~Chapter 6 – To start over ~

After Shinji brought Ichigo home, the youth went straight for bed and slept for a day. Shinji as the true friend he is, called his work and said that he needed some days off. He had even slept on the couch to not disturb Ichigo's sleep.

Waking out from his deep slumber, Ichigo couldn't say that he felt rested. Everything ached, everywhere. Shinji had been forced to help him go to the bathroom and wash up. Fresh out of the shower the achy feeling got better. It might have had something to do with the painkillers also, too bad that they couldn't make his aching heart better.

According to Shinji, the best way to cure someone in heart break is with Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Ichigo couldn't argue about that when he still felt a little raw in his mouth. His friend ran down to the store and bought them one each; Ichigo always ate 'New York Super Fudge Chunk' while Shinji had chosen a new one which was called 'Blondie Brownie'. They laughed at the ice cream name like crazy when Shinji showed what he had chosen. Since he had paied for the ice cream, Ichigo let him choose a movie to watch and not too surprising, they where currently in the couch with blankets and pillows watching Brokeback Mountain. It was Shinji's favorite movie of all time. Two gay men, watching two other gay men, awkwardly figuring their love for each other out was too amusing and a bonus Shinji had told him while putting in the DVD. Ichigo himself couldn't decide if he liked it or not.

"They so want to have each other!" Shinji squealed next to him. Ichigo was busy digging in to his ice cream with thoughts wandering elsewhere. He threw a smile at Shinji as a response, although it wasn't a genuine one. They saw the rest of the movie in silence, at least Ichigo did. He wasn't depressed, but the 'air' in the movie really put him in to a dark mood.

"This movie is too sad." He broke his silence and sniffled as a few tears escaped his eyes.

"But romantic." Shinji added. He bumped into Ichigo's shoulder with his own gently. "Cheer up. There are better ones out there anyway. Kariya didn't deserve you."

"That must be the oldest, cheesiest, line ever. Thanks Shin." Ichigo said while playing with his spoon in the melted ice.

"Cheesy, but it works doesn't it?" Shinji leaned in closer, almost resting his cheek against Ichigo's. "So where is my 'thank you' kiss?" Ichigo pushed away Shinji, not the least interested. "That's not funny! Go and hit on someone else. Aren't you and Maki still seeing each other?"

"He moved on..apparently, but he wasn't even top five so it shouldn't matter, right?"

"Convenient on your part then."

"Hmm…you could say that."

The movie ended and Shinji decided that a comedy was needed and it would mostly act as background noise anyway. He flipped through his movie library on a hard drive plugged into the TV and settled for The hangover. He then turned to Ichigo, ready for his questioning. Ichigo still had a hard time accepting it all and was going to need a push in the right direction to start anew. The movie began playing on the screen and Shinji turned to Ichigo with mischief in his eyes.

"Sooo…" He began. "How is it possible that you got saved by a blueharied badass?"

"Pff, what, is it that impossible for me to be rescued by someone 'badass'?"

Shinji shrugged. "No sane person would bring a complete stranger to his home."

"Says the frequent one night stander." Ichigo teased. "We weren't strangers." He took a deep breath to collect himself. "When I found out that Kariya cheated on me, the same day he threw me out, I met Grimmjow. I got a flat on my rear tire and he stopped to help me with getting lift to a guy he know who fixed it."

"For free?"

"No, for a duo blowjob."

"Really?" Shinji answered with almost jealous eyes.

"What do you think Shinji? You're the slut not me, but I got it for free."

"Professional escort mind you."

"Whatever, it was sheer luck that he of all people found me. Things could have gotten worse if someone else got there first."

"I'm sorry for getting mad at you, I only wanted your best, and I hope that you got that."

"I know… Umh, is it okay if I live with you for a while? I don't have any money at the moment so I can't pay any rent; the bag is all I have."

"What about your bike? You still have it right?"

"Kariya took my keys… including my motorcycle ones."

"Don't you have the urge to burn something? Or is it just me?" Shinji growled.

"Burning anything won't resolve in to a happier ending."

"Spoilsport."

Comfortable silence fell on them now when they talked about the situation, and they enjoyed what was left of the movie together.

~~xxx~~

The next day Shinji went to work, since Ichigo had insisted on it. Shinji told Ichigo to rest up while he was away. His body felt much better. Only some slight aches in his shoulders and his stomach were still sore, as his bruised rib. Ichigo was lucky that it hadn't broken and punctured his lung. The swollen eye had gone to normal except for the bruise around it and the raging red gash that probably would give him a scar. His lip stung a little if he opened his mouth to fast. The healing went as it should and Ichigo was happy about it.

