Naturalist: The Trip Home

Grimmjow stares upon the many paintings sprawled around the temple air-drying… they're breathtaking. Just as much as their creator, no doubt in his mind. Ichigo finished only a few hours before dinner, but Grimmjow managed to convince him to stay for one more night. He had to promise to walk Ichigo to the edge of the outer ring again, but a few more days basking in the sun-like aura of his 'mate' has never been at the top of his 'things I'd rather do without' list. Right now, Ichigo is sprawled out on the bed sleeping, Chess curled up against his side. The orangette had expended the majority of his energy fretting over whatever Yorouchi told him, barely making it to the bed without Grimmjow's help as he guided him away from his paintings. So tired was he, that Ichigo didn't even fuss when he finished only to have his brush taken from him and a determined panther god pulling him toward the bedroom. In fact, he almost passed out on the way there. Grimmjow made certain Ichigo was comfortable, tucking him in after dressing him in a light blue silk robe for bed, and then went back to clean up the paints and brushes and set the paintings aside to dry. That's where he is now, gazing upon the array of colors and fine lines… almost like looking through a window at the very place he stands.

"It's so lifelike," he murmurs. "How could any one person be this talented?"

"Ichigo's talent was given to him by the gods, of course," Yorouchi smirks beside him. "And he is way more fun to sneak up on than you, by the way. I love his reactions, I don't think he'll ever grow used to it."

"You're so mean to him."

"I know, just can't help myself!"

"So, which god gifted him with such a talent? I've never heard of a god of art, not around here anyway. Most of the gods here are animal based."

"Hmm… there isn't a god for that," she grins widely. "But I thought he deserved a talent that shined as brightly as he did… he's very beautiful, you know."

"Yeah, I suppose."

"That little jaguar's really taken to him."

"His name is Chess," Grimmjow remarks without thought. "He thinks Ichigo is his mommy."

"Curious, don't you think?" she asks mysteriously. "That a cub should understand a mere human, when it can barely understand it's own kind."

Grimmjow starts at that, just now realizing what she says is true. Any cub around Chess's age would have difficulty understanding anyone but it's mother, even the panther cubs need to be at least a year older to understand all but him… and yet Chess has taken to Ichigo and can understand everything he says to him. He glares over to find Yorouchi gone, cursing the meddling woman as he heads into the bedroom. Chess opens one eye upon his arrival, closing it again when he sees it's only Grimmjow.

"Chess," he greets quietly.

*Hello, * the cub smiles. *Are you here to wake mommy? Mommy is still very tired, but he's been mumbling in his sleep. I think he's having a bad dream, but I can't wake him. *

Indeed, Ichigo's brows are drawn together in distress and a small whimper leaves his lips. Grimmjow sighs and reaches over to wake the other, giving a sharp shake that has bleary amber opening to find his assailant. At the sight of the teal haired god, Ichigo sits up with a yawn and a stretch.

"Is it dinnertime?" he asks sleepily.

"You know, for a submissive you sure aren't the homemaker type are you?" Grimmjow chuckles.

"Shut up, I was tired!"

"I'm not complaining, I like to cook."

"Then cook me some dinner," Ichigo grumbles in irritation.

Grimmjow laughs, sitting down to pull the orangette onto his lap. Ichigo's still too tired to resist, laying his head against a hard chest and shoulder. After a moment, the little jaguar cub scrambles onto Ichigo's lap to lick his chin.

"Chess thought you were having a bad dream, he asked me to wake you since he couldn't."

"… Thank you, Chess," Ichigo states with a minute smile at the cub.

"What were you dreaming about? Another memory?" Grimmjow asks quietly.

"No, it wasn't. At least… I don't think so. I was running through the jungle," Ichigo informs. "I felt scared and tried to run as fast as I could go. One minute I was me… but the next minute I was turning into a panther. I heard a gunshot somewhere and there was a lot of pain, but I didn't die. I just couldn't move. Then there were men around me, with knives and guns… and you woke me up."

"Sounds like quite a nightmare."

"Yeah. Good thing you woke me," the orangette smirks. "Do you think it could've been a memory of my animal side?"

"No, Yorouchi would've created a whole new animal side for you. She wouldn't have taken any chances on rejection or incompatibility, so she would've mended your soul with an animal personality that fell into sync with the pieces it was melding together."

