I have returned! Okay, not completely, but I'm getting there. I'm posting from my old laptop my brother SHOULD'VE been using instead of my awesome, so not a piece of shit, nice laptop he ruined! =) Anyway, things are a bit... complex now. I have to write on my usual comp, save it to a flashdrive, and then take it to my old comp... so many steps T^T. I can't wait to see all the 'I'm so freakin ghappy you're back, i almost died without your fics' PMs ;p JK! I almost died without my fics *sobs* But I'm back now, so I'm good =D

'Chapter 4

Ichigo wakes to a throbbing pain in his stomach, a groan leaving his lips as he voices that discomfort. He remembers leaving Kisuke's shop, Grimmjow coming after him, and then… Oh, that Sexta is a dead man! He growls angrily, opening his eyes to find himself back in the same room he woke in wearing nothing but his boxers again. He buries his face in his pillow and screams, never noting the door opening as he continues to muffle his anger. Grimmjow leans against the wall across from him, arms over his chest and eyes calm though holding a hint of exasperation.

"This is getting kind of annoying," he comments.

Ichigo jumps at the sound of his voice, his body tense although his face doesn't move from the pillow. Grimmjow knows he has to do something to stop Ichigo's ridiculous behavior; however he's uncertain exactly what that should be. He knows that Stark deals with Hallibel in a specific manner unlike dealing with other betas… maybe that's Ichigo's problem. He seemed like an alpha bitch back during the war and even Hall has her breakdowns. With a heavy sigh, he moves closer to the bed and sits down. The youth stiffens at the action, growling furiously when a heavy hand settles itself between his shoulders. Ignoring the sound of warning, he rubs small circles along the smaller male's back in attempt to calm him… it works, if only a little.

"I know you don't like this," Grimmjow comments softly, taking a page from Stark's book. "I understand how upset this is making you. It happened without warning, it was coerced by people you trusted, and you have every right to be angry."

Ichigo turns his head to peek at the teal haired male, confusion and wariness showing within his amber orb. He doesn't know where this is going, but it certainly doesn't sound like the Grimmjow that tried to kill him on countless occasions. He sounds calm and soothing, easing Ichigo's nerves as he listens more than he had to the Shinigami.

"I know this isn't fair to you… but I also know there's nothing you can do to change things. We're together, that won't change. I know things aren't going well right now, but we can't be expected to fall in line just because the Shinigami think we should," he offers. "I realize we have things to work on, every couple does, but we can't get things in order or work things out if you continue to blame me for something the Shinigami set up. I knew it was going to happen, but we weren't exactly told you didn't know. Do you understand my side?"

"… Yes," Ichigo murmurs. "You want to get out of Hueco Mundo and need me to be bound to you so you can live here."

"Would you seriously condemn Arrancar that are attempting to be better people to an eternity locked in Hueco Mundo?" he wonders. "I had multiple chances to drag you there and keep you within the white sands these last four years, Ichigo… I didn't. I didn't, because even I wouldn't wish that on someone."

His voice is still a subtle caress to Ichigo's ears, but the orangette can hear the seriousness to the later comment. He knows without a doubt the other wouldn't have had trouble kidnapping him, especially with his latest aggravations. He's been so maxed out when it comes to energy, if Grimmjow would've taken him while he was sleeping in the middle of the night he'd sleep right through it. Ichigo turns his head all the way to the side, watching Grimmjow stare at the wall across from him in contemplation as he slowly rubs his 'wife's' back. Ichigo knows his attitude toward the Espada isn't right, Grimmjow is supposed to be his other half, his rock, but he's basically been walking all over him. The orangette is actually shocked he hasn't been beaten to within an inch of his life yet!

"Can you give this a chance, Ichigo?" Grimmjow inquires. "Would it really kill you to try just for a little while?"

"… No, it wouldn't," he sulks. "But…"

"Ichigo, I realize this isn't something you would've chosen on your own. But I'd like to remind you that sometimes… the things that we don't plan on happening are sometimes the best things that ever happen to us."

"How do you know that?"

