Holy crap guys this took longer to get up than I expected. I knew how I wanted this chapter to go but it took forever to actually get it written. It's pretty long so hopefully that makes up for the time. Without further ado, here you go!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters blah blah blah.
Gin awoke with his chest pressed against Izuru's back, his arm draped protectively over the boy. He nuzzled into the nape of the blonde's neck, inhaling his scent. Izuru giggled, having been awake for some time.
"Good mornin' sunshine," Gin smiled and kissed the back of Izuru's neck.
The blonde rolled over to face his lover. They stared deeply into each others eyes, seemingly looking into their souls.
"Get outa the way lovebugs. You're blocking my path to coffee," Ikkaku rudely interrupted them.
Izuru surveyed his surroundings. He realized they were laying on the floor in the doorway between the kitchen and living room. Ikkaku poked Izuru's back with his toe.
"Oi. Move," Ikkaku barked, getting impatient.
Izuru rolled his eyes but stood up, making room for Ikkaku. Gin followed suit, heading into the kitchen for his own cup of coffee. The silver haired man stood uncomfortably close to Ikkaku as he prepared his coffee.
"Lay another toe on Izuru and we'll have problems my friend," Gin smiled casually, adding sugar to his cup.
Ikkaku turned to the man next to him, in no mood for threats this early into his day, "Listen. Just cause you knocked him up don't mean you own him. We all care about him, so back the fuck off before we do have problems."
Gin opened his eyes to meet Ikkaku's stare. The tension grew thick as neither one showed signs of backing down. Ayame broke it up before things could get too heated.
"Move," Ayame pushed in between the two, ignoring the tension and pouring herself a fresh cup.
Ikkaku turned to leave but was stopped by Azra, "If you two are gunna fight, do it outside."
Ikkaku looked back at Gin who had a devious grin plastered on his face. He strongly considered challenging the man but his need for coffee grew stronger. The bald man turned and left the kitchen. Ayame followed shortly thereafter.
"I won't get in between you and Madarame but I will tell you to chill out. He's right, you're being overprotective," Azra said her piece and left the kitchen.
Gin sighed deeply before joining the rest of the group in the living room.
The tension had disappeared in no time as everyone sat around, chatting or watching TV. Gin and Ikkaku ignored each other but nobody besides the girls noticed. The group slowly finished off their coffee and eventually everyone was fully awake.
Azra and Ayame discussed possible plans for the day and finally came to an agreement.
"The Battery!" Ayame shouted, gaining everyone's attention.
"The Battery?" Ichigo questioned.
"The Battery!" Ayame repeated.
"The Meadow!" Gin shouted.
"No," Ayame deadpanned, "That's where Bambi's mom went to die."
"The Battery!" Gin corrected himself.
"The Battery!" The group shouted in unison.
The Battery was a park located in Downtown Charleston. It was on the water and a central location for everything Downtown has to offer. The tourist shops of the Market were within walking distance as well as restaurants, bars, and Historic Charleston. There was something for everybody, and given the beautiful weather, it was the perfect day to visit.
The group was ready in no time, all excited for the adventure ahead.
"Kuchiki joining us?" Azra asked Renji as he returned from changing.
"No," Renji shook his head, "He's working."
"His loss," Azra shrugged, "What about Hitsugaya?"
"He's gunna meet us down there," Ayame responded.
Azra nodded and the two girls made their way outside, the group following behind them. Gin, Izuru, Ichigo, and Uryu crammed into Ayame's car, Izuru taking shotgun. Ikkaku, Yumichika, Renji, and Grimmjow took Azra's car, Grimmjow in front of course. The headed downtown, taking about 20 minutes even though it should have taken closer to 45 thanks to Azra's impatience. She weaved around slower vehicles, griping about stupid drivers, Ayame close behind. They parked along the water and filed out. Uryu, who had to sit in the middle, was unusually grateful for the reckless driving.
"Alright. Let's meet at the gazebo in two hours," Azra addressed the group.
Everyone took off in different directions. Ichigo and Uryu headed towards the market. Ikkaku and Yumichika headed to the artistic district, Yumichika wanting to check out the local art. Renji headed to a bar, hoping they wouldn't card him. Azra and Grimmjow strolled down the battery wall, people watching. Gin and Izuru walked through the park. Ayame stood by the cars, waiting on Toshiro.
Uryu browsed the wide variety of items for sale at the market. Everything was made locally, which added to the charm. There was jewelry, handbags, clothing, you name it. He finally came upon a seller with handmade stuffed animals.