"… Huh?"

"Yeah, that was complicated wasn't it?" Grimmjow laughs. "Think of it like this… your soul was made from pieces, like fabric. The animal part of you would've been the thread. The only difference is, once the fabric is sewn together it can't come apart."

"Oh, okay. So… What pieces besides Lyre's heart am I made of?"

"Yorouchi probably created new pieces for those, too. Personality traits, quirks… kinks," he teases. "They all come separate, different pieces of cloth to a god's eye, and for Yorouchi the thread is animal instinct and personality. Every god that creates things has their own 'thread'."

"Do you?"

"No, I just twist things that already exist. I'm more destruction than creation… you would be more creation, I think."

"… I would? Why would you say that?"

Grimmjow doesn't say anything, but the look he's giving the paint splattered clothes he just dropped on the floor tells Ichigo his answer. A soft smile touches the vibrant haired teen's lips, he arms snaking around Grimmjow's neck as he hugs him and his lips kissing beneath the strong jaw.

"In a way… You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," Ichigo sighs.

"Mm… And you're the best thing that's ever come my way, but it's no contest," Grimmjow chuckles.

"Can I have sex with you now… I mean… without turning into a cat?"

"Sure can," he grins. "The only time you can't is when Yorouchi intervenes."

"Should we chance it?" Ichigo whisper huskily as he touches their noses.

Grimmjow is hesitant for a moment, pulling away with a nervous expression taking over the lust and need in his eyes. Finally, he sets Ichigo to the side and stands. The orangette blinks a few times, banishing the lust in his own orbs of amber, and looks after his lover.

"Grimm?"

"I need to make dinner."

Ichigo whines, the fact the other is intentionally ignoring him so obvious he wants to scream. He flops back on the bed, arms spread out on either side, and Chess looks down at him curiously. The jaguar knows something happened, but not exactly what. If it affects his mommy's happiness, however, he's determined to find out and fix it.

"You know, Chess," Ichigo sighs. "I don't know which is worse… him trying to kill me physically, or him trying to kill me hormonally."

The little jaguar cub tilts his head in the opposite direction, drawing a chuckle from his mother. Ichigo reaches up and scratches behind his ear gently. Once Ichigo manages to fall asleep again, Chess jumps down from the bed and trots into the area used as the kitchen. Grimmjow is cooking a wild boar over the flames, grumbling to himself as he slices vegetables with a quick swipe of his long claws. Chess mewls loudly, startling the other into catching his arm with those claws.

"Damn it!" he curses. "Fucking little devil cat!"

*You mad mommy upset, * he glowers with his ears laid back. *You were supposed to make him happy again, not make him worse. *

"What are you, my boss?" the panther god hisses. "I'll get to it!"

*… What does it mean to kill someone hormonally? *

"Whoa! You are way too young to be thinking about that stuff!" the teal haired male says quickly. "Anything with the words sex, hormones, females, offspring, and position are off limits!"

*… Position? *

"I'm covering all my bases. Go find someone to play with!"

*If mommy is my mommy and you're mommy's mate… does that make you my daddy? *

"… I… guess," Grimmjow mumbles. "Which reminds me… mate and mating are on that list as well. Go play."

*I'm never gonna learn about anything, * Chess mutters bitterly as he walks away, tail dragging the ground and ears against his head.

"I'm gonna have to make a mental note to tell Ichigo to watch what he says in front of that brat."

By the time dinner is finished and Grimmjow finally gets the orangette out of the room, which involved a ton of swear words and threats before Grimmjow even had a chance to speak, Chess is just getting back in. Grimmjow lets his eyes linger on the feline, the jaguar foregoing dinner with Ichigo to go straight to bed.

"I wonder if he's sick," the teen muses aloud.

"No, he ate with the panther cubs," the panther god answers. "He said he's full and he's going to bed, but he wants to sleep over with his friends tomorrow."

"… Grimmjow, I'm leaving tomorrow," Ichigo says flatly. "You'll just have to tell Chess if he wants to stay with you and the panthers, then I'll have no problem with that. I need to get these photos to town."

"And what the hell am I gonna do with a cub, Ichi?" he huffs. "I have a jungle to watch over, I have about a million species of animals to take care of, I don't have time for a kid."

"… What are you talking about?"

"Do you know what Chess asked me today?"

"No… What?"

