Hello, sorry for the week's hiatus, work has been a nightmare, plus i caught a rotten cold so was feeling wiped.

Thanks for the great response to the last chapters, hope you enjoy this one.

Phoe
xxxx

Chapter 9

The weekend of domesticity ended with a bang, Grimmjow staying at his own house on the Sunday night after taking Ichigo and his sisters' home. They had all been invited round for dinner on the Sunday night, Starrk making polite conversation with Ichigo and Sophia really just eating in silence.

She was trying, she handed Ichigo a carrier bag with a few t-shirts in it, the boy pulling one out and seeing it was for his sisters.

"I cut the shoulder so your little sister could slide them on; there are poppers to fix it again. I had to do it for Grimmjow when he cracked his elbow when he was eight. I thought it might make it easier for her when she's going to school. Write a note explaining her lack of uniform and they will understand."

Ichigo thanked her, taking the bag before getting into the car. Grimmjow asked him what it was and Ichigo showed him, Grimmjow smiling softly at his mother's attempt.

Grimmjow offered to borrow Starrk's car and pick them up on Monday morning, but Ichigo said they were more than capable of getting themselves to school so Grimmjow walked with Nnoitra, waiting at the school gates for Ichigo. Chad was hanging about nearby as well, also waiting for the boy and Orihime and Uryu were nearby. Grimmjow realised he'd have to share his boyfriend's time, the boy needed friends as well as him so he jerked his head at Nnoitra and headed to their lockers, hoping to see the orange haired boy before class.

Before the warning bell rang Grimmjow spotted Chad's head over the masses in the corridor and since it was heading his way, he just waited, seeing Ichigo more clearly as they approached. His face split into a feral grin at his boyfriend in his uniform, only widening when Ichigo's eyebrow rose. They had agreed no PDA at school, unless they managed to find a quiet corner so they just looked at each other for a moment, Chad standing at Ichigo' side and mirroring Nnoitra.

"So Ichigo, is he any good in bed?" Nnoitra gave him a lewd look, Grimmjow just closing his eyes in disgust.

"Morning to you too. And yes."

Grimmjow snapped his head up, eyes wide before he grinned. They'd had round two on Saturday night, after a break for ice cream and since the strawberry sauce was handy...

"Morning Ichi. Girls' get off alright?"

Ichigo nodded, scrabbling in his bag for a moment. He excused himself as he went over to his locker, changing a few things over before joining Grimmjow against the lockers. Nel passed them a moment or so later and said hello to the two lovers and told Nnoitra to fuck off after he asked for a kiss.

The day was too slow in Grimmjow's opinion. Class times seemed to be overly long and the breaks far too fast. PE was good though, even if Nnoitra had thrown a fit when Grimmjow had wanted to go with Ichigo. Ichigo actually went with Shuuhei to avoid the trouble and his boyfriend had glumly worked with his best friend round the circuits, spending more time watching Ichigo's sets than his partner.

Showers at the end of the lesson were slightly tortuous, Ichigo stripping down to his boxers before heading into a cubicle, making sure to catch Grimmjow's eye before he disappeared from sight. Once the orange haired man had closed the door, Grimmjow could see he wasn't the only one to have been looking at his boyfriend, Ggio Vega staring after his ass as the door closed. Grimmjow scowled at him, making Vega just smirk in reply.

Grimmjow ended up going into his shower in a bad mood, now worried that his boyfriend was in danger from the thugs. Even though Ichigo could clearly handle himself and was massively fit, he still wasn't the biggest person, and the football players were fit too. Three against one wouldn't be easy, no matter where they approached him and they'd hardly pick somewhere big and open now they knew how well he moved. He'd mentioned it in the changing rooms on Sunday afternoon at his game. Ichigo and his sisters had come to watch with Nel and he like knowing the man he was in love with was cheering him on. They had won 18 -12 and he'd been responsible for most of the points. The game was just a friendly between a neighbouring school but they had a quarter final coming up in four weeks they had to prep for. The boys in the team were all on board to watch out for the captain's boyfriend, all having an active dislike for the football team anyway, let along them picking on a friend. Ichigo had been introduced and knew their faces, if not their names by now. Grimmjow also said that Ichigo would be joining them for training and they would be going at his pace, it would be keep up or ship out.

