Hello! I'm slowly recovering... both physically and within my own little anime bubble! Anyway... I already wrote this, but forgot to post it. For those of you that reviewed my last chapter in this fic, you may have gotten a reply asking your opinion about the following question: 'What job should Grimmjow have'. I'm open to ideas! I have a few of my own, but they didn't seem good. I've used the model thing frequently, the fighter was a good idea, and I'm not sure Grimmjow would be a good biologist... no matter how easily he can rattle off everything about a particular animal in front of him. I'll let you guys think about it! =) Enjoy the fic!

Chapter 5

Ichigo stretches and yawns, almost falling off the couch. He's startled as he tries to gather his bearings, looking around to see Grimmjow's living room… a large flat screen, leather sectional, short TV stand used for little more than holding movies and the occasional game system, a floor lamp, a couple armchairs, and a potted plant by the large window. Remembering yesterday, Ichigo sighs in irritation and gets up. Grimmjow wanted to share a bed last night, but that's where the teen put his foot down. Although that's the most comfortable bed he's ever lain in, he wouldn't be getting any sleep at all with Grimmjow beside him.

"Good morning!" Grimmjow chirps as he walks out of the bedroom. "Sleep well?"

"… Well enough," the vibrant male mumbles. "I need to get to work, Grimmjow…"

"No you don't," he frowns. "You work for Seireitei and they placed you on vacation until we're settled enough. Yorouchi and the girls are planning a honeymoon and the old man wants us to have our reception soon, by the way."

"… Honeymoon? Reception?"

"Yeah, you know… that dinner you stormed out of after throwing your badge at everyone?"

"Grimmjow, I can't do this. I can't stay inside with you all day, every day! You'll drive me crazy!"

"That's not very nice," the other pouts although his eyes sparkle in mischief. "Would you like to go out today? I'm sure we can think of something to do."

"… I did promise my sisters I'd take them to the zoo," Ichigo sighs. "I suppose you could meet my family before we head out with them."

"Great! Go get a shower and let's go!" Grimmjow grins before faltering. "Wait… what's a zoo?"

Ichigo laughs at that, it's so random and unexpected that there was no way to hold it back. To think that Grimmjow could know about so much in the living world and not know what a zoo is. Grimmjow decides it doesn't matter as long as he's with his mate, shooing the other into the connected bathroom and lingering in case he's allowed to join him… no such luck. He's sent packing by an angry Ichigo and a huge bottle of unopened shampoo.

The knock at the door has Karin answering it with Isshin hurrying toward her like an overeager child. When they see Ichigo, however, Isshin's composure turns horribly serious. Ichigo isn't facing him, arguing in a whispered hiss with someone standing on the other side of him, and a hand on his shoulder has the vibrant haired male turning quickly.

"Dad," he says a bit startled. "Um… I came to pick up the girls."

"Why don't you come inside and have a talk with me."

Ichigo nods hesitantly, reaching behind him and dragging a curious looking Grimmjow into the small house. Karin scowls at the other, watching him move with a look torn between fascination and anger. She knows this man is the one her father has been ranting about… the one that married her older brother without his permission. Ichigo sits on the couch, pulling the teal haired man onto the cushion beside him, and Isshin sits in the chair near the couch to drill holes in the older male with a glare.

"Are you okay, Ichigo?" he asks seriously.

"… I'm better," he admits. "Grimmjow helped out a lot, but I'm still angry with Seireitei. I don't mind being with Grimmjow, I just wanted a say in it."

"I know there's no way to make this better," Isshin sighs. "I just want you to know that the door is always open if you're having trouble and need some space. I'm not condoning what they did, it's unforgivable and only you can decide if you give them the forgiveness they seek, but you should always have a choice in marriage… sometimes you just need some space to cool down."

"Okay."

"Are you sharing a bed with him?"

"Dad!" Ichigo yells in disbelief as his face colors. "That's none of your business!"

"I offered, but he chose to sleep on the couch," Grimmjow murmurs in disappointment. "I told him we didn't have to do anything… he's just so stubborn."

