Dropping by for my yearly update! I hope you enjoy!

XXXX

Grimmjow shrugged on his tank top and stepped in his black sneakers before he exited his apartment. There was an uncharacteristic skip in his step, a sweet melody on his lips, but that was only to be expected considering the fact that he was about to go on a romantic-sunset-watching date with a gorgeous redhead.

To add to this excitement, Starrk had texted him that Ichigo came by the beach bar looking for him earlier that day. You see, Grimmjow was glad to know he wasn't the only one shitting his pants about this. It was always better to know that his feelings were reciprocated; he was too damn lazy and busy to play games and it seemed that Ichigo agreed with him.

Despite his fatigue from teaching a group of toddlers how to not drown in the pool, Grimmjow could barely hold himself still anymore. He had been waiting for this all damn day.

The previous night, after him and Ichigo spent a good amount of time kissing each others' faces off - with no interruptions whatsoever - they talked about everything and nothing; about Ichigo's plans in becoming a vet in a few years, about his plans on taking over the family clinic, about Grimmjow's love for pizza and his job as a swimming coach - about everything really. They had also been sitting close, in fact Ichigo had been situated between Grimmjow's legs while Grimmjow held him tight, kissing the back of Ichigo's ear occasionally and watching him squirm.

Ichigo had opened up to him. Like a flower, he opened up the petals of his soul for Grimmjow to see. It could have been the tequila shots rushing to his aid - or so the redhead claimed - but nevertheless, Grimmjow was glad to hear him talk so openly about the beautiful things that went on in his beautiful head. Grimmjow couldn't comprehend how could someone not like this wonderful creature; there was so much life in him, so much thirst for new things and experiences, so much beauty. Some bastard must had told him that he talked too much because he kept apologizing for it. Little did he know that Grimmjow could hear him talk all day and never get tired of it.

Later, a lot later, when most of the noise and music had died down and the sun was about to rise again, Grimmjow walked him back to his tent, holding his hand the whole way. Ichigo kept tripping on the way, buzzed and tired as he was, and Grimmjow couldn't help but laugh at how dorky that was, despite the nasty glares Ichigo sent his way each time. They were empty threats. Because when Grimmjow leaned in to kiss him goodbye, Ichigo was meeting him half way.

After that Grimmjow went home and barely got any sleep. The butterflies in his stomach were fluttering too damn much for him to ignore. Now, now that he was walking the familiar way towards Ichigo's tent, Grimmjow could feel them rampaging again.

Holy shit, what has this redhead done to him?

Speaking of the devil, Grimmjow could finally pinpoint Ichigo's figure amongst the array of tents. He was standing in front of his tent, engaged in what could be described as a heated argument with his blond friend, Shinji. Grimmjow couldn't hear what they were saying until he was close enough to hear Ichigo snap, "For the last time, I'm not wearing polka dots!"

"But they look so good on you!", Shinji protested.

"Shut up!", Ichigo hissed, turning around. When his gaze met Grimmjow's, the fearsome scowl marring his face disappeared and got replaced by a radiant smile. Incredible. "Hey, Grimmjow! Hi...you're here."

Grimmjow couldn't help but grin at him. Shinji on the other hand snorted. "Uh, Ich, that was lame."

Ichigo glared at his friend. "Shut up."

"He's just jealous he doesn't get greeted like this," Grimmjow rushed to his rescue, nodding at Shinji. "Sup."

"What's up," Shinji started, shoving Ichigo towards Grimmjow, "...is a flame up his ass. All day, he's been pacing around like a spaz. Just take him already goddamn it, I can't stand neither of you being so darn into each other. It's gross."

Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a shuddering breath. "Shinji, can you shut your mouth at once or I should do it for you?"

"You won't have to, honey," Shinji sassed, flicking his hair, "I'm outta here." He turned on his heel, but not without adding, "Stay safe, love birds!"

They both watched him go, Grimmjow smirking in amusement but when he looked at Ichigo's constipated expression, he couldn't help but laugh. "Don't be so embarrassed about it."