Woodwork was at the end of the day and they were still working on their clocks, Ichigo and Grimmjow well ahead of most of the class. Ichigo was currently over at the wood lathes turning door handles and Grimmjow was fitting one of his doors into the carcase. He still needed to do his turning but there were only four lathes so it was take turns. Vega was in the class and had been put on the lathe at the same time as Ichigo, something that made Grimmjow angry but he had a clear view of the machinery from his bench. Redder was at the other end of the workshop working on his clock, he was even worse at Woodwork than Nnoitra and lost his temper easily. He wandered up the workshop heading for the tool cupboard, Grimmjow keeping an eye on him as he walked. The large black haired man paused at Ichigo's bench, looking down at the nearly finished clock and ran his finger over the clock face. Grimmjow wasn't going to let anyone mess up his boyfriend's hard work so he walked over, standing beside the other.

"Keep walking."

"I'm just looking; he does such good work after all. Must be good with his hands, though you would know for sure." The innuendo wasn't even a good one but Redder still smiled widely, looking over at Grimmjow. Grimmjow didn't glorify it with a comment back, just looked at him expectantly. "Fine, I'll leave, you can't keep us away forever though. Vega might not like sloppy seconds but I'd lap them off his body."

Grimmjow shoved the boy, fury written on his face. "You will stay the fuck away from him."

"And if I don't your little team will beat me up? You can't watch him all the time Jaeggerjackes, unless you'd like to watch me fuck him. I'd rip him apart."

Grimmjow lunged at the other, intent on real harm but his upper arm was gripped firmly, pulling him away before he could connect. The grip didn't hurt but he'd bruise if he tried to break it. He knew who had him, only one person in the room would hold him with such care, and such strength.

"He's so not worth it Grimmjow. If he wants a busted nose or ball sack he knows where to find me." Ichigo started to walk away, not loosening his grip and Grimmjow followed, glaring over his shoulder.

"Did you hear what he said? I'm going to rip him to shreds."

"Sorry, did I put my tiara on today or something? Cause you seem to think I'm a princess and I can prove to you that is not the case if necessary."

"Oh I know you can handle it, just don't expect me to sit back and watch." Grimmjow pulled his arm out gently, gripping Ichigo's upper arms this time. "I told you I loved you, which means I get to kick ass with you." Ichigo grinned, shaking his head slightly as he took his two door handles back to his bench and started to sand them.

Ichigo hadn't returned the phrase, something that made Grimmjow blanch at first, but he didn't want to rush the boy, hoping he was just taking time to say it when he meant it.

Ichigo had the night off and Grimmjow was going round to his before dinner, promising his mother he'd be home in time to eat with the family. They worked on their homework together, stopping to look at the girls' homework when they had finished, taking one twin each, and soon the books were packed away and they sat and watched the TV for a while, the bills having been paid meaning the room was warm as well.

Grimmjow took his leave, having to jog home to make it on time and he made it with only minutes to spare; just enough time to get out of his uniform and to the table. Nel asked him how Karin's arm was and he told her the girl was still hurting but doing well. Grimmjow also passed on the girl's thanks for the altered clothing, she had been dreading going to school in next to nothing. Sophia just brushed off the thanks and the dinner was fairly amiable.

The week passed in a similar way, Grimmjow spending days seeing Ichigo between classes and either before or after dinner, Grimmjow staying on Thursday night when Ichigo had to go into work for a four hour shift at ten. The boy returned home tired but happy to have someone to cuddle up to; that's all he had the energy for anyway.

Friday came round again, Grimmjow having practice after school and Ichigo having his science catch-up session. Grimmjow had packed a double lunch for them to share and though Ichigo complained he was getting spoiled, he ate it anyway.

Grimmjow was due to stay over at Ichigo's again on Friday night, something his mother had been tense about; him staying so often, not the fact he stayed at a boyfriend's. Grimmjow finished up practice earlier than usual, remembering last week's phone conversation where Ichigo called them off, and Grimmjow was waiting at the school gates for his boyfriend, concern on his face as soon as he saw the look on Ichigo's.

"Hey, what happened?"

"Nothing, I'm just tired."

