A/N: Again thank you for all the positive feedback! It's so awesome having so many people reading and enjoying my story :3 *siiigh* I even got some people following ME, to all those people: You have no idea how happy that made me, I couldn't stop grinning stupidly and dancing around my kitchen like... well... that doesn't matter right now. What DOES matter is not only do I feel really happy with my readers but I also feel really guilty for the long wait - so here is chapter 3! This was supposed to be two chapters but I figure you guys deserve it... Enjoy~

Chapter 3: Take Two - Not Much Better

"Ichigooo! You didn't even give him a chance!"

The accused looked back as he friend came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the sidewalk, "Are you kidding me?" He demanded, arms folded as he reiterated, "Renji, he molested my hand and then insulted the Reishi. I had nothing more to say to him."

Renji sighed, more unhappy with the failed first attempt than Ichigo's ranting, "I'm sorry man, I thought you wanted more chase and he seemed like he fit the bill…" He looked down in thought, frowning.

A snort, "'More chase'? Jesus Ren, that was - "

"Alright, alright! I get it! Not so much chase! How about someone more relaxed? I know this guy in one of my classes that's… more relaxed."

Ichigo didn't miss the hesitation and was all over it in a flash, "What do you mean by that? 'More relaxed'?" Not able to get his friend to look him in the eye, he feared the worst, "Is he into drugs? Because that's a 'hell no' Ren. You should already be aware-"

"It's not drugs! He's just…" Ichigo could see the lightbulb come on in Renji's mind, "quiet! Yeah, he's just quiet. He's super nice though when you get to know him. Think ya can break his shell?" He playfully nudged his shoulder into his friend's, obviously trying to shift the conversation.

Ichigo rolled his eyes and smiled while he took up his pace again, Renji falling into step. "You're an idiot."

"And you're in for a surprise."

Before Ichigo could question him, Renji pushed through the door and overhead bells chimed their arrival at Reishi.

What? He liked the place. A lot. A glimpse of that familiar blue reminded him that he had a whole new reason to like Reishi. 'Only until I figure out how to describe that colour, of course. No other reason.'

He gave the man a warm smile which was hesitantly returned. Ichigo couldn't place it but he could've sworn Grimmjow was looking a little befuddled… 'I wonder why? What could possibly-'

"Oi oi!" Whispered Renji, harshly pulling Ichigo out of his thoughts.

Renji whispered? That caused some alarm bells to go off. Orange brows quirked in surprise while a pair of red ones furrowed.

"No gawking at him while you're on a date, idiot." Renji gave the slightly disoriented male a push towards their usual table and Ichigo finally noticed someone was sitting there, as in, the same seat as Shinji, as in, his last date. 'This is a new date? Already?' He was quietly reading a book and seemed unaware of the world. Ichigo turned to Renji for assurance and the other male only raised his tattooed brow in a look of challenge. 'Since when- that was quick- how'd he know I'd want to come here- this guy looks completely different-'

He let his inner mind ramble as he assessed the newest date. Chin length, wispy black hair looked like styled-bedhead. His green eyes flit across the pages of his book in rapid bursts, face responding to every emotion in the pages. Ichigo could see the guy's frown give way to clear, wide eyes that almost appeared watery. 'He must be in a really touching part,' mused Ichigo, continuing his inspection. 'I can almost read his book through his eyes, that's really sweet.' The male had a high collared white jacket that was done up lowly, his throat and collar bones fully exposed. The sight was gorgeous; this guy either knew what he was doing or simply lived in unchecked perfection.

As Ichigo considered the smooth pale skin, the green eyes flicked up to meet his own in surprise. His face smoothed over into a stoic mask and he remained silent, seeming to be waiting for Ichigo to speak first.

Ichigo blushed for no real reason he could see and ducked his head, "Uhh hi, I'm Ichigo… K-Kurosaki." Not the most graceful introduction, but it's the best he could force out, considering.

"… Ulquiorra Cifer," came the soft response.

'His voice is almost like a whisper, but… raspier? Is that a word?' Ichigo thought to himself.