"Ichigo," Uryu called, "Check this out. Isn't it cute?"
Uryu picked up a stuffed elephant with big black buttons for eyes.
"Look at the stitching. It's done so well," Uryu admired the quality.
"Sure," Ichigo responded, "You want it?"
Uryu smiled at his lover, understanding this wasn't his thing. He was grateful Ichigo tagged along anyways. He brought the elephant to the seller, explaining he'd like to purchase it. Ichigo paid for the animal and the two continued along, browsing other items.
Ikkaku groaned loudly as Yumichika pulled him into another art store. Ikkaku couldn't understand why they were doing this. They didn't plan on buying anything as the local art was rather pricey. He saw it as a waste of time but Yumichika insisted. This was the fourth store they had visited and Yumichika's excitement hadn't waned in the least. Ikkaku wandered through the store, pretending to be interested when something outside caught his eye. A group of large men strolled past the shop. Not large as in fat or tall. Large as in insanely buff. He poked his head out the door to confirm he wasn't hallucinating. There stood five ripped guys who looked to have been dunked in Nutella. It took all of his willpower to stop himself from breaking into a fit of laughter.
"You ready to move on to the next store?" Yumichika pulled his attention away from the men.
"Yea. Yea let's go," Ikkaku responded, following Yumichika out.
Renji had just left Wild Wing Cafe empty handed. It was the second bar he had tried and both carded him. He guessed trying to get drunk at 2 in the afternoon raised a few suspicions. He decided he would try one more before giving up. Joe Pasta was an Italian restaurant and bar that was notorious for not carding people. He headed in the direction of his next bar and spotted a group of bodybuilders across the street. He couldn't help but openly gawk at them. They all wore gym shorts and tight, sleeveless t-shirts. Their arms and chest were abnormally large and veiny.
"I don't see why anybody would want to do that to themselves," Renji mumbled under his breath.
Azra and Grimmjow sat on the wall separating the walkway from the ocean. The walkway was filled with tourists and the couple took turns making up stories about random people.
"Well he's gay," Grimmjow pointed to a man in a grey business suit, "But his wife doesn't know. She thinks he's here on business but he's really meeting up with his boyfriend."
Azra chuckled before pointing to a gothic kid wearing all black, "He's really hoping someone will mug him or hit him with their car. Anything that will prevent him from having to go home when college lets out. If he has to listen to his father talk about his pointless degree in Philosophy anymore he will shoot himself in the head."
Grimmjow pointed to a rather large group of about 20 bodybuilders. They took up a large portion of the walkway.
"These guys," Grimmjow laughed, "These fuckers think women get wet just looking at them. They spend 40 hours a week in the gym and the rest of their time trying to pick up chicks. I wonder how much they spend on steroids."
Azra buried her head in Grimmjow's neck, trying to hide her laughter as the group walked past them. One of them stared down Grimmjow who kept eye contact, refusing to be intimidated.
After the body builders moved along, Azra spotted Ayame and Toshiro. The couple were casually walking up to them, hand in hand.
"Now these two," Azra spoke loud enough for the couple to hear her, "They think they look adorable. But in reality she just looks like a peodophile. I mean seriously, that kid can't be any older than like twelve right?"
Toshiro's eyebrow visibly twitched.
"How's it goin Shiro?" Grimmjow taunted.
He had taken to calling the shorter boy by this nickname ever since their last run in with Momo. It seemed to be the easiest way to annoy the boy, and Grimmjow loved it.
Azra ignored Grimmjow's taunts and looked at Ayame, "It's almost been two hours. We should go meet up with the others."
Ayame nodded and the four headed towards the park. It was a field littered with several large oak trees. The edges were lined with real cannons that were filled with concrete, making them, purely decorative. Dirt paths cut through the middle and in the center stood a large white gazebo. They passed the cannons and headed towards the gazebo where they ran into Gin and Izuru.
"Hey Toshiro. How's it goin?" Gin greeted his friend as they approached.
"You know. Same ol same ol," Toshiro responded.
"Anyone else see those bodybuilders?" Grimmjow asked.
"Yea we saw a group of like five of em earlier," Gin answered.
"They look ridiculous," Azra chuckled.
"Who looks ridiculous?" Ikkaku called as he and Yumichika approached.
"Bodybuilders," Toshiro responded.
"Oh yea. I saw em too. Wonder if there's a competition going on in town," Ikkaku pondered.