Ichigo sucked his teeth, scratching the back of his head nervously. "I still kinda am though."

Grimmjow eyed him appreciatively. Even though Shinji insisted on polka dots, Grimmjow couldn't help but think that the blue shirt Ichigo wore instead looked definitely better on him. "So," he started, "Starrk told me you were looking for me?"

At that, Ichigo's face reddened and he looked away. "Yeah...", he muttered, "I was." When Grimmjow didn't reply, he glanced up, his expression turning salty. "What do you look so pleased about."

"Well..." Grimmjow pondered, "It feels nice to be wanted right? And what makes it better is to be wanted by the person you want to be wanted, right?"

"I...I guess."

"I was thinking about you all day," Grimmjow added bluntly.

Ichigo's brown eyes widened, pupils dilating. Fuck. "Me too," he said.

"Well then..." Grimmjow flashed his million volt smile in an attempt to distract himself (and Ichigo) from the sudden urge to kiss Ichigo until he passed out. "Shall we go?", he asked and offered his hand as an invitation.

Ichigo took it with absolutely no hesitation. "Lead the way."

With their fingers laced and their arms swinging between them, Grimmjow led them to his secret place where they could watch the sun set and perhaps make out a bit; he wasn't expecting anything, really. Just being with Ichigo was enough for him.

He asked Ichigo about his day. Ichigo pushed his lips together before he shrugged, claiming that he had been bored out of his damn mind all day. Although the beach and the sea were cool, he had to listen to Shinji complain about the things Shinji usually complained about and that was annoying. Grimmjow had laughed at his mildly irritated expression.

"So nice of you to talk shit about your friend like this," Grimmjow commented.

Ichigo smirked. "I love Shinji," he stated, "He's been there for me more than anyone else has. But I do call out on bullshit when I see it and he doesn't mind it. He may pretend to but that's just him loving everything theatrical."

"I guess it's true friendship, isn't it?"

"Definitely," Ichigo sighed, his gaze turning distant, "I don't have to be someone else when I'm with him."

Grimmjow stared at the sand, weighting his words. He wasn't one to do that, no; but he knew Ichigo was troubled oftentimes, so he didn't want to make it any worse. "I sure hope that's how you feel around me too."

He felt Ichigo's eyes on his face and when he looked up, he saw redhead smiling at him. "You're something else, you know that?"

"How so?"

"How to say this, you're so..." Ichigo trailed off, making a vague movement with his hand, "...So fearless."

Grimmjow quirked an eyebrow. "Fearless?" He was damn sure he was terrified of roaches and snakes. But Ichigo didn't have to know that.

Ichigo chuckled. "Yeah, fearless. You're not afraid to put yourself out there; you're not afraid to be...judged? Rejected? You're not afraid to tell me that you want me to my face. I admire that."

"Why wouldn't I tell you that I want you?", Grimmjow asked, confused, "When I saw you back at the beach yesterday, something squirmed inside me and told me to approach you. Why wouldn't I do that?"

"I don't know," Ichigo shrugged, "Weren't you afraid that I'll reject you or something?"

Grimmjow pressed his lips together thoughtfully. "Well, even if you had rejected me, it wouldn't have mattered much because first of all, I'm a stubborn motherfucker and I would have pestered your ass until you liked me." At that, Ichigo laughed. "And," Grimmjow then added, "Wouldn't it be a waste if I lost this chance with you just because I didn't have the guts to approach you?"

"It would," Ichigo agreed, smiling, "Which is exactly what I admire; you make it all look and sound very simple."

"Life is simple," Grimmjow said, "We are just too good at making it complicated." When Ichigo looked down once again, Grimmjow sighed and stared at the oranging horizon, right where the sea met the sky. "What are we in this universe, ginger? Grains of sand. Why are we trying to act all special?"

"Because of our frontal lobe. The intelligence thing?"

Grimmjow gave him a look until Ichigo laughed. "Don't be an ass."

"Sorry, sorry."

"What I mean is that I'm not something extraordinary, so I'm not afraid to expose myself," Grimmjow continued, "Why would I be? I'm flawed and imperfect and human, just like everyone else. Why should I pretend to be perfect? Just to be likable? I'm sorry, I can't do that; I'm a faithful believer of truth."

