Ichigo sat in the silence of the car, the radio wasn't even on to fill in the quiet void that had formed between the two stoic bodies. He replayed the scene in his head over and over again. The look on Toshiro's face when he pulled him away from Grimmjow: he looked both sad and determined. Ichigo looked over at Toshiro quickly, trying to figure out the small complex man. In the whole year that he had lived with Toshiro, he had never seen him act so…impulsively. He looked over at the man who looked so focused on driving. Ichigo's heart lurched a little. Why had he been so angry at me for being with Grimm?

"So," Ichigo looked over at Toshiro, breaking the silence that surrounded them. "What's going on?"

Toshiro didn't say anything as the silence formed around them. He stared straight ahead, waiting for the stop light to turn green. When he had grabbed Ichigo he did it on impulse, no plan what's so ever. Now that he had the orange-haired kid in his possession, he really didn't know what he was going to do with him. Toshiro opted to not say anything, figuring that he could buy more time and form a plan in his head. Okay, what was I going to do when I wanted to go on a date with him? He gave a sideways glance at the orange haired boy, whom he found staring back at him. Toshiro quickly turned way, his heart pounding hard in his rib cage. He continued to drive, neither one of them attempting to pick up conversation. While he was driving an Italian restaurant caught his eye, which made him curious.

"Are…" Toshiro cleared his throat before looking over at Ichigo. "Are you hungry?"

Ichigo was almost surprised that Toshiro had even said anything. For some reason he was under the vague impression that Toshiro was just going to lock them in the apartment. "Uh, yeah. I kinda am."

Without a word, Toshiro pulled into the restaurant's parking lot and stopped the car. Before Ichigo could even move, Toshiro was on the other side of the car holding his door open for him. Ichigo took it as a cue to get out of the car. Wordlessly, the two walked towards the restaurant, both still trying to figure out what in the world was going on exactly. After being seated and ordering drinks the two simply stared at their menus, awkward air hanging out around them.

Am I on a date with him? Ichigo looked up from his menu, his eyes casting on the small, white haired man across him. His heart began to pound at the realization. When Ichigo first started to like Toshiro, he spent months trying to keep his heart from beating so hard that it popped out of his chest. He began to get that nervous feeling in his stomach, dry throat, and heat behind his ears that quickly gave away his emotions. I'm on a date with Toshiro, aren't I? Ichigo didn't really know what to do, mostly because he never thought of this kind of thing occurring. Just as he noticed Toshiro looking up, he quickly casted his eyes down to stare at the blur of words on the menu.

Toshiro had known that Ichigo was staring at him, but he didn't know how to react to it. Everything that Toshiro had been doing all day was on a whim. Trying to ask him out in the first place had been a failure and now that they were in a date-esque situation, he had no idea how to initiate anything. The feeling of being clueless infuriated him. Toshiro, what the hell is your problem? He shook his head slightly. He always had a plan, he was always level headed, and nothing ever fazed him. So why is this kid making me so incoherent?

Toshiro was pulled out of his thoughts when the waitress had returned to take their orders. Once they were alone, Toshiro and Ichigo stared at each other, neither one of them knowing how to initiate conversation. Okay Toshiro, this is stupid. You live with the guy, he's not a stranger. Ask him how school is! That's a safe topic. Toshiro's mind began to be littered with different "ice-breaker" topics that he figured people talked about dates. While this was occurring, he didn't notice the faint smile that made its way onto Ichigo's lips. Although he couldn't read minds, he knew that Toshiro was completely distressed over the whole situation. Ichigo decided then that it would probably be best if he initiated everything. Plus, he couldn't even remember the last time he heard Toshiro say he was going on a date.

"What were you doing before you found me?" Toshiro looked up in shock when he realized that Ichigo was talking to him.

"I was having coffee with Matsumoto."

Ichigo felt his heart tighten. "Oh, who's Matsumoto?"

"A co-worker." Ichigo didn't like the sound of that. "She's annoying as hell though, always trying to pry into my business. She's almost as bad as Shuuhei."

"Matsumoto's a girl?" Ichigo felt his heart lighten.

"Yeah?" Toshiro couldn't help but feel confused. He clearly had not sensed Ichigo's not-so-subtle jealousy. "Her and Shuuhei are good friends, which is how we met."

