed the stylishness of someone who dressed to impress. Her long lashes batted at Kaien who seemed smitten judging by the grin on his face. He reached out to brush stray tangerine locks behind her ear. She and Rangiku hadn't spoken since the text Rukia sent her on Christmas. Rangiku never replied which told Rukia she had no interest in clearing the air. He glanced and spotted her.

"Hey Rukia!" he exclaimed. "Happy late Christmas!"

"Happy late Christmas to you too," Rukia said with a forced smile. "I think I need a chai latte."

"All right, coming right up."

Rangiku turned and gave her a sickly-sweet smile that almost made Rukia's face sour. Today couldn't get any better. She crossed her arms behind her back and waited for the other woman to speak.

"How have you been Rukia dear?" Rangiku asked. "I hear having a good time shacking up with other people's exes."

Rukia frowned. "I'm not 'shacking up' with anyone and even if I am, it's none of your business."

"You've turned out to be quite the bitch," Rangiku snapped. "You know how much I care about Kensei."

Rukia placed her hands on her hips. "Why do I need to care about your feelings when I'm a boring acquaintance who you'll never consider a good friend? Comments like that tell me you never saw me as a friend. Well, I thought you were my friend, a great one. And for your information, I turned Kensei down many times out of respect for our friendship and because he acted like a douche bag, but after realizing you'd gossip about me behind my back, I lost interest in sparing your feelings."

Rangiku scoffed. "I didn't realize feisty Rukia had such fragile feelings. I didn't say anything that wasn't true."

"Good to have that cleared up," Rukia answered while moving past Rangiku. "You should ask Kensei why he was coming onto me. I have no control over what another person wants."

Rukia brushed past her to pay for her drink. Rangiku played with the ends of her hair as she glared where Rukia once stood while seething at that little bitch's audacity. She had no remorse about Kensei. Just because Rangiku let some very true comments slip, Rukia wanted to act high and mighty. Rangiku would gladly help knock her off the throne. She was the original queen bee and some worthless brat wouldn't take that from her.

"Kaien," Rangiku called. "I'll see you later this evening okay?"

"You bet!" he called from his place behind the counter. Rangiku blew him a kiss and turned to leave, but not before winking at Rukia first. Kaien took Rukia's card and rung her up. "She's something else, isn't she?"

"She sure is." Rukia glanced over her shoulder as the door shut. "Just be careful Kaien."

Kaien's bright smile faltered. "Why do you say that?"

Rukia didn't want to badmouth Rangiku but didn't want to see her boss get hurt. Kaien's sweet personality and how he always found the best in everyone made her open her mouth to explain… but she shut it. Although she wanted to warn him, Rukia had enough of her own drama and couldn't afford to get tangled up in someone else's.

"No reason. You're a great guy is all."

Kaien tapped his chin. "It's funny, but Rangiku mentioned you'd say that. Do you guys have some bad blood?"

Rukia shrugged. "We don't click as well as I thought."

She returned home with her spoils all the while wondering if Rangiku was scheming something. It wouldn't be the first time the petty woman tore someone down without them realizing she planned it. She texted Soi Fon to ask if Rangiku said anything to her. They hadn't talked in a few days and she must be on edge waiting for an answer. Rukia bit her lip; she couldn't answer that question yet. Still, texted Soi Fon with an offhanded comment about her run-in with Rangiku. As Rukia dried the edamame, Soi Fon texted back.

I'm not sure, but she's not backing down.

Rukia bit the inside of her cheek in annoyance.

There's nothing to get aggressive about. Kensei still won't want her regardless of what bullshit she pulls.

Rukia paused and texted about their hanging relationship.

I haven't forgotten about earlier this week. This is a huge decision for me. I need more time.

Rukia had enough time to season the edamame before her phone buzzed again.

Alright, I'll be waiting.

Rukia pulled up Grimmjow's house and noticed other cars in the driveway. It was in a cozy suburban neighborhood with a well-trimmed yard. She noticed the vibrant colors of the other houses. Grimmjow's was white with a black roof and gray trimming; how dreary. Rukia grabbed her container and stepped out. Music reached her ears the closer she got to the door. Heavy metal. That didn't surprise Rukia.

The front door swung open and Grimmjow stepped out grinning. Rukia couldn't stop herself from studying him: black long-sleeved shirt and fit jeans, the loose strands of cyan tresses settling between his electric blue eyes. A small stud gleamed in his right ear and the swagger he held as he closed the gap between them made Rukia's mouth dry. He snatched the container from her hands, snapping her back into reality.

