They made it back to Ichigo's place well after dark, as the exuberant teen wanted to ride some of the rides in the dark. Shinji was a good sport about it, even after riding the roller coaster four more times than he had wanted to. Ichigo knew he was probably pushing his luck, but he just enjoyed how free he felt. It reminded him of how it felt when he spars with his friends back in Soul Society. Ichigo looked at the Visored, who was sipping bottled water that had been purchased at the boardwalk.

"Did you want to come upstairs?" Ichigo asked. "Or are you back on watch tonight?"

Shinji shook his head, his newscap going askew. "After our day today? No, thanks. I'm about to pass out. I believe it's Rose's turn tonight."

"Pussy," Ichigo teased his friend. He let out an unexpected yawn, making the Visored bark out a laugh. "Shut up." Ichigo said, blushing slightly.

"Now who's the pussy?" Shinji grinned. "Here's where I leave you. Kisuke coming over later?"

The substitute shinigami nodded his head. "Yeah. He didn't say what time. And, it's so odd."

"What is?"

"He sent me a text. I...I didn't know he knew how to text." Ichigo scratched the back of his neck, standing to the side of the road. "I mean, I know he knows how to use a cell. I just didn't realize he knew how to use the keyboard."

More laughter filled the air. "I bet you anything that he was forced to learn by those two that live with him."

"Jinta and Ururu?" Ichigo asked. "Nah, I doubt that's true."

"I meant Tessai and Yoruichi-san, when she stays there." Shinji smirked. "But good on you for going for the younger generation." The Visored bowed slightly. "This is where I leave you, Kurosaki-san. Have a pleasant evening. Try not to get into too much trouble." He turned and began to walk away. "See you at school tomorrow!"

Ichigo shook his head, chuckling at the thought of Yoruichi yelling at Urahara to learn how to use a cell phone. He would have to remember to buy something small as a token of thanks to the persistent woman. Unless he had been right on who had taught the man how to use his cell phone in that manner. Opening the front door, he braced himself for the assault of his family berating him for being so late.

"Yo, Ichi-nii," Karin said, speaking from her seat on the couch. "Have a nice day?"

The orange-haired teen nodded his head. "I did. Where's Yuzu?"

"Asleep. She tried to wait up for you, but gave up about a half hour ago." Karin turned to look at him. "You going to bed now?"

He let out an exaggerated yawn. "I think so. I'm really tired, Karin." He began to walk towards the stairs.

"Ichigo, wait."

Pausing mid-stride, Ichigo turned and looked at his sister. "What is it, Karin?"

"N-Nothing," Karin said, turning back to watch the television. "Have pleasant dreams, Ichigo."

He knew that there was something his sister wasn't telling him, but he didn't have the strength or energy to question her. He gave a nod of his head, forgetting that she couldn't see him. "Thank you, Karin. You, as well. Don't stay up too late. You know that tou-san doesn't like that."

"Eh. He told me I could stay up until you got home." Karin's voice held a hint of mirth, making Ichigo roll his eyes. "Night!"

Walking up the stairs, he headed into his bedroom. He saw that it was pitch black in his room, except for the natural light from outside. He was met with the most welcoming sight he could have hoped to have seen. There, on his bed, was his lover, fast asleep. He hung up his track jacket on the hook by his door, careful to not make too much noise. Sleeping curled up next to Urahara was the small bluebird, his own mod soul nowhere to be found.

Ichigo gently lifted Ririn up off the bed, holding her in the palm of his hand. "I-Ichi-nii...?" Ririn's voice was quiet.

"Go back to sleep, Ririn." Ichigo quietly opened the closet door and placed her on the small pillow that was on the bed that had yet to be removed from Rukia had stayed with him so many moons ago. He saw Kon curled up on the opposite side of the small mattress.

