Naturalist: China Challenger

Renji's heart skips a beat, his breath catching at the deep and smooth baritone that breathes back into the phone. Just by the man's voice he's half hard and sweating, said voice wrapped in unspoken promises of a darker nature. After a moment, Renji glances over to Ichigo. The orangette's figure has completely relaxed, his purring getting louder as though he can hear the seductive tones on the other end of the line.

"Um… he's… sleeping. He's really… well… heartbroken."

"Where is he?"

"Sitting beside me on the jet."

"What the fuck is he doing on a jet!"

"Didn't he tell you? We're on our way to meet with Byakuya," Renji says in confusion. "I thought Ichi said he told you that."

"Yeah, but I didn't think he was serious," Grimmjow sputters.

"Okay, I've known Ichi since we were in diapers," Renji frowns. "If it's one thing you better learn fast, it's that you should always take him seriously unless he's smiling."

"Turn the damn jet around and bring him back!"

"It's not happening. We have to meet Byakuya so the deed to the land can be signed over to Ichigo's name," Renji scoffs. "Ichi won't go back anyway, he's already found another muse to paint. After meeting with Byakuya, we're gonna pack up and head to China."

"You can't do that! Bring my mate back here!" Grimmjow snarls.

The tone is furious, enough to send chills through Renji's veins. He doesn't want to keep arguing with the male, yet he has a feeling talking to this… Pantera… will be just as bad as talking to Ichigo. With a labored sigh, he attempts to talk the man down from his rage.

"Look, Ichigo is under the impression he's a free agent," Renji remarks. "You didn't want him, so he's off to continue life as best he can."

"What the fuck! I thought I made it perfectly clear I wanted him to stay here!"

"You never came to get him."

"I shouldn't have to!"

"I'm not gonna argue with you anymore, I'll end up waking him," the redhead hisses. "Look, if you want him you'll come get him. Unless you do, Ichigo won't look back. I'll try to keep you informed about what's going on, but you damn well better swallow your pride quick!"

"… You just make sure no one touches him."

"I don't have that power, Pantera," Renji sighs in misery. "I'm just his best friend, if I tell him now he'll do it anyway just because I said not to. I know him well enough to know that. Besides, you didn't want him so he'll do what he wants. Don't worry, though, he's never been one to settle for second best. If he's with someone and you show up, he'll run to you so fast their head will spin."

"Mm… Grimm," Ichigo mumbles in his sleep.

"Shit, I gotta go," Renji sighs. "He's starting to wake up and if he knows I'm talking to you, he'll ditch me when he leaves."

"I'll call later, make sure you pick up."

With that, the call is ended and Renji breaths a sigh of relief. He can tell why Ichigo is so attracted to this man, his voice alone sounds like something that belongs to the embodiment of sin, but he can also see where they would butt heads. Ichigo has never taken authority well, has never laid down for anyone for any reason.

"Ren? Are we there yet?" Ichigo asks with a yawn.

"We're just landing, Berry."

The paintings were stored in some secure cases, but Renji carries the photos in a lockbox in his back pack. Ichigo is tired, that much is horribly obvious, and he seems only a bit paler than usual so Renji isn't worried. When the vibrant haired teen doesn't get enough sleep, he usually takes on a paler skin tone. The limo is already waiting for them, the two storing the cases and carefully climbing in. It doesn't take long and the young artist is asleep on Renji's shoulder. The redhead closes his eyes as well, following his best friend into slumber as he listens to the tires hum upon the pavement.

Renji is startled awake when a familiar hand shakes his shoulder, his jerk violent enough to shift Ichigo to the point he falls onto the floor. The orangette is sitting up in seconds, his eyes bleary and unfocused as he forces himself awake.

"Mm… wh-what's going on?"

"You've arrived at my office," Byakuya's smooth voice states. "I do hope you haven't forgotten how to act within it, Abarai."

"Kiss my ass," the redhead growls.

"Still so vulgar," the raven hair man scoffs. "Tell me again what I saw in you?"

"Everything you're not," Renji snorts derisively.

Ichigo rolls his eyes, now completely awake, and slides out of the passanger seat to head inside. A car tears around the corner just as Ichigo slams his own door shut, his amber orbs growing large as the car careens toward him. At the last minute, he can feel his body crouching of it's own volition and springing up and over to land atop the limo he just exited. His back arch as the car passes, a feline hiss leaving his lips as the hair on the back of his neck stands on end. Surprisingly, he's not afraid one bit of what could've happened… but infuriated someone had the gall to even try to harm him.

