After managing to get a few hours sleep despite Shiro's constant crazed mumblings, Ichigo get's himself ready for his afternoon shift at the coffee shop.
Before he leaves his apartment he stares over at the packet of unopened pills on his kitchen counter.
He'll definitely start taking them again later.
Definitely.
As he enters the shop, he notices it seems to be busier today, and his palms instantly start to clam up.
It's fine, he can do this. That's what he has to tell himself.
It's just anxiety, and if he can ride it out, it will pass.
Eventually.
Swallowing, he quickly makes his way behind the counter and into the staff room, shrugging off his jacket and retrieving his apron, storing them in his appointed locker before returning back to the front.
Renji is already taking orders behind the counter, but pauses to give him a friendly smile.
Ichigo returns it sheepishly.
"Where do you need me today?"
Handing someone their change, Renji points out towards the cluttered tables.
"Could use someone helping Orihime clean the tables, she's too clumsy for her own good."
Ichigo nods, moving out from behind the counter and quickly getting to work gathering empty cups and napkins.
He watches the girl, Orihime, who is just a few tables from him, attempting to balance an enormous pile of cups and saucers and cutlery in her arms.
Ichigo see's her wobbling before she even realizes it, and his fast reflexes make him get over there and catch the falling items before they hit the ground.
Orihime gasps, a wide blush on her cheeks when she catches sight of Ichigo, who is now holding the items firmly in his own arms.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, um..."
Ichigo flashes her a gentle smile.
"It's Ichigo, you're Orihime, right?"
Orihime nods eagerly, a wide smile overtaking her features.
"Yes, that's me! Thank you so much for helping me!"
"It's no problem, really," Ichigo tells her.
Glancing around, Ichigo can see the mess starting to gather again on the tables.
"Well, we better get back to work. Let me know if you need help though next time, okay?"
"Thank you, but I will be alright."
Ichigo watches her scuttle off, before getting back to his own tables.
After the rush house shift, things seem to calm down, and as it starts to darken outside, the coffee shop gets ready to close up.
Orihime left soon after the rush shift, leaving Ichigo and Renji to run the shop.
Wiping down the last of the tables, Ichigo is more than glad to have the day's work over with.
Renji clears his throat loudly, making Ichigo turn around to look at him curiously.
"So, Ichigo, I was wondering...there's gonna be me and some of my friends going to this bar called Sereti later tonight, you wanna come?"
A bar?
He didn't really tend to get out much, what with the underlying threat that he was going to pop up out of nowhere and fucking ruin it for him.
But Byakuya did say it would be good for him to get out more, socialize more with people, and maybe that would help lessen the appearances.
Well, here goes nothing.
"Sure, I mean, but I don't know where it is or anything-"
"No worries, my friend Izuru is being the designated driver cause he doesn't drink, we can come pick you up."
Grinning, Ichigo nods.
"Alright then, what time?"
Ichigo and Renji exchange numbers and Ichigo gives him the address of his apartment block, before taking off his apron and heading back home on the bus to get ready for what was sure to be one hell of a night.
He's just not sure if it'll be in the good or bad sense yet.
After getting down something quick and light from the fridge, Ichigo jumps into the shower.
And just as he finishes, reaching around and grabbing a towel, his oh so quiet evening goes south.
Shiro, grinning like a Cheshire cat and sitting on the closed toilet seat, watches him as he wraps the clean crisp towel around his waist.
"Well well, what are you gettin all primped up for King? Ya plannin on gettin laid tonight?"
Ichigo huffs, before stalking off into the bedroom, routing around in his wardrobe for something to wear.
Shiro follows him giddily, jumping down onto the edge of the bed and swinging one of his legs over the other.
"Bein so secretive on me, makes me think ya might be goin to meet that delicious cop..."
Ichigo pauses at the mention of that guy again.
"No, I'm not, okay, I'm just going out for a few drinks with a friend from work, so shut up."
"Aww, no need to be so testy. Who's this friend, eh? God Ichi, never knew ya were such a tease, keeping two guys on the ropes."
"Shiro, I swear to God, shut up before I make you."
Shiro cackles, skimming his rough black nails across his bottom lip.
"Ooh, what are ya gonna do to me King? Love it when ya get all commanding."
Ichigo picks out a loose black button up shirt and some dark skinny jeans, opting to go with some black converse for footwear. The bar won't be that fancy, right?
Feeling Shiro's gaze boring into his back, he hesitates to remove the towel secured around his waist.
"Shiro, can you please get lost?"
"And miss ya droppin that towel? I don't think so."
Sighing to himself, Ichigo decides to just get this over with as quickly as possible.