"Get used to it," the dark haired man laughs. "His mother was the same way! So… you learned how to calm my son? I'm impressed."

"Don't be, Stark learned first," Grimmjow chuckles. "Alpha females are always difficult and quite violent, but when he got with Hallibel he quickly ferreted out their language. I just happen to be a quick study."

"What are you guys doing today?"

"I promised Karin and Yuzu I'd take them to the zoo," Ichigo mutters petulantly. "We're going together so they can 'bond' with Grimmjow."

Isshin nods, his face contemplative as he thinks on it. Finally, he stands and calls the girls before grabbing his keys. Ichigo doesn't say a word; he knows his father won't be deterred. For some reason, the man thinks he has to accompany them. The teen doesn't blame him, he wouldn't let his daughters out of the house with an Arrancar either.

They walk to the zoo, Grimmjow and Ichigo preferring that to the car thanks to their Hollow nature. Karin doesn't mind, she loves to run, and Yuzu was given a piggyback by Grimmjow when she got tired. The only one complaining is Isshin, but that's only for show. The gates aren't as crowded as usual, the majority of the families lounging about poolside in this warm weather, so it's easy enough to get in. The first thing Grimmjow notes upon entering is the scent of a variety of animals. His eyes widen in childish delight for only a moment, scanning the area in attempt to catch any creatures within view.

"Why are all the animals locked up?" he wonders as he carries Yuzu over to a cage.

A few bears are swimming in the pond, playing with a large rubber ball as other humans laugh and point in glee. Grimmjow knows this animal, knows it belongs in the forests, and can't understand why it's not where it belongs. To him, this place looks like a jail for animals.

"Most of these animals are endangered or can't survive in the wild," Ichigo explains. "They were born in captivity and never learned how to survive in the wild, so they go into breeding programs to save their species."

"… Noble," Grimmjow murmurs. "Still completely evil, though."

"What's your favorite animal, Grimmjow?" Yuzu questions curiously. "You must have one."

"The jaguar," the teal haired male grins. "I'm related to it, you know."

"Really?"

It's no big secret anymore that Ichigo's a Shinigami, the twins were brought up to speed after the war, so she's aware of Hollows and Arrancar just as much as Shinigami and Visoreds. She and Karin have been asking questions whenever possible to learn more, which means bonding with Grimmjow will likely be them drowning him in questions about himself and his species.

"Yep! That's why they're my favorite, they're family!"

"So that's why you move like one," Karin remarks with a smirk. "Do you hunt? Can you smell people like them? Hear like them?"

"I have their senses, yes," he nods delightedly. "I go on many hunts… I usually like to hunt Ichigo, though; he's so much fun to chase!"

"… Do you hurt him?" Yuzu inquires in worry.

"I would never kill him, if that's what you mean," the larger male frowns. "I just like to chase him, sometimes we spar… usually, I just like to chase him though. He's really fast."

"So it's a 'cat and mouse' thing," Karin snorts in humor. "You're just playing with him, aren't you?"

"What can I say, I'm a feline at heart," Grimmjow shrugs innocently. "I love attention and I love the chase more."

The girls laugh as Ichigo blushes, mumbling curses beneath his breath as he tries to stay away from the group. It seemed like a good way to keep Grimmjow away from him, leaving him for his sisters to take up his attention, but it doesn't work that way. The minute he gets the chance, Grimmjow grabs hold of the orangette's hand and pulls him gently toward him. Isshin watches closely, noting how careful the Arrancar is with his son. He's heard of their violent fights and has even walked in on one of their more brutal sparring sessions, so he's shocked this teal haired animal can treat his only son with such care. As they go around to each animal, Grimmjow tells the girls about them by scent and typical predator knowledge… animals were something he loved to study when he got away from Aizen long enough to hang out in the living world.

"Wow! You're an expert on animals, Grimmjow!" Yuzu cheers.

"I've been studying animals for years," he smiles. "I feel comfortable around them… I know where I stand with them."

"The jaguars are next," Karin grins. "Do you know all about them?"