Grimmjow pulled him to a stop. "Bullshit. You always leave physics looking spooked and angry. Is it Aizen? I thought he was alright."

"Yeah, he's amazing. Everyone thinks so." The sarcasm in that sentence was cutting, making Grimmjow's frown deepen.

"What do you mean? Did he say anything? Do something?"

Ichigo stopped, closing his eyes for a moment as he collected himself. When he opened them his face was much more composed and he looked at his boyfriend. "Look, I'm fine. I can handle it. He's just a bit of a dick alright."

Grimmjow dropped the subject, storing it away for later. It was clear the matter was closed for the moment.

Ichigo was cooking dinner that night, pasta in a sauce for them all. It was basic but filling, and had the carbs Ichigo needed to maintain his stamina for the evening. He scoffed a couple of bananas before he left, reapplying his eyeliner before pulling his boyfriend in for an extremely firm kiss that actually shocked Grimmjow into stillness for a moment, only really responding at the end. Ichigo's face was a little sad as he left, and Grimmjow was frowning as the door closed. Yuzu was tucked against his side, nodding as she drifted. The girls had wanted to wait up until their brother left and Yuzu had tried her hardest. Karin was sitting on the floor messing with a handheld game console Grimmjow had found in his room but hadn't looked at in years. He snatched it out her hand, grinning at her fury.

After brushing their teeth, Yuzu nearly sleeping with the toothbrush in her mouth, Grimmjow had tucked them in, Karin behind the new safety rail Ichigo had fixed on the Tuesday. Karin didn't appreciate getting tucked in by her brother's fuck buddy, something she'd vocalised to Grimmjow the night before but Grimmjow had just laughed, saying he'd make to tell Ichigo about how well he was raising a pair of ladies.

Grimmjow had suggested the school dance to Ichigo the next night but he was due to start work at ten o'clock again the next night and the dance only started at half 8. Grimmjow was disappointed but he knew he couldn't bitch too much, the boy needed the money. Nel had offered to sit with the girl's so Grimmjow could still go and hang out with his friends and that was his plan, after spending the day with his boyfriend.

Ichigo had come home and slunk into bed next to Grimmjow, clinging to him like a limpet after changing into pyjama bottoms and a large t-shirt. Grimmjow half woke up, rolling onto his back so he could hold his boyfriend against him. He though he felt Ichigo crying in the night but when he woke himself enough to look, the other seemed to be asleep, his face slack. Grimmjow figured he must just be dreaming, and just tucked the other closer.

Grimmjow treated them to the cinema in the early afternoon the next day, Ichigo trying to pay his own way only to get his wallet confiscated again. Grimmjow wrapped an arm around Ichigo and tried to make it feel like a date, the girls sitting away from them to give them some peace. Grimmjow had stolen a kiss in the dark, Ichigo grinning against his lips before opening his mouth and battling with Grimmjow's tongue.

After dropping the three at home, exchanging one last kiss, with tongue, Grimmjow took Starrk's car home and jumped in the shower, getting ready for the night.

He dressed in a pair of slim fit, dark grey jeans that looked good on him, a black leather belt holding them close to his trim waist and a dark red button up shirt tucked into them. The long sleeves on the shirt had double cuffs and closed with silver cufflinks with grey marled stones in them. His hair fell in its usual style, wild on top and combed back at the sides and he finished the look with a thin silver chain around his neck, visible through the open collar.

Starrk dropped him at the school, picking Nnoitra up on the way home and told them to play nice before heading back, getting ready for his 'day' of work. Ichigo had asked why Starrk didn't just work the night shift but the lazy brunette said that would be conforming.

The dance was predictable, but still pleasant enough. Some people danced, not many but the girls in the year managed to guilt their men into joining them once or twice and the guys without dates sat to one side, spectating. Grimmjow sat among them, Nnoitra at his side as they chatted, getting joined by people from the team occasionally as well as Ulquiorra who sat beside them. Ichigo's friend from PE, Shuuhei was with Ulquiorra and seemed to be as quiet as Grimmjow's old friend too.

It was just after nine when Nnoitra poked Grimmjow in the side, making the blue haired man jerk and swear before shoving his friend back. Nnoitra rolled his eyes at the deep frown on his friend's face, gesturing behind the man.