Dropping the towel, he gets dressed as quickly as he can, before turning to face the delighted creature still on the bed.
"Damn Ichi, ya sure know how to put on a show."
Ichigo rolls his eyes, before picking up his phone from the wooden cabinet beside him and checking the time.
Renji and his friends were going to be here to pick him up in about half an hour.
Glancing over at Shiro, he shoves his phone into his jeans pocket.
"Can you just give me tonight?"
"Depends. Ya be a good boy and do somethin I like, I jus might let up on ya."
"You know I can't do that."
"But why? Come on, just once, pretty please?"
"I'm not a bad person, you know I couldn't hurt anyone like that..."
"Still in denial, eh? Ya will come around to my way of thinkin soon enough Ichi."
"The hell I will."
Ichigo storms out into the living room, throwing himself onto the couch and turning on the tv, hoping to pass the time more quickly until he can get out of this god damn apartment.
His phone buzzing in his pocket snaps him out of his daze, and he quickly answers it.
"Hey Ichigo, we're outside and ready to go!"
"Okay Renji, I'll be right out."
Grabbing his keys and coat, Ichigo barely glances back at Shiro, who is studying him curiously from the couch. Glaring, Ichigo points a warning finger at him.
"Stay."
Shiro smirks, putting his pale arms behind his head.
"Can't promise ya nothin King."
Stepping out into the chilly night air, Ichigo spots the car just a few yards ahead, the back seat door swinging open as he nears, Renji grinning up at him.
"Looking good, get in!"
Ichigo almost blushes at the compliment, before climbing in and shutting the door.
Seeing that there are two people in the back seat, one in the passenger and one driving, the car was still pretty roomy.
It smelt strongly of tobacco and mint, the leather seat warm underneath him.
Renji elbows him playfully as the car pulls back out into the road.
"Ichigo, these losers right here are my friends."
"Hey, watch it Abarai before I come back there!"
Ichigo takes in the young man in the passenger seat, who's now leaning back to glare at Renji, a lit cigarette tucked into the corner of his mouth.
His vivid purple hair sticks up just like Ichigo's, and a 69 tattoo is on his right cheek.
Weird place to have a tattoo like that, Ichigo thinks.
Taking a long drag of the cigarette, he blows the smoke at Renji.
"Fuck off Shuhei, before I ram that Cigarette down your throat!"
Smirking, Shuhei turns back to face the front.
Coughing, Renji gestures at the purple haired guy.
"Ichigo, that jackass is Shuhei, and the guy driving is Izuru."
The long haired blonde behind the wheel holds his hand up and waves in acknowledgement.
"Hey there."
"And this quiet guy next to me is Ikkaku."
The bald headed guy leans over, giving Ichigo a curt nod.
"Yo, nice name."
"Thanks, you too."
Renji leans back into the leather seat, and leans his arm behind Ichigo, which doesn't go unnoticed by him.
Ichigo's throat suddenly feels pretty dry.
"So, um, what's this bar like?"
Renji grins.
"It's awesome, we go there a lot. Atmosphere's cool and it plays some great music, oh, and cheap alcohol, don't forget that."
Hmm, sounds like this could turn out to be a pretty fun night after all.
Renji was right, this place does seem good.
It's got a relaxed atmosphere, rock music playing in the background, various groups of people chatting away and drinking.
Ichigo joins Renji and his friends in a booth, Renji bringing them back some shots.
He passes one to Ichigo, who seems very wary of it.
"What's wrong?"
"I just, I don't really drink much..."
Seeing that Shuhei and Ikkaku have already downed there and are on their second, Ichigo begins to feel nervous.
He does want to fit in, but then again he doesn't want to make a complete ass of himself by getting shit faced.
"Just try one, and if you don't want any more, that's cool, I'll order you something else, okay?"
Ichigo nods, before placing the glass against his lips, and knocking the clear liquid back.
It instantly burns the back of his throat on the way down, and he chokes, covering his mouth.
Renji chuckles, rubbing his back comfortingly.
"Don't worry, you get used to it soon enough."
He doesn't particularly want to get used to it, his throat feels like someone has lit it on fire.
Licking his lips, he watches Renji knock back another shot, before offering him another.
Ichigo hesitates at first, but then shrugs, and knocks it back.
It burns again, but now he's starting to feel the familiar light headed feeling he used to indulge in oh so much.
Wiping his lips on his sleeve, he can already feel his face heating up.
Shuhei lights another cigarette, offering one to Ichigo, who politely refuses.
"So, Ichigo, right?"
Ichigo nods.
"You gay?"
Ichigo's eyes widen at the blunt question.
"Umm...I..."
"Shuhei knock it off, I told you last time, sleeping with my co-workers is out of the damn question."