"So you are the one Renji has told me so much about," continued the wonderful voice, "He feels you would be a good match for me." Green eyes slowly slid over Ichigo's body, causing the flustered male to become ridiculously self-conscious, "You are quite attractive physically..." He trailed off, bringing his eyes back to pierce into Ichigo's very soul.

'This guy is intense! But his voice is so hypnotic…' He thought, totally mesmerized, 'Maybe this date won't be so bad. I kinda like him already.' "Th-thank you," he breathed, "you are – you're very beautiful Ulquiorra." 'That was so awkward, why did I say that like that? Ugh my face feels like it's on fire! I sound like some hysterical pre-teen!'

As Ichigo ranted inwardly, Ulquiorra raised one eyebrow and allowed one side of his mouth to pull up in a smirk. It was minimal, but the effect had Ichigo sweating. "That's very kind of you," he replied, face falling back into a neutral expression while he leaned back. Ulquiorra carefully place-marked his page he was reading with a small bookmark and gracefully set the novel aside. "Now tell me, Ichigo Kurosaki, what are your thoughts on the human heart? I am quite fascinated with its concept."

One thick gulp later, "Uh w-well, let me see…" 'That's definitely one way to break the ice… let's play along here,' he also leaned back in his chair, seriously considering the question, "That took me off guard a little but in my opinion… hmm, I'd have to say from a medical student's standpoint," here his date nodded encouragingly, "that the heart is one of the few majorly vital organs in the human body that which we can't live even a moment without. It feeds the other organs so that they may survive and run a working body smoothly, without it there is no chance of survival." He noticed Ulquiorra seeming quite pleased with his answer and so, bolstered with confidence, continued with the aim to impress, "The heart can also be looked at in the romantic sense – as a non-physical representation of a human's resolve or 'spirit.' To have 'a lot of heart' would translate to having a lot of faith or even mercy." Ichigo was quite pleased with himself, 'Damn, even I'd date me!' However, looking over at his date proved that he had clearly said the wrong thing.

Ulquiorra's face was completely blank while he listened and once Ichigo had finished his green eyes had slid shut while his head shook back and forth gently, "No, no, no. The heart is nothing more than a physical organ in the body!" He looked up, "Where is the evidence of it being anything more?" He didn't give Ichigo the opportunity to answer before cutting in, "There isn't any evidence… You say to 'have heart' would be having faith or mercy? Well how about when you" here he used air quotations – "'give your heart' to someone? Explain that for me."

Just as Ichigo started to feel defensive (he really hadn't asked to be attacked so early in the afternoon, had he?) he was distracted by a blur of blue in his peripherals and it was coming his way. Grimmjow walked right up to him and Ichigo had to restrain from catching his breath, 'Damn, I still need to label that colour somehow, those eyes are killing me!'

It took him a second to realize Grimmjow was carrying two coffee cups in his hand, actually he didn't even realize until the man literally said, "I brought you a refill" motioning towards Ulquiorra's, "and just brought your usual," gesturing to Ichigo's, "Hope that's OK?" Ichigo nodded slowly in response.

"Ichigo?" Ulquiorra prodded, "Your thoughts?"

A huff and with more effort than should have been required brown eyes hauled back to hold the green ones, "To 'give someone your heart'" copying his date's use of air quotes, "would be to willingly let that person in. You give them a sort of 'key' to your soul which allows them to have a hand on your deepest desires and fears. They can make you or break you in an instant. To give them that 'key,' - that heart - you really are placing your faith in them and their mercy and judgments and hoping beyond hope that they won't hurt you. They could use that 'key' to their advantage or throw it so far away that you can't find it again. I guess in that case they would essentially 'break' your 'heart.'" He paused, idly turning his coffee in his hands, "Giving someone your heart is the ultimate step in a relationship. To me it's considered the highest honour one person can achieve, nothing would compare with the absolute trust required…" He started trailing off, smiling at his thoughts, "For someone to feel that way about you, it's so… well it's really romantic..." He felt his face heat up as he realized how school-girlish he sounded.