"I see." Ichigo took a sip of his water. "How's Shuuhei?"

"He's alright I guess. When I was over there the yesterday, him and Renji seemed to be getting along fine."

"Oh, they're getting along more than fine." Ichigo shuttered at the thought of all the illicit stories he had been told by Renji. Then something in his mind clicked. "Wait, you were at Shuuhei' and Renji's recently?"

Toshiro felt confused again. "Yes? I slept over at their house last night."

So that's where he had been! Ichigo couldn't help but feel foolish for thinking that Toshiro had gone out and slept with another guy. Toshiro merely watched the expressions that had flickered across the orange-head's face. Their food had come and they both ate in silence. Luckily, the silence was far from awkward. It was like the two had been eating out on dates like this all the time. Toshiro flushed slightly at the ease he felt with Ichigo. Why hadn't I noticed this earlier?

After eating, the two had gone back to the car but neither of them had felt like going home just yet. The sun was setting when Toshiro finally spoke up.

"Do you want to go to the park?" He had no idea why he said the park of all places, but for some reason, he just felt like that'd be the place to go.

"Yeah, the park would be nice."

With a nod of his head, Toshiro started the car and began to drive to a near by park. The two got out of the car and stood by it awkwardly. Ichigo smiled and rubbing his stomach as he stretched his hand over his head. Toshiro watched his body, his stomach doing flips as he saw muscles ripple beneath the fabric.

"I heard that walks were good after eating." Ichigo looked over at Toshiro smiling. "Apparently, they help you digest better."

Toshiro merely nodded as he began to walk the pre-paved pathway that went through the park. Ichigo watched Toshiro for a bit, his eyes going straight towards the smaller male's ass, before catching up with him. They didn't talk a lot, they never had to, and being in each other's presence was enough. As they were walking, their hands would brush every now and again. Toshiro's cheeks burned red, before he finally stuffed his hands in his pockets. Ichigo looked over at him and chuckled softly. He was more than amused to see his reactions. Everything about him was just so…cute and innocent.

In the middle of their walk, Ichigo spotted a small ice cream cart. He began to walk over, forcing Toshrio to follow him. Toshiro watched as Ichigo pulled out some cash and bought two ice cream drumsticks. After removing the wrapper and tossing it in the trash, Ichigo handed one to Toshrio, happily munching into the nut and chocolate topping. Toshiro hesitantly took the ice cream from the smaller male. He still didn't know where they were going with this whole…date-esque scenario, but he figured that it'd be better if he just went a long with it.

"I didn't know what kind of ice-cream you liked, so I just got you want I liked. I hope you don't mind." Ichigo licked the vanilla ice cream, causing some to smear onto his chin in a location that his tongue wouldn't reach.

Toshiro stopped walking and reached up to white the vanilla from Ichigo's chin. He licked it off his own thumb before catching Ichigo's eyes. "This is fine with me."

Toshiro's cheeks flushed in embarrassment when he saw Ichigo's eyes go wide. He quickly turned away and began to walk again. His free hand was dangling uselessly by his side, and he noticed that Ichigo's was as well. Okay Toshiro, you like him. You can hold his hand. It's okay. Toshiro tried to nod to himself subtly as he reached for Ichigo's hand. He missed the first time, simply brushing his fingers against the other male's palm. This caused Ichigo to look over at Toshiro. Cheeks burning again, Toshiro grasped his hand and laced their fingers. Toshiro caught Ichigo's smile in the corner of his eye, as he began to look away, too embarrassed to look at the orange-haired male.

Holding hands was something completely knew to Toshiro. Despite his age, he'd never been more than friends…or friends with benefits, with anyone. He didn't believe in relationships. Liking someone was too hard to handle and every time he had felt like he was close to feeling something for someone, quickly pushed them away. So why, why was it so important to keep Ichigo close? Toshiro couldn't answer the question himself, but the way he was feeling today, holding hands, going out, eating ice cream in the park, it was…it was nice. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't feel the tug on his hand at first, until Ichigo practically ripped his arm off.

"What?" Toshiro scowled slightly.

Ichigo merely smirked, amused at the small male's unknown flush. "It's getting late. How about we go home now?"