"From personal experience," he laughs before ruffling her dark locks.

The jaguars are lazing about, reminding Ichigo of Grimmjow when he's too tired to fight within Kisuke's underground training area. They look so happy, snoozing within the sunlight, and for the first time Ichigo catches the weariness in Grimmjow's eyes… the sunlight is lulling him as well. If not for the girls, there's no doubt in Ichigo's mind Grimmjow would be snoozing beneath a tree in the picnic area. The zookeeper is just walking out to feed the large felines, each lifting their heads in curiosity… but one is slinking in the shadows.

"Shit," Grimmjow gasps. "Here, take her."

"What are you doing?" Ichigo gasps. "That's against the rules, dumbass! Get back here!"

Grimmjow doesn't listen, leaping down into the habitat and hurrying toward the young zookeeper. The jaguar leaps with claws unsheathed and fangs bared, Grimmjow leaping at the same time and tackling the large cat to the ground. The zookeeper screams, people rushing to his aid from all sides, and Grimmjow breaks free of the feline. They both tumble on the ground before rolling onto their feet, crouching and circling one another to gauge dominance. The jaguar snarls, swiping out with sharp claws, and Grimmjow bares his canines as he dodges the paw. He summersaults back onto his feet, rushing the large cat as they meet in the middle. The jaguar is on its hind legs, reaching to shred the other like a scratching post, and Grimmjow is using his impossible strength to hold the muscular feline at bay.

"Back off," he hisses quietly as his eyes take on a cat-like pupil. "You can't beat me, I'm more alpha than you can handle."

The jaguar bristles, yet drops to the ground and yowls in complaint as he paces. He can tell Grimmjow is more predator than him, the large male radiating a dominance that seems utterly absolute, but that doesn't mean he has to like it. He paces, bristling and mewling his irritation as the zookeepers crowd around. One brings out a tranquilizer gun, yet Grimmjow can't stand the thought of them harming the cat when it's already been dealt with.

"Stop," he frowns. "It's passed, you're too late. He's already been reprimanded, don't take his pride completely."

"Who are you? What are you doing in this habitat?" the manager snaps.

"Apparently, I'm saving your employee's ass," Grimmjow bites back. "Did he not know there was a wild jaguar in here? Don't you know how dangerous that is?"

"Our employees are taught how to handle these animals."

"Obviously not! It was stalking him from the shadows, there's no way he would've seen it until it was too late! He's lucky I was here, not many people can read their attacks!"

"And how can you?"

"I've lived with them, you jackass!" Grimmjow yells. "I can read any wild animal! It's not that hard if you know what you're looking for!"

He huffs and walks out the door past the group, grumbling to himself and cursing these ignorant humans with a rainbow of words Ichigo would kill him for if he said them in front of his sisters. Ichigo is waiting for him, running over as the girls stay with his dad and almost tackling Grimmjow to the ground. His arms are tight around the larger male's waist, his face buried in that muscular chest… and then the rant comes. The first thing Grimmjow notes, is that Ichigo's default emotion for anything that may make him seem like a chick in his opinion… is anger. The little orangette is on him, throwing punches and kicking anything his foot can land on. Personally, Grimmjow would take the jaguar any day.

"You idiot! How could you do that to me? Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Ichigo shouts. "How could you be so inconsiderate? What if something were to happen to you? What the hell would I do then?"

"… I'm sorry?" Grimmjow murmurs. "Would you rather I let the guy die?"

"… Well… no, but…"

"Chill, Kitten," the Sexta laughs. "You're getting bent out of shape for nothing."

Ichigo buries his face once more in the other's chest, pounding on his shoulder in anger a few more times until his temper diminishes. At that point in time, the others decide it's best to head home… there's only so many nervous breakdowns Ichigo can handle in one day.

The apartment is silent although the two are well on their way to dinner time; Ichigo still hasn't spoken to Grimmjow. The teal haired man is annoyed, yet he can understand where the orangette is coming from… he'd fucking kill his mate if their positions were reversed. Ichigo walks out of the bedroom hesitantly, sitting on the side of the couch opposite Grimmjow before looking to his hands folded in his lap. After a moment of Grimmjow flicking through channels, Ichigo scoots over until their legs are touching and wraps his arms around his waist.

