Safe
Ichigo's lean body stretched and he purred as he felt satisfying pops in his skeleton. He hadn't slept so well in ages, and his sun tanned fingers fisted into snow white sheets that smelled of lavender as he groggily sat up and yawned loudly. His brown eyes opened to the incredibly white walls of the private bedroom he had been given and he blinked a couple of times, still not quite used to waking up to such bright light. He rubbed his eyes and yawned again before he swung his feet off of the bed and stood up on the cold marble floor. He shuddered slightly as the cold went from his feet and up his spine, but shook it off as he for what was probably the hundred time studied the room closely.
It was square with white walls that were covered with wooden panels till the middle and has a low resting couch and tea table straight across the room from his bed. There were no windows, but he had plenty of light and private access to a small garden with a beautiful pond filled with koi fishes. The white of the walls were decorated in beautiful paintings of several orange tones, and the dragons that were depicted were so beautiful that Ichigo never got tired of admiring them.
In addition to his main room, he had a medium sized bathroom where he could find himself a tub and a toilet. He had already refused the offer for a personal servant, obviously disappointing the orange haired girl that had been selected for him. Ichigo knew from the start he would never be able to adapt to having someone do everything for him, he had grown up under too harsh conditions fending for himself to even begin thinking of having a personal servant.
He sighed contently before he turned left from his bed and gently shoved a small sliding door open, entering a room about the size of his bathroom. It was neatly decorated and had a comfy looking futon in the inner part of the room, in addition to a door that led out to Ichigo's private garden. He smiled at the bundle of silver hair that was sticking out from underneath the comforters, and the silent up and down movements of them told Ichigo the caracal was fast asleep.
He still hadn't recovered from the beating he had gotten from the hyenas, and Ichigo had insisted that he would share quarters with him and poor Grimmjow couldn't deny Ichigo of his wish. And so they had built this extra room in a matter of days, and here Toshiro was sound asleep safer than he had ever been in his entire life.
Ichigo knelt by Toshiro's futon and began dragging his fingers through the silvettes hair gently to not wake the sleeping albino, and chuckled when Toshiro made the cutest purring sounds in his sleep. He was really thankful towards Grimmjow for doing this for someone as simple as him, and he wondered why the prince found him so special.
Though he couldn't deny he had gained a certain interest in the beautiful man. When he had first seen Grimmjow he had wanted to drop to the floor. Grimmjow's skye blue hair that was cut short everywhere but his neck where the hair hung in a long loose braid that reached his hip seemed like the sky itself, as it danced with the wind whenever he moved. His tall body with a broad chest that was clearly well-built bragging of its strength was a true treat to watch, and that lovely scent that lingered around him. Saying he was interested in the prince would be false, even though he wouldn't admit it Ichigo was head over heels for the prince already, just like the prince was head over heels for him.
And then there was Starrk, even as much as Ichigo despised canines Starrk had wormed his way under his skin. Starrk's comforting presence and his gentle nature rubbed Ichigo the right way, and whenever Grimmjow couldn't pour his love over Ichigo, Starrk was there at the ready to heed Ichigo's smallest call. Starrk was nice and gentle, and never tread Ichigo's borders on purpose. He would always pull away if Ichigo felt uncomfortable, unlike the brasher Prince whom had difficulties on picking up small signs.
Ichigo chuckled when he compared the two, Grimmjow and Starrk were obviously close friends, and they were each other's exact opposites. The brash and energy filled Grimmjow was a great contrast to the calm and level headed Starrk, and really those two complimented each other in the best way possible. And one other thing Ichigo liked about both of them was the fact that they were strong, which was easy to tell by their heavy and confident pressure. Ichigo couldn't help but feel safe and protected whenever he was around them, and slowly he began accepting the pair into his life till the point that he didn't mind them coming into his quarters unannounced.
He heard the door to his room slide open, and the subbing sound of Starrks lazy footing made him smile as the canine stepped inside. "Ichigo?" Starrk called softly before looking around to see if he could catch sight of the orangette.