It wasn't the easiest of tasks to 'rest up'. Sitting down all day wasn't exactly something Ichigo was used to do. He was bored the minute Shinji left the apartment. What he couldn't ignore much longer was that he needed an income. Following his friend's demand, he rested in the couch and searched through the Internet for jobs on Shinji's laptop. Most job offers required an education which was a bit expected but something he didn't have. What he preferably needed was a long term job on full time. A little much to ask for, but it would feel secure to know that you got a steady income.

Just as he was about to close the webpage in annoyance a new post popped up in the list: 'Swim guard for Water Park wanted'. He clicked on it and read it through.

'Requirements needed: swim, rescue and CPR knowledge. Diploma or other documented proof is preferable. We value a high social ability. If this is you, please send in your resume.'

Ichigo had been a swimmer in school and taught a kid group one summer. To be able to teach that group he attended a mandatory CPR- course. This job was outside, inside too and he got a good vibe from the description of it. Determined, Ichigo wrote his application and when he was about to hit the send button he hesitated for a second. Could be fun, he thought and sent it.

~~xxx~~

Grimmjow was having an unpleasant day. He was currently trying to sleep of pain in a pitch black room. His back was messing with him. It wasn't a new occurrence but he got floored every time it came. Carrying a grown man hadn't been the greatest idea, but when did he have good ideas? Yeah, that's right- never. Things couldn't get any better when his medication had run out at the same time. Must be karma for Nnoitra's car or some other stupid shit he'd done to deserve this. Saving the kid wasn't enough to level out his karma apparently.

He couldn't have anyone else to collect his medication at the drug store since it was a prescribed recipe from the doctor. Drug classed or whatever. Grimmjow managed to sleep for a few hours until another need became present. Nicotine. To be able to go outside his front door he probably took more aspirin then healthy. To make sure that they got into his system he had to wait in his bed for an agonizing hour. He rose carefully from the bed to feel how his back was before putting his legs over the edge. Face planting into the door frame again wasn't too appealing. Taking things slow, he sat for a minute to not get light headed if he rose too quickly. The room spun a bit as he took one careful step forward. Upon reaching the bedroom door, he took support against the frame. The ache was disappearing a tad. He took the few steps to get to the hallway and grabbed his cigarette package and lighter.

Outside on his small patio, he leaned against the cool glass of one of his windows. Shaky hands pulled a stick out and lit it. The first inhale was heavenly. His second cigarette was lit minutes after the first one. Grimmjow hadn't felt this good in hours, he groaned a bit at the welcome feeling. If smoking had been allowed inside the apartment he would easily do it every time he needed one. The blunt was thrown in a glass jar filled with water. Feeling a little better and not so shaky anymore, he snailed back to bed. He didn't feel the need to be in a complete dark and quiet room any longer so he turned on the TV on a low volume.

'It is reported that Jin Kariya expanded his Bounto Corporation further when he took over the three remaining hotels, owned by Shinigami Residence, as they filed for bankruptcy last week. It won't be any noticeable differences other then the new ownership…'

"That Kariya guy really is everywhere lately. Rich bastard." Grimmjow muttered to himself.

With the over use of aspirin and his nicotine intake he was easily lulled to sleep by the TV.

~~xxx~~

"Say that ya are a 'cock sucking bitch' and I'll consider driving yer sorry ass."

"This shit isn't even funny, Nnoitra."

"Come on, it's easy…"

"You know damn well that I ain't standing on my knees for anyone!"

"That's why this is so funny, Grimmy."

"Do. not. call me that."

"Come on, say it."

"I'macocksuckingbitch."

"Bwahaha, ya actually said it?!"

"Shut the fuck up and pick me up."

"Nah, I've considered not to. Bye."

Beep, beep.

Grimmjow glared at his phone. That little shit head! As the phone just was about to live its last second flying through the air, heading against the wall, it vibrated.

[Nnoi: Just messing with ya. On my way]

"Prick."

After one set of fresh clothes, some agony and brushing of teeth, Grimmjow was set to go. When Nnoitra parked outside he was smoking a cigarette, the tall man sat down on one of the two chairs and lit one as well.

"Ya look like shit." Nnoitra said as he saw the dark circles under Grimmjow's eyes. "Is it bad?"

"The usual."

"That's how it turns out when saving kids and let them puke in expensive cars."

"It's not funny." Grimmjow took a pull of his stick and glared at Nnoitra in annoyance.

"So it hasn't improved I take it?"

"No change since the day I got discharged from the hospital."