"Ichigo, are you okay!" Renji asks in shock as he looks around for his best friend. "Ichi… What the hell? How'd you get up there so fast?"

"… I don't know," the orangette murmurs. "I just… jumped."

Byakuya didn't miss anything of Ichigo's amazing feat and… less than human response… but he says nothing. He's not a stranger to the rumors that collected around the temple's jungle and he's even been privy to a few of them himself, like the white panther and the strange man that prowls the jungle on occasion. When he first bought the land, he went there to investigate the temple out of curiosity. He never made it past the outer ring of jungle, having been chased away by the white panther… although he caught sight of the teal haired male rumored to prowl the night. He never spoke to him, just watched him with glowing blue eyes before vanishing into the air like a ghost. Some said he was the ghost of a child from long ago, murdered by humans trying to level the den of the panthers that took him in. He's never been a skeptic of legends and ghost stories, so he knows whatever is going on with Ichigo is likely the fault of the temple. After the two manage to calm Ichigo down and pull him off the roof of the limo, they head inside as Byakuya's men cart in the large containers of Ichigo's paintings.

"These are exquisite, as always, Ichigo," Byakuya compliments as he studies the paintings.

"Thank you," the orangette grins.

"Whoa! Berry, you actually got a jaguar to pose for you?"

"Well… if sort of thought I was it's mom," Ichigo blushes. "His name is Chess, I… had to leave him behind. I really miss him."

The two watch him a moment, noting there's sorrow for more than a jaguar cub within his orbs. Renji knows what's going on, Byakuya can tell… he can read the redhead better than anyone. With a sharp look toward Renji, the tattooed male simply shakes his head. All this time apart, yet they still fall into that same pattern of signals with ease.

"You've managed to get such clear markings and this statue is magnificent. These are more than satisfactory, Ichigo. Thank you for this, it will make a great bit of difference in the studies I've begun. As promised, this is the title to those lands. Sign here and they belong to you."

"What about the money?" the artist wonders.

"Nonsense, I wouldn't take it if you offered," the tall raven smirks. "This is worth far more than money to me. Here you go, I've already signed my name. If you'd like, I'll keep the title in my safe."

"That would be awesome, thanks, Byakuya!"

Ichigo hugs the older male, overjoyed at the knowledge he's saved a very important place. Thoughts of Grimmjow tug at his mind, yet he shoves them aside so his lover's idiocy doesn't ruin his momentary happiness. He quickly signs the papers, cheering the whole while, and then Byakuya takes them to place in a safe place.

"Will you be building there?"

"… Not right now," Ichigo murmurs. "Maybe later."

"Did something happened?"

"I… met someone, but… we're having a bit of trouble starting out. I mean, he's great and I love being with him and I could be happy beside him forever… but he's the head-strong type and wants everything his way!" Ichigo gripes. "He doesn't want to compromise at all! We're just… so used to completely different partners that it's difficult to ease into a totally different relationship. I'm sure he'll apologize… eventually."

"So what are your plans?"

"We're heading to China," Renji smirks. "Ichi's found fascination in the giant pandas."

Byakuya nods and sits down in his chair, pulling out a small book with the names of those working with him on this huge find. Before he opens it, he also pulls out another book… a magazine… and tosses it atop the desk.

"They're doing an article on the giant panda," Byakuya informs. "If you could manage a few photos as well, I'm sure they'll pay you handsomely."

"I'll be sure to pack my camera!"

Ichigo hurries out, a skip in his step now that everything is taken care of and he's going back to work. Renji tries to follow, yet he's stopped by a hand on his upper arm. He turns his brown eyes on Byakuya, questioning and curious.

"What's going on with Ichigo?"

"He told you."

"Don't lie to me, he met up with that ghost, didn't he?"

"… Ghost?"

"The one the villagers said has been prowling the jungle since his murder," the raven frowns. "No one can remember his name, they just call him the panther's child."

"… He might've. You know I don't go out into the field with him."

"He tells you everything, Renji."