Toshiro hesitated a bit. They'd have to go home eventually; they did live with one another after all. But if they went home, would things change? Was their date night supposed to continue in the fashion that dates…usually ended? Toshiro was so conflicted. He felt that if they were to return home, then this whole scenario would stop. He'd go back to ignoring Ichigo and more importantly his own feelings. I can't keep running forever.

"Yeah…let's go home." He tugged on Ichigo's hand slightly, leading them to the car.

Toshiro and Ichigo walked up to the apartment, their fingers instantly interlacing once they were out of the car. As they reached the apartment door, their hearts both began to beat faster. Even after their date, both boys were still unaware of what was going on. Toshiro let go of Ichigo's hand when they got to the door, only because he had to open the door. Once it was open, he stood to the side so that Ichigo could go in first. When they were both inside the house Ichigo stopped in the hallway when he heard the door close behind him. He turned around and found Toshiro standing not too far away from him.

With determined eyes Toshiro slowly made his way towards Ichigo so that there were only a few inches of distance between them. The two stared at one another, allowing their bodies to go by instinct. As if pulled by in unstoppable magnetic force, Ichigo and Toshiro both began to lean forward, the lips barely brushing before Toshiro pressed onto the tips of his toes to fully capture Ichigo's lips. His hand came to the back of Ichigo's neck so that their kiss could deepen. Ichigo's arms wrapped around Toshiro's waist to pull him close, leaving no space between them. Toshiro ran his tongue against Ichigo's lower lip, adding a little nip, before Ichigo allowed him access.

The two had notice the difference in the kiss. Something had been added in the heat between them: passion. Ichigo's heart noticed the difference and pounded deep within his chest. Once breathing had become difficult, Toshiro pulled away from Ichigo, panting slightly as he pressed his forehead against his roommate's broad chest. Ichigo reached between them to lace his fingers with Toshiro. Toshiro looked up when he felt the pull on his hand; Ichigo had begun to lead them into Toshiro's room. As he followed his roommate, Toshiro couldn't feel nervous, which was rather ridiculous, considering how often they had slept with one another. But today, something was different.

When they had reached his bedroom the two had become a fumbling mess. Despite the passion they both held only moments earlier, the two had been ridden over by lust. Clothing was instantly removed as they kissed their way towards the bed. As soon as the back of Ichigo's knees had hit the bed, Toshiro' pushed against his chest so that he was able to straddle the taller male. As Toshiro moved his way up Ichigo's body, stopping every now and again to kiss or nip the flesh stretched across Ichigo's chest, their erections slid against one another. Toshiro stopped his ministrations against Ichigo's neck at the feeling. Ichigo wrapped his arms around Toshiro's body as he led him up to his mouth, their erections rubbing against one another sinfully.

Once their mouths were reconnected, Ichigo bucked his hips so that they were grinding against one another. Toshiro rocked his in returned, causing them to experience bliss between their bodies. While their mouths were occupied trying to find dominance, Toshiro ran his hands through Ichigo's hair, pulling the wonderful head of orange close to him. The two had separated for air when Ichigo decided to flip Toshiro. He looked up at the younger male who leaned down to give him a quick kiss on the lips before kissing the junction between Toshiro's neck and shoulder. Toshiro turned his head so that he could allow access to his neck. Ichigo and Toshiro had an unspoken rule about hickeys: they didn't give them. But, after today, Ichigo decided to be a little daring.

His lips attached the sensitive skin on Toshiro's neck, a spot that would visible even with the collared shirts that Toshiro wore to work. Ichigo sucked the spot hard, biting the skin softly in order to make sure that a mark would appear. Lost in ecstasy, Toshiro had not realized what Ichigo was doing. After a while Ichigo pulled back slightly to see the reddening spot, he knew that a rather sizable purple bruise would be there in the morning. Now that his temporary goal had been accomplished, Ichigo made his way down Toshiro's small, lithe body. His kissed the subtle muscles that expanded his not-so broad chest. His lips attached to one of the sensitive pink nipples. Toshiro arched his back into Ichigo's mouth while a small gasp escaped between his lips.

