The next few days passed by slowly. Ichigo would get into work, boot up the computer and curse himself for yet again forgetting to change the screensaver. Then he'd hurriedly open several files to cover it. Grimmjow would come in and only nod in Ichigo's direction before entering his office. Throughout the day Ichigo would bring the man his coffees but they didn't speak anymore. He would just place the mug on the desk and then leave without a single word being said.

Rangiku always joined him for lunch though. She was always fresh with new gossip, though disappointed to see Ichigo and Grimmjow's relationship had taken a nosedive. He hadn't told her about Grimmjow asking him out, preferring to keep that information private. Not only did he want to keep his job but he was sure Grimmjow would be pissed if word got out.

After lunch, it was back to working and the silent exchange of coffees until Grimmjow left. The only interaction they had was when Grimmjow gave him a nod goodbye. Occasionally, someone would visit Grimmjow's office, usually, Nnoitra who seemed to have taken in Ichigo too. Though it was hard to tell what kind of interest as he doubted it was romantic, probably curiosity. Maybe he too was wondering what had happened.

There was another visit from Tia too but just as before, the headset link was shut off. Not that Ichigo needed it, he could see quite plainly they were arguing. Whatever was going on, it left Grimmjow looking exhausted and defeated once more.

Ichigo had come to the conclusion that Grimmjow asking him out had been impulsive and a direct result of his argument with Tia. Was that why she looked at him with dislike whenever their paths crossed? Was Grimmjow using him as a pawn in some sort of came against his ex-wife? He didn't know and it didn't really matter since he'd said no.

By the end of his first week, Ichigo was glad to be visiting his father, if only to escape the city for a couple of days and stop thinking about Grimmjow.

Ichigo was getting ready to leave that Friday evening when Rangiku joined him. "I have your Secret Santa slip!" She handed over the slip of paper excitedly. He took it reluctantly, praying it wasn't Grimmjow.

Rangiku didn't longer, hurrying off to hand out more slips. Ichigo took a deep breath before opening the paper, exhaling softly when he saw it was Rangiku. It seemed lady luck was on his side for once.

He left the paper in his drawer as a reminder and got to his feet. Before he could grab his bag though, the intercom beeped and his stomach lurched. "Ichigo, come here for a moment?"

Closing his eyes, Ichigo let out a deep sigh. He was about to leave and Grimmjow chose that moment to speak to him? Just perfect.

He walked around his desk to the office door, refusing to look inside as he went. Grimmjow was sitting at his desk, looking at him intently and Ichigo immediately felt nervous. Approaching the desk, he sat down and waited.

A few seconds passed and then Grimmjow sighed, leaning back. "I wanted to apologise for the way I've behaved around you. I can't say I've been very professional about it." He paused, sighing again before continuing, "I shouldn't have asked you out. It was impulsive and against protocol. So thanks for saying no I guess."

"I didn't say no because I didn't want to go." Ichigo pointed out before he could stop himself and Grimmjow smiled.

"I know." His smile faded however as he pushed some papers across the desk. "I just wanted to let you know that if you wanted to transfer, I'll understand. All you have to do is sign these papers and you can work for someone else."

Ichigo swallowed thickly and started at the papers. "You want to transfer me?" He was more than a little stung by this.

"No, not really. But I thought you would like to work under someone else. Someone who doesn't make you uncomfortable, maybe on the first floor."

"But you don't make me uncomfortable." Ichigo protested. "I like working for you. I don't want to transfer." Grimmjow didn't respond and Ichigo wondered if he overstepped. Then Grimmjow smiled and took the papers back, tearing them in two before throwing them in the bin. Ichigo sighed in relief. "So, next week?"

"You'll report back here, still my PA."

"Great! I mean... That's good." Ichigo cleared his throat, avoiding Grimmjow's gaze.

Whatever was going on between them, they both knew nothing could come of it. It was against regulations and would end up getting them both fired. That was if something happened. Right now, nothing was going on and Ichigo was determined to keep it that way. Despite his inability to censor his thoughts.

"Ignore the impulses."