"That blows." Nnoitra looked at Grimmjow carefully, seeing the hurt in his eyes. "So are we done behavin' like chicks? I c'n feel ma balls shrink already."

"Yeah, let's go."

Grimmjow stared out through the window of Nnoitra's car, if he didn't count the pain in his back he felt a little depressed. He could feel the glances from his chauffer who tried to make a conversation with him.

"So… there's a party I'm going to tonight. Wanna go?"

Silence.

"It's at Szay's, grand and all."

"He sure knows how to throw them." Grimmjow muttered. "Can't drink any alcohol when I'm eating that medication, probably gonna see pink elephants dancing or whatever if I do."

"Doesn't sound that bad. Could be fun."

"You are only going to look at ass all night anyway."

"Hey!" Nnoitra protested.

"What?! It's true and you fucking know it."

"The little man needs some entertainment. Can't blame him." Nnoitra said and grinned.

"I'm not gonna discuss your dick asshole."

"Fuck you."

~~xxx~~

"Ichigo…Ichigo?"

Huh? Was someone calling for him? It was hard to tell in the darkness his mind currently was resting. No dreams, no nothing, just a black sphere and he liked it here. He didn't need to think about Kariya, getting employment or finding a place to stay. He could relax but it got harder to do so as something pulled him closer and closer to consciousness.

"Strawbe-"

"Finish that word and I'll do something horrible." Ichigo said with his eyes still closed.

"Aww come on Ichigo, It's cute."

"No it's not, and stop leaning over me. It's annoying."

"You have slept enough; I got something to show you!"

You were the one who told me to rest. Sighing inside his head, Ichigo opened his eyes slowly and was met by Shinji's hovering head. He was about to push it away but his hand got tangled in long golden hair. Long? He shot up from the bed, almost head butting with his friend in the process.

"What the hell did you do to your hair?!"

"Isn't it cool? Shinji threaded his fingers through it.

"It reaches down to your butt!"

"And I love it! I got a hair extension with real human hair that they sewed into my own. You know, to get it tuggable."

"How you can turn anything into sexual insinuations is beyond me."

"It's a gift."

"What's the occasion?"

"It's a very important job this evening."

"Come to think of it… what are you exactly working with these days?"

"A little of dit and that. It's an agency that rent us escorts out basically."

"You're not working at Orchid anymore then? When did this happen? Thought that you where happy at there."

"I was recommended to transfer. Got a stalker after me. My old boss got this job for me and it was fine by me really, was tired of my old one anyway. It's more varied than just go out on pretense dates every time."

"Oh… What happened to the stalker?"

"Orchid's guards beat him up, haven't seen him since."

It was quiet for a minute which was rare in Shinji's presence. Said man twirled his hair between his fingers. Ichigo looked at him while staring at the bad habit. The stalker obviously bothered him more then he admitted.

"Want me to braid it?"

Shinji stared at him curiously.

"We could make one braid, starting at the side of your head and leave some loose strands on the opposite side." Shinji could only flash his wide signature grin before doing thumbs up.

Shinji was dressed to impress. He wore a white dress shirt with frills and black tight jeans. The shirt was tucked in on appropriate places to give him a professional but relaxed look. Ichigo did his braid with ease, made semi loose to match his outfit.

"I applied for a job as a swim guard by the way." Ichigo said as he put on the last layer of hair spray on to his hair.

"That's great! I hope you get it, I know you do. Stare at half naked men all day is a dream job!"

"I can see the look in your eyes. No, I'm not gonna collect numbers for you or slip you in for free."

"You're on your own if the kids' starts harassing you at the pool. Favor for a favor."

"For everyone's sake it's safer with you not at the facility. Cleaner too."

"Boo, that's so mean." He inspected Ichigo's work in the mirror, he looked fuckable. Ichigo sure knew what he was doing.

"When are you coming back?...or are you even returning at all?"

"One can't know, depends if there are any hotties! I promise to not drag anyone home, you can be calm."

"Thought you were supposed to be working…"

"I am, distractions are allowed! I'm a pro after all."

~~xxx~~

Shinji held out a towel for a guest to wipe his hands on. The manager had been so kind to give him the honor, as he had called it, to attend the men's bathroom. He had been groaning in his head at first since this would be the worst job assignment for the evening, until he realized what opportunity it really was. Shinji isn't as normal as one should be. In here, in the private atmosphere, away from all the high music outside, with just the bass penetrating through the walls he would be able to work and hit on hot men at the same time. His boss wouldn't even notice. This wasn't the cherry on top of an ice cream berg though. The unknowing men was literally showing Shinji if they where worthy his attention, yes, he was going to stare at dick all night long and no one could stop him.