He spotted a figure standing about ten feet away, just inside the door to the hall. Wearing tight grey jeans and a white shirt, sleeves rolled up was a very familiar figure. His trademark hair was covered by a black pinstripe fedora rather than his normal beanie and he wore a matching backless waistcoat. He had his hands in his pockets, wrists decorated by knotted leather bands and he was smirking at his boyfriend, one eyebrow raised over the usual lined brown eyes. Grimmjow gave him a smirk in return, watching him more towards the table, his usual grace enhanced by the form fitting trousers.

Grimmjow stood as his boyfriend approached, his smirk turning into a genuine smile. "I thought you were working."

"I asked if I could get it off since I worked the last two Thursdays. You seemed disappointed when I said I couldn't come to the dance with you. So I surprised you. Surprise!"

Grimmjow wanted to lean down and give him a kiss but didn't want the attention that came with a PDA so he just put his hand on the other's upper arm, allowing him a brief thumb rub before leading him to a chair, Ichigo greeting the others around the table.

"Hey Berry, you are looking hot as fuck tonight by the way."

"Thanks Nnoitra, you look nice too." Ichigo just shook his head, used to Nnoitra's crass mouth by now.

Shinji joined them after a while, his bright red blazer jacket standing out with his black on black trousers and shirt. He sat next to Ichigo, chatting familiarly to the orange haired boy. Ichigo smiled at his friend, turning his way and talking too quietly for Grimmjow to hear. Ichigo did slide his leg out to press along Grimmjow's to make sure the other hadn't forgotten him.

"When did they become friends?" Nnoitra gestured to the two smaller boys, eyes roving over Shinji's body profile.

"Shinji is in computer science with Ichigo, seems they hit it off a couple of weeks ago. Shinji told Ichi he'd hoped Ichigo would be interested in him. His loss and all eh?"

"Yeah, his loss." Nnoitra actually drifted off, staring at the blond questioningly. Grimmjow noticed the gaze and grinned.

The boys eventually took to the floor; Kaiser Chief's being the start of a manly series of songs. After Predicting a Riot, the music turned to David Guetta's Sexy Bitch, the girls congregating on the floor as they became strippers to the music, Ichigo raising an eyebrow at the moves.

"You got any better moves?" Grimmjow leaned close to his boyfriend, trying to keep it casual looking and got an eyebrow in reply.

"What do you think?"

Ichigo took half a step forward and undulated his body right down Grimmjow's brushing against him from collar bones to groin before stepping back, smirk firmly in place. The music changed again, Rudimental pumping out next and Ichigo span himself back, one hand on his hat as he positioned himself, keeping his face down. Waiting all night began with Ichigo moving with the beat, slow at first, till the music picked up and so did the boy, Ichigo getting more and more space to play with as a circle formed around him on the dance floor, people standing as the moved to the music. Ichigo threw himself up, legs bent as he twisted mid-air, spinning as he landed. One arm snapped out, his body crawling to it, twisting round until the arm was wrapped around his back. Grimmjow watched in amazement as his boyfriend moved to the music. The break in the song happened, the speed dropping before building gradually, Ichigo started leaning back, legs spread slightly as he dropped back, moving slowly and jerkily to the beat until he was nearly horizontal from the waist up. Then the beat dropped again he snapped up, twisting at the waist and resuming his up tempo moves. He headed back to Grimmjow's side, the big circle breaking up as it became clear the show was over and Ichigo took advantage of the press of bodies to press himself against Grimmjow, sneaking a hand to the blue haired man's own and gripping it for a moment. Grimmjow jerked his head, gesturing out of the door and Ichigo just smirked in reply, the pair heading out of the crowed room, attempting to look casual, Ichigo's hands in his back pockets.

Grimmjow headed down the corridor with the senior lockers, finding a little alcove between two banks before slamming his boyfriend against the wall and covering his mouth with his own. The kiss was fast and hard, a bit of desperation in it as well due to the flying hormones. Grimmjow pressed harder against his lover, hoping to show him how much the other wanted him. Ichigo just moaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around the broad shoulders. Grimmjow's arm was around Ichigo's back pulling him tight while the other roamed freely, running up the thigh before clutching at Ichigo's backside. He hitched the leg up a big, allowing him a little more grinding room and he felt Ichigo's rod more clearly, rotating his hips against it.