Both beautiful males stared back at him, eyes wide and mouths agape, causing Ichigo to blush even harder at the attention. Grimmjow had a soft edge to his two blue eyes and a thoughtful expression on his face before he finally turned and walked away, strange grin tugging at his lips. Ulquiorra, however, looked away and shook his head, seemingly frustrated.

"As much as that sounds all nice and romantic… it's completely ridiculous." Ichigo had to do a double-take at Ulquiorra's words, "I don't understand why everyone feels that the heart is something more than a physical organ. It holds no more value than a stomach or lung and yet society has specifically dubbed the heart as the manifestation of a soul – also another completely fictional property." He sat up straighter and looked over at Ichigo, causing the still-pink male to feel as though he were being looked down upon, "The heart is an organ. That is all. The brain is where all of one's thoughts are processed. And yet it isn't the thing people wish to give away? Why is-"

"People don't want to give away their minds to their loved ones," Ichigo cut in, getting irritated – the brief moment of weakness he had seemed to have cost him in this sudden battle of wits, "They want to give their loved ones something important like the heart." He slightly raised his voice over Ulquiorra's protests, "Yes the brain is important too but think about it. The heart feeds all the other parts of the body, everything. By giving your loved one access to it, you open up your entire being; body, mind, and yes, soul. It is much more pleasing to give away such a romantic idea than just your brain. Yeah, it controls everything but… it's just not the same." What else was there to say? How could Ulquiorra not get it?

"I just don't understand it."

Ichigo snorted, "I see that."

The dirty look he received made him snicker, he couldn't help it. No amount of willpower could have helped him hold it in.

"I meant I don't understand how society can be so blind. Why is everyone I meet so affected by this notion of the heart? I live my life by the motto: If I can't see it, if it does not have a physical property, than it does not exist. Is that not practical? Who can deny the justification in that statement? And yet people still cling to the fascination with hearts as if they could hold it in their hands and even give it away." He shook his head, "Tsk, what stupidity."

Ichigo instantly bristled, "Excuse me? Did you just say 'stupidity'? So you think everyone, even myself, is stupid for believing in this?" Ichigo snorted, "You're the stupid one," he jabbed his finger towards his date, "Not only can't you see something so simple even children understand it (and sometimes even better than adults), but you refuse to be reasoned with because you can't hold it?" He snorted, "It's probably because you haven't met someone yet who's willing to let you hold their heart in that way!" He sat back and crossed his arms, waiting for the argument to be over. 'Does everyone have to be some sort of asshole? Why am I so unlucky lately?'

Ulquiorra quirked one delicate black eyebrow, "Clearly you don't want to become that someone and, quite frankly, I'm not interested in testing any theories with you." He gathered up his book and coffee, stood and slightly dipped his head towards Ichigo, "Nice to meet you Ichigo Kurosaki. Have a pleasant day." And walked away.

Ichigo let out a breath and slumped forward, he knew things weren't going to progress with Ulquiorra but that doesn't mean it sucks being rejected any less. He turned his head to see if Renji were still hanging around but quickly realized if he had to look for him then clearly his loud-mouthed friend wasn't present. 'That's bitter-sweet. I kind of want to vent on him but I don't want to deal with his questions…' He eyed the newbie and briefly considered venting to him. 'Our chat yesterday was nice, I wonder if he'd be wierded out if I went over there to him…?'

Sucking in a breath of courage – regular air – a chair skidding backwards as its occupant marched their way to the counter. 'Why do I feel like the tin man? Ugh I'm so not smooth…'

"Sup Citrus?" The guy didn't even bother to look up from his sorting, hunched over checking milk dates he somehow just knew.

Pause. Scowl. "Not much Iceberg."

That got a snort as a response, "Alright I get it, Sup Kurosaki?"

"… Call me Ichigo."

This time he got two blue eyes and a small grin, "Ichigo."

'Oh my god that's too much,' He turned away and cleared his throat, 'That was, wow did he just purr? Shiiit.' "Did you want to - well I mean I see you're busy and all but if you feel like it –if you get some more free time like yesterday and wanna…" he sighed, "I just had another shitty date…" he hung his head as he gave up on tact, 'I'm such a loser.'