"Yeah, and I don't betray him by blabbing it all over to my ex," Renji hisses as he stresses the last word. "Now, I have to get going. Things aren't as great as Ichigo acts they are… he's in trouble, Byakuya. He's suffering from a pretty bad depression over this guy. He… he was the one. I don't know if you realize how horrible that feels, losing the one like that, but I do… I have to go."

The raven can only watch as his ex hurries out, the shock of what was revealed weighing heavily on his mind. He had no clue what Renji thought of him, didn't know he meant that much to the redhead. He just figured since the other left, he obviously didn't love Byakuya as much as the raven loved him… not that they've ever really said those words. With a labored sigh, the raven haired male decides perhaps he should start trying to amend his mistake and win his redhead back.

Ichigo doesn't waste any time getting back out there again, not wanting to stay still for even a moment. His best friend knows this, as he's gone through it himself. Once you stay still, your mind has a chance to remind you of your problems. Ichigo doesn't want to sleep, doesn't want to hang about, but packs up and drags Renji to the airport. They're boarded and heading for China in no time, the orangette zonked out in his seat in less time than that. Renji can't help but snicker at that, as Ichigo has never been able to lose much sleep without being laid flat the minute he sits down. His phone buzzes, though he knows he turned it off, and the tattooed male plucks it from his pocket.

-Is he okay?

-… Pantera?

-… He contacted you? This is Yorouchi :3

-Yeah, he wanted to know if Ichi was okay. I told him everything I told you. We're on the plane to China now, Berry doesn't want to stop long enough to think. He's passed out in his chair.

Renji is about to answer the text that's just coming in, but the phone buzz with a call and he irately answers that. The minute he puts the phone to his ear, he's pulling it away. Someone is yelling on the other end of the phone, a creature he can only guess is feline yowling in fury in the background. Finally, it settles down and Renji lifts the phone to his ear.

"You there?" Pantera's sinful voice asks.

"Yeah, what the hell was that?"

"Ichi's little brat," Grimmjow huffs. "Stupid little ankle biter won't leave me alone!"

"… Chess?"

"He told you about him?"

"Yeah, said he missed him."

"And me? Did he say anything about me?" the teal haired panther god asks hopefully.

"Well… he said you're great and he loves you," Renji offers off handedly. "But he's pissed you won't compromise."

"What is with him and compromising! What's the big deal, anyway?"

Renji inhales sharply when Ichigo murmurs and starts to purr in his sleep, his heightened senses picking up on his mate's voice and sending pleasant shivers along his spine. Grimmjow notes the inhale, waiting patiently for the redhead to say something more.

"Sorry, Ichigo can hear you… he's purring," Renji murmurs.

"Well… that's a good sign," Grimmjow informs a bit happier. "It means he recognizes me as his mate! That means he'll be back soon!"

"Why don't you just come apologize?"

"I didn't do anything wrong."

"My lover said the same thing," Renji huffs. "He damn well did do something wrong and I'm not playing nice with him until he apologizes! And before you get pissed at me for planting an idea in Berry's head, Ichi was the one who told me to. It's tearing me apart inside, but it has to be done. We can't let you guys get away with all that shit just because you won't compromise with us! Just because we're uke doesn't mean a damn thing, we're still people and we have feelings and minds of our own!"

"… Is he still sleeping?" Grimmjow asks flatly.

"Uh… yeah,' Renji mumbles after checking the snoozing male.

"Keep your damn voice down. Tell me… what happened to Ichigo? Did he get hurt?"

"No… but he almost got hit by a speeding car," the redhead recalls. "Jumped on the limo's hood and hissed, arching his back like a Halloween cat. If I weren't scared he'd gotten killed, I would've laughed my ass off."

"But he's okay."

"Yeah, not even a scratch."

"Good. How is everything going with the papers? Did he get the title?"

"Yep."

"He's on his way back, right?"

"… Dude… he's heading to China."

"What the fuck does he need in China!" Grimmjow screams.

"Stop yelling, you'll wake him! He's heading out to paint the giant panda there. He already told you he's not going back until you apologize, so I suggest you suck it up, grow some, and get your ass out here to do so!"

"Hmm… Renji, who're you talking to?" Ichigo mumbles sleepily.

"Uh… um… No one," Renji comments nervously.

"Oh… okay. Goodnight."