"Talking to me again?" Grimmjow asks unbothered as his arm drapes across Ichigo's back.

"Yes… Don't do that again," he mutters.

Grimmjow purrs in agreement, shifting their bodies so his orangette is lying on his torso. He leans his head to look into Ichigo's amber eyes, grinning confidently at the other. Ichigo sighs, purring in response to Grimmjow as he makes himself comfortable. The movie is forgotten as Grimmjow watches his mate, his eyes softening as he feels the other's rhythmic heartbeat.

"Stop staring at me," Ichigo mutters.

"But you're so beautiful."

Grimmjow gasps in pain when Ichigo shifts so his knee digs into the Sexta's groin, his displeasure evident in that single gesture. The larger male growls in warning, yet it falls silent on his lips when mischievous amber orbs peer up at him from beneath vibrant bangs.

"So… my little wife wants to play, huh? You ready for this type of game, Kitten?" he teases. "It'll lead to acts that may taint your innocence."

"I am not having sex with you," Ichigo bristles.

"Hey, you started it."

Ichigo rolls his eyes and snorts, yet Grimmjow isn't dissuaded. He moves the orangette closer and captures full lips with his own, Ichigo's eyes going wide in shock as he works their mouths gently. Just as Ichigo is falling into the mood, a knock on the door interrupts them. With a snarl, Grimmjow sits up and carefully sets Ichigo aside on the couch.

"I'll get it," he sighs. "Why don't you head for the shower?"

"You're not invited," Ichigo comments as-a-matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, yeah, just go."

He opens the door before Ichigo can reach the bedroom, Yorouchi shoving him backward as a troupe of females hurries in with pamphlets and books. Ichigo attempts a valiant retreat into the bathroom, hoping to lock the door and leave Grimmjow to sacrifice himself to the crowd… but Rukia is faster. The small woman is tackling him to the floor and dragging him to the couch by his ankle before he can blink.

"What the hell?" he snaps. "I was just gonna take a shower!"

"This is more important!" Yorouchi states. "Time to discuss your honeymoon!"

Ichigo forces down the need to scream in terror, completely unwilling to even think about a honeymoon. He wants to get back out there and fight! He wants to visit Seireitei and make himself a nuisance until they promise to never do anything to him without consent! He does not want to be alone with a lustful Arrancar bent on mounting him! Granted, Grimmjow has been rather nice about all this… but Ichigo certainly isn't the type to take any chances.

"No way."

"Too late! It's all set up," Nelliel grins. "You'll have fun, Ichigo! We promise!"

"No! I'm not going!"

The girls all send him a furious glare; Hallibel, Nelliel, Lisa, Hiyori, Rukia, Rangiku, and even Yumichika is among their ranks… and Ichigo wilts. He's faced a lot of scary things in his life, but the intensity of their rage is almost an equivalent to Medusa… he seriously thought he turned to stone at some point. Grimmjow seems to have the same thought, quietly sitting on the sidelines and listening. He's learned long ago not to mess with this group when they get riled, especially not Hallibel. When she mentioned the idea of a honeymoon being appealing, he just knew there was no doubt as to what was expected of him where Ichigo was concerned. He's playing this as a human, so he'll be treating the young orangette to all he'd experience as a human. Hallibel had stressed that importance at the beginning of Gin's dumbass plan, saying it's only fair since they're taking this special moment from Ichigo… he had to agree.

That was... interesting! Leave it to the girls to beat Grimm-kitty into his place! =D I wouldn't want to cross them either, Grimm-kitty, you're doing the right thing. I hope you liked it, I have more to come in the next chapter... which, ironically, starts out rather humorous in my opinion! =) Till next time!

Grimm: Once again, no witty remarks. This is growing old, Vae. Where's your brain at? I thought Shiro taught you better.

Shiro: I damn well did! =(

Vae: *hangs head in shame* I'll try harder.