"You're wrong," Ichigo shook his head, smiling at the sand, "I think you're absolutely extraordinary."

Grimmjow halted in his tracks and Ichigo stopped too, a few steps later. They were facing each other in silence, Ichigo's hair swaying to the light breeze, his eyes round and open, his cheeks littered with milliards of freckles and Grimmjow fell in love with all of him all over again. He cupped Ichigo's face, his thumb tracing over a sharp cheekbone. "And I think," he said softly, "That whoever doesn't appreciate the beauty of your restless, authentic soul, is not worthy to be by your side."

Ichigo's eyes rounded and he looked away without saying anything. Grimmjow just leaned in and kissed him because he could and because Ichigo always let him.

"With that said," Grimmjow sighed when they parted, "I hope you forgive me for the climbing we will have to do to get to the place I told you about."

Ichigo sucked a deep breath and held it in, pursing his lips together thoughtfully. Then he let it out curtly. "You're lucky you're so cute."

Grimmjow flashed his charmer smile again and set the pace. Ichigo face-palmed as he followed him. They walked for a good of fifteen minutes before reaching the rocky hill side behind which Grimmjow's favourite place was hidden. They were talking the whole time, so it was strange when Ichigo grew dead quiet. Grimmjow turned to look at him and had to stifle a laugh at Ichigo's terrified expression.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Grimmjow tried to console him. He earned himself a glare.

"Don't patronize me."

"I'm not; it really isn't as bad as it looks."

"Perhaps for you, since you have one right and one left foot. I've got two left ones."

Grimmjow barked a laugh. Ichigo was funnier when he was pissed off. "Listen, I'll help you out."

"No, you listen," Ichigo warned, "If I hear one laugh, I'll push you off the cliff."

"Okay, okay."

It was an empty threat. Because Grimmjow laughed and he laughed a lot, yet all Ichigo did was glare at him or smack him at the back of his head.

"I scratched my knees and shins around four times," Ichigo complained as soon as they landed on the other side.

Grimmjow stared at him incredulously but at the same time endeared. So dramatic. "You're not even bleeding."

"If I were, I'd make sure you bled too."

"Oooh, feisty. I like it."

"Shut up." Ichigo looked around, his eyes scanning. Then turned to Grimmjow. "Is that it?"

With a sigh, Grimmjow followed the same path Ichigo's eyes had just returned from. He took in the angry roots sticking out of the rocks, he noticed the milliards of little flowers that were able to flourish next to the sea, he breathed in the scent of the soft sand underneath his feet and exhaled, "Yeah. It's not much but yeah."

"I didn't mean it like that, Grimm."

"It's the place I used to come with my grandpa," Grimmjow continued, turning to Ichigo. He let a small, sad smile graze his lips. "I lost him a year ago. It wasn't easy."

Ichigo cupped his face without saying anything. The stern look in his fiery eyes, however, did all the talking for him. So Grimmjow continued. "He taught me how to swim, how to surf, how to enjoy life and face its difficulties head on. He taught me the things my parents couldn't because they died in a car crash when I was five."

"No," Ichigo whispered, taking a step closer. Their chests were touching. "Of course it wasn't easy."

Grimmjow nodded, wrapping his a arms around Ichigo's waist. "This is why this place is so special." Then he grinned. "Also if you look to your right, you will see another reason why."

Ichigo's marred expression melted to the one of awe as he did what Grimmjow told him. Grimmjow couldn't blame him really, he had had the same reaction when he had seen that very sunset for the first time.

The sun was just at the verge of getting swallowed by the ocean, turning the sky into a canvas of blue and orange and yellow and pink and purple. There were no clouds that day, for which Grimmjow was thankful because he wanted no hindrance between the perfect sunset and his perfect date with Ichigo.

"That's... Damn," Ichigo said a few moments later. Grimmjow chuckled at the breathlessness in his voice.

"Let's sit down," he offered.