The tiny bluebird let out a soft snore, signalling that she had gone back to sleep, despite the minor interruption. Ichigo slid the closet door closed, the door barely making any noise. He stripped out of his clothes, keeping his boxers on. Walking over to his bedroom door, he quietly turned the lock, making sure that the two of them would not be interrupted by anything. Glancing outside, Ichigo saw that Rose was a few houses away, but kept a diligent eye on his house. Ichigo crawled underneath the sheet, hoping that he didn't jostle the bed too much.

"You know, for someone that's trying so hard to be quiet, you're doing a pretty terrible job."

Ichigo groaned, seeing a smirk on his lover's face. "Kisuke...I thought I was quiet enough!"

"You know that I can feel your reiatsu when you're three miles away from me, yes?" Urahara cracked his left eye open, his pale grey eye shining in the soft light.

"Really?" Ichigo asked. "I thought I had a better handle on keeping it suppressed." He laid on his back, looking up at the ceiling. "I'll try and do better."

Urahara took Ichigo's hand and pulled him back to his body. "You're doing just fine. I doubt anyone else would have noticed it. I just...I'm tuned to you, that's all." Urahara brushed his lips against Ichigo's forehead, the gentle kiss set Ichigo's nerves on fire. He adjusted his body to lay comfortably next to Urahara. "How was your day?"

"Long," Ichigo said, placing his head against Urahara's chest. "I didn't realize how late it was." He turned his head, and looked into his lover's eyes. "I hope you weren't waiting here for too long."

The shopkeeper shook his head. "No, not really. My apologies for falling asleep. It was a very long day for myself as well." While Ichigo had been occupied with the Visored, he had been dealing with the taichou, fukutaichou's, and the third/fourth seat of Squad 11. It was difficult, trying to figure out where to place them all. As it stood, both men from Squad 11 were staying with Sado, for the time being. Urahara didn't know how long the silent giant would tolerate the two of them, but he had no other options. He looked down at Ichigo and began to run his fingers through his short orange hair. "Did you have fun with Hirako?"

"I did," Ichigo said, nodding his head. "Maybe you and I can go there one day?"

Urahara smiled, continuing the gentle motion of running his fingers through Ichigo's hair. He liked watching the expressions on his face. "I think that would be nice. But, I should warn you. I get motion sickness."

"What?" Ichigo sat up, Urahara's hand falling back to the bed. "You get motion sickness?"

"Guilty," the shop keeper blushed. "But, I have no issues with just watching you have fun." He let out a soft sigh as Ichigo resumed his position, his head back on Urahara's chest.

"I just didn't think that someone like you would get motion sickness."

Flicking his lover's ear playfully, Urahara smirked as Ichigo let out a groan. "What's the supposed to mean, hmm?"

"Kisuke!" Ichigo grumbled, rubbing his ear. "Why'd you do that?"

He pulled Ichigo up further on his chest. Moving forward, he let his tongue run over the bright red skin on Ichigo's earlobe. He felt Ichigo shudder against him, a low moan coming from the teen's throat. Urahara licked the mark once more, earning him the same reaction as before. "So I can do this to you..." Urahara spoke softly into Ichigo's ear.

"Ooh...I see..." Ichigo moaned, as Urahara kept nipping at the shell of Ichigo's ear. "Kisuke..."

Urahara gently rolled them, so that Ichigo was laying on his back. "Yes, Ichigo...?" He looked down and was met with lust-filled auburn eyes. "Got an itch you need scratched...?" Urahara pushed his hips forward, letting out a low moan as he made contact with Ichigo's equally stiff arousal.

"Fuck..." Ichigo pushed back against Urahara. "Yes..."

Reaching down, Urahara slipped Ichigo's boxers off his body, as Ichigo's busy hands began to take off his clothes for him. He let out a sharp gasp as Ichigo's hand grasped his arousal tightly. "Just for...a little bit..." Urahara moaned, leaning his head forward as he pushed against Ichigo's hand. He didn't want to release this way, he wanted to be buried deep inside of his lover.

"Kisuke...you know that room you have in Soul Society..?" Ichigo's question made Urahara groan low, unable to answer with words, as the images of that particular room began to fill his mind. "We need...something like that...here..."

