There's a fluidity, a pattern to these things. One comes after another, in a sequence. You feel sad, next thing you know, you're drunk and confused in someone's house. You always want to drown out that pain time, Ichigo wasn't drunk. And not clear-headed, well kinda. He's just meandering in his thoughts while his body travels to places he's been. And now he's in front of a stranger's door. The same stranger who saved him twice for no particular reason.

He didn't expect to so suddenly meet those blue eyes but currently he was. Ichigo was shocked and in that moment, he was like a deer at headlights.

"So what're you doing here? From what I know, you didn't leave anything behind. The rooms empty when you left. I checked" the man said. Ichigo flinched a little, recollecting what he did the last time he saw the man with his wallet.

Ichigo regarded him and answered. Quickly coming up with an excuse, but failing miserably. So he just went with it and told the truth. No point lying.

"Oh hey… Just, just chilling. My mind kinda wondered around and I just ended up here, I guess" Ichigo shrugged.

The man stared at him, both not breaking eye contact. Until the elevator's ding broke it.

"Huh, you're weird kid. Really weird." The man snorted, looking down to his shoes.

"Stop it."

"What?"

"Calling me a kid. I have a name, you know."

The blue haired man just snorted. "You look no older than 18 years old. Would've guessed you were younger but since you are an alcoholic, I'm guessing you aren't that young."

"My name's Ichigo. Call me that."

"Okay Ichigo, I'm Grimmjow. I'd give you my last name but I bet you won't remember it so I won't bother."

Ichigo couldn't help but smile. Like what else could he do? He was finally having a decent conversation with the man. I mean, he would so love to call him his hero but he's not a princess and this wasn't a fairy tale. Too far from it.

They were still in front of his apartment. And Grimmjow was dressed casually. It would seem that either he just got back or he's planning on going out.

"I'm going out for dinner. So could you move? You can stay outside my house if you want. Since you were reminiscing and shit. Not gonna let you in though, FYI."

There was an awkward silence again. Ichigo blurted, "I'll treat you. I mean as a thanks. You saved my life twice and it'll be great if I can repay you. You know man's honour and all that jazz."

Grimmjow instantly smiled. Who would turn down a free meal? Considering he saved the kid's life twice, dinner was just a speck. Ichigo was just dazzled by the man's expression. He was more used to the growling, angrier, burlier version of the man in front of him. Seeing such an expression blew him away. The way those lips widened to showcase his teeth. This eyes softening up, his eyebrows relaxed. Ichigo's heart stuttered. An odd feeling. Never one he felt before. It's a nice feeling Ichigo realized, after a damn long time. And maybe. Just maybe he wanted the man to do it for him again.

They went to a Mexican restaurant nearby that Grimmjow suggested. They'd eat there and Ichigo was fine with it. It was quite a walking distance but they managed. And, surprisingly Grimmjow said he did like to walk so they did. It want much of an awkward time. Ichigo asked questions and Grimmjow readily answered though not all so willingly. They were strolling pretty close to each other since it was freezing out. Not too close but comfortably so.

"So how long you've been in this town?"

"Not that long. I don't know. A year? Served in the navy before that."

"You're not continuing?"

"Nah. Can't. Busted my shoulder on my third year of service."

"They don't take in the crippled." Grimmjow answered bitterly. His face scrunched a little but quickly hid it by snuffling the scarf that was around his neck. Ichigo understood that feeling. Not wanting to talk about something, not wanting to remember it. They continued on walking, Ichigo simply following where the other man went.

"How old are you?"

"24. You?"

"28. You're not as young as I'd thought you'd be."

"Yeah, you said that." Ichigo vaguely remembering the time Grimmjow said that about him, relating to his drinking habits.

"You in school?"

"Nah. Dropped out on my last year." Ichigo answered succinctly. His tone clearly hinting to the man not to continue. The man had some touchy subjects and so did he. They continues walking in silence until they walked past row of shops and restaurants which were open. It was 9pm and they apparently just opened. The hubbub was unsettling for Ichigo. He's not used to so many people. It's been a long time since he went to a place this populated. He quickly looked at Grimmjow, inwardly sighing in relief when seeing him still beside him.