They sat side-to-side on the soft sand but somehow Grimmjow's arms felt rather empty with this arrangement, which was why he quickly shifted around in order to pull Ichigo in them and settle him between his spread legs. He proped his chin on Ichigo's shoulder and pushed his hands under Ichigo's shirt, counting the man's ribs and feeling the indentations of his abdomen. Ichigo quivered under his touch, his fingers idly toying with the hairs on Grimmjow's calf. They were mostly quiet, a sigh here and there, a little nuzzle too, but other than that the sea's waves were the only thing making up for their silence.

Which was rather sudden when Ichigo let out an abrupt breath and said, "I feel so bad."

Grimmjow lifted his head from Ichigo's shoulder and quirked an eyebrow at him. "I bring you all the way here to see this beautiful sunset and you're telling me you feel bad?"

"I don't feel bad because of the sunset, dumbass," Ichigo muttered, "I feel bad that all I've done since meeting you was complain about my idiocy while you carry such a heavy burden on your shoulders."

Grimmjow let out a long sigh before he said, "My grandpa used to say that one shouldn't belittle what makes their heart sink, no matter how big or small the waves that hit other people's hearts are." He kissed Ichigo behind the ear. "I told you my story because I want you to know. Not to belittle yours."

Ichigo let out another sigh, but it sounded broken. "You're right. I'm sorry."

Grimmjow didn't like the trope things had gotten but since he was at fault for that, he should be the one to fix it too. He hugged Ichigo closer to his chest. "Don't feel sorry," he said, "Share your pain with me, just like I did with you and heal, ginger."

"I'm trying."

"And you're doing great," Grimmjow praised him, "Look at you melting right into my arms." To make his point more obvious, Grimmjow planted another kiss behind Ichigo's ear, only to feel him shiver again. Then, Ichigo chuckled weakly.

"I don't know what's with me today. I'm not usually that sensitive. Literally and metaphorically."

"Probably because no one has ever touched you right. Literally and metaphorically," Grimmjow murmured. He moved his hand to Ichigo's throat, so he could feel every breath, every swallow the redhead made, and such minimal action had Ichigo vibrating with shivers. "See? You're very sensitive."

"You think so?"

"I know so." As a matter of fact, trailed open-mouthed kisses on Ichigo's neck, letting his free hand drift on Ichigo's skin until he found a pert nipple. Ichigo's audible but quiet gasp send most of Grimmjow's blood to his groin and face. "Damn," he whispered, his grin turning feral from desperation, "I wish I could have you to myself for a whole night, only to hear you make sounds like this."

"Grimmjow..."

Grimmjow was losing his mind. All of it. "...Or say my name like this."

Ichigo let out another shuddering sigh before he squirmed out of Grimmjow's arms. Grimmjow was about to complain about the loss of contact but when Ichigo half-turned to look at him with fire in his eyes, whatever Grimmjow had in mind to say died in his throat.

"What is it?", he asked hoarsely.

"I'm kind of turned on," Ichigo admitted with a bashful smile, "And I'm contemplating on whether to tackle you or not."

"Please tackle me."

Ichigo didn't need to be told twice. He didn't exactly tackle Grimmjow with the force Grimmjow had expected but he did straddle him and cupped his face before connecting their lips. Grimmjow exhaled deeply once Ichigo introduced his tongue in the intimate play, his hands drifting a bit lower to the redhead's ass where they lingered and squeezed to his heart's content. Ichigo's resulting grunt was worth it.

They made out passionately for a while. Or at least, Grimmjow felt like it was a while; he lost track of time, of heart beats, of breaths once Ichigo threaded his fingers in his hair and began massaging his scalp while devouring his mouth. It felt good, dangerously so. Because Ichigo was there and he was warm and ready for Grimmjow to make him moan, his skin soft and smooth under the pads of Grimmjow's fingers. Shivers where shaking him whenever Grimmjow touched his sensitive sides, goosebumps bursting everywhere on his skin and it was hot, hotter than the mid-day sun.

"Ichigo," Grimmjow gasped, forcing them apart, "Wait."