"This smells fucking delicious."

"Can you say hello first?!" Rukia snapped.

Grimmjow balanced the container and embraced her with his free arm. He planted a soft kiss on her forehead then moved to her cheek before dropping a sensual, slow kiss to her mouth. "How's that?"

"Good," Rukia murmured, fingers gripping his sides.

Grimmjow studied her, raising an eyebrow. "No shitty comeback about Ich-fuck or whatever his name is?"

"It's Ichigo," Rukia corrected. "And he's not in the picture anymore."

The blue-haired male grinned. "I told you I'd one-up the shit out of him."

"It had nothing to do with you!"

Rukia entered Grimmjow's house and walked down the narrow hallway leading to the living room, stopping first to take off her boots before reaching the tan carpet. A beautiful woman with waist-length teal-colored hair stood at the kitchen's bar. Rukia admired her curvy yet toned figure. A towering male stood next to her. She didn't plan to comment on his height knowing he'd heard every annoying remark ever thought of and he looked unsociable. On the couch was another woman with beautiful dark tanned skin. Rukia had never seen a hairstyle like hers before, blond hair cut short save two long strands framing her face.

"Is this Rukia?" The lady with teal hair greeted Rukia with a warm smile and pulled her into a hug. "I'm Nell! Nice to meet you."

The embrace and learning that Grimmjow talked about her surprised Rukia. "Yes, I'm Rukia. Nice to meet you too Nell."

"Is this the bitch you've been droolin' over, Blueberry?" the tall guy asked.

Rukia's eyebrows lifted. She noticed he didn't look friendly but what audacity! "Don't call me a bitch, asshole!"

He only grinned. His smile was so wide it creeped Rukia out. "She's got a little spark in her. I see why you're headfirst in her ass."

Rukia was five seconds from letting this rude jerk have it when Nell pulled her aside. "I'm sorry Rukia. He doesn't mean any harm. He just talks rough."

"Does he call you that?" Rukia questioned as her heart rate returned to normal.

Nell shrugged. "He does. We've dated for two years and sometimes he forgets who he's talking to. I just kick his ass and he remembers."

"That's an abusive relationship," Rukia commented.

"I've been telling her that for years." The blonde stood and extended a hand to Rukia. "My name is Harribel. The asshole, as you so correctly put it, is Nnoitra."

Rukia's eyes shifted to Nnoitra in disgust. Grimmjow whispered to him with a pissed off expression. Good, Nnoitra needed someone to put him in his place. Nell padded back to the kitchen.

"Can I get you something to drink Rukia?" she called. "We've got all kinds of drinks!"

"I'll take some plum wine if you have it," Rukia replied while plopping down on the worn leather.

She glanced at her surroundings. They'd mounted a large 65-inch TV on the eggshell white wall. A shelf beside it contained rows of movies and video games. To Rukia's surprise, CDs lined the top shelf. She rose to search through them. She nodded impressed at the variety: R&B to heavy metal and even orchestra music. Whose CDs were these?

"Interesting stuff, huh?"

Rukia noticed Grimmjow standing behind her. His hand rested on her hip.

"This is all yours?"

His wandering hand quickened her pulse, and she had no desire to remove it. She needed to see if there was something substantial between her and this wild man she'd grown fond of.

"Yeah." Grimmjow reached for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD. "Not a huge Christmas guy, but fuck it, they're talented."

"I would never have taken you for the classical music type," Rukia commented while sipping her drink. She touched the Five Finger Death Punch cover. "Now heavy metal I understand."

"What does a sheltered girl like you know about an American metal band like Five Finger Death Punch?" Grimmjow teased.

Rukia turned and nudged his chest. "More than you think, jerk. Like the song that's playing is Weight Beneath My Sin."

Grimmjow's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "I swear, that's the hottest thing you've ever said to me."

Rukia rolled her eyes with a smile tugging at her lips. She pushed him aside to return to her seat with him hot on her trail. They settled on the couch. Nnoitra turned the music off and the fights began. Rukia watched the excited expression on Grimmjow and Nnoitra's faces while watching the fights. Their childlike enthusiasm was cute. At the end of a vicious battle with one contender knocked unconscious, the winner held up a fist as the crowd cheered. Nnoitra jumped to his feet with a triumphant smile while Grimmjow cursed.