"Why, you got your eye on him Abarai?"
Wait, is Renji gay?
Ichigo blushes furiously, averting his gaze over to the bar.
And he really wished he hadn't.
Wearing a black leather jacket and snug fitting dark blue jeans, showing off that glorious ass...
Ugh, stop right there, he's not even gay!
Right?
Ichigo swallows thickly as the blue haired cop turns from the bar, a beer now in his hand, and before Ichigo can look away, their eyes lock.
A feral grin takes over Grimmjow's lips, and he begins to head over, causing Ichigo to hide his face in his hands.
"Ichigo, isn't that the cop from the other day?"
Ichigo groans into his hands, when he feels a finger tap him on the shoulder.
"Fancy seein you here, Strawberry."
Did this guy just refer to him as strawberry?
What the hell!
Ichigo moves his hands, shooting Grimmjow a glare.
"Strawberry?"
Grimmjow chuckles lightly.
"What? It suits you."
Ichigo rolls his eyes.
Grimmjow glances over at Renji.
"Mind if I borrow your friend for a while?"
"Wait what-"
Without even waiting for an answer, Ichigo is yanked up by his arm and basically dragged away from the small group.
Renji makes to go after him, but Shuhei says something to him and Renji sighs, sitting back down.
Seems like no one is going to be saving him.
Great, just great.
Grimmjow leads Ichigo over to a more quiet area of the bar, into a smaller booth.
Ichigo can already feel his palms beginning to sweat. Not because he likes the guy alright? It's just because he's totally out of his comfort zone.
Grimmjow slouch's back in the booth, his mischievous blue eyes roving over a nervous Ichigo.
Ichigo notes it's a lot like the look a predator flashes it's prey, but he tries to shove that thought right out of his mind.
It's seriously not helping right now.
"That red haired guy your boyfriend?"
Ichigo instantly feels his cheeks redden at the assumption.
"No, I already told you I don't swing that way."
"So you did. But answer me this, you ever tried it?"
Ichigo wants nothing more to get of this embarrassing subject, so apart from diving out of the nearest window, he figures he might as well just answer his damn questions as quickly as possible.
"No, and I am not going too. Can we drop this now?"
Grimmjow beams, his tongue coming out to swipe across his dry lips.
Ichigo watches the probably well thought out movement, swallowing thickly before tearing his brown eyes back down to the table.
"You're blushing like a schoolgirl, Ichigo."
Ugh, why does this bastard have to keep tormenting him like this?
He's made it all too clear that he isn't gay, and that he's never done anything with another guy, so you would think that would get the message across.
"I am not!"
"You ever dreamt about it?"
Ichigo shoots Grimmjow the dirtiest glare he can muster.
"I thought I said drop it."
"Don't remember saying I would. Answer the question."
Ichigo folds his arm's across his chest.
"Hasn't everyone? Dreams are just dreams."
At Ichigo's honest response, Grimmjow's feral grin only gets that much wider.
He should've lied, why didn't he just lie?
"You know, I'm not really much of a chaser, Ichigo. But there's something about you, I just can't put my finger on it. But believe me, I always get what I want."
Here we go again with that big ass ego of his!
It makes Ichigo want to punch him right in his smug face, but he also knows that another burst of rage is only going to send him right back where the last one did.
His skin crawls at the very thought of being in that place again.
So, as calmly as he can, Ichigo rises to his feet and points a warning finger down at the still completely relaxed Grimmjow.
"Listen, you can chase me till you're blue in the face to match your fucking hair, but it isn't going to make a difference. You can't always have what you want, and you are not getting your hands on me, Grimmjow."
Just as Ichigo turns around, he feels a strong arm coil around his waist.
He opens his mouth to hurl some colourful insults, but his words are swallowed by a pair of warm lips moulding onto his own.
His eyes widen in surprise, all he can see in his vision is a sea of blue.
As he's tugged against a warm, neatly sculpted body, the lips attached to his own start to move, trying to encourage him to reciprocate the forced kiss.
The first coherent thought that pops into Ichigo's mind is that Grimmjow tastes of beer and some kind of underlying mint.
Ichigo just doesn't know how to react, he wasn't expecting this at all.
Being pounced on by some egotistical blue haired beast wasn't part of his plan!
After a few more tense moments, Ichigo manages to reel his mind back into working order and tears himself away from Grimmjow, who surprisingly lets him go easily enough.
Ichigo, now panting, wipes the back of his mouth with his hand, before giving the cop one last death glare and stomping back over to where Renji and the others are still sat drinking and chatting amongst themselves.
Renji is the first to look up and notice Ichigo, and his face turns to anger when he gets one good look at him.