"Were you planning on becoming a Shinigami? I know I didn't plan on becoming an Arrancar, but I don't regret it. I didn't plan on losing the war, but it's worked out really well for us so far. Things are so much better now that Aizen is gone," he smirks. "That woman didn't plan on her powers, the Quincy didn't plan on his wide array of friends… you see where I'm coming from?"

"Yes," Ichigo sighs. "I guess… I could try."

"Good, that's not so hard, is it?" the Sexta purrs. "Now that you're actually calmed down, there's something I should probably tell you."

"Perfect," Ichigo groans. "What now?"

"Well… I'm an Arrancar, so I'm probably gonna go about this whole marriage thing as I would a mating thing," he answers sheepishly. "I'll try not to, but that'll be really hard for me… mating was one of my fortes, if you catch my drift."

Ichigo growls at that, amber eyes narrow and dangerous as he scowls heatedly at the other. That comment only brings one thought to mind, but he's not too fond of thinking he's married to a male prostitute of some sort. Although… he could see the appeal.

"There are some things you should probably know… challenging my status leads to aggression, I don't like not knowing where you are… even a simple note would do… and I'm gonna have to say, you're basically a female in my mind."

"WHAT!" Ichigo snarls.

"I'm sorry, but in Hueco Mundo all submissives are referred to as females," Grimmjow informs defensively. "I didn't just choose to think that, it's a lesson you learn from your first days as a Hollow. It's practically engraved in your DNA. I'm sorry! I won't refer to you as a female… per say… but I might call you my bitch every now and then."

Ichigo's features darken in fury, the admission not one he wants to hear… although it does beat finding out in public. Grimmjow catches onto his partner's displeasure, confusion touching his brow as he tries to figure out what could be angering the younger male. He only told him the truth.

"It's a compliment, you know," he remarks as an afterthought. "Not many betas actually get to be claimed by an alpha. You should be happy I like you enough to call you that."

"You can't just call me your husband?"

"Uh… no? You're the female, I'm not gonna call you that," Grimmjow frowns. "You're my wife, my bitch, my woman, or my lover… well… not my lover, I haven't fucked you yet."

Ichigo buries his face back in his pillow, grabbing the other one to hold over his head. This is going to take ever last shred of patience he's ever had, which isn't much so he'd better find a way to force its growth. Grimmjow watches him curiously, eventually lying down beside him to look up at the ceiling. After a long moment of silence, he turns to face the orangette attempting to suffocate himself.

"It's almost lunchtime, you know," he states. "What do you want to do?"

"Strangle you," Ichigo's muffled tone comments.

"Funny," the Sexta scoffs. "I mean, do you want to go out for lunch or should I make sandwiches or something?"

"I'm not going anywhere," Ichigo huffs as he props himself up on his forearms. "If I leave, the Shinigami will start bothering me again."

"Fine, I'll make something," Grimmjow shrugs uncaringly.

"Hell you will!" Ichigo comments. "I'll fix something; I don't trust you to cook."

Grimmjow shrugs at that as well, watching as Ichigo gets out of bed and marches off in his boxers. The teal haired male grins wickedly when the orangette darts back in to grab a pair of sweatpants before running off again, the larger male cackling in humor at his shyness.

Ichigo is wound up around Grimmjow, it's easy enough to see. It certainly doesn't help that the later simply can't help but tease his counterpart, just poking to see that bright blush and get the snappish reaction born of mortification. All afternoon he's been grabbing his ass or leaning up against him intimately in order to press his cock into that tight behind, anything to get that hilarious reaction. He sneaks up on the orangette filling the front loading washer in the laundry room, his cyan eyes devouring the ass in perfect view as the other bends over.

"Nice," he purrs.

Ichigo starts, jumping at his voice and smacking his head on the top of the washer's open doorway… he's not certain how it happened, but it hurts. With a dark scowl Grimmjow's way, he tries to ignore the man in order to get the laundry done. Grimmjow, however, doesn't like being ignored. He walks over to the orangette and grips his hips with strong hands, grinding against his ass with a hum of appreciation.

"Grimmjow!" Ichigo snaps with that beautiful blush. "Get the hell away from me!"

"But I'm bored. Shouldn't you be… like… entertaining me or something? Oh! You should do a strip tease!" he states excitedly.

"Go to hell!" the orangette hisses as he pulls away. "I'm not stripping for you!"