"I told ya my guy was it!" Nnoitra shouted. He pointed at Grimmjow. "You're dude's a bitch!"

"Shut up, you ass!" Grimmjow yelled. "He has the ref in his pocket! You heard all the booing after that cheap-ass groin shot your bitch did!"

Rukia gave Nell a questioning look. She smiled in return and patted Rukia's leg. "They're best friends that act like teenage brothers sometimes."

"Twelve-year-old brothers," Harribel corrected. She stood and returned to the kitchen. "Would you like some rum and coke Rukia?"

"Sure," she called. "Did they eat all the edamame?"

"Almost," Harribel answered. "I will fix you some."

Nnoitra studied Rukia after she mentioned edamame. "Can you cook well, brunette?"

Rukia rolled her eyes. "The name is Rukia, 'brunette'. I'm not the best, but I have some good recipes."

He nodded reaching over to grasp Nell by the back of her head. He kissed her hard. "We need that goddamn recipe."

Nell laughed and ran her fingers through his long dark tresses. "I guess you like it, huh?"

Rukia reached for the plate and drink that Harribel brought her. She took a good sip of the drink, enjoying the cinnamon flavor of the rum sliding down her throat. Rukia watched Grimmjow grab himself another beer and sit next to her. Rukia's eyes traveled to his feathery aqua hair; she reached to run her fingers through it. He kissed the inside of her wrist, burning gaze making her breath catch in her throat. The carnal desire flickering in this man's bright blue eyes made the sting of Ichigo's rejection lessen.

"Tell me what happened with that other fuck," Grimmjow said as he sipped his beer.

Rukia sighed, leaning in to avoid the others hearing their conversation. "He found out about you, Soi Fon, and Kensei. His roommate also likes me and told him before I could."

"Soi Fon?" Grimmjow paused, sitting forward. "Is that a woman?!"

"Um… yes."

Grimmjow's fangs exposed from how wide he grinned. "I didn't know you liked women. That's fucking hot."

"Hey," Rukia interrupted. "She's off-limits." Rukia downed the rest of her drink. "And I'm not sure what I think of her. I've never liked a woman before."

Just as Grimmjow opened his mouth to reply, the front door opened with a slight creak. Nnoitra checked out their new visitor. "Hey, Kensei! I didn't know your punk ass was coming."

"Fuck off Nnoitra," Kensei snapped. "You keep forgetting I'm not Grimmjow and I will kick your skinny ass!"

"You talk so much shit bu-"

"Hi Kensei," Nell interrupted, getting up to greet the other male. "How are you? Would you like a beer?"

"He can get his own damn beer!" Nnoitra barked.

"Cut it out Nnoitra," Nell instructed as she went to the kitchen.

Nnoitra grumbled under his breath and turned back to the TV. His and Nell's relationship seemed toxic to Rukia. They fistfight and verbally abuse each other, but she studied them as Nell walked over to Nnoitra and smacked him across the back of the head. He dragged her into his lap with her giggling to kiss her neck and cheeks; she knew only they could understand their relationship. That still didn't make it any less textbook domestic abuse. She and Kensei locked eyes. He smiled sat on her other side. Grimmjow placed a hand on Rukia's thigh and she frowned.

"Don't tell me you're staking your claim," Rukia said, rolling her eyes at Grimmjow.

"You already know you're mine," Grimmjow responded. The conviction in his voice stopped her from refuting his bold statement. He reached out to Kensei who gave him a quick handshake across her lap. "Took you long enough Kensei. Stop actin' like you have other friends but me."

"Fuck off," Kensei snapped again. His voice was harsh, but he still grinned. His eyes landed on Rukia again. "Hey, Rukia. How have you been?"

"Could be better," Rukia replied. "How about you Kensei?"

"Same." Kensei pulled out a square black box. "Merry Christmas. I told ya at my last race I'd get you something."

"What's this?" Rukia questioned as he placed the item on her lap. "I told you no gifts!"

"And I said if you didn't like it, oh well."

Rukia huffed and opened the box. "You can't win me over with jewelry. You better…"

Rukia's words trailed off as she looked at the simple necklace in the box. It was a teardrop emerald stone on a silver chain. Around it, the stone had an asymmetrical design that made it unique. Even though it was beautiful, Rukia didn't care for jewelry. She didn't wear necklaces and didn't want to start a trend of getting expensive gifts she felt uncomfortable receiving.