"Hah I saw that! Ya no problem dude, just lemme finish up here and I'll come sooth your broken soul." He winked and went back to work, way too amused for Ichigo's liking.

'At least he believes in something like a soul.'

It didn't take the barista long to finish his rearranging in the fridges before he grabbed himself a coffee and made his way over to Ichigo's table. The failure-of-a-date noticed that Grimmjow took the same seat as the day before – pulling a fresh chair up to the table instead of the vacant one already there. Too curious, Ichigo asked why.

Grimmjow just laughed and pointed at the offending chair, "That's your Hot Seat. I wouldn't want to sit there and mess up your date-vibes."

Ichigo laughed at the designation but felt a little melancholy about it, 'What now? He's just being honest... it's not like it matters where he sits…'

"So your date sucked. What happened? After that big shpeel about hearts and what it means to give it away, well! I gotta say I was really moved…" At this Ichigo knew he was blushing, "I mean, I figured you saying something all romantic like that would've sealed the deal!"

Ichigo, after he recovered from the really sweet smile he was given, sighed and slumped forward on his arms, "I don't know, I thought that's what everyone wanted to hear. Not like I didn't feel it was true but I thought it'd, ya know, impress him." He mumbled the last bit, cringing at his words, "Apparently I'm not any good at this, I keep messing up! I mean this time I wasn't even the one doing the rejecting! He left!"

A warm hand snaked its way over the tabletop, finding a smoother one and squeezing it. Ichigo's heart raced at the contact and moved to sit up, but that caused the hand to let go and go behind Grimmjow's head, scratching at his neck. "Anyone else woulda been impressed with that little speech, it was very sweet. You got the only guy in the whole world who wouldn't have appreciated it." The man chuckled awkwardly, looking aside, "Just don't feel like it was all because of you. You're doing nothing wrong, and actually, you're doing everything right. I'm really surprised you haven't been snatched up ye-"

Ichigo had never been more pissed off at a cellphone but said nothing as Grimmjow patted his pockets, groaned at the Caller I.D. and looked up apologetically before answering, "H-heyyy Tier! I totally meant to call you ba-"

"Don't even bother Grimmjow! I don't need your line of bullshit!"

Both males cringed as the woman's voice ripped itself out of Grimmjow's cellphone, deafening the male before he quickly pulled it a little ways away from his ear.

"While I have your attention, since it seems to be so fucking hard to get anymore, I wanted to ask why that is? Hmm Grimmy?" Even to Ichigo the nickname came out as a sneer, "Why the fuck are you avoiding me?"

Quiet groan, "Look Tier, baby, can we talk about this later, please? I'm at work right now, you know that, can we maybe save this for when I'm done? We ca-"

"I'll come there then! Since you won't talk to me as your girlfriend I'll just go there and be a 'customer' so you have to!"

"Tier wait, honestly, let's jus-"

"See you soon… Grimmy." The line went dead.

Both boys stared at it with shared feelings of dread.

Ichigo internally cursed himself, 'Of course such a pretty guy would have such a pretty girlfriend!'

"I'm really sorry 'bout this, she can be a little… crazy." The muffled words came from two large hands covering most of the face under them, "She's been freaking out lately since I apparently seem 'distant'… I dunno," he sighed, "I feel like I've lost interest."

"I wish I could say I understand but you and I both know I don't," Ichigo gave a sheepish chuckle, "I should go, let you guys work out your issues in privacy…"

He turned to pack up but was stopped by that warm hand again, not pushing but just making itself known against Ichigo's arm, "Please don't," Grimmjow all but pleaded, "I need someone to cheer me up once all is said and done."

Ichigo just smiled at the irony and accepted the turn of roles, "Alright then."

As the boys waited for the arrival of a shitstorm, they talked nervously.

"So, 'Tier' is an interesting name…?"