"… Can I strip you? I mean… I'm getting pretty damn good at it," the Sexta snickers.

Ichigo growls and marches out of the room, only to come back in to turn on the washing machine and leave yet again with an even greater huff. Grimmjow follows him with that huge feline grin on his lips, sauntering playfully as though a house cat trailing its owner with intention to pounce. Ichigo watches him warily as he flops down on the couch, the large flat screen on the wall silent and black. He reaches over to grab the remote, hoping for some peace and quiet for only a few minutes, when weight settles on the other side of the couch… and Grimmjow slides over Ichigo's partially lying down body. The Sexta repositions his partner, his own larger body now resting between Ichigo's legs as he props his head up with a closed fist smugly.

"… What are you doing?" Ichigo scowls.

"I'm enjoying my mate," Grimmjow purrs.

"Get off me."

"I don't want to."

"Grimm…"

"I want to be close to my mate, is that so wrong," he teases with a feigned sulk.

"It is when you're just doing it to be an ass," Ichigo bristles. "Can't you go find something else to do? Maybe go bother one of your bloodthirsty Arrancar?"

"That's not very nice, Kitten," Grimmjow pouts. "You shouldn't talk that way, you could hurt my feelings."

Ichigo rolls his eyes, but lifts the remote to turn on the TV instead of hitting the other with it like he originally wanted to. Grimmjow settles himself atop his mate, the orangette squirming uncomfortably beneath the heavier man. Catching this, the Sexta wraps an arm around Ichigo's waist and quickly flips them. Ichigo now lies atop the plains of Grimmjow's body, his legs still spread over Grimmjow's. He seems uncomfortable, yet the older male can't understand why. He's supposed to be intimate with his partner, isn't he? Lying around like this is mild compared to some of the stuff he's taken part in within the sands of Hueco Mundo. He'd much rather be rutting with his new bitch, but Ichigo's not ready for that… he should at least get such a mild form of physical attention. He's a feline for crying out loud, he craves attention! After a moment of discomfort, Ichigo shifts and crosses his arms over Grimmjow's chest to pillow his head. The Sexta purrs in content, running a hand through silken orange locks to draw a similar sound from the youth. As the movie gets through the opening scenes, Ichigo can feel sleep closing in on him at the soothing touch. He closes his eyes, drowning in the touch far gentler than any his other relationships ever brought to him.

Grimmjow stretches beneath his mate, glancing at the clock on the stand beneath the TV. It's nearing dinnertime and he's getting hungry. Kisuke and Mayuri had worked together for once with Szayel, creating a gigai that adjusts the Arrancar's hunger for souls into one of food. They never cease in surprising those around them, the invention a truly perfect one between the three. With a sigh, Grimmjow looks down onto his orange haired mate. Ichigo is still snoozing peaceably, purring every now and then before nuzzling into Grimmjow's chest unconsciously. The Sexta knows Ichigo won't recall this gesture, but it's enough to assure him the teen has accepted him as his mate.

"Ichi," he murmurs as he light shakes the other awake. "Time to wake up."

"Mm…"

"Come on, we're going out."

Ichigo stretches and yawns, his body sliding over Grimmjow's with every movement before he pulls back and sits on his legs. Grimmjow can't help but think the sight of Ichigo rubbing sleep from his eyes is cute, yet keeps it to himself. He stands and heads toward the kitchen, looking for his wallet and a pair of shoes.

"Where are we going?" Ichigo questions through another yawn.

"I'm hungry; we're going out to eat dinner."

"… You have money?"

"Duh," Grimmjow remarks. "We were given an allowance until we get on our feet."

Ichigo can only nod at that, wondering what the misfit group could possibly do to fit in here. With a shrug, he decides he'll have to think about that later and follows his husband out the door. The area Grimmjow lives in, which is surprisingly seriously nice, has everything they need within a few minutes' walk. The two don't speak, the silence a bit stifling for Ichigo since he's usually surrounded by people talking to one another. In boredom, he starts to drift further away in order to look through the windows of the shops they pass. Grimmjow catches him lagging behind as he slows before a clothing store, rolling his eyes and pulling him closer.