"Impulses?" Grimmjow asked and Ichigo groaned. "You should learn to think inside your head. Actually don't, I like knowing what you're thinking. Makes it easier to read you."

"Read me?" He asked sceptically. "What do you need to know, surely you've read my file?"

"Of course but that's all paper. That's not you." Grimmjow stopped abruptly and looked away. "Never mind."

Again with the dismissive behaviour. Ichigo didn't like it.

"Why construction?" He asked and Grimmjow looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Ichigo shrugged. "Maybe I want to know you too."

"It's not construction I prefer but demolishment." A dangerous smile cross his lips and Ichigo shivered. It was an unpleasant sensation. For a fleeting moment, he wondered what kind of smile Grimmjow would wear in bed, then quickly pushed the thought away. "But I can't choose one so I do both."

"Why?"

Grimmjow pondered that for a moment. "Don't you think there's something beautiful about building something new? Making something from the ground up? But demolishment is the complete opposite, wiping the slate clean for a fresh start. It's all a cycle." He stopped abruptly, looking at Ichigo again. "Why do you want to stay with me?"

Tic for tac, Ichigo mused dryly. "Because I like you. you're easy to work for and not too demanding, except for your coffees."

He laughed and Ichigo couldn't help smiling. "I like my food and my drinks sweet. "

Ichigo's smile immediately turned into a frown. "Is that a play on my name?"

Grimmjow shrugged. "Yes and no. I do like strawberries though but I meant your personality."

"I'm not sweet." He protested. Again with that smirk. It was so irritating but at the same time, he could feel a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "And I'm not named after a strawberry."

"One guardian?" That knocked all the irritation out of him and he stared at Grimmjow in surprise. It was the correct interpretation of his name but no one had ever guessed it that fast. Usually, he had to explain it himself. "Is that what your name means?"

"Yes. You guessed that quick." He didn't mean for it to come out so accusing.

Grimmjow smiled and glanced away. "I looked it up. Figured you weren't called strawberry."

That made Ichigo pause again. The thought that Grimmjow had taken the time to look up the correct meaning of his name was oddly... flattering. "That makes you one of the very few." He finally muttered. "I hate being called strawberry. They used to call me that at school."

"If you thought school was bad, don't let Rangiku find out. She'll think it's cute and call you something like berry from now on." Ichigo pulled a face and Grimmjow laughed. "Don't worry, I won't tell. It'll be our secret."

"Thanks, I'd appreciate it." Ichigo sighed. "I don't want to be known as 'the strawberry' ever again. I didn't help that I'm gay either, that just made it worse."

And he'd done it again, overshared without thought. Why on earth would Grimmjow need to know his sexuality? Although he could've guessed from their previous conversations. not to mention the fact he'd asked him out.

There was a moment's pause before Grimmjow replied, "I understand."

"How could you? You wouldn't have been bullied for being gay." Ichigo pointed out.

He didn't mention the fact that Rangiku had told him about his marriage to Tia or the fact that they'd been high school sweethearts. He didn't want Grimmjow to get mad at the mention of his ex-wife.

"No, but just because I had a girlfriend, didn't mean I was straight." Grimmjow leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing as he watched Ichigo. "It was just easier to let everyone think that, less drama."

"So closeted gay" That would explain the divorce.

"Nope, bisexual. But as it turns out, I'm finding myself less attracted to women or at least my ex-wife."

"Ex-wife?" Ichigo tried to sound innocently curious but Grimmjow laughed, shaking his head. "Fine, Rangiku told me about you and Tia."

"Yeah, I figured she did. I'm surprised you didn't say anything to me before. You're not curious? I mean, I asked you our and you don't mention Tia?" Ichigo just shrugged. "Alright, how about this. We each get three more questions and we have to answer honestly. We'll take turns too, deal?"

"Deal." Ichigo thought for a moment, choosing his first question carefully. "So why did you get a divorce?"