"I can't accept this," Rukia began, putting the necklace back in the box. "It's beautiful, but I don't want gifts. I don't wear jewelry this extravagant, anyway."

"Take it Rukia," Grimmjow spoke. "Who turns away free jewelry?"

"Me because I don't want a misunderstanding of where Kensei and I stand."

"I know where we stand," Kensei spoke. "I've told ya to stop fighting me. Get used to nice shit happening for you. I bet you're not used to it."

Rukia's gaze jumped between the two brash men that had her sandwiched and sighed. She liked their straightforwardness, but their personalities were so similar, she couldn't imagine how this might end well. Rukia didn't want to break up a friendship. Kensei buying her a gift meant nothing; in fact, Rukia might see if Orihime wanted it. Her best friend adored jewelry. Kensei brushed the side of her cheek with his finger before getting up to get another beer.

"That doesn't bother you?" Rukia asked Grimmjow.

"Nah." Grimmjow stretched. "I'll one-up the shit out of him too."

The fights continued and the more alcohol Rukia drank, the more she got into it. At one point, she and Nnoitra rooted for the same fighter and when he won, they high-fived. Then Nnoitra said something stupid, "You're not bad, bitch!"The taller male was standing next to her and she elbowed him hard in the stomach.

"I told you not to call me that!"

He coughed and frowned. "You little-"

"Knock it off Nnoitra!" Grimmjow yelled. "Try something and I'll fuck you up!"

"Stop actin' whipped, Blueberry!"

Rukia rolled her eyes and left to use the restroom. Her head swam from drinking two more rum and coke mixes. She needed to call a taxi because she wasn't fit to drive anywhere. Rukia didn't intend to get drunk with people she just met other than Grimmjow and Kensei, but it was too late. Warmth inched over her body and her vision swam. At least everyone was intoxicated, and the other outdrank her by a huge margin. Nell already had a wine-colored birthmark that spread over her cheeks. Now surrounding it was the red tinge of alcohol. At least Grimmjow, Nnoitra, and Nell got trashed in their own house. Rukia realized with a muddled brain what a great idea that was.

After using the bathroom, Rukia washed her hands and exited. The long darkened hall had two closed doors and her curiosity peaked wondering what Grimmjow's room looked like. If things continued heating up between them, she'd see soon enough. It was almost eleven o'clock and Rukia planned to tell her company that her taxi was on its way. She was tipsy, tired, and over her socializing. Her bed whispered her name. Kensei turned the corner a second later. He'd drank too much and now kept licking his lips, a quirk she noticed after he drained his fifth beer. Kensei wasn't toppling over drunk but his eyes seemed glassy as he stared her down. He advanced with Rukia trying to walk past him. The ivory-haired male refused, grasped her wrist and swung her around until her back pressed against the wall.

"What are you doing?" Rukia asked as he closed the gap between them and cupped her cheek.

"Something fucking stupid," he whispered before pressing his lips against hers.

Rukia's eyes widened, and she gasped. Kensei took that moment to slide his tongue into her mouth. Alcohol laced his breath as it did hers. How bold of him to sneak a kiss with Grimmjow in the next room. Every negative thought about Kensei fizzled away and left confusion in their wake. She placed her hands on his muscled chest intending to push him off, but his kiss and muddied brain halted her, leaving her fingers spreading over his pecks. She'd pushed Kensei away at least half a dozen times yet he still pursued her. Why did he keep trying, often taking shattering blows to his pride in the process?

Rukia knew Kensei was no good. She'd heard the stories of how he screwed over her ex-friend and although she and Rangiku didn't care for each other now, Rukia believed Kensei's treatment of her was cruel. Rukia doubted he'd change for her. Still, their time spent at breakfast and at the races showed another fun side to him. His diligence of taking care of his mother showed he had a caring side too. Plus, he admitted his mistakes with Rangiku seemed malicious, but he acknowledged his wrongs and wished he'd done things differently. Rukia focused when Kensei pressed himself against her, hands running down her sides and sending shivers up her spine. He moved to kiss down her jawline, breath fanning over her cheek.

"Stop," Rukia breathed. "Grimmjow is in the other room."

"Do you want me to?" Kensei whispered, his finger sliding between the top of her jeans against her stomach.

"I… I think this…"

He hadn't touched her much but her body betrayed her, core throbbing and eager to see where his wandering hands traveled despite her brain rationalizing why this couldn't end well.

"Tryin' to get on my woman are you, Kensei?"