"Do you not understand how rare a catch you are?" he frowns. "Do you really think there aren't Hollows out there that want to fuck you until you beg for death?"

"… You probably could've put that a little nicer," Ichigo remarks quietly.

"Look, the Hollows won't touch you now. They know better than to touch what's mine," the Sexta comments. "But I don't know about these humans. I don't know which ones I can trust around you and which ones will try and hurt you like the guy in the club."

"I can take care of myself, you know," he frowns.

"I realize that," Grimmjow sighs. "I just want you to know how difficult that is for me to take into consideration. I basically grew up an animal, I'm still an animal, and my job is to protect my mate. That's not something you break overnight."

Grimmjow is quickly finding Stark's method of dealing with alpha females tiring, all this emotion is making him sick. Ichigo, however, is responding well to it and until he finds a new way to get through to his vicious little bitch he'll need to stick with this one. If only Stark weren't the only one that managed to find a way to defuse an alpha female's temper.

"I'm sorry," Ichigo murmurs almost petulantly. "I didn't think of that."

Grimmjow is almost surprised at that, yet keeps that to himself. He draws Ichigo closer to him, nestling him against his side. The orangette elbows him, moving away and slipping his hand into the taller male's with a small smirk. It's not much, but Grimmjow accepts it and entwines his fingers loosely within Ichigo's. The two head into a small diner, finding a booth and sitting down to wait for their waitress.

They're halfway through with dinner, Ichigo actually shocked he enjoys Grimmjow's company so much, when the doors open and a few Shinigami walk in. Renji and Rukia spot him immediately, which really isn't difficult considering his hair color, and Byakuya follows them over with Toshiro. Ichigo isn't looking in their direction, his back to the door as he faces Grimmjow, so he doesn't notice them until Renji and Rukia push him to the wall so they can sit down. Byakuya and Toshiro stop at Grimmjow's side, yet the Espada scoots over without prompting.

"Out on the town with your new hubby?" Renji asks teasingly.

"Actually… we were sort of on a dinner date," Ichigo mutters in disappointment.

"… Oh… sorry," the redhead blushes. "We just wanted to know how you two were doing… It isn't exactly a secret that you didn't want this marriage, so we want to make sure you're okay."

"I talked to him," Grimmjow shrugs while snatching a fry from Ichigo's plate. "We're fine. He's still pissed at you guys, though."

"I've brought your badge to return," Byakuya murmurs. "I hope you'll accept it. You're still on vacation, however, so don't go running after Hollows until further notice… Rukia and Renji need something to do; they're getting in everyone's way in Seireitei."

"Oi! That's not nice!" the redhead pouts. "We were only trying to help."

"It's not our fault we accidentally caused a mass riot within the academy," Rukia blushes. "They shouldn't be so gullible!"

Ichigo rolls his eyes, knowing this is going to be one of those arguments that won't end for a long while. Grimmjow picks up on his mate's irritation, clearing his throat to get the attention of the others. Once he's positive they're looking his way, he pulls out his wallet.

"Hate to say this, but I promised Ichigo a movie before we go home… almost time," he states.

Without another word, the other's move to let them out and Grimmjow pays the bill. The orangette wishes he could say he felt bad for the lie, but he really doesn't. He's still upset with the Shinigami for what happened, so when Grimmjow wraps an arm around his waist to lead him out the door… he doesn't even look back at them. They watch as Ichigo unconsciously leans closer to the teal haired Espada, Grimmjow tightening his hold when a man looks his mate over in want. Instead of heading for home as Ichigo assumed they would be, Grimmjow takes him to the movies. The surprise is a nice one, an unexpected one, and Ichigo blushes when asked what he wants to see. With a hesitant smile, Ichigo chooses an action movie he was supposed to see with Renji and Rukia a week ago. They never had a chance to go and this will be the last week it's in theaters, so Grimmjow pays for the tickets and grasps his uke's hand as they walk in. Hopefully, this is a sign that their bumps won't be too bad.

Did I happen to mention this older computer is a piece of shit? One arrow button is shattered, a smaller delete button is missing, and I have to hook up a new keyboard because the built in one is ruined... I love my computer so much! Not this one, it's a piece, I'm loving the newer one! =)