Ichigo and Uryu walked up, Uryu happily holding his new elephant.
"Went to the market?" Ayame asked.
Uryu nodded.
"See any bodybuilders over there?" Azra piped up.
"No. Why?" Ichigo asked.
"Cause they're all over the place," Renji answered. He was grumpy and completely sober.
Everyone sat along the edges of the gazebo, leaving room for people to walk through the middle. They all chatted about where they went and what they saw. The bodybuilders had all but been forgotten when the same group Grimmjow saw earlier piled into the gazebo. They all spoke so loudly Izuru couldn't hear Gin who was sitting right next to him. Then one of them backed up, stepping on Izuru's foot.
"Hey wanna watch where the fuck you're stepping?" Izuru snapped angrily.
"Chill the fuck out small fry. It was an accident," The man turned to the blonde.
Gin began to defend him but Izuru was too quick.
"Don't tell me to chill and don't fucking call me names," Izuru spat, standing to challenge the man.
The rest of the group stood as well. If he touched Izuru it was on. The man got closer to Izuru until their noses were almost touching. Surprisingly, Izuru didn't back down.
"I could fucking destroy you, you little shit," The man growled.
Izuru shoved the man hard, making him take a step back, "I said don't FUCKING CALL ME NAMES!"
The man swung on Izuru but Gin jumped in the way, taking the hit. Renji, Ikkaku, and Grimmjow stepped in, pushing the man away. His friends helped by grabbing him by the arms and wrestling him out of the gazebo.
"What the fuck has gotten into you!?" Gin reeled on Izuru, "He could have broken your jaw!"
"I can handle myself!" Izuru shot back before storming off.
Gin followed him, grabbing him by the wrist.
"Let go of me!" Izuru shouted, trying to wrench his arm free.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Gin asked, confused and angry.
"Stop treating me like I'm going to break," Izuru growled, tears spilling down his cheeks.
"What are you talking about?" Gin asked, calming down at the sight of Izuru crying.
"Ever since you found out I'm pregnant you've been treating me like some fucking porcelain doll," Izuru turned to the group, "All of you!"
"We're only looking out for you sweetie," Yumichika tried to explain.
"Don't fucking call me sweetie. If this is what it's going to be like for the next nine months I don't WANT THIS FUCKING CHILD!" Izuru ripped his arm free of Gin's grasp and stormed off.
Gin watched him leave, feeling his heart sink. Ayame followed after him and Azra set her hand on Gin's shoulder.
"Don't take it to heart Gin," Azra comforted, "He's really emotional right now. He's probably been holding that in for awhile."
Gin allowed her to lead him back to the gazebo, feeling empty inside.
"How's your jaw?" Toshiro asked, concerned for his friend.
"Fine," Gin grumbled.
In reality it hurt like a bitch. It throbbed with every beat of his heart. It wasn't broken though, he knew what a broken jaw felt like.
"Kira wait!" Ayame called out to Izuru's back.
Izuru continued walking, ignoring Ayame's calls. He didn't know where he was going and he didn't care. He just needed to get away.
"IZURU! STOP!" Ayame yelled.
Izuru stopped, her forceful tone surprising him. He shook with anger as tears continued to flow freely. He hated how he cried when he was angry. People thought his feelings were hurt but really he was just so infuriated that he could no longer control his emotions.
"Let's walk," Ayame continued walking as she passed him, motioning for him to follow.
He followed her reluctantly, not wanting to talk. They walked two blocks before the silence was broken. He had begun to calm down.
"What started this?" Ayame asked.
"You wouldn't let me join in when everyone attacked Momo's friends. Byakuya ushered me around the house like some innocent child. Then all day today Gin's been smothering me. He didn't want to go walking around because he was afraid it would tire me out. Then he stepped in when that guy was threatening me. I'm not some innocent, breakable thing. I'm still Izuru," The boy finished his rant, out of breath.
Ayame took in everything and thought it over before responding.
"I'm sorry I didn't let you join in. I was being overprotective. To Kuchki you are a child. You've got to remember he's older than us. Don't take it personally. And Ichimaru's just paranoid. He doesn't know what to expect, none of us do. Nobody has been through this before. Ichimaru wants to be a good father. He's only doing what he thinks is right. And honestly I'm glad he stepped in when he did. That was a big guy, and I'm sure Ichimaru's hurting right now. But it all comes down to you two need to talk. You've both been keeping these emotions in. You can't do that. They'll end up making you explode, like you just did." Ayame explained.