"Night," he replies with a sigh of relief. "Look, I gotta go. You really need to decide if he's worth changing your routine or not, because if you let him in your life he'll turn it upside down."

Grimmjow growls on his end of the line, not that he has a phone or anything. He can apply his telepathy and power to tap into phone lines anywhere in the world… Yorouchi taught him that one. Chess is beside him, furious that Ichigo still hasn't returned and Grimmjow isn't doing anything to fix that.

*When is mommy coming back! * he hisses.

"… I don't know."

*Well, were is mommy now? I'll go get him! *

"You can't, it's too far away," Grimmjow sighs. "He's going to China for work."

*… He's not coming back because you hurt him. *

"Chess, I don't want to start with you right now! He almost got hit by a car, okay? What happens if he really does get hurt and people find out he can't die? He'll be in serious trouble!"

*Then go get him, * the jaguar snaps. *You're the only thing standing between mommy being here and mommy being out there, you know that. *

"Gah! You're the most infuriating little ball of fur I've ever known!" Grimmjow hisses. "You take after your mother, you know! There's no way you got that attitude from me!"

*… You'd be surprised, * the cub murmurs when Grimmjow turns his back.

"What was that?" the panther god growls.

*Go bring me back my mommy! *

"Spoiled little brat."

Ichigo is just waking when they land in China, his best friend already gathering their bags with an eager look in his eyes. They've been many places, but China is one of Renji's favorites. He never told Ichigo why, but he could almost bet it's because this is where he and Byakuya first got together. They have no limo waiting this time, the two walking the few blocks to the hotel the redhead booked them a room at. Everyone around the world knows Ichigo's name, the whole lot fighting tooth and nail to impress the famous young artist into staying with them… but the two always book at smaller hotels that aren't well known. Ichigo likes to help out the less fortunate, leaving nice donations and maybe a painting or two behind for them, and Renji loves to help out his friend's incessant angelic streak. It's when they're setting their bags outside their door to unlock their room that Ichigo first notices the worker. He's tall and has shaggy raven hair in spikes, a couple scars over his right eye as though he were in a fight with a wild animal, a tattoo that reads 69 beneath his left eye, and a swimmer's build. Renji is quick to push Ichigo into the room headfirst before the hotel worker can notice the vibrant orange locks.

"What the hell was that for?" Ichigo frowns.

"I'm sorry, I thought you were hesitating because last time we were here there was a snake in our room," he says innocently. "I didn't see anything, so I thought I'd help you out."

"… Did you see that guy?"

"What guy?"

"The guy with raven hair and tattoos," Ichigo says tightly.

"Nope, didn't see anyone."

"You're a terrible liar, Renji!" the orangette snaps. "There's nothing wrong with looking, you know!"

"There is if you ex has the ability to electrocute someone in the middle of a freak storm for looking back, dumb ass! You'd never forgive yourself! Besides, I thought you said you'd give him more time."

"… He's not coming," Ichigo scoffs bitterly. "I might as well just give up, I don't mean that much to him… He's just a stupid arrogant asshole!"

Renji feels guilt hit him like a ton of bricks when his best friend and brother breaks down bawling, hurrying into the bathroom to get away from concerned eyes. Never in all the years since Renji has known Ichigo, has he broke down so badly talking about an ex. With a heavy sigh, he answers the door when someone knocks. It's the man from before, one that Renji has to grudgingly admit is sexy as hell.

"Hey, I'm Shuuhei Hisagi," the man states in an upbeat and cheerful tone riddled with sex. "I'm the manager here and I also keep the garden in order! I'd like to personally welcome you to our hotel and thank you for the publicity your stay will garner. If you need anything… absolutely anything… just ask me and I'll make it happen!"

"Uh… I'm Renji Abarai," Renji sighs. "The big famous artist is having an emotional breakdown in the bathroom. Don't worry, though, he's just going through a pretty bad breakup. He'll be fine."

"A breakup, huh? Man that sucks. I'll send something to cheer him up," Shuuhei smiles. "I hope he feels better, I know how bad a relationship can go. My girlfriend just dumped me last month and it took me a while to get over it."

"Girlfriend, eh? Sorry to hear that," Renji states. "Looks like you've got a hotel of broken hearts."

"You, too! Damn, maybe I should think about changing the name," the other jokes. "Well, enjoy your stay and remember, if you need anything I'll be around the hotel or in the garden!"