"We grew apart. There were... circumstances that led to our marriage in the first place and it didn't keep us together." Grimmjow sighed and for the first time, looked saddened. "I didn't love her anymore. We were childhood sweethearts but that was it, we weren't cut out for marriage." They were silent for a moment before Grimmjow cleared his throat. "My turn, when was the last time you had sex?"

Taken aback by the question, it took Ichigo a second to respond. "Um, almost two years I think."

"Why?"

"No, it's my turn!" Ichigo interjected, knowing he was only delaying the inevitable."

"Alright, lay it on me."

"Did you cheat on Tia?"

Grimmjow looked genuinely surprised. "No of course not, what gave you that idea?" Then understanding dawned on his face. "Rangiku, right? A word of advice, don't believe half the stuff she says. You'll be much better off that way."

"I'll take your word for it." Ichigo was glad to learn Grimmjow hadn't cheated. It at least made his opinion of the man better.

"My turn. Why has it been so long? Surely it's not because no one's been interested in you?"

"No, it's not that..." Ichigo hesitated and looked down. He'd promised to be honest but it still stung to think about. "My last relationship didn't end well, he cheated. I haven't felt anything for anyone since. I'm not into one night stands either so it's been just me for a while now."

Grimmjow whistled lowly. "What an ass."

"Yeah, you can say that again." Ichigo scoffed and shook his head. "Caught them in our flat too. It had been going on a while. Needless to say, I have some trust issues when it comes to relationships."

"You seem to trust me."

"I'm not dating you." With a sigh, Ichigo moved forward and leaned his elbows on the table. "Besides, anything said here is our secret, right?"

"Right." Grimmjow leaned forward too and smiled. "What's your last question?"

Ichigo had it ready. "When you asked if I was free this weekend, what did you have in mind?"

"I... hadn't thought that far ahead." He confessed, looking abashed. "It was impulsive, I'm sorry."

"So you didn't mean it, not really?"

Grimmjow smirked at that. "I don't have to answer that question, you've used up your three."

"That's so unfair!"

"Not my problem." He was still smirking as he leaned back in his chair. "But I have one question left."

Ichigo already knew he wasn't going to like it. The question, however, took Grimmjow longer than expected to say. He seemed to hesitate as if debating whether to ask at all. Ichigo was also getting painfully aware of the time. He was already running late and soon his father would start to worry.

Grimmjow seemed to sense his agitation because he finally asked, "What's your favourite food?"

"Chocolate." Ichigo tried to amend when his eyebrows raised in amusement. "Well, it's Karashi Mentaiko if you mean food. But I like chocolate too."

"I'll keep that in mind." He stood suddenly and walked around the desk, holding out a hand to help Ichigo up. When he took it, Grimmjow pulled him to his feet and smiled warmly. Horribly, Ichigo felt his heart give another jolt. "I'm sorry for keeping you so late. I hope your father will forgive me."

"I'm sure he'll be pleased to know I'm socialising. He's been begging me to start dating again." Ichigo winced and pulled his hand free. "Sorry."

"Don't be." Grimmjow chuckled and stepped back. "He's right you know. Don't let that asshole of an ex ruin your love life." Grabbing his bag and coat, Grimmjow walked Ichigo out of the office and they left together. Outside he grabbed Ichigo's arm before they could part ways. "There are plenty of people out there who will see how great you are. I'm sure they won't throw away something so good like your ex did."

"Thanks." Ichigo smiled shyly. "And next time you get married, do it for love, not circumstances."

"Already on it." Grimmjow winked and gave him a small wave as he turned to leave. "See you next week, Ichigo!"

"Yeah," He replied quietly, watching Grimmjow go. He gave himself a shake and hurried to his car.

He sat inside that car for a moment to collect himself. He'd honestly thought he was going to be fired at the beginning of the day. But now... now he didn't know what was going to happen but it looked like he still had his job.

Sighing deeply, he started the car and drove to his childhood home.

All he had to do now was keep his job without screwing up. Easier said than done when Grimmjow turned his brain into a train wreck. He couldn't remember when someone made him tongue-tied yet have verbal diarrhoea at the same time. Probably never.

Just Ichigo's luck Grimmjow was his boss and nothing could ever come of it.