Ichigo stared down at him, his brown eyes intense and dark. He was out of breath. "Did I..." He gasped and tried again, "Did I do something wrong? Did I overwhelm you?"

Grimmjow shook his head. "Of course not. I am just this close to losing it it's not even funny."

Those brown eyes darkened further. "Why is that a bad thing," Ichigo whispered, fitting his upper body closer against Grimmjow's chest, "I kind of want you to."

Grimmjow closed his eyes and breathed. He had to. "Not now, ginger."

He saw Ichigo visibly deflating. "You're right," Ichigo nodded, "It's not the right time."

With that said, he tried to get out of Grimmjow's embrace, only to have Grimmjow clamping down on him and quirking an eyebrow. "Where do you think yer going?"

"I thought-"

"...Of something stupid, I know."

Ichigo pouted at him. "Shut up."

"You thought of what? That I don't want you? That you are too much?"

"Shut. Up."

Grmmjow saw the way Ichigo's eyes narrowed angrily and because he didn't want to ruin whatever good mood they had built, he suppressed his inner asshole. "I'm not gonna misbehave on the first date," he stated earnestly, "What kind of a gentleman would I be if I did?" When Ichigo didn't reply, he added, "Also, the sand isn't nowhere near comfortable for the things I want to do to you."

At that, Ichigo's lips quirked upwards. "What are you planning to do to me, you filthy bastard?"

Grimmjow laughed and kissed Ichigo's neck playfully, loving how Ichigo yelped away from the tickling touch. "The filthiest things," he said shamelessly, "Hold your hand, kiss your neck, your cheeks, maybe even your lips."

"Oh my, how vulgar."

They exchanged a look before they both busted out laughing at their own silly joke. As much as Grimmjow liked it when Ichigo got all hot and bothered because of him, he was the kind of guy who liked to take things slow too. He'd like to hold Ichigo's hand before shoving it down his pants, thank you very much.

"Do you mind?" Grimmjow asked. When Ichigo rose a questioning eyebrow, Grimmjow added, "Do you mind if we didn't..."

"No, of course not!" Ichigo shook his head vehemently, "I'm so sorry I assumed it was alright to-"

"It was alright," Grimmjow corrected him, "Too alright actually. It's just that I don't want it to happen here, as if we're hiding. I'd like to take you to my place first, maybe cook for you."

"To earn a man's heart, you gotta satisfy his stomach first, hm?" Ichigo laughed.

"Most definitely," Grimmjow chuckled, "I've always been an earnest believer of that. Then I'll get you all tipsy like yesterday and take advantage of you."

Ichigo sighed, suddenly serious. He was playing with the short hairs at the back of Grimmjow's neck. "I'd like that."

Grimmjow bumped their noses together, his lips ghosting over Ichigo's. "I want to make you stop thinking for as long as I can."

They shared a short, sweet kiss and after that, they went back to their earlier position and admired what was left of the sunset. Grimmjow kept bitting Ichigo's ear and Ichigo kept laughing and swatting him away but their hands stayed linked the whole time.

All too soon, however, the sun was baced up into the horizon and Grimmjow urged them to their feet because with your left feet ginger, we won't make it home before the day after tomorrow, which earned him a well-deserved but very half-hearted jab at his side from Ichigo. He wasn't wrong though; it did take them a while to get back up the hill mainly because Ichigo was tripping on every stone found in front of him. He was very embarrassed about it but Grimmjow found it totally endearing and gave him a reason to hold the redhead's hand all the way more. Not that he needed one, mind you, but still.

It was already dark when they got back to the camp. Grimmjow had been purposely walking with the slowest speed possible, stretching out the time with Ichigo as much as he could and he knew Ichigo did the same. Still, parting with him was hard but Grimmjow knew he shouldn't monopolize the redhead; Ichigo had come with his friends after all - he had to spend some time with them as well.

"So," Grimmjow started hesitantly. They were exactly where he had picked Ichigo up earlier, facing each other. "Did you have fun today with me?"

Ichigo bit his lower lip and smiled. "What do you think?"

"That you did."

"My, you're a psychic."