The two remained silent for several minutes. Izuru knew nothing about Gin's childhood. He wanted to know why Gin was trying so hard to be a good father. It upset him that they hadn't talked about these things. But he couldn't blame the man, he hadn't been open with Gin either.
"I guess we do need to talk," Izuru sighed, "I'm such an asshole."
Ayame chuckled, "Nah. I'm glad to see you upset. It's such a rarity. Gin loves you, just tell him you're emotional cause you're preggers and it'll all be good."
Izuru cracked a smile, "You're probably right. This is really fucking with my hormones."
Ayame draped her arm over Izuru's shoulders, "Come on, let's head back. It's getting dark."
Izuru nodded and the two made their way back to the group. As they approached the gazebo Gin stood, a look of concern and regret etched on his face. It was obvious he wanted to walk up to Izuru but he was holding himself back. Izuru slowly approached him and hugged him. Gin relaxed the muscles he didn't know he had been tensing and embraced the boy.
"We need to talk," Izuru began, "but first I wanna go shower, and be comfortable."
Gin nodded and looked to the girls.
"Let's go guys," Azra addressed the group before turning to Gin, " I want you to put some ice on your face Ichimaru. You're starting to swell."
The group filed back into the cars and headed home. The two didn't speak the whole ride home. Izuru had calmed down considerably, but Gin was a nervous wreck. Even after they got back to the house he didn't say much. The words 'we need to talk' kept echoing through his head. It usually didn't mean anything good when those words were spoken. He was positive one of two things was about to happen. Either Izuru was going to say he no longer wants this child, or he no longer wants to be with him. He loved Izuru, and if it's what he wanted, Gin couldn't tell the boy no. Gin didn't know what he would do in either scenario though. He was jolted from his thoughts when he saw Izuru enter the room, hair still wet from the shower. The boy headed to the front door, motioning for Gin to follow. Gin stood and followed the blonde out the front door, onto the porch.
"I'm sorry I freaked out," Izuru began, "I know I overreacted. I'm just so sick of being coddled."
"I never meant to upset you Izuru," Gin responded, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I know. It's partially my fault. I didn't tell you it was bothering me and I should have," Izuru explained.
"I just don't want to end up like my father. I want to be there for you and our child," Gin sighed.
"I don't know what your father was like. We've never talked about it. You've never opened up to me. I want to know these things Gin. I want to know your fears and worries," Izuru continued.
"I didn't want to worry you," Gin tried to explain himself.
"I get that, but don't worry so much. I want you to trust that I can handle whatever you throw at me," Izuru smiled, "I love you Gin. I don't want something so simple to tear us apart."
Gin looked into Izuru's eyes, his own filling with sadness, "Both of my parents were terrible, even when they were around. They never showed they cared for me, I was just a burden to them. When I was 13 I came home from school to an empty house and a note. They abandoned me because they didn't think they could do the whole 'parent' thing anymore. Or that's what they claimed. I want to be there for you, always."
Izuru looked to his lover, finally understanding his concerns, "We're not going to end up like them. We're going to end up like us."
Gin smiled widely and pulled the blonde into a tight embrace, "I love you Izuru. How did I ever come to find someone so amazing?"
"You passed Azra and Ayame's test," Izuru chuckled and returned the hug.
"And here I thought you were bringing me out here to end things," Gin confessed.
"I could never break up with you Gin. You mean too much to me," Izuru smiled.
"This is very touching but I'd like to go inside now," Byakuya broke up the happy moment.
Izuru looked up in surprise, "Oh...hey Byakuya. Sorry."
The couple stood and walked inside with Byakuya. They were met with an interesting sight.
"To the windoooooow. To the wall!" Grimmjow sang loudly.
"Till the sweat drops down my balls!" Ikkaku joined in.
"Till all these bitches crawl!" Ichigo sang.
"Oh skee skee mother fucker!" Toshiro sang uncharacteristically.
"Oh skee skee god damn!" Gin finished.
"What the fuck?" Byakuya asked to nobody in particular.
"I don't even want to know," Izuru shook his head.
The group continued singing the song until the end. Izuru noticed a few bottles of alcohol were laying on the coffee table. He guessed it was going to be one of those nights.
Well there you go guys. I thought it was soooo much longer when it was written on paper but I guess not. Sorry guys. I tried. I'm not sure what happened there at the end. I just didn't want to end it all sappy like I did that last chapter. This is a funny story dammit! I hope you enjoyed! Review if you like! I like reviews!