"I'm in here," Ichigo called back and was joined by Starrk shortly after.
"How's he doing?" Starrk asked true concern within his voice.
"He's doing ok, he just needs to sleep as much as possible," Ichigo answered thankful that the canine showed care for the small caracal.
Ichigo sighed and stood up slowly stretching again, loud pops resounding within the room and Starrk smiled at the low purring sound Ichigo made. Seconds after Ichigo was resting against Starrk's shoulder on the small couch in his room, Starrk's hand going through Ichigo's hair lovingly. He knew that Ichigo hadn't quite yet adapted to living in the royal mansion, and that this lifestyle was quite unnatural to the orangette. Starrk was a man of observation and even though Ichigo seemed to feel comfortable and relaxed against him, he could tell the orangette was churning on something.
"Say Starrk, why did Grimmjow decide to protect someone like me? What kind of value could I possibly have to him?" Ichigo asked tilting his head so he could make eye contact with the grey eyed canine.
"To be frank I don't know the complete truth about his motives either. But ever since his father died Grimmjow has had a strong sense of justice. He's often visiting the poor districts of Japan and he's always trying to find ways to help those whom have it hard," Starrk replied.
Ichigo didn't have time to reply before Starrk continued.
"However, the situation was quite the opposite when his father was still alive. Grimmjow's father believed that all were equal and did his best to teach Grimmjow that. Grimmjow was arrogant and couldn't care less for what happened to the people, in his mind at the time they were just pawns to be used and thrown away. Grimmjow's father had to die while trying to stop a quarrel between two families before Grimmjow finally got the message. Now he does anything to help to honor his great father, but I don't think that was the only reason he picked helped you against the hyenas or picked you up that day," Starrk admitted.
"So why do you think he decided to save me then?" Ichigo replied. Starrk seemed to have to think a while about that one before he seemed to find a satisfying answer.
"Well I'm not sure really. I just know that when he first saw you fighting against those thugs something changed. I sensed a change in his aura, and his eyes lit up like I've never seen them do before. And I know you must have felt something when you were brought back here and met him again," Starrk spoke truthfully.
Ichigo blushed slightly at that before he looked at Starrk again.
"Well I can't deny that. He might be brash and loud but he has a pure heart and so do you. I owe you and Grimmjow a lot, so I feel I should be honest with you at least," Ichigo smiled and purred when Starrk cradled him closer.
"Don't mention it, I can't deny the fact that you caught my eye as well," Starrk chuckled and smiled when Ichigo blushed again.
"Why is it that I caught your eye?" Ichigo said with a smirk curious to know why he attracted this attention from the prince and his guard.
"Well for starters you're incredibly beautiful, for seconds you have a way of lighting up everyone's day, for the third you're strong and protective, and for the fourth you're a cheetah," Starrk said with a smile. Ichigo blushed again, grateful that him being a cheetah didn't seem to be the main reason for him catching his eye.
"Surprisingly you're the first one to ever say all that to me. Most men or women that have come for me have only done so because of my breed. To me breed shouldn't matter, the only thing that is important is the feelings one has for another," Ichigo said reaching a hand up to play with Starrk's wavy brown hair.
"Well then, that's what I and Grimmjow believe as well. I've never seen Grimmjow start a relationship where he doesn't intend to be serious," Starrk answered. That last comment made Ichigo like the blue haired prince even more; it showed that Grimmjow valued feelings.
"To be honest I despise most canines, I haven't met a single one that wouldn't harm me until I met you," Ichigo admitted. Starrk's eyes widened abit at Ichigo's confession and stopped stroking Ichigo. "But you, you're different. You appreciate me for who I am, and you haven't done anything to cause me harm. You're gentle and nice, and you respect me. I guess that's why you have wormed your way under my skin," Ichigo continued with a blush.
"I'm glad to hear that," Starrk purred before looking Ichigo in the eyes.