"Yeah, she's super exotic. It's kinda what drew me to her to begin with." One rueful smile quickly turned into a frown, "Too bad I didn't realize how clingy she was until things got so far…"

Ichigo nodded along, not wanting to pry and also trying to ignore his burning disappointment in the whole situation, 'But of course she'd be clingy, he's a gorgeous man, a straight gorgeous man…'

The door chimed and both males hesitated to look up. Ichigo sucked in a sharp breath while his eyes bugged out. Standing in the doorway, arms crossed under a rather substantial chest, was a tall bronzed bombshell of a woman. Now Ichigo was most definitely out of the closet now and everyone (thanks to Renji) knew about it, but this woman definitely had some points that could be appreciated. She wore minimal makeup, just a touch of blue eyeliner that caused her blonde lashes to vividly stand out. Her outfit wasn't exactly considered scandalous on a normal woman but thanks to her 'larger than life' bust size, her shirt easily became a part of any straight male's fantasy.

After the woman surveyed the Reishi, her eyes zeroed in on Grimmjow and seemed to pin him to his chair. Ichigo would have laughed if he didn't fear for the barista's life.

She stalked towards him, eyes hard, and stopped about a foot away from the chair. Shifting her weight to her right leg, planting the left off to the side and crossing her arms over her chest, the blonde haired bombshell became the very picture of pissed-off female within seconds. 'He's so screwed!' Ichigo sweated.

"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, you better have a damn good explanation for why you've been avoiding me."

The accused shook his head and stood, "No baby, it's not like that! I was jus-"

"Not good enough!" She yelled, cutting him off with a rough jab to the chest that effectively pushed him back into his chair. "Don't play dumb with me Grimmjow! You used to call me every day, then all of a sudden you're barely even texting me back? It's obvious something's wrong." She huffed and relaxed her arms before continuing in a softer tone, "Just tell me what's up baby. You've gotten me so worried. It never used to be like this! When was the last time we – " she glanced at Ichigo before obviously changing her sentence, "the last time we had a night together? I know this place isn't keeping you that busy." She crouched in front of him, a hand on his knee as she looked up at him sadly, "You know you can tell me anything, right? I'm here for you, no matter what."

Ichigo was starting to feel sick at the sight; this woman seemed to be riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Crazy and had never been so elated with a cellphone as it rang in his pocket. He stood and mumbled a quick excuse before hightailing it outside the Reishi to take his call. The look of betrayal on Grimmjow's face burned him a little but he felt petty victory towards the pretty straight man and his straight problems.

"Renji, what's up?"

"Soooooooooooooo! How'd the date go with lovely Ulquiorra?" Came the ridiculously smug greeting.

"It sucked, he left after only a few minutes." He stated flatly.

"… Are you kidding me?! Did you even try this time Ichigo 'cause I swear to god the strings I had to pull-"

"Don't yell into the phone asshole! And yes, I did give him a chance! Why, did you think it was my fault that – ya know what? Nevermind. He left because for some unfathomable reason I believe in the concept of a heart and a soul and because of my outlandish stupidity claims I was deemed unfit for 'testing any theories with.'"

"Oh wow, I'm sorry dude," Renji breathed, sounding properly apologetic, "I had no idea he was so… clinical. I mean, you're the one studying to work in a clinic and all and yet…"

Ichigo sighed, "Don't worry 'bout it Ren, I'm okay. Sure he was really good looking and it's a shame I won't be looking into those pretty green eyes anymore – "

"Aaah ah ah ah! That's enough; he's pretty, got it!" Renji cut off hurriedly, much to Ichigo's amusement, "Anyway, I think I'll need a little more time to get you set up again so soon… Well actually, I have some ideas…"

"Renji, how much time have you spent studying since Monday? It's been two days, I hope you haven't been distracted with my love life all this ti-"

The door chimed behind him, allowing the voices from inside the Reishi to suddenly become clear, "- can just go fuck yourself then! When you realize what a huge mistake you've made you'll come crawling back to me, begging an- who the fuck are you?" Angry blonde eyebrows quirked at Ichigo standing in the way.

"Not your enemy." He answered, stepping aside with his hands raised up in peace.

"You were sitting with Grimmjow," she remembered, suddenly getting in Ichigo's personal space, "Are you a fag?"