Ichigo smirked as he sucked the sensitive area until it was hard. He kissed Toshiro's sternum before attaching his lips onto the nipple, applying the same procedure to this one. After paying attention to Toshiro's pink buds, his mouth continued their voyage. When he had finally reached Toshiro's member, he locked eyes with the white haired roommate's. Toshiro's face was flushed as he stared at the brown eyes. He watched with fascination as Ichigo slowly lowered his head, his tongue swiping cross the blunt head of Toshiro's penis. Toshiro blushed harder when he caught Ichigo's smirk after they had both heard him moan. With their eyes still locked, Ichigo lowered his head so that his mouth encased Toshiro's head. The older male found himself unable to watch after that.

The last thing Toshiro remembered seeing was Ichigo's head bobbing up and down on his shaft, taking him fully so that his nose was rubbing against the white tuft of hair. Ichigo had a rather skilled mouth that he put to good use. He ran his tongue against the vein that ran on the underside of Toshiro's member, while he hollowed out his cheeks so that he could suck Toshiro' harder. Every time he brought his mouth up, he would let his teeth run across the sensitive skin. Whenever he got the head, he let his tongue swipe across it and slide into the slit. While his mouth was busy at work, he brought one of his hands up to cup Toshiro's sac. He felt his roommate shutter at the feeling, as hands tangled in his hair, pushing him to take more into his mouth. While one of his hands were rolling the sac, he felt Toshiro's hands leave his hair and began to pull his free hand up.

Ichigo felt his fingers enter a hot, wet cavern that made his body tingle. From the way that Toshiro's balls had constricted in his hand, he had known that the older male was close. He pulled away from Toshiro's member, letting it pop out of his mouth as he watched as Toshiro sucked on his fingers. The two had locked eyes again as Toshiro began to pulled Ichigo's fingers out of his mouth slowly. Ichigo moved his body up as he lowered his hand to Toshiro's nether region. His mouth latched onto Toshiro's full lips, sucking on the bottom lip as he slowly inserted one finger into the puckered hole. Toshiro moaned slightly at the feeling. After a few slow pumps, Ichigo pushed in a second finger, and Toshiro's body involuntarily shuttered at the feeling. Ichigo stopped playing with Toshiro's bottom lips and kissed him full on, trying to distract the smaller male from the feeling. After scissoring the entrance, Ichigo pushed in a third and final finger, causing Toshiro to whimper in discomfort. Ichigo pulled away from Toshiro's mouth and moved along his jaw, placing small kisses against it as he continued to pump his fingers into the smaller body. With his free hands, Toshiro grasped onto Ichigo's cheeks so that they were looking at each other straight in the eyes.

"I want you inside me." As teal stared into brown, Ichigo nodded slowly.

He removed his fingers from Toshiro's entrance and used it to line himself up with the smaller man. He pressed the blunt head against the entrance and moved his arm so that he was resting on his forearm to keep his body from crushing his roommate. With one hand, Ichigo slowly interlaced his fingers with Toshiro's and brought it above their heads. Their eyes met again, just as Ichigo started to push in. As much as Toshiro wanted to allow his eyes to roll back in pleasure, he kept his eyes locked on Ichigo's. There was a brief moment of time where there was no movement, save for their breathing, and the two had just stared at each other. After letting Toshiro adjust, Ichigo noticed the feint nod that was the signal for him to continue.

Their eyes remained locked as Ichigo thrusted into him, their bodies connecting with every slap of the skin. This round of sex, it was something more than either of them had realized. The intimacy that had risen in the room had grown over time and the way they were feeling for one another had changed the whole idea of sex. Because for once they weren't just fucking, they weren't just having sex, for once, they were making love. Ichigo leaned down and locked his lips against Toshiro's, his lips kneading the others in a slow motion as his hips rolled violently between them. Toshiro had been close to the edge thanks to Ichigo's blow job earlier, and the intimacy that had developed between the two had caused Ichigo to cum quickly like he was a twelve year old boy jacking off for the first time.

The two came together and Ichigo felt Toshiro squeeze his hand as a loud groan emitted from his mouth. Ichigo's hips continued to roll inside Toshiro as he tried to ride their orgasm out for as long as he could. After their minute of ecstasy, the two bodies stilled, letting the aftershocks of their orgasm run through them. Toshiro's hand had gone limp in Ichigo's as he felt a strong wave of sleepiness hit him. He groaned as Ichigo pulled out of him and rolled to his side, his hot, sticky body pressed against Toshiro's. Despite wanting to clean himself, Toshiro had no motivation to get up, his body giving in to the calls of sleep. Unknowingly, Toshiro turned to his side so that he was facing Ichigo. Ichigo wrapped his arm around Toshiro's slim waist, pulling them close.