Ichigo closed his eyes when Starrk's lips sealed his own, and he gladly joined the dance he was invited to. Ichigo loved the feeling of being dominated by Starrk, and he purred into the kiss reaching his hands behind Starrk's head to fist them into his long hair. Starrk growled in approval before he gently pushed Ichigo down on the couch, releasing his lips to nibble on his neck.
Ichigo moaned before Starrk caught his lips in another kiss, tugging at his lip making Ichigo snarl at the canine. They indulged in a passionate make out session, until Starrk felt Ichigo beginning to resist. He released their lips with a pop and gave Ichigo concerned grey eyes.
"Its fine Starrk, I'm just not ready for anything beyond this yet," Ichigo said, knowing his limits very well.
Starrk only smiled and cradled Ichigo close, making a gentle humming sound from deep within his throat that lulled Ichigo into a comfortable slumber. He looked up when he heard light footsteps on the marble floor, and smiled when he recognized the turquoise eyes belonging to Ichigo's lover. Toshiro stared at Ichigo whom was dozing off comfortably at Starrks shoulder and then looked back at Starrk.
Starrk smiled and made a patting motion on the right side of the couch and beckoned for the caracal to join them. Toshiro hesitated for a second before he slowly made his way over to the couch on slightly shaking feet, his small frame crawling up on the right side of Starrk's warm body. Toshiro hesitated once he was up on the couch, uncertain as to what he should do.
A small meow of surprise escaped him when Starrk's large hand reached around his waist and dragged Toshiro in under his arm. Toshiro was tense for a moment before he finally realized he would be safe with the man even though he was canine. If Ichigo hadn't been there already Toshiro would have never approached the large canine, and soon he was resting his head in Starrk's warm lap with a low purr as that gentle hand went through his silver hair in a comforting manner.
Toshiro soon joined Ichigo in dreamland, and when Grimmjow entered the room a quarter later he was stunned by the display. There on the couch sat a half asleep Starrk with Toshiro on his lap sleeping, and Ichigo resting comfortably on his sturdy shoulder.
"So old friend, what exactly have you been up to while I was gone?" Grimmjow called, startling the brunette out of his comfortable slumber.
"Oh just taking care of these two. Ichigo here tastes delicious by the way," Starrk said with a teasing voice and a grin.
"I see, well then I might just steal him away one day," Grimmjow teased back with a grin before he too went over to the small group, sliding down with his back resting between Starrk's legs. He reached two muscular arms up, one to rest over Toshiro's slim waist, the other to rest in Ichigo's lap.
Shortly after all four were sound asleep purring at the comfort and safety of being bundled up together, and when Grimmjow and Starrk's personal servants came to look for their masters they had to smile at the incredibly cute picture inside the room. One of the servants sat down in a good angle, and drew forth a piece of papyrus and a trimmed piece of charcoal.
His fellow servant joined him and observed the work his friend was doing closely, as a detailed sketch appeared bit by bit on the paper. Giving a satisfied nod once he had finished the picture, his fellow servant made a hand sign and minutes after skilled servants had placed a full meal on the small tea table for their masters to consume when they woke up from their slumber. The two servants slipped out and went to tell the rest of the staff about what they had seen.
~~~~~~~~BMBD~~~~~~~~~~
Brown eyes opened to a dim lit room and the feeling of something heavy resting across his abdomen. He rubbed his eyes and looked down do see Grimmjow resting his head in his lap, strong arms firmly locked around Ichigo's waist. Starrk was lankily leaned back with his hands resting high on the back of the couch, dangling in the air, while Toshiro was curled up on Grimmjow's back. It took a while for him to realize, but sometime during sleep Grimmjow and Toshiro had both joined his and Starrk's moment of cuddle, and he smiled. He didn't mind at all, being able to curl up with multiple people that he cared for was a great comfort and made him feel at home and safe. He looked towards the door when a small knock was heard and he called "Come in," to whoever it was. He smiled at the orange haired girl that stepped in with a shy smile.
"Oh Orihime, good morning," Ichigo yawned.
"Actually Ichigo-sama, it would be good evening.