"Whoaa," Ichigo had to take a step back, 'What the hell? It's not like it matters if I am but still, what?' He backed towards the Reishi, "I'm just a regular here." 'Her emphasis was a little weird there, I wonder…'

She eyed him for another minute before turning with a huff and storming away, nose held high.

The overhead bells chimed as Ichigo walked back in. It took a minute for him to find Grimmjow because he was hunched over by the same table, quiet.

Heart clenching at all the possibilities of what could have happened to him, Ichigo rushed over the man's side, "G-Grimmjow! Are you okay?" He slowed down as he realized the man was hunched because he was picking up a coffee cup off the ground and he wasn't silent but muttering crossly under his breath. All that stopped, however, when he noticed Ichigo.

"Awww, did you get all worried about little old me?" He grinned.

"Tsk, shut up." Ichigo scowled before breaking down and grinning back. Who could blame him? He did mention the guy was good-looking, right? "So, I ran into Tier on the way in…" He paused at Grimmjow's grimace, "Don't worry, it was nothing I'm not used to. Although…" he tried to think of a tactful way to word his thoughts but realized not only did it not matter, he didn't care anyway. He shrugged, "She's crazy, man. How'd it go?"

Grimmjow barked a laugh, "Ohh I don't know…" He gestured to his apron, which Ichigo now realized was covered in a fresh wet stain.

Putting two-and-two together, Ichigo assumed it was from a coffee being thrown at it and grinned, "That bad eh?"

Blue eyes rolled, "You have no idea. What a mess…" He trailed off, fingering his wet apron a little before tearing the offending material off.

Ichigo gulped as he watched the garment being peeled off, revealing just how tight that shirt was underneath it. He took the time to appreciate just how much less imagination was needed when the apron was off, no coherent thoughts actually forming, just… appreciation.

He didn't realize he'd been openly ogling until Grimmjow chuckled and walked away, "As entertaining as it would be to have you lick it off me, I think I'm just gonna go ahead and make you a new coffee." He called over his shoulder, smile clear in his voice.

Ichigo would've loved for that trapdoor to open up under him, that'd be great, 'Oh my god I can't believe he just said that – that sounds sooo hot – ugh no but he's straight so he's clearly laughing at me – but he didn't seem nasty about it – oh god the images – I'm gonna sit down now…'

Grimmjow rejoined him within minutes, setting the cup down and pretty much throwing himself back into his seat before stretching out all over it.

"You look like a cat in the sun, not a man who just had a big fight with his girlfriend." Ichigo mused out loud.

The grin in return was blinding, "Ex-girlfriend and it doesn't surprise me, I feel as happy as a cat in the sun."

"Oh?" Ears perked under orange locks, "You guys broke up then, eh?

"Yep, finally grew the balls to just face down the storm and well, some loud, rude words and a thrown coffee later, I feel like it was damn worth it."

Ichigo smiled and shook his head at the cheery attitude, 'What a guy.'

"Don't get me wrong, I really liked that girl. For a long time too. But… I don't know, recently I've been feeling less excited to see her. I had started working here so I just blamed it on the new job but she wasn't buying it…"

"Well?" Ichigo prodded, "What was it then?"

Grimmjow looked over at him for a minute, evaluating before sighing and mumbling, "I don't know…"

"Well you don't have to tell me if you aren't comfortable." Just the barest hint of disappointment.

"Nah it's cool, it's just… I started being less attracted to … her. I didn't feel any urges to touch her and since we used to be so close," he trailed off as he apparently relived a moment, "it was obvious to her right away." He looked up at Ichigo, giving the guy a quick once-over before continuing, "Anywho! What's done is done! Aren't we a couple of cool cats; me breaking up with a beautiful, crazy woman and you getting nowhere with a beautiful, crazy man." He started laughing and Ichigo was quick to follow suit.

The two sat and chatted for a couple more hours before Ichigo finally had to head home, pleading family-time with his younger sisters before his dad went berserk. Grimmjow finally relented and they parted ways, Ichigo giving an awkward wave while Grimmjow seemed relaxed and cool as a cucumber.

'Well this has been one interesting day, and it's only Wednesday!' Ichigo thought to himself, hands deep in his pockets with a particularly strange grin on his face, 'Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!"