Renji stands up and places his hands firmly on Ichigo's shoulders.
"Hey, you okay? He didn't do anything did he?"
Ichigo sighs heavily, before shaking his head.
"I'm fine. Listen, I'm gonna head home, not feeling to great."
Renji looks him over, worry evident on his face, before holding out his hand at the quiet Izuru.
"Give me the key's, I'm gonna run Ichigo back home."
The pale blonde shakes his head vigorously.
"Oh no, you are not driving my car after you've been drinking Renji Abarai."
"I've only had two damn shots! Now give me the keys!"
Shuhei, still smoking with one hand and downing another shot in the other, elbows Izuru in the side.
"Just give him the keys Izuru, unless you want him to have another hissy fit."
Renji growls at the smirking shuhei as Izuru reluctantly hands over the keys, and Ichigo is steered out of the bar and back to the parking lot.
The night air is rather refreshing to his flustered features, and he breathes it in deeply, trying to calm himself.
That is, until he's in the car and what just happened comes knocking once again.
Blue haired bastard, how dare he just force himself on him like that!
He should've hit him, screw the damn courts.
Maybe that would've got the message through his thick skull.
And what infuriates Ichigo even more is that he basically just let the guy do it for a while, didn't even protest or fight back.
He couldn't even muster a real answer as to why either.
As they get in the car and pull out into the quiet road, Renji glances over at him.
"What did he do?"
Ichigo leans into the seat, his head resting on the cold car window.
"Nothing, I'm fine."
"Bullshit, I knew I should've stopped you from going over there. That guys gives off a seriously creepy vibe, cop or not."
Ichigo notices Renji's hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles are turning white.
Why is Renji just as pissed, if not more, then he is?
It's not like they'd known each other that long, or even that well.
Yet he seems so riled up and-
Wait, does Renji like him?
"Uh, Renji?"
Renji's angry eyes soften at Ichigo's quiet voice.
"Yeah?"
"I could've just got a taxi back home, you know. Not that I'm not grateful, but I didn't want to interrupt your night."
Renji chuckles.
"You didn't, don't worry about it. I just want to make sure you get home safely."
In other words, that Grimmjow doesn't follow him.
"Well, thanks."
For the rest of the short journey they drive in silence, the only sounds their breathing and the purr of the engine.
As they pull up outside of Ichigo's apartment, Ichigo turns to Renji as he opens the passenger side door.
"Thanks, I really appreciate it."
"No problem, you want me to see you inside or?"
Ichigo's mind whirrs at the thought, and Renji must see the panic on his face, because he holds up his hands in surrender.
"Not like that or anything, I just meant-"
Ichigo relaxes, and offers Renji a warm smile.
"I know, it's fine, I guess I'm still just a little shaken up. I'll see you at work, okay?"
Renji returns the smile.
"Yeah, sounds good. You have a good night's rest Ichigo."
Ichigo gets out and watches Renji drive off, before getting inside and letting himself into his own apartment.
And soon as the door is closed, he leans back against it, combing a shaky hand through his ruffled hair.
A quick cold shower and bed, that's what he needs.
To get all of tonight's weird events off his mind.
"Yo king, you seem a little tense."
He should've known it wouldn't be that easy.
Shrugging off his coat, Ichigo stalks into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.
As he starts to lift off his shirt, Shiro watches him from the closed toilet seat.
"Why'd you run away like a frightened deer? See, you've lost yourself some fun again King. Ya gotta learn to be bolder, more flexible, if ya know what I mean."
Ichigo takes off the rest of his clothes, leaving him standing in his boxers.
Just as he turns the shower on, a pale finger tapping on his shoulder stops him from stepping in.
"What's that in yer back pocket?"
Ichigo frowns, scooping up his jeans and pulling out the small white card that's wedged inside his back pocket.
Grimmjow's name is at the top, with a mobile number underneath to contact about any inquiries.
Wait, how the hell did this get in his back pocket?
He didn't even notice hands anywhere near his-
With a frustrated growl, he slams the card down onto the edge of the sink.
Shiro hums, his glowing eyes sparkling.
"Maybe ya didn't mess up so bad after all, King. Aren't ya gonna rip it up?"
Ichigo glances back at the card, before shrugging and getting into the shower.
He'd rip it up all right.
Later.
So, sorry it took a while to get the second chapter up, I guess I was fretting for a while about the way I've been writing this. But oh well, here it is!
I should have posted the following information in the first chapter but I forgot, silly me!
This story will feature around GrimmIchi and some RenIchi, and there will be hints of ShiroIchi too but nothing really physical.
I hope you enjoyed the new chapter and reviews are much appreciated :)