Rukia almost jumped through her skin and snapped out of her lustful haze. "Grimmjow! I can explain!"

"No need," Grimmjow answered as he stalked toward her. "We're gonna fix this right now. Get your last kiss Kensei."

Kensei licked his lips and kissed Rukia again. "It won't be the last time."

He turned back to the living room while Grimmjow reached for the same wrist Kensei grabbed and dragged her toward the last door. He threw it open and pulled Rukia inside, shutting it behind her.

"Stop dragging me!" Rukia ordered.

"Shut up," Grimmjow replied.

Rukia was about to protest. Grimmjow slammed their mouths together before she uttered a word. The raw passion radiating from him made her head spin. Grimmjow sandwiched her against the wall, hands gripping her face as their tongues interlaced for the first time. Rukia stopped worrying about her situation, about both of them being intoxicated, about perhaps thinking this should happen while sober. She relinquished the guilt of being dishonest with Ichigo and leaving Soi Fon without an answer. Rukia would focus and work through those problems tomorrow. She had a gorgeous man breathing along her neck, hard cock pressed against her who required her full attention. Rukia wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders as he lifted her bridal style. A few steps and they tumbled into his messy bed. Grimmjow climbed on top of her and situated himself between her parted thighs His arms hooking underneath her shoulders as he ground his arousal against her, earning a soft moan. The friction was so incredible and Rukia realized it had been too long since she last enjoyed someone's hands roaming over the planes of her body. This man who was grazing his teeth along her throat, tongue ghosting over its length made her want everything he offered, but she had one question.

"Grimmjow," Rukia whispered. "What are we doing? What does this mean?"

"It means in this moment; you belong to me."

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"I don't know what to do," Rukia muttered. "I am attracted to you, Soi Fon, Ichigo, and… Kensei. I have to admit that to myself. I think Ichigo is out of the picture, but how am I supposed to choose?"

Grimmjow remained silent. His fingers drew a lazy circle along her abdomen. "I can't make that decision. Why don't you stop trying to figure it out and just be honest? You already admitted you care for all of us."

Rukia turned and propped herself up on her elbow. "What do you mean?"

"Where the hell is your brain right now?!" Grimmjow taunted. "You're goddamn polyamorous. Even I figured that out."

Polyamorous. Having more than one meaningful relationship with all parties aware. The word fit her situation, not perfect as all parties didn't know at first. Rukia wanted more than anything to choose one, but she couldn't. She loved her and Grimmjow's banter, the way they fed off each other's energy, and his fiery personality. Then Soi Fon, her strength, beauty, and levelheadedness caught her attention early on despite her incessant denials. Their relationship seemed natural despite Rukia's ignorance of same-sex romance. The way she'd supported her during her ruthless Christmas dinner with her shitty family. When they'd kissed, it made her doubt her sexuality. The laughs and jokes they'd shared, even the awkward night they stargazed when Soi Fon tried to kiss her were fond memories.

Kensei was an outlier. She'd pushed him away what felt like a thousand times not just for Rangiku's sake, but because she didn't want to get involved with a man who disregarded women's feelings. Someone who was so cocky about himself it was sickening. Even though he'd shown his true colors from the beginning, they seemed to be a distant memory. Maybe he was after her at first because she refused him, but that changed. Rukia didn't harbor the same level of attachment, but she still wondered. Rukia had gotten to know him on a different plane, one where he wasn't just the overconfident drag racer. Then their heated kiss made Rukia wonder if there was something between them other than attraction. Their breakfast allowed them to relax. They teased and laughed like friends who'd known one another for years.

Next… Ichigo. She hated that he ended their relationship and Rukia's guilt increased now that she realized she lied about Kensei's importance. Rukia still selfishly wished they could try again. Those intense cinnamon eyes, his sultry half-grin, and unusual tangerine locks caught her attention first. That was the difference between him and her other suitors; they had an instant mutual attraction. Rukia thought nothing of Grimmjow, Soi Fon, or Kensei in the beginning, Ichigo captured her attention without effort. Rukia couldn't deny she was polyamorous after mulling over her life in the last few months.

"Hm," was Rukia's simple response.

Still, putting a name to her confusion helped clarify things and released the tension in her chest. Now she needed to discuss her findings with her lovers. For now, she needed to sleep. Forget the taxi, the comfort of Grimmjow's arms, who was already fast asleep, sounded much more appealing. Good thing she never clicked through the app to pay for one.