Ichigo scowled a little before he noticed how dim lighted the room actually was and let out a small oh before smiling at the shy servant.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" Orohime asked with big and hopeful eyes. Ichigo smiled at the cute girl before nodding.
"You can help me clean up this mess so we can all eat," he said with a grin before gently shaking Grimmjow by his shoulders.
"Oi Grimmjow time to wake up!" Ichigo said and smiled when the bluenette grumbled and opened hazy cyan eyes to meet warm brown ones.
"Don't want to," he muttered before letting his head fall down again. Ichigo sighed and made a hopeless face towards Orihime before smacking Grimmjow over the back.
"Ouch teme, what was that for!" Grimmjow complained loudly.
"Quit acting like a baby and get off of me. You're a prince Grimmjow and it's beginning to darken outside. You probably have work to do," Ichigo scolded.
Grimmjow made a very cute pout before he finally released Ichigo so he could slide off the couch. Ichigo smiled and went to pick up Toshiro, waking the small caracal in the process. Hazy turquoise eyes opened to look into Ichigo's face and Toshiro smiled.
"Oh morning Ichigo," he yawned before getting kissed on the forehead.
"Actually it's good evening, now I believe we should all eat. Grimmjow wake up the sleeping fur ball," Ichigo commanded and Grimmjow grumpily did as he was told.
Minutes later Orihime had disposed of the food that the servants from before had placed inside Ichigo's quarters only to become cold and useless, and had replaced it with a freshly cooked hot-pot. Minutes later Ichigo, Grimmjow, Starrk and Toshiro enjoyed a meal and were chatting about random stuff not seeming like royal people at all.
"So Toshiro, how are your injuries coming along?" Grimmjow asked.
"Oh they are pretty much healed, but they'll add quite a few scars I'm afraid," Toshiro said with a smile, not noticing how Ichigo winced slightly at the mention of scars, but both Grimmjow and Starrk did and eyed the orangette with suspicion.
"And how about your injury Ichigo," Starrk continued. Ichigo looked confused for a moment before he finally realized they meant his bandaged soldier.
"Oh this?" he asked pointing at his shoulder, before ripping of the bandages startling the other three.
"Ichigo what are you doing?" Grimmjow asked shocked.
"I had nearly forgotten about this. You just reminded me of how these unnecessary bandages annoyed the shit out of me," Ichigo grumbled before stroking light fingers against the only things left that indicated he had had a badly infected wound in his shoulder."It was just a scratch anyway," Ichigo finished before picking up his chopsticks to snatch another bite of food.
Grimmjow wondered how in the world Ichigo could call such an injury for a mere scratch, and now he became even more curious to find out about where all those scars he had seen marring his skin that day he was working in the field had come from.
Since then Ichigo had gained some weight and he looked better than ever, and both Grimmjow and Starrk had walked in on him when he exercised himself out in the garden. Ichigo hadn't noticed the audience, he was too busy keeping in shape and Grimmjow and Starrk had simply enjoyed the show. Half an hour later they were finished dining, and Starrk and Grimmjow had to leave for their duties, and Ichigo and Toshiro were left alone.
Ichigo kissed Toshiro deeply before hugging him closely.
"I'm glad you're ok love," he cooed and purred when Toshiro snuggled close and buried his head in Ichigo's neckline. "What do you say about taking a relaxing bath in a hot spring?" Ichigo asked while they snuggled close together.
"Sounds really nice," Toshiro purred with a smirk and shortly after Ichigo had Orihime escort them to the private hot springs that were only a short walk from the mansion which owned them. Minutes later Toshiro purred as the warm water soother his aching muscles and hurting wounds, and slid in under Ichigo's arm which cradled him close and he purred when Ichigo kissed his head lovingly.
Yup, just a snuggle chapter really. It's needed once in a while, but don't fear the smut will come XD *smirks*
So what did you think?
About TGR, I'm not sure when I will be able to update but on Monday I'll get to know if I'm pulled for any of the exams, and then all my time will go to preparations sadly (If I'm pulled up for one of course.)
Anyways, please review ;)