Bucking his hips forward, Urahara groaned once more. "Kami, yes...But...now's...not the...time." He pulled his hips back, forcing Ichigo to stop touching him. He looked into his auburn eyes once more. "Lube...?"

Ichigo reached underneath his bed and grabbed the small bottle he kept there. Urahara sat on his knees and watched the orange-haired teen uncap the bottle and pour a generous amount into his palm. Shivering at the sight, Urahara closed his eyes as he heard the bottle drop to the floor and felt the bed shift with Ichigo's weight being transferred to a different position. Seconds ticked by, the anticipation high, as Urahara waited for the cool liquid to touch his throbbing arousal. He could feel it bouncing with a will of its own, impatience starting to make its way into his body.

"Need me to touch you, Kisuke...?" Ichigo whispered into his ear, making the shopkeeper moan low. He tried to sense where his lover's hand was, but was having no luck with it. After the remark about the room at his estate, his sexual needs were quickly escalating. "What if...I just use this lube on myself...? Would you watch me get myself ready for you, Kisuke...?"

His eyes snapped open. Ichigo was laying back on his back, his legs spread wide. Urahara gazed down at his lover, not sure if he was allowed to move or not. He bit his lower lip, groaning as he watched Ichigo tease his own entrance with his wet finger. Urahara wasn't sure how long he was going to be able to keep his hands to himself.

"Look at me, Kisuke."

He met Ichigo's eyes, staring into his eyes as he listened to his lover moan as a second finger was added. "Please," Urahara groaned. "Ichigo...let me watch you stretch yourself for me..." He licked his lips, anxious to see.

"Just for...a second..." Ichigo closed his eyes. Looking down, Urahara saw Ichigo's fingers buried deep inside of him, his body aching to be where Ichigo's fingers were. He saw Ichigo's own arousal pulsate as he continued to push his two fingers deeper inside of himself.

Unable to stop himself, Urahara leaned forward and gave Ichigo's arousal a slow lick, the substitute shinigami letting out a low cry. Urahara kept lapping at the stiff muscle, listening to the sounds of Ichigo's fingers working deep inside of him. He licked the tiny droplets off the crown of Ichigo's arousal, letting out his own low moan. "Take them out...right now." Urahara didn't care how demanding he sounded. He needed him. Now.

Ichigo complied, his fingers slipping out of his body fast. Urahara grabbed his hand, wrapping it around his own arousal, taking the small bit of lube that was still on Ichigo's palm. Stroking himself quickly with Ichigo's hand to coat himself, he moaned low at how good it felt, and how much better it was about to feel. He took Ichigo's hand and placed it above his head, using it as leverage. Urahara placed himself at Ichigo's entrance, pushing just the tip into him. He met auburn eyes, those eyes filled with equal amounts of both passion and need. Gripping Ichigo's wrist tightly, Urahara thrust his hips forward, pushing himself deep into Ichigo.

"Ahhh!" Ichigo moaned, trying to move his hand out of Urahara's grasp so he could touch his lover. But Urahara was having none of it. He liked keeping Ichigo trapped, and from the way that Ichigo was moaning, he was enjoying it as well. "I want to...touch you..." Ichigo moaned, pushing back against Urahara's thrusts, groaning at deep Urahara was inside of him.

Urahara rocked his hips, groaning with each thrust. "Not...yet..." Ichigo let out a soft whine, the sound going straight to Urahara's core. He loosened his grip on Ichigo's wrist, making it easier for him to move, if he wanted to. Ichigo moaned louder as Urahara kept thrusting deep into him. Ichigo's warmth was pushing Urahara closer and closer to the edge. Giving up on keeping his hand restrained, Urahara let go of his wrist completely. Reaching between their bodies, he wrapped his hand around Ichigo, stroking him in time with each thrust of his hips.

"C-Close...K-Kisuke!" Ichigo cried out, pushing against Urahara's hand. "Don't...stop..."