The music slipped in to the room as the door opened, two men walked inside with beer bottles in hand which were put on the zinc area before going to the urinal. Shinji ogled them discreetly but found himself disappointed. The two men left without washing their hands. Repulsive. The beer bottles had been left behind and Shinji cleaned them away quickly before the next patron would come in. As he stood with his back to the door, it opened and closed. Someone walked straight to the wall and did his business. Shinji got to see something big for a second before it was tucked in again. The man went and washed his hands, thank god. Smirking, Shinji gave him a towel to dry off his hands. When he was reaching out his hand to take back the used towel, the man dropped it on the floor smirking at Shinji. Oh, well played Mr. Big, he thought as he bent down to pick it up. I wonder if he saw me peeking, Shinji mused. The noise outside reached his ears indication that the door opened and closed.

He glanced at his wrist watch, he had already been working for hours and it was a little over 3 AM. Shinji never thought that he was going to say it but he had grown tired of watching cocks. A sigh escaped his lips, 50 minutes left until he could go home. Tomorrow he would lay in bed all day with Ichigo as his house slave so he could stay under the cover for forever. He was abruptly drawn out of his dreaming as Mr. Big came in through the door. More drunk then the first time he saw him, but still pretty sober. Must have arrived late, he thought. The man walked over to relieve himself like the last time. Shinji peeked as much as he could; this was Mr. Big after all. Big pulled down his zipper, Shinji waited for the grand finale eagerly.

"Nah, just kidding." The man said and pulled the zipper back up. "Getting a thrill of watchin' people pee, pervert?" He said and turned around.

"What? No!"

"'m not stupid."

"I never said that!"

The man closed the distance between them, his height making the big room turn very small quickly. "Yer feisty aren't ya?" Mr. Big said with a grin.

"Who isn't when they get falsely accused of something?"

The man got even closer and Shinji backed into the zinc and found himself trapped between two long arms. "Ya see…I like when they bark-" He leaned into Shinji's ear, tracing his nose on it before whispering; "and you like em' big don' ya?" Shinji couldn't stop the shudder traveling down his spine to pool in his crotch. This man was dangerous and it turned him on so bad.

"May be I do." He answered with a confident gaze. "Now when I've seen it, I need to make sure my eyes saw right or played a trick on me." His right hand cupped the other just as he finished his sentence. "I was right all along."

Growling, the man hoisted him up on the zinc counter and with no balance what so ever at the abrupt motion, he took support in the stranger's shirt. His arms where released and placed on each side of his own head as he was pushed back at the mirror behind him. Two seconds later they indulged in heavy lip locking and trust him, Shinji did his best to win the battles of tongues.

When the heated kisses traveled down his throat to collarbone, he decided that it was time to stop the fun and move to a safer location. "Your's or mine?" He gasped out.

"Yers." Mr. Big said as he sucked on a tender spot on his shoulder.

"I got a roommate so it wouldn't, ah.., be a good idea but okay." His head was so fussy from all the kissing and groping that he barely could produce a thought.

"I don' care either way. Can't wait to bury meself in ya." The stranger breathed in his ear. Shinji's brain died at the statement as his cock twitched painfully.

~~xxx~~

Ichigo was pleasantly unknowing about the two hormonal men sucking face in the door way as he slept peacefully in Shinji's bed. When two bodies collided on top of him, he woke with a pained grunt to get a shirt thrown in his face.

"What. the. FUCK!" He shouted.

The stranger on top of his friend didn't bother to stop his sucking of a nipple to which Shinji moaned loudly while grasping at the sheets.

"Oi, Shinji!" Ichigo threw his fist in the blondes head.

"I'm in the middle of something, Ichigo."

"I clearly see that but not on sleeping people. It's fucking disgusting."

The man hovering over Shinji lifted his head and Ichigo felt his stomach drop. Oh, no. "If ya know what's best for ya, ya take a pair of headphones an' sleep on the couch for the rest of tha night, got it?" Ichigo nodded. Why did Shinji of all people, hook up with the only one he really had no interest of seeing again. He even had been advised to stay out from the man's sight if he valued his life.

To make sure he didn't see anything that would scare him for life, he hid his head under the pillow in the couch as he blasted music for dear life.

TBC

AN: I've been busy like mad lately. It's easier for me to read through my already written chapters for this story then to write a new one for 'The Fraternity leader'. I have begun writing it though, just need to figure out how I want it. Big thanks to those who review, follows and favorites my stories!

I've come to the conclusion that my writing seems to get more interesting as my stories moves along. A little annoying when I want it superb from the start, haha.

Happy easter,

BIAE