"Since you're his mommy and I'm your mate… he asked if I was his daddy."

"Awe, how cute," Ichigo coos. "What did you day?"

"I guess," he shrugs. "What the hell was I supposed to say? These little brats are impressionable, they imprint easily. If I would've told him no, he would've attempted to keep me away from you more. Which reminds me, watch what you say around him!"

"What? Why?"

"He can understand you, Ichigo," Grimmjow frowns. "He came up to me asking what it means to kill someone hormonally. What the fuck were you talking to him about?"

"Uh… you," Ichigo blushes crimson. "About how you ignored me when I asked for sex."

"Yeah, the minute he starts asking about anything relating to that topic again? I'm sending his furry little ass to you," the panther god growls. "I have never had to talk to cubs about mating before and I don't intend to start now. If you don't start filtering your vocabulary around that runt, he's gonna start talking like Yorouchi before next year!"

"How was I supposed to know he can understand me?" the orangette snaps.

"That's just it, Kitten! He's not supposed to be able to at that age. He should barely be able to understand me, he's too young. Whatever Yorouchi did to you, it's starting to affect the animals here. You need to be more careful not to insult them… or teach your cub inappropriate shit."

"All right, I'm sorry," the teen sighs. "I didn't know. You have to tell this stuff if you expect me to know it, I'm new to all this."

He nods curtly, going back to his food as Ichigo picks at his. The younger male usually devours whatever he puts in front of him, especially after expending so much energy in such a short period of time. To see him not eating draws a mixture of worry and irritation from the teal haired dominant, Grimmjow fighting the urge to just stuff the food down Ichigo's throat.

"What's bothering you?" he murmurs.

"Nothing."

"Kitten, I'm about to cram that food down your throat, so I suggest you just tell me what's bothering you," he grinds out.

"… Grimmjow, you know I love you, right?" Ichigo whispers.

"I love you, too… but that's not what's bothering you."

"I would stay with you forever, you know."

"Mm-hmm, but you're going home."

"… I don't want to."

Grimmjow sighs in irritation, running a hand through his teal locks. He knows Ichigo wants to stay, but he just can't lose him like he did Lyre. There are so many things that can go wrong, so much he needs to give up, way too much to learn to control… why can't Ichigo understand that?

"Ichi… We've been through this…"

"No, Grimm, you've been through it. You won't let me make my own decisions, you want to control me just like every other guy I've been with, but I won't let you!" Ichigo snaps. "I've been through enough bad relationships to know when something won't work out, when it's something worth fighting for, don't act like I'm just a stupid kid!"

"I'm not, it's just…"

"Just stop talking," Ichigo growls darkly. "Every word you use to bail yourself out is only pissing me off! If you don't want to listen to me then don't ask me what's wrong."

Ichigo stands and leaves, barely having touched the food on his plate. As Grimmjow groans and lets his head fall into his arms, he wonders why Yorouchi would curse him like this. He was a good cub to her, he never made her angry, why would she bind him to such a violent and hot-tempered uke! He finishes his dinner, letting Ichigo cool off, and then picks everything up before heading to bed. Chess is hurrying out of the room, an excited look in his eyes.

*Mommy said I can stay with the panther cubs tonight! * he mewls as he hurries past.

"Behave," Grimmjow replies without thought.

*I will! Take care of mommy! *

"Stupid cubs," the teal haired male grumbles as he walks into the room.

He's surprised when he doesn't see Ichigo, searching around and finding him laying on his stomach on the floor. He's pulled a blanket and pillow off the bed to sleep away from Grimmjow, which only aggravates the other further. With a soft growl, he yanks Ichigo up off the floor and tosses him onto the bed. The orangette panics, looking around for an attacker and glowering at Grimmjow when his mind settles.

"I'm not sleeping with you tonight," he bites.

"Yes you are, you don't know what kind of snakes manage to slither across this floor at night."

"… Snakes?"

"Yeah, as in, poisonous reptiles? Those things that shed their skin every now and then?"

He's satisfied to see the shiver of disgust wrack Ichigo's body, smirking in triumph that his little white lie has the orangette unmoving on the bed. If there's any way to keep the teen off the floor, he sort of figured that would be it. Grimmjow slips off his clothes, feeling the heated amber eyes on his skin, and grins feral. His muscles bunch and slide beneath his skin, Ichigo licking his lips at the sight before his hand shoots up to stop a nosebleed when Grimmjow bends over to grab his sleeping pants. The vibrant haired teen has to grudgingly admit, Grimmjow is the hottest guy he's ever seen.