Never one to disobey his lover's orders, Urahara rocked his hips faster, pushing himself in as deep as he could go. He watched Ichigo's face become slack as he felt warmth begin to spread over his hand, having hit his lover's sweet spot dead on. Ichigo's body tightened around him as the orange-haired teen rode out his orgasm. The tightness sent Urahara over the edge, making him moan low as he let his own orgasm overtake his senses.

After resting for a few moments, Urahara pulled out of Ichigo, collapsing on the bed next to him. He closed his eyes, trying to get control of his breathing. Ichigo turned over, resting his head back on Urahara's chest. The shopkeeper placed his arm around him, barely able to move his arm.

"Will you be here in the...m-morning...?" Ichigo let out a loud yawn.

Chuckling softly, Urahara pulled his lover closer to him. "Probably not. But you'll come by the shop after school?"

"Course..." Ichigo said, his voice slowly beginning to fade. "Don't I...always...?"

"Yes," Urahara said. He didn't want to say that the last time he had been to school, he did not come to the shop, but that wasn't his fault. He was about to continue speaking, but heard Ichigo snore softly. Shaking his head, Urahara placed a kiss on the top of Ichigo's head. "Sweet dreams, Ichigo. I love you." He closed his eyes, falling into a dreamless sleep.

…

Ichigo awoke the next morning to an empty bed. As much as he knew it was better this way, it still killed him that he couldn't wake up in his lover's arms. Sitting up, he stretched his upper body before standing up. He grabbed his boxers and slipped them on, not wanting to give whatever Visored that was outside an unnecessary show. He grabbed his towel and made his way out of his bedroom, heading for the bathroom.

Once he had gotten ready for school, Ichigo headed down to the kitchen. "Onii-san! Breakfast is on the table for you!" Yuzu said from the sink.

"Thanks, Yuzu." Ichigo dropped his bookbag on the floor and sat at the table where the small bit of food was. He saw that Karin was just finishing up her own food. "Morning, Karin. Sleep okay?"

His dark-haired sister nodded her head. "Yes, Ichi-nii. You?"

"Yep," Ichigo grinned. He always seemed to sleep better when he knew Urahara was next to him. He ate his food in silence, quickly devouring it with gusto. Once he was finished, he stood up. "I'm off to school. I don't know what time I'll be home tonight, so I can fend for myself for dinner." He placed a kiss on Yuzu's head as he dropped his bowl into the sink. "Thank you for breakfast, Yuzu."

"Welcome, Onii-san! And I'll just make you a plate, so you can heat it up whenever you do get home!" Yuzu smiled.

Karin groaned. "Don't baby him, Yuzu!'

"Why not, Karin-chan? He's our brother!"

Ichigo didn't want to get in the middle of a fight between his sisters, so he grabbed his bookbag and headed out the door. When he walked outside, he saw his friends waiting for him, but they didn't look like they had when he had last seen them. "Inoue? What happened?"

Orihime had her arm in a sling. "Yoruichi-san said it would be better for me to keep it in a sling, rather than overuse it today." She looked down at the ground. "Gomennasi, Kurosaki-kun."

"Chado? Are you okay?" Ichigo looked at his tall friend, who appeared to be alright. "Nothing is wrong, right?"

Ishida pushed his glasses back up on his nose, the light reflecting off of the lenses. "Kurosaki-san, everyone is fine. It's just a precaution that Inoue-san is taking. The sling isn't necessary. Everyone is fine."

"But...when I saw you guys, you seemed to be fine." Ichigo said, shaking his head. "Why didn't you just tell me then?"

The four of them began to walk towards the school. "We didn't want to worry you," Sado's low voice carried over the din of traffic. "We're fine, Ichigo."

"Fine." Ichigo didn't want to bother his friends any more. If they said they were fine, he'd have to believe them. He was still stiff from not moving around too much, among other reasons, but he tried to not make that too obvious. As they approached the school, Ichigo looked between all of them. "What's our excuse this time?"

"Food poisoning." Ishida said. "If they ask for a doctor's note, my father has already consented to provide those for us, if necessary."