"Shut up, smartass."

Said smartass laughed sweetly. Then he reached out and grasped the hem of Grimmjow's shirt, staring at him through his fair eyelashes and something in Grimmjow's brain short-circuited because how the fuck could someone be so cute?

"Will I see you tomorrow too?" Ichigo went and asked and Grimmjow mentally face-palmed but forced his expression to stay neutral.

"Of course," he said, "I'll be at the beach bar helping Starrk."

"I don't want to bother you during work, though."

"I want to be bothered," Grimmjow smiled, "Please come bother me."

Ichigo flashed the cheekiest of smirks. "Okay, I'll think about it."

Little shit, Grimmjow thought in amusement but didn't say out loud though. Instead, he pushed a few strands of red out of Ichigo's eyes before he cupped Ichigo's face. "So," he drawled, "Can I get a goodnight kiss?"

Ichigo quirked an eyebrow. "It's still the first date, where are your manners?"

"Ichigo."

The bastard dared to laugh. "Kiss me, dumbass," he said in the end.

Grimmjow didn't need to be told again. Without further ado, he caught Ichigo's lips between his and kissed him all soft and sweet, something that didn't last long because before he knew it his tongue was caressing Ichigo's in an almost frantic pace. He wouldn't have stopped either had not Ichigo pulled away from him first. The redhead let out a long breath which fanned over Grimmjow's lips before he whispered, "Thanks for today, Grimm," and stepped out of Grimmjow's grip completely.

"Yeah," Grimmjow added eloquently, scratching the back of his head. Ichigo was blushing and smiling and it was distracting him, so he looked at his feet. "I'll see you tomorrow I guess."

Ichigo nodded. "Tomorrow."

With a lame wave, Grimmjow turned on his heel and walked away, resisting the urge to look over his shoulder to check if Ichigo was staring at him. Tomorrow, he reminded himself.

Tomorrow couldn't come quickly enough.

XXXX

When Grimmjow started to leave, Ichigo waited only a few seconds before he scrambled in his tent and collapsed. His legs couldn't hold him anymore. Not only because he had overworked himself with all that climbing business Grimmjow blessed him with (sarcasm), kissing Grimmjow like that always made him weak to the knees. Ichigo laid on the sleeping bags and clamped a hand over his mouth. He was afraid that if he opened it right now, the raging butterflies in his stomach would fly out and he'd rather have them stay in there. Because they felt good. And so did the racing of his heart.

It was stupid but Ichigo was almost sure he was in love. How else was he supposed to explain such symptoms? True, he only knew Grimmjow so little but being with the blue-haired man felt so good, so right, Ichigo couldn't deny it. He hadn't felt so comfortable with anyone of his ex lovers and he had known some of them for years.

Am I getting ahead of myself? He wondered, not even seconds later. What if he doesn't feel the same? Those thoughts darkened his mood significantly and he face-palmed at his idiocy. "Why can't I give myself a break?" He said to no one in particular.

Unable to stay put anymore, Ichigo sought his phone and dialed - who else? - Shinji. It took a while for the blond to answer the call but when he did pick up, Shinji was giggling. That wasn't a good sign. "Shinji?"

"Ah! Hola Ichigo," the blond drawled, "How did your date go?"

"Good," Ichigo said curtly, "Where are you?"

"Hm? Oh, the beach bar." A laugh. Yeah Shinji was tipsy. "Grimmjow was right; Nnoitra is a good guy indeed."

"He's been infusing you with alcohol, hasn't he?" Ichigo deadpaned.

"How did you know?"

Ichigo pinched the bridge of his nose. "I am a psychic," he quipped sarcastically, only to hear Shinji giggle again. "Listen, I'm coming over. Don't go anywhere."

"M'kay," was all Shinji said before he hang up. Ichigo took off seconds later. Not that he was worried about Shinji's virtue; if Nnoitra was Grimmjow's friend he couldn't but be a good person too, and after all, it would be nice if Shinji found someone to mess around with because he was insufferable when single.