"You okay?" Grimmjow wonders with a teasing edge.

"Fine," Ichigo states nervously as he lays down.

"Really? Because I could swear you looked like you were about to pass out."

"I'm fine! Shut up and go to sleep!"

With a dark chuckle, Grimmjow wraps his arms around the smaller male and closes his eyes. Ichigo is upset with him, he knows that, but the younger will never be too upset to forego being held. The orangette loves to be held and pet, he learned as much on their little trip to the mountains. He would've most likely just waited for Grimmjow to fall asleep before crawling in bed with him later, so it only makes sense to lure the orangette into bed now.

The morning has Ichigo packing and getting ready to leave, scolding Chess when he tries to follow. Chess is determined to see his mommy off and wait for him until he comes back, or even go with him, yet Grimmjow argues that he can't make mommy 'feel better' with a little cub around. Though he doesn't understand where that was going, he grudgingly agrees to staying in the care of the panthers. Once set, Grimmjow shoulders the large bag with the many paintings and Ichigo grabs his smaller bag with his supplies and a few clothes.

"Ready to go home?"

"… Not really, but… I need to do this," Ichigo sighs.

"Don't be so upset, Ichi, it's for the best."

Ichigo growls at him, stomping off as they head out into the meadows from the mountain path. They walk all day, Grimmjow trying to talk to Ichigo and the other completely ignoring him. At their camp in the thicket of trees within the meadow, Grimmjow tries once more to lure Ichigo into talking to him to no avail. They eat and sleep, though the orangette refuses to allow Grimmjow to sleep near him. The teal haired panther god sighs miserably, watching his smaller mate slumber across the way. Even in his sleep, Ichigo is so angry at him he scowls.

Day two takes them to the stream the teen has already fallen into twice, Ichigo making certain to stay far away from the glistening waters that just mock him terribly in their innocence. Grimmjow doesn't even try to talk to Ichigo, instead using the time to think about what's bothering his mate. Obviously, Ichigo has some issues with the fact he won't sleep with me. There's probably anger thrown in about Grimmjow refusing to let him stay, too. He really doesn't understand his mate as well as he'd like, it's like trying to understand a woman! With a growl of frustration, Grimmjow get up and walks away from a confused orangette.

"What's your problem?" he asks as they lay down for bed that night.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Yes you do. You haven't spoken to me for two days!" he accuses. "Did I piss you off?"

"You have to ask!"

"What did I do?"

"Grimmjow, I love you! I want to stay with you, why are you making this so difficult?" Ichigo whines. "Why can't you just accept that I want to stay, why can't you compromise?"

"If you want to stay so bad, why do I have to compromise?"

"Why do I have to give up everything when you have to give up nothing!"

"I'm the seme."

He quickly dodges the rock thrown at his head, cyan orbs large in his shock. He knew Ichigo had a tendency to be violent, but he never thought the other would actually use it on him. With a suffering sigh, he glowers at the infuriated uke.

"What do you want me to do, huh? How can I make you happy?"

"Love me, damn it!" Ichigo snaps. "Is that so much to ask?"

"I do love you, Kitten, that's why you have to leave. You're only going to get hurt or die out here. Have you even thought about what's going to happen to you in the future if you go a long with all this? Your friends, your family?"

"Of course I have!" the vibrant haired teen hisses. "It was my first thought!"

"And..?"

"… I can handle that as long as I can keep you."

"You don't honestly believe that, do you."

Ichigo growls in fury, reaching to throw something else and deciding better of it. Instead, he lies with his back to Grimmjow. The teal haired male has always had excellent senses, so even though Ichigo tries to hide the fact he's crying… Grimmjow can still smell the tears. He frowns, a sad gaze trailing to his unhappy mate. How could Ichigo want to be with him, he can't even keep him happy. As he lays there, listening to the smaller cry himself for sleep, he can't help but remember what Chess said… Maybe he is just selfish.

The journey to the outer jungle is just as quiet at the one before it, Ichigo fuming silently as he sends Grimmjow sad little looks that have the other practically pulling his hair out. He just can't stand it, he can't keep feeling those sad puppy looks and stay sane… the guilt is killing him!