Despite the body heat, Toshiro found himself falling into the warmth. He pressed himself firmly against Ichigo's body. Before he fell asleep, Toshiro felt a pair of lips press into the crown of his head. He heard Ichigo whisper something, but he couldn't figure it out…or more like he didn't want to.

Ichigo woke up to the cold bedside. A scowl made its way instantly to his face, but it dropped completely when he heard noise coming from the kitchen. Eyes wide, he got out of bed and pulled on his pants from last night as he walked to the kitchen. Standing there in his suit ready for work was Toshiro. A small smile made its way onto his lips when he saw the purple mark peeking half way out of Toshiro's collar. Ichigo took a few steps forward, causing Toshiro to turn around. When he did, he wasn't wearing the expression that Ichigo was looking for. Instead of the inviting look of after sex glow, all Ichigo saw was confusion and frustration. He stopped in his tracks.

"What the hell is on my neck?" Toshiro pulled on his collar to expose the full mark.

"...Nothing." Ichigo turned his head slightly turn head slightly, feeling embarrassed suddenly.

"This is a fucking hickey, Kurosaki. We had a deal. What the fuck am I supposed to tell people at work?" He ran a hand through his hair.

"Why the fuck does it matter?" Kurosaki could feel himself getting frustrated. After last night, why in the world were they fighting?

"God, Kurosaki, I'm not your boyfriend, why would do this?" Toshiro's eyes went wide as the words left his mouth.

"What the hell is your problem Toshiro?" Ichigo took a few steps back. "I don't fucking understand you!"

"What's not to understand?"

"Your feelings damn it!" Ichigo threw his hands in the air, staring at the small male incredulously. "What do you feel for me?"

Toshiro looked down at the hardwood flooring. "Nothing." Toshiro knew that this was not the time to lie and yet he couldn't stop himself.

"Nothing?" Toshiro didn't look up; instead he saw bare feet come into his line of vision. "You feel nothing for me? So explain yesterday. Explain the dinner, the park, the hand holding, or the sex. Explain all of that! You don't do that shit because you feel nothing." His hand latched onto Toshiro's chin, forcing his head up so the two were looking at one another. His voice was quiet. "Tell me the truth, just say it. You don't just feel nothing for me."

Toshiro tried to make his eyes go hard. "I don't feel anything for you Kurosaki. Now let go of me, I have to go to work."

"Screw work! Damn it, Toshiro. Just fucking talk to me. Fucking tell me what's on your mind." A scowl made its way onto Ichigo's face. He was so fucking frustrated. "I'm not a fucking toy Toshiro. I know we have this whole roommate with benefits thing going on, but you can't play with my emotions like this. I'm a fucking human being. I have feelings. Don't treat me like this. I don't want to be played." Frustrated tears made their way into his eyes. "Talk to me, Toshiro. Tell me what you're thinking."

"I need to go to work."

Toshiro pushed his way out of Ichigo's hold and moved towards the door. His heart was hurting. He had no idea why he was lying to Ichigo, even worse to himself. He knew that he liked Ichigo. He knew that Ichigo liked him. The most logical thing would be to tell him how he felt, and yet he couldn't. Why? Because he didn't want to succumb into his feelings? Because he was scared? Because he didn't want to be in a relationship? The answer to all of the questions was no. But, Toshiro still found himself walking out of the apartment, ignoring the last of Ichigo's wishes for him to just talk to him. Toshiro closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. He needed to think.

Hello Dear Readers!

I know, I know...it's been like a week since I last updated and all of you probably hate me for keeping you waiting and now you hate me for the end of this chapter.
I know, total: What the hell is she thinking! Moment, but it'll make sense all in good time.
I've been swamped with class registration and a job interview and family birthdays, which is my excuse.

But! I know where I'm going with this so stay tuned :3
Hopefully the next chapter won't take as long...but I 'm not making promises.

ALSO! Thank you to all the new readers who reviewed/story alerted/favorite story/etc. I always get giddy when I see a bunch of emails saying that people added this to their lists. It makes me incredibly excited.