Ichigo stopped walking. "What? But your father hates the shinigami."

"Yes, well. It took some convincing, but I think he'll cooperate. If he doesn't, there's always your father, yes?" Ishida said, pushing his glasses up once more.

"I guess?" Ichigo said. "Then how do we explain Inoue's arm?"

"I got into an accident." Orihime said, nodding her head. "Kurosaki-kun, it's fine. Please, don't worry."

He ran a hand over his face. "I can't help it. I..." He shook his head, not wanting to finish that sentence. I couldn't protect you...

They all walked into the school, heading towards their class. "I-CHI-GO!" Keigo came running towards them. Without missing a beat, Ichigo held out his arm, causing the running teen to stop and fall to the floor. "Ouch!"

Ichigo didn't bother to look at the teen on the ground, as he knew he was fine. They did this every single morning. "Where've you guys been? You've missed so much school!"

"Sick." Ichigo said, walking into the classroom. He didn't bother to say anything else. His friends took their seats near his, all just keeping their thoughts to themselves.

"Sick? Sick? Mizuiro, did you hear what he said? He said he was sick!"

Muzuiro sat down at his desk, looking at his phone. "So? Leave him be, Asano-san."

"Asano-san? Why do you have to be so...formal with me!"

Before the two could carry on, Miss Ochi walked into the classroom. "Alright, everyone. Settle down." Ichigo kept his head down, not wanting to make eye contact with his teacher. "Ah, nice to see you're all feeling better again. Seems like we've got a full class again."

"Sorry we're late!" Shinji skidded into the classroom with Hiyori.

The two Visoreds walked over to the two empty seats in the next row over from where Ichigo was sitting. "Yes, well. See that it doesn't happen again." Miss Ochi said. "Now, where were we?"

The rest of the class day passed without further incident. Once the day was over, Miss Ochi asked Ichigo and his friends to stay behind, so they could play catch up on their work. Ichigo didn't mind, as he really didn't feel like doing much of anything, his body drained of energy from having to listen to her lectures all day. He stood up at the front of the classroom, working on a problem on the blackboard, when he heard a commotion in the hallway. He tried to not pay any attention to it, as he didn't want Miss Ochi to throw another erasure at his head.

"I think it's down here, taichou..." That voice...Why does it sound like...

Ichigo looked over at the door and stopped writing, his hand stuck in its current position. Standing at the classroom door were his friends from Seireitei. "Yo, Ichigo. Nice to see you." Renji grinned, standing with Toshiro, Ikkaku, Yumichika, and the voice he had heard before - Matsumoto. And they were all wearing his school uniform.

He just stood there, unable to process what was going on. "Well, aren't you going to say anything?" Renji walked into the classroom with the other shinigami.

"Are...are you really here?" Ichigo asked, finally finding his voice.

The redhead nodded. "We are. Come on. We've got a lot to talk about."

"No shit."

An erasure hit the back of Ichigo's head. "I will not tolerate swearing, Kurosaki-san!" Miss Ochi said.

"Gomennasi," Ichigo muttered, rubbing the back of his head. He looked over at his friends and saw that they were gathering their things up. "May we be dismissed?"

Miss Ochi nodded. "See you all tomorrow."

Quickly grabbing his book bag, Ichigo walked over to where Renji was leaning against the door, talking with Shinji and Hiyori. He grabbed the redhead's arm. "Come on, let's go."

"Where are we going?" Renji asked, looking at the substitute shinigami.

Ichigo sighed. "Where else?"

"Urahara's shop?"

"Yep. And when we get there, you can tell me just what the hell you guys are doing here." Ichigo said, shaking his head. He still couldn't believe that his friends were here. He just didn't know why they were here. Guess I'll find out soon enough.

...

A/N: I wonder what's going to happen when they get to Urahara's shop? ^_^ On a personal note, my apologies for the delay on updating this story. It has not been forgotten. Life decided to go all crazy on me, and then I went out of town on vacation. Thanks for reading!