"Okay, stop!" he snaps. "We need to resolve this now!"

"I know what I want, Grimmjow," Ichigo snaps. "You're the one that needs to resolve it."

"Stop arguing! I know you want to stay here, but you have a life outside here, Ichigo!"

"I want you to be a part of that life, too! Why should I be the only one trying here!"

"… Ichigo."

"That's it!" Ichigo screams close to tears. "When I leave this place, I'm not coming back until you come find me to apologize! I don't care what Yorouchi says, I'd rather die than beg for you to allow me to stay!"

"… What? What did Yorouchi say?"

"Yorouchi said that even if you never take me and I leave… I'll eventually die of depression without you," the smaller male mumbles. "But I don't care. You don't want me here anyway, so what does it matter!"

"I don't want you here so you can live!"

"What the hell kind of life do you expect me to live when you're not there?"

"Ichigo, please… can't you understand where I'm coming from?" Grimmjow sighs.

"Yes. I understand perfectly. But do you understand where I'm coming from?"

"… I think so," he murmurs. "It's just… your so damn moody it's kind of difficult to tell."

Ichigo huffs in frustration, grabbing his bad and heading toward his usual jungle camp. With a sigh, Grimmjow grabs his arm and leads his to his tree house. He thinks he knows what this is all about, Ichigo's just pissed because he won't touch him. The orangette is difficult to figure out, but he's still a guy… an extremely sexually frustrated guy if his scent is anything to go by. Maybe if he helps Ichigo release that tension, it'll be easier to talk to him. He doesn't want to risk Yorouchi interfering again, but he really doesn't want to completely lose Ichigo either. The orangette is so different from all those others he's seen, barely human in his ethereal beauty and fiery temper.

"Where are we going?"

"Your things will be safer in the tree house… and it's more comfortable."

"But my camp is closer to the exit!"

"Yes, but we're not staying there tonight."

The artist growls in anger, but doesn't say another word. Grimmjow remembers Ichigo telling him he doesn't submit to people, so maybe that's his problem. Grimmjow is used to completely submissive partners, so he usually makes all the decisions when it comes to them and their wellbeing. The others never put up a fuss, but Ichigo isn't like them. He's only… well… slightly more submissive in bed. The orangette has a mind of his own and won't hesitate to throw a punch if infuriated enough.

*I really need to try a bit harder, * Grimmjow sighs. *I guess this is something new for the both of us, but Ichigo is trying so hard and I'm… not helping a bit. *

The thought irritates him, to finally realize his submissive is the one keeping them together when it's normally him in the lead. When they reach the tree house, he lets Ichigo climb up first and then follows with the paintings. They're set in the sitting room area, the vibrant haired artist checking them over while Grimmjow makes dinner. They eat in silence, Ichigo still angry and Grimmjow still contemplating his next move.

"Ichi…"

"What."

"We should really get some sleep."

The smaller of the two nods absently, cleaning up after dinner as Grimmjow watches him heatedly. Ichigo's slim figure practically glides around the area, so feminine and yet so powerful. He licks his lips in want, though it's missed by the one provoking the act. As they get ready for bed, the panther god can't help but gaze upon his mate's tan skin. Ichigo pulls on an over sized shirt and a pair of clean boxers, slipping in bed and turning away from his mate.

"Are you still angry with me?" Grimmjow wonders quietly as he sits on his side.

"Just go to sleep," the orangette mumbles bitterly.

An arm slips around his waist, a chiseled body pressing close against his back, and Ichigo shivers in delight when something hard presses against his entrance. Hot breath fans across his jaw and ear, a rumbling purr vibrating right through him, and he just knows Grimmjow is wearing a wild grin.

"But I don't want to go to sleep, Ichi."

"You said…"

"I didn't say I didn't want to," he whispers as he trails kisses and hips along a slender neck. "I just didn't want to chance it. But if you don't care if Yorouchi might intervene and you get stuck as a panther, then I don't mind either… especially since I'll get to have you either way."

"Gee… That fails to make me feel better," Ichigo grumbles.

"Makes me feels great," Grimmjow grins. "Now get over here and love on your god."

"… Why do I love you," Ichigo mumbles as he rolls his eyes.

"Blame Yorouchi, she did it."