Ichigo stopped the action before Grimmjow got too excited and suggest they find somewhere to go in school; breaking away as he pleaded for the bathroom. Grimmjow rolled his eyes and said he'd go and get them a drink; Ichigo promising to be as quick as he could.

Grimmjow had only just sat down when he realised he'd let the other go to the toilet alone when the four football idiots were there and he jumped up, running out of the room before he realised his close Nnoitra and Shinji were sitting as they talked.

He burst into the toilet in time to see Ichigo shake his hands into the sink before pulling a paper towel. The other senior at the urinal turned to see who's banged in before returning to his task.

Ichigo just raised his eyebrow at his boyfriend, knowing why he'd been in a panic. He waited till they were out in the hallway before he quickly took Grimmjow's hand, squeezing it gently before leaning against the strong shoulder.

"I appreciate the worry, but they were in the room with you." Ichigo just smirked at Grimmjow's frown before the grin fell off his face as he realised he was wrong, the thugs were now in the corridor between the lovers and the dance.

"Well, four against two seems like good odds don't you thing so Redder?" The smaller man, Ggio Vega stood with his arms folded over his chest.

Redder was eyeing up Ichigo and actually licked his lips. "As long as I get a go on this one, I don't care. He looks like he'd be wild in bed."

Grimmjow nearly jumped the guy, Ichigo's restraining arm once more stopping him. "I nearly kicked three of you myself, why would you think adding one more to each side would change things? If this is what it's going to take for you to realise you are never getting into my pants then fine, I can kick your asses tonight as well."

Grimmjow snapped his gaze to Ichigo quickly, taking in the bored expression. Redder was the first one to throw a punch, Ichigo just dodging, following up with a mirror punch, stealing all the air out of the black haired man's lungs. He went to one knee, opening Ichigo up to a kick from Vega that he brushed upwards with his arm, overbalancing the other and landing Vega on his backside. Ichigo kicked him in the side, shoving him away from the orange haired man before he span on his planted foot in time to see Grimmjow jabbing a blow to Parduoc's kidney. He exchanged blows for a moment or so as Poww came to face Ichigo, Redder getting back to his feet at the same time. Ichigo moved between the two, making Poww actually land a blow to Redder's face by lining it up and dodging out of the way at the right moment. Poww struck hard and Redder was out of the fight. Vega managed to get an arm around Ichigo, the orange haired man gripping the wrist at his throat. He just dropped his weight and threw the man over him, winding him as Ichigo twisted the arm still in his grip. Grimmjow was still trading blows with the blond when the teachers finally arrived to break it up, Ichigo still totally free of damage and Grimmjow sporting only bruises. It was a hard sell to convince the teachers that the others had started it but the two boys' records for not causing trouble helped them reduce their punishment for fighting on school property to only a week's worth of detentions, and since they'd be together it didn't really bother either of them. Both had enough homework to keep them busy for half an hour after school each day.

They arrived back at Ichigo's, Starrk coming to collect his daughter and they got cleaned up, separately much to Grimmjow's disgust. He was also surprised that his lover was fully dressed and under the covers when he got back from the toilet. Ichigo just cuddled up to him, the kiss he gave was innocent and he just tucked his head under Grimmjow's chin, sighing lightly.

"You tired?" It was only jut after half ten and it was unusual for either teenager to be in bed by now. Grimmjow had assumed they'd be going to bed, but not sleeping.

"Yeah, it's been a long week and I don't get many early mornings on a Saturday with working every Friday. Thought it would be nice."

Grimmjow took the hint that there might be some action in the morning and he settled down, going to spoon behind his lover. Ichigo moved before he could connect though, turning to face him and pushing Grimmjow onto his back before tucking himself into his side. Grimmjow didn't mind this position, but he wondered why Ichigo had moved so suddenly before settling for the night.

Waking up due to some noise he forgot instantly, Grimmjow peered around the dark room, squinting to see the wall clock in the dim light. Looking down at his lover he saw tear tracks on the tan skin, Ichigo pressing himself into his bare chest as firmly as he could. He seemed to be asleep but Grimmjow was worried, gripping his lover tightly and resting his head on the orange spikes.

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