Thing was that Ichigo couldn't stay alone with his stupid thoughts; he didn't want to doubt the good time he had just had with Grimmjow just because Grimmjow's spell always broke when the blue-haired man was gone. So, he needed Shinji or some of the alcohol Shinji had been drinking to stop overthinking. He would probably be destroying the mood Nnoitra had set for them two but Ichigo would make up for it another time - like giving Nnoitra Shinji's number for instance.

He didn't have troubles finding them. The beach bar was relatively empty and one of the bar stools was occupied by Shinji's butt - Ichigo could tell from afar. Shinji always wore something very bright and coloful, fitting his personality. Behind the bar stood Nnoitra who wore a shit-eating grin on his face and was at the process of pouring Shinji another shot of alcohol when Ichigo arrived and sat next to Shinji. Both men looked at him, Shinji a bit slower than normal but a bright grin lightened up his face as soon as he saw Ichigo.

"My favourite Ichi!" He chirped and opened his arms wide to hug Ichigo. "I missed you so much!"

"Yeah, yeah," Ichigo chuckled, patting his friend on the back. Shinji was always more affectionate when drunk. "I see you managed to have fun without me."

Shinji cackled, tipping his head backwards. "Nnoitra is so funny, man~"

Ichigo quirked an eyebrow at said man. "Is he now."

Nnoitra smirked at him. "It's not my fault yer friend is a lightweight."

He had a point. Ichigo gave him a rest and shrugged. "Pour me a shot too. Whatever he's having."

"Aye."

Missing no beat, Nnoitra pulled a shot glass from underneath the bar and surprisingly elegantly, he poured Ichigo's shot. Ichigo downed it in the speed of light, relishing the way it burned his throat, despite the fact that he coughed a bit in the end. Then, he noticed that Nnoitra had been staring at him. "What?" he asked, a little defensive.

"Yer the notorious ginger huh?" Nnoitra asked bluntly. "Grimm hasn't shut up 'bout'cha."

Ichigo blinked, suddenly hopeful. "Really?"

"Yeah, man," Nnoitra scoffed, "Dude has serious hots for ya, it's kinda gross."

"It's not gross!" Shinji defended him upon waking from his drunken slumber. "Ich deserves all the love! Y'don't know how much he's been hurt!"

"Hey Shin," Ichigo warned, "Nnoitra might not wanna know."

"Sorr' 'chi."

"S'good." Then he turned to Nnoitra again. He needed more validation to make up for his earlier, dumbass thoughts. "What has he said about me?"

The man puffed his cheeks thoughtfully, some strands of his messy hair flying out of his face. "Let's see... That's yer really pretty and hot and that yer soul is beautiful." Nnoitra wrinkled his nose. "Like I said, dude has the hots for ya."

Ichigo's heart fluttered in his chest. If...If Nnoitra wasn't just messing around, if he was serious then that meant that the stupid thoughts from earlier were indeed hella stupid.

"Pour me another shot," Ichigo demanded with a huge grin on his face. This asked for a celebration.

A few and then some shots later and Ichigo was nearly as tipsy as Shinji had been when he had arrived. There was a pleasant buzz in his head, a pleasant numbness of his limbs and, of course, a pleasant drop in his inhibitions. Which would only end up on one thing.

"I wanna call him," Ichigo sighed, rubbing his chest. Nnoitra snorted.

"It's two in the mornin' dumbass, he'll be sleepin'."

"But I miss him."

"Nnoi!" Shinji complained. "He misses him!"

Amused beyond belief, Nnoitra just shook his head. "Go wild my boy," he said, "Just know that Grimm'll be pissed if you disturb his beauty sleep. Although..." He trailed off, a smirk taking up his face. "If it's you, he'll probs be chill."

Ichigo felt his lips stretching in the biggest of grins without much of his permission and he hopped off the stool. He stumbled on his feet and earned himself a bunch of laughs from Shinji and Nnoitra but he took his revenge by flipping them off while he took off for a more quiet place to call Grimmjow. Damn, the sober part of his mind knew it was a stupid thing to call him at this hour and that he would probably wake him up but Ichigo was mostly drunk and he missed Grimmjow so much it hurt.