Ichigo smirks as he turns around, settling himself in Grimmjow's arms and locking their lips in an innocent and slow kiss. Unfortunately, he learns soon enough that gods don't do well when starved of attention when Grimmjow forces his tongue into the orangette's mouth and rolls atop him.

"G-Grimm," Ichigo gasps when a knee presses against his rapidly hardening member. "S-slow down."

"I can't… I missed you so much."

"It's your… own fault, s-stupid."

Grimmjow growls at that, pressing his knee harder as Ichigo's complaints are blocked by a loud moan. His fingers pinch and roll dusky nubs beneath the oversized shirt as he sucks on a sensitive spot he located at the orangette's throat, Ichigo's eyes quickly losing focus at the onslaught. Once he knows his mate is too far gone to complain anymore, Grimmjow pulls away to strip them of their clothes. The sight of his uke filled to the brim with lust as he writhes in need under him sets Grimmjow off, the teal haired god feeling his animal side slamming against the bars to ravish his gorgeous lover. Although he knows Ichigo prefers to be taken on his back, a far less vulnerable position than what Grimmjow prefers to have him in, the panther god decides tonight is his night to choose. He carefully rolls the smaller male over, lifting his hips as Ichigo spreads his legs to accommodate him.

"Please," Ichigo murmurs into the pillows. "Please, Grimm… I… I need you."

"I thought you didn't beg," Grimmjow grins teasingly.

"I'm not," the teen growls out.

"Sure you're not."

Grimmjow spreads Ichigo for better access to that pucker, glancing at the panting mess buried in the pillows before grinning mischievously. Ichigo squeaks as the feel of a wet muscle passes over his entrance, pushing in and out to make him moan. The panther god purrs at the sound, pushing his tongue in deeper to stretch and wet the tight heat. He groans against Ichigo as those muscles clench around his tongue, wondering why it is his mate always feels so tight.

"Grimmjow!" Ichigo screams. "I… ah… c-can't wait anymore, just… hah… just take me!"

"Mm… As you wish, my mate."

He pulls away from the wanton male, soaking up the lidded amber orbs that stare back at him in desire, and guides himself to that heat he's been dreaming about since Ichigo left. He groans as he thrusts in quickly, Ichigo whining as he presses back in attempt to get his dominant moving.

"No, not yet," Grimmjow purrs quietly. "Just relax and get used to it first."

"But…"

"I don't want to hurt you, just… slow down."

Ichigo refrains from reminding his lover that he just told him that, rolling his eyes instead. Once he's thoroughly impatient enough to start riding the rigid length within him, Grimmjow decides they've waited long enough. He places one hand on the back of Ichigo's head to still him, pulling almost all the way out before snapping his hips forward. The force almost knocks Ichigo off his knees, the orangette groaning as he spreads them a little wider. Grimmjow's pace is slow, but that doesn't last more than a few thrusts. He drapes his body over Ichigo's back, hands on either side of the smaller male's head as he pumps himself within his mate. Ichigo grips the sheets, screaming as his prostate is stuck perfectly with every thrust.

"G-Grimm… ah… hah! Oh god… Yes!"

"That's it, scream for me," the teal haired man purrs.

"Grimmjow! Ah!" Ichigo cries out. "H-harder!"

The pace is so brutal the larger male is practically hammering Ichigo into the bed beneath them, the orangette screaming in pleasure as his grip on the sheets tightens in hopes to ground himself. He can feel a pull on his gut, the pure ecstasy throwing him into a fit of lightheadedness, and he shudders violently as his release coats the blanket under him. Grimmjow growls fiercely, biting Ichigo's collar hard as he empties himself deep into the other. He purrs, the sound rumbling through Ichigo's chest as well, and gently pulls out. Ichigo doesn't move, his limp figure coated in a sheen of sweat thoroughly exhausted. Grimmjow has to carefully straighten his legs and situate him on the bed, running a hand over a slick back as he attempts to get a response from the smaller male.

"Sorry about the bite," Grimmjow murmurs with a light blush. "Got a bit carried away."

"Mm."

"You okay?"

"… Yeah," the teen breathes sated.

Grimmjow pets Ichigo orange locks gently, the other's head turned away from him and still half buried in the pillows. He never sees the gold light leaving Ichigo's normally amber orbs, nor does he notice the strange faint glow the bite mark gives off before disappearing.