"The place is here," Grimmjow grabbed his arm to pull him to the restaurant that was seemingly closed. Ramo's

The glass door opened and the tiny bell rang, signalling their entrance. And Ichigo was shocked when he saw other diners inside. Mostly couples and shady looking people eating. The restaurant was just dark. But it was part of the charm. Maybe only those who knew about this place would actually enter the establishment because from the outside, the restaurant really looked like it was out of business.

They chose a secluded booth and a waiter quickly came by. They sat face to face across each other, Grimmjow apparently calling for a waiter while Ichigo fondled his sweater sleeve. He was wearing an old green V-neck sweater with a pair of jeans and his usual boots while the other man was donned in a grey hoodie, jeans and boots. It was freezing out but apparently both of them didn't mind the cold.

It was a young lady in a waitress dress with an apron on it. A familiar shade of titian on her head and Ichigo was trying to hard to recall when he saw her before. She quickly came by, busy writing in the notepad and grabbing the menus. She went to their table, placing the hard paper on it and not even looking at them once.

Finally looking up,

"Hi, my name is Orihime, your server today. Our special to- ichigo? Is that you?" Her voice quickly changed to a high-pitched squeal that now Ichigo remembered dearly.

He was hugged to her chest, the way he was seated made it especially easy for her to grab him to her bosom. The familiar feeling of being squished on a soft, suffocating pair of breasts was oddly nostalgic.

Inoue Orihime.

One of his best friends in high school. Ichigo couldn't stop himself from hugging her back, momentarily forgetting that there was another person. They parted soon enough and Ichigo smiled when he saw her sobbing face.

"I missed you so much. Everyone does."

The whole dinner was chaos but ultimately, a pleasant experience. After the mushy moment, someone shouted from the kitchen at Orihime to do her job and stop hugging every customer. And she quickly took their order and buzzed off with her work. Of course, giving Ichigo her phone number before doing so.

Grimmjow was a little miffed with what had just happened but he didn't show it. The smile that Ichigo gave to her was indescribable. There was a weird feeling in his stomach when he did that and Grimmjow didn't know what to feel about it. He barely knew the kid and he decided to ignore the feeling.

The dinner continued on normally. They got their food and talked about anything and everything. They both liked sports, Ichigo liked basketball and Grimmjow liked football. Both hated golf, I mean come on, seriously, is isn't even a damned sport. He also found out that Ichigo was a black belt in taekwondo and was even considered Olympic material but stopped for some reason. The man looked uncomfortable when he was asked about why he didn't continue and Grimmjow knew he was treading on thin ice. He talked about his time in the navy, quickly signed up for service after finishing high school.

It was comfortable. They chatted, laughed and even shared their damn food. Ichigo being a wimp and ordered tacos while Grimmjow took on the super-famous spicy chili which was currently burning his mouth. Grimmjow was a man. They even argued about who was more masculine and shit. After finishing up their food, Ichigo paid and both went on their way back. When they walked back, Ichigo realised that he didn't really live too far away from Grimmjow.

"Thanks for everything. You know, for saving my life. Twice."

"You're welcome. And thanks for the meal. Don't worry, you don't owe me shit anymore." Grimmjow said, grinning at Ichigo.

"Oh, wow uh thanks." Smooth, man, smooth. Ichigo was honestly surprised because Grimmjow didn't look like he was, you know generous.

Now it's awkward. Shit.

Grimmjow suddenly laughed and held his hand out. Ichigo just stared at it. Not knowing what to do.

"You're an idiot. Shake my hand." Before he knew it, Grimmjow grabbed his palm and shook it vigorously. Ichigo couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. He gripped properly and shook the other man's hand heartedly. Staring at the man's face at the same time. They released each other and Grimmjow went in the house after saying their goodbyes.

It was nice.

He felt a little hinge of sadness when he saw the man's back. Maybe the last time they'll ever meet. Ichigo ignored the feeling and headed back.