Renji waves the other off, shaking his head as Ichigo finally comes out of the bathroom. He eyes the door curiously, tilting his head in a feline manner. The redhead chuckles and shakes his head, closing the door and turning to face his best friend.

"He broke up with his girlfriend," he informs.

"Damn, why are all the good ones straight?"

"What the hell do I know," the tattooed male shrugs. "Let's get your stuff packed for the hike."

They sleep well that night, though Ichigo is plagued with thoughts of Grimmjow. He misses him so bad, his heart hurts just thinking about him, but he won't budge. He doesn't want the panther god to think that their whole relationship will be him pushing Ichigo around only for Ichigo to cave when he tries to put distance between them for an apology. What if there's a serious disagreement and Ichigo doesn't get his way simply because he failed to put Grimmjow in his place right off the bat? He groans in his sleep, his brain finally shutting down so he can get some much needed sleep.

Renji is just pulling up to the wildlife preserve, Ichigo having opted out of his usual extremely violent and dangerous environments to try something a tad safer. He silently cheers as Ichigo shoulders his bags, turning in his seat to look at his best friend.

"You sure you don't want me along?"

"Yes, Renji, I'll be fine," the orangette smiles.

"You're not too depressed?"

"No, I'm perfectly fine. Now go on, there's nothing to worry about."

Renji nods and drives off, leaving Ichigo to head into the preserve and locate his new muse. He's careful about how he treads through the area, making sure not to disturb too much as he heads in deeper. He's gotten permission to camp out and take all the time he needs, yet he doesn't plan on taking too long. His first day, he's just setting up camp when he hears movement in the brush. He holds his breath, crouching down low and backing away to hide within the brush and darkness. The person that steps into his camp is familiar, but not someone he knows right off the back. The scent is alluring, though not something he's smelled before, and he waits patiently for them to come closer.

"Hello?" the man calls curiously.

"That's close enough," he hisses out. "Who are you?"

"I'm Shuuhei Hisagi," the other states. "Who are you? Don't you know you're trespassing on a wildlife preserve?"

Ichigo creeps from the foliage, still crouched and slowly relaxing. This is the man he saw in the hotel, the one that had caught his attention. He tilts his head to the side, gradually taking in the lithe figure of the taller male and how the moonlight plays off his tan skin. Ichigo inhales sharply before realizing he's been asked a question.

"Um… I'm Ichigo Kurosaki," he murmurs. "I have the right to be here, I'm going to paint the giant panda."

"Seriously? I stopped by your room yesterday," the other grins. "I'm the manager of your hotel… and I do a lot of odd jobs like taking care of the preserve at night. I can't stand being inactive."

"I saw you in the hotel, didn't you just break up with your girlfriend?"

"She ditched me, but I'm bi," Shuuhei smirks. "So… you're girlfriend giving you trouble?"

"I don't have a girlfriend," Ichigo mutters bitterly. "I thought I would have a boyfriend, but he's being a prick right now."

"You mind if I hang out with you for a few days?" Shuuhei asks. "I'm on vacation from the hotel for the weekend, so I don't have much to do. It'll be nice to wallow in my self pity with someone else."

"I don't normally let people join me on my hikes," Ichigo says uneasily as a sense of deja-vu strikes him. "I mean… it's sort of a… well… it's just…"

"I know exactly where the pandas you're looking for like to hang."

"… Okay, but please try to stay out of the way while I'm painting."

"Not a problem."

They sit down and talk for a bit before Ichigo finally falls asleep by the campfire, Shuuhei watching him a long moment. The orangette is by far the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, looking to belong in whatever wild atmosphere he's placed in. there's some sort of eerie supernatural glow that lights up his skin beneath the moonlight, even his eyes seeming to glow golden in the darkness. Ichigo is a prize many have sought and none can boast to having caught, but Shuuhei isn't just anyone. He grins up at the sky as he closes his eyes and goes to sleep, dreams starring a certain artist clouding his mind.

Ichigo wakes to find Shuuhei already packing everything, the jovial raven a far cry from his stubborn and egotistical panther. The artists misses his lover, the epitome of masculine perfection, but he shakes off that loneliness in favor of finding his next muse.

"Are they close to here?"