Fumbling with his phone, Ichigo finally tapped on the correct name; Grimm, it read, and he adjusted the phone to his ear. It rang and rang and rang for a while and Ichigo was losing his nerve but he was growing more desperate at the same time. Pick up, pick up, pick up, I wanna hear you-

"Ichigo?"

The voice that spoke through the speaker was gruff and gravelly and it send a shiver throughout Ichigo's body. "I love it when you say my name like this," he sighed.

There was a rustling sound, which was clearly Grimmjow shifting on his bed and the sudden need to be there with him overwhelmed Ichigo. And then, Grimmjow went and did this thing where he called Ichigo's name again. "Ichigo," he said, voice more stable now, "Are you alright?"

"No," Ichigo whined, "I miss you. I miss you so much, Grimm."

"We were together a few hours ago," Grimmjow replied. There was a smile in his voice. "You missed me already?"

Ichigo nodded. "Mmm... Nnoitra told me that you'll yell at me if I woke you up but you're not yelling."

"Well, I would have yelled if it wasn't you."

Ichigo's heart rate picked up and he giggled the same way Shinji had done before. "Are you saying that I'm special?"

Grimmjow's voice dropped a few octaves when he said, "Haven't I made it clear already?"

Heat crawled up his neck to his face and Ichigo had to sit down after that. His legs were too weak to Grimmjow's bedroom voice. "It gets me hot..." He swallowed. "It's hot when you speak like that?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?"

"Telling?" Why does it sound like I'm asking though?

A deep chuckle followed his mini inner monologue. "Ichigo, are you drunk?"

Ichigo stared up at the stars. They were moving dangerously much to be normal. "Well, my head is kinda spinning," he sighed, "And Nnoitra was giving me alcohol until a few minutes ago... And I miss you so much."

There was a short pause, a few rustling sounds before Grimmjow said, "I miss you too, baby."

"Baby?" His voice broke at the end.

"No good?"

Ichigo clutched the front of his shirt. "Makes my stomach all fuzzy."

"It does?" Grimmjow drawled, "Then I'll say it more often. Baby."

Ichigo shivered. He might have moaned as well because Grimmjow made a frustrated sound at the other end. "Ichigo," Grimmjow exhaled curtly, "Are you alone right now?"

"Mhm. So alone. I wish you were with me." Grimmjow didn't answer to that. All Ichigo hear were sheets rustling here and there, so he tried again, "Grimm?"

"I'm coming baby," Grimmjow replied gruffly, "I am coming to get you."

Ichigo's heart rate skyrocketed and he grinned despite himself. "You are?"

"That's right." Grimmjow's voice was softer. There was a jingle of keys, a door opening and closing. "I'm coming so that you won't hafta be alone anymore."

"Ah," Ichigo gasped and choked a bit on his emotions. "I am so happy."

He could here footsteps clanking on stairs as briskly as Grimmjow climbed them down to get to him and Ichigo had never been more glad for a drunk call before in his life. Especially when Grimmjow said, "Promise me you will stay right where you are. Promise me you won't go anywhere I won't be able to find you, alright? I won't bear it."

"I promise," Ichigo stated earnestly, nodding with his head, "Come quickly. I miss you."

Grimmjow made another strangled sound. "I am coming baby, wait for me."

Ichigo's back pressed against something soft but hard at the same time. Ah, the sand. He pillowed his head with one of his hands and stared at the night sky. "Hurry," he sighed and hang up. He pressed his phone against his forehead and laughed at nothing in particular. Or maybe he laughed because he was happy; after such a long time of heart ache (as well as more than enough shots) Ichigo could feel his chest full and his mind in the clouds.

Grimmjow was coming to get him too. Ichigo couldn't wait.

XXXX

This whole thing is so corny and soft and cute, I love it. It's a delight to write.

It's a bit of a cliffhanger, so yell at me about it here or on tumblr at blueregina06 dot tumblr dot com. I will try to update it within a reasonable time span anyway though because leaving y'all with that cliffhanger is cruel. But still; drop a comment ^_^