The Substitute Teacher

Chapter 11


xXx


Almost two weeks had passed since Miss Saiko died and since Renji had found comfort in the arms of his student. The funeral was small and simple, just how Miss Saiko would've wanted. There were people who Renji hadn't seen in years, Rukia was there too and, of course, Ichigo. The teen was the only one who came not even knowing the woman; he was there for Renji and the redhead appreciated it immensely.

Renji was pretty depressed that day, but as more days passed, he was slowly returning to his normal self. Ichigo was there for him, either as a silent comfort or a cheerful company who'd distract his thoughts to happier things.

Slowly but surely, Renji was beginning to believe he was on a good way to end up happy with how his life was going. His substituting job was still on, and it now brought him even more joy not only because he was able to see Ichigo every day, but because he didn't have to think of ways to get him to open up.

After their first night together, Ichigo became even more trusting and opened, practically laying his heart out for Renji to see. All the stuff that had to do with Miss Saiko and her funeral were causing him to talk about his mother and there were a few times that the two young men were comforting each other at the same time. It just worked that way. Each time Ichigo cried his heart out, he seemed to feel better than before. Renji believed it was a good therapy for both of them.

The only problem seemed to be their societal roles and the fact that Ichigo was still a minor, but that was hardly what either of them thought about in the newly found romance. Besides, the only person who knew about them was Rukia.


xXx


Ichigo felt like he was being courted. The redheaded, tattooed punk that was his substitute teacher was a gentle and patient boyfriend. Of course, they couldn't be open about their relationship while being in public, but Renji would make it up within a moment when they'd enter his apartment. They would spend the evening cuddling and kissing, not going anywhere further than what they did on their first night.

Ichigo never experienced something like that, and everything Renji did to him, or for him felt so nice and warm. He'd get tingling butterflies in his stomach every time Renji would start kissing him or nibbling his neck and it would always make him smile and just purr affectionately.


xXx


One Friday evening, Renji had a different idea. It was already late evening when they finished their training in the gym and they were walking to Renji's apartment. Ichigo had gotten a permission from his dad to sleep over at 'a friend's house' so he was extra cheerful.

As they were in a deep discussion about various exercises, Ichigo didn't even notice that they've taken a different route to the redhead's building. When he did notice, Renji was already leading him through Karakura Community Park.

"Aren't we taking the longer way?"

"Yep," the redhead smirked, casting a look to the left and right and then sliding his arm around Ichigo's shoulders.

The boy smiled and pressed close. There was no one in the park after dark anyway and they were able to show some affection before getting to Renji's apartment.

"I wish I could do this more often," the redhead sighed, stopping and smiling down at Ichigo, putting both arms around him.

The teen relaxed against his sensei, savoring the warmth of his body in the cold autumn air. He couldn't explain it – he loved how it was chilly outside and how he could feel it on his cheeks, but at the same time there was Renji keeping the rest of him warm.

Renji's soft lips descended on his own and Ichigo only had to close his eyes to forget that they were standing in the middle of the park. He loved kissing. It always made him feel a bit lightheaded and flustered, and Renji was always there to give him more.

Lost in the sensations, he didn't hear the footsteps down the path. Just as he felt Renji's skilled tongue gently sliding inside his mouth, the older man suddenly stopped and pulled away.

"Why did you..." Ichigo murmured, gazing up at the redhead. Renji was looking somewhere behind Ichigo's back with a slightly disturbed expression. The teen turned to see what it was and as his eyes met the cobalt blue ones of his classmate, he felt a blush creeping onto his face.

"Ishida..."

"Uh, hi... Kurosaki, A-Abarai-sensei..."

Ichigo felt Renji tensing up, but deep inside, he was glad that the redhead didn't let go of him. He wasn't sure, but he sensed that he'd be slightly offended if Renji had jumped away from him at the sight of someone they both knew.

"Ishida-kun," Renji greeted, smiling a bit at the curious, but otherwise not disapproving look the raven teen was giving them.

"I was just... um, passing by, you know? Uh, went to buy sewing stuff..." Ishida lifted the bag he was holding in his left hand.

"No need to explain yourself," Renji said amiably.

"Well, have a pleasant evening," Ishida blurted out a bit too fast and began walking.

"Hey, Ishida," Ichigo called out.

"Yeah," the other boy turned.

"Can I call you tomorrow?"

"Sure," the raven haired teen nodded and smiled a bit. "Bye Ichigo, Abarai-sensei."

"Bye," the blond murmured after him.

"That went well," Renji chuckled. "I guess the shock will wear off by tomorrow."

"You think?"

"Oh believe me, I've had my share of homophobes... This is a very good reaction! I just hope he doesn't blurt it out to a wrong person or we might get in trouble," Renji said lightly, but the concern was visible in his dark mahogany eyes.

"He won't," Ichigo assured. He knew Ishida. Even if he would want to tell someone, he'd at least wait until he talked with him. Ishida wasn't a person who'd share the details about other's privacy just like that. "But I wanna talk to him tomorrow. I feel like I owe him an explanation... He and Chad are my closest friends, you know?"

"It's great to have a friend who understands you."

"That's Rukia-san for you, right?"

"Yep, but please, call her Rukia. She already complained that it makes her feel old when you use honorifics."

"Alright," Ichigo laughed and took Renji's hand. "Let's go?"

"Sure," Renji planted a short kiss on the teen's lips and tugged him to start walking.


xXx


Lying contently in Renji's arms, Ichigo nuzzled his chest, taking in the masculine scent he liked so much. "Renji?"

"Hmm," the deep voice rumbled pleasantly from deep within.

"What did you mean when you said you had your share of homophobes?"

The big redhead chuckled. "Let's just say that I forgot myself a few times while being out."

"Was it bad?"

"Nah... Sticks and stones, baby."

Ichigo sighed. Renji was already going out and kissing other guys when he was just a sniveling kid. He frowned and hid his face in Renji's shoulder.

"What's the matter, Ichi?"

"Nothing, I'm being stupid."

"Come on, spit it out."

"Well... You were like... doing all this stuff while I was still in elementary school... I guess I'm just jealous..."

"Alright, but answer me this. Who's with me, in my bed right now," Renji smirked and nuzzled the boy's hair, waiting for him to look at him.

"I am," Ichigo's smile widened.

"You are," Renji squirmed in his bed until he had both his arms around Ichigo. "You've no idea how you're making me feel..."

Ichigo just hummed in response, snuggling close to that loving warmth. He never thought he'd like cuddling that much and it was a pleasant surprise. It again passed through his head that he was feeling safe and cared about while in Renji's arms. He never, ever wanted it to stop.


xXx


To be continued...