"Yeah," Shuuhei answers with a grin that's soon becoming addictive to the orangette. "You should have what you need and be back to the hotel before the day is out."

"Perfect! Renji won't have to be bored for too long."

The laughter from the raven is light and full of happiness, something Ichigo could listen to all day if given the chance. With a beckoning hand, Shuuhei draws Ichigo closer to him and takes the orangette's hand before pulling him along. Ichigo can't deny the attention is nice, such sweet and gentle actions usually aren't first on Grimmjow's list. The thought of the other strikes Ichigo's heart, though guilt doesn't show itself before anger has a chance.

"It's just over here," the raven says quietly. "So you have to be quiet, okay?"

"Yeah."

Pulling back the foliage carefully and quietly, Shuuhei reveals to Ichigo the giant pandas he's come for. Ichigo slinks past the foliage and into the clearing where they lay, slowly and carefully setting up his things without disturbing them. While he works, Shuuhei is mesmerized by the way he moves. Each and every movement is so graceful and contained, so much like a wild cat in his own right, that the raven haired male can't help but lick his lips. Ichigo starts with his painting, his brushstrokes even and slow. The painting is left to dry once Ichigo is finished with it, his hands pulling out his camera afterward.

"Pictures, too?" Shuuhei whispers.

"Yeah, for the nature magazine," Ichigo murmurs.

He slinks over closer to the bears, crouching low like a predator on the prowl as he lifts the camera up to snap a few pictures. He can feel eyes on him, but can't seem to care at the moment. He's into his work now, nothing matters outside of his camera and his muse. Shuuhei, on the other hand, can't tear his eyes away from the perfect ass he has such a nice view of.

"Okay," Ichigo says softly. "That should be enough."

"Hmm?"

"Could you please get my painting so I can pack my things? Be careful with it, okay? If it's still wet I don't want it ruined, although it should be dry by now."

"Oh, sure."

Shuuhei watches Ichigo pack up, slinging his bags over his slim shoulders before turning to him with a smile. They carefully make their way back, talking about little things and being careful to steer clear of anything having to do with relationships.

Renji is just getting the jeep ready to go check on Ichigo, but is surprised when Shuuhei heads up with the orangette by his side. He knew the hotel manager was on a weekend vacation, but he didn't know he'd show up with Ichigo. There's a painting in his hands and Ichigo is carrying the bags, so he can only assume his best friend is finished for now. Then, something unspeakable happens that nearly has him falling over.

"Hey, are you free tonight?" Shuuhei wonders.

"I was actually thinking of heading out again," Ichigo blushes. "Though I haven't figured out where. I've had a thing for jungles, you see."

"Well, how about I take you out to dinner tonight? We can hang out until you decide where to go."

"… That sounds really nice," Ichigo grins.

"It's a date then."

With that, Shuuhei boldly moves close to Ichigo and locks their lips together. At first Renji thought, hoped and prayed, Ichigo would pull away and hit the guy… but Ichigo answered those lips. He set his bags carefully down on the sidewalk as Shuuhei gently leaned his painting against the railing, wrapping his arms around the raven's neck and standing on tip-toes to allow a deeper kiss. Renji almost has a heart attack, his hand immediately fumbling for his phone. He stops when the kiss is finished, Ichigo blushing hotly as he shyly averts his eyes from mirthful brown.

"I'll stop by your room at eight then."

"O-okay," Ichigo purrs in return.

"You need help with this stuff?" Shuuhei offers.

"No, I can handle it. Thanks a lot for the help, Shuu!"

"Anytime, Ichi."

They wave each other off and Ichigo carefully picks his stuff up, reaching for his painting to see a hand already there. Renji is scowling down at him, his features telling Ichigo something pissed him off. The orangette looks around for the culprit, thought it's only them at the moment.

"Hey, Ren, what's up?"

"You were just locking lips with a guy that's not Pantera, that's what up."

Without another word, Ichigo huffs and stomps off. He knows Renji won't let up on the argument until Ichigo agrees to call off the date, but he likes Shuuhei and the raven isn't afraid to tell Ichigo he wants him… not like Grimmjow, the guy that might as well have abandoned him! Renji sighs as he watches Ichigo stomp off, lifting his phone once more. He moves through his contacts, clicking on the new message button before texting a short but to the point message.

